Lydia Kemunto Cutler - The Kenyan Fashion Designer in Aberdeen, UK, Stitching Dreams

The Kenyan-born Teacher, Designer, and Changemaker Behind Aberdeen Fashion Week

If you’ve ever wondered whether one person could wear many hats — and wear them all flawlessly — Lydia Kemunto Cutler is your answer. A secondary school teacher, award-winning fashion designer, pageant judge, digital content creator, and founder of Aberdeen Fashion Week, Lydia’s journey is as layered as it is inspiring. Born in Kenya and now living in the picturesque village of Peterculter, just outside Aberdeen, Scotland, Lydia has lived in India, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Her multicultural experience infuses every stitch of her work — and it's that diverse perspective that has helped her stand out in the fashion world and beyond.

From Sketches to Spotlight

Lydia began sketching clothes at the age of seven. Her passion for design was sparked further during her teenage years in Kenya when she discovered a bridal magazine someone had brought home. While her formal path led her into education, with a Bachelor's degree and a subsequent Master’s in Education from Leeds, her heart never let go of fashion. She launched her first fashion label, Kemunto Fashions, while living in Australia, where it received strong acclaim. This led to invitations to showcase her bridal designs at major fashion events in London, Paris, and New York. Today, her bridal salon in Scotland offers gowns for sale or rental, evening wear, and handmade crochet pieces.

Teaching, Training, Transforming

Lydia has been a teacher for over two decades, working at TimePlan Education and the Aberdeen City Council. But she’s more than just an educator in the classroom — she’s a mentor in the fashion world too. Through Aberdeen Fashion Week Ltd., Lydia trains young models, collaborates with scouts, and gives aspiring creatives a platform. One of her mentees, Victor Hugo, recently became the "Face of Gillette." Another is thriving in New York’s modeling scene. What began in 2013 as a modest showcase featuring 12 designers has now blossomed into a celebrated international event. By 2017, Aberdeen Fashion Week welcomed designers from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Russia, the USA, the Philippines, India, the Netherlands, and Cameroon. The event is now held twice a year to showcase both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections.

A Different Kind of Fashion Week

Aberdeen Fashion Week isn’t just Scotland’s only fashion week — it’s a celebration of inclusivity, creativity, and community. Lydia and her team train their own models and bring a family-like atmosphere to the event. VIPs and boutique owners are seated up front, with the opportunity to buy showcased items on the spot. The week often features live entertainment, including music, comedy, and even a yearly signature performance by Lydia and her team. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aberdeen Fashion Week went virtual. Designers and models worked with safety in mind, but the show still went on — proving that creativity doesn’t pause for pandemics. A fashion lecturer even joined the digital event to introduce new trends and ideas to global viewers.

Giving Back With Grace

Beyond the glitz, Lydia is deeply spiritual. Guided by principles like happiness, determination, and inner peace, she believes in the law of attraction and the golden rule. Her love for storytelling is often expressed as she crochets or knits — sometimes while reflecting on life in Africa. Her stories are rooted in the uncommon, often drawn from Kenya and her Kisii heritage. She’s also a committed philanthropist. Alongside her parents, Lydia has welcomed 10 former street children into her mother’s home in Kenya since 2020. With no government support, they’ve created a nurturing and safe environment for these children. Closer to home, Lydia volunteers in her community, helping to organize fashion events at local schools, including for children with special needs.

Awards and Achievements

Lydia’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. She’s received numerous accolades, including:

• Best Bridal Designer NE Scotland
• Best Fashion Designer Award (2012 - African Achievers Awards, 2013 - African Women in Europe)
• 3rd Runner-up at Britain's Top Designer Competition
• Stevie Awards Judge for the American Business Awards
• Nominee and Finalist in the DEAR (Diaspora Entertainment & Awards Recognition) platform

She is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Art Media Magazine, and hosts her own TV segment through OT’s Creative TV Network. With a verified Facebook account and a growing digital footprint, she’s become a respected digital creator as well.

A Heart Rooted in Two Worlds

Despite her global success, Lydia remains deeply connected to her Kenyan roots. She speaks with pride about the discipline and respect embedded in Kisii culture, and how it continues to shape her character. At the same time, she embraces the values of her Scottish community — hard work, mutual support, and unity.

The Lesson: Passion + Purpose = Impact

Lydia Kemunto Cutler is proof that you can live a full life by embracing every part of yourself — your talents, your heritage, your community, and your values. From classrooms to catwalks, from community service to couture, Lydia has created a legacy that speaks to resilience, creativity, and giving back.

Lesson to Learn:

You don't have to choose between your passions — you can integrate them. Lydia’s story teaches us that with determination, spirituality, and a sense of purpose, it's possible to shape a life that not only brings personal fulfillment but also uplifts others. Whether you're sketching bridal gowns, educating young minds, or running a household, your work can be a runway — showcasing who you are and what you stand for.