It’s the month of June, and suddenly, it’s every Tom, Dick, and Mary’s birthday, including Michelle Ntalami. Michelle sourcing for Kenya’s top-shelf designers through her now-infamous Instagram posts shows how disconnected we are with our Kenyan designers, more so female. Here is a list of all-female Kenyan designers Pulse has gathered to pimp not only Michelle but anybody else looking for some grandeur locally made designs.
Tenya Swim by Michelle Ndeteni & Clara Wahura
It’s June, and Nairobi weather is deserting. It might be the best time to take a trip down to Peachy Kilifi or the Coast side because it’s not peak season, so accommodation costs are favorable. Ladies deserve to show off their sexiness in some exotic Kenyan-made bikinis and lingerie. Well, look no further than the Kenyan swimwear atelier, Ndeteni. The brand designs the most vicious and fawning two-piece, three-piece sets of wet-wear, plus they are inclusivity-forward catering for plus-size men (trunks) and much more as they push the needle.
CRAFTED NAIROBI by Wana Muthama
When it comes to athleisure, this brand by Wana comes serving us the best pieces you can acquire locally in terms of sweatpants, sweatshirts, beanies, and more accessories. Their premium oversized aesthetic fits are absolutely gorgeous and sewn to pristine detail; one wonders if this is even a Kenyan brand, respectfully. The trend in oversize baggy wear is peak currently, and CRAFTED serves this purpose. With Wana’s background of travels, it’s no wonder the brand is upper echelon and only exudes excellence. If one is looking not to do too much and wants to keep it minimalistic in terms of color, this brand is the ultimate steal, plus it’s Kenyan and woman-owned.
Theresia Kyalo by Tracy
Imagine her highness Beyoncé co-signing you. Yes, that is Theresia Kyalo – a Kenyan jeweler profound in metal works. The extraordinary artist is redefining how we see metal-made works, a much affordable alternative to real diamonds, gold, pearls, or any precious stones. Theresia’s work has an artsy edge, is playful, and is a wide range compatible with our different complexions, head shapes, and outfits. That makes it a very dynamic piece to wear and collect, even as an artifact.
Tuttoclothing by June Tuto
Kenyan owned, but Marabella and Los Angeles forged. The women-wear brand curated by designer June Tuto is refined and elegant-ready. The chic, silhouettes, cuts, and the 5%-ness in June’s eye is what makes the name a prestigious one. These pieces are high-end, and prices must be through the roof, but her philosophy seems to be parallel to that of Narok NYC designer, “The clothes are made for people who work hard,” meaning the prices are definitely mid.
Mwagira by Mwagira Muriithi
In honor of Kenyan culture, Mwagira takes from Kenyan folklore history and immortalizes them through her controversial hyper-sexualized clothing. Her clothes are feminist-heavy and provocative in that they have substance celebrating heroes or monuments through the pieces but maintain a sexy edge. The psychological quagmire is at play, but the pieces’ fabric are far from second class hence the heightened prices on the pieces between 10,000/- to 25,000/-.
Illicit Attire by Sheena Karegi
Another Kenyan brand with an English title, but perhaps it makes it better than the pieces are actually valuable and a worthy purchase. From the polos, and muscle tees for the gents, to the crop tops for the ladies, there are also robes for the soft life members and really mint graphic tees anyone can wear. The fits are tidy and weather-rounded with pieces such as different full-set joggers that fit exactly to size.
2Endo by Patti and Yvonne Endo
A hybrid of Kenyan and Japanese influence oozes through the threads and optics of the brand. 2 Endo is dynamic, offering a vast number of collectibles from house itineraries like pots, framed pictures, cushions, and pieces minimalistic and warm feeling to the living room. Besides that, they dabble in unique pieces such as tote bags, tees, jewelry, and more diverse items.
