Renowned Nigerian fashion designer Mai Atafo showcased his “Weddings by Mai Atafo” collection last Friday at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, creating an elusive fairy-tale masterpiece we will all live to remember. The essential beauty Charles Perrault gushes about in those historical fairy-tale books was brought to life by the bespoke man himself. Bridal gowns, jumpsuit gowns and trails graced the runway, each breath-taking than the other. The disarming models were topped by the dapper tailored suits the “Mai Atafo” brand has grown repute for. Sharp-looking, well-tailored and diversely coloured is what one would call these tuxes in a nutshell.
And just when we thought the show was a wrap; we had definitely seen it all, one of the angelic models that had her back towards the audience turns around and puts on a powerful vocal performance leaving the entire room chilled. However, nothing shutdown the show like the totally unexpected ball room dance piece paying homage to the Hollywood acclaimed film, @Beauty and the Beast”
A gentle man in a dazzling suit and beastly mask masqueraded on one side of the runway, with a cunning enchantress in a yellow ballroom dress on the other. They swayed to the musical sensation “Beauty and the Beast” by Emma Thompson as they mirrored the moves in the film which was being played on the big screens. The audience was so stunned by the showcase they applauded loudly all through. The performance concluded with a bow as the beast took off his mask to reveal the one and only, Mai Atafo.
The ASFA 2017 musical performances were lit all thanks to our proud sponsor Bell Jamz that ignited the Bell Jamz Expereince. The roundup was sick, massive and exceptional, it included the Kitone mama, Desire Luzinda, te Kutama King, Fik Fameica, Dancehall king Nutty Neithan, The queen herself Sheeba, dance mama Hellen Lukoma and the explosive youngsar Latinum. This stellar lineup was topped by South Africa’s sensational duo Mafikizolo. These artistes brought their game, but let’s first go all fashion police on their ensembles. Desire being the kitone mama had to arrive in a body hugging number, a black sequence number at that.
Content Courtesy Of Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards
Andrea Iyamah is a Canada-based swimwear and ready-to-wear brand founded by Nigerian designer Dumebi Iyamah in 2013.
Strongly influenced by the colours and patterns signature of her home country, the brand takes inspiration not only from Nigeria, but also from the silhouettes and tailoring from other African countries.
For each collection, Iyamah looks to different African nations for design cues, yet always returns back to the cut-out swimsuits that are a staple of the brand. “The brand’s aesthetic is to always give a hint of edge while using cuts and patterns that embrace the feminine figure,” she said, speaking to StyleCaster.
“Colour is a strong part of our message for the brand so it’s important to not only use colors that fit a style but also enhances the meaning.”
Since its launch, the brand has focused on selling ethnicity with a modern twist, and the Andrea Iyamah team works together to ensure that stories are told through every piece created.
The aim of this list is to feature all the notable and upcoming Kenyan fashion bloggers. We feel this is a great way to recognize and appreciate their efforts while giving them a boost to their readership. Fashion blogging in Kenya is becoming a major gig and a hobby for many who use it to showcase and cover their personal styles and share ideas. Even though the ladies have dominated this sphere, the menfolk have also shown their capability and strength in running a fashion blog too.
This is a random list (and not a marketing copy), but it is also worth to know the top female fashion bloggers in Kenya and top men fashion bloggers in Kenya.
Top 10 Female Bloggers in Kenya
1. Sharon Mundia
Sharon is one of the popular female fashion bloggers in Kenya. Her efforts have earned her the rights to rank among the top. She runs the “This is Ess” fashion blog and believes that fashion is all about expressing your personal character and imaginations in the best possible way.
She started blogging in 2012 and hopes to inspire women across Africa. Some of the categories she covers include travel, wedding, lifestyle, and beauty. She also writes for Lifestyle Magazine run by Capital FM.
2. Nancie Mwai
Her love for fashion started while she was still a young girl and she grew to pursue her dreams. She started out as a stylist for the Nation Newspaper, and she later launched “The Fashion Notebook,” an online fashion blog, in 2010. Nancie has enjoyed a glare of publicity due to her blog.
She is a two times winner of the BAKE Best Fashion Blogger competition. Currently, she runs a blog under her name, Nancie Mwai, and she covers Travel, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, and Beauty.
