Brian Msafiri’s journey to becoming Kenya’s fashion maverick is nothing short of extraordinary.
From humble beginnings, where he discovered the world of fashion in the bustling Gikomba Market, to becoming a renowned stylist working with A-list celebrities and esteemed brands.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
It all began during Brian’s high school days when his playful nature led to the rapid wear and tear of his Toughees shoes, a popular footwear trend at the time.
To solve this problem, his father introduced him to Gikomba Market, a treasure trove of secondhand clothes and accessories.
This encounter ignited a spark within Brian, revealing the hidden possibilities of fashion beyond the conventional.
“If you remember, there was a time Toughees shoes were the thing in school. If you didn’t have them then you were not fashionable enough. The problem is mine never used to last because I was a playful kid so my dad used to take me to Gikomba to shop for secondhand shoes that would last,” Brian recalled during a past interview.
As he navigated his way through his teenage years, Brian’s fascination with fashion continued to grow.
He and his friends engaged in friendly competitions, trying to outdo one another with their individual styles.
“My friends and I used to be so competitive when it came to fashion, so out-dressing each other always brought out the best in us,” He added.
It was during this time that Brian’s natural talent for fashion styling became evident, and his unique approach to dressing caught the attention of those around him.
One serendipitous moment would alter the course of Brian’s life forever.
His distinct fashion sense led him to style the celebrated East African Hip Hop group, Camp Mullah, for the Channel O Awards in 2012.
This opportunity was the tipping point that propelled him into the spotlight as a sought-after stylist.
Brian’s creativity and ability to elevate a look beyond the ordinary cemented his reputation as a fashion maverick.
His work with Camp Mullah opened doors to collaborations with other iconic artists, including the sensational Sauti Sol.
As Brian’s portfolio grew, so did his clientele, expanding from music bands to commercials and even corporate events.
His unique ability to infuse fashion with the brand’s essence made him a valuable asset for esteemed Kenyan brands seeking to make a statement through their visual identity.
Brian’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. While his unconventional approach to fashion garnered him fans and admirers, it also faced resistance from those who preferred the safety of traditional styles.
Yet, he remained undeterred, staying true to his belief that fashion should be a means of self-expression rather than a means of conformity.
Amidst his flourishing career as a fashion stylist, Brian recognized the untapped potential within Kenya’s fashion landscape.
He saw a burgeoning community of talented young designers eager to make their mark, but lacking platforms to showcase their creations.
Driven by his passion to uplift others, Brian sought to create spaces for emerging designers to thrive.
In 2020, he joined Google’s Alte residency, a transformative experience that brought together young artists, fashion entrepreneurs, and content creators from across Kenya.
Through this collaboration, Brian witnessed the immense creativity and talent present in his country, inspiring him to forge ahead with his mission to support local designers.
One of his most significant achievements came in 2021 when he won the Tribal Chic fashion show competition.
“Right now I am in a position to know what value I am bringing to the table and stand by it. When on a commercial gig, on a minimum aspect of things, I charge not less than Ksh50,000 per day,” Msafiri Said.
Beyond his role as a stylist, Brian also excels as an artist liaison, working with prominent festivals like Nyege Nyege and Kilifi New Year.
His exceptional ability to connect artists with the fashion industry underscores his commitment to creating collaborative and synergistic opportunities for the artistic community.
As Brian’s career reached new heights, he never lost sight of the importance of understanding the business side of fashion.
He recognized the value of his expertise and time, ensuring that his rates were a reflection of the effort invested in each project.
His approach to pricing and client relations has garnered respect and trust within the industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Brian offers valuable advice to aspiring fashion stylists: “You will never be taught what we do in school. You just need to be smart about it and figure out how to position yourself.”
He emphasizes the significance of understanding production costs, time management, and client expectations to thrive in this competitive field.
