Fashion designer David Ochieng, known by his artistic name Avido, is using his talents to showcase the potential of his community and uplift Kibera, the Nairobi slum where he was born and raised. His designs capture global attention and also serve a higher purpose, which is to improve the lives of those around him.
Kibera Fashion Week: A Vision Realized by Avido
Last year, Avido launched the first-ever Kibera Fashion Week. This event, now in its second edition, continues to spotlight the vibrant culture of Kenya’s largest slum. But Kibera Fashion Week isn’t just about style; it’s about challenging stereotypes and showing the world that greatness can emerge from unexpected places.
“Great things can come from places least expected,” Avido often says.
His own journey from poverty to global recognition mirrors this sentiment. Born into a struggling family, Avido had to quit school at 11 and start facing the harsh realities of life in Kibera. Instead of succumbing to crime or drugs, the tragic fates that claimed many of his childhood friends, he found a lifeline in fashion.
From Street Life to International Fashion
Avido’s path to fashion wasn’t straightforward. He first did shoddy ‘mjengo’ construction jobs, played football, and even joined a dance troupe before discovering his passion for design. His early designs, which he created for the dancers, marked the beginning of his fashion journey
In 2017, his work caught the attention of reggae legend Don Carlos. The young designer soon founded his label, Lookslike Avido, which fuses African fabrics with bold, gender-neutral designs. His style has attracted high-profile clients like Bruno Mars, Ty Dolla Sign, and Beyoncé, making him one of Africa’s most promising designers.
Avido’s work is heavily inspired by Kibera’s streets, where vibrant fabrics like ankara are part of daily life. His designs, from bomber jackets to kimonos, combine traditional African textiles with modern cuts. Even his iconic basket hat, made from a woven conical basket from his grandmother, shows his resourceful approach to fashion.
Celebrities around the world, including Coldplay’s Chris Martin and reggae star Chronixx, have embraced his creations. Avido’s designs were even featured during Berlin Fashion Week in 2019, propelling his brand to new heights. Despite this global success, his focus remains on Kibera, where all of his clothes are made.
Avido’s Impact on Kibera
For Avido, fashion is more than just an art form—it’s a tool for social change. Through his foundation, he provides school uniforms for children in Kibera and offers sewing lessons to young mothers and deaf women. Avido believes in sharing his success with his community, saying, “There’s no point growing alone.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he used his platform to produce thousands of masks for free distribution to help reduce the spread of the virus. For him, fashion is a platform to make a lasting impact, both locally and globally.
Despite his rising fame, Avido remains still stays in Kibera. He insists on using local models for shoots with international publications like Vogue Italia and ensures that they are paid fairly. His commitment to his community sets him apart in an industry known for its glamour and detachment from real-world struggles.
Avido could easily transition to global fashion capitals like Paris or New York, but he prefers to build his brand in Kibera.
“I could grow, leave, and be part of Paris Fashion Week,” he says, “but I’d rather have a fashion week here and inspire people.”