For months now, there is every indication that President William Ruto’s wardrobe got a complete overhaul, especially in the run-up to the 2022 elections and more so after he occupied the house on the hill.
On many occasions, the President’s Kaunda suits and shirts (including the weed one) are lighting up the internet, for a man who was previously known for his casual smart wear.
However, unknown to many, behind the sharp looks of Kenya’s President is a passionate fashion designer who caught Ruto’s eye – his name is Ashok Sunny.
The brilliant designer and CEO of a fashion house, Ashok Sunny Tailored Limited, deals in Bespoke men and women’s suit.
Moreover, Ashok has over time created a high-end clientele base due to his undoubted experience in the fashion industry, with a list of high-profile personalities on his portfolio.
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Ashok Sunny, the President’s Tailor
Ashok Sunny’s most noticeable work is that of the man on top, President William Ruto.
It was in May 2021 when the then Deputy President William Ruto appeared in a sparkling black bespoke suit during his daughter June Ruto’s wedding in Karen.
At that time, the unique and exquisite design of Ruto’s suit caused a buzz among Kenyans was widely shared by the online community showcased Ashon’s prominence in his field.
From brown to black, the president appears to have a color shade for every occasion.
Raised by a Single Mom
Ashok’s background was hardly an easy one. She was raised by a single parent after his dad passed away while he was still young.
As such, his mother singlehandedly took care of him through adulthood.
Moreover, the talented fashion designer enrolled for a Bachelor of Business and Information Technology course but switched and ventured into designing in his second year at the university.
Business background
According to Ashok Sunny, he started his design business with only Ksh.20,000. He rented a shop in Nairobi’s Umoja Estate where he worked for a while before moving to Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) along Latema Road.
He is a strong beleiver of starting low as you climb the ladder. The designer who became the President’s tailor started his business with one sewing machine and just one tailor.
At the moment, he owns a multimillion shop with over twenty experienced tailors.
List of Ashok’s Clients
Through his magnificent work and designing skills, Ashok has attracted a high-end clientele base.
In a media interview, he revealed that most of his clients are lawyers, youthful MPs, celebrities, and people in the corporate world.
Here is a list of familiar figures dressed by Ashok Sunny.
- President William Ruto
- Former DCI boss George Kinoti
- Chandaria Group CEO Darshan
- Former Mr Kenya Khula Budi
- Comedian Njugush
- Celestine Gachuhi (Celina)
- Jamal Gaddafi
- Pascal Tokodi
- Daddie Marto
- Phillip Karanja
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Former President tailors
Presidents who have been in power since independence have had their unique wear and preference of dressing.
For instance, Dhanji Liladhar Parmar was Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s designer while Saville Row took care of Kenya’s second President Daniel Moi’s looks.
On the other hand, Angelo Petrucci was in charge of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s wardrobe.
