GFM Partners with Creative DNA to Power the Next Generation of Kenyan Fashion Brands

Global Fashion Management (GFM) is proud to support a dynamic cohort of Kenyan fashion designers within the Creative DNA Initiative, funded by the British Council and delivered locally by Connie Aluoch Styling Management (CASM). Together, we are working toward a shared goal: helping African designers build sustainable, export-ready brands that can compete and thrive on the global stage.

The Creative DNA Initiative was created to strengthen the fashion ecosystem by investing in creative entrepreneurs, and our role at GFM is to turn that creative energy into long-term, profitable businesses. With this cohort of Kenyan designers, we are focusing on the practical, day-to-day systems that transform talent into sustainable growth and international sales.

What support are Designers receiving?

Through our collaboration with CASM, the selected designers receive targeted, hands-on support from GFM, including:

• Business & brand strategy
  Clarifying brand positioning, target markets, and collections so that each designer can tell a compelling story that resonates locally and internationally.

• Pricing & margin management
  Helping designers move from “cost-plus guessing” to professional pricing strategies that protect profit and support growth.

• Sales & export readiness
  Preparing brands to sell beyond Kenya by understanding wholesale expectations, retailer requirements, and how to approach international buyers.

• Operations & production planning
  Introducing tools and processes that allow designers to deliver consistent quality, manage stock, and scale responsibly.

• Mentorship & accountability
  Providing ongoing feedback, Q&A, and structured follow-up so that ideas become implementation, not just notes on a page.

This support is anchored in GFM’s mission: to equip fashion entrepreneurs from Africa and emerging markets with the tools, mindset, and systems to build globally competitive brands.

As GFM founder Thierry Bayle puts it:

“Creativity is Africa’s natural resource. Our responsibility is to make sure that talent is not wasted, but transformed into businesses that can employ people, inspire communities, and trade confidently with the world.”

Why this matters for the African Fashion ecosystem

When one designer strengthens their business, it has a ripple effect: better jobs for artisans, more stable orders for manufacturers, higher standards for suppliers, and more visibility for African fashion overall. By combining the Creative DNA Initiative’s support with GFM’s business expertise and CASM’s local insight, we are building a model that can be replicated across the continent.

Join the next cohort

If you are a fashion designer or brand based in Africa and you are ready to move from “surviving” to building serious international sales, we invite you to join our waiting list for the next cohort.

• You want to sell to international buyers, but don’t know where to start
• You’re ready to professionalise your pricing, production, and sales
• You believe your brand deserves to be seen beyond your local market

Add your name to the list of designers preparing for the next stage of growth and export. Together, we can turn your creative vision into a sustainable, global business.

By joining, you agree to do the work to support your brand and your goals.
Expected start time of the cohort of successful entrepreneurs: June 1st 2026.

However, we will send you information before that so that you can start reflecting on yor goals and putting your ideas in writing.

Join the International Growth Cohort Waiting List - Link available by March 5th 8pm (Kenya time)

Free resources available to you today

Kenya Digital Masterclass (click here to register for the March 5th digital masterclass) delivered by GFM in coordination with Connie Aluoch from CASM

Business resources available post the digital masterclass - click here.
Free resources will be shared till end of May 2026. Register and receive business support beyond May 2026.