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Eva Makena

Delight technical college

My name is Eva Makena, and I am a fashion design student at Delight Fashion School , Nairobi. I have been passionate about design from a very young age, and over the years the passion led me to learn how to take my experiences and feelings and create meaningful, timeless pieces. Being a creative , I have ventured in different design sectors , not only sticking to clothes but also bags and shoes .Wherever my creative ideas lead, I follow, constantly exploring new ways to express myself through design .Design is a language that I use to express myself most confidently , this is why I find myself creating Afrocentric pieces that retain culture, remaining timeless and sustainable. I believe good design should be both purposeful and beautiful.Sustainability is at the core of my design process. I am intentional about reducing waste by planning my fabric cuts carefully and maximizing material usage. I also enjoy giving old clothes chance by transforming them into wearable and functional pieces. For me, sustainable fashion is a practice that respects the environment while maintaining quality and longevity.. I believe good design should be both purposeful and beautiful. Ways to be purposeful with my designs is being sustainable, whether I am designing using natural fibers, upcycling old clothing into new ones, or crafting bags built to last for generations, I try and create pieces that tell stories and have sentimental value .My inspiration comes from a very personal place. My mother, who has greatly influenced my creative journey, passed down several h to me that I treasure deeply. While some have aged and others are vintage pieces that can only be worn occasionally, they carry immense sentimental value. This experience inspired me to think about how design can create emotional connections across generations. Through this competition, I hope to design a bag that can withstand years of love and care while remaining elegant, relevant, and classic.I also enjoy attending interactive events and engaging with fellow creatives. I believe that learning from different perspectives is essential for growth as a designer. These experiences challenge me to think differently, inspire fresh ideas, and often lead to valuable collaborations that contribute to both my professional and personal development.

Urithi

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

Urithi is a bag that holds a very personal meaning to me. Growing up, I often received bags that had once belonged to my mother. What some people might see as old bags, I saw as pieces of her story being passed down to me. They taught me that a well-made bag can last for years and still remain beautiful and useful. That experience became the inspiration behind Urithi, a name that means heritage. The bag is designed in a half-circular shape to represent half a generation—the journey from my mother's hands to mine. The seven rings on the bag symbolize the many hand-me-downs, memories, and lessons that have been passed along over time. Each ring serves as a reminder that value is not always found in something new, but in something that has been loved and preserved. Urithi was created with longevity in mind. It measures 20 inches in width, 10 inches in length, and 5 inches in depth, making it spacious enough for everyday essentials and more. The interior is lined with leather and features two compartments separated by a middle pocket, as well as a coin pocket for smaller items. The bag can be worn with a strap for a casual look or carried without one for more formal occasions. More than a fashion accessory, Urithi is a reflection of family, sustainability, and the belief that good design should be made to last and eventually be passed on to the next generation.

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.