Get ready to be inspired! Kenyan-born fashion phenom Nicole Tikolo, a brilliant student at Nottingham Trent University, is turning heads and stealing hearts as a finalist in the Womenswear Design category at the prestigious 2025 Fashanne Awards.
Her show-stopping coastal collection, “Urembo wa Pwani,” has not only landed her a coveted spot but also has her vying for the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award!
Nicole is rallying her global squad – from Kenyans and East Africans to the vibrant diaspora and every single lover of inclusive fashion worldwide – to cast their votes for her stunning entry, #62. This isn’t just a collection; it’s a movement!
“Urembo wa Pwani” (which beautifully translates to “The Beauty of the Coast” in Swahili) is more than just fabric and thread. It’s a bold, intentional, and deeply personal celebration born from Nicole’s Taita roots and those sun-drenched, dreamy Christmas vacations on the Kenyan coast.
Imagine: body-inclusive silhouettes that embrace every curve, custom prints featuring playful madafu and the charming Taita White Eye bird, and textiles that practically whisper the breezy spirit of Diani and Lamu. It’s pure magic!
“I design for women who want to feel beautiful, confident, and seen,” Nicole shares, her passion shining through. “This collection is rooted in my story, my heritage, and a deep belief that African fashion can be both globally relevant and proudly local.” Can we get an amen?!
Nicole is undeniably a trailblazer, part of a fierce new wave of African designers weaving captivating storytelling, profound purpose, and undeniable inclusivity into the very fabric of contemporary fashion.
Her design philosophy? Think wearable volume that flatters, intentional prints that pop, and precise finishing that screams luxury – all exquisitely tailored to celebrate African women of all shapes and sizes.
“This nomination isn’t just about me,” she declares with conviction. “It’s about showing the world what Kenya has to offer. It’s about telling stories with fabric, and celebrating the coastlines, curves, and creativity of African women.” Talk about making a statement!
This moment is massive. Nicole’s collection is now dazzling on an international platform of epic scale. She credits powerhouses like Andrea Iyamah, Kim Dave, and Banke Kuku – and any designer who brilliantly infuses their culture into their creations – as her guiding lights.
“It’s the first time that my work is being seen on an international platform to this magnitude,” Nicole reveals. “It’s both humbling and incredibly affirming for me as a designer.” And for us, it’s incredibly exciting to witness!
Nicole’s journey is a vibrant reflection of a growing chorus of African creatives who are proudly tapping into their rich heritage to shape global fashion narratives, all while keeping their artistry firmly rooted in authentic culture.
The suspense is building! The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be unveiled LIVE at the Fashanne Awards on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.
Ready to make history with Nicole? Here’s how to vote for entry #62:
- Visit: www.votenicoletikolo.info
- Scroll to: Entry #62 – Nicole Tikolo
- Enter: Your name & email
- Click: Submit!
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