East Africa International Fashion Week: A Triumph of African Culture, Sustainability, and Unwavering Passion

East Africa International Fashion Week photographed by Dennis Munene

The air at the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel in Nairobi this past Saturday was electric, buzzing with the energy of creativity and ambition. The occasion? East Africa International Fashion Week (EAIFW). An event that was far more than just a showcase of beautiful clothes. It was a powerful testament to the vision of its founder, Miss Eleshia Ais, and the incredible talent blooming across the continent. This year's theme, "The beauty in black and gold," was perfectly embodied by the designers who showcased the strength, elegance, and rich culture of East Africa.

The Visionary Behind the Runway: Miss Eleshia Ais

Elesha Ais, founder of East African International Fashion Week, photographed by Dennis Munene

EAIFW was born from a place of deep personal conviction. Eleshia Ais, a well-renowned former beauty queen and international runway model, founded the event in 2019 after facing her own struggles to find reputable modeling jobs and agencies in Kenya. Her mission was simple yet profound: to create a platform that she wished she had as an emerging model. Despite the financial hurdles and the challenge of securing partners, Eleshia has passionately funded the event with her own earnings as an international model, with the unwavering emotional support of her best friend, Vidy.

During our conversation, Eleshia's passion was palpable. She shared some of the most critical lessons she's learned from walking on global stages, including for brands like Oktay Seven in Turkey, Chonabacaoco in Milan, and Leoakmodal in Paris. She emphasized the importance of self-respect, professionalism, and setting boundaries with designers and photographers. She also highlighted the need to have a purpose-driven walk and to thoroughly investigate opportunities before accepting them. This advice is a goldmine for anyone looking to navigate the demanding world of fashion. Eleshia's dedication is already bearing fruit; she noted that two models who participated in her previous events are now working with big brands in Europe, a success she attributes entirely to their professionalism.

The Heart of the Event: The Designers and Their Stories

The designers on the runway proved that African fashion is a vibrant tapestry of culture, innovation, and sustainability. Each collection told a unique and compelling story.

Arfa Haq, founder of Island Kikapu, photographed by Dennis Munene

Island Kikapu (Arfa Haq):

Arfa's brand was born from a deep love for heritage and sustainability. When plastic bags were banned in Kenya, she saw an opportunity to transform traditional "vikapus" (Swahili for bags) into luxurious, high-fashion statement pieces. Island Kikapu is more than just a bag; it's a symbol of empowerment, sustainability, and African luxury. Arfa's journey was one of trial and error, learning the craft from scratch and perfecting it over four years. Her vision is a powerful example of how tradition can be transformed for a modern, sophisticated audience.

Nelly Njoroge, founder of Artfully Nelly, photographed by Dennis Munene

Artfully Nelly (Nelly Njoroge)

A young and vibrant designer, Nelly's work is a form of emotional storytelling. Her collection for this event was a raw and honest journey, depicting her own path from sadness and devastation at the start of the year to finding happiness and healing. Each piece on the runway told a chapter of this story, with the final designs expressing a "healed heart." Inspired by the likes of Wakanda's Ruth E. Carter, Nelly sources materials based on the story she wants to tell, proving that her creativity knows no bounds. She is currently pursuing a course in fashion to further hone her skills, with a dream of one day styling for a movie.

Becky Adeli, founder of Threads Intel, photographed by Dennis Munene

Threads Intel (Becky Adeli)

Becky’s brand is founded on a powerful motto: "converting trash into wearable couture." Despite a degree in public relations, she followed her passion to create a brand that fuses crocheting with thrifted, pre-used clothes, creating stylish and eco-friendly garments. Her work goes beyond fashion; through the Threads Intel Foundation, she champions wellness and mental health. Her motivation is a beautiful legacy passed down from her 98-year-old grandmother, who taught her to crochet and instilled in her the importance of touching people's lives. Becky donates 20% of her annual earnings to children's homes and even participated in a fashion event for people with physical disabilities, designing clothes for amputees. Her commitment to sustainability is perfectly balanced with her deep love for her African culture, which is always present with a touch of Ankara fabric in her designs.

Irene, founder of Couture by Rynna, photographed by Dennis Munene

Couture by Rynna (Irene)

Irene's passion for fashion led her to found Couture by Rynna in 2019. After a brief break during the COVID-19 pandemic to research and hone her skills, she came back stronger than ever. Her collection for the event, titled "Stripes and Blash," was a captivating display of African culture. She chose Ankara prints with zebra stripes to represent the continent’s unique wildlife and heritage. Adding a touch of pink to her designs, Irene created an aesthetic that represented both peace and the feeling of being a "girl at heart," beautifully translating a woman's desires into wearable art.

Gloria Paul, founder of DND Couture, photographed by Dennis Munene

DND Couture (Gloria Paul)

Gloria’s designs are all about making a statement. Her core theme is to capture "what makes Africa different" through creativity and presence. She wants every person wearing her designs to be noticed and recognized when they enter a room. Her fashion journey, born out of pure passion, was later perfected by pursuing a course in fashion. Her collection for the event had a special touch of purple in honor of her late mother, adding a deeply personal layer to her powerful creations. Gloria's work is a declaration that African fashion is not to be ignored.

Naomi Kiche, founder of Naniki, photographed by Pauline Afande

Naomi's passion for design began at age 10 when she would create outfits for her dolls. This lifelong love for fashion led her to pursue a course at the Mcensal School of Fashion and Design, where she honed her skills. Her collection on the runway skillfully blended contemporary and traditional craftsmanship to tell a story about the multitasking spirit of the Luo people in Kenya. Naniki's designs are the result of constant research and a desire to reimagine tradition through art.

The Rising Stars: Awards and Recognition

The climax of the evening was the awards ceremony, recognizing the talent that shone brightest. The awards were a celebration of creativity, professionalism, and impact.

Creative Designer East Africa International Fashion Week

  • Winner: Naomi Kiche, Naniki

  • 1st Runners Up: Becky Adeli, Threads Intel

  • 2nd Runners Up: Nelly Njoroge, Artfully Nelly

  • 3rd Runners Up: Gloria Paul, DND Couture

Top Model East Africa International Fashion Week

  • Female Top Model: Purity Amondi

  • Female Runners Up: Mercy Awuonda

  • Male Top Model: Benjamin Blieck

  • Male Runners Up: Rodney Khajezo

A Legacy of Hope

The East Africa International Fashion Week is more than just an annual event; it’s a beacon of hope and a vital platform for emerging talent. Eleshia Ais's dedication ensures that models and designers have the photos and videos they need to open doors to new opportunities. It's a testament to the idea that a small act of kindness and a platform can create bigger opportunities for a brother or sister. The East African fashion industry is vibrant and ready to take its place on the global stage, and EAIFW is leading the charge, one powerful story at a time.

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