Komba
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Sustainable Fashion
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Thomas Bef Studio
Other Contributor(s):Waridi Eyewear production team
Manufacturer Name:Waridi Eyewear
Distributors Name:Waridi Eyewear
Client Name:Waridi Eyewear
Photo Credit:Waridi Eyewear / thomas bef studio
Project Location:Nairobi, Kenya
Design Status:Commercialized
Project Description:
The Komba sunglasses family, carries itself differently. With highly simplistic designs free of ornamentation, the natural materials of cow horn or wood shine through and make every frame unique. The name Komba refers to the animal bush baby in Kiswahili, and the designs share their round glaring gaze with their namesake. Kakomba, means a little bush baby and is the smaller and more edgy of the frames. The small dimensions, circular shape of lenses and thick temples, make the Kakomba frame stand out through its awkward simplicity and becomes a statement to be carried with confidence. Kikomba, meaning big bush baby, is the larger frame design in the Komba family. The oversized Kikomba frame has circular lenses connected by a straight bridge and a more classically balanced visual weight between frame and temples. The Komba frames are manufactured and marketed by a Kenyan female-owned brand, founded from a need for better eye protection. They are crafted at the intersection between precise modern manufacturing techniques and artisanal handmade craft tradition.
The Komba sunglasses family, carries itself differently. With highly simplistic designs free of ornamentation, the natural materials of cow horn or wood shine through and make every frame unique. The name Komba refers to the animal bush baby in Kiswahili, and the designs share their round glaring gaze with their namesake. Kakomba, means a little bush baby and is the smaller and more edgy of the frames. The small dimensions, circular shape of lenses and thick temples, make the Kakomba frame stand out through its awkward simplicity and becomes a statement to be carried with confidence. Kikomba, meaning big bush baby, is the larger frame design in the Komba family. The oversized Kikomba frame has circular lenses connected by a straight bridge and a more classically balanced visual weight between frame and temples. The Komba frames are manufactured and marketed by a Kenyan female-owned brand, founded from a need for better eye protection. They are crafted at the intersection between precise modern manufacturing techniques and artisanal handmade craft tradition.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The Komba frames bring new distinct looks to the (East) African eyewear scene. Locally developed products for customers conscious of aesthetics, materiality, sustainability and storytelling. The Komba frames come in an ultra-limited edition in cow horn and a standard line in wood. Cow horn sunglasses are rare on the sunglasses scene yet bring the warmth and high-end feel of handcrafted natural materials. The go-to-market strategy for the Komba sunglasses is innovative in the East African fashion space. First launched in an ultra-limited edition of 10 numbered pairs of each frame in cow horn, followed up by an unlimited standard collection in different types of wood, the launch strategy has more in common with the artworld than the world of fashion. The smaller Kakomba frame design especially has a unique look, that is definitely not for everyone. This is a conscious design choice that helps create an eye-catcher for the brand. It has already proven to attract customers to the brand, often converting into sales of other of the brand’s frames. In this way the Komba frames are both a statement on brand aesthetics as well as a powerful marketing tool.
The Komba frames bring new distinct looks to the (East) African eyewear scene. Locally developed products for customers conscious of aesthetics, materiality, sustainability and storytelling. The Komba frames come in an ultra-limited edition in cow horn and a standard line in wood. Cow horn sunglasses are rare on the sunglasses scene yet bring the warmth and high-end feel of handcrafted natural materials. The go-to-market strategy for the Komba sunglasses is innovative in the East African fashion space. First launched in an ultra-limited edition of 10 numbered pairs of each frame in cow horn, followed up by an unlimited standard collection in different types of wood, the launch strategy has more in common with the artworld than the world of fashion. The smaller Kakomba frame design especially has a unique look, that is definitely not for everyone. This is a conscious design choice that helps create an eye-catcher for the brand. It has already proven to attract customers to the brand, often converting into sales of other of the brand’s frames. In this way the Komba frames are both a statement on brand aesthetics as well as a powerful marketing tool.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The Komba frames are crafted in cow horn sourced in Uganda from the breed Ankole Long Horn. The cow horn is a by-product of meat production, and a material available not by demand, but by consumption of the main product, beef. In our view, honouring the animal by using all parts of it, rather than only the meat is a responsible and conscious use of materials. The Komba frames also come in a standard collection in wood veneer. As the frame only uses small sizes of wood veneer, the Komba wooden frames are made from off-cuts, thus improving material use and reducing waste. This makes the Komba wooden frames a sustainable alternative to most plastic and metal frame glasses. As all Komba frames are made from locally sourced organic waste materials and can be repaired in case of breakage, they are a long lasting and sustainable way to protect the eyes. At the end of a long life for the Komba frames, they can easily be disassembled and recycled separately with the majority as organic waste.
The Komba frames are crafted in cow horn sourced in Uganda from the breed Ankole Long Horn. The cow horn is a by-product of meat production, and a material available not by demand, but by consumption of the main product, beef. In our view, honouring the animal by using all parts of it, rather than only the meat is a responsible and conscious use of materials. The Komba frames also come in a standard collection in wood veneer. As the frame only uses small sizes of wood veneer, the Komba wooden frames are made from off-cuts, thus improving material use and reducing waste. This makes the Komba wooden frames a sustainable alternative to most plastic and metal frame glasses. As all Komba frames are made from locally sourced organic waste materials and can be repaired in case of breakage, they are a long lasting and sustainable way to protect the eyes. At the end of a long life for the Komba frames, they can easily be disassembled and recycled separately with the majority as organic waste.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Designed and manufactured in Kenya, the Komba family is a testament to the possibilities of the continent. In the introduction of Komba, we have a strong focus on local value creation and building pride and trust in local products. We equally seek to be a part of building a future where imports into the continent are turned to exports, and where products proudly designed and Made in Africa are positively recognised globally as a sign of legacy, ingenuity and quality. The Komba frames always come with high-quality lenses, 100% UV resistant, protecting the wearer’s eyes, thus reducing sun-related harm and injury to the eyes. This has been a strong focus of the Brand since its founding and these values are carried along in the Komba sunglasses family.
Designed and manufactured in Kenya, the Komba family is a testament to the possibilities of the continent. In the introduction of Komba, we have a strong focus on local value creation and building pride and trust in local products. We equally seek to be a part of building a future where imports into the continent are turned to exports, and where products proudly designed and Made in Africa are positively recognised globally as a sign of legacy, ingenuity and quality. The Komba frames always come with high-quality lenses, 100% UV resistant, protecting the wearer’s eyes, thus reducing sun-related harm and injury to the eyes. This has been a strong focus of the Brand since its founding and these values are carried along in the Komba sunglasses family.
Profile Description:
thomas bef studio - design, culture, art & regeneration We’re a creative consultancy, based in Nairobi, Kenya. We offer a wide range of creative services, including; - Regenerative design - Human centred design - Participatory workshop facilitation - Design and innovation strategy - Industrial design / product design - Trainings, presentations and lectures - Art and design curation - Crafts and artisan advisory
thomas bef studio - design, culture, art & regeneration We’re a creative consultancy, based in Nairobi, Kenya. We offer a wide range of creative services, including; - Regenerative design - Human centred design - Participatory workshop facilitation - Design and innovation strategy - Industrial design / product design - Trainings, presentations and lectures - Art and design curation - Crafts and artisan advisory
