Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change in fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion entails more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion. Sustainable fashion is part of the growing design philosophy and trend of sustainability, the goal of which is to create a system which can be supported indefinitely in terms of environmentalism and social responsibility.

With this growing movement, the 12th edition of Nairobi’s popular Tribal Chic fashion show will be pegged on the theme of sustainable fashion. This platform will bring light to major brands in Kenya that are thriving to make a difference through sustainable fashion.

Here are some of the sustainable brands in Kenya that will be part of this show:

One of the brands includes KikoRomeo which focuses on creating longevity in garments by use of handmade and hand-dyed fabrics as well as hand-carved trims sourced within Africa.

Another such brand is We Are NBO. We Are NBO is a handmade jewellery and elevated home goods brand that leverages existing artisan skills and savoir-faire to make elevated products with materials often salvaged from the waste stream.

A Nairobi-based brand, Deepa Dosaja, will also be showcasing its fabrics made using only natural fabrics such as silk, bamboo, cotton, and linens and is constantly looking for new innovative fabrics which have a low impact on the environment.

Kenya is making good progress and growing the sustainable fashion industry. We can too be part of this industry by shopping from local sustainable brands. This way you are able to reduce your fashion footprint and help the environment because it is made from materials that are recycled, organic, or biodegradable. This reduces emissions from production and minimises the amount of waste created throughout the clothing’s life cycle. Additionally, sustainable clothing brands often practice fair labour practices and support the communities in which they do business.

By choosing a sustainable clothing brand, you can show your support for a more ethical fashion industry and protect the environment.