Fashion Designer Profile: Enzie Porter, Where Edgy Meets African

Most of us would probably purchase the closest-to-fitting piece then rush to the tailor for some major body contouring re-adjustments

Well, that’s what most of us would do but it was definitely not an option for one Maryanne Mackenzie!

Maryanne (left) is the Owner/Head Designer of, Enzie Porter, a Kenyan Fashion Label, and one of the few fashion designers that I am privileged to have as an acquaintance.

Maryanne started her journey in fashion design back in her campus years when she started designing and sewing her own clothes because she had a hard time finding ready-made outfits that fluttered her figure.

And in the true spirit of entrepreneurship, Maryanne turned her love for design into a profitable business.

I had a brief chat with Maryanne Mackenzie about her designs and this is what she had to say:

Where does your artistic influence come from?

My influence comes from this beautiful African continent.

I love African prints and fabrics in most of my designs. When it comes to color selection, I use vibrant colours that ooze the warmth and biodiversity of our lovely continent.

As well, I draw my inspirations from the things that surround me: most of the fabrics and prints I use depict the mood and structures from around me.

Are your designs a reflection of your personal style?

Most of my designs reflect my personal style. HOWEVER when designing a garment for a particular client, I make a point to understand the individual, their likes and dislikes and also know what he or she is comfortable with to get a style that best suits them

I loved your collection at EAFW 2014! There was a lot of black going on. What inspired the lovely ensembles that we saw going down the runway?

My theme for the collection was Afro-Gothic: The dark side of the continent. I settled on this theme because was going through a dark time in my life during EAFW so that’s why I decided to go with the color black for the pieces my collection. I was also feeling a tad rebellious and I needed to prove to the world that Enzie Porter can add some edge to our designs for those who want to make a statement while still designing wearable garments for my average client

In your EAFW 2014 collection, there was one particular dress that stood out for me, The Black Lace Mermaid Dress with Tulle details at the bottom. What’s the story behind that?

When I was designing this dress I wanted to show and celebrate the feminine body in its entirety. So I picked materials that were bold, rebellious, elegant and flattering to a woman’s feminine curves

Are there any fashion designers (local/international) that you look up to?

Of course! One designer is John Kaveke (Kenya); He has come from far and is one of the few designers that is visible on the international front but you could still bump into in the back roads of downtown sourcing for fabric

Internationally, I would say, Ozwald Boateng is an inspiration for me because he is an African designer who has managed to stay relevant and kick-ass in a white dominated field

Are there any celebrities that you have styled/dressed?

Yes. I have dressed a few celebrities including Ida Nguma (Miss World Kenya 2014), Phy Ng’etich (Upcoming musician and winner of Maisha Superstar Season 1) Angela Muiruri (Radio Personaliy) among others .

I can almost guarantee you that anyone who appreciates the splendor of ditching the “Kenya Uniform” pieces of clothing has heard about (if not got in touch with) Maryanne Mackenzie and her dressmaking prowess.

A look at her collections and one instantly falls in love with her bold African and Contemporary designs.

Although most of her designs are pre-dominantly female oriented, Maryanne also designs outfits for men and children, which gives her an all-rounded appeal that other designers may lack.

Maryanne also does a lot of bridal couture for the brides and grooms who think outside the box.

Maryanne’s dressmaking cleverness and her ability to push the boundaries make her a fashion designer to watch and a possible trendsetter.