Nomadic x Hayan
/Show Day
DAY6, OCT27
/Social Media
ARTISAN COLLECTIVE LTD., is a Kenyan company that is specialized in slow fashion, established in 2020.
The company has three distinct brands under the umbrella: nomadic artisan (women’s wear), Hayan Collection (men’s wear), and My Little Samurai (baby and kids’ wear). Each brand has its unique style yet operates under the common theme of creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
All garments are produced by seven Kenyan seamstresses, under the design created by Nairobi-based designer duo ARTISAN COLLECTIVE - Ayumi Awil-Taki and Rayzak Awil.
Although the company is small, family-owned, and still new, its brand recognition is growing rapidly. Their garments have been worn by International celebrities like Stephen Marley, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anderson .Paak, Jessie Reyez, K'naan, Mos Def(Yasiin Bey), and many more.
As a multi-cultural Kenyan fashion house, our goal is to be a world-class fashion brand.
Each and every day, we strive as a team to create a garment that is carefully crafted, with attention to finer details.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become fashion designers?
Both designers are self taught, with their fashion journeys shaped by travelling around the world. Ayumi’s interest grew after encountering colourful Kitenge fabrics in East Africa, while their shared passion for African fabrics eventually brought their brands together.
How would you describe your design style?
The designs celebrate African fabrics through distinctive, one of a kind pieces. Nomadic Artisan focuses on womenswear and Hayan Collection on menswear, with both sharing an emphasis on craftsmanship, individuality, and slow fashion.
What can people expect from your “Nomad” collection?
The SS25 collection draws on the designers’ own experiences as nomads and explores elements of nomadic life. Oasis, pasture, desert, and sun inspired the looks, creating different impressions of natural surroundings.
Why did you choose Kitenge tie dye for the “Nomad” collection?
Kitenge is a primary material in the designers’ work, and tie dyed Kitenge was selected to express the natural feeling of the collection. The fabric helped connect the designs to landscapes and elements associated with nomadic life.
How did you experiment with Kitenge to create different textures and forms?
The collection focused on Kitenge made from 100% cotton, which created some limitations in material choice. To expand its possibilities, the designers experimented with fabric manipulation and fabrication, particularly in looks inspired by the desert.