Thursday 7th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: African Fashion

African Fashion Brings Beauty and Glamour to Niger

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

For five days the capital of Niger vibrated in glamour and beauty as the International Festival of African Fashion, FIMA, held its 13th edition, about fifty top models and thirty fashion designers showcased clothes, accessories, and jewelry from all over Africa.

Alphadi, the founder of FIMA has always given a very important place to young people in the fashion industry, founded in 1998, almost half of the program of this event is dedicated to young African talent.

Dozens of designers took part in the young designers’ competition, Sun Alejandro, a Rwandan designer based in Gabon, was inspired by the diversity of the Bantu culture – the population of Central and Southern Africa.

“This collection is a little bit of tribal code because I love Bantu culture which I find very rich. That’s why we find panther prints on most of these clothes which is an animal very representative of Gabonese culture and which symbolizes strength”, said designer Sun Alejandro.

The Top Model contest is always eagerly awaited by the public, about twenty young men and women participated in the contest, the event represented an opportunity for beginners like Erudie Deberry from Benin who amazed the public.

“Winning to honor my country, I am also very proud, winning to go to other countries and travel, winning to further develop my career, winning for me first and also for my country, that’s it”, she said.

The public of Niger, a predominantly Muslim country, is very tolerant of other African cultures where the female body is widely shown.

The designers of Niger however remain very attached to the culture of Islam like sisters Adama and Aicha Seyni Seydou, creators of the brand Mam’Mode.

“The female body is something very precious, it’s a treasure in fact. Through our clothes, we try to highlight this body and at the same time respect the local culture”, explained the sisters.

FIMA will come back to Niger in full splendor as usual in 2 years.

Content courtesy of African News  & NFH Digital Team 

Mbabazi House of Style

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Mbabazi (House of Style) is a Fair Trade business committed to advocating  African designs through modern fashion and quality products. We are committed to training and employing women and men providing them with opportunities to make a fair living. Mbabazi has 12 permanent employees, 4 trainees (apprentices), and 6 part-timers.

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Mbabazi (House of Style) was founded in 2005, by Grace Byeitima, the name is in honor of her single mother, (Mbabazi Loy Rujumba), to appreciate her for the skills she taught her at an early age and teaching her the value of hard work.

At an early age, Grace remembers her mother saying, ”With the proper skills and hard work, you can succeed in life.” This is the backbone for Grace in the creation of a thriving fashion business – a business that inspires her mother, siblings, countless others and provides revenue for hardworking women and men.

The same heart and soul that fashions a successful shop and workshop in Uganda now exists in Memphis where Grace has resided since 2014. With her own elegance and design refinery, Grace merges the fabrics and prints of African tradition into new modern statements of style.

In 2007 Grace invited her mother so they could work together. Loy now heads the production department sharing her 30+ years of experience with our tailors and trainees in Uganda. Without her, Mbabazi would be non-existent.

Mbabazi is not just about clothing, the accessories and non-clothing-related items reflect ideas that inspire Grace and add to the ideas of a House of Style.

Mbabazi has thrived in Uganda, despite issues that exist in competitive business markets of developing nations.

Many well-meaning non-profit organizations who compete in the same market as traditional businesses such as Mbabazi are supported by subsidies and grants that create an uneven playing field. We at Mbabazi believe the saying “TRADE NOT AID” describes the best way forward for Economies in countries such as Uganda.

Mbabazi is a for-profit business that is supported by people like you.

Content courtesy of Mbabazi House of Style & NFH Digital Team 

Mbabazi House of Style Kampala is a Testament to one Woman’s Passion for Fashion and Empowerment

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

There was a time when Grace Byeitima, owner of Mbabazi House of Style, was interested in lawyering, not pattern layouts, But her mother forced her to learn about the latter.

“I wanted to be a lawyer,” said Byeitima, who is from Kampala, Uganda. “My mother was a teacher in a vocational training institute, and she made me go where she was teaching and learn how to sew.

“I went grudgingly, but I went anyway.” Yet today Byeitima, 43, who has sold African-inspired garments, jewelry, and other knickknacks from her shop in the Broad Avenue Arts District since 2017, is grateful that her mother insisted that she learn how to sew.

That’s because it not only has allowed her to craft a life of independence for

“I would make sure that I left school on time to work on it [patchwork clothing] so that I could use the sewing machine first.”

