Kenyan Designer Nicole Tikolo Celebrates Heritage and Inclusivity with Fashanne Awards Nomination

Kenyan-born fashion design student Nicole Tikolo, currently pursuing her studies at Nottingham Trent University, has garnered significant attention as a finalist in the Womenswear Design category at the prestigious 2025 Fashanne Awards.

Her captivating coastal collection, “Urembo wa Pwani,” has earned her a spot in the running for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Tikolo is actively campaigning for votes, urging Kenyans, East Africans, the diaspora, and advocates of inclusive fashion worldwide to support her entry, #62.

“Urembo wa Pwani,” Swahili for “The Beauty of the Coast,” is a deeply personal and intentional collection. It draws inspiration from Tikolo’s Taita heritage and cherished childhood memories of sun-drenched Christmas vacations along the Kenyan coastline.

The collection boldly celebrates curvy women through body-inclusive silhouettes, custom prints featuring madafu (young coconut) and the Taita White Eye bird, and textiles that evoke the breezy essence of Diani and Lamu.

“I design for women who want to feel beautiful, confident, and seen,” states Nicole Tikolo. “This collection is rooted in my story, my heritage, and a deep belief that African fashion can be both globally relevant and proudly local.”

Tikolo represents a new generation of African designers seamlessly blending storytelling, purpose, and inclusivity into contemporary fashion.

Her design philosophy emphasizes wearable volume, deliberate prints, and meticulous finishing, all meticulously tailored to celebrate African women of diverse shapes and sizes.

“This nomination isn’t just about me. It’s about showing the world what Kenya has to offer. It’s about telling stories with fabric, and celebrating the coastlines, curves, and creativity of African women,” she emphasizes.

This nomination marks a significant milestone for Tikolo, as her collection gains exposure on a prominent international platform. She credits designers like Andrea Iyamah, Kim Dave, and Banke Kuku, along with others who integrate their culture into their designs, as positive influences on her work.

“It’s the first time that my work is being seen on an international platform to this magnitude. It’s both humbling and incredibly affirming for me as a designer,” Tikolo remarked, highlighting the personal significance of this recognition.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced live at the Fashanne Awards on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.

Vote Now: Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes by visiting www.votenicoletikolo.info, scrolling to Entry #62 – Nicole Tikolo, entering their name and email, and clicking submit.