Designer of the Week: Deepa Dosaja

We have seen her dress some of the most influential women in Nairobi, namely Wanjira Maathai, during Obama’s visit at the State House and Lupita Nyong’o on her recent return to Kenya, and after 25 years in the industry Deepa Dosaja is clearly one of the country’s top designers.

Lupita’s look featured a hot pink silk hand painted and hand-embroidered coat and skirt with Deepa’s signature flower detail- a look that was put together by Micaela Erlanger, a leading voice in contemporary fashion and design. When asked about how she felt after dressing Lupita, “ This has been a vision realised for me as Lupita embodies my brand as a strong, beautiful role model for women of all ages and backgrounds.”

Fashion is not just something she came by, she studied fashion in university in Montreal, Canada.

The early 90s saw her come-back to Kenya, where she was filled with enthusiasm of launching her fashion career, a time when fashion in the country was still in its infancy. In 1994, she began her own business after working for a manufacturer, Hardcore Clothing Company.

Deepa’s big break came about when she launched her distinct label and flagship company, Vabene Couture in 2000. Since then the company has grown in leaps and bounds, having created employment for around 20 full-time staff.

The company rebranded in 2013 to Deepa Dosaja label, which is located at the up-market, 14

Riverside Drive. Her boutique entails a wide range of natural fabrics like silk, wool, linen and cottons.

Her clientele is widespread across the world- from Costa Rica to Toronto, Nairobi to Accra and Mumbai to Beijing.

Together with her husband Ajay and 3 children, they have found a home in Kenya, as she grows her career.

Deepa has graced many fashion events that include Tribal Chic, Nairobi Kenya, Festival of African Fashion and Art (FAFA), London Fashion for African Fashion and Art and Wear it International Fashion Show in Johannesburg.

She will be celebrating her 25th year in the fashion industry next year, and we look forward to her new designs.