# Second-Hand African Couture The Kilakitu Kenyan Cowboy Collection Uses 'Real' Models By Sandra Winn | Published 2008-12-16 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/second-hand-african-couture-kilakitu-kenyan-cowboy-collection References: [boingboing.net](http://www.boingboing.net/2008/12/16/kenyan-cowboy-shirts.html) & [kilakituclothing](http://www.kilakituclothing.com/index.php) Unless previously told, you would never fathom that clothes from the Kilakitu Kenyan Cowboy Collection were made from [second-hand clothes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/regeneration-nation). The pockets, sleeves, and cuffs are richly detailed in various patterns. Colors used in this line definitely have a traditional African flare and range from white to bright turquoise. Kilakitu is a newly launched clothing manufacturer. Not only do they make impressive [original African apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-fashion-futures-incubator), but check out their models. Kilakitu models look like [real, everyday men](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/normform). Some are tall and thin, others are bald or balding, and even a somewhat chunky fellow is used. In Western countries, we never see designers having their precious styles displayed on average people. I really hope the best for the Kilakitu company's second-hand clothing cowboy line. May they also rock the world of Western fashion designers, and inspire them to use real people as models too. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Second-hand Fashion:** Opportunity for fashion brands to embrace sustainable practices by repurposing second-hand clothing. - **Inclusive Modeling:** Disruption in the fashion industry by featuring models of diverse body types and appearances. - **African-inspired Design:** Potential for African fashion to influence and elevate Western fashion designers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can tap into the growing demand for second-hand clothing and sustainable fashion. - **Modeling and Advertising:** Opportunity for modeling agencies to promote diversity and represent a wider range of appearances. - **Fashion Design:** Designers can incorporate African-inspired elements into their collections and diversify their styles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainably-Focused Experimental Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-fashion-collection.md) - [Cult Film-Inspired High Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lion-king-collection.md) - [Upcycled Limited Collection Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seen-heard-worn-before.md) - [Whimsical Ethically Made Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iclothing.md) - [Luxury Slow Fashion Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kzk-studio.md) - [Eco-Friendly Indian Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latin-quarters.md) - [Silky Camouflage-Design Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisous-empire-collection.md) - [Surplus Fabric Childrenswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remake-by-burberry.md) - [Designer-Led E-Commerce Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/willy-chavarria1.md)