A great storyteller of Africa used to say that this is a place where any wonderful flower or fruit reaches and shows its splendour, then falls but never dies or decomposes completely, because from the earth it resurrects and recreates itself with even more charm and beauty.
Following this philosophy, the young Italian fashion designer Chiara Lovatelli, who grew up between Venice and Kenya, has combined the taste, tradition and art of fashion in her home country with the infinite vitality and colours of the land where she designs and hand-sews her garments.

This is how the 25-year-old created 'AcquaChiara', a label that makes silk skirts using locally sourced second-hand saris and other men's and women's clothes with fabrics that are mainly sourced from natural fibres, supporting Kenyan tailors and artisans as much as possible.
"My passion for design and fashion blossomed as a child," Chiara says, "when I enjoyed designing wedding dresses. While attending the military naval school in Venice, I started almost on a dare to modify the uniforms and make them more wearable, since the Academy's seamstresses could only tighten or widen them, cutting and sewing the uniforms by hand for me and my fellow students. Finally in Kenya, during the Covid period I was quarantined in Eldoret, I found an old Singer and perfected my corsetry and design skills'.

After finishing her studies, Chiara started to collaborate with Kenyan companies in the fashion industry and after these experiences, she decided to try it on her own.
"After working for and with other designers," the young woman admits, "I realised the time had come to launch my own brand and put into practice my dream of creating classic and timeless designs perfect for all body types, all ages and all occasions.
Hence the idea of salvaging old Indian saris in the shops of downtown Nairobi and finding treasures hidden among the mountains of used stuff in markets across Kenya, with which she makes brightly coloured skirts that amplify the charm and magic of Indian fabrics.
"I focus on offering a second life to these beautiful used garments, making each model a unique piece," Chiara explains, "it is fascinating to think about the story that may be behind each sari...by whom it was worn, on what occasion...as well as being particularly beautiful and precious fabrics.

Thus the wrap skirts, a staple of the AcquaChiara collection, are born.
Other fabrics give rise to light women's dresses, with or without sleeves, which have the merit of recalling both African seasons and the Italian Renaissance, which harks back to its Venetian origins.
"Eighteenth-century fashion is my favourite with the use of fabrics such as velvet, satin or silk embellished and garnished with lace or ribbons," admits the designer.

In Kenya, however, especially for someone like Chiara who grew up in total symbiosis with nature, it is impossible not to think of a safari line, with shorts and trousers for men in cotton twill in classic dark green or khaki shades that recall earth and vegetation, feminine dresses and elegant waistcoats with a soberly vintage touch.
In a short time, AcquaChiara has gained popularity among new original brands and can already be found in boutiques in some savannah lodges. But the philosophy remains that of tailor-made creations, made to measure and according to the customer's taste.
With many plans for the future.

'I am currently preparing the new collection,' Chiara reveals. 'It is a job that I enjoy and that involves me with enthusiasm, almost a vocation. From the search for fabrics and trimmings to the actual creation is all very fascinating and exciting. My childhood dream of designing wedding dresses comes back often these days. Who knows, it might be the next step!"

To get information from Chiara and get in touch with her, you can write to acquachiara.ke@gmail.com. Her collections can also be found on Instagram (@acquachiara.ke).