The SHIFT80 Design Prize 2024 Awards Ceremony celebrated the vibrancy of Kenyan innovation and sustainable fashion in Nairobi.
The highly anticipated event highlighted the creative prowess of six finalists, whose designs captivated judges and audiences alike by turning discarded materials into extraordinary fashion statements.
Themed "The Future of Sustainable Fashion from Kenya," the event kicked off with an insightful panel discussion featuring prominent voices in fashion and culture.
The judges were Iona McCreath, Creative Director of KikoRomeo; Chemutai Sage, singer and actress; and Oliver Asike, SHIFT80 designer and co-founder of 2ManySiblings.
The dialogue centred on Kenya's role as a rising hub for ethical fashion, blending artistry with environmental consciousness.
Out of 21 initial submissions, six finalists showcased their designs in the final round of judging.
Their works demonstrated a harmonious blend of creativity and sustainability, using upcycled materials to narrate stories of identity and community.
The Grand Prize Winner, Brillian Lutomia, took home Sh50,000 for her remarkable design inspired by the Kibera Community.
Her creation, made from Gunia fabric commonly used in the area, told a profound story of resilience and beauty that cannot and should not be hidden.
“I'm so grateful to SHIFT80 for giving me a platform and an opportunity to tell my story and showcase my designs. Thank you for giving upcoming Kenyan designers opportunities and hope for life in the fashion industry. It was an amazing experience,” Lutomia said.
The Excellence Award and Sh30,000 went to Hellen Kihara, whose vibrant design paid homage to Kenya's matatu culture.
Drawing from the bold shapes, colours, and artistry associated with matatus, her pieces captured the dynamism of urban life.
“Winning this award feels surreal, especially for someone who once doubted their potential. As a fashion student, I’ve always struggled with believing in my creativity, but this recognition proves that dedication and passion can lead to unexpected victories,” Kihara said.
The other finalists were; Janet Cherop, Kijiana Mtanashati, Millicent Oluoch and Veronica Gakio.
The designs reflected SHIFT80's core ethos: transforming waste into wearable art while empowering communities.
“Sustainable fashion solves all the environmental problems because we get to rework pieces from environmentally friendly materials, so I think it’s a chance for us to save the earth,” remarked Chemutai Sage, one of the judges.
The event served as a platform to amplify SHIFT80’s mission of reinvesting profits into community development.
By spotlighting talents like Lutomia and Kihara, SHIFT80 not only advances sustainable fashion but also underscores the role of creativity in solving pressing societal challenges.
SHIFT80 founder Miggy Sakata expressed heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm for discovering and empowering more talents in the future.
"This was our first competition, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to discover such remarkable talent. Sustainability is more than just a word – behind it lies diverse backgrounds and powerful stories that truly move people,” she said.
“To create real impact, sustainable fashion must touch hearts and inspire action. I felt that this year’s winners demonstrated that strength in their work. The SHIFT80 Design Prize aims to be a platform for emerging designers, enabling their creativity to reach beyond Kenya and inspire the world through collaborations with brands like ours.”