Eldoret’s Kitenge Fashion Festival embraced sustainability with a creative twist.
This year’s event, themed “Unleashing Local SME Potential: Building Kenya Through Fashion,” featured a unique competition sponsored by Jambojet.
The challenge? Repurpose old airline materials like headrests, uniforms, and seat covers into showstopping fashion pieces.
Sustainability Meets Style
The competition showcased the innovative spirit of Kenyan fashion. Caroline Wairimu of Empress Crafts took first place with her stunning creations. She transformed aeroplane parts into stylish uniforms, bags, and upcycled suitcases, demonstrating exceptional detail and craftsmanship.
The first-place Award, a purchase order of Kes 250,000, went to Empress Crafts, who used our materials for travel bags with detailed beadwork, cardigans, and scarf! As a special reward, she was also awarded a seat on our Inaugural flight to Zanzibar in July 🎉 #JMSustainability… pic.twitter.com/IZGL7oA2mX
— FlyJambojet (@FlyJambojet) May 5, 2024
Eileen Chepchumba of Lyn Crafts impressed with her intricate crochet work, incorporating recycled materials into bikinis, cover-ups, and sweaters.
The 2nd place Award for Sustainable Fashion was scooped up by Lynn’s Crotchet, who upcycled our materials into beautiful beach wear for ladies and a warm knitted sweater for the gents. She won a purchase order of Kes 100,000 for her designs 🙌🏼 #JMSustainability @kitengefest2022 pic.twitter.com/hkaIPkvNjR
— FlyJambojet (@FlyJambojet) May 5, 2024
Ashley Lugalia’s sophisticated designs, featuring upcycled crew uniforms and seat covers turned into outfits and duffel bags, secured her the third-place spot.
3rd place for the Sustainability Category went to Ashley’s Fashion, who upcycled our seat covers, uniforms, and headrest covers into a beautiful outfit completed with a duffel bag! We awarded her an order worth Kes 50,000 for her designs #JMSustainability @kitengefest2022 pic.twitter.com/iT9aHaBNxU
— FlyJambojet (@FlyJambojet) May 5, 2024
Beyond the Runway
The Kitenge Fashion Festival wasn’t just about the competition. The 2024 edition emphasized the transformative power of collaboration and the importance of eco-friendly practices in fashion.
Workshops and panel discussions provided attendees with valuable insights on integrating sustainability into their design work.
The festival served as a reminder of fashion’s potential for positive change. By showcasing innovative upcycling techniques and highlighting the crucial role of sustainability in contemporary design, the Kitenge Fashion Festival sets a new standard for the future of fashion.
