StevenKasozi is the founder of Kirkland Kampala, a business that blends Afro-modern aesthetics with sustainable practices. Growing up with a single mother, Steven was instilled with values of hard work and perseverance. He fell in love with fashion despite societal perceptions that fashion was a career for the less educated or predominantly female, he was determined to carve his own path.
After completing a diploma in education of art and design at NTC Muni, Arua, he chose to pursue his passion for fabric manipulation, leading to the creation of Kirkland Kampala in 2017.
Steven’s approach to fashion is deeply rooted in his desire to showcase the beauty and versatility of locally sourced fabrics. ‘My aim is to give life to our locally sourced/manufactured fabrics by creating and innovating unique modern styles.” Says Steven.
His signature style, Afro-modern, fuses traditional African textiles like kikoi and kitenge with contemporary materials such as denim, cotton, and wool. This blend results in distinctive designs, including jackets, kimonos, and bags, that resonate with a modern audience while celebrating African heritage.
Steven’s recent collection, “Uganda @62,” exemplifies his creative vision. Commemorating Uganda’s independence, the collection featured bomber jackets and sleeveless jean-jacket style pieces in the national flag’s colors, complete with a map of Uganda and embroidered details. This collection not only showcased his design prowess but also his ability to create pieces that are both stylish and culturally significant.
Steven finds value in collaborations and has for four years partnered with Huruma Clothing Co. in San Diego, California. Through this collaboration, Steven has observed that different markets have diverse tastes in fashion and this understanding has helped him gain a global audience for his designs as he makes designs based on the audience.
Steven sources locally manufactured and eco-friendly materials, such as cotton and kikoi, and implements a zero-waste campaign by repurposing fabric scraps into patchwork jackets. He also values customer feedback, ensuring his designs align with consumer preferences.
To support his community, Steven partners with local fabric suppliers in downtown Kampala and second-hand material suppliers in Owino market. While he faces challenges in sourcing genuine and affordable materials, he remains committed to supporting local businesses.
Looking to the future, Steven is excited about the integration of technology and AI into the fashion industry, believing it will enhance creativity and innovation. He also envisions Ugandan designers gaining international recognition, given their talent and dedication.
Steven believes the Ugandan fashion industry is promising, with a wealth of young, talented designers. He advocates for government support to foster the industry’s growth and global recognition.
His unique identity as a designer is defined by his ability to blend plain fabrics with kikoi or kitenge, creating original and authentic designs with meticulous attention to detail. This distinctive style has helped him establish a recognizable brand.
Steven has defied all odds and stereo types in fashion to become a fashion icon in the Ugandan market. He has built a successful fashion brand that is contributing to the growth and recognition of Ugandan fashion on a global stage.
