Black Fly designs is the brainchild of Ruth Abade, a Kenyan Fashion designer. Together with her strong team based in Toi market, she has given upcycled materials new life by creating distinctive clothes and accessories which are not only taking the global fashion by storm but also revolutionizing the industry.
What inspires your designs?
My designs are inspired by the people and places I encounter during my travels and conversations. These interactions provide insights into evolving fashion preferences, from desired styles and materials to historical shifts. I translate these ideas into my creations.
Traveling to different countries exposes me to different fashion trends, particularly color and fabric textures. If you are observant enough, you’ll observe a common thread among various people of different ages especially when it comes to color and this too inspires me a lot.
What is your Kenyan favorite piece in your closet?
I usually buy a lot of my clothing from the market. My favorite piece I bought is a fushia cocoon dress that looks like it was designed in the 80’s.
What fashion trends do you foresee in future?
The world is changing so much and my prediction is that people will love to wear darker colors in shades greys or blacks and also darker shades of reds. Also, this fast-paced world will make fashionistas love more abstract patterns to adapt with the way of life. I foresee more brands embracing deconstructed and upcycled clothing just to put a footprint on ways to tame the environmental problems.
What are you reading /or and listening to at the moment?
I’m reading confessions of an economic hitman by John Perkins to understand in depth the world order. It’s based on the geopolitical landscape happening in Kenya and Africa as a whole.
Which is your favorite destination in Kenya?
At the moment it’s in Kisumu. This is where I print my fabric. It’s also a serene place where I can concentrate without disturbance.
