From the slums of Nairobi to international fashion weeks, fashion designer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, David Avido, will be joining the International School of Denver as our first-ever Artist in Residence April 2-5. 

Avido’s Colorado debut begins at ISDenver

Avido is taking an Artist in Residence role at several Denver-based independent schools, starting his tenure at the International School of Denver. Following ISDenver, Avido will spend time at the Montessori School of Denver, Stanley British Primary School, St. Mary’s Academy, The Logan School of Creative Learning, St. Anne’s Episcopal School.

While at ISDenver, Avido will visit art classes, present at Primary and Middle School assemblies, assist with the current G4 shoe design project, and speak with Middle School classes on social issues. 

People used to say that if you want to make it in life you have to get out of the ghetto. But I wanted to prove to people out there that good things can come from the ghetto. 

- David Avido

He will also have a pop-up shop at our Dragon Swag store next Thursday, April 4 in the Welcome Center (7701 E. First Place, Unit C).

About Avido

While just 25, Avido’s accomplishments and accolades defy age.

While most know Kibera, his home, as the largest slum in Africa, Avido goes beyond this declaration, and challenges the views about his community. It is through the vehicle of fashion that Avido creates a social impact in Kibera and beyond. 

We know about injustice and violence, prejudice, racial and social discrimination - we experience it within Kenya and we experience it globally as people look at us as the poor, the uneducated, the needy.

There is no barrier if you believe in your talent and take the next step. I want to encourage and create beauty where people don't expect.

- David Avido, Vogue Magazine

David is inspired by his hometown of Kibera and is helping to make a difference there by mentoring other designers and providing jobs to people through his business. In addition, 20% of sales from his clothing line go back to Kibera and his team puts in extra time to make school uniforms for kids in Kibera. David has created a sustainable, eco-friendly business with fabric scraps being repurposed into masks and shopping bags and his designs are gender neutral and inclusive. 

Highlighted by Beyonce on her 'Black is King' campaign as one of the African artists changing the world, Avido’s work has been featured in Vogue USA, Vogue Italia and his journey filmed and shared across the world by Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN and National Geographic.

He has designed and made clothes for artists including Bruno Mars, Ty Dolla Sign, Chronixx and Da’Ville. In 2021, Avido founded Avido Foundation, an NGO focusing on training and developing sewing skills for deaf women, young mothers and youth who are passionate about a career in fashion. 

Learn more about Avido,  his work, and his incredible journey in this video, on his website, and his Instagram.