But when her mother was ultimately laid off from her job, that dashed Byeitima’s hopes of attending college and studying law. On top of that, Byeitima, who was 16, learned that she was pregnant.

herself but for other women who want to use entrepreneurship to escape jobs that devalue them.

This is what Byeitima aimed to do back in Kampala, she said one of the ways that her mother endeared her to sewing was by bringing home unfinished sewing work – and paying her and her siblings to finish it.

“Some of the pieces, like what you’re seeing right now, is patchwork,” said Byeitima, as she pointed to ruby, saffron, and black cowl neck shift that she was wearing.

“So, I have this baby, my mom has no job, and I have this baby to take care of,” she said, It wasn’t long before Byeitima learned that she was more a target for exploitation than employment.

“I realized no one would hire you if you have a lot of baggage, and I had a baby,” she said. “The simple jobs I could have gotten would have been as a secretary or a receptionist. But you’d go to apply for these jobs, and men would want to sleep with you.”

“As I looked for jobs, I found that people don’t want to pay you what you’re worth…” But soon, Byeitima began crafting a way out.

Literally.

She began sewing garments for her baby daughter and taking the child from store to store to model them. That helped her land a year’s apprenticeship at a textile workshop that one of her mother’s former bosses owned.

“That’s where I learned actually most of what I know now, like pattern cutting and drafting and all of that,” Byeitima said.

In the meantime, she said, her mother opened a bridal shop, and together, they opened Mbabazi House of Style – Mbabazi means grace or kindness in Ugandan – in Kampala in 2005.

Mbabazi is also Byeitima’s mother’s name – Mbabazi Loy Rujumba.

“The business was thriving, because I was making African print cool for younger generations,” Byeitima said. “I was working for a lot of the embassies, doing a lot of their furnishings and everything else. We were known in the ex-pat community for doing really creative work…”

Yet Byeitima was doing more than making money. She was trying to help other women make a better way for themselves.

“We began training women in sewing skills and offering them jobs. I still work with my mom on that,” she said.

“It grew into something bigger than just me…no girl with skills should have to beg for a job if they can work for themselves, and no girl should be compromised [sexually] to get a job…

“I started it for me, to look out for myself and my baby, but then it evolved into a social business as well.”

Change continued for Byeitima.

In 2011, she met John Haley, a Memphian who was working for a Non-Governmental Organization – organizations that provide services or push for policies but are unaffiliated with any government – in Uganda. They married in 2014, and she moved with him to Memphis.

“I never dreamt of being in another country, but I knew I would fall in love with Memphis,” Byeitima said. “The trees, my God, there were so many trees…I’m from Africa, and when we see trees it’s in the forest

“I just fell in love with the city…we went to a concert at Levitt Shell, and I have never seen so many people in one place just enjoying music. And I love music.”

Byeitima fell in love with Broad Avenue after her mother-in-law took her there. That’s when she began to get ideas for a store there.

But not without the urging of her mother.

“My mom was like: ‘You’ve been in the U.S. since 2014 and you haven’t opened a store?’ I was like, ‘This woman is crazy. She thinks this is easy…”

So, Byeitima did what she learned how to do when she took her baby from shop to shop in Kampala to show her designs.

Content courtesy of Commercial Appeal & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Rapper Kanye West is reportedly being lined up as Creative Director at Louis Vuitton

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kanye West could be taking on a prestigious new role as the creative director for Louis Vuitton following the sad death of fashion legend Virgil Abloh, according to new reports.

The rapper has branched out in recent years, from best-selling musician to launching his own clothing line, Yeezy, and even dabbling in politics – short-lived as that was.

Now it seems the Donda rapper could be taking his love of fashion design even further as reports indicate he has been tipped for a prestigious role in world-renowned brand Louis Vuitton.

According to The Sun, Louis Vuitton plans to replace icon Abloh with the musician, 44, who was a close friend of the late designer.

The outlet reports that Kanye and Abloh discussed the rapper taking over the role shortly before Abloh’s death aged 41 last month.

A source told the outlet: ‘Kanye is devastated about Virgil’s death because they had been friends for years and worked together a lot.

‘They shared a similar vision and now Kanye feels he owes it to Virgil to continue his work at Louis Vuitton.’

