Thursday 7th of May 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya fashion designer Kawira Mirero has done it again she made this butterfly dress for Yemi Alade for her concert in London duded O2 Islington Academy concert music meet fashion African celebrities are now embracing home made attire from Africa, fashion is now transcending borders and beyond its no longer an individual work but more of team work, Yemi Alade’s fashion statement is nothing short of a great collaboration fashion meets music for her music concert tour across Africa and Europe ( O2 Islington Academy concert ) she performed in a white and black butterfly dress designed by Kenyan Fashion designer Kawira Mirero from Mambo Pambo.
All Mambo Pambo designs are proudly designed and made in Kenya. Mambo Pambo Fashion House was Founded by Kawira Mirero, the brand’s vision is to change the way people view and experience locally made clothes by offering high-quality, beautifully crafted and well-fitting Afro-inspired apparel, designed and proudly made in Kenya,Mambo Pambo continually experimenting with new ways to fashion clothes that reflect each client’s unique personality, interests and lifestyle. Every Mambo Pambo Fashion garments are designed and crafted in their studio and workshop inspired by Africa and nature.
Yemi Alade keeps breaking boundaries for African music at large! Case point her “Black Magic Tour” which will see the praised performer visit countless cities across Europe, Africa and the United States of America.
The tour stopped at London over the weekend; as the diva sold out the O2 Academy Islington and delivered a memorable set giving fans a magical experience. The historic concert saw jaw dropping performances from Yemi Alade and her raved Ova Sabi band, Dil and more. English hip-hop star Lady Leshurr was also in attendance.
Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub
Market Demand for East African’s fabric Kitenge In the past few years there has been a sharp rise in demand for East African’s fabric Kitenge, Kenya is beginning to appreciate and value home grown fashion industry, and designers are dropping the cliche that African fashion has to look African more local designers are coning up with creative designs to suit the millennial most of the design are made of local fabric kitenge 
Kenyans wear the Kitenge as an appreciation of culture and creativity. As such, you are more likely to see such dresses during events such as Concur De Elegance, Koroga festival , Blankets and Wine, among others. Fashion designers have tapped into the growing demand for the Kitenge by creating unique and beautiful pieces. Today, you can find just about anything; traditional top and down or the modern Kitenge fused with other fabrics (laces, denim, silk).
What is Kitenge ?
Kitenge is an East African cotton fabric printed in various colours and designs with distinctive borders, used especially for women’s clothing,Kitenge or chitenge is an East African, West African and Central African fabric similar to sarong, often worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling.
Miss Malaika Ghana is a beauty pageant, and reality show which first aired in Ghana in 2003. The show is produced by Charter House Productions and airs on Ghana television station TV3 as well as DSTV channel Africa Magic. The pageant is produced as a 12- to 13-week reality show which shows the search for a Ghanaian representative for the Miss Malaika continental competition. It was the first beauty pageant show to be aired as a reality series in Ghana.
From the conception of the show 2002, it has been presented to the audience as a reality TV show which allows for the viewers to vote for their favorite contestant to be crowned Miss Malaika Ghana. Each week, the contestants are given tasks to perform which range from performances to organizing events. This is then assessed by a panel of judges who have a certain degree of power in selecting successful candidates and eliminating others
Before the pageant was produced as a reality television series, with viewers voting for their favourite contestants, Ghana’s Miss Malaika’s representative was handpicked by judges.Since the show began in 2003, it has included judges known as the godmothers. The duty of the godmothers are to instruct and teach the contestants on conduct and beauty amongst other things. These godmothers are Mrs Kay Bentsi-Enchill who’s been on the show for 3 years and Mary-Anne Sekyi, who’s has 6 years worth of experience. The 2010 finale judging panel of the event also included, Ghanaian actors John Dumelo and Jackie Appiah, as well as Paul Adom Otchere.
The basket bag wave is still ongoing and we can say this is the 3rd season this trend is popping up so it’s safe to say the trend is going nowhere. As new collections pop up without fail, new DESIGNS and creation emerges in the ‘Apere’ (basket) culture. A new brand of Apere bags have surfaced thanks to this vibrant collection.
Designed by ethical fashion brand ÉKÉTÉ, we believe we’ve gotten to the right Apere bag shopping destination. The brand uses uses locally grown natural fibres combined with a well prodced leather to create beautiful Apere (basket) bags. Extremely Skilled artisans make the bags by hand and they come in different variations and shapes.
ÉKÉTÉ which means basket in the Igbo language is must certainly so much more than its literal meaning, it is a representation of the beauty and strength of a woman and the bond thats she shares with the people in her life. The brand prides itself on its modern take on an age-old traditional craftsmanship.
According to the statement following the release:
Baskets are malleable, intricately woven into different forms, shapes, and sizes whilst possessing a lasting staying power, these same qualities apply to women of all ages and race.
