By Maria Angela Maina
NAIROBI FASHION WEEK (NFW) is Kenya’s premier fashion event that serves as a platform for talented designers to showcase their creativity on a global scale under the guidance of Brian Kihindas, its creative director.
In this interview with The Thinking Watermill Society, Brian Kihindas tells all about NFW’s origin, its operations as a special purpose vehicle for sustainability and its future plans for sustainable fashion in Kenya.
What is Nairobi Fashion Week about and what motivated its creation?
Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) emerged in 2013 within a landscape where fashion events like Kenya Fashion Week and Tribal Chic were prominent.
However, there was a noticeable gap in providing a platform focused on promoting African designers beyond Kenya, with an emphasis on innovation, distinctiveness, and access to markets.
NFW was motivated by the need to address this gap and provide a space that celebrates creativity while supporting the growth of the African fashion industry.
Today, NFW continues to uphold its founding principles while evolving to meet the changing dynamics of the fashion industry.
The current direction of NFW is centred on promoting sustainability across all aspects of the fashion value chain.
This includes advocating for ethical practices, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and showcasing sustainable fashion brands. Moreover, NFW remains committed to providing a platform for emerging and established African designers to showcase their talent on both local and global stages.
In what ways has Nairobi Fashion Week contributed to the global sustainable fashion movement, and how has it represented the unique cultural and environmental aspects of Kenya on the international stage?
Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) has played a pivotal role in advancing the global sustainable fashion movement, notably through initiatives such as Just Fashion Transition which was launched under our unbrella.
This collaborative effort advocates for a fashion industry prioritizing environmental sustainability and social equity.
”Just Fashion” campaign, is aimed at bolstering Kenya’s fashion sector towards sustainability and social equity while focusing on four key advocacy and promotional areas throughout 2023. 4 2.
In what ways has Nairobi Fashion Week contributed to the global sustainable fashion movement, and how has it represented the unique cultural and environmental aspects of Kenya on the international stage?
Through NFW, sustainable fashion practices like slow fashion, upcycling, and the use of local fabrics are prominently showcased, resonating on an international scale.
Additionally, NFW proudly highlights Kenya’s cultural heritage by spotlighting indigenous fabrics and traditional techniques.
Simultaneously, NFW actively engages in discussions on environmental conservation and climate action.
In essence, NFW’s initiatives reflect a steadfast commitment to driving positive change within the fashion industry, seamlessly integrating sustainability with cultural representation.