Ye and Abloh had been firm friends for over a decade, first meeting in 2009, and the designer held the role of creative director at Kanye’s own firm, Donda.

The Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton designer died on November 28, after a private two-year battle with cancer.

Devastated Kanye dedicated his Sunday Service to Abloh following the news of his death, and later attended his memorial with ex-wife Kim Kardashian and their daughter, North.

At the memorial, Kanye was seen placing a supportive hand on Abloh’s sister as she delivered a heartfelt eulogy for her beloved brother.

Abloh first sparked his love for fashion when he was attending the Illinois Institute of Technology, while getting his Masters of Architecture, and soon began designing his own T-shirts.

The designer launched his debut company, Pyrex Vision in 2012, and founded his iconic fashion house Off-White in 2013.

Kanye’s sneakers and menswear line, meanwhile, is said to be worth ‘billions’ of dollars.

Content courtesy of Metro Uk & NFH Digital Team

 

Naomi Campbell Celebrates Nigerian Fashion At A Runway Show In Dubai

Posted on by Fashion Police

DUBAI: British supermodel Naomi Campbell hit the runway in Dubai on Saturday as part of Arise Fashion Week, which celebrated the best of Nigerian fashion and music.

The event took place at Armani Hotel Dubai, against the backdrop of the glittering Burj Khalifa, Fashion labels such as Hudayya, Banke Kuku, and Odio Mimonet, showcased their latest collections, while singer Akon and rapper D’Banj performed for the crowd, Campbell modeled a series of vibrant looks, including a deep blue jumpsuit, patterned tunic, and floral printed suit.

Lagos is usually the home for Arise Fashion Week but there was a slight difference this year. As part of Nigeria’s Day at the ongoing Dubai Expo 2020, the show was transported to the tourist’s playground, alongside a bevy of Nigerian designers and their muses, who showcased their latest collections in front of the socially-distanced audience.

Set on Friday at the center of Dubai downtown in Armani Hotels, where the iconic Burj Khalifa is standing tall, the show started at 9 pm and ended at 11:30 pm. In the space of 2-hours and 30 minutes, guests were treated to a spectacular display of fashion created by some of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers, which includes Lisa Folawiyo, Ituen Basi, Keneth Ize, Huddaya, Odio Mimonet, Lanre Da Silva, Tzar Studios, Onalaja, Banke Kuku, Tj Who, and others.

Opening the one-night show was none other than Naomi Campbell who stomped the catwalk wearing a stunning design by Abuja-based label, Huddaya. As the original supermodel that she is, Naomi wowed the audience as she sashayed down the runway in a royal blue number.

The look comprised of a robe dress and pants which the British supermodel teamed with a pair of peep-toe heel sandals. Her long, straight hair also made a remarkable addition to the entire look as it continued to swing left and right.

She also walked for Banke Kuku wearing a beautiful lounge dress from the brand, as well as Keneth Ize’s patterned dress, There was also an exciting music performance by Wizkid who charged the audience to Afropop and Afrobeat music.

Speaking about the show, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who represented the Nigerian president, said by hosting AFW in Dubai, the organizers were showcasing Nigerian fashion to the world.

“I’m very glad to be here to witness another landmark achievement for the country: the first ARISE Fashion Week in Dubai. A city described as the Jewel of the Middle East where the best of Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment have come out in full force to celebrate our great country on this day that marks Nigeria’s Day at the Dubai Expo 2020,” Adebayo said in a statement.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team 

City Walk Donates 2000 Pairs Of Shoes To Ajuma Foundation

Posted on by Fashion Police

Over the weekend, the Ajuma Foundation received 2,000 pairs of shoes from the shoe retail company City Walk. The company made the handover at its 30th-anniversary celebration event which was attended by influencer Maureen Waititu who also became the company’s brand ambassador and supermodel Ajuma Nasanyena.

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Speaking at the event Ajuma said that the shoes donated would help keep the children of Turkana in school.

“The reason why I’m standing here today and have partnered with City Walk is because of the children. The teachers told me the children walk eight hours a day back and forth from school. And when you look at the children’s feet, they have wounds on their feet from thorns and rocks. It’s just a handful of them who have shoes. It was a really huge weight for me to carry. And I just wanted to say, thank you so much to City Walk for taking that part of that weight.”

