About True Denim Collection

True Denim Collection (TDC) is a handcrafted denim brand founded in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2017. It grew from upcycling second-hand denim into full in-house manufacturing of bespoke and small-batch garments, blending African heritage with contemporary streetwear.

Our journey

• September 2017: The spark of TDC. A friend's blue Levi's jacket became TDC's first upcycled piece.
• Late 2017: Pre-Original era. One-of-one upcycled denim jackets from second-hand finds.
• 2018: Crafting from local denim. Sourcing and reworking pieces from Gikomba and Toi markets.
• September 2018: K1 Flea Market. TDC's first physical showcase, at K1 Klubhouse.
• December 2020: TDC Experience. A fashion, art and music event platform launched.
• September 2021: TDC Originals. The move into in-house denim production.
• December 2023: The Samawati Collection. Light-wash denim inspired by the sky.
• October 2024: NRG Radio Kenya. Featured on NRG Radio's Circle Rave across 10+ episodes.
• September 2026: Back to Basics. The TDC Punk Rock Crop Jacket.
• October 2026: The Bespoke Collection. Original jackets reworking the Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Trucker.

Team

• Collins Rotich — Non Executive Director (founder): LinkedIn
• Thomas Ongaro — Production & Design Manager: LinkedIn
• David Chai — Communications & PR Manager: LinkedIn

As featured in

• Sunday Nation (LifeStyle, July 2023): "True Sense of Denim" by Connie Aluoch, on TDC's bespoke denim, local sourcing and British Council grant
• Nation Africa (Campus, 2021): We Went Into Hustles to Survive, on how TDC started as a student hustle
• British Council: Creative DNA 3.0: TDC was selected as a grant recipient in this programme promoting fashion innovation in East Africa (British Council story; Fashion Scout profile)

Contact

Email: support@truedenimcollection.com
WhatsApp: +254 743 423 888
Instagram: @truedenimcollection
Location: Nairobi, Kenya