There are many talented tailors in Kenya although a small section of them have made a name for themselves in the local fashion industry.
These tailors work with politicians, celebrities or media personalities, especially news anchors and show hosts.
WoK has compiled a list of Kenyan tailors who work with Kenyan celebrities, tycoons and politicians.
Ashok Sunny
Nairobi-based fashion designer Ashok Sunny is the proprietor of Ashok Sunny Tailored dealing in high-end suits.
The 32-year-old is the tailor behind the outfit that President William Ruto wore during his daughter, June Ruto’s wedding.
Ashok Sunny Tailored employs at least 20 tailors and has brought in other partners.
The company has designed and made suits for other prominent persons as well including George Kinoti and comedian Njugush.
Most of Ashuk’s clients are lawyers, youthful MPs and people in the corporate world.
He imports his fabric from Italy, London, France and Belgium, it comes in various quality ranging from super 100 to super 200, cashmere and vicuna.
Flo Masinde
Flo Masinde is the mind behind Azimio la Umoja presidential running mate Martha Karua’s stylish kitenge outfits.
The politician introduced her tailor in an update on Instagram where she mentioned that she has worked with her for a long time.
“My long time tailor, Flo Masinde. who has made many of my outfits,” Karua said in a video on her social media platforms.
In the video, Masinde pointed out that most of the clothes that she makes are made from materials sourced from Rift Valley Textiles (Rivatex).
“People need to reconsider and forget about the imported ones. If you import the fabric then make sure it is made in Kenya. The Kenyan-made fabric is the way to go,” she stated:
Dominic Owino
Dominic Owino, popularly known as Japolo has worked with Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
The Nairobi politician introduced Japolo as her tailor after social media users inquired about the designer behind a dress that she wore to a political rally.
The woman rep noted that she has worked with Japolo since 2017.
“Hats off to Dominic Owino, aka Japolo, for yet another stunning dress. One of my favourite designers since 2017. Not one to disappoint. Many of my parliamentary colleagues now swear by his name. Find him on 0729655181,” Passaris said.
Bray Brighton Okuto
Bray Brighton Okuto is the founder of Cittifficial Klothing, a fashion business that makes custom tailored suits, dresses, wedding outfits and African wear.
The tailor has worked with notable celebrities including Citizen TV news anchors and couple, Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla.
Okuto often arranges custom outfits from official to casual wear while also incorporating colourful kitenge pieces to achieve the desired outcome.
The tailor pursued Actuarial Science in university but he quit his job with an actuarial firm just months after graduating for focus on the fashion business.
“My relatives and friends were shocked. They wondered why I would turn my back on a highly esteemed profession to get into fashion business, to date, some think of me as a ‘mere tailor’,” he said.
Yvonne Odhiambo
Yvonne Odhiambo is the founder of Afrostreet Kollections which represents the African print but with a Western touch.
The designer has worked with influential politicians such as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and a number of Kenya Kwanza politicians.
Yvonne has also worked with a section of media personalities such as NTV host Amina Abdi Rabar, Sky News Anchor Kimberley Leonard and Lulu Hassan.
