1. In what style or trend do you classify yourself?

Contemporary African Street Fashion

2. When did you start custom making shirts/shoes?

Started Tshirts in high school some time in 2003 I did my first sneaks in 2004.

3. what inspired you to start doing customs?

I like being me, an individual so the best way to express this to the people without having to open my mouth is by how I present myself..via fashion, via art.

4. are you planning on getting an office job?(if you don’t already have one)  or this does it for you?

I have worked in a formal setting when still in campus in Amref Kenya as a supervisor in a youth programme art field, did well for my age then. I immediately got a job just as I finished campus at a place known as ‘R.M.S Kenya’ as a research field supervisor and got enrolled at Barclays Bank as a Sales and Marketing Rep. I enjoyed my first two experiences but I didn’t get to go out to the field as a Barclays Kenya employee, I instead decided to take the risk and follow my heart, into who and what I am now, a budding Fashion Rebel.

5. What are your clients like?

I like people with guts, I don’t talk much so it’s kinda hard to get to know me but my uni *sociology* made me realize that Kenyans are very conservative when it comes to self expression through fashion especially the mature people. I therefore offer these such wanting clientele my services…where they get to keep their pride, as well their look, and still get to show that they too can dare to go out and try new looks.

I however target small enterprises, tour firms, personalities and young leaders who are ready for new ideas and are confident enough to express it on themselves.

6. Clients do not always know what they want. How do you correctly interpret their comments and requests?

There are two approaches to that. 1. Do as they ask. 2. Make them ask for what you offer. I often go for no. 2.
Its stress dealing with specifications, so I let them choose.
I therefore try as much as possible to bring new techniques and finishing to my product, then give the client a chance to choose what they feel represents them, thus I have evaded not delivering what they didn’t know they wanted by giving them what they thought was just as brilliant.

7. What trends do you see gaining momentum at the moment?

I actually can’t be specific. I’m very much into music and sport, so the clientele I get come with very different tastes from Goth to Reggae and African, but to the point, the Punk look is really catching up!! People are going all out on color and textures. I like!!!

8. What magazines or websites do you follow to keep up to date? What other types of cultural inputs serve as sources of inspiration for you?

I’m very keen on all the local fashion publications!! True Love Magazine, Adam Magazine, Passion Magazine, Vogue etc They have been the foundation, which are somewhat contrary to my street look but I look at the fashion spreads to see the professionalism and quality that designers are maintaining.
Kenyans are really trying to keep up with the global look and season change by releasing collections on a quartile basis. I’m influenced by music. I can’t work in silence, my clientele being mainly performing artists need really intense looks so getting in line with the vybe they are sending requires me to be in line with their work so I can get their personalities and thus my result…..their look.

9. What role does technology play in your business? Do you believe that you are where you need to be technologically speaking?

Technology has made me who I am today, If it wasn’t for my mobile phone, Ryk Mchoraji would have been none-existent. Internet marketing and social media has been the forefront of my marketing strategy. Its very affordable and with this modern day Kenya Data rivalry, the services get faster and more reliable.
The Media has also been very supportive because it exposes people like us and they still are asking for more, so that  has greatly been to my advantage.
I am still not where I need to be in terms of equipment to better my product and increases production speed. Getting a good embroidery machine, good airbrush, computers, printing machines and sewing machine in this city will cost you an arm and a leg!! Too expensive, but ill get there one day.

10. What is your concept of fashion? Why does it change so much from one culture to another or from one era to another?

1. To cover yourself
2. To express who u are without word
3. To show how interesting you can be with creativity

Fashion is part of life, culture. A simple cloth can dictate respect, a simple notch can introduce intrigue, color portrays mood, texture brings the feeling of depth…all these blended together can draw your emotion towards an individual, a total stranger, a partner, a colleague….anyone to make you want them, feel them and connect with them.

Fashion changes so much because trends and social diversity progresses greatly with time. Simply because it’s human to revolt from the previous and run to the forward…you will run naked only because you see a blanket on the other side and your parent is wearing a rug.

Thank you very much.
Ryk Mchoraji

Interview by Cynthia Mwangi