Have you ever fitted a garment with a local tailor? How was your experience? Did you have any issues with the fit, stitching, or finishing? While perfection may be elusive, many Kenyans hesitate to trust local tailors with important garments. Almost every adult Kenyan has had a less-than-ideal experience with a tailor, with ladies’ stories being even more common.
Take a walk through public spaces like hospitals or schools, and you’ll likely notice poorly made uniforms. Even when you buy a cheap imported outfit, the fitting is generally acceptable, despite the quality of fabric being compromised. This hasn’t always been the case with locally produced garments, where something often feels “off.”
Have you ever admired the unique styles in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, or Ethiopia and wished Kenya had its own distinctive fashion identity? Imagine the pride and the job creation opportunities that a thriving local fashion industry could bring to Kenya.
Jedmac Fashion Incubator is Solving the Problem
At Jedmac Fashion Incubator, we understand the challenges and have already implemented solutions to address these issues head-on:
- Skill Gap in Pattern Making:
While the government has invested in apparel training through TVET institutions, many certificate holders lack the practical pattern-making skills needed to produce wearable garments. Jedmac bridges this gap by offering specialized training in advanced pattern making, equipping designers with the skills needed to produce garments that meet market standards. - Upgrading Diploma Holder Skills:
Diploma holders and graduates often struggle to keep up with the latest pattern-making techniques after graduation. At Jedmac, we provide these graduates with the exposure and hands-on apprenticeship opportunities they need to upgrade their skills. Our fashion incubator is one of the few establishments in Kenya offering this level of professional development, ensuring that they don’t have to struggle on their own. - Lack of Industry-Ready Trainers:
Jedmac recognizes the gap in industry-ready trainers. While trainers in traditional institutions do their best, they may lack exposure to current industry trends. We ensure that our trainers are always aligned with the latest fashion trends, offering real-time training to keep designers ahead of the curve.
How Jedmac Fashion Incubator is Breaking Down the Fashion Production Chain
To ensure efficient and high-quality production, we’ve structured our training and processes into three key areas:
- Designing & Marketing:
Our creative team focuses on developing unique designs, sketching ideas, and marketing them to the right audience. Designers are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. - Pattern Making:
At the heart of our training is the pattern-making process. Our diploma holders and graduates specialize in creating patterns, grading, and producing garment samples. These patterns are available for sale to the market, solving the long-standing problem of pattern availability in Kenya. - Garment Construction:
The construction team, comprising skilled certificate holders, handles cutting, stitching, finishing, and packaging. They are trained to ensure that each garment meets quality standards from start to finish.
At Jedmac Fashion Incubator, we’ve already implemented these solutions to elevate the Kenyan fashion industry. By focusing on hands-on training and market-driven skills, we’re producing high-quality garments and building a new generation of skilled pattern makers and designers.
