Reaching Equality Through Fashion
David Avido, 25, years old is a fashion designer born and bred in Kibera slums, Nairobi. His career in art started off as a dancer before shifting to fashion. This switch came naturally to him and a few years into the art, indulge in creative arts that is inclusive. Avido has dressed celebrities and influencers from all walks of life including the president of Kenya through his fashion brand Lookslike Avido.
Letoya Johnstone, interacting with the other models
For Letoya Johnston, Avido incorporated her into the community by picking her to be the catwalk coach of the fashion’s festival. As a transgender woman, she was profound, people get to see what she can do that is beyond her gender.
Having the opportunity to just be outside and do something that will be seen nationwide is a big achievement for them in personal terms. This is sustainable inclusion and they can relate with the Lookslike Avido’s brand for a while unlike one day inclusive activities they do and forget.
This was Letoya’s first work with people who are differently able (First model runway with all differently able people in Kenya from a known designer), and for her, it was more than an eye opening and she likes to do things that will open her mind. This is something bigger, Letoya said over the phone. It goes a long way in creating awareness and accessibility to other issues that have made this group to be highly vulnerable and increasingly marginalized. The need for inclusion in Kibera slums is one of the fundamental human rights issues. People living with disabilities have been known to live in homes and institutions, and this has separated them from the community.
Letoya added that, because you’re coming from Kibera you do not need to be weak. She encouraged people like Avido to continue doing their powerful grassroots activities that empowers the community with the following they have. Let’s not wait for the government, independent bodies or NGOs to do it. Let’s start and they can join us.