3. Joy Kendi
Kendi is known for her acting roles in Changing Times and Prem, Joy Kendi started out as an actress with no prior experience. She launched her blog, Our Style Kenya (now Just Joy Kendi), during her acting course as a side gig. It took off later and has become one of Kenya’s most visited blogs.
Joy Kendi is one of the most popular Kenyan bloggers. Her style is chic and meant for the modern woman.
4. Lucia Musau
Lucia Musau is a creative thinker, an entrepreneur and fashion blogger that has caused ripples online based on her blog. The blog, luciamusau.com, offers practical and stylish tips for the modern stylista. She incorporates all parts of style, from hair to beauty, to bring out the full experience of a fashion statement.
Silvia Njoki’s blog, silvianjoki.com has reinvented the whole fashion sphere. This is mainly because of the vast content and tips that she offers fashion enthusiasts. She studied fashion at London’s renowned University of The Arts.She brings together creative styles with a chic modern touch in all aspects of fashion and beauty.
Wabosha Maxine is a Kenyan beauty influencer based in Nairobi, She is a professional make-up artist, and a vlogger. Wabosha Maxine is well known for her talent and desire to grow in the make-up industry in Africa at a tender age as well as her skill in the art.
Maxine Wabosha’s devotion to her career has seen her working with top artists and gigs with huge brands. She landed her first big job courtesy of House of Elzuri.
This is a body wellness and beauty company which specializes in makeup and body art. Maxine Wabosha worked for them as a backstage designer for a model and still works there with the team in assisting young beauticians and beauty bloggers in developing their brand and expounding their client base.
7. Natalie Tewa
This beauty is a blogger and vlogger who shares gorgeous pictures, fashion inspiration and candid beauty reviews on her various platforms.
Natalie Wanjiru is a Kenyan Youtuber, Influencer and Content Creator, Tewa is a Nickname from her brother since she was young.Natalie grew up in a family with two elder stepsisters and a young brother.
Winny drives forward one of Kenya’s most robust and encompassing fashion blogs. Her style primarily focuses on an ethnic touch on a modern appeal to style. She is a top Kenyan stylist, fashion blogger, and creative personality. Winny’s blog, fitndiscover.com, paints a broad stroke of fashion haven of ideas that encourages creativity.
Lisa Gaitho is the daughter of Macharia Gaitho. Macharia is a former editor at Nation Media Group. Most Kenyans love Macharia for his non-political stand and how he remains unbiased even in hot political situations.
Together with her sister, they founded Siri studio which is famous for their trendy female outfits. Lisa studied in Kenyan schools before going to South Africa for her university studies.
Lisa runs a blog, lisagaitho.com. Here she writes about her experiences traveling the world. She also doesn’t fail to praise her older but incredibly rich boyfriend who funds her trips, much to the chagrin of women. Her blogs usually attract a backlash from her readers, most accusing her of looking down upon her Kenyan fellows and relying on a man to make her dreams happen
10. Sheila Ndinda
Popularly known as the Kenyan Naturalists, Sheila is passionate about educating women on how to achieve healthy hair. She has garnered massive popularity there for her natural hair care tutorials and tips alongside her own lifestyle vlogging entries
Her online platforms are a place where she expresses her love for Natural hair and shares her joys and experiences with different products.
Mrs Catherine Kariuki became popular after her interview that focused on the challenges younger women who get married as second wives to older men go through.
She has been running a vlog and blog highlighting the challenges of blended family and in both she openly discusses how her family and friends shunned her for marrying a man twice her age, Mrs Catherine is a step mother to 6 adult children who stay with her and often visit their biological mother.
On her blog she also showcases her style evolution over the years, Mrs Catherine Kariuki share with you how her love for fashion has helped her get through her greatest adventure yet thriving in a blended family and finding a peaceful and glorious stepmother’s happily ever after, and in case you’re wondering, She is a step mum of 6 children, and a kick-ass wife of the man who makes it all worth it.
It would be important to note that this is her story, not the story of her step children or their mothers. That is theirs to tell if and when they choose to do so.
The two mothers often meet during milestone events such as graduation and birthdays.
