The Nairobi-Paris fashion label, Yoshita 1967, was founded by Anil Padia, a designer and artist who grew up in the African country and trained in Paris.

The name of Padia’s label references his grandfather’s business, Yoshita Industries, and his late aunt’s birth year. The name is particularly relevant. In Sanskrit yoshita means woman. Yoshita 1967’s production centres on women’s handiwork. As the artist learned about clothing and textile traditions from his aunt it is also a nod to that lineage.

Given his Indian heritage, it is no surprise that the garments made by the studio make use of that country’s rich textile traditions as well as those of Kenya and Paris. Small bells and mirrors, textured yarns and fabrics all make for a unique and stimulating label to watch. So much so that the artist has the distinction of being the first Kenyan designer to get onto the shortlist of the LVMH prize.

_{Header image: Spring/ Summer 2025 campaign Rites of the Water’s Edge}