Last weekend, I attended two fashion pop-ups. They were different, but they both had the same vision: showcasing fashion to prospective buyers or immediate ones. I spent the most time in Ngara, a fast-emerging creative hub for designers and artists, thanks to its growing scene of studios and makerspaces. House Number 34, Heltz House, is where the Kenyan Designers Collective had a pop-up, and it was my first location for the weekend. It was more elegant and posh in its display of fashion compared to Soko Social, which took place in a small, charming garden next to the Social House. Nevertheless, here are five things that made the Popup Boutique pop off.

Curated Stands
The clothing stands featured a mix of different brands, giving underground brands a shot at discovery. You could see how the brands coexist—a reflection of most wardrobes with dissimilar labels. The move to pair high-end labels with emerging ones helps smaller brands stand out while maintaining a balanced customer spending experience. These associations enhance the value of smaller brands, giving them an edge in pricing.

Variety…variety!
A runway of only silk dresses would be dull. The pop-up, however, dazzled with fabrics: silk from Katush, cowhide from Urban Ranch, suede from Vast, leather from Kisero, and cotton from Lila Bare and Kikoromeo. This variety added depth and texture, letting visitors experience the distinct feel of each fabric.

The silhouettes varied widely. Neka’s simple, chic white dress was perfect for an evening cocktail. Studio Namnyak’s cropped blazer featured an asymmetrical, scarf-like lapel that could drape over the shoulder or hang loose for a jaw-dropping statement. Together, these pieces highlighted the balance between minimal and sophisticated designs. The vibrant and light hues in Mariam Couture’s collections softened the rough, distressed, and delicate designs of Kooroo.
Lila Bare’s crocheted maxi dress, embellished with beaded metal sequins—as creative director Ria Ana calls them—had a rebellious yet soft tropical vibe to it. The dress was inspired by her life on the Kenyan coast and the hit sitcom Friends. What a show-stealer!

Proudly Kenyan
Every piece bore the label “Made in Kenya.” Reading or even saying it out loud exudes a sense of pride in being a Kenyan. The names of those involved in garment construction, such as crocheting, were included on most brands’ information tags—a thoughtful way to recognize and honor their artistry. This gesture showcases local talent to the world and opens doors for collaboration in international fashion circles.

Living the dream
Mega fashion houses invest in selling not only the product but also a lifestyle associated with the brand. This obsession with offering an experience that exceeds traditional shopping stretches into Ngara. The concept store that housed the event had everything meticulously crafted to enhance the customer experience: soft lighting, store attendants at every turn offering help, and several changing points sitting diagonally opposite each other at the corners of the store. The massive store windows provided additional light and added the bustle of city life to the experience: shopping while gazing at the ongoing activities along Ngara Road.

Value for time
The venue had a front store and a dining area at its center. This made it easy to view, shop, and grab a cocktail or a hot dog before returning to finish your shopping experience. The setup offered a one-stop experience that blended shopping and leisure. The ambience was perfect: chill music accompanying the low chatter from fashion creatives into dusk.

Pop-ups, much like fashion weeks, play a crucial role in Kenya’s fashion scene, which still grapples with local visibility despite growing global recognition. They bring fashion closer to the people, grounding it as tangible, present, and distinctly Kenyan. The second edition of the Popup Boutique marked a successful weekend and, more than that, a promise—a brighter future for the business of fashion in Kenya.