Bright Colors, Empty Designs: A Call for True Creativity in Kenyan Fashion

Hey, tailors, designers, and fashion lovers—let’s have a real conversation. I’m about to say something that might ruffle feathers. Some of you will nod in agreement, others might roll your eyes, but hear me out: too many of us in the fashion game are hiding behind bright colors and bold prints, mistaking them for creativity. Where’s the art? Where’s the depth?

Let’s get straight to it. Loud designs and vibrant fabrics like Ankara and Kitenge are stunning, but they’re not a substitute for real design. Too many creations are all pomp—shouting with color but whispering when it comes to substance. Take your favorite local tailor or designer’s work, strip away the color, and ask yourself: does it still stand out? Is there creativity in the form, proportion, texture, or storytelling? If the answer is no, we’ve got a problem.

The Color Trap

Color-blocking, mixing three clashing patterns, or slapping Kitenge on a collar isn’t innovation—it’s lazy. It’s like having a megaphone but nothing meaningful to say. The elements and principles of design—balance, contrast, proportion, texture, harmony, negative space—are what separate good work from great work. Yet, too often, we lean on bold fabrics as a crutch, hoping they’ll do the heavy lifting. Spoiler: they don’t.

Real design goes beyond choosing a loud print. It’s about crafting something that speaks even in monochrome. It’s about taking risks, telling a story, and creating pieces that stand out for their structure and soul, not just their shade. If your work relies on color to shine, it’s time to rethink your approach.

The Repetition Rut

Let’s be honest: a lot of what’s out there lacks depth. It’s repetitive. Safe. No one’s pushing boundaries or taking risks. We’re stuck in a cycle of copying trends, recycling ideas, and calling it “fashion.” Innovation is scarce, and it’s time we admit it. If you stripped away the bright hues, would your designs still turn heads? Would they still feel fresh? For most, the answer is a hard no.

Designers, Step Up

To my fellow designers, I know the “client wants this” excuse all too well. But it’s our job to elevate our clients, to educate them on what true fashion can be. We’re not just order-takers; we’re artists. Stop hiding behind “market demand” and start creating work that challenges, inspires, and redefines. Bring the principles of design back to the forefront. Experiment with form. Play with texture. Tell a story through your stitches.

Clients, You’re Not Off the Hook

And to the clients out there—yes, I’m talking to you too. Stop expecting Pinterest-level designs on a shoestring budget. Creativity costs. Time costs. Skill costs. If you want something truly unique, be ready to invest in the process. Don’t hit us with “What I ordered vs. what I got” complaints when you’re paying peanuts for high-end vision. You can’t compare us to Nigerian designers or international brands while offering 1,000 bob for an original piece. Value the craft, respect the hustle, or settle for basic.

The Way Forward

This isn’t about tearing anyone down—it’s about pushing us all to do better. Designers, let’s dig deeper. Let’s create work that doesn’t need a loud print to make a statement. Let’s master the art of balance, contrast, and proportion. Let’s take risks and tell stories through our designs. And clients, let’s meet us halfway—support the process, invest in creativity, and trust us to deliver something extraordinary.

So, here’s the challenge: next time you create or commission a piece, ask yourself—does it have soul? Does it stand out without the crutch of color? Let’s bring the art back to fashion. Let’s make designs that speak, not just shout.

What do you think? Are we hiding behind colors, or is bold fabric enough? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep this conversation going.

(P.S. That vibrant pic up top? Just to grab your attention—now let’s talk substance.)