Last year, we had the chance to interact with some truly wonderful designers whose work reminded us why fashion remains one of the most powerful forms of innovation. Fashion, at its core, is about breaking the limits of what is, daring to imagine, and dreaming about what could be.
One of them was Noortribe. Her pieces carry a sense of theatrics that immediately catch the eye, but what truly sets them apart is the emotion they evoke. There is drama in the silhouettes and intention in the construction, yet a softness that speaks to the deeper meaning of femineity. Her work doesn’t just dress the body, it heals and empower.
In her own Voice:
I created NoorTribe as a sustainable fashion label and lifestyle movement, born from the heart of East Africa. Everything we do is rooted in handmade, artisanal design that honors our traditions while celebrating the future.
For me, NoorTribe is more than fashion. It is a way of life. Each piece we create reconnects you with your own inner wisdom, blending authenticity, soul, and purpose. Our mission is to empower communities, inspire individuality, and build a world where African fashion leads with integrity and creativity.
At its core, NoorTribe is about giving you the freedom to shape your own story, adorned in garments that carry history, intention, and a sense of connection to something greater.
By Guia
Then there was Anna Trzebinski. Her collection was a striking play of pearls, feathers and rich texture. It was opulent, textured, and whimsically expressive. It gave a Gatsby-inspired elegance, but with a distinctly African touch, especially in the accessories. Through her work, two worlds meet seamlessly, resulting in pieces that feel both nostalgic and contemporary.
In Her own Voice:
I draw from more than three decades of building an artisanal brand rooted in Kenyan craft. My work is shaped by long-standing collaborations with artisans, and everything I create, whether clothing or accessories, carries cultural detail, precise handwork, and a strong sense of place.
At the Atelier, we bring together hand-sewn garments, leather, beadwork, and accessories, all made by a small, dedicated team of artisans. Every piece is conceived and produced on site, from the first sketch to the final stitch. This allows us to remain intentional at every stage of the process.
My focus has always been on careful craftsmanship, natural materials, and creating work that maintains a clear, honest link to Kenya. Each piece tells a story of where it comes from, who made it, and the traditions it continues to carry forward.
Each piece is crafted individually from the finest raw materials, shaped not only by skill but by presence as woven in with its rich cultural roots, is Anna’s personal involvement. What emerges is more than just a garment or accessory, but something with a pulse, vibrating with heart, soul, creativity and love, the essence of Africa coursing through its seams. Beautifully constructed with the knowledge that for the perfect owner, the piece will become intwined with life and relationships, these pieces evolve into cherished items, ones that come to be heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.
By Anna Trzebinski
We were also introduced to Baba Lee, a designer from Lamu whose global journey is deeply embedded in his work. Having travelled extensively and engaged with diverse cultures, he has established himself in Nairobi while maintaining a strong connection to the coastal spirit of Lamu. His designs embody a sense of clever luxury, using fabrics that are not only soft but made to be layered and played with. It is about giving leeway to creativity, working within the possibilities of your accessories.
I come from Lamu, and I see myself as a nomad. Through my travels around the world, I have continuously rediscovered the art of stitching. It is all about learning, unlearning, and returning to it again and again.
I describe my brand as cool, comfortable, and dressed to please. The pieces are made to be lived in, not forced. For me, it’s about ease, how fabric sits on the body, how it moves, how it allows you to exist freely within your day.
At its core, my work is about breathing and taking each day as it comes.
Finally, we had the privilege of meeting Koblis, a designer from Nigeria who is bringing Nigerian style into Kenyan menswear. His work creates a conversation between cultures, blending confidence, structure, and heritage. Through his designs, West and East Africa meet in a way that feels intentional and forward-looking.
The connection between humanity and leather is as old as time. Fashion has simply carried that relationship from necessity into the everyday. When we think of Nashipai bags, we feel grounded in a culture that transcends time. It is one that humbles us through its continuity.
This is a craft that is passed down, with each generation adding its own layer of refinement and meaning. It was a true pleasure interacting with a designer who places this sense of interconnectivity at the very heart of her work, allowing tradition, innovation, and human touch to exist in quiet harmony.
At Nashipai Leather, we see leather as a celebration of Kenyan craftsmanship and timeless design. Everything we create is rooted in authenticity. Our pieces are handmade to embody strength, style, and a sense of joy.
Every stitch carries the story of skilled artisans who blend tradition with modern elegance. We work with sustainably sourced leather, crafting each piece to age beautifully over time, reflecting both the resilience of its makers and the enduring spirit of Africa.
For us, true luxury lies in quality, purpose, and heritage. Each piece is more than an accessory; it is a journey of artistry, intention, and pride.
Nashipai Leather
Crafted with joy. Made to last.
As AfriHUE continues to grow within the industry, our commitment to this vision grows even stronger. We are determined to share these dreams, these stories, and these innovations, carrying them beyond borders and spreading them across the continent and the world.