JANE WANJIRU.

With an increase in fashion events, Kenya has become a hotbed for design talent. Young designer Jane Wanjiru is the name to drop. Jane aka RUCI is a Kenyan fashion designer and founder of the start-up, RUCI Fashion. The Kenyatta University student has worked hard to establish her brand not only as a fashion designer but also a young entrepreneur who takes her inspiration from different cultures and fabrics. When she’s scouting for fabrics, she trusts her gut, she is one of those young designers who have clear ideas about their talent and wishes. She’s a really kind person especially after the shoot she became even nicer we just had a conversation. I thought she was going to leave and she just chilled for a little bit and we talked fashion.

I was really impressed by the strong style and feedback given by her clients and with all this, I went ahead to explore more about Jay's world looking at her projects to discover her talent in design.

1. WHO IS JANE WANJIRU, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

I would best describe myself as a dreamer this is because I have so much that I would like to accomplish in my existence and also; A creative because I love creating in my case when designing and coming up with new ideas while sketching. I love the adrenaline rush and how my brain spirals with ideas when I'm in the zone.

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Spontaneous, I'm one person who doesn't limit their style choices. I wear what I want to, that's my style hehe.

3. WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU WANT TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DESIGN?

This is kind of a sad story so brace yourselves! Back in 2016 when I fell into depression and stopped going to school for about a year. During that period a lot started making sense to me and being in therapy was hard at first. But having the support of my family and my best friend I realized that I had to make them proud and finish school and that there is no place I'd rather be other than fashion school. And that is when I went back to school and it's like my creative bubble finally popped coz the past 1 year I've seen so much growth in myself. And on top of it all, I just want to be the best designer I can be and make my family proud :)

4. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START DESIGNING?

I love creating that's one and the freedom to make something look exactly how you want it to. Your idea and vision coming to life, that for me is the most liberating thing that inspired me to start designing.

5. WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AS A DESIGNER ENTAIL?

Mainly visualization of the end product, there is a creative process to everything. Mine entails putting my idea on paper by sketching, this helps my brain stop spiraling. After sketching I know what exact design I want to create and the kinds of fabrics that will work best with the design, the kinds of patterns I need to make and finally stitching the pieces together to bring the design to life. This is basically my work.

6. ARE YOU PLANNING ON STARTING YOUR OWN LINE AND IF YES, WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST FEAR IN STARTING ONE?

Yes, I am and I haven't thought of my fears yet Jimmie. Like I said earlier on, I'm a dreamer and we dreamers don't really think of our fears we just do coz anything is possible if you believe haha.

7. HOW IS WORKING IN FASHION DIFFERENT TODAY THAN WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?

Today I'm more knowledgeable of the fashion industry (the good and bad) as compared to back then and I'd like to do more as a designer.

9. WHAT FASHION TRENDS DO YOU FEEL SHOULD BE REVIVED?

1940s Fashion-era because that's when women started wearing trousers/pants and honestly I cannot live in a world where women are not allowed to wear pants lol! And also the fact that fashion for women evolved and women now could do stuff other than wearing pretty dresses and going for tea parties, women became empowered after men left for war.

10. WHAT FASHION TRENDS SHOULD BE STOPPED?

I don't think any fashion trends should be stopped, how you dress your body is a way of self-expression. I just think people should educate themselves on what styles suits their bodies- this is a huge problem in fashion, people assuming that certain looks will work on them as they did on a model.

11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT BEING A DESIGNER?

Going to fashion shows, every time I go for a show, or I dress models or watch as the models catwalk on the runway... that feeling right there is why I keep becoming designer every time haha. I love that experience so much.

8. HOW DO YOU STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR DESIGNS?

The internet. I love Instagram and Pinterest I get so much inspiration from these apps.

12. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER?

Brandon Maxwell, the fact that he came from a small town didn't stop him from pursuing his dreams and becoming the great designer he is today, really inspires me.

14. HOW DO YOU WANT WOMEN TO FEEL WHEN WEARING YOUR CLOTHES?

I want both men and women to wear my designs and feel amazing about themselves; I want you to love and feel great about yourself when wearing RUCI- be confident.

13. YOU RECENTLY LAUNCHED RUCI WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

You had to haha. I have to keep reminding folks that it's pronounced 'RUSHI'. Well RUCI is a start-up clothing brand that focuses on creating the best designs for its clients. The best in that, you always feel great whenever people look at the clothes you are wearing. Personally, I always feel great when I'm well dressed and I want the same feeling for everyone wearing my designs.

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE KENYAN FASHION SCENE NEEDS?

It needs to get rid of second-hand clothes-'Mitumba'. It is destroying our Fashion Industry as well as our environment. I'm not saying that I do not buy/wear thrift clothes but this initiative begins with me and you saying we will not buy/wear mitumba again! This has to happen for our Kenyan Fashion industry to grow.

16. THERE'S SO MUCH PRESSURE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY ESPECIALLY FOR DESIGNERS, WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG DESIGNERS STARTING THEIR CAREER?

Well, I'm also just starting my career as well but from what I've learnt in fashion school, pressure is good it makes you think out of the box and create even better designs. So, don't let the pressure stop you, let it mold you into a better creative.

17. FINALLY, HOW CAN POTENTIAL CLIENTS REACH YOU FOR ORDERS AND INQUIRIES?

You can follow me on my socials for fashion advice as well as placing your orders directly via the contacts provided:

- @ruci.fashion - My new fashion page where people can see my designs and place orders

- @jaysworld20 - My blogging page where people can get my articles and style advice.

On Instagram.

Thank you for reading Jane's story and always remember to stay SUITED.

Till next time. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all !!