Kenya’s vibrant fashion scene took centre stage at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2025, where three design houses showcased their creativity on one of the world’s most prestigious runways.
Representing the country at the Space House venue were Jamie Bryan Kimani of Sevaria, Sharon Wendo of Epica Jewellery, and Kevin Abwova of Kisero Nairobi.
The showcase was part of the British Council’s UK/Kenya Season 2025, a cultural programme celebrating creativity through arts, culture, and education in both nations.
“This is not just about showcasing Kenyan talent. It’s also an opportunity for the UK to learn from diverse approaches, ideas, and ways of working,” said Sandra Chege, Season Director, British Council, UK/Kenya Season 2025. “Such exchanges make cultural collaboration meaningful.”
A Platform for Global Exposure
The Kenyan designers participated in a dedicated British Council catwalk and exhibition pavilion alongside peers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
All are alumni or participants of Creative DNA, the British Council’s fashion accelerator that has supported over 200 entrepreneurs across Africa since 2020.
The initiative provides international exposure, new market access, and opportunities for cross-cultural learning, with designers also joining UK retail stockist and manufacturing tours to explore ethical production, sustainability, and global market trends.
“The inclusion of our Creative DNA designers in AFWL highlights the strength of UK–Kenya cultural collaboration,” said Tom Porter, Country Director, British Council Kenya. “These connections create meaningful opportunities for Kenyan talent to engage globally and build lasting networks.”
Stories Behind the Brands
- Sevaria – Founded in 2018 by Jamie Bryan Kimani, Sevaria draws from the Maasai community, Akorino traditions, and Kimani’s Rift Valley upbringing, challenging gender stereotypes through bold, inclusive design.
- Kisero Nairobi – Established in 2020 by Kevin Abwova and his father during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kisero has evolved from a shoe-repair workshop into a luxury brand producing handcrafted leather bags, shoes, and accessories that blend African heritage with global elegance.
- Epica Jewellery – Founded in 2018 by Sharon Wendo after a government entrepreneurship programme, Epica transforms African cultural diversity into wearable art, each piece handcrafted with homage to heritage and symbolism.
Fashion Meets Technology
This year’s British Council Pavilion also explored the future of fashion, featuring African designers collaborating with AI labs and Ethiopia’s Guzo Technologies to develop tech-enabled storytelling, digital avatars, and virtual reality runways—paving the way for cross-continental virtual fashion presentations.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder of AFWL, hailed the collaboration: “This partnership represents a bold step forward in our mission to elevate African fashion on the global stage. By showcasing these visionary designers in London, we celebrate their talents and forge deeper cross-cultural connections.”
AFWL 2025 not only reaffirmed Kenya’s place on the international fashion map but also underscored how creativity, cultural exchange, and sustainable enterprise can drive economic impact across borders.