The Internet is abuzz with Jamhuri Wear’s new BUYU line. A kiondo weekender duffle, a soft iPad case, and a pouch with natural tan leather trimmings— these are some of the products in a line that hopes to represent the perfect African-inspired fashion accessories. Founder and Head Designer Jeffery Kimathi told Heritage1960.com (an e-commerce website selling the line exclusively), “We are proud to haveevolved, design-wise, an everyday cultural piece that our mothers, sisters and women for generations have used to carry market produce in.

We transformed a bulky tote into a premium, high-end product that can function in a modern context. We’re so proud to share this worldwide.” Chico Leco (a local retail fashion website) recognises that competition is fierce and staying in business means having fresh products. Sunny Dolat, stylist and co-founder of chicoleco.com, posits, “In fashion, product design is key.” When picking outfits and accessories for Chico Leco, Sunny says that they have to have a mass appeal. It has to have that “it” factor. “It is important that the product is not too common, to give the site an edge over everyone else,” he states. The newest merchandise on the site includes cigarette pants, snoods and vintage brooches.

“Marketing is to get the people interested, but the work has to be good or else three months down the line, people will be talking trash about your products,” says Sunny. That’s what Dishol-House of Design hopes to avoid. Launching this October during the Kitenge Festival, the new player in the fashion industry intends to “reinvent Kenyan design, making it available to the masses at affordable rates.” Dishol will carry Kenyan-made men’s and women’s collections that offer both casual and formal wear. “We’ll have everything, including shoes! The brand is all about meeting entire lifestyle needs,” explains Muthoni Maingi, head of marketing. Their business model is primarily based on selling directly to retailers so they are not planning to have a flagship store. However, after the October 20th launch, customers can view Dishol products at www.dishol.co.ke.