BY KUDZAI CHITSATSO
Harare-based fashion designer Kenneth Chikumbu, founder of Kikings Wearables, is setting his sights on the corporate mainstream, targeting Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for supplying clothing uniforms and promotional wear.
Chikumbu, who established his brand during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown Kikings Wearables from a streetwear label to a formalized business with a studio in Harare’s CBD. Now, he aims to expand into the corporate sector, leveraging his expertise in sustainable and upcycled fashion.
Kikings Wearables, a subsidiary of Kikings Designers & Apparel, was founded in 2020 and has since gained a loyal following for its innovative streetwear and upcycled denim products. Over the past four years, the brand has transformed denim jeans into wearable items and interior decor, such as cushions, pillows, and duvets, while also patching jeans onto shoes.
This unique approach has attracted a growing clientele, enabling the brand to establish a studio in Harare’s central business district.In an interview with Mcheno And More, Chikumbu revealed his ambitions to enter the corporate wear market.
“We are targeting to go into the corporate mainstream of supplying clothing uniforms and promotional wear to SMEs when the time arrives financially, as part of broadening our horizon,” he said.
Despite his confidence in his skills, Chikumbu acknowledged the need for funding to scale operations.
“I believe I have the skill capacity but just lack the adequate funding to heighten my operations in terms of industrial-range equipment and legal compliance to participate in competitive bidding tenders,” he explained.
Chikumbu also highlighted the brand’s focus on sustainable and circular fashion practices. “Sustainable fashion of producing more for less, circular fashion of maximizing product lifecycle, and economic consideration throughout the entire fashion industry value chain have been the norm at Kikings Studio,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of ethical practices in the industry, cautioning against labor exploitation and environmental damage caused by fast fashion.
Chikumbu’s passion for fashion design began in his teenage years. He honed his craft by enrolling at Emelda Sewing Institute, where he learned garment-making, interior decor, and the fundamentals of fashion design.
Balancing his studies at Midlands State University, where he pursued Geography and Environmental Studies, Chikumbu dedicated his vacation time to fashion school. By the end of 2021, he had mastered the garment-making process, from sketching to sewing, with minimal supervision.In 2022, Chikumbu launched his first collection, which faced initial market challenges.
However, a 2023 collection featuring upcycled denim products marked a turning point. “I noticed the love for products made from upcycled denim, which had a bit of local innovation and environmental conscience,” he said.
With effective media marketing, the brand began attracting a wider audience, including college students and streetwear enthusiasts.
By mid-2024, Chikumbu had formalized his business, registering his enterprise and opening a shop in Harare’s CBD. His participation in Zim Fashion Week 2024 and Braamfontein Fashion Week in Johannesburg further elevated his brand’s profile. Additionally, he secured a spot at the Old Stables Market in Borrowdale Racecourse, where he now hosts monthly pop-up stores to showcase his handmade, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
Chikumbu credited Kimbale, owner of Madd On Flowers sewing studio, for supporting his brand’s growth.
“I would go on to publicly thank Kimbale for noticing the attractiveness of my label and welcoming it at the Old Stables Market, a rare opportunity for youthful designers like me,” he said. Looking ahead, Chikumbu aims to expand his corporate wear segment and venture into branding, aligning with his vision of sustainable and ethical fashion.
Kenneth Chikumbu’s journey from a passionate teenage designer to the founder of a thriving fashion brand exemplifies resilience and innovation.
With a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, Kikings Wearables is poised to make a significant impact in the corporate uniform market for SMEs, while continuing to inspire through its unique, upcycled creations.
