This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
John Kaveke, a renowned Kenyan fashion designer, took a bold step in 2012 by walking away from the fashion scene. At the peak of his career, he had graced the most prestigious fashion events in Nairobi, featured in Vogue Italia (2011), and taken to the runways of London Fashion Week. However, he felt burned out, and his creativity was dipping. He decided to take a break, shutting down his house, putting everything in storage, and moving to Samburu.
What started as a three-month hiatus ended up lasting two years. During this time, Kaveke, 47, stepped away completely from the fashion scene. He has since returned to fashion, and his brand, John Kaveke, has once again risen to become one of Kenya's most renowned designers. He has participated in acclaimed events such as the New York Fashion Week (2017) and the Siemens FABRIC project in Johannesburg, South Africa (2018).
John Kaveke's brand has been focused on menswear, particularly designer suits, which have a unique African touch. The brand is now branching into the wedding space, aiming to design products that stand out for the groom and groomsmen. Kaveke has dressed up to 10 grooms at a single wedding, with suits ranging from Sh15,000 for a party of four to Sh25,000 for a party of over seven.
On February 2020, Kaveke will be celebrating 20 years of John Kaveke with a 'fashion installation.' The collection will comprise of 40 pieces, 20 of which will commemorate the years in the market, and the other 20 as part of a fresh collection. He will also be part of an upcoming show on September 7 dubbed 'A Man's World.'
When asked about his experience in Samburu, Kaveke said, 'When you strip your existence to the barest minimum, the things that are important rise to the top. In many ways, I re-discovered who I was and what I wanted to stand for.'
John Kaveke's journey has been marked by several partnerships, including a collection with Chivas in 2015. He has also participated in events such as M-Net Face of Africa (2005), Arise Africa, and Safaricom's Blaze, where he mentored young people in three towns.
Today, Kaveke's brand is known for its unique African touch and its ability to make great partnerships. He believes that fashion is about making great partnerships and that one must know who they are before partnering with a brand.