Our debut Spring/Summer’18 collection was inspired by our love for fashion, culture, and travel, and the burning desire to always carry a piece of home with us wherever we go. These summer bags are fun and colourful, as they are the perfect accessories for vacations, getaways to the beach and all your favourite summer activities. They also work perfectly to compliment your everyday style all year round.
Content Courtesy of ÉKÉTÉ & Nairobi Fashion Hub
What Is a Brand
At its core, your brand is what consumers know about you.
This is established by your image, your products and your reputation.
What does your brand look like? What typefaces and design choices have you made? How do those things make people feel? What story are you telling? Can your customers relate to that or see themselves as being somehow a part of that story?
What products do you offer? Are they high quality? Convenient? Unique? What is different about them?
What do people say about you? If someone is a customer of your brand, what does that say about them?
A mature brand communicates instant understanding. A developing brand helps consumers understand who ‘you’ are in relation to what ‘they’ need. A poorly developed brand feels disconnected from its customers, disjointed, lacking definition.
Branding is mostly intangible. It primarily exists within the philosophical orientation of a company, and within the minds of consumers. However, branding produces real world results:
Good branding helps customers make key buying decisions.
Good branding tells customers what they will get.
Good branding makes people feel safe.
Good branding builds trusting relationships founded on honesty, authenticity and genuine understanding.
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odAOMO Seductress at Sunset Fall 2018 Runway Show went down at the tribe hotel village market the show started exactly at 5:00 pm east African time, event was graced by who is who in Kenyan fashion sector , great performance from America Pop idol and Odaomo creative director Quentin Alexander who left guest wanting more and more, fashion show was held at the poolside spectacular view with African set up.
Luxury Design for Global Citizen
Luxury line for modern women’s wear with a timeless and cross-cultural aesthetic ,Odaomo company is based on the principle of “giving back” and supports improved social and economic conditions here in Kenya Creates exclusive and collectible statement pieces for global citizens, utilizes sustainably sourced materials to handcraft leather goods, Ready-to-Wear and jewelry in limited seasonal collectionsat the same time preserves the art of quality craftsmanship and community development through the fair-wage employment of local Kenyan artisans Odaomo produces regular fashion shows and events to foster a transcultural, stylish and philanthropic community, offers private shopping and personal styling services to clients Knowledgeable team of passionate professionals committed to providing the highest standard of products and services
History ( Odaomo Background )
Established in 2014. As you may know, in Africa, given names have significant meaning. Children are named after a great ancestor, a significant birth trait, a time, season, or an event. The designer’s name, Aomo, not only talks of ” a time of harvest” , but is also after the great matriarch Aomo. Her grandmother was tall, strong, entrepreneurial, and left a legacy carried by many female grandchildren. The house of Aomo (od AOMO in Luo, her tribal language) was indeed the beginning of it all.
We welcome you to odAOMO, “House of Aomo”.
Marini Naturals is Kenya’s first haircare product line designed for african women of natural and afro-textured hair. Marini was made by a Kenyan woman, for the African woman. Our product range includes a Sulfate-free Shampoo (Kenya & East Africa’s first), Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, Curling Butter, Curling Gel, Moisturizing Spritz, and a Potent Hair Growth Oil. Marini Naturals has grown to be one of the most African preferred brands for natural hair across Kenya and East Africa.
from lift to right : Michelle Ntalami , Fena Gitau , Esther Kazungu , Sherie Gakii , Noora Zein , Sandrine Simonne Umuhoza
Who Is Michelle Ntalami
Michelle Ntalami, is a strategic brand and marketing expert, is the founder of Marini Naturals, Kenya’s first 100% organic, natural hair care line. With her wealth of branding and design knowledge, she has conceptualised and designed the Marini Naturals brand, from its name to its logo, colours, scents, packaging, label design, brand plan and marketing strategy.
I wanted @Marini_Naturals to feel like it belongs to the people, not only the founders. I wanted everyone with natural hair in Africa & globally to relate to the brand by seeing skin tones and hair types that look just like theirs
Who Is Fena Gitau
Fena Gitu, is one of the most sought-after Kenyan femcees down to earth,the acclaimed singer and rapper studied International Relations and Psychology from the United States International University in 2008 10 year later she is the new face of Marini Naturals Brand Ambassador
Having grown up in a musical household, Fena developed her passion for music at a tender age. In 2008, she won the “Fete de la Musique” singing competition at Alliance Francaise Nairobi, marking the beginning of a bright music career.
Hey Hey! It’s the Fenamenal Woman, Fena Gitu ( @Fena_menal ), 8 years dreadlocked and a proud Marini Naturals Brand Ambassador! I love to see my fellow country people shine!
Levitando en Afrika is a brand of ethnic and tribal macrame jewelry founded by Alexandra Gracia Ortiz from Spain all her collections are inspired by Africa tribal Jewelry hand made,Macrame is a very old art whose technique consists of making different types of knots with thread forming a tissue.
Alexandra Gracia is a self taught and versatile designer that show in her handmade designs, inspired by her trips to Africa, originality, multi-culture , colorful and ethnic essence, definitely pure African style. In Alexandra unique pieces, She fuse the techniques of micro macrame with gold, old silver, bronze, minerals, recycled materials, African beads and wax prints.
