Author Description

This book discusses factors influencing adoption of the Kenya National Dress (KND) with an aim towards developing a decision-making model to enhance future adoption of local designs. Drawing on research findings, the author observes that while awareness of the KND's existence is high and the design linked to Kenyan communities' traditional dresses, there is a need to have the KND models present an authentic Kenyan image. She also suggests improving the KND by using various local fabrics in the Kenyan flag colours while incorporating beadwork. The book shows that designers/custom tailors' designation or position and fashion design or construction training, the consumers' gender and highest education level are factors that influence the adoption of the KND. Beatrice posits that the interaction between consumers, designers and custom tailors is vital towards increasing adoption of the KND. She further opines that fabric/apparel manufacturers, traders, and designers/custom tailors should incorporate consumers' views when making new designs to promote the local industry. This book is a must-read for apparel traders, designers and policy makers in the clothing industry.