< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Wavinya profile image

Wavinya Kavivya

Self Employed

Vinya Weaving Lab

I’m a systems weaver, a designer, and founder of Vinya Weaving Lab—a space where ancestral knowledge meets contemporary design. Based in Kenya, my practice is rooted in the deep intelligence of African craft traditions, blending storytelling, sustainability, and community co-creation. I work with regenerative fibers, leather, and other natural materials to create designs that are both intentional and empowering. Through Vinya, I explore leather not just as a material, but as a medium of cultural memory, resilience, and future-making. I’m passionate about honoring handmade processes and using design to build deeper connections across generations and geographies.

Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
← →
x

Nyumbani Kwetu- Our Home

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

Nyumbani Kwetu—Swahili for Our Home—is a wearable collection of leather and handwoven bags that draws from the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of African domestic architecture. This line reimagines two iconic forms of shelter, one shaped like a traditional round hut and weaved top, and a second echoing the angular form of early mabati (corrugated iron sheets) roofing and a weaved bottom. Bag 1: Mueni A sculptural round bag mimicking a traditional African hut. The base is made from cowhide leather in a deep, earthy red, echoing the rich soil of Ukambani. A contrast leather detail shaped like a door (featuring the Vinya logo) anchors the design. The top is crowned with a handwoven thatched effect, using pulled sisal strings to resemble grass roofing. The bag features a sturdy leather handle and opens at the top side with a discreet zipper. It is lined with cotton and fitted to the size of a standard evening handbag. Target clientele: Cultural connoisseurs, heritage-loving fashionistas, and global clients drawn to story-rich artisanal luxury. Measurements: Round bottom- 6 Inches, Height- 8 Inches Bag 2: Keli A rectangular, dressy handbag inspired by early Kenyan village homes. Its body features a handwoven white-and-red (rusty) fiber design mimicking rustic brick walls. The top is structured with cowhide leather in a rusty, stitched with multi-colored leather strips to simulate aged corrugated iron sheets. A tall upper section closes with a leather (Hard), pulling the top into a silhouette that resembles a slanted roof. Target clientele: Urban trendsetters, lovers of Afro-minimalist aesthetics, and clients seeking timeless, meaningful statement accessories. Measurements: Bottom length- 8Inches, Bottom width- 6 Inches, Height- 6 Inches Here's the link to the video submission. https://youtube.com/shorts/WFPM2RQD8cQ?si=WghHomTFka32LaJp

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.