Remember the first time you watched a film and completely forgot you were watching actors? That magic doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every unforgettable character is a costume designer who understood that clothes don’t just cover bodies, but reveal souls.
From ancient Greek theaters where actors wore masks to become gods, to Hollywood’s golden age where a single red dress could define an entire career, costume design has always been storytelling’s secret weapon. Think about it: Dorothy’s ruby slippers, James Bond’s tuxedo, or any traditional outfit in a period drama that made you believe you were watching real history unfold.
What most people don’t realize is that this same artistry is happening right here in Kenya, and it’s world-class.
Kenya’s Hidden Artists
For years, Kenyan costume designers have been quietly creating magic. They’ve researched historical accuracy for period pieces, sourced authentic fabrics for contemporary stories, and solved impossible budget challenges with pure creativity. Yet somehow, they’ve remained invisible to the very audiences they serve.
That’s changing. Awards like WIFA and Kalasha are finally recognizing these artists, and what we’re discovering is incredible: Kenya has costume designers whose work deserves to be studied, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation.
Isabel Nyamgero knows this firsthand. A two-time award winner (Machakos Film Festival 2021, WIFA 2025) and one of Kenya’s recognized top 100 women leaders, she’s lived the journey from emerging designer to industry veteran. She’s seen how a perfectly chosen fabric can transform an actor’s performance, how the right color palette can shift an entire film’s mood, and how costume design can make or break a story’s authenticity.
Juma Brenda brings a different but equally valuable perspective. As a filmmaker, theater practitioner, and production design expert, she understands costume design from every angle, whether artistic, practical, and business. Her international recognition and certification with the International Labor Organization mean she understands both the creative and commercial sides of the industry.
The Conversation We’ve Been Waiting For
On June 12, 2025, these two are doing something that should have happened years ago: they’re bringing everyone together.
The Cinematic Closet Round Table isn’t just another industry meetup. It’s past WIFA and Kalasha award winners sitting down with film students who are just starting out. It’s established designers sharing war stories with emerging professionals who are hungry to learn. It’s the kind of honest conversation about craft that builds careers and transforms industries.
What makes this special is that for the first time, Kenya’s costume design community will have a space to talk openly about their work. The technical challenges. The creative breakthroughs. The business realities. The artistic victories that nobody else sees but that make all the difference. Imagine the electricity in that room where decades of hard-won knowledge meeting fresh perspectives and burning ambition. Why This Matters Now
Kenya’s film industry is growing fast, gaining international attention and respect. But growth without knowledge transfer is just noise. The techniques, relationships, and hard-won wisdom of established designers needs to reach the next generation before it’s lost.
This round table is that bridge. It’s where a student might learn the trick that saves their first big project. Where an emerging designer might meet their future collaborator. Where established professionals might discover their next mentee.
It’s also where Kenya’s costume design community finally gets to celebrate itself. To recognize that their work isn’t just about clothes, it’s about cultural preservation, artistic expression, and the visual language of Kenyan storytelling.
Your Invitation
Whether you’re already working in film, dreaming of breaking in, or just curious about the artistry behind great movies, this conversation is for you. The stories shared in this room will shape how Kenya’s films look for years to come.
The Cinematic Closet Round Table: Bridging Generations in Film Costume Design June 12, 2025, 3:00 PM iHub Creative Space, Jahazi Building 154 James Gichuru Road Contact: +254 797816559
Come for the networking. Stay for the stories. Leave with the connections that change everything.
To book exclusive events with a TICKETING PARTNER, check out tickets.sanaapost.com 😎👊🏾
