Thursday 7th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: African Fashion

Rachel Kiwanuka and Cleopatra Koheirwe Exclusive interview with Satisfashion UG

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The two stars go beyond being just friends, they have so much in common. Kiwanuka is the Communications Officer at Women at Work International (WAWI), a Not-for-profit organization which works to improve the quality life of women through health and income improvement projects. Koheirwe is the Public Relations Manager at Star Times Uganda, a media company that offers digital terrestrial television and satellite television services in Uganda.

They’ve both been recording artistes; Kiwanuka featured on Pepsi’s World Cup song ‘Oh Africa’ in 2010 together with Keri Hilson and Akon, while Koheirwe was a member of The Obsessions, arguably the most successful music/dance group in Uganda. They’ve both had stints on TV and radio as hosts. They are also actresses and Event hosts. Also, this shoot is not their first time appearing in a photo shoot together. So, it’s not a surprise that they’re close.

As I chat with them via email, because we’re social distancing, I learn that while they are obviously worried about the future, they want everyone to be hopeful. In this cover story, they reflect on their present and future, and what we should all learn from this global pandemic, that is Covid-19.

Rachel K

This video on Tik Tok of you and your mum pulling some dance moves is hilarious, how did it come together?
Thank you! My mom wanted to show me that she can still move at 60 years, so she challenged me and really did an amazing job. We learned the moves on Tik-Tok and boom the video was made.

Model: Rachel Kiwanuka

It looks like you two are very close!
Yes, my mum and I are very close. I draw a lot of inspiration from her. Besides, we work together. I’m at the Communications Officer at WAWI, an organisation she founded in 2003.

What is the biggest life lesson she has taught you?
To always remain humble and be myself. There is nothing as bad as being someone you’re not and being unapproachable.

I guess that’s one of the traits that have kept me going on this entertainment business. I always try and live by that and it shows. She is really the rock in my life.

The situation in the country and the world at large is worrying, how are you staying sane?
I try to keep to myself most of the time, reading, working out, listening to music, writing music. My mom and I love to watch movies so we have been doing that a lot.

Are you living together?
Yes!

What lessons are you taking from this experience?
My major lesson has been learning how a simple act of personal hygiene can save the planet. This virus has spread because some people don’t wash hands, sanitize, or cover their mouths when coughing, etc. We must be mindful about the people around us and protect each other.

How do you usually deal with personal or work challenges?
I’m a pretty spiritual person. I pray every day. This is something I learned from my mother, I’m always hopeful. Even when I’m overwhelmed, I keep a positive attitude.

Do you think we shall overcome?
Yes, most definitely we shall.

Personally, it has left me quite confused. How can I restore hope in my heart?
It’s going to be alright Hassan. Everyone just needs to stay calm and take the precautions as shared by the Ministry of Health, and slowly, eventually this too shall pass. Staying prayerful helps too. It brings a sense of calmness that we all need.

Let’s talk about you acting. Is it something you’ve always wanted to get into?
Yes, I am acting and it has been a great experience. My brothers and my mom have been acting since I was young, so I grew up in a family that was in the industry. I’ve always wanted to be an actress because I knew I had the potential.

So, when the opportunity came of course I had to go for it. I auditioned for the role and the rest has been history. I do plan on exploring more of this side of me, of course alongside the music.

You travelled back to Uganda after almost 10 years away. Did you have a culture shock? No not at all. I was in Uganda from 2006 -2011. So, I was already used to being in Uganda and knew how to cope and adjust when I came back in 2018. No culture shock at all, I love Uganda and I’m used to everything now.

Let’s talk about your job at WAWI
I’m the Communications Officer at the organisation. It was founded in 2003 by mom together with other women in the entertainment industry. Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of women through health and income enhancement. We use entertainment as the main tool to educate them.

\We also do awareness and sensitization on reproductive health, helping women in rural Uganda learn about things like Family planning. Our biggest campaign is the ‘End Fistula Project’. We help young women understand the importance of safe motherhood to end Fistula, a complication that results from a damaged bladder during child birth. Annually, over half a million women die due to various complications during pregnancy and child birth.

It looks like it keeps you quite busy
Yes it does. But I still get time to do influencer work for brands in the fashion and beauty space. I still do music and acting too. I’m also planning to go back to school to do my Masters. It’s something I’ve been thinking about.

It’s been quite a while. We want new music.
For sure. I have an EP coming out that I have been working on for almost two years now. I have worked with some amazing producers and really can’t wait for it to come out later this year.