City Walk opened its doors in 1991 with an initial branch located at the Mall Westlands as a women’s shoe shop. Within a year, the men’s shoes were introduced to the catalog. It has since become a retail chain with over 25 branches across Kenya.

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Speaking at the anniversary celebration the City Walk Director, Sheriffi Hassan Ali, said that he started the company with no experience, only spurred on by the dream of opening a shoe shop. He says the company’s continued success can be attributed to its customers and the company’s core belief in family.

“What we do is not just selling shoes. It is connectivity. A connection that is sole to soul. As we move ahead there are many causes we would like to support.

We have partnered with Imani orphanages and at the end of this month, or next month we are opening a City Walk orphanage for prisoner kids at Kasarani. And then our goal is to plant a hundred thousand trees in this country over the next 10 years.”

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Keeping up with the tradition of family, the company named influencer and mother of two Maureen Waititu their new brand ambassador.

“I’m telling you, this (City Walk) is a real family, I have never felt more at home. And it’s in the actions, it’s in your work of charity, because I know we are about to launch their children’s home for mothers in prison in addition to what you’re doing for Ajuma today…I do not take this opportunity for granted. Thank you for embracing my children. This is such a huge win for me, seeing me and the boys on a billboard.”

As part of her campaign as the brand ambassador, Maureen will offer her followers giveaways for spotting the new billboards as well as a promo code with a 10% discount on all City Walk products.

Content courtesy of KBC & NFH Digital Team 

Mercedes-Benz Unveils the Virgil Abloh-Designed Project Maybach Show Car at Art Basel Miami Beach

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Mercedes-Benz is honoring Virgil Abloh by sharing its final collaboration with a late design visionary, The striking vehicle the late designer’s second collaboration with the automaker is a battery-powered two-seater.

The German automaker unveiled Project Maybach, a zero-emission show car dreamt up by Abloh, at Art Basel Miami Beach on Wednesday, just days after his death at the age of 41 following a private battle with cancer. The striking vehicle is the second collaboration with the brand, following the G-Wagen race car, which is a battery-powered two-seater designed to tackle the great outdoors.

First announced in October, Project Maybach is a true concept vehicle unlikely to ever go into production. That doesn’t make it any less intriguing, though. Abloh worked directly with Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener on the commanding grand tourer, which manages to look futuristic while still drawing on the automaker’s past.

The gold and gloss black coupé span nearly 20 feet from front to back. Much of that impressive length comes courtesy of a gargantuan nose lined with integrated solar cells. As you would expect, Maybach’s trademark barred grille headlines the front, alongside an array of safari-style lights. Moving back, a sloped and transparent roofline blend into a rear end that looks like the back of a spaceship. Atop the car is a roof rack fitted with similar lights to those on the front fascia.

Abloh’s influence can also be felt inside the car. Done up almost entirely in tan leather, matching the exterior, the spartan setup looks more like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise than the cabin of a car. Abloh and Wagener may have gone for a minimalist approach, but they still found room for a cinematic infotainment screen situated in the center of the dashboard. From the pictures, it appears the screen might even fold back into the dash when not in use.

Project Maybach was always supposed to debut this week, but at Abloh’s family behest the vehicle will now be exhibited for more people than initially planned. Originally, the car was set to be unveiled during an intimate press gathering, but it will now be displayed to the public at the Rubell Museum until Thursday evening.

“Mercedes-Benz is devastated to hear of the passing of Virgil Abloh,” the marque said in a statement on Wednesday. “Our sincere thoughts are with Virgil’s family and teams. Now opening the world of our collaboration, and Virgil’s unique vision, to the public, we want to respectfully celebrate the work of a truly unique design talent, who created endless possibilities for collaboration through his unbridled imagination and inspired all that knew his work.”

The Project Maybach unveiling is just one of what are sure to be many tributes to Abloh during Art Basel Miami. On Tuesday, Louis Vuitton dedicated its Spring Summer 2022 show to his life and legacy. Abloh had worked at the fashion house since 2018 when he became the first Black artistic director of a major French luxury label.

Content courtesy of Robb Report & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Her Network Announces The 2021 Nominees For Her 5th Annual Woman Of The Year Awards

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Her Network has unveiled the official nominees for the 2021 Her Network Woman of the Year (HNWOTY) Awards as it returns to celebrate the fifth year of her annual award ceremony. Her Network Woman of the Year Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional women who have made a significant impact in their community, network, or workplace.

