What started as Atieno Yarns, a Kenyan contemporary fashion brand specialising in crochet pieces, has developed into Vusha Studios, a phenomenal and conscious brand and a production facility where the handmade items are created, showcasing a collaboration focused on local Kenyan artisans. Vusha Studios serves as the physical location where Atieno Yarns’ unique crochet pieces are brought to life.
Vusha Studios is a luxury crochet studio recently established to create handmade crochet items like clothing and accessories, using 100% cotton yarn. The studio focuses on celebrating artistry, culture, and individuality through its designs. The brand creates bold, feminine pieces made to last, blending ethnic charm with modern flair.
Founder, Bettydora Odhiambo says, “As Atieno Yarns grew, I realised that not only was I building a crochet label, but that I was shaping a luxury African fashion house. So, the idea to create Vusha came from the need to evolve creatively and strategically. It represents a new chapter focused on African-inspired design, global export, stronger artistic direction, and a more holistic approach to craftsmanship. Atieno Yarns still informs the soul of the work, but Vusha gives the brand the space to scale, innovate, and collaborate with artisans on a larger, more global stage,” says Odhiambo.
Sustainability is the backbone of Vusha Studios. They use natural and biodegradable cotton yarn sourced from Uganda. The yarn is soft, vibrant, eco-friendly, and reduces environmental impact throughout the production cycle.
Crocheting with 100% cotton yarn is sustainable because it is a natural, renewable fiber that is biodegradable, decomposing relatively quickly, unlike synthetics that create microplastics.
“Crocheting has been part of my life since I was 10 years old. I learned crocheting from my mother and other women around me. So, the brand was born from both nostalgia and purpose. It was a desire to preserve Kenyan craftsmanship while creating sustainable, high-quality pieces. It also became a platform for empowering women artisans by offering fair work and a space to grow their skills,” she says.
“My design process always begins with storytelling. I draw inspiration from Kenyan traditional crochet patterns, and the everyday lives of African women. I sketch concepts, translate them into crochet patterns, create the first samples myself, then train my artisans to produce consistent, high-quality craftsmanship. I blend slow fashion principles with modern silhouettes, creating pieces that feel both nostalgic and timeless,” she says.
“I gravitate towards warm, earthy, sun-inspired tones, colours that speak to Kenyan cultural aesthetics, and the vibrancy of everyday life here. I choose colours that feel grounded but elevated, ensuring each piece is timeless enough for global markets while staying deeply rooted in African identity,” she says.
Vusha Studio’s latest collection features two signature pieces;the clutch bag called ‘The cherry on top’; a statement piece designed for versatile styling from evening wear to elevated day outfits.
According to Odhiambo, the Nene Tote is currently the most-loved piece. “It is spacious, bold, and handcrafted from pure cotton with soft canvas lining and leather touches. It is designed for women who carry more and do it in style, perfect for travel, work, for moms or everyday lifestyle needs,” she says.
She says both pieces balance traditional craftsmanship with luxury finishings, making them timeless staples.
Vusha Studios handcrafts for conscious consumers looking for African-inspired luxury, collectors, and fashion-forward individuals who value craftsmanship, authenticity, and ethically produced work.
