Lydia Kemunto Cutler - The Kenyan-Born Changemaker Behind The Aberdeen Fashion Week

More Than Just A Fashion Designer Or Teacher

Lydia Kemunto Cutler is more than just a fashion designer or teacher—she’s a beacon of empowerment whose story weaves together creativity, service, and resilience. A Kenyan-born changemaker now based in Scotland, Lydia is the force behind the internationally recognized Aberdeen Fashion Week and the founder of Kemunto Fashions. Her life’s work—bridging cultures, uplifting underrepresented voices, and building platforms for new talent—has left a powerful mark on the global fashion landscape.

Her story is filled with remarkable achievements, but it’s the heart behind her actions that truly stands out. Among many moments that have shaped her journey, one deeply personal and touching encounter continues to remind her why she does what she does.

When Fashion Becomes a Catalyst for Confidence

One day, a young girl with minor learning differences approached Lydia and her team with a simple yet profound request: she wanted to model in one of Lydia’s fashion shows. Instead of brushing her off or seeing her condition as a limitation, Lydia and her team made arrangements to give her that opportunity. The result was extraordinary. Not only did the girl walk the runway with confidence, but the experience also sparked something deeper—she began entering beauty pageants and pursuing her dream fearlessly.

It was a powerful reminder that when we make room for everyone, we don’t just put on a good show—we change lives.

Aberdeen Fashion Week 2021 - Fashion in the Time of a Pandemic

In 2021, Lydia once again showcased her ability to innovate and adapt. On May 29 and 30, amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, Aberdeen Fashion Week went fully virtual. It was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, reaching a global audience and including participants from as far afield as Pakistan. Two Pakistani universities showcased their graduate collections during the event, underlining Lydia’s continued commitment to giving young, international designers a global platform.

This digital edition of Aberdeen Fashion Week was not only about clothing—it was a celebration of global creativity, connection, and resilience. Lydia’s team ensured that even though the runway was virtual, the passion and talent of the participants were real and electrifying.

The Call for Community Support

Running an international fashion event is no small feat. While Lydia and her dedicated team pour their passion into every show, they also rely on community support and collaboration to bring each vision to life. As they prepared for their October 2021 edition—intended to be a socially distanced in-person event—they hoped to find a large venue and secure lighting equipment free of charge for that day.

They also reached out to the wider community for volunteers—especially those interested in fashion, media, and events. Lydia’s shows are a launchpad for many aspiring professionals, and student volunteers are often rewarded with school credits, recommendations, and invaluable industry experience. Lydia’s events are not just fashion showcases—they are training grounds, networking spaces, and creative incubators.

Moreover, Lydia and her team are actively seeking connections with corporate sponsors, fashion lovers, and resource providers who believe in the transformative power of fashion. With more backing, Lydia could expand the impact of her work even further, reaching more communities and nurturing even more budding designers and models.

More Than Just a Fashion Week

Lydia’s work with Aberdeen Fashion Week is part of a broader tapestry of her life’s mission. As a teacher, mentor, and creative leader, she has always sought to blend passion with purpose. Whether through her school-based initiatives, her volunteer work supporting special needs students, or her role as the founder of a children’s home in Kenya, Lydia brings an educator’s heart and an innovator’s mind to every endeavour.

One of her proudest contributions has been welcoming and supporting ten children—formerly living on the streets of Kenya—into her mother’s home since 2020. Despite receiving no financial backing from the government, Lydia and her family remain committed to giving these children a safe and nurturing environment. It’s this same spirit of giving and growth that infuses her fashion work with such authenticity and heart.

How to Follow and Support Lydia’s Work

Fashion lovers, aspiring designers, potential sponsors, and volunteers can all connect with Lydia and support her mission in various ways. Her event websites allow designers and buyers to register for upcoming showcases. She also maintains active platforms on Facebook and YouTube, where supporters can follow event updates and relive highlights from previous shows.

These digital spaces are more than marketing tools—they are windows into a movement that is reshaping how fashion is presented, who gets seen, and what stories get told.

Credit Where It’s Due

Much of this story is inspired by an interview conducted in March 2021 by Lucie Cunningham of Tell Them Well Communications. Lucie, a seasoned community project manager and freelance writer based in Glasgow, helped document Lydia’s remarkable journey with clarity and care. With experience living in France, the U.S., England, and the Netherlands, Lucie understands the nuance of multicultural storytelling—something that resonates deeply in Lydia’s story as well.

Reflection - Fashion as a Force for Good

Lydia Kemunto Cutler’s story is not just one of personal success—it is a testament to what happens when we believe in potential, nurture dreams, and uplift others. She reminds us that the fashion world, often seen as glamorous and exclusive, can also be inclusive, educational, and life-affirming.

Lesson:

True empowerment begins when we make space for every voice, nurture overlooked potential, and lead with purpose and compassion. In Lydia’s world, every stitch tells a story, and every story has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. Her work challenges the industry to do more than display garments—it must also showcase values. And at the heart of Lydia’s vision are three guiding lights: happiness, spirituality, and determination. These aren’t just personal mottos—they are the threads that bind her career, her causes, and her community.

Want to be part of this inspiring journey? Follow Lydia’s work online, support her events, or volunteer behind the scenes—and become part of a global movement redefining fashion for good.