Needles, pins and thread

Meet three young female designers whose fashion lines are causing waves, writes SILVIA NJOKI and SHIRLEY GENGA

Name: Melisa Nyawade Achieng’,

Age: 24

Fashion label: Achie Otigo

When did you get the interest in making clothes?

My mum used to tailor-make clothes as a side hustle when I was younger and by the time I was in high school, I had learned to adjust and alter clothes to suit my needs.

What did you study in school?

Patience Teresia Kibaya

Our regular clients are women and the fact that the clothing is custom-made is an added advantage. We also cater for children from the age of ten and young adults.

What inspires your work?

My inspirations come from current market trends. Kenyans are very influenced by Western trends, but we try to Africanise these trends by using African materials, improvising and recreating something unique.

Future aspirations?

Our future aspiration is to expand and open branches all over Kenya.

What challenges have you faced so far?

We have clients from all over but they are inconvenienced by the fact that they can only find us here in Nairobi. We send them products via courier. Competition is high and there is the issue of copying. Most local designers are doing beadwork, so we have to be constantly on our toes.

Describe your personal style?

I love African attire but not of the normal kind. I either make my short kanga dresses very short or I could buy a normal dress and redesign it with bits of kanga here and there, I am an African woman after all.

Is this your full time job?

Yes, I just love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s been my passion and I have never regretted the move.

Where can we find your designs?

We open shop at Westgate Mall every Wednesday and Thursday and a shop in Hurlingham at Remax Complex.

Name: Wambui Mukenyi

Age: 27

Fashion line: Wambui Mukenyi

How did you get into fashion?

I started working as an assistant to another designer Wambui Muchiri in 2009 and moved on to creating my own brand. I have three assistants who do the tailoring for me. I just released my second collection.

It has always been my desire to work in the fashion industry though I am also an accountant.

What are the new trends this season?

The side slit from the 80’s is back and I think it’s totally hot.

Where do you get your design inspiration?

The environment around me. I have very stylish friends, so I also draw inspiration from them.

What do you think creates a successful fashion designer?