Cleopatra

The situation in the country and the world at large is worrying, how are you staying sane?
By listening to some uplifting music, spending time with my daughter, but also sanitizing and social distancing.

Model: Cleopatra Koheirwe

What are you listening to?
Gospel music, it soothes me. Mostly Chris Tomlin and Hillsong. I am also listening to my personal favorites such as John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Corinne Bailey Rae among others. They inspire me.

What lessons are you taking from this experience?
That we are all the same, no matter where we come from. Life is precious. It is important to count our blessings and be grateful for each day and the air we breathe.  This pandemic has put the world at a standstill but I think in a way, it is helping us take things slow, spend time with family and also reflect on our lives. We are always caught up in the hustle and bustle of making a living that we never take time to rest. This has pushed us to take a break like it or not.

These challenges are unique and incomparable, but is there a point in your life where your patience and faith were tested to the core?
Yes, there is. The point in my life where my patience and faith were tested was when I lost my mom! I was angry with God! I could not comprehend why he let her die. She meant the world to me. I have grown to accept it and make peace with God, we are good, He has had my back all these years. Prayer has kept me sane.

You are the PRO of StarTimes. You are an actress and all the many other things you do. How do you balance all those commitments with your role as a mother?
Well, as you know, the film industry is still growing here so it is not as busy as it should be. I am able to manage my acting work because it is seasonal, so I fit it into my StarTimes work schedule.  If I am to emcee at a corporate event, these usually happen in the evenings or on weekends so I am able to do that too, and it is also occasional so when booked, I plan my calendar. On a normal working day, I make sure I rush home after work so I can be in time to interact with my daughter, listen to how her day went and also put her to sleep. It is not easy doing all this but I have my priorities set so I make time for each and I ensure I am fully present in all.

Does your daughter understand what’s going on? How are you easing this for her?
She is 6 years old now but in her little world, she’s sort of aware of what is happening because I told her in child language about Corona Virus, and also at her school, they were told about it and advised to wash hands and not hug or shake hands. When school was closed, she told me, “Mommy, there is no school tomorrow because of corona virus. The president said we stay home.” Good thing is I have been spending much more time with her so she is happy and relaxed with no worries. She feels safe.

What’s your biggest worry now?
Well, even if I did not want to worry, I would be lying if I said I am not worried. I am worried about our safety as a country, and if we will make it out of this pandemic. I am also worried that it’s going to affect us economically. I am worried about my family at large and praying everyone is safe. These worries are more than the ones I had a month ago, but I am keeping the faith and hoping for the best.

This is the part that confuses me the most. What could be the reason we are getting these unique challenges? 
Honestly, I have no freaking idea why this is happening. In my mind, it’s a movie. Like ‘a lab test gone wrong’ kind of situation. The film Contagion breaks it down in the way I imagine.

Shall we overcome?
Yes, we shall overcome. My guardian always says, ‘No situation is permanent. Every problem has a solution.” The doctors and governments around the world are working hard at solving and containing Covid-19 so I believe it shall pass. Let’s not dwell on the negative news and let us be cautious not to forward or repost or share info that is not verified. Let us follow the proper channels and avoid causing more panic. Not everyone is strong hearted through such times. So, let us beware.

On a lighter note, what should we watch on StarTimes to keep our spirits up now that we must keep at home?
Well, for starters, for those with smart phones, download the StarTimes ON App and watch lots of entertainment at a tap of a finger for everyone.

There is a variety of content including top TV series such as Empire on Fox, The General’s Daughter on Novela E Plus, local films, a new channel Nina Novelas for the Telemundo fans, educational documentaries and children programs including Home schooling shows, Nat Geo Wild, Investigation Discovery (iD), Music & fun entertainment on our exclusive local channels; Face TV, Magic 1HD and Sanyuka TV and much more. So, despite the Sports hiatus, there is a lot to enjoy on StarTimes and quite affordably too on your decoder or via the App. The choice is yours.

Styled by Kaijuka Abbas (Kai’s Divo Collection)
Makeup by Shades of Beauty
Photographed by Fred Bugembe
Interviewer : Hassan Ssentongo

 

This article originally appeared on Satifashion Ug

Rachel K and Cleopatra Koheirwe Graces Satisfashion UG’s April Cover Magazine 

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Rachel Kiwanuka, better known by her stage name Rachel K or Rachel Kay, is a Ugandan musician. Rachel K was born November 1, 1986 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The daughter of Ugandan singer Halima Namakula, Kiwanuka has recorded several successful albums, toured widely throughout the region and collaborated with Ugandan and other regional artists.

