The world of fashion in 2011 also had a definite Kenyan feel to it, and though a lot of thanks should be given to Louis Vuitton for falling in love with the bright and stark reds and blues of the Maasai shuka, there was a home-grown evolution too.

1. Suzie Beauty
The first ever Kenyan made and owned cosmetics line, introduced by the very gorgeous Suzie Wokabi this December. It was a dream come true after three years, and the quality is top notch! Congratulations!

2. Blackbird Jeans
Sidney Owino and Zeddie Lukoe are 23 and since their debut fashion show in New York in the summer, they have been as busy as all they have all the four years their fashion line has been alive. They have been appointed as head designers for Madison Joseph (NY) and working concurrently to come up with their latest collection.

3. Susan Anyango
She made it to the top 20 of this year’s Miss World extravaganza in London. Despite the stiff competition, she got a sponsorship boost by Oriflame to keep looking good, and she stood tall for Kenya during the competition. She is driven now to set up a cancer foundation in honour of her late mother, who died from the disease.

4. Pat Mbela
Poisa, is her fashion label. She showcased in the Swahili and Nigeria fashion weeks this year and bagged a number of awards – a seal of approval for her ethnic clothes and jewellery. Kudos to the East Africa fashion designer of the year.

5. Ann McCreath
She opened yet another branch of Kiko Romeo at the Yaya Centre this year, no small fete. The shop opened just months after she returned from a successful Fashion Week of African designers in New York.

6. John Kaveke
His name is synonymous with Kenyan fashion, and rightly so. He has mentored hundreds of designers and still going strong. Trendy, signature designs he floated on the catwalk in the London Fashion Week. Bravo!