Creative DNA digital showcase to give local designers global exposure

British Council through its  fashion programme, Creative DNA, and UK-based Fashion Scout have launched WAUZINE – a digital showcase including three limited edition digital publications, featuring 11 emerging designers from Kenya, and bringing together cross-cultural collaborations between writers, illustrators and creative teams in both London and Nairobi.

The online platform is implemented in order to give local designers visibility to a global audience whilst celebrating a diverse variety of voices and creativity.

The first of our three issues explores Nairobi’s myriad neighbourhoods through a fashion story by photographer Maganga Mwagogo showcasing the bold and powerful work of our designers and an in-depth essay by Awuor Onyango revealing the cultural and social lines that underpin the Kenyan capital.

WAUZINE is designed and created by the team at Fashion Scout, with Helen Jennings, Co-founder and Editorial Director of Nataal Media as Features Editor and showcases exclusive photo-shoots under the creative direction of Sunny Dolat, Fashion Curator and Co-founder of The Nest Collective.

Creative DNA programme supported by the British Council is focused on promoting alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system with the ambition of demonstrating that the fashion sector in Kenya is a professional choice for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy.

The programme conducted work in six major areas: Research and Insight, Policy and Advocacy, Business Support, NESTA Creative Enterprise Programme, Fashion Incubator as well as #FashionFridays (read more here) As part of the Fashion Incubator programme, British Council is working with local fashion designers in Kenya to boost the growth of a sustainable creative industry in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic through a programme aimed at developing their skills, knowledge and global networks.

Creative DNA project is delivered by the Kenyan partner, Metta Nairobi and the UK based partner Fashion Scout, 11 fashion businesses have been immersed in a 12- month incubator programme between February 2020 and February 2021 – including a business bootcamp, personalised mentoring, competitive seed funding and will be showcasing on Fashion Scout’s digital schedule during London Fashion Week.

Creative Enterprise: the British Council offers individuals and organisations training in business and digital skills, networking events, access to new markets and connections to resources. You can read about the Creative Enterprise programme.

Creative DNA Partners

Fashion Scout

Fashion Scout, is a leading international consultancy and platform for nurturing, empowering and showcasing the future of fashion. Fashion Scout’s showcase events in London, Paris, Kiev and other fashion weeks have presented a whole generation of designers to international media, buyers and influencers.

With 20 years of experience in the industry our consultancy creates and delivers bespoke mentoring and development programmes for designers and organisations around the world – enabling designers to adapt and build sustainable businesses in these challenging times – and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work to the international market. https://www.fashionscout.co.uk

Mettā Nairobi

Metta is Nest Groups’ physical and digital entrepreneurs’ network, where they bring together founders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics and investors to collaborate. Nest Group is committed to creating collaborative environments that help corporates, start-ups, and our investors scale and succeed. https://metta.co

HEVA Fund

HEVA Fund is an East African fund that invests in the transformative social and economic potential of the creative economy sector in the East African region. Since 2013, HEVA has innovated financial models specifically for the East African creative economy and has invested in more than 20 creative businesses in the fashion, digital content, crafts and decor value chains. http://www.hevafund.com