Eco Fashion Week Africa Season 03 Designers

SEASON 3 DESIGNERS

At Eco Fashion Week Africa Season 3, each participating brand courageously embraced the No New Clothes Challenge. This call redefines creativity and responsibility in fashion. Rather than creating from virgin materials, our designers worked with what already exists: discarded fabrics, repurposed garments, and cultural textiles reimagined with fresh purpose.

They accepted the challenge to style diverse models of all ages, sizes, disabilities, and backgrounds, celebrating inclusivity as a vital part of sustainability. This season’s runway was not about selling or promoting consumption — it was a statement against it. Together, these designers proved that innovation and ethics can coexist beautifully, reminding us that the most sustainable garment is the one that already exists.

Participating brands included Hero Clothe Line, Stand Out Africa, Ngamani, Jokenia, Green Amba, Eva Wambutu, Makasi, Q Atelier (representing the Indian community whose craftsmanship and textile influence have long been part of Kenya’s rich cultural fabric), and KB Upcycling. Each label brought a unique interpretation of the challenge, making Season 3 a bold showcase of how fashion can lead with consciousness, community, and culture.

JO KENIA DESIGNS (KENYA)

Founded in 2017, Jo Kenia Designs champions sustainability through upcycling.
The brand transforms pre-loved fabricssourced from markets like Gikomba and Toi into bold, eco-conscious pieces that celebrate individuality and environmental responsibility.
Every item is handcrafted with care. Merging creativity with climate action to advance circular fashion and reduce waste. The collections reflect resilience, transformation, and a commitment to a greener planet.

D-Mwe (UGANDA)

Born from a deep appreciation for culture, craftsmanship, and conscious fashion, D-Mwe celebrates individuality through timeless, sustainably made pieces. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the strength of African heritage, our creative journey began with a mission to redefine elegance—making fashion both meaningful and responsible. Each garment is thoughtfully designed and locally produced, using eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and minimal-waste techniques to ensure our impact on the planet remains gentle. Our collections reflect a balance between modern aesthetics and traditional artistry, telling stories through texture, color, and form. At D-Mwe, we believe fashion is more than clothing—it’s an expression of identity, creativity, and care for the world we share. Through every stitch and silhouette, we honor craftsmanship, celebrate diversity, and inspire confidence in those who wear our designs. Sustainable, soulful, and boldly original—this is the D-Mwe journey.

Ngamani (KENYA)

Ngamani draws its name from the Swahili proverb “Mwenda tezi na omo, marejeo ni ngamani” A call to center and balance.
Founded by Gandani, the brand is a loud, unapologetic expression of flamboyant wearable art that celebrates heritage, queerness, and the body as sacred ground.
Each creation is a reminder to return to your center and shine from it.

Green Amba (UGANDA)

Green Amba is committed to creating unique, handcrafted jewelry and accessories that blend African tradition with contemporary design. Using natural, ethically sourced materials like wood, horn, stone, raffia, banana fiber, natural seeds, banana Fibre, calabash, bark cloth and jute. we honor the earth while preserving ancestral art forms such as weaving, bead embroidery and basketry to mention but a few We empower artisans—especially women and young people—by training and supporting them to build sustainable livelihoods through craft, creativity, and cultural pride.

Eva wambutu (KENYA)

Fine-art sensibility meets modern Kenyan tailoring. Since 2022, Eva Wambutu has explored the female form through line, proportion, and movement, crafting intelligent silhouettes that last.
Sustainability sits at the center—recent collections re-imagined discarded denim into new textiles—proving how design and craft can extend material life while keeping a clean, contemporary voice from Kenya to the world.

KB Upcycling (SENEGAL)

Born in 2022 from the meeting of burlap and conviction: create differently to preserve the planet.
KB_Upcycling gives second life to forgotten materials—burlap, fabric offcuts, rescued leather, recycled rice bags crafted into unique accessories, shoes, and garments.
Founder Kerim Boucher places recycling at the core of design: respecting resources, passing on know-how.

