At Nairobi Design Week 2025, the Grass-Thatched Denim Installation redefined upcycling by merging tradition with sustainability. Inspired by East Africa’s ancestral homes, the structure was woven from 223 pairs of repurposed jeans sourced from Gikomba’s unsellable textile piles, combined with bamboo.
This striking installation, created by Africa Collect Textiles (ACT), highlights the potential of circular fashion—where discarded materials are given new purpose. By integrating local artisans and sustainable design principles, the project challenges perceptions of waste and showcases Kenya’s resourceful creativity.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience upcycling firsthand through an interactive weaving session, engaging with the craft and culture behind the installation. The project serves as a powerful statement on how fashion can be both conscious and transformative.
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