NAIROBI, Kenya– Six innovative Kenyan leather designers have been named finalists in the prestigious Real Leather. Stay Different Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning talent in the leather industry.
The finalists, representing various categories such as footwear, accessories, and apparel, are part of the small and medium-sized enterprises that showcased their creations at the event held in Nairobi last month.
The Real Leather. Stay Different campaign, organized by the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) and the African Leather and Leather Products Institute, and coordinated in Africa by the Center for Business Innovation and Training (CBIT), celebrates the best of Africa’s leather industry.
“This year, we saw an overwhelming number of entries, an indication that Africa is rising and its creative talents are being recognized globally,” said Beatrice Mwasi, Managing Director of CBIT.
The six Kenyan designers selected for their exceptional creativity and innovation include George Otieno, Muna Elmi, Gideon Munyao, Raymond Shikuku, Angela Ndonga, and Peter Kinyanjui.
They were chosen based on criteria such as individuality, conceptualization, relevance, sustainability, and commerciality.
The campaign aims to foster sustainable fashion practices by promoting the use of natural materials, advocating for slow fashion, and supporting sustainable design across the continent.
This initiative is part of the international Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign, which has reached millions of designers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and creativity in the fashion industry.
The campaign not only honors Africa’s leather design but also elevates its designers to a global platform.
Winners in each category will be announced later this month in Ethiopia, marking another milestone in celebrating Africa’s rich heritage in leather craftsmanship.
