Nicole Tikolo, a distinguished Kenyan-born fashion design student at Nottingham Trent University, has been recognized as a standout finalist in the Womenswear Design category at the esteemed 2025 Fashanne Awards.
Her evocative coastal collection, “Urembo wa Pwani,” has not only secured her position among the top contenders but also places her in contention for the highly coveted People’s Choice Award.
Ms. Tikolo is actively engaging with a global audience, including Kenyans, East Africans, members of the diaspora, and proponents of inclusive fashion worldwide, to garner support for her entry, identified as #62.
“Urembo wa Pwani,” which translates to “The Beauty of the Coast” in Swahili, is a collection characterized by its bold vision, intentional design, and profound personal significance. It draws inspiration from Ms. Tikolo’s Taita heritage and the cherished memories of sun-drenched Christmas vacations along the Kenyan coast.
The collection is a deliberate celebration of curvy women, featuring body-inclusive silhouettes, bespoke prints of madafu (young coconut) and the Taita White Eye bird, and textiles that embody the serene and airy spirit of Diani and Lamu.
“My design philosophy is centered on empowering women to feel beautiful, confident, and acknowledged,” Ms. Tikolo states. “This collection is deeply rooted in my personal narrative, my cultural heritage, and a steadfast conviction that African fashion possesses the intrinsic ability to be both globally relevant and authentically local.”
Ms. Tikolo represents a vanguard of African designers who are masterfully integrating compelling storytelling, purposeful design, and broad inclusivity into contemporary fashion. Her design practice is distinguished by its focus on wearable volume, thoughtfully conceived prints, and meticulous finishing, all precisely tailored to celebrate African women across the spectrum of shapes and sizes.
“This nomination extends beyond individual recognition,” Ms. Tikolo asserts. “It serves as a platform to showcase Kenya’s creative contributions to the world. It is about articulating narratives through fabric and celebrating the coastlines, the diverse forms, and the inherent creativity of African women.”
This acknowledgment marks a significant professional milestone for Ms. Tikolo, as her collection gains prominent exposure on an international stage. She credits designers such as Andrea Iyamah, Kim Dave, and Banke Kuku, alongside other designers who seamlessly integrate their cultural heritage into their creations, as influential figures in her artistic development.
“This is the first occasion that my work has been presented on an international platform of this magnitude,” Ms. Tikolo reflects. “It is both a humbling and profoundly affirming experience for me as a designer.” Her statement underscores a burgeoning trend among African creatives who are confidently drawing upon their rich cultural heritage to shape global fashion narratives, thereby anchoring their artistic expression in cultural authenticity.
The recipient of the People’s Choice Award will be announced during a live presentation at the Fashanne Awards on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.
Vote Submission Details:
Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes by following these instructions:
- Visit: www.votenicoletikolo.info
- Navigate to: Entry #62 – Nicole Tikolo
- Provide: Your name and email address
- Click: Submit
