Designer Focus – Njema Helena

Njema Helena is a fashion company from Nairobi, Kenya, which strives to create modern fashion with an African aesthetic for everyday life. Behind the brand’s unique identity is powerful story of love and loss.

“All materials and fabrics are sourced from Africa and production takes place exclusively in Kenya”, they said. “This encourages local trade and employment, as well as providing training and new growth opportunities for Njema’s dressmakers“.

The company was founded in 2012 by Anne, Cecilia and Annika Ostman in memory of their deceased daughter and sister, Helena. She loved everything to do with African design and culture, but died of pancreatic cancer – two weeks before her 30th birthday. In Swahili, njema means good – and the founders believe that Helena’s spirit will forever represent a force for good, driving the venture forward.

Njema Helena has a strong focus on African fabrics and ‘Made in Africa’ as a branding concept.

Cecilia is the main designer and, after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she worked for multiple major brands – including Ralph Lauren.

Tony Smith was on hand to capture the best that Njema Helena had to offer at AFWL.

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We encourage you to see the full range online over at Njema Helena

You can find more of Tony Smith’s work over here.