The East Africa International Fashion Week brought the region’s fashion community together in Kisumu, Kenya, celebrating creativity, cultural expression, and the growing influence of East African designers. Hosted by Kenyan international runway model and fashion entrepreneur Eleshia Ais, the event featured designers and models from across the region, with collections that blended contemporary aesthetics with distinctive East African cultural influences, as reported by TNX Africa.
The showcase also recognised outstanding creative talent through a series of awards. Zarabi Fashion House was named East Africa International Fashion Designer of the Year, while Phally Designs received the Elegance Fashion Designer of the Year award and Slyvee Creative was recognised as Creative Fashion Designer of the Year for its innovative approach to design.
Beyond the runway, the fashion week continues to serve as a platform for emerging designers and models to gain visibility, build professional networks, and connect with opportunities within the wider fashion industry. Founded by Eleshia Ais in 2019, the initiative has grown into a regional platform dedicated to promoting East African culture and developing creative talent. The Kisumu edition marked the first time the fashion week was hosted in the city, further expanding its reach within Kenya’s creative landscape.
The growing presence of events such as the East Africa International Fashion Week highlights the region’s expanding creative economy and the increasing commercial potential of African fashion. By creating platforms where designers can showcase their work and receive industry recognition, the event continues to contribute to the development and global visibility of East African fashion.
