1. What area of fashion & design do you focus on?
We are a menswear fashion brand on a journey to help men re-identify with their rich cultural heritage by subtly incorporating bold prints & hues to the pieces we make. In so doing we help men achieve both confidence & their fullest potential. Our product ranges include suits, Jewellery, Formal & Semi Formal Pants, Shirts, Belts & Leather Bags.
2. What are you most inspired by and what is the core value/driving principle that leads your work?
We are most inspired by the desire to showcase Kenyan cultural beauty & a need to be of positive impact in our society by empowering local artisans in helping us build a global fashion brand.
3. Has COVID-19 affected your practice as a designer and your approach to your brand?
Yes, it has. The quantity of work and spending potential has reduced. Covid has however also taught us the need to be adaptable, empathetic & the more urgent need to embrace digital tools as a medium to grow the brand.
4. Can you tell us about your supply chain and the materials you use?
We source a majority of our suiting & print/cotton fabric from local distributors. Since Covid, we have however taken a step towards using local manufactured materials i.e Rivatex as a deliberate brand strategy towards sustainability. Our products are designed locally & manufactured in Kibera with talented artisans.
5. What does ‘Made in Kenya’ mean to you?
It means, gaining creative inspiration from Kenyan culture (with certain exceptions), sourcing fabrics & raw materials from Kenya and manufacturing using labour right here in Kenya. This creates a sustainable model from which “Kenya” actually benefits from the proceeds of the brand growing. Economically, socially & culturally.
6. What shifts would you like to see take place in the global fashion industry over the next 5 years?
More localised brands, taking advantage of their rich inherent culture & resources to sell garments. This will breed more pride, functionality & form within the industry. Also, I foresee most brands embracing tech (Artificial Intelligence) to help predict trends, furnish the supply chain & better design for the modern man & woman.
Our social media handles are:
• Instagram: @genteel_ke
• Twitter: @genteel_ke
• Linked In: Genteel Fashion & Grooming.
• Website:- www.genteel.co.ke
