Mettā has selected 5 startups into its third fashion product lab cohort powered by HIVOS East Africa after a rigorous multi-phase selection process.
Mettā Nairobi, in partnership with HIVOS East Africa, will bring the five fashion startups to Nairobi for its third bootcamp programme – Fashion Product Lab 3.0, an 8-week intensive program helping entrepreneurs in the fashion industry launch their brands into local & international markets and develop new & diverse product lines.
The 2019 cohort will have the opportunity to engage with high-profile speakers, experts, mentors, and a global network of support throughout the program as well as access to the Mettā space in Nairobi and the global Mettā community.
“Under the concept of ‘Inspiring Change – Unleash the Potential’, Mettā will provide an intensive bootcamp program to the fashion designers using our expertise in the local business environment and financial services. This will help them to unleash their full potential and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions.” – Maurice Otieno, General Manager Mettā Nairobi
The Fashion Product Lab 3.0 will conclude in a one-of-a-kind Fashion Runway in September 2019, where entrepreneurs will pitch their companies and showcase their collections for funding and partnerships.
The ventures include Collins Karanja with The Urban Gents Ltd or TUG, a 2019 fashion brand with the aim of bringing inclusivity, diversity, and creativity in the local fashion scene. TUG include Ready-To-Wear, Accessories and Made to Measure service.
The second brand is Naivaa Apparel by Joel Meshak. Navaa is an up and coming fashion brand that seeks to create unique urban pieces and build an identity that reflects and resonates with Nairobi Culture.
The third brand is Yvonne Asunah Kenya by Yvonne Asunnah. This fashion brand specalises in contemporary unisex designs. They predominantly work with local African prints that have a modern western twist.
The fourth brand is Chicolatta run by Dorothy Ochieng. Chicolatta is a Kenyan based fashion brand that offers quality and competitively priced womenswear, with it’s Ready-to-Wear line as well as tailored Custom-made pieces for the upward discerning clientele. Chicolatta is a minimalistic style in classic silhouettes that use both contemporary and African fabric.