She has also worked as a comedian and television presenter, making appearances on such mainstream broadcasts as Jam Agenda and Tusker Project Fame.

Rachel Kiwanuka is the Communications Officer at Women at Work International (WAWI), a Not-for-profit organization which works to improve the quality life of women through health and income improvement projects.

Cleopatra Koheirwe is a Ugandan actress, writer, singer and media personality. She first appeared onscreen as Joy in The Last King of Scotland in 2006. She has since garnered numerous roles on different film and television projects locally and internationally including a role on Netflix’s Sense8 as Mother in season 2.

Cleopatra plays Ebony in the new Nana Kagga directed and produced series Reflections alongside other Uganda celebrities Malaika Nnyanzi, Housen Mushema, Andrew Kyamagero, Prynce Joel Okuyo and Gladys Oyenbot , Koheirwe joined StarTimes Uganda in June 2019 as the new Public Relations Manager.

Cleopatra Koheirwe is the Public Relations Manager at Star Times Uganda, a media company that offers digital terrestrial television and satellite television services in Uganda.

These multi-hyphenates have been friends for over 15 year, but it sucks that they can’t meet up for a drink or coffee. They have to stay apart to save the planet! This is what everyone is going through right now, shutting off those they love, to save the world.

Read full exclusive interview here courtesy of Satisfashion UG

Styled by Kaijuka Abbas (Kai’s Divo Collection)
Makeup by Shades of Beauty
Photographed by Fred Bugembe
Interviewer : Hassan Ssentongo

Content courtesy of Satisfashion UG & Nairobi fashion hub 

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade

Posted on by Fashion Police

Born and raised in the home of the New York Yankees, Osas Ighodaro Ajibade is a Bronx Native. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Osas strongly values the importance of family, giving back and staying connected to her roots,Osas is a graduate from Pennsylvania State University and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and dual minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Theatre. She also holds a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Acting from the Actor’s Studio Drama School at Pace University

She has appeared in theatre productions that include The Colored Museum, Revenge of the King, Platanos & Collard Greens and For Colored Girls. Osas’ film & television credits include Cadillac Records, The Department, Tinsel, Gbomo Gbomo Express & Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns.

Osas ranked amongst the Top 3 National finalists in the American Black Film Festival/NBC Universal Star Project – monologue competition. In 2010, She became the first Nigerian-American to be crowned Miss Black USA. Additionally, she won the award for Best TV Actress at the 2014 edition of Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards and Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2016 Best Supporting Actress award, respectively.

Osas’ work as an actor, host, brand ambassador and humanitarian carry her throughout the United States, Africa and across the globe. As founder of the ‘Joyful Joy Foundation’, Osas remains deeply committed to ending Malaria, preventable disease and supporting poverty alleviation in Africa.  She believes a small token of appreciation, sincerely offered to a few, can cause and affect a chain reaction of positivity and growth for many.

Ankara Miami

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Ankara Miami, Inc. is a South Florida-based event planning company committed to “Redefining African Cultural Trends.” Since its creation in August 2011 by Founder/CEO, Evelyn Onyejuruwa (Miss Nigeria Florida 2011-2012).

The company has continued its mission to promote progressive people and trends within the African Diaspora. Ankara Miami’s launch event, Ankara Miami 2012.

Founder and CEO of Ankara Miami In Evelyn Onyejuruwa (Miss Nigeria Florida 2011-2012)

1st Annual Ankara Fashion & Cultural Show, showcased emerging and established designers from the African Diaspora and their use of Ankara (a well-known West African fabric) as well as other African fabrics and prints in mainstream Western fashion.

Since its inception, Ankara Miami has also made social and financial contributions to entities such as the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, HANDY, Inc., the Nigerian American Foundation, Embrace Music Foundation, and Honey Shine, Inc. Its year-round events have included toy drives, networking mixers, and consulting/event management for other African and African-inspired events.

Ankara Miami is the FIRST & LARGEST major runway production in Florida featuring designers, live entertainment, and visual art solely from Africa and the African Diaspora.

The company has worked closely with notable corporate and culturally-based brands (e.g. Macy’s, Arik Air, Inglot Cosmetics, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Diaspora Arts Coalition, Fela! On Broadway, Toyota of North Miami, Natural Trendsetters Salon, and the African-American Research and Cultural Center) as well as local and international media (e.g. HOT 105, The Beat 103.5, Huffington Post Miami, SouthFlorida.com, The Miami Times, Black Enterprise, Essence Online, Cool FM (Nigeria), Complete Fashion (Nigeria), Zen Magazine (Nigeria), and Tropics Magazine (South Africa).

