Celebrating Circular Fashion and Innovation
At Eco Fashion Week Africa (EFWA), we are committed to providing a global platform for designers who are revolutionizing the industry through sustainable, circular fashion. While mainstream fashion weeks often highlight big-name brands, EFWA creates space for emerging and innovative designers whose work embodies the principles of sustainability, upcycling, and ethical craftsmanship.
This week, our Designer Spotlight shines on Mabatini, a Kenyan slow fashion brand dedicated to upcycling and handcrafted design. Founded by William Kitheka, Mabatini is reshaping the narrative of African fashion by creating one-of-a-kind pieces that challenge the wasteful cycle of fast fashion.
Mabatini: Slow Fashion with Purpose
Rooted in the philosophy of slow fashion, Mabatini is a brand that transforms existing materials into high-quality, durable garments designed to stand the test of time. By focusing on meticulous craftsmanship, Mabatini ensures that each piece tells a unique story while promoting sustainability, circularity, and ethical fashion practices.
We had the pleasure of speaking with William Kitheka to discuss his experience with Eco Fashion Week Africa, how it has influenced Mabatini’s journey, and the future of sustainable fashion in Africa.
Q&A with Mabatini’s Founder, William Kitheka
1. How has participating in Eco Fashion Week Africa (EFWA) shaped Mabatini’s vision for sustainable fashion?
“Being part of EFWA has been a transformative experience. It provided an opportunity to connect with fellow designers and engage with an audience that truly values sustainability. Seeing the enthusiasm for eco-conscious fashion reinforced our mission to create garments that merge innovation with environmental responsibility.”
2. What key takeaways from EFWA have influenced Mabatini’s design philosophy?
“EFWA has shown us that sustainable fashion isn’t just a niche—it’s a growing movement. We realized that there is an audience eager to embrace slow fashion, and this has motivated us to continue creating one-of-a-kind, handcrafted garments that prioritize longevity over trends.”
3. How has EFWA helped Mabatini gain visibility and new opportunities?
“EFWA gave us a global platform to showcase our work, allowing us to reach a wider audience, attract customers, and collaborate with like-minded creatives. The exposure has led to new partnerships and exciting opportunities that align with our commitment to sustainability.”
4. What sets Mabatini apart in the circular fashion movement?
“Mabatini thrives on exclusivity and craftsmanship. We don’t mass-produce; instead, we focus on creating timeless piecesthat reduce waste and encourage conscious consumerism. Our garments are designed to be cherished for years, challenging the fast fashion cycle.”
5. What challenges have you faced in implementing sustainable fashion, and how have you overcome them?
“Sustainability presents challenges, from sourcing ethical materials to shifting consumer mindsets. Education is key—we continuously engage in advocacy, storytelling, and showcasing the beauty of sustainable fashion to inspire more conscious choices.”
Eco Fashion Week Africa 2024: A Recap of Success and Impact
The second edition of Eco Fashion Week Africa (November 2024) was a testament to the power of conscious fashion. Designers from across Africa showcased collections that champion circularity, upcycling, and ethical production.
Event Highlights:
✅ Innovative Sustainable Collections – Featuring talented designers such as Mabatini, Afrowema, Yarnly Chic, and KikoRomeo, proving that eco-friendly fashion can be bold, stylish, and impactful.
✅ Panel Discussions with Industry Leaders – Experts tackled topics like circular fashion, ethical sourcing, and the future of sustainable textiles.
✅ Interactive Workshops – Attendees engaged in upcycling, sustainable fabric selection, and zero-waste production techniques.
✅ Networking and Collaboration Opportunities – EFWA connected designers, influencers, and sustainability advocates, fostering collaborations that will continue shaping Africa’s fashion ecosystem.
✅ Global Media Coverage & Influencer Support – Sustainability advocates, media representatives, and fashion influencers amplified the message of slow fashion and ethical production.
What’s Next? Be Part of Eco Fashion Week Africa Volume 3 in November 2025!
EFWA is more than just a fashion event—it’s a catalyst for change. We are actively seeking visionary designers, brands, and partners to be part of our growing movement.
🌍 Are you a designer championing circular fashion? Apply now to showcase your work at EFWA Volume 3.
🤝 Interested in partnering with us? We welcome collaborations with organizations and brands that align with our mission.
🔗 Apply today and learn more at www.ecofashionweekafrica.com
Let’s shape the future of African fashion—one sustainable step at a time. #SustainableFashion #EcoFashionWeekAfrica #CircularFashion #SlowFashion #Upcycling #EthicalFashion #ClimateAction #GreenInnovation #KenyanFashion