“You are a great designer…and it’s amazing what you do for the African community.” — Mimma Viglezio.
Step out into the African bush and into Penny Winter’s studio and you’ve entered a world of unique creations, from her signature hand-woven jackets to one-of-a-kind leather bags and an exquisite jewelry collection.
Nestled next to Ngong House Hotel, Penny’s boutique is a treasure to find. “People are always surprised when they come in, virtually out in the bush, to buy direct from the source – pieces they might otherwise only find in luxury Manhattan department stores.”
Trained at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English National Opera, the designer from Northern Ireland gives back to her adopted country on a daily basis. Using artisans and producers from 10 workshops throughout East Africa, Penny has created jobs for approximately 150 Kenyans.
Over the past 12 years, she’s raised the bar with her team, bringing each collection up to a competitive level worldwide. Penny also sources fabric and detailing from all over the globe, but is proud of the fact that her entire jewelry and bag collection is manufactured from locally-sourced raw materials. Think vintage Kanga, polished cow horn, local leather and semi-precious gemstones.
“The designs are more about the individual, what real women want to wear. I don’t follow seasons or trends,” says Penny. “I follow my instincts and focus on the importance of the cut of a piece for impeccability and wearability.”