Kenya: Nairobi Fashion Week Showcases the Future of Fashion with a Regenerative Theme
Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, one of East Africa’s most influential fashion events, has successfully wrapped up with a powerful emphasis on regenerative fashion, highlighting the urgent need for sustainability and ecological responsibility in the industry. The theme for this year’s event, “Regenerating Fashion: A New Era of Responsibility”, captivated both local and international audiences, offering a glimpse into the future of fashion through the lens of environmental consciousness and sustainable innovation.
This year’s show was a reflection of the global conversation on the importance of shifting from a traditional “take-make-dispose”fashion model to one that actively contributes to the environment. Designers, brands, and thought leaders from across the continent gathered to explore and celebrate the concept of regenerative fashion—an approach that focuses not only on minimizing harm but also on healing and replenishing the planet.
The Textile and Apparel industry (T&A) is the third-largest manufacturing sector globally, generating $2.4 trillion of revenue in 2019. Sadly, even with these statics that depict the relevance of the sector, the fashion industry is a major contributor to textile waste and carbon emissions with billions lost each year due to the underutilization of clothes and lack of recycling. It is estimated that the sector produces around 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, which is equivalent to a rubbish truck full of clothes being dumped every second. When it comes to the impact of second-hand clothes or mitumbas, it is estimated that in recent years over 300 million items of damaged or unsellable clothing made of synthetic – or plastic – fibers are exported to Kenya annually where they end up dumped, land filled or burned, exacerbating the plastic pollution crisis.
With the global fashion industry accounting for significant environmental challenges, the Nairobi Fashion Week 2025 featured designers who are leading this change, pushing boundaries to make recycling and upcyclingintegral parts of fashion production and consumption. The event also provided a platform for industry leaders, environmental activists, and sustainability experts to discuss the future of recycling in fashion and the broader potential for a circular economy in the industry. Additionally, it served as a platform to discuss the rising importance of circularityand regenerative practices in the fashion industry. Designers showcased collections that were carefully crafted from upcycled materials, and zero-waste productionmethods, demonstrating that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. Many designers also incorporated locally sourced materials, supporting Kenyan craftsmanship and the growing demand for ethical fashion.
“We believe in the power of fashion to lead positive change, and this year’s showcase was a bold step toward creating a regenerative fashion ecosystem,” said Brian Kihindas, the creative director NFW. “It is time for fashion to evolve, and as an industry, we must move from sustainability to regeneration. Nairobi Fashion Week has become a catalyst for this transformation, showing the world that Kenya can lead the charge in global fashion innovation.”
As we move into the future, Nairobi Fashion Week remains committed to its role as a leader in sustainable fashion, continuing to advocate for the regenerative practices that are essential to creating a healthier, more eco-conscious world.
About Nairobi Fashion Week:
Dynamic Race PR initiated Nairobi Fashion Week (NFW) in 2013 with the goal of advancing the fashion industry in East Africa. The event bridges emerging and established designers with both local and international buyers and stockists. In 2023, NFW launched the JUST Fashion campaign, promoting sustainability through responsible sourcing, eco-friendly materials, and ethical production. Additionally, NFW introduced the Fashion Frontier Africa (FFA) incubator program in partnership with European e-tailor Cultrite, aimed at supporting African designers with mentorship and business development opportunities. After completing its first cohort, FFA aims to reach 500 African designers. Having successfully completed six seasons, NFW continues to be a driving force for the future of fashion in Africa.
