Our Company
Founded in 2013 by fashion designer Lorna Abwonji, it is based in Nairobi Kenya.
Mia Mara means “give me mine” and seeks to encourage its clientele to have their own unique style and bring out their personalities.
We are a bespoke brand specializing in tailor-made collections crafted from locally sourced fabrics, adhering to an 80% zero-waste production policy.
Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our designs, ensuring that clothing is accessible to people of all shapes and sizes, catering to various stages of life. Emphasizing comfort, versatility, sustainability, and affordability, our garments encompass free-fitting dresses, cover-ups, tops, and skirts that boast adaptability in styling, featuring vibrant colors and bold prints.
Occasionally, we showcase more eccentric gowns and dresses alongside our regular offerings.
In 2024, we are thrilled to unveil an exciting addition to our collection: corsets available in both ready-to-wear and made-to-measure options, under the name CINCHED BY MIA MARA
The origin of our brand stems from the personal journey of our founder, Lorna Abwonji, who struggled to find garments that not only fit her body but also reflected her creativity. She understands the significance of having timeless pieces that can be styled in various ways to create new looks over time.
Tagline: Create Your Own Style
Mission: Empowering individuals to shape their distinctive personal styles
Vision: Bringing Mia Mara Creations within reach of the global market
About Lorna
Lorna understands the complexities African women face when it comes to obtaining well-fitted clothing, having personally experienced the challenges of being the awkwardly tall girl in the group and dealing with fluctuating weight.
Throughout her life, the issue of finding properly fitting clothes persisted, leading Lorna’s mother to occasionally enlist tailors to create garments tailored to her measurements. Following her high school years, Lorna pursued a study in fashion, and to her surprise, received compliments on her clothing, with others expressing a desire for custom-made garments. This marked the beginning of her journey in the fashion industry as a designer.
Since 2008, Lorna has been an integral part of the Kenyan fashion industry, accumulating extensive experience across various facets of the field. She has earned recognition through shortlisting in prestigious awards such as RAFDA (Redds Africa Fashion Design Awards) in 2008 and FA254 Africa Designers for Tomorrow in 2014.
Active in the local fashion scene, Lorna has participated in notable shows like Samantha’s Bridal Fair, the Casino Malindi Fashion Show, FAFA/Maybelline Launch, and the Kenya Fashion Awards, among others. In 2016, she was honored as a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders by former US President Barack Obama, acknowledging her contributions to the industry, particularly through her DRESS UP KENYA project.
Lorna is also engaged in various platforms for collaboration with emerging designers, including the KENYA FASHION FOCUS GROUP on Facebook, boasting over 7000 members. Additionally, she participates in various WhatsApp groups, including one dedicated to peer-to-peer mentorship. Lorna shares valuable insights into the fashion business on her YouTube channel, LORNA THE SEWIST.
