FASHION
FASHION
selecting fabrics. We try to get fabrics that have a lovely hand, are breathable, durable and which will fl atter the CocoLili woman. We also try as much as possible to source everything from within the continent. However one of the challenges we have faced is identifying quality digital printers within the continent who can work on various types of fabric. So currently we are sourcing our fabrics from within the continent for fabrics that are easily accessible such as cotton and externally for fabrics such as silk and rayon.
5) Entrepreneurship is the way to go in this day and age and we applaud you for that, but why fashion? What was the motivation behind your choice to become a fashion entrepreneur?
Furaha: I have always loved fashion and my friends and family consider me a‘ fashionista” of sorts so it was only natural for me to combine my love for fashion with my business background. Actually, my academic background has absolutely nothing to do with fashion. My fi rst degree was in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and I am a Certifi ed Public Accountant( CPA-US), Certifi ed Internal Auditor( CIA), Certifi ed Financial Services Auditor( CFSA) and Certifi ed Government Audit Professional( CGAP) with four years Big 4 public accounting experience. I also hold a Master of Arts degree in International Development
I think CocoLili is a brand that sets the trend. We are trying to challenge the narrative and the perception that people have about African brands hence why we decided to develop our own prints with a major in Health and Development and have been working as a development professional with a multilateral development bank for sixteen years now. CocoLili is my“ side gig”. Also I really wanted to challenge the notion that African fashion is defi ned by kitenge or wax fabric by creating a brand that would fi t in perfectly in the high street boutiques of New York, London or Paris just as it would here in Nairobi – a brand that transcends culture, ethnicity and race but is African at heart.
6) What are your thoughts on both the ever growing African and Kenyan fashion industry?
Eseri: I think it’ s exciting that the fashion industry in Africa and Kenya is growing. Particularly because it’ s an undefi ned market, so we get to defi ne what African fashion is and discover our own processes. We have the option of mimicking what’ s being done abroad or going in an entirely different direction, that’ s defi ned by us!
The fashion Industry also provides a lot of opportunities for employment and self-development so hopefully governments will catch on and encourage and support it.
7) As an owner of a fashion brand, would you say that CocoLili is a brand that sets the trend or follows the trend?
Eseri: We currently do not follow any trends and move to our own rhythm, based on our consumer research and what we believe we are all about as a brand; creating timeless classical pieces with an African narrative / aesthetic.
Furaha: I think CocoLili is a brand that sets the trend. We are trying to challenge the narrative and the perception that people have about African brands hence why we decided to develop our own prints.
8) Where do you see the Coco Lili Africa brand in the next five years?
Eseri: In fi ve years I see us having multiple locations in East Africa and having our merchandise readily available overseas as well.
Furaha: On a grand scale, I see CocoLili positioning itself as the premier home grown retail brand in East Africa and evolving into a lifestyle brand offering more than just clothing. We have started putting ideas to paper and everything is slowly beginning to come to life.
20 LIFE TODAY MAGAZINE Issue 2, No. 003 / 17 / March 2017