Top Kenyan Fashion Brands you Need to Know

Suave creates funky backpacks from materials like kitenge and denim. They can be bold or subtle, depending on what design you chose, and are quickly becoming a must-have item in Nairobi.

http://instagram.com/p/BNdk58pjVF1/?hl=en

Formally called Pink Bush, The Pink Savannah creates a line of affordable, handmade jewelry. With its emphasis on brass and subtle traditional African accents, you can take home a very wearable little piece of Kenya without going overboard.

http://instagram.com/p/BCIRGXtwdm4/

Chillimango is an Afro-urban streetwear company that makes really cozy kanga hoodies, along with funky, graphic print t-shirts featuring pieces of Kenyan culture, like ugali (porridge) or jikos (stone ovens). Sporting an outfit from here is a great way to display your love of all things Kenya without going for a clichéd ‘Jambo’ shirt.

http://instagram.com/p/7fdPJSAFrB/?taken-by=chillimangoke&hl=en

Katungulu Mwendwa, a born and raised Kenyan designer, creates contemporary clothing which pays respect to different African cultures and aesthetics. The result is a range of timeless and elegant pieces that truly show off the designer’s talents. For those who don’t want a full-blown African print outfit, but still want to support Kenyan design, her line is definitely worth checking out!

http://instagram.com/p/BHB7fWEg5ZV/

Kangarui, a brand started by a Kenyan-raised Japanese designer, infuses funkiness and vibrancy into every product. The line includes everything from neon meerkat or elephant iPhone cases to pillows, tote bags and dinner plates. A Kangarui product is guaranteed to add a pop of colour to your life.

http://instagram.com/p/BRHlSjig6IC/?taken-by=kangarui_&hl=en

TengeVuli is a modern lifestyle brand that uses local materials to create unique pieces. They are best known for their signature kitenge umbrellas, but also make lampshades, wall hangings and pillow covers from bright prints.

These are, of course, only a handful of the many Kenyan-made brands out there. You can explore further by visiting some of the eclectic shops that stock a mixture of different brands – like the Urban African Lifestyle Company, MOFTI, Langata Links Shops – or the boutique at The Yard in Westlands Place. Happy shopping!