12. Maureen Bandari
Maureen holds a beautiful aura of a fun and creative-themed blog designed for beauty bits and fashion pieces. Her blog, thefunshionmistress.com has a bold and auspicious online presence. This is naturally due to her incorporation of beauty and style and fashion tips in the clearest and boldest expressions. That pretty much sums up her awesome sense of style.
Muriuki Kagiri was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. he is extremely passionate about all things fashion, men’s fashion specifically, and he created his blog in order to share his personal style, knowledge, and opinions with his mass audience.
He began blogging in mid-2015 as a hobby. At the time, the local fashion blogging scene was saturated with blogs directed to ladies, and he wanted to fill that gap and provide a resource where guys like him could come and get inspiration from. Six months down the line, Kagiri won the ” MIMI Fashion Blogger Contest ” , out of a whooping 200+ submissions, 98% of which were female blogs. he believe this was God showing him that people actually acknowledge what he does.
Having seen the potential in his blog, Muriuki decided to grow his brand and actually make a difference in how people perceive Menswear in Kenya.
14. Winnie The Fashionista
Her stylish sense has made her become a creative and fashion-forward guru Kenya. She is also among the top Kenyan fashion bloggers. Winnie’s blog, winniethefashionista.com , gives timely and fashion-forward tips that create different dimensions of fashion entities. Her diary, termed as a diary of style, is a go-to place for all matters chic and stylish. This clearly shows why the lady rules.
Mumbi Shokey has one of the most active online presence in the Kenyan fashion blogger scene. With a Youtube channel to complement the awesome work of art that is her blog, she is one to watch, pun-intended. Her style is a beautiful, classy mixture of fusing different styles to bring out completeness.
Mumbi’s blog, mumbishokey.com, paints a vivid picture of class and style to accentuate a modern woman’s look.
16. Wairimu Nyandia
Wairimu has steadily risen to becoming one of Kenya’s most renowned Kenyan fashion bloggers and hair enthusiasts. She directs one of the most compelling blogs in the fashion scene. She gives different tips on handling hair matters for the ladies and the fashion equivalents to complete the look. Her blog, wairimunyandia.com, has varying styles and trends for the fashionista and modern woman to bring out their best.
Kenyan Brand Recognized International Wan fam Clothing,was founded by Jeff Wanjala, 30, and his brother Emmanuel Wanjala, 25, Jeff says, Wan Fam is not an acronym for Wanjala.
The business grew through referrals and word of mouth from a close-knit family of friends – hence the name Wan Fam (a play on one family).
From an initial starting capital of Sh5,000 in 2009, Jeff says, Wan Fam last year registered a turnover of Sh4 million. The fashion start-up deals primarily with urban fashion, including travel and gym bags, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jackets and backpacks
The formidable Maasai tribe have long been known as tall and fierce warriors, but they have recently also become unlikely fashion icons.
A Kenyan clothing label has taken inspiration from the patterns of the traditional Maasai shuka, a cloth usually worn wrapped around the body, to produce clothes and accessories in vibrant tribal prints.
Nairobi-based Wan Fam Clothing was founded by brothers Jeff and Emmanuel Wanjala — the sibling duo say they want to pay homage to Kenya’s Maasai culture by turning a traditional garment into fashionable urban wear.
“Our dominant fabric is usually Maasai shuka,” says Jeff Wanjala. “It’s very ideal because it has like a signature for Africa — you can just see it and notice that this is our brand.”
The two brothers think time is right for Kenyan and other African designers to start looking inward and exploring their own heritage.
“The demand for local products has actually gone up,” says Jeff Wanjala. “People are trying to get more African products, so that means it is actually a big market for local designers,” he adds.
Strong demand
The brothers tried to tap into that demand for authenticity by launching a collection called 1963, commemorating 50 years of Kenya’s independence. They read the consumer mood correctly, and their move resulted an astounding success:
“This was one of the best sales we ever had. We had launched it on a Friday and by Monday we had sold like half the collection,” Jeff Wanjala says.
The brand, which launched in 2009, says it sells up to 100 units a month, with bags carrying a price tag of $18 and jackets $29. Their success has, however, brought