Brenda At HandCraft (UGANDA)

My name is Brenda and my story begins with yarn and love. I started crocheting at seven, collecting leftover threads from baby shawls and the colorful strings we used to hang clothes at home.
When I was nine, my grandmother, who raised me, lost her sight. I became her eyes- describing colors, textures, and patterns as she shared her wisdom through touch and memory. She taught me to see beauty beyond what’s visible, to appreciate the power of our hands and hearts.
That bond shaped who I am today. Through Brenda at handcrafts, I design upcycled crochet fashion from discarded yarns and fabrics-transforming and fabrics ,transforming waste into wearable art.
Each stitch I make carries my grandmother’s spirit and African tradition of resourcefulness-creating something valuable from what others overlook. My work is more than fashion, it’s story telling, heritage and sustainability woven together.
Because every thread has a story, and mine began with a grandmother who taught me to see with love.

Makasi Studio (KENYA)

Makasi Studio is a collaborative creative space that embraces Kenyan street culture both as a community and a commodity.
Rooted in creativity, it exists as a
With a vision to create a safe, inclusive community for creatives across disciplines, Makasi nurtures individualism while fostering collaboration.
space where raw expression, A cultural eco-system that champions
innovation and storytelling come together.
the voices shaping the future of Kenyan design.

Q Atelier (INDIA)

Aval — a name that means “She” in Malayalam, the mother tongue of founder Thankam Philip Varghese — is more than just a fashion label. It is a tribute to women, to strength, and to the beauty of making mindful choices. Born under Q Atelier, a proud member of Q Kompany General Trading L.L.C, Aval is on a mission to weave fashion with purpose — eco-friendly, sustainable, and rooted in fair trade. The truth is hard to ignore: the fashion industry accounts for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and pollutes 20% of the world’s clean water. Fast fashion may look glamorous, but behind the sparkle lies wasteful production, toxic dyes, microplastics slipping into our food chain, and workers underpaid for their craft. Clothes are worn once, then tossed aside, leaving behind scars on both the planet and its people.
Aval dares to be different. We believe fashion should last — in your wardrobe, in your heart, and in the world around you. Our garments are made to be cherished, using durable fabrics that stand the test of time, and giving forgotten saris and discarded textiles a second life as curated treasures. We carefully choose fabrics that travel a responsible journey — from yarn to finished garment — always guided by sustainability. But Aval is not just about fabric. It is about people. We honor the hands that weave by partnering directly with traditional artisans and weaving communities, celebrating diverse cultures and keeping age-old crafts alive.
At its heart, Aval is a promise: to protect our planet, uplift our people, and dress women in clothes that tell stories of care, responsibility, and love. Because fashion should not just make you look good — it should make you feel proud.

Hero Cloth Line (KENYA)

Hero_Cloth_Line is a clothing brand that deals with vintage couture, upcycling, and sustainable fashion. With a focus on unique designs and eco-friendly practices, Hero_Cloth_Line aims to redefine the fashion industry by promoting ethical consumerism and reducing waste. Our pieces are carefully crafted using high-quality materials,and expert craftsmanship, ensuring that each garment is stylish and durable. Hero_ Cloth_Line is committed to positively impacting the environment and the fashion industry.

Standout Africa (UGANDA)

A baby brand created from a passion of creativity and deep concern for the planet. STANDoutAFRICA was founded on the belief that style can and must coexist thus embracing circular fashion as a creative solution to fashion waste.
my journey began by a simple question-what if fashion waste didnt end up in landfills!….from that spark i built a brand reimagines fabric waste as a resource.
Each piece created is crafted from reclaimed fabrics, deadstock materials or recycled textiles
Creativity is at art of everything we do telling a story not just of fashion but of responsibility and reshaping the narrative around fashion consumption- proving that circular can be equally beautiful and that sustainability can be stylish.

Sawe Creation (KENYA & UGANDA)

Sawe Creations Kids Wear is a sustainable children’s fashion brand founded by Kenyan designer and artist Catherine Sawe, based in Uganda. The brand celebrates African culture through playful, eco-friendly designs made from 100% cotton and linen. Each collection features unique prints — some inspired by children’s own drawings — promoting creativity, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness. Beyond fashion, Sawe Creations supports community causes like cancer care and artisan empowerment, proving that style can make a difference.

