Why few Kenyan men shine in fashion design

This article talks about why so few men work in the Kenyan fashion industry:

Women are wont to say they prefer their clothes fitted and tailored by men while not many are notable designers. Joseph Kisuli is aspiring to be a fashion designer who makes a dent on the scene. Under the guidance of John Kaveke, another fashion designer, Mr Kisuli is working to get his style and footing.

Influenced by a friend who sketched clothes — but did not make them —  Mr Kisuli decided to take it to the next level and enter fashion competitions such as Redd’s and Catwalk Kenya, an MNet production.

During the Catwalk competition, he made his own clothes and this, he says, drew him more to the industry. This was October, last year.

Mr Kisuli, who has been an intern since April, feels he has found his calling. Unlike in the West where male designers are well-known, it is women who have kept the industry moving in Kenya where men tend to do more of T-shirts, caps, and bags.

“I do not see why men should not do it. Dressing women is interesting,” says Mr Kisuli. A number of fashion designers prefer women clothing that offer more room to be creative but present a challenge in colours, cuts and style.

(a dress by Joseph Kisuli)

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