This year, Her Network Woman of the Year continues to celebrate outstanding women who have persisted and thrived while making a positive impact in their community, networks, or workplace, despite the challenges and consequences of the Coronavirus global pandemic, which has changed the dynamics of our daily lives. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Thrive”, represents the strength and dedication these women have shown in making a difference over the last year, while the globe attempts to find a balance in the middle of all the chaos.

The founder, Nkem Onwudiwe, speaking on the theme for this year, said, “The last year and counting has shaken us to our core and challenged us to dig deeper and find meaning in and through our chosen field of work. The theme for this year “Thrive” is a reminder to me and every woman that my platform inspires, to continue to thrive regardless of the social or economic situation and regardless of the virus which keeps mutating and disrupting life as we know it.

The Her Network Woman of the Year Awards Ceremony & Networking Night is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021

The nominees, selected from a large pool of outstanding women, represent various sectors and industries like Journalism, Healthcare, Education, Community Service, and more.

The Nominees for the Her Network Woman of the Year Awards 2021 are:
Start-UP

  1. Ifedayo Agoro
  2. Ibironke Yekini
  3. Bukky Asehinde
  4. Mariam Lawani

Entertainment

  1. Oluwabukunmi Oyebisi Adeaga-Ilori
  2. Osas Ighodaro
  3. Roseline Afije (Liquorose)
  4. Simi

Education

  1. Motunrayo Fatoke
  2. Funmi Ilori
  3. Adenike Akinsemolu

Healthcare

  1. Tito Ovia
  2. Vivian Nwakah
  3. Toyin Ajayi
  4. Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo

Advocacy

  1. Roseline Adewuyi
  2. Ruqoyah Ogunbiyi
  3. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi
  4. Rinu Oduala

Future

  1. Oluwadamilola Akintewe
  2. Karimot Odebode
  3. Peace Ayo
  4. Blessing Akpan

Community Service

  1. Timileyin Edwin
  2. Chisom Ogbummuo
  3. Dr Cassandra Akinde

Entrepreneurship

  1. Jumoke Dada
  2. Ada Osakwe
  3. Sandra Aguebor
  4. Damilola Muyiwa Olokesusi

Tech

  1. Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti
  2. Eloho Omame
  3. Solape Akinpelu
  4. Inemesit Dike MCIArb

Journalism

  1. Sandra Ezekwesili
  2. Bilkisu Labaran
  3. Adeola Fayehun
  4. Kikelomo atanda-owo

About Her Network
Her Network is a Global Inspirational and Lifestyle Platform created to inspire and encourage all women to stand in their greatness and set real-life examples by living their truth. Her Network Woman of the Year Awards 2021 is currently being supported by Pulse NG, YNaija, Aforevo TV, and more.

Content courtesy of Novva Media Press & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Glamorous Fashion Show: Tribal Chic 2021 A Different World

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Tribal Chic 2021

Nairobi’s most anticipated annual fashion event- Tribal Chic is back after a pandemic-induced hiatus. On December 4th, fashion enthusiasts will converge at the luxurious Tribe Hotel to celebrate the 11th edition of this glamorous fashion show.

Tribal Chic fills the void as a prodigious fashion intermediary connecting the dots between exceptional creativity and culture. This year, the theme is ‘A Different World’. Concept creator for 2021 Alvaro Daza, a Colombian citizen currently based in Nairobi, Tribal Chic will present an experience that speaks about diversity and a new world under construction.

Alvaro has curated fashion shows across the globe and he promises his debut show in East Africa will be one for the books.

‘‘The Tribe runway will go through different spaces, using new and more sustainable elements like scaffolding structures with LED screen strips and lights that change videos and colors according to the moment of the night.’’

He added that the runway will consist of three different themes, A Different World, Sustainably Trendy and One Tribe is Back each with at least four designers.

This year, Tribe Hotel will be hosting a pop-up market where designers and partners will have a chance to sell and showcase their products and be part of experiential activities, such as styling tips and crypto artistic presentations.

A new concept for 2021 is Tribe Collabs that will bring together fashion & lifestyle influencers, young designers, people interested in fashion & experts to solve a challenge.

