Designers

Ugandan Design Brand to Know: Jonjo Fashions by Kiyimba Joshua Patrick

By Isa King | December 9, 2022

Who is Kiyimba Joshua Patrick?

I’m Kiyimba Joshua Patrick well known as Jonjo Fashions. I’m the founder of Jonjo Fashion factory which I founded in 2019. I custom-create for both men and women. I also cater to other needs such as photoshoots, video shoots, weddings, and other events.

When was the brand founded?

We began in 2019 with a vision to make factory that can produce large sums of clothing enough to compete with the Chinese imported clothes market. That’s why it’s referred to as a fashion factory. We have evolved so much since then. I enjoy creating looks that are out of the box. I also enjoy working with people who express themselves freely.

As I told u I wanted to be my own boss. When I got to school, I chose a course that’s would allow me to get employment fast.

Who have you worked with so far?

I have worked with several famous people from Vivian Tendo as her stylist, Ykee Benda, Dre Cali, Cindy Sanyu, Pia Pounds, Precious Remmy, Carol Nantongo, Momo 19, Meilli from Burundi, Uncle Austin from Rwanda, Shishi from Nigeria and more.

Your most memorable moments

My first showcase away from Uganda was a bit of a challenge because everything was new. My best moment is when I won my first international award from Nigeria.

How is working in fashion now different from when you started?

The fashion industry has evolved so much. People have embraced fashion in more ways than one, seeing that I can make custom garments for clients, garments that are made in Uganda by a Ugandan and peices that can stand toe to toe with big brands says slot about how fashion has evolved.

Do you think the increasing influx of ‘international’ fashion designers is a threat to local creatives?

To a larger extent I would say no because Ugandans have embraced local brands and being that we have tried to make fashion very accessible, a lot of people are able to buy made in Uganda garments that are a price that can afford as compared to luxury international brand that are very expensive.

Are you self-taught or you went to fashion school?

I went to a fashion school though it wasn’t enough all I needed. Mostly after getting the basics from school I try to create and do things that I don’t know coz the fashion industry changes almost every month. U have to be updated

How has your work evolved since you began designing?

I think I have done so well so far coz I have managed to attract other designers to get inspired by my work and they recreate it. Secondly being nominated for awards or given chance to showcase my work internationally also shows some good signs

Who is your style icon & why?

Swanky Jerry and Anjy luminee from Nigeria. I love the sense of creativity in their outfits and other people they style

Are there any types of clothes you avoid designing or wearing?

My style aesthetic is very loud or in your face but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t make a garment that is the opposite of that, if a client asks for something very sparkly and in your face, I will definitely design it for them.

What would you say are your biggest fashion achievements and what would you like to achieve in the coming year?

Getting a location, managing to showcase around Africa and winning awards, attracting local and international celebrities, etc. in the future I would like to stage a fashion show in Kampala that would be attractive to other international designers to come and showcase here and also stand a chance to showcase my designs in Europe’s biggest fashion runways like Paris fashion week.

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