In February 2015, Ankara Miami expanded its signature, red-carpet event from Ankara Fashion & Cultural Show to Ankara Miami: Florida’s FIRST African Fashion Week.

In its exciting journey, Ankara Miami organizers will continue to feature even more talent from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, and provide a medium that encourages buyer/investor relationships, highlights talent and progression within the African Diaspora, and facilitates networking opportunities between established industry professionals and aspiring newcomers.

Stay connected as Ankara Miami continues to heighten the awareness of the modernization of African culture on a local, national, and international platform.

Content courtesy of Ankara Miami Inc

Africa’s Multi Billion Dollar Fashion Industry ( $15 Billion ) Business Empire 

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The African fashion industry has been evolving significantly over the last years. Many African designers have been seen participating on the international stage showcasing their creativity and designs and being applauded by fashion lovers worldwide.

Their representations in magazines and fashion events have put the spotlight on the growing fashion scene of the African continent.

Not only the unique fabrics and designs, but also the African culture, heritage and beauty have left a long-lasting impression on the international fashion stage. The number of models of African origin being casted by the big fashion brands has risen significantly and they are frequently featured in leading fashion magazines and campaigns.

Africa’s creative industry overall has started gaining notice both regionally and internationally. Several local fashion brands have earned global recognition due to the talent and artistry of their designers. One remarkable award-winning designer is Folake Folarin- Coker.

Her brand Tiffany Amber has particularly become popular during the New York Fashion Week. In the meantime, her collection has been displayed in London, New York and Paris. Another upcoming artist, Deola Sagoe has dressed international artists like Rihanna and Solange Knowles.

The African footwear industry is still in the nascent stage. The continent is abundant in raw materials, skill and labour which are imperative for the growth of any industry. Several countries on the continent are contributing to the African footwear revolution, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.

The Journey of a Made in Kenya Shoe Brand Enda Sportswear.

Ethiopia for instance, is ranked in the top ten of leather exporting countries worldwide and has been able to generate considerable income from shoe exports in 2018.

The global fashion industry is estimated to be worth around $1.5 trillion, there are however no official estimates about Africa’s fashion industry. This is due to the fact that it has historically not been seen as a lucrative sector. There is however a growing realization of its untapped potential in terms of job creation and economic development.

As of today, only selected African universities offer reputable master degrees in fashion and design. As the perception of the fashion industry is however shifting within the continent itself, more and more fashion courses are being offered in order to support the local talents.

At present, Africa has a population of 1.2 billion people. The future estimates of the growth of the population is 2 billion by 2050 and 4 billion by 2100. This gives a huge opportunity in the form of a large market size for investors to leverage on. Fashion brands with the right marketing strategy have good chances to flourish.

Another important demographic feature about Africa is that there are about 200 million people between 15 and 24 years old, which makes Africa the youngest continent in the world.

With technological development showing its vibrance in Africa, the youth are increasingly using Facebook, Instagram and other kinds of social media to keep their followers updated with the latest trends and launches in the line of fashion. This has not only given local brands more visibility internationally, it has also increased their business rapidly.

In addition, the rapid increase in African middle-class households has increased the market for luxury goods as there is demand for better quality products due to growing disposable income. The African markets are moving from basic commodities to modern lifestyle economies.

This change in African buying habits has caused a boost to the sales of the fashion brand segment, and provides vast opportunities for investors, fashion houses as well as fashion and beauty professionals looking to expand internationally.

This article originally appeared on African Cube 

Photo courtesy of Coco lili Africa , Ankara Miani Inc , Enda Sportswear , Just Imagine Africa

South Africa Government guarantees 80,000 garment & textile workers full pay for six weeks during COVID-19 lockdown

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The clothing and textile sector’s 80,000 workers have been guaranteed full pay for six weeks during and after the Covid-19 lock down in a ground-breaking agreement by stakeholders.

On Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day national lockdown to limit the coronavirus outbreak. It will take effect from midnight on Thursday, and will impose stringent restrictions on the movement of people. People will be confined to their homes and will only be allowed to leave to shop for essentials such as food and medicines, to seek healthcare, or collect social grants.

The National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry announced that industry stakeholders had reached the deal that would see workers getting their full wages during the lockdown.

On Tuesday, the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry in SA announced that parties in the industry have reached a “ground-breaking agreement” that will see workers getting their salaries during the lockdown period.

The signatories to the agreement include the SA Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu), the Apparel & Textile Association of SA (Atasa), and the SA Apparel Association (Saaa).