They will use new rooms at the hotel which will be adapted into workshops where 5 groups composed of 5 people (1 designer, 2 influencers, 3 community members ) will have the mission to create three Haute Couture pieces with conventional materials, which will be supported by Little Red.

Tribe Collabs will also introduce a short runway on Saturday 4th December during the day to judge creations; the winning team has the opportunity to showcase their creation on the main runway.

The designer roll call at Tribal Chic 2021 will carry fashion behemoths like Avido, Deepa Dosaja, Mercedes Campuzano, Hernán Zajar, and Anyango Adeyde.

Tribal Chic 2021 will emphasize sustainable fashion and proceeds from this year will be donated to Ghetto Classics and their subsidiaries across the country.

Deepa Dosaja
Deepa believes in a sustainable fashion. Her label is focused on using natural fabrics and abstinence from using any harmful or environmentally unfriendly products. Furthermore, Deepa makes both measure service as well as off the rack collections to her clients.

She takes pride in amazing customer service and high-quality clothing.

David Avido
David is the founder of Lookslike Avido clothing brand. This is a street-made fashion brand of handcrafted clothes created in Kibra. David’s work speaks for him and he has worked with celebrities such as Don Carlos, G Money, Kelissa, Koffee, Etana, Naiboi, Chronixx, Nasty C, Talia Oyando, Fena Gitu, Ty Dolla Sign, Cecile, Bankslave, Bruno Mars, Hon Kenneth Okoth, Everton Blender and many more.

Anyango Adeyde
Anyango is a self-taught jewelry designer and the founder of Zanta Adeyde Accessories. Her unique creations use bones, beads, brass, and stones. Without a doubt, Zanta Adeyde’s beautiful designs ooze class, style, and creativity.

Kawira Mirero
The Mambo Pambo proprietor seeks to change the way people view and experience locally made clothes by offering high-quality, beautifully crafted, and well-fitting afro-inspired apparel. This clothing line sells bespoke and ready-to-wear apparel curated to cater to individual fashion needs.

Onyango Peggy
Onyango Peggy AKA Peggie O is an expert at luxury gowns and stylish casual wear. Her brand is versatile, all-season, and promotes the use of garments and raw materials sourced from Africa.

Randy Gowon
Fashionprenuer, model and stylist Randy Gowon leads Amu Clothing. Amu is the Arabic word for Lamu. The brand crafts effortless textiles and garments with combinations of softness and structure designed for comfort. Amu focuses on minimalist design, flowing and calm designs, and coastal color palates.

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Hekaya
Fashion designer and content creator Hali Oduor partnered with Women’s clothing brand Hekaya. The brand is created to inspire young women through neutral versatile and bespoke pieces.

Hekaya, which means ‘fable‘ in Swahili, strives to tell a story through fashion

Enanai
Enanai means ‘softness’ and ‘gentleness’ in Maasai. The brand is designed to flaunt the style and sophistication of leather.

Ikwetta

Ikwetta is a brand of leather bags and footwear handcrafted by Kenyan artisans with a focus on sustainability. they believe in crafting pieces that are luxurious and timeless so they can be worn for years, even decades to come. To ensure this, Ikwetta sources only the finest materials from ethical factories.

Ikwetta on the other hand is a sustainable and handcrafted footwear brand. The gender-neutral collection has sandals, sneakers, boots, and much more.

Itikadi

Itikadi, meaning ‘traditions’ in Swahili, is a women’s and men’s contemporary apparel brand. The 3 brands will work together to make a high-quality and beautiful collection of kimonos, flats, bags, and other wardrobes

Itikadi is a Nairobi-based fashion brand with a contemporary style inspired by culture and art. With our women’s line, the brand seeks to blur the lines between femininity and strength always focusing on the Itikadi woman’s ability to embrace who they are with no apologies. Every collection tells a story that touches on the different aspects that make the Itikadi woman.

With our men’s line, it’s all about the raw aspects of manhood that are reflected in the customer of our bespoke suits and the different designs of our ready-to-wear items. This new man is rooted in the knowledge of his core purpose. That’s the Itikadi Man the brand seeks to release.

