Motif Capsule
The Brief
Develop a refined capsule to spotlight the hand-embroidery team and explore storytelling through print, silhouette, and material. Designed for higher-end brands, the collection moved beyond boldness, focusing instead on craftsmanship, elevated fabrics, and playful details.
The Process
While the capsule comprised a full range of looks, this case study focuses on the development of three core pieces to illustrate the process from concept through to production. Led concept direction and collaborated with a visual artist to translate narrative themes into custom motifs. Oversaw technical development, created technical drawings, selected fabrics, and developed sampling. Worked with a blend of imported peace silk, TENCEL™, and hand-woven Kenyan textiles to reflect global and local sourcing.
Adapted in-house patterns and managed product development through to final fit. Directed the campaign shoot from casting to post, delivering a cohesive visual narrative and complete lookbook.
The Outcome
A sleek, intentionally paced capsule designed for slow fashion. Balanced storytelling and sustainability with high-end appeal, reinforcing our versatility and production capabilities for a more premium market.
Artbox Capsule
The Brief
Create a bold Spring/Summer capsule to showcase our production team’s expertise and appeal to contemporary womenswear brands. Designed for marketing and tradeshow use, the collection focused on trending prints, patterns, and silhouettes — all developed using locally sourced fabrics and digital print.
The Process
I led the creative development of the capsule from concept to completion, steering trend and silhouette research, colour direction, and print strategy. To highlight local innovation, I initiated a partnership with a regional digital printer, managing technical challenges around Pantone matching and fabric suitability to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Working with the in-house production team, I oversaw pattern adaptations, sampling, and fit refinement. From casting to creative direction, I shaped the entire shoot, selecting a model whose rich skin tone and youthful energy brought the collection’s vibrancy to life. I then directed post-production and final asset delivery, producing a cohesive, on-brand lookbook to support marketing and sales outreach.
The Outcome
A striking, locally produced collection that balanced creative edge with commercial relevance. It reinforced our design and manufacturing capabilities, helped build trust in our local supplier network, and drew attention at key events.
Jua Capsule
The Brief
Design an African-inspired capsule for quick-turnaround marketing use, speaking to US-based brands and the African diaspora. The goal was to create a standout mini-collection using local Kitenge cotton and trend-led shapes, all within a matter of weeks, to exhibit at SOURCING at MAGIC in Las Vegas.
The Process
Worked with a local supplier to source available Kitenge fabrics, selecting prints based on contemporary appeal and trending seasonal colours. We chose a set of existing, contemporary in-house patterns to fast-track development: managed sampling and final garment production with the in-house team to meet an extremely tight deadline for launch.
Here, I'm spotlighting the development of three selected designs from the full capsule, with a link to the complete lookbook included below.
The Outcome
A contemporary take on African-inspired design with laid-back beach energy, celebrating heritage through bold prints and easy silhouettes. The collection helped amplify SOKO Kenya’s voice in sustainability and ethical production conversations at MAGIC, while showing the potential of rapid yet thoughtful development using local sourcing and skilled craftsmanship.
