Am sure the name Shiyenze Fashion rings a bell.

Founded in 2013 by Khasoha Shiyenze, the fashion line has achieved a lot in the short duration from winning the Kenya Glamour Awards 2015, to the brand’s outfits gracing the inaugural Nairobi Fashion Market, Nairobi Elegance Affair, and FAFA among other major fashion shows.

The brand’s work speaks for itself and her designs which cater for both men and women have been worn by personalities like Larry Madowo, whom she says she has an immense respect for. Am sure if you watch the Trend on NTV you have heard Larry mention the designer, Jamal Gadafi of KTN among others.

Shiyenze fashion line specializes on creating and bringing forth new-look African attires with a touch of excellence and bliss.

The line’s collections include ‘Mara’, ‘Mtindo’ and ‘Binti & Boss’.

Shiyenze’s 2016 collection dubbed Furaha Collection will be showcased in New York on September 9th at the New York Fashion Week.

I recently talked to the Director and founder Khasoha Shiyenze. Unlike many people who say they have always known what they wanted to do since they were young, hers started with a passion for acting.

This is what she had to say:

Talk to us about the Shiyenze brand, what inspired you to create it?

Shiyenze Fashion was birthed out of a need; I always yearned for details on my outfits. This made my shopping very limited to certain localities. I decided to start by customising my pieces before I realized it was a budding business. My friends and people that knew me, were my immediate clients.

Tell us briefly about yourself and did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

I never knew that I would end up as a fashion designer, I knew I would be a great costume designer and a great actress. From a tender age though I have known that theatre would be my destination until…. I met fashion. Began as a model now I delve into Fashion Designer.

You have had the opportunity to work with well known personalities, what are some of your highlights?

My first personality was Larry Madowo, then the rest followed. I respect Larry Madowo, he really pushed me from comfort zone, and his show is watched every Friday, meaning a new concept each week. It’s been a learning curve; also his humility makes me look forward to always work with him.

What do you hope to achieve with the brand?

In one year we will be retailing in different stores. I use my Brand to tell stories, the stories can never be told enough.

 Shiyenze has two collections each year, tell us about that?

In 2016, we are launching Furaha Collection…, then 2017 both our collection will be called Muga 2017, totally inspired by a great friend of mine called Muga. Lover of art, it’s a wildlife concept that caves in to…he is the muse behind the collection.

You are currently working on a project dubbed #40Days40Personalities, what is that about?

This is an online style campaign where the line dresses 40 influential personalities within a period of 40 days, aimed at marketing, publicizing and informing our clientele, both locally and internationally more about what Shiyenze Fashion has to offer. (visit the site for more on the project)

What has been the hardest part or worst nightmare through the experience?

My worst ordeals, Bad debts… Clients who are unable to express themselves, which means execution will be hard.

Who do you hope to work with?
 I hope to work with people that will understand my story finer…and definitely Vaa Shiyenze

Let’s sum up this way, In your line of business you network alot, what is your most embarrassing moment?

Embarrassing the entertainment industry is quite huge, so knowing everyone mayoo!!!! Not so easy… But I had a moment you should know people. ( Dont you just love her sense of humor)

I can imagine the embarrassment. lol Well for those who wanted to know more about Shiyenze, there you have it. Navigate through the gallery to check out few of the line’s amazing creations and designs like this.

For more information on how to order for designs, work or collaborate with the line, or see more collections Visit shiyenze.co.ke or email: info@shiyenze.co.ke

Eleksie

Founder & Editor

My name is Queen. This blog is a back love platform showcasing African fashion, beauty, art, lifestyle, opportunities, and Mental Health. I like to call it Africa through my eyes. These as well topics around the globe.