In the bustling heart of Nairobi’s Kibera, Kenyan designer Avido hails, ushering a fresh wave of fashion innovation that’s capturing global audiences.
His distinctive creations, birthed in Kibera’s vibrant milieu, have enchanted international icons, including Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Romain Virgo, Chronixx, and Ty Dollar Sign.
Originally a football enthusiast, Avido, whose given name is David Ochieng, explored dancing before fashion beckoned.
A twist of fate steered him away from the soccer field, unveiling a creative realm that awaited.
His journey began as a sponsored soccer player in high school, but as sponsorships waned, rhythm took over, leading him to dance before diving into the realm of design.
“Engaging with local tailors on minor clothing repairs ignited my passion. In 2015, I sought a scholarship at the Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts,” Avido revealed in a past interview.
With anticipation, he showcased a collection of his crafted costumes. Impressed, the panel welcomed him aboard. Avido honed his costume design and marketing skills in a year, earning a fashion design certificate.
Designer Avido’s Recognition
Support streamed in from notable figures in Avido’s life. The late Ken Okoth, Kibra’s Member of Parliament, gifted him a sewing machine while a friend offered a workspace.
Dance transitioned into a channel to fund the materials for his tailoring venture, where the inception of crafting t-shirts for his dance ensemble took place.
His designs began resonating, especially the flamboyant costumes flaunted by his dance troupe.
A significant stride in Avido’s career unfolded when he tailored attire for his mentor, MP Okoth, who adorned them to Parliament, thrusting the young designer into the spotlight.
International partnerships emerged, marking collaborations with stars like Usain Bolt and Bruno Mars.
In 2020, Beyoncé spotlighted Avido’s creations in her Black-Owned Business Directory, ‘Black is King,’ propelling him onto a global stage.
That same year, his ‘LooksLike Avido’ collection graced the pages of Vogue Italia, a prestigious fashion and lifestyle magazine.
Embracing a vision to reshape his community’s narrative, Avido inaugurated the Kibera Fashion Week in 2022.
This spectacle celebrates Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry, spotlighting local artisans, designers, and models.
The second chapter of Kibera Fashion Week unfolded on a recent Saturday, unveiling a myriad of Kenyan designers’ works.
“Kibera brims with style,” Avido proclaimed during the event.
The common narrative often shrouds Kibera in post-electoral violence, prostitution, and drug abuse.
“We aim to unveil the inherent style and creativity here, countering the narrative with a showcase of potential, only awaiting opportunities,” he conveyed.