27-Year-old Designer Puts Kenya Slum on the Map

David Ochieng, a 27-year-old designer who hails from Kibera, Kenya, has gained recognition from renowned celebrities such as Beyonce and Bruno Mars for his clothing creations.

Despite growing up in the impoverished neighborhood of Nairobi, David found inspiration in his own journey, leading him to adopt the motto, “Great things can come from unexpected places.

Raised by a single mother, he never initially considered pursuing a career in fashion. However, his childhood experiences with crime and drugs motivated him to explore his creative side.

David joined a dance troupe and began designing outfits for the dancers. With formal training as a fashion designer, he developed a vibrant and inclusive style, incorporating diverse patterns and textures like ankara, African wax fabric, and velvet. Notably, his unique creations have been sought after by artists such as Bruno Mars, rapper Ty Dolla Sign, and Chronixx.

In 2019, his designs were showcased at Berlin Fashion Week. Despite his success, David remains rooted in Kibera, where all of his clothes are produced.

Additionally, through his eponymous foundation, he provides uniforms for students in Kibera, covers their school fees, and teaches sewing skills to young mothers and deaf women. David firmly believes that fashion is not just about clothing, but also serves as a platform for uplifting the community.