Kisumu Designer Morgan Azedy Makes International Debut at Berlin Fashion Week

Morgan Azedy, a 25-year-old designer from Kisumu, Kenya, recently made his international debut at Berlin Fashion Week, showcasing his unique designs and marking a significant step in his burgeoning career. 

Known professionally as Kenyan Raw, Azedy has cultivated his craft in Nairobi’s vibrant fashion scene, blending the rich aesthetics of local textiles with contemporary streetwear influences. Azedy’s journey to Berlin Fashion Week began unconventionally. His early interest in fashion led him to pursue a diploma in textiles at Ramogi Institute in Kisumu. His ambition to showcase his designs internationally materialised in early 2024 when an Instagram post caught the attention of Fransis, a DJ based in Amsterdam and owner of Luku Store. 

Fransis was drawn to Azedy’s distinct aesthetic and reached out to him, resulting in a collaborative opportunity. Luku Store provided Azedy with Ksh70,000 for materials and covered his visa and flight expenses to Berlin. He created original pieces for the event, investing in high-end accessories, including a pair of boots worth Ksh25,000, to complete his looks. Berlin Fashion Week featured a diverse range of designs, with Azedy expressing particular admiration for avant-garde pieces such as a dress sculpted in the form of a human heart and men’s shoes towering at seven inches. 

Azedy presented his Opium Streets Wear collection, which featured gothic-inspired leather garments reflecting his raw and rebellious aesthetic. The showcase was commercially successful, with Azedy selling six of the 15 leather designs he brought to the event. Key sales included a half-leather jacket for Ksh16,000, a maxi skirt for Ksh17,000, and a pair of cargo pants for Ksh25,000. Azedy draws inspiration from industry figures such as Alexander McQueen and Nigel Xavier, noted for their avant-garde approaches to fashion. 

He operates out of a single-room studio in Tassia, Embakasi East. His studio showcases his work, including the pieces he presented in Berlin, alongside a collection of shoes and jewellery available for photoshoots and to complement his creations. His process incorporates sustainability by repurposing discarded fabrics from factories, tailors, and individuals into new designs. Old bedsheets, jackets, and blankets are carefully washed and reintegrated into his garments.

He hopes to push the boundaries between streetwear and high fashion, merging raw, urban elements with designs that carry artistic depth and expressive energy. His participation in Berlin Fashion Week marks a significant milestone in his career. Azedy aspires to cement his status as an international fashion sensation, setting the stage for future endeavours on the global fashion scene. 

His emergence on the international fashion scene reflects a broader shift in the global fashion industry, where designers from diverse backgrounds are gaining recognition and challenging traditional norms. His commitment to sustainability and his innovative approach to design position him as a rising star in the industry.