According to the agreement, payment to the industry’s 80,000 workers will be made up of workers’ Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) monies and employers funds, and that the clothing industry bargaining council will be the institution for the UIF distribution payments to workers through company payroll systems.

The bargaining council said the agreement had been submitted to the department of employment and labour for an “emergency gazette and extension to non-party companies in the clothing industry”.

“The parties to the bargaining council, working together with the UIF and the department of employment and labour are now focusing on the practical modalities of implementation of the agreement.”

A clothing industry Covid-19 lockdown rapid response task team has been established to manage immediate “practical implementation matters arising from the conclusion of the agreement”.

In a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, employment and labour minister Thulas Nxesi said employers and bargaining councils will be used to distribute new UIF benefits.

Nxesi said the government would not put a number on the table as to the size of the national disaster benefit as it might unfairly raise expectations.

“We do not want to talk about figures. We can’t announce something that we cannot fulfil. Our actuaries are busy looking at the numbers.”

The UIF was anticipated at the time of the February budget to have R3.6bn in surplus contributions over the next three years. In addition, to this it also had about R60bn in investments with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).

Both these numbers are completely out of date, as contributions to the fund will now change significantly and investments will have diminished considerably.

Meanwhile, SA’s tally of Covid-19 cases have risen to 554 and the number is expected to continue to rise for at least another fortnight, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has said. He said it will take time for the 21-day national lockdown to have an effect and reduce the spread of the disease.

This article originally appeared on BL 

Kenyan fashion designer David Avido Ochieng hands out masks to protect vulnerable communities from Coronavirus in Kibera

Posted on by Fashion Police

Kenyan fashion designer David Avido Ochieng distributes face masks among his local community in Kibera settlement, on the outskirts of Nairobi. He has hand made hundreds of masks to help protect vulnerable people in Kibera and across the world from the outbreak of the COVID-19.

Last week, David Avido Ochieng barely slept. The Kenyan fashion designer has been working day and night in his studio, crafting hundreds of face masks from the colourful scrap fabrics of his designs.

Ochieng’s sustainable fashion designs are popular on the streets of Nairobi. His fashion brand, Lookslike Avido, is internationally known for its vibrant street-inspired style. But for now, he only designs face masks, with his trademark African print. He hands them out for free to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among some of Kenya’s most vulnerable communities.

“I know what is motivating me to do this. Giving out the masks and letting people know how to help themselves when the virus tries reaching us gives me joy because at least I can help them to understand the situation,”

Avido says during a short break between sewing.  An informal business woman wears one of David Ochieng’s face masks in Kibera, Nairobi.
David Avido Ochieng was born and raised in Kibera, a sprawling informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi that is often referred to as Africa’s largest slum. When the first case of COVID-19 was announced in Kenya on March 17, he knew that this was where the virus could have the most dire effects.

Concerns about COVID-19’s potential impact on informal settlements like Kibera are high. How possible is it to prevent the spread of the virus in a slum area, where few residents have access to running water? How can social distancing be an option when homes are stacked precariously on top of one another, and where a day without work means a day without food?

These were among the fears expressed in Kibera following news of the first outbreak, and it is what inspired Ochieng to start making his own masks and distributing them for free among his local community.

“I’m doing my best to help people around here. The people in my community motivate me to be who I am and at the end of the day, I can’t see them suffer because not all of them are able to afford the masks, the hand wash, and the sanitiser,”

he explains

In a community where access hand sanitiser or surgical face masks is sparse, his hope is that the masks will at least prevent people from touching their face and contacting the virus. And unlike surgical masks, they can be washed and reused; a more sustainable alternative for those living below the poverty line.

Fashion designer David Avido Ochieng has made 1,800 face masks in the week since the first case of coronavirus was announced in Kenya.

However, the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of coronavirus has been debated and Ochieng is quick to say that they do not fully protect people from the virus. Alongside making the masks, he distributes them, educating people in the community on how to fully protect themselves from the virus as he does so.

Some days Ochieng goes deep into villages to inform and assist those who aren’t aware of the dangers of coronavirus and its rapid spread. To each man, woman, or child he hands his masks to, Avido explains how to safely use them and emphasises the importance of other prevention measures including thorough hand washing and the use of sanitiser.

 “Some people don’t really know what is happening, so I have to educate them. Once you do that, they are able to understand. It takes time for them to understand what is happening and to teach them the preventative measures. People are really happy [to receive the masks], some are even falling into tears,”

he says.

David Avido Ochieng has already run out of the scrap fabrics he was using. He continues to purchase more from the market as he becomes overwhelmed by the demand for masks on the ground. He has made almost 1,800 masks in the last week, and on his last distribution in Kibera he handed out 700 masks.

