Once upon a time, fashion was reserved for high-end catwalks. But in recent years, a number of homegrown fashionistas have cultivated unique styles resulting in the emergence of exclusively Kenyan looks. There is no doubt that our fashion industry is booming—and the proof is in the number of people kick-starting careers related to the genre: from stylists and models, to designers. If you've been looking for some style inspiration, take a look at five top fashion designers in Kenya, and see if you can cop their sartorial style.
1.) AfroStreet Kollektions by Yvonne Awuor Yvonne's signature designs draw inspiration from fabrics with majorly African aesthetics infused with a touch of western style. Although she is fairly new to the industry, she has dressed celebrities like, Flavour, Yemi Alade, Vanessa Mdee and Sauti Sol. She's got quite a following on Instagram and is set to become one of the most sought-after designers in the region.

2.) Poisa by Patricia Mbela
Poisa is a word borrowed from Taita language that means "to make" or "to craft''. Poisa has a men's and women's line and an African-inspired jewelry line. Her most notable work to date is the Kenya Airways Millennium uniform design. She was also crowned the Top Kenyan Fashion and Jewelry Designer at the Kenyan Fashion Week in 2014.

3.) JW Couture by Jamil Walji
Jamil means "beautiful" in Arabic. Jamil studied fashion in Malaysia. His mostly couture designs have been in the Kenyan fashion arena since 2011. Jamil's visionary craft has won him a couple of awards including: the FAFA Insight 2012 (a competition for emerging designers) and the 2013 Kenya Fashion Awards Designer of the Year. He has exhibited his designs all over the continent and was the top designer during Kigali Fashion Week in 2016.
[caption id="attachment_35822" align="alignnone" width="850"] Jamil Walji[/caption]
4.) John Kaveke
John Kaveke has been in the business for two decades! The fashion legend launched his self-titled fashion label in 1999 and is well known for his bold African contemporary style. The Woodgrove Fashion College in Kenya and Istituto Europeo di Mode in Barcelona alum's work has been showcased on both local and international platforms including The International Smirnoff Fashion Awards, the Hub of Africa in Ethiopia, The Big Brother Africa House in South Africa, Sarajevo Fashion Week in Bosnia, Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania, Catwalk Kenya and the New York Fashion week.
[caption id="attachment_35823" align="alignnone" width="850"] Cathy Kamau & Chef Ali wearing John Kaveke[/caption]

5.) Ogake Bridal by Ogake Mosomi

Ogake Mosomi is Kenya's answer to Vera Wang. She designs bespoke gowns for the daring, sophisticated bride. Her collection is the most delectable of bridal dresses in Kenya. Ogake has carved her niche in the bridal industry despite being in the business for less than 5 years.

*Pictures: Courtesy