Student designers call for Kenyan fashion body

A model walks the runway at the Afrivazi fashion show at Egerton University, Njoro in Nakuru County, October 25, 2014. A one day university fashion gala attended by hundreds of students has supported pleas for the formation of a body bringing together all fashion colleges and linking them with the market. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH

What you need to know:

  • Over 500 students participated in this year's Egerton University's fashion show where various designs were displayed by models.
  • The event also aimed at linking the arts and design students with the local and international fashion industry where 10 institutions of higher learning showcased various innovations on fashion.

A one day university fashion gala attended by hundreds of students has supported pleas for the formation of a body bringing together all fashion colleges and linking them with the market.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Egerton University fashion Gala, an organiser, Ms Vallary Achieng said that the response received from participating institutions and students showed Kenya was ripe for a body tasked with monitoring fashion trends.

The fourth year student pursuing Fashion and Design at Egerton University added that this will allow for interactions and exchanging ideas which will eventually lead to growth in the industry.

“The fashion industry has a high potential of not only creating employment among the youth but also contributing to the economy of the country,” she added.

Over 500 students participated in this year's Egerton University's fashion show where various designs were displayed by models.

INNOVATING IN FASHION

The show dubbed Afrivazi raises awareness on the role played by arts especially fashion design as an element of entrepreneurship so as to make more people embrace Kenyan and African made outfits.

The event also aimed at linking the arts and design students with the local and international fashion industry where 10 institutions of higher learning showcased various innovations on fashion.

This year’s show attracted hundreds of university students, lecturers, staff and the general public who attended the event.

The show also attracted the participation of 25 models all picked from different institutions of higher learning and upcoming models from Kisumu, Laikipia, Nairobi and Eldoret.

“It is our hope that the show will bring more people on board to help us achieve our objectives not only through the annual fashion and art showcase we hold but also the other events,” said Ms Achieng.

The various participants specialised in designing, jewellery, clothing and vintage from University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Ashleys and Vera Beauty College.

“Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening” and it is up to us to use it to bring out the best in ourselves and in the human race,” she added.