Muyishime Eddy Patrick is the founder of the fashion brand Muyishime. The brand produces tailored designs that are innovative, androgynous and gender-fluid.
The designs stand out as they ignore the separations around gender by flowing between feminine and masculine. He sits down with fashion stylist Lucy Robi
1. When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?
I was always making outfits when I was young and sketching in my notebooks but I decided to study fashion when I saw the course on the Kenyatta University website.
2. When did you land your first internship and what was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?
I landed my first internship at Kikoromeo in 2018 and learnt a lot from Ann McCreath, especially practical stuff that they don’t teach in school and she still supports me to date.
3. How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?
Right now, the international market is open to new talent from Africa and there are so many opportunities like Arise fashion week 30 under 30, which I’ll be participating in. Instagram is slowly turning into an online market too, which is amazing for young brands.
4. What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
That’s where everyone is right now, you can create your portfolio on social media and you never know who’s viewing. It might be your next client or investor. Also, social media is a very affordable marketing tool.
5. What is your favorite part about being a designer?
Seeing my crazy ideas and dreams come to life and someone getting to live a life in them.
6. What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out?
I took everything as a lesson and kept working. I watered down my abilities to meet clients’ needs and it wasn’t building me creatively so I decided to express myself as creatively as I could and it opened doors to a new market which understands me. So always stay true to yourself.
7. How do you want people to feel when wearing your clothes?
Empowered, attractive, free, comfortable and happy.
8. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?
It’s going to be fine, trust the process.