Kenyan fashion designers join forces

What do Akiba Studios, Bonkerz NRB, Peni Mbili, Crafted Nairobi, Metamorphisized, Kenyan Raw and Nairobi Nnoize have in common? You can find all these brands at LukuStore.nl, Home of Afro Streetwear Culture.

Founder of LukuStore and LukuRadio, Francis Kinyanjui, wants to represent streetwear brands from Kenya and give them an international platform. “Kenya and Africa in general are not highlighted internationally. With this project, I want to explore the potential of African youth. I want to change the current narrative.”

Saturday April 20st Francis was at the Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam, to present his platform and these Kenyan fashion brands. This museum has a small exhibition about African fabrics and fashion, which was orchestrated by guest conservator Odilia Okonga.

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The audience did not get the message from Nairobi Nnoize. According to a lady in the audience the weapons on the garments make it seem as though violence is being glorified. Francis explained that the weapons are symbolising the brutal side of Nairobi, which all cities have. Opposite to that are the flowers, which represent the beauty of the city. That is what designer James Kagima intended: “It’s a representation of the beauty and darkness of Nairobi. The collection was inspired by this co-existence.”
Francis appreciated the comments from the audience, because it started a conversation, and that is what he aspires to do. Which is exactly what James Kagima emphasizes to do: to use his fashion to tell the world authentic Kenyan stories.

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The other designers also use their fashion to make statements. Bonkers NRB for example has a collection called Hasira Hasara, which is a Swahili proverb that translates to ‘where there is anger, there is loss’. This brand promotes good vibes and aims to put a smile on your face. And Daudi O., founder of Metamorphisized, wants to celebrate the beauty of Keyan youth culture and the power of global connection through contemporary fashion.

From Nairobi to the World

For Francis this project is not just about fashion. “We are concerned with sustainability through thrifting and upcycling. So brands like Nairobi Nnoize pioneering, is beautiful to watch.”

The shoes worn by the models are also sustainable fashion. The shoes are made by Kenyan Raw, which is a part of Ogiro Street Fashion Kenya. This talented group of fashion designers practices sustainable fashion by reusing raw materials. The shoes are made of the material of old sneakers. Francis concludes: “The key for me is evolution.”

LukuStore and its brands bring together fashion and sustainability, style and conversation, Nairobi and the world.

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