artist-on-artist

Artist Profile: Kenyan Raw

by Jean Johnson

December 27, 2024

Artist Profile: Kenyan Raw

Unveiling Morgan Azedy: A Visionary in Avant-Garde Fashion

In the bustling world of fashion where creativity reigns supreme, Morgan Azedy stands out with innovation and bold expression. A multifaceted artist — fashion designer, stylist, and high fashion model — Morgan Azedy has carved a niche for himself in Kenya’s vibrant fashion landscape over the past five years. His journey, which began after completing his degree in textiles at Ramogi Institute, has been a whirlwind of creativity and ambition.

Avant-Garde Visionary

Known for his avant-garde style, Morgan Azedy draws inspiration not from trends or idols, but from an inner creative fire that ignites his designs. His aesthetic defies convention, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions of what fashion can be. From intricate tapestries to shimmering sequins, with a love for denim, leather, and upcycled materials like never before.

From Inspiration to Creation

For Morgan Azedy, fashion is not just about creating beautiful garments; it’s about evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression. His journey into fashion began with a spark of inspiration sparked by watching top designers’ fashion events, leading him to believe that he could one day be among Kenya’s finest. Since then, he has styled artists like Nadia, leaving audiences in awe with his unique creations.

Admiration

Morgan states that he reveres the work of Alexander Mcqueen and Nigel Xavier.

“Good artists copy, great artists steal.” As Pablo Picasso suggests that while all artists take inspiration from existing works, the most innovative ones transform these influences into something uniquely their own.

You can see how his work is borne of the reverence for these two artists in their shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and boundary-pushing creativity. Alexander McQueen’s dramatic and imaginative collections, known for blending the macabre with the romantic, set a high bar for theatrical fashion shows and emotionally charged themes. Nigel Xavier, with his title as the “wizard of denim,” brings innovation through his unique patchwork and upcycled materials, promoting eco-friendly fashion practices. Similarly, Morgan Azedy’s avant-garde style challenges conventional fashion norms, creating emotionally evocative and sustainable designs. All three designers emphasize cultural and historical influences in their work, with McQueen drawing from Victorian Gothic and Scottish history, while Morgan advocates for fashion that reflects Kenya’s local culture and climate. This shared vision of pushing fashion’s boundaries, combined with a dedication to sustainability and cultural awareness appears to form the core of Morgan Azedy’s love for Nigel Xavier and Alexander McQueen

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite his success, Morgan Azedy has faced challenges familiar to many designers — limited capital, sourcing quality materials, and battling perceptions of fashion’s importance. He desires people to see the importance of designers in carving out and bringing out a person’s true authentic self and their ability to make your visions or true self come to life in your expression rather than buying the same old things in stores. Yet, these obstacles have only fueled his determination to elevate Kenya’s fashion scene. His commitment to environmental conservation through upcycling reflects his ethos of sustainability and creativity.

Looking Ahead

As he sets his sights beyond Kenya, feeling like he has achieved Supreme Reign here, Morgan Azedy dreams of becoming East Africa’s foremost designer, then conquering the global stage. His upcoming collaboration with Luku promises to redefine trends while staying true to his distinctive style. From jorts to shorts, he shows just what a creative mind can make unique with a trendy base. With aspirations to showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Morgan aims to cement his status as an international sensation.

A Call for Evolution

For Morgan Azedy, fashion is not just a fleeting trend; it’s an everlasting statement of style. He challenges fellow designers to innovate constantly, moving away from imitation and embracing originality rooted in cultural context and environmental consciousness. His message is clear: evolve or risk being left behind in an ever-changing industry.

Conclusion

In parting, Morgan Azedy leaves us with his mantra, “I’m the Baddest,” a declaration of his unwavering confidence and commitment to pushing boundaries. As he continues to shape the future of fashion in Kenya and beyond, Morgan Azedy stands as a beacon of creativity, challenging us all to see fashion as not just clothing, but as an art form that can change perceptions and inspire generations to come.

Previous

Artist x Artist: mwami x KYmani

Next

Reflections in the Undercurrent: A Review of Kamande Muigai’s ‘Undercurrent’