#BuyKenyanWearKenyan: Maybe, Maybe not

If there’s something to appreciate about the Kenyan fashion scene today, is that we have more #madeinkenya brands and even better is that they’re not all vitenges.

Not to say that traditional African/Kenyan wear is not beautiful but the diversity and variety we have today of #madeinkenya clothing - in material, style and design- is exhilarating.

More and more, we are no longer limited to a few international stores such as MRP and Woolworths or mtumbas from our popular open-air markets, as was the case several years back; and of course, with the help of social media and the internet, #BuyKenyanWearKenyan is increasingly becoming a reality.

In fact, some of us really look forward to purchasing apparel from stores that offer Kenyan made brands. Here's why:

• Promoting local industries, thereby creating employment locally in the textiles and apparel sector and so many more affiliate industries.

• Made to fit, not only in terms of the sizing of the garments. #MadeinKenya brands are also suited to our weather and to our context here in Kenya.

• Availability and variety: Some years back, we were at the mercy of tailors to produce clothes in the design and time we wanted/agreed on. This also happened, mostly, when we had functions to attend. BUT NOW, we have ready-to-wear clothes made locally, produced in a range of sizes. While availability may not always translate into access and on the flipside, some designs may become too available (we shall dive into these 2 issues shortly), we can all agree that we are steadily moving in the right direction in this regard.

• The sales and offers...well, need I say more?
  

Before we move further into this discussion, let’s shout out some #MadeinKenya fashion brands that have been reviewed on our platform and that I, personally, admire.

PS: Some of the brands listed fall in more than one category and may/may not feature in all the categories highlighted below.

Evening wear/Costume/Customary function wear/Bridal: Style by Neomi, Ellen Design, African Fabric and Designs Kenya, Kidosho Apparel, AfroStreet Kollektions, African Inspired,  Tsuma

Office Wear/ Smart-Casual/ Date-night/Event/Wedding Guest: Vivo ActiveWear, Zia Africa, Siri Studio, Salok Havilah Wear, Olakira Craft, African Yuva, Aramay, Fredrick Bittiner Wear, Nalani, Tsuma , Nawiri Online, Ikojn

Sporty/ Chill/ Activewear/ Lounge wear/Athleisure: Amaya, Vivo ActiveWear, Genio Sport, Waka Active Wear, Ikojn

And so many more! (Let me know in the comments if I have missed out on any of your faves)

As we celebrate the steps taken forward to get the industry to where it is; and appreciate the effort and sacrifice that keep being made, let's talk a bit about what we hope for in the current and upcoming #madeinkenya clothing brands- from a buyer's perspective.

What do we look forward to?

Quality, Quality, QUALITY

I have seen a lot of improvements on this front from the brands I have purchased items from. There are instances where you will find that a perfectly designed item, looks amazing in the photos yet is made from flimsy fabric or the finish is just off.

While this is not a problem that's unique to #madeinkenya brands, there are only benefits to producing and selling quality items.

Dear #madeinkenya brands, never forget that you retain customers by giving them value for their money.

Individuality

I don't know how best to characterize this. But do you know that feeling when you eye a pair of pants or a dress on social media (maybe you loved it on someone on the shops page showed up on your TL) and as you take a few days to decide if you will buy it or not, you see 5 other people in something similar.

It could be in a different colour or be a maxi instead of a shift dress or in a slightly different print but it's basically the same thing. Punde si punde, it feels like half of Nairobi and everyone on IG has the same thing. Now, you're not so sure if you still want to buy the item.

What I'm trying to say is that, while businesses could maximize on fashion trends to sell clothes, to grow their clientele and to keep their businesses running, there is still a market for shoppers who want to be different.

Again, I'm not saying we stop producing wardrobe staples but a time must come when we distinguish clothing stores in Kenya beyond their #madeinkenya status.

A time when these #madeinkenya stores are distinguishable by their individuality and aesthetic.

Make it make money sense

I won't say much about this because I know that the price of an item on the rack is affected by several factors, many that are beyond the control of the business.

We also want to see our favourite stores stay in the market for years, continuously growing and evolving their brands. But, we also hope that as this #BuyKenyaWearKenyan space grows and the industry matures, the prices will reduce in a way that allows more people to access such brands and become less reliant on mtumbas for affordable and good quality clothing.

Excellent Customer Service

It goes without saying that customer service is the icing on the cake to a customer's shopping experience. So, please listen to your customers, they are not always right but they are KING.

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There is perhaps more to be said on this matter but we shall end it here for now. As always, Honest Reviews KE is not here to tarnish anyone's brand or underestimate their hustle.

In fact, this platform is meant to help the #madeinkenya brands and other local businesses to grow, by helping them better understand their customers' wants and needs.

We would LOVE to hear from you. What do you think about #madeinkenya brands or the #BuyKenyanWearKenyan movement?