A new fashion program Creative DNA 2.0 will bring 20 African designers to your attention

This new initiative in partnership with British Council has selected 20 African designers to be the next generation of fashion talents in Kenya. It is a sign that they are the people to watch in Nairobi’s growing creative scene. Creative DNA 2.0 is a three-month intensive business incubator program for selected designers. It covers clothing, footwear, and accessories. The goal of the project is to bring the vibrancy of African fashion forward.

The final group of designers was selected from 100 fashion talent pools across the country. It includes 12 female and 8 male designers from different geographical locations such as Nairobi, Kakuma Refugee Camp, and other parts of the country. The designers selected include Luxaltra, Tug, an ethically-handcrafted jeweller Tiger Tail Twister, and Olisa Kenya, a statement knitwear brand. They are all emerging talent in different areas, including couture and fine jewellery, streetwear, and couture.

The programme features Maganga Mwagogo, an internationally acclaimed photographer, and Dwayne Kenzie, a stylist. Each photoshoot explores what freedom and personal identity mean for African designers living in post-Covid times. The first examines fashion as a means of communication. The second celebrates Nairobi’s youthful skate culture. While the third showcases the refined side of Nairobi, it focuses on the sophisticated glamour of the capital.

Mwagogo says that fashion is a liberating way to express yourself. The models are empowered by the striking styling and make-up, which allows them to stand out from the rest. They demonstrate that people are able to get out of their comfort zone and try new things.

The programme promotes cross-collaboration and understanding between Kenyan and British designers. It follows up on 2020’s highly successful Creative DNA 1.0 program, where the African designers were made an integral part the creative economies and networks of Kenya. Many of the participants in the business acceleration masterclasses and training saw substantial business growth and international media attention from Vogue Italia, Business of Fashion and other publications. This year’s cohort is hoping for more of that.

The programme was created in partnership with Fashion Scout, an award-winning international platform and consultancy. This programme is known for hosting some of London’s most memorable showcases during London Fashion Week and FAFA (Festival of African Fashion and Arts). Participants will be provided with a bootcamp that includes mentoring by UK and Kenyan experts (including Martyn and Biljana Robs, founders of Fashion Scout, and Christine-Ann McCreath, fashion designer), as well as one-on-one mentoring and a series of panel discussions, round-table discussions, as well as well as well as well as well as well as a number of networking events and round-table discussion.

As part of the programme, the designers will be allowed to open a pop-up shop in Nairobi for a month. This will help them promote their brands and sell more. The project aims to promote creativity and innovation in Africa and to encourage equality, diversity, and inclusion.