Mercedes Campuzano
Columbian designer Mercedes’ love for fashion is not a secret. Her looks iconic looks are packed with neutral tones, loose pants, flowy fabrics, clothing linen, and cotton, mostly white, beige, or earth colors. Her brand owns 14 stores, more than 30 corners in the main stores in Colombia and the world, presence in 8 market places with sales internationally in the US, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica. essentials.

Niku Singh
Yet another jewelry designer, Niku’s brand caters for the bold. His fearless creations have made him one of Kenya’s most sought-after jewelry designers. As a matter of fact, Niku has showcased in many local and international fashion shows some of which include London Fashion Week 2009 and Merc Benz Fashion Week 2014. His accessories use brass, aluminum & semi-precious stones.

Hernán Zajar
Hernán Zajar is one of Columbia’s finest fashion designers. He has designed for and dressed Columbian National Contest candidates for over 15 years. His stupendous fashion work has earned him opportunities to dress celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer, Joan Collins, Yvanna Trump, Jennifer López, and Former Miss Universe, Mpula Kwelagobe among others.

Content courtesy of Tribe & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Virgil Abloh, Off-White Founder and Louis Vuitton Menswear Artistic Director Dies at 41

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Ambassador and Infiltrator

Virgil Ablo, The founder of the fashion company Off-White and menswear artistic director at Louis Vuitton died on Sunday following a private, two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of cancer. He was 41.

Abloh’s death was first announced by his labels over social media.

“We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” wrote LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. “The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother, or their friend.”

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” reads a statement on Abloh’s official Instagram.

According to the statement, Abloh elected to keep his cancer private after being diagnosed in 2019, undergoing treatments while continuing to work as one of the fashion industry’s leading voices.

“Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”

Born to Ghanaian immigrant parents on Sept. 30, 1980, in Rockford, Ill., Abloh studied civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 2002. He went on to earn a master’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2006.

Following his education, Abloh met Kanye West, who would become one of his first major collaborators. In 2011, West named Abloh creative director of his company Donda. During his tenure, Abloh worked as artistic director on some of the most popular album art of the 21st century, including West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” “Yeezus” and “Watch the Throne.” Abloh also created the covers for A$AP Rocky’s “LONG. LIVE. A$AP,” Lil Uzi Vert’s “Luv Is Rage 2,” Kid Cudi’s “Wzrd,” 2 Chainz’s “Based on a T.R.U. Story” and more.

Abloh founded the fashion house Off-White in 2012, serving as CEO until his death. His radical approach to clothing is highly responsible for the bridge between the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion that has emerged over the past decade. Off-White launched Abloh to an even more prominent position on the global stage, attracting the attention of Louis Vuitton. The storied fashion house signed Abloh to serve as its menswear artistic director in 2018, a role he fulfilled through the remainder of his life. Abloh is the first African-American to head the house’s menswear line.

“The first thing I am going to do is define new codes,” Abloh told The New York Times following his appointment in 2018. “My muse has always been what people actually wear, and I am really excited to make a luxury version of that.”

Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought a majority stake in Off-White last year. In July, Abloh took on a position at LVMH that allowed him to work across the group’s 75 brands, becoming the most powerful Black executive in the history of the premier luxury group.

Beyond fashion, Abloh was also well-known for his work as a DJ and furniture designer. He is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe and Grey, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous friends and colleagues around the world.

Content courtesy of Variety & Nairobi Fashion Hub Digital Team 

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria Returns For A Spectacular Show

Posted on by Fashion Police

As the world continues to unlock its social doors after a year’s hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the annual Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will be collaborating with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to return this year with a most spectacular event.

Focused on promoting indigenous emerging and established brands to international buyers, the AFWN is also reputed for bringing together the most promising, talented, and recognized fashion designers and brands from across Nigeria and Africa to showcase the latest trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, industry enthusiasts, and the press.

This year’s event is billed to hold on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of December at the Ojaja Hall, Ife Grand Resort, Ile Ife, Nigeria, will have the Chairman of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II Ooni of Ife, launch first of its kind Adire Mobile Boutique – Adire on wheels.

The event will also be featuring exciting runway shows, fashion talks, Adire Oodua workshops, and exhibitions.

The theme for this year; “The Impact of Indigenous Fabrics and Tourism to the Nigerian Economy”, Ademiluyi explained, is pivotal to the essence of the brand, in its continuous effort to revive the decline of local textile industries in Nigeria, hence the collaboration this year with NTDC Tour Nigeria.

