Mettā Nairobi, in partnership with HIVOS East Africa, will bring five fashion startups to Nairobi for its third bootcamp programme, Fashion Product Lab 3.0.
The fashion startups were selected from 300 applications that were received from all over the country. The programme will begin in August.
Fashion Product Lab 3.0 is an 8-week intensive program helping entrepreneurs in the fashion industry launch their brands into local & international markets. The programme also helps the startups develop new & diverse product lines. As part of the programme, the 2019 cohort will have the opportunity to engage with high-profile speakers, experts, mentors, and a global network of support throughout the program. They will also access to the Mettā space in Nairobi and the global Mettā community.
“Under the concept of ‘Inspiring Change – Unleash the Potential’, Mettā will provide an intensive bootcamp program to the fashion designers using our expertise in the local business environment and financial services. This will help them to unleash their full potential and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions.” – Maurice Otieno, General Manager Mettā Nairobi
The Fashion Product Lab 3.0 will conclude in a one-of-a-kind Fashion Runway in September 2019, where entrepreneurs will pitch their companies. They will also showcase their collections for funding and partnerships.
The 5 Fashion Product Lab 3.0 startups are;
1. Collins Karanja
Brand: The Urban Gents Ltd
TUG is a fashion brand who started in 2019 with the aim of bringing inclusivity, diversity, and creativity in the local fashion scene. At TUG, they pride themselves on the wide array of products and services which include Ready-To-Wear, Accessories and Made to Measure service. Their comprehensive product range continues to grow through research & development initiatives as well as the great wealth of knowledge and skills gained through working almost 10 years at Co-Be Nairobi.
2. Joel Meshak
Brand: Naivaa Apparel
Naivaa is an up and coming fashion brand that seeks to create unique urban pieces and build an identity that reflects and resonates with Nairobi Culture.
3. Yvonne Asunnah
Brand: Yvonne Asunah Kenya
This fashion brand specalises in contemporary unisex designs. They predominantly work with local African prints that have a modern western twist.
4. Dorothy Ochieng
Brand: Chicolatta
Chicolatta is a Kenyan based fashion brand that offers quality and competitively priced womenswear, with it’s Ready-to-Wear line as well as tailored Custom-made pieces for the upward discerning clientele. Chicolatta is a minimalistic style in classic silhouettes that use both contemporary and African fabric.
5. Carole Mwangura
Brand: Caverroh
Caverroh we design and make Versatile, Comfortable and Stylish clothing for the modern woman for her to look fabulous and be empowered to live a wonderful fashion forward life