Alexandra Gracia Showcasing her Collection
Last year 2017 Levitando en Afrika participated in Africa Fashion Week Barcelona (Spain) and also showcased Nairobi Fashion Week (Kenya), and recently 03/03/2018 she exhibited her jewelry collection in the Fashion High Tea event at Zen Garden, Nairobi (Kenya)
What is Macrame?
Macrame (or macramé), is a form of textile-making where fibers or cords are knotted rather than woven or knitted together. Square knots and half hitch knots are traditionally used, and sailors have long used macrame to decorate accessories and parts of ships. Most friendship bracelets are macrame, and this knotting technique can be used to create other styles of jewelry as well.
Common materials used in macrame include cords made of cotton or linen , hemp , leather, twisted nylon and yarn. In recent years, paracord has become another popular material. Beads , charms , links and other accents can be knotted in with the cord to create a wide variety of designs.
How to Macrame
Though macrame involves knotting, the process of making macrame jewelry is almost like braiding. Multiple strands of cord are knotted together using square knots in a repeating pattern. It is often helpful to have some sort of clamp, clip or macrame board to keep the strands organized and in place.
A central cord (or cords) remains stationary and forms the foundation for your knot work. Beads, links, and other accents can be mixed in as you knot or added at the beginning. This technique is best shown visually so see below for step-by-step instructional videos on how to macrame.
Content Courtesy Of Levitando en Afrika & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Who are Kipato Unbranded ?
Kipato Unbranded is about beauty and unique designs. they create jewelry that is inspired by ‘ “everyday people and for everyday people”. Their pieces are made from local materials that include brass, recycled bone, and beads.
Kipato is a Swahili word meaning ” income “. This underscores the social justice core of the social enterprise. From its beginnings, they provide the artists with fair wages.
Being a women-led organization Kipato unbranded are conscious about empowering young women. Kipato Unbranded is adaptable and ethically responsible.
Kipato Unbranded was founded in November 2015. since then it has received media attention including features on television programming,publications in media houses both in print and online, blog features, and showcased in high
profile events.
Their shareholders are 5 young women from different cultures and backgrounds – an international group that is committed to seeing this vision and mission exceed in every way possible by contributing their skills in law, design, marketing and branding.
Some of Kipato Hand made African Jewelry
Why “ Kipato Unbranded ”
1. Kipato: Kiswahili word meaning ” income “. This underscores the social justice core of the enterprise. We ensure that our artists are empowered by their work and receive fair wages for their creativity. From its beginnings, profits from the artists’ work,
whether sold in international or local markets, go directly to the artists, creating a model that is sustainable and fair to them.
2. We are “unbranded” because we are focused on creating jewelry by everyday people, for everyday people. We believe that beautiful Kenyan jewelry should not be out of reach for Kenyans and Africans on the continent, and therefore are
striving to create an enterprise that is accessible and approachable.
3. Our brand is also adaptable, simple, and ethically responsible- the collections are designed to be versatile, suitable as much for a high-profile journalism awards event as for a casual Saturday afternoon with friends.
4. Our products are created from recycled products, and our packaging and operations are eco-friendly, making it an environmentally responsible enterprise as well.
Kipato Unbranded is about simplicity, accessibility and empowerment.
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Margaux Wong, based in Burundi, East Africa, is an innovative design hub where artisans have been transforming discarded cow horn and brass into luxurious, beautiful wearable art since the brand launched in 2001.
The brand’s artisans are the center and essence of Margaux Wong, and they continually strive to create objects of beauty. Founder and Creative Director Margaux Rusita, originally from Guyana, South America, draws inspiration from her homeland and home-continent.
Having lived and worked in Burundi for the last 10 years, she pulls from the turmoil and victories that come with being an artist in the country.
All Margaux Wong designs are hand-made and each piece is unique due to the special quality of the cow horn.
The brand emphasizes the value and the natural beauty of the horn and does not add dyes, paints or varnish to their merchandise.
Each piece is hand polished to the finest finish using tedious traditional techniques.
Constantly working to produce the most prized artisan jewellery from the finest cow horn in the region, Margaux Wong prides itself on its sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Anok Yai has become the first black model to open a runway show for Prada since Naomi Campbell did so more than two decades ago in 1997. The 19-year-old only discovered that she had been chosen to open the show for the Italian fashion house at Milan Fashion Week about an hour before she was due to grace the catwalk.
Anok Yai is an Egyptian-born American fashion model of South Sudanese descent. She is the second black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell, and the first South Sudanese model to do so. Yai currently ranks as one of the “Top 50” models by models.com
Anok Yai at Prada Show 2018
She showcased pieces from Prada’s autumn/winter 2018 collection, only a few months after being scouted for her modelling potential at a college party.
“It was an honour and I’m proud that I was the one chosen to open, but this is bigger than me,” Yai told Vogue.
“Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world – especially for black women – that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”
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