With each mask taking around 10 minutes to make, his life has become consumed by what feels to be an urgent need to create and distribute as many masks as possible for a community in need of support.

“When I go out, at some point I run out of masks, and I don’t know what to say. I have to run back home and make more. You get tired but you have to push on for the people,”

Ochieng says.

However, it is not just people in Kibera that Ochieng supplies masks to. Across Nairobi, demand is high; from other informal settlements like Mathare, to the high-income areas of Karen and Lavington. He has even had requests from as far as Europe and the United States, where people have told him masks have been sold out.

Regardless of who is asking, Ochieng will distribute the masks for free. He refuses any payment other than hand sanitiser, which he then distributes throughout the Kibera community.

For now, a sense of uncertainty hangs in the air as Kenya shuts down borders and steps up measures to prevent the spread of the virus. And for Ochieng, who remains deeply connected to the community he has lived in his whole life, his masks and education are all he has to offer as he works to protect his community from a virus that would be potentially crippling to his hometown.

“When you die, you don’t go with money, but if you have the chance right now, help people around you, show them love and support, because that is what keeps us going,”

Ochieng says, before turning back to his sewing machine for another day and night weaving together his colourful masks.

This article originally appeared on  CGTN Africa Photo courtesy of David Ochieng

AfroStreet Kollektions

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

AfroStreet Kollektions is a Kenyan based fashion house founded in early  2012.The designs are mainly ankara (The African Print Fabric-Kitenge) mixed with lace, chiffon, stretch fabric, linen and khaki to bring out the African Culture with a western touch to it.

The Fashion house has had the privilege to showcase at different platforms both locally and internationally that has helped the fashion house to reach greater heights like Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania, The Nairobi Fashion Market , Casino Malindi Strut ItAfrika Fashion Week, The Kenya Fashion Week and The Nairobi Fashion Week.

Model cum designer Yvonne Odhiambo had an urge to start her own fashion house. This was after strutting on different runways both in Kenya and East Africa regional for 8 years for different designers like John kaveke, Liz Ogumbo, Ann McCreath,  Sylvia Owori,  Nikki Kondakis, Penny Winter,  Adele D’Jak among others.

From that urge, AfroStreetKollektions was born in September 2012. She has graced different fashion magazines like Couture Africa, True Love, Drum, African Woman and others.
After completing her studies in Communication at the University of Nairobi, AfroStreet Kollektions was her main focus and nothing stood in the way of her giving the best she could to everyone that knocked on her doors of fashion for the that gorgeous look they sought.
Yvonne Odhiambo had the opportunity to  dressed, most notably celebrities in Kenya , Stella Mwangi ( STL ), Sheila Mwanyigah, Suzanna Owiyo, , , Kobi Kihara, Wahu, Diana Opoti, Annabel Onyango, The Papa Shirandula and the casting Crew Kidum From Burundi, Kansiime from Uganda and Vanessa Mdee from Tanzania

Content courtesy of WGN & Nairobi fashion hub 

Kangarui

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Kangarui is all about colour, animals and nature. Each piece is custom designed using watercolour, photography and collage, carefully printed on to accessories and home decors. Inspired by the beauty of Kenya, Kangarui wish to spread positive vibes around the world through there unique art.

Kangarui products are produced by local manufacturers in Nairobi + Tokyo, with no animals used or harmed in the process.

Rui Yamashita is the artist behind Kangarui. She was born in Japan, raised in Kenya and her life experiences are reflected in each of her designs. A quirky fusion style, filled with colour and often with animals found in East Africa, she wishes to spread her safari love around the world.

Her passion has always been to get dirty and be creative by exploring all sorts of materials and tools, playing heavily with layers. Her designs were sold at Urban Outfitters, Target, BHG, Houzz, and many other stores worldwide, before she launched her own brand in September 2016.

The name ‘Kangarui’ sounds like an animal often found in Australia, but it is actually a combination of Kanga (or Khanga, a traditional textile from Kenya, often used as headscarves and sarongs) and her first name, Rui. Kanga-Rui

Content courtesy of Kangarui & Nairobi fashion hub

Top 10 Fashion Shows Events In Kenya

Posted on by Fashion Police

A fashion show is an event put on by a fashion designer to showcase his or her upcoming line of clothing during Fashion Week. Fashion shows debut every season, particularly the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This is where the latest fashion trends are made. A fashion show is an ensemble of creative ideas, right from ramp, lighting, and décor, to models and clothing.