Founded by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, with the aim of promoting homegrown brands, while preserving African culture, AFWN over the years has become not only a top-rated platform for fashion design, ready-to-wear, accessories, styling, and other new designs in the country but also a world-renowned platform for promoting brands, displaying originality and broadcasting fashion trends.

Content Courtesy of This Day Live and Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Matthew Rugamba Dressed For Success: Rwanda Fashion Label House of Tayo Breaks New Ground By Going Global

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kigali – Matthew Rugamba knew his Rwandan fashion label had arrived when Junior Nyong’o, the brother of Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, attended the world premiere of “Black Panther” in a three-piece suit designed by him.

Hours after the glitzy event in Los Angeles, the website for Rugamba’s brand House of Tayo exploded as inquiries flooded in from around the globe for his high-end creations.

“It changed the perspective,” the 32-year-old told AFP, still stunned by the turn of events that propelled his “made-in-Rwanda” label to a Hollywood red carpet.

“For so many years we have been telling people our fashion is good… but sometimes you need moments like that to really take it to the next level,” said Rugamba, who holds dual Rwandan and British nationality.

Kigali has yet to reach the heights of Africa’s fashion hub Lagos, but the capital of the small landlocked nation of 13 million hosts its own fashion week and draws a devoted clientele, comprising wealthy locals, expatriates, members of the diaspora, and tourists.

“I like the way they tailor the clothes, the way they design their clothes, I like the simplicity of it as well,” said Emmanuel Safari, a lawyer and frequent visitor to the House of Tayo boutique located in an upscale Kigali neighborhood.

“The clothes, you put them on and you feel good!”

Some Rwandan labels have even attracted the attention of President Paul Kagame, who was pictured wearing a shirt by bespoke Kigali brand Moshions.

‘Change the narrative’

But what is “Kigali style”? “It pops but it’s not flashy,” according to Jean-Victor Brun, a 50-year-old Haitian-American who came to Rwanda to develop projects in new technologies. “Modern, ethnic, and rooted in the identity of our country,” says Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder of Rwanda Clothing.

Identity is at the heart of many Rwandan brands, which excel in producing bespoke clothing – drawing on a tailoring tradition that dates back decades. For instance, Umutoniwase, who employs 45 people, incorporates the geometric designs characteristic of imigongo art – a style of painting that uses cow dung and natural pigments – into her creations.

Similarly, the beadwork found on royal headdresses and other traditional items finds its way onto jacket lapels, while Rwandan shoe label Uzuri K&Y borrows from the country’s weaving traditions to create braided sandals.

The brand’s co-founder Ysolde Shimwe said young designers like her were keen to change Rwanda’s image, 27 years after the 1994 genocide killed more than 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis.

“Ten years ago when you Googled Rwanda you only saw machetes, people killing each other and hungry kids in the streets,” she told AFP.

“We as designers in Rwanda are also contributing to change the narrative of Rwanda and mostly to changing how people perceive Rwanda because we are more than that, we are more than our historical background.”

Bullish prospects

Rwanda’s fashion industry has also received a helping hand from the government, which in 2016-17 massively hiked import taxes on second-hand clothing – mainly from the US and Europe – to promote local manufacturers.

The move, which saw duties multiply more than tenfold, effectively imposed a moratorium on trade involving the sale of secondhand clothing from the West at low prices to East African consumers.

Simultaneously the government allowed designers to import fabric tax-free, giving the nascent industry a boost, said Umutoniwase.

But, with more than 80 percent of the population living in rural areas, according to the World Bank, many Rwandans cannot afford these homegrown brands. Umutoniwase, whose prices range from around 70 dollars (60 euros) for a shirt to 80 dollars (70 euros) for a dress, told AFP the small market size presented big challenges.

Moreover, the devastation wrought by the genocide has also contributed to a huge skills shortage in the country, said designer Shimwe.

“Eight years ago when we wanted to start a shoemaking brand we could not necessarily find skilled labor, there was literally nobody that had experience or had shoemaking skills,” she said.

But in a sign of the industry’s bullish growth prospects, some of the nearly 1,100 staff trained by her have since gone on to found their own labels, she said.

“It’s a great cycle that we have been able to create.”

Content courtesy of AFP and Nairobi Fashion Hub 

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