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Jazz Shaper: Priya Downes

Nudea

Priya Downes is the Founder and CEO of Nudea.

Posted on 21 March 2026

With a background in sustainability and luxury fashion, she began her career at The World Bank, developing initiatives on environmental responsibility and fairtrade fashion — work that saw The Washington Post name her a leading industry changemaker at 25. 

She later held roles at Burberry and Chanel, where she recognised a clear gap in the market for welldesigned, responsibly made everyday underwear. This insight led her to establish Nudea, a brand built on purposeful design, ethical manufacturing and a commitment to sustainability. Raised in Kenya, Priya’s focus on positive social and environmental impact runs deep.  

Highlights

I’ve always had this desire to do something bigger than myself. 

Starting my own business meant trusting my instinct, even when the logical choice said no. 

Sustainability has to be practical — it only works when you solve real problems for real people. 

Great leadership is about bringing people together and creating something bigger than yourself. 

 

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