Evolving Trends: Nairobi Design Week 2024 in Review

Nairobi Design Week is an annual festival that promotes the Kenyan design community, in collaboration with local and international partners. The annual festival gives citizens a chance to explore the scene, and participate in projects and conversations concerning their city by focusing on a theme, year after year. 

This year's festival unfolded at Opportunity Factory by Sandstorm Kenya in Karen from the 9th to the 17th of March under the theme:  “We Got This.” 

Adrian Jankowiak, Director of Nairobi Design, shared insights into the inspiration behind the theme, "Every year the theme we pick is almost like a story, it relates to the previous year's Design Week and it relates to the next one. Last year we had:  'It's what we make it,' and the year before was 'where we live.' This year's theme captures the spirit of the community, reflecting self-reliance, independence, and community spirit amidst global uncertainties. This year's theme reflects not only the ethos of Nairobi's design community but also resonates with current global events, calling for unity amidst uncertainty.”

From the thought-provoking panel talk, “Business of Fashion - (the transformative influence of Creative DNA) and Fashion Photography - (Exploring the intersection between fashion and Art)” which offered insightful glimpses into the evolving landscape of fashion and design, to the Workshops on product development and e-commerce training by Ananse Africa which empowered emerging creatives to navigate the digital aspect of the industry, Nairobi Design Week was a melting pot of ideas and inspiration.

Photo:  Exploring the intersection between fashion and Art panelist 

Some of the stand-out exhibits of this year's design week included: The Annase Africa (an e-commerce platform that showcases African Designers) exhibition which featured an eye-catching red two-piece set, adorned with an abstract face that brings a striking semblance of asymmetry that stands out from the usual symmetrical patterns we usually see.

Photo: Ananse exhibition

Moving forward, your eyes are drawn to the sleek Roam Electric motorcycle. A symbol of innovation and sustainable design. Nearby, a giant mushroom installation stands tall, titled “High on Shrooms” by Vinette for Kilibasi Design Studio. Its surface was adorned with countless mirrors reflecting light and creating a mesmerizing play of reflections. Adjacent to this, The Africa Textile exhibition booth catches your attention with designs crafted from recycled denim materials, each piece telling a story of sustainability and creativity. 

Photo: Roam electric bike, High on shrooms 

Further along, you arrive at the British Council's Creative DNA exhibition, where emerging fashion designers showcase their latest creations. I had the privilege of speaking with one of the fashion designers, Betrand Singizwa of Alienated Route who commented, “Alienated Route bridges the gap between avant-garde and ready-to-wear, creating pieces that challenge norms. As a young African who grew up in a middle-class family with a television set often in front of me, the brand is oriented to create between the lines of what I saw on TV and my reality within and outside the gates. With that comes inspiration from visuals, shape, and choice of fabric to create authenticity.”  

Photo: Alienated Route Designs

Betrand explained the genesis of his pieces,"Fences inspired this piece. In suburban homes, we usually fence our homes with broken glass on top of the walls. The vinyl on the fabric represents the broken glasses, symbolizing protection and deterrence."

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Solo Nairobi offered a bold reinterpretation of a fusion between luxury and streetwear fashion. Nigel Muthuo, the creative genius behind the brand explained, “Solo Nairobi’s new collection  'Breaking Barriers' is about breaking the limits we put on ourselves. I’m a person who observes people and their behavior, and I see this generation, a programming that is built into us. I don't get why we limit ourselves on how we do some things. So, the message I want to convey is to break the barriers that we impose on ourselves."

Photo: Solo Nairobi Collection

Continuing on the exploration of Nairobi Design Week's diverse offerings, the outside space of the Opportunity Factory unveils a myriad of captivating exhibitions and installations. One striking piece that demands attention is a monumental sculpture by Njogu Kuria, resembling African masquerades, meticulously crafted from recycled rubber sourced from tires. Here, the power of assemblage techniques takes center stage, blending handcraft with industrial technology in a mesmerizing display of artistry. 

Photo: Njogu Kuria rubber sculpture

Further along the outdoor space, you come across  “Freedom Alley”,  featuring an interactive session by “Free Minds Sessions.” Free Mind Sessions is an organization that brings together a community of diverse people to a safe space. Here, they initiate meaningful conversations, on different topics and are encouraged to challenge cultural stereotypes and narratives, therefore generating a tolerance of differences which cultivates a more inclusive conversation. Today’s topic of discussion was “Broken Telephone.” Visitors were offered a piece of paper, stuck on their backs then tasked to draw on the paper of the person in front. The idea was to get the person to redraw what they felt was being drawn on their back on a different piece of paper. 

Continuing the journey, visitors encounter the innovative Braille Installation by Hisi Studio. This inclusive design brand is dedicated to enhancing the independence of people with disabilities through its products, services, and curated spaces. The modular, interactive braille play installation caters to both the visually impaired and sighted individuals. The visitors learn Braille basics and proceed to make words in Braille on the board. The installation aims to involve attendees in collective creation while raising awareness of braille literacy and inclusive design.

As the exploration of Nairobi Design Week continues, one finds oneself amidst the bustling market space, where a multitude of brands proudly showcase their products. Among them stands 'Jipe Apparel,' a brand with a compelling ethos rooted in self-expression and empowerment. Founded by Bonni, a former pilot with a passion for fashion, Jipe Apparel embodies the Swahili spirit of 'Jipe,' meaning 'give yourself.' The brand seeks to inspire confidence and mental well-being through its custom-made, inclusive designs. In a conversation with Bonni, the founder of Jipe Apparel, she shared the brand's journey and vision, "Jipe is more than just a brand. It’s a community. I want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin. To walk in and leave knowing they look and feel amazing."

Photo: Market Space 

This year's Nairobi Design Week has also sparked reflections on its evolving nature as noted by another attendee, "I noticed this year NDW is more centered towards fashion, whereas last year it was more centered towards art.” 

This shift reflects the dynamic nature of the design landscape, highlighting the diverse avenues of expression embraced by Kenyan creatives. Looking ahead to the future, the possibilities for Nairobi Design Week are boundless. As the event continues to evolve and grow, I hope to see an even deeper integration of art, fashion, technology, and sustainability. A holistic approach that celebrates the intersectionality of design disciplines, while also fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all.