EFI’s Hands of Fashion Launch in Nairobi: A celebration of Crafts and Conversations
The launch kicked off on April 4th with an exclusive private event, featuring two insightful panel discussions. The event welcomed a diverse and vibrant audience of creative talents, entrepreneurs, and industry experts—making the launch of the Hands of Fashion brand not just a celebration of craftsmanship, but also a powerful moment of community and forward-thinking conversation.
The two engaging panel discussions brought together inspiring professionals from across the fashion and textile industries to reflect on key themes shaping a more ethical and inclusive industry in Kenya and globally.
The first panel, “Durable is Sustainable”, explored durability as a core principle of sustainable fashion. Speakers shared their insights on how long-lasting design, responsible sourcing, and quality craftsmanship contribute to a more circular and thoughtful industry. The conversation featured Itxaso Lecumberri Urrubayen, Senior Footwear Designer and Creative Consultant; Sadiath Alimath Aminou, Sales and Merchandising Expert; Sambasiva Rao Pamidimukkala, managing director of Alpharama Ltd and Richard Mkoloma, fashion design and brand strategist, educator, and industry consultant.
The second discussion, “The State of Kenyan Textiles Today”, focused on the heritage, challenges, and evolving landscape of textile production in Kenya. It highlighted the role of local artisans, regenerative practices, and traditional techniques in shaping a new narrative for Kenyan fashion. The panel featured Lisa Kibutu, arts and culture strategist with the Regenerative Fashion Collective Exchange; Molly Mungai, designer and founder of Embe Creatives; Ria Ana Sejpal, creative director of Lilabare and Rose Mwathi, founder of Weavers Worth.
Both panels sparked rich dialogue and engagement, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
ABOUT HANDS OF FASHION
Hands Of Fashion is the brand led and co-owned by the artisans in our network, a celebration of African craftsmanship and its place in global fashion. Rooted in sustainability, empowerment, and heritage, the brand brings together different lines of products, each crafted by skilled artisans within our social enterprise partners across Africa.
By bridging traditional techniques with contemporary design, Hands of Fashion creates high-quality, ethically made pieces that empower artisan communities—especially women—while driving economic and social change.
The Hands Of Fashion first capsule collection has been produced in Kenya, by the Artisans of Tujikuze Ethical Fashion Initiative with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
