Sam Omindo-Genteel

Sam Omindo @ Genteel

Sam Omindo is a Kenyan born Fashion designer, Founder and Creative Director of Genteel Fashion and
Grooming.

What is your background? Fashion started as my hobby, my friends at University liked the way I dressed and would ask me where I got my clothes from, so naturally a small business came out of it. I used to thrift clothes from the
second-hand market in Kenya, Gikomba . It became serious after I left University - I joined a series of business incubators in Nairobi, including the Fashion Product Lab, which helped me to look at my business model and understand what is required in a fashion business. I’ve continued to grow and build up my skills and education over time, I’m currently part of the Creative DNA fashion programme run by the British Council.

Who is your typical client? Before I started Genteel I’d noticed that the male clientele in Kenya was underserved. We are aiming for affordable-luxury and our clients are mostly professionals, modern men on the move. We focus on ready-to wear items for clients who want their clothing or suit to have an identity that they can confidently wear to work. During the coronavirus crisis we’ve temporarily moved to producing safe, hygienic & stylish facemasks.

What 3 words would you use to describe your style/design work? The creative ethos for Genteel is around harnessing our inherent and rich cultural heritage, discovering and appreciating our Kenyan identity and expressing this through the language of fashion. We do this by subtly combining bold prints, colours, and patterns with the muted tones typical in British culture for a transitional contemporary look. It's a sense of cultural functionality.

What are your ambitions?  To authentically represent Kenya’s inherent, rich cultural identity through fashion and to be a 100% Kenyan brand, sourcing and producing fashion in Kenya.

What has been your biggest career achievement? In 2016 Genteel was listed as ‘Brand to watch for’ by Couture Africa. In the year 2017, some of my pieces were featured in Drum Magazine and also were worn by Sauti Sol, an internationally acknowledged afro-pop band, for the Drum Magazine Cover. I have also dressed Kenyan athletes who
were playing at the commonwealth games in Gold Coast, Australia. The greatest of all achievements is having dressed some fantastic people who were initially clients but have ended up being friends and great connections.

What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Kenya? Be as authentic as you possibly can. Be authentic to your passion, your goals & your dreams. This will help you overcome any disappointments you will experience while building your brand. Also find a
mentor. A creative mentor & a business mentor. It’s way easier staying focused when you have
someone whose done it show you the way.