Crochet Savvy (UGANDA)

Crochet Savvy UG was born in a moment of finding purpose in the quietest moments. I learned
to crochet back in Senior Two at Maryhill High school, never imagining that a simple hobby
would one day become my lifeline. Years later, when the world fell still during COVID-19
lockdown, I turned back to those forgotten stitches for comfort.
Through making gifts for family and friends, their return support initiated the thought to turn the
hobby into a business. This is where the story all began, a reminder that beauty can rise from
stillness. I started to create pieces that spoke self expression, confidence and resilience then
slowly turned this passion into a brand that celebrates sustainability and purpose.
Today, we upcycle thrifted fabrics with a touch of crochet to give them a fresh look and a stylish
touch. The idea to upcycle was born from an experience I went through where I had a favorite
jacket whose arms had stopped fitting because I had gained some weight. I thought, ”what can I
do for this jacket instead of trashing it?” I removed the denim arms and put crochet arms that
were my size, the denim arms then were used to create other accessories, earrings and key
chains. From there, the Eco savvy collection was made.
We also teach others the art of crochet and entrepreneurial skills empowering them to create
and earn through this skill.
Crochet Savvy UG is not just fashion, it’s a movement to stitch together creativity , sustainability
and confidence through our pieces.

Our Roots Matter (UGANDA)

ORM (OUR ROOTS MATTER), formerly ORM Streetwear, is a Ugandan fashion brand merging cultural heritage with contemporary design. Co-founded by John Mark Mukasa and creatively directed by Ugandan-born, UK-raised designer Trevor Kaye, ORM reimagines traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens. Our work celebrates the Buganda heritage by incorporating elements such as Kanzu-inspired embroidery into accessible, stylish pieces for younger generations.
A hallmark of our brand is the use of traditional barkcloth, a sustainable textile handmade from the inner bark of the Mutuba tree and ethically sourced from northern Uganda. Under the skilled tailoring of John Mark Senkulu, we blend this heritage fabric with modern silhouettes, upcycled materials, and recycled textiles to champion sustainable, fair production.
Our collections, including “The Transformation,” embody the evolution of Ugandan tradition into modern fashion while preserving authenticity and supporting local artisans. For ORM, style is a statement of roots, responsibility, and respect for our shared cultural identity.
Warm regards,
John Mark Mukasa
Founders, John Mark Senkulu and Trevor Kaye

Priscie B (KAMPALA)

A sustainable fashion brand that crafts timeless pieces using carefully selected fabrics and meticulous stitching. Our goal is to create garments that remain elegant and wearable for years to come. After participating in Swahili Fashion Week, we realized the potential of repurposing leftover fabrics to reduce waste, save resources, and showcase our creativity. By upcycling these materials, we can create unique pieces while minimizing our environmental footprint. Showcasing our designs made from these repurposed swatches would be a great opportunity to highlight our brand’s vision and commitment to sustainable fashion.

Crochet Savvy (UGANDA)

Lulungi Couture (UGANDA)

At Lulungi Couture, we craft exquisite feminine outfits like our signature corset dresses,
party wear and others. As a couture house, we mainly create custom-made (bespoke)
outfits, as we saw it was a way to reduce waste and promote responsible resource use.
We believe that custom garments represent a sustainable alternative that benefits the
environment.
To create our unique garments, we use both locally manufactured fabrics like kitenge,
tie-dye cloths and upcycled fabrics like curtains.
The process begins with the hunt in a thrift store as we search for forgotten value. A
floral tapestry curtain, a heavy brocade or a set of embroidered lace, are no longer just
window coverings; they are a limitless possibility.
We transform these textiles into high-fashion statements, blending them with the
vibrant life of our local kitenge and tie-dye cloths. This our art; taking a forgotten curtain
and turning it into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind garment, perfect for a particular client.
Making custom-made outfits with upcycled fabrics, is our way of promoting slow
fashion and maximising environmental sustainability.

S. Official (UGANDA)

S. Official is a sustainable fashion brand based in Kampala, Uganda, redefining what authentic Ugandan fashion can offer to
modern Africa culturally, socially, economically, and individually. We draw inspiration from Ugandan art, culture, raw materials,
and craftsmanship to create clothing that celebrates and reimagines African identity.
Collaboration and sustainability are at the heart of S. Official. Each collection is rooted in sustainable practices of sourcing
eco-friendly materials for our garments and packaging, partnering with local artisans to support and elevate their craft, and
operating on a pre-order model to avoid overproduction and waste. We also offer repair services to extend the life of our pieces,
reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful consumption.
Our creative process is guided by the cultural symbolism of identity in Ugandan and African traditions. We explore how women
define and express themselves in their cultures and translate that into contemporary designs. Each piece becomes a bridge
between heritage and modernity allowing both cultural and personal identity to coexist in a single look that transitions across
different occasions.