Jamie Bryan Kimani, the founder of Sevaria, Sharon Wendo of Epica Jewellery, and Kevin Abwova of Kisero Nairobi represented Kenya’s fashion and design industry at one of the world’s most prestigious runways under the auspices of the British Council to champion sustainable growth for emerging designers in the and accelerate the creative economy.
They were joined by seven designers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, all of whom are alumni or current participants of Creative DNA, the British Council’s fashion accelerator that has supported over 200 entrepreneurs across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria and Malawi since 2020.
In addition to the runway and exhibition, the designers participated in UK retail stockist and manufacturing tours, offering them direct insights into ethical production practices, global fashion standards, and the dynamics of the international retail market. The cultural exchange component of the engagement provides designers a unique opportunity to explore the UK’s fashion ecosystem, encompassing supplier networks, sustainability models, and retail partnerships.
This bilateral connection creates meaningful opportunities for Kenyan talent to engage globally, gain new perspectives, and build lasting networks. It’s a powerful example of how UK–Kenya partnerships can drive creative and economic impact across borders.’
Farai Ncube Tarwireyi, Regional Arts Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council highlighted that, ‘Africa’s fashion industry holds immense potential. It is estimated that it could generate over $15 billion in revenue by 2025 and create millions of jobs across the continent. But to truly unlock that potential, emerging designers need access to markets, visibility, and global networks. "
Adding "Africa Fashion Week London offers a powerful platform for just that. Through our Creative DNA programme, the British Council is proud to support a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs as they connect with international audiences, explore new opportunities, and shape the future of fashion on their own terms.’
Kimani, who founded Sevaria in 2018, draws inspiration from his upbringing in Kiserian, a town located in Kenya’s Rift Valley. His designs mirror the garments worn by the Maasai community and sub-religious groups such as the Akorino from Central Kenya. Kimani’s life experiences and his drive to challenge gender stereotypes also influence his designs.
Kevin and his father, Abwova, founded Kisero in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This father-and-son luxury brand produces handcrafted, premium leather bags, shoes, and accessories that blend timeless African heritage with contemporary global elegance.
From its humble beginnings as a shoe-repair workshop, Kisero has grown into a symbol of curated African luxury, collaborating with international brands, inspiring local artisans, and telling powerful stories through their work with leather.
Wendo founded Epica in 2018 after participating in a government entrepreneurship programme. Her brand celebrates the rich diversity of African cultures through wearable art. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, paying homage to the diverse traditions, symbols, and aesthetics of various African cultures.
This year’s British Council Pavilion looked ahead to the future of fashion, showcasing where
The exhibition will showcase the work of African designers and fashion weeks that are collaborating with AI labs and robotics engineers from Ethiopia’s Guzo Technologies to explore tech-enabled storytelling and virtual reality runways on digital avatars, paving the way for cross-continental virtual fashion presentations.
The engagement reflects the British Council’s ongoing commitment to placing creativity, cultural exchange, and enterprise at the centre of inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa and the UK.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, emphasised that, ‘This partnership with the British Council represents a bold step forward in our mission to elevate African fashion on the global stage. By showcasing these visionary designers in London, we’re not only celebrating their talents but also forging deeper cross-cultural connections within the global fashion ecosystem.’
Epica Jewellery, Kenya @epicajewellery
Sevaria, Kenya @sevaria.ke
Ometsey, Ghana @ometseyofficial
Henri Uduku, Nigeria @henriuduku
Black, Fine & Fly, Nigeria @bfandf
Runganor, Zimbabwe @runganorwedu
Dagmawit, Ethiopia @dagmawitfashion
Shwanda Kollection, Uganda, @shwanda_kollection
Guzo Technologies, Ethiopia @guzotech