Success of a fashion show depends on whether it is able to spark the imagination of audience, and convince them to buy those clothes. Themes in fashion shows, are able to do just that, as they provide theatrics and create drama, at an otherwise normal show.

Fashion events not only create a buzz in their home countries but attract people from all over the world. These events encourage creative and diverse ideas in the fashion industry and also helps generate revenue for other industries as well.

Over the past few years, the fashion scene in Kenya has undergone massive changes. One could even say that it has been democratized. Even right now it is growing in leaps and bounds even though sometimes it may not be apparent. With the large number of fashion events that we have presently, it can be difficult to decipher which ones are actually the best and worth looking out for.

Do you know what the 10 biggest fashion events in Kenya are?

1. Kenya Fashion Awards
Established in 2012 the Kenya Fashion Awards is celebrating the contributions of the designers, fashion photographers, models, fashion stylists, make-up artists, hair stylists and creatives to the fashion scene.
Its aim to recognize and celebrate the wealth of fashion talent across Kenya and East Africa.
The event provides a stepping stone for emerging talent into the highly competitive fashion arena through networking, promotion and guidance.
Winning or being shortlisted for an Award provides endless rewards for designers, photographers, models … who participate as the event offer s a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and to showcase designers, photographers or fashion stylists work to the industry professionals, fashionistas, press and media.

2. Nairobi Fashion Week 

The Nairobi Fashion Week  ( NFW ) is a creative idea targeted to be a meeting place for the nation and Africa’s most creative talent. It’s an event created to showcase East Africa’s designers, stylist’s,producer’s, commentators, sponsors and everyone in between to a global audience.

NFW has been conceptualized to provide a leading platform for the Kenyan fashion industry to grow. It brings together all the necessary components under one roof to provide an opportunity to incubate and grow the Kenyan fashion industry.

3. Fashion High Tea

The event prides itself on being one of the few local events that combine fashion and charity, by collaborating with philanthropist,The contemporary high tea theme is slowly changing and becoming accepting of pants, flashy colors and even outfits that are elegant, but don’t necessarily fall under the ‘high tea’ dress code.

Fashion High Tea has proven itself time and again to be one of the premiere fashion events in the country, the event brings together designers from all over the world to showcase their work to the local market.

4. The JW Show

Aim to connect, Kenya, Africa And the world through fabric and design,this style-studded fashion extravaganza congregates men and women who are pushing the envelope of sustainable local fashion brands that have transcended borders and caught global attention. Make a date with us and be part of this iconic show where style will meet elegance.

The event mostly offers a platform to young upcoming designers with more established designers opting not to showcase due to the presentation format,he JW Show, organized by Jeffrey Wilson, has proven itself not once or twice but several times to be among the top fashion events in Kenya.

5. Tribal Chic

Tribal Chic is Nairobi’s most respected fashion show. The annual event is hosted by Tribe Hotel and aims to showcase the best Kenyan and international designers to local fashion insiders. Following in the footsteps of previous worthwhile happenings in the city, namely Kenya Fashion Week and FAFA, Tribal Chic has over the past few years, become a flag bearer for promoting Kenya’s fashion infrastructure. This is thanks in large part to the show’s curator Alina Haq and choreographer Sunny Dolat.

“The concept is simple  we want to showcase great design,” says Dolat. “For the line-up we look for something fresh that the audience will appreciate and buy. It’s a show that aims to surprise and impress.”

Held annually at Tribe Hotel at around 14th December, this event attracts thousands of artists, designers to come showcase their talent. It accommodates both local and international fashionistas. It was founded with an aim of helping the less fortunate in the society.

6. Fashion Couture Affair

Fashion couture affair is a runway event , started in 2016 and its managed by fashion killers 254. its a platform for designer, models, exhibitors, artists and any other business related to fashion,The event traces its roots to Nairobi Railways museum where most of the editions have been held.

7. Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo

Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo is a bi-annual event where all wedding service providers in the industry come together and showcase the very latest in wedding trends,The Samantha’s Bridal wedding fair is an exciting 3-day event filled with fashion, beauty and style. It is Kenya’s most dynamic and effective place to meet leading industry players in the wedding, beauty, honeymoon, Kenyan fashion giants and affluent women and their families.

The event spans a couple of days with close to a hundred vendors in attendance to showcase and promote their brands. There’s a runway segment that give a better view at how the wedding attires look like.

8. Entrepreneur Fashion Week

EFW is a great event with three key elements, Fashion shows, mini expo and master class that hat pulls together business owners, industry insiders, exhibitors and fashion lovers in East, south and West Africa across fast fashion, contemporary luxury and trends for the world apparel production and supply for both European and African buyers and an opportunity for brands to meet and spark possible business opportunities & collaborations.

9. Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week

With the immense knowledge in the Fashion Industry  and Having  held Various High Profile Fashion Shows and Being Voted Fashion Ambassador Kenya ,Sonu strongly Believes “in a World of Color”.Her creativity “runs on an engine of passion,shape,textures and touch in a pattern that Leads to the Creation of Fashion.”

Sonu moved to Kenya from India in 2006 and soon realized that Kenya had lots to offer to the World and had a rich Cosmopolitan flair to it.  In a short time Sonu  has made a huge impact on the Kenyan Fashion scene, at Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week, local and international designers are given a chance to showcase their original haute couture pieces. It has held 7 editions so far.

10. Core Fashion Kenya Show

The Core Fashion Kenya aims to give the Kenyan fashion industry one voice; to help project local designers and talent onto the international fashion arena,with the aim of promoting local talent to penetrate the international market, Linda Murithi CEO of In The Bag saw the opportunity to give fashion industry a voice. Core Fashion Kenya is held at Tribe Hotel to nurture, celebrate and unify local talent fashion icons.

Turkana Fashion Week

Founded by Ignatius Wafula, Turkana Fashion Week aims to recreate Turkana culture using fashion beyond Kenya. It has received international recognition from the likes of Ajuma Nasenyana.

All the fashion shows events listed here may vary from ranking.

Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team

 

Why it pays to invest in yourself.

Posted on by Paul Oloo

Let’s be honest. We all dress up for other people. At least to some extent.

It may be to attract the opposite sex as we seek their admiration. Admiration, not approval.

It may be to impress members of the same sex as we seek their respect. Anyone who’s ever had to dress up for an important function with a lot of big wigs can easily attest to this. Today, however, I want to address the most important person you will ever dress up for.

YOU.

Elevating your standards to new heights and dressing up for yourself can have some serious positive impacts on your psychology. Benefits which include but are not limited to;

  • A major boost in your self-confidence which radiates like warm sunshine to those around you.
  • Improved mental health based on the good feelings you end up having about yourself from within.
  • A sudden increased desire to go out and conquer, which is essentially what men are all about in the first place.

When all’s said and done, anything you wear to a special occasion should pump you up as it does with the gentleman in the video below.

https://youtu.be/znsyf0Ot0mU

If it doesn’t, then it’s a waste of money. And as my grandfather would always say, “It’s better to invest Kshs. 50,000 than to lose Kshs. 5,000.”

So, gentlemen, it’s time to stop taking cheap shortcuts and make the investment in yourself that you’re worthy of.

You deserve it.

Black designer mafia boss jacket exclusive to King Sidney.

Content courtesy of Paul Oloo & Nairobi fashion hub

Ichyulu

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Ichyulu (ee・chew・lu) is derived from “Chyulu Hills” which means “Spotted Hills” and is a mountain range in Eastern Kenya.
Established in 2016, Ichyulu is a concept store featuring hand-selected pieces from African Fashion and Design brands. Nairobi is our home but we host a wide variety of designers from the continent whom we have gotten to know through our travels and social media.

Oliver wears the Sehemu Necklace and Vipande Necklace both by Nyumbani Design (Tanzania). Background features Shine Shine fabrics (SA)

As a lover of African fashion and design, Ichyulu was set up to provide a platform that would connect designers with potential consumers and serve as an alternative distribution channel.

Fashion store Ichyulu, which launched in January 2016, has just teamed up with Kenyan photographer Migwa Nthigah and local style bloggers  to create a series that celebrates Nairobi’s growing style scence.

Nancie Mwai fashion blogger Wearing: Neon 27 black and white cropped pants, Urbano Gallery nude chain bag, Angelos nude pumps, Adams khaki blouse.

Ichyulu’s focus is to provide a curated retail experience for those who seek unique pieces to match their individual style. Part of our ethos is to celebrate the diversity of African fashion and design through showcasing the use of local materials , sustainable practices, custom prints and craftsmanship through a modern lens. We hand select everything and we make sure we love it first before we introduce it on the platform.

Nancie Mwai fashion blogger 

They believe in a thoughtful approach to fashion and design.  Ichyulu want their customers to love what they buy and want to have it as a staple piece in their wardrobe or home for years to come.
Ichyulu also love photography and  most of the time they use it for editorial campaigns and to work with the best talent in Kenya to create wonderful visual campaigns.

Content courtesy of Ichyulu, Nancie mwai & Nairobi fashion hub

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