Discover the Best of Kenyan Fashion: 3 Conscious Brands You Need to Know
- greenila
- Jul 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2024
In Kenya there are conscious brands are leading the way in terms of prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and community empowerment. Let's dive into these conscious brands that are leading the way!
The first brand I want to highlight is AcquaChiara, founded by Chiara Lovatelli, an Italian fashion designer living in Kenya.
Her stunning garments beautifully blend cultural influences, creating unique and captivating pieces that exemplify the fusion of Italian design and Kenyan artistry.
Chiara combines her Italian roots with the vibrant colors and vitality of Kenya. Her brand, AcquaChiara, focuses on sustainability and craftsmanship as she operates according to these principles:
She uses locally sourced second-hand saris and other fabrics, mainly natural fibers. She supports Kenyan tailors and artisans by salvaging old Indian saris and hidden treasures from local markets.
Each garment is unique, with a story behind it. Chiara’s wrap skirts, a staple of her collection, amplify the charm of Indian fabrics.
Her designs evoke both African seasons and the Italian Renaissance, reflecting her Venetian origins. She loves eighteenth-century fashion, using fabrics like velvet, satin, and silk adorned with lace or ribbons.
AcquaChiara doesn't have a website, but you can explore their collection on Instagram and place an order via direct message. I personally love the uniqueness of these garments. This label exemplifies the principles of slow fashion, embracing thoughtful, handcrafted design.
Enda is a sportswear brand offering high-quality running shoes, gear, and goods that celebrate Kenyan running heritage. Their products are designed to reward a natural midfoot landing, which aligns with the efficient running form seen in many Kenyan athletes.
Enda is committed to making a difference by donating 2% of each shoe purchase price to social good initiatives in Kenya. Their products are proudly made in Kenya and certified Climate Neutral and BCorp.
Enda Sportswear’s mission is to bring Kenyan athletic greatness to runners worldwide while fueling economic development in Kenya. They measure their impact in several ways:
Boosting Local Economy: Enda aims to create better jobs by building new products that have never been made in Kenya. These jobs demand skills and result in higher wages for local workers.
Supporting Local Communities: When you purchase a pair of Enda shoes, a portion of the price goes toward social good initiatives in Kenya through the Enda Community Foundation supporting education, heathcare and more. They collaborate with experts to identify impactful projects that benefit those who need it most.
Changing Perceptions: Enda wants the world to recognize Kenya’s creativity and skill. When you see “Made in Kenya,” it should automatically signify quality and contemporary style. They embrace the spirit of “Harambee,” which means “let’s all pull together” in Swahili, reflecting community collaboration.
In summary, Enda embraces sustainability through ethical labor, supporting local communities, and offsetting carbon emissions.
Explore their running shoes online collection—my favorite model is Samburu, which strikes a perfect balance for both workouts and casual occasions.
Adelphi is a Nairobi-based luxury accessories brand that was founded in 1988. Through craft and creativity, they design enduring products, which are fashioned by hand from genuine Kenyan leather, hardware, and other textile mediums.
As the first locally made leather goods brand in Kenya, Adelphi has been a trailblazer for what defines “Made in Kenya.” Their creations celebrate vibrant and authentic design while remaining functional and timeless.
For more information on leather fashion companies and their sustainability practices, check out my previous post . Adelphi exemplifies sustainable fashion through ethical material sourcing and local craftsmanship. They adhere to a “fewer is better” philosophy, creating luxurious, long-lasting products. Crafted by skilled local artisans, some with over 30 years at Adelphi, each item is made with intention and care.
Adelphi also prioritizes social responsibility by empowering women through leather crafting workshops and collaborating with Maasai women for beading. They also source and design shopping bags with a collective of rehabilitated former street children from Nairobi.
If you would like to learn more about the founder, Nalina Rupani, and her role in spearheading the leather luxury accessories industry in Nairobi, Kenya, you can visit the dedicated page on the website.
Their bags collection is currently made of 27 items, whether you’re looking for a classic black bag or a vibrant red one, there is something for every style!
I hope this post has inspired you to explore and support conscious fashion brands made in Kenya. By choosing sustainable options like these handpicked brands you not only add unique and stylish pieces to your wardrobe but also contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
For more curated content on sustainable fashion and the latest updates on ethical brands, follow me on Instagram! Let's continue this journey towards a more conscious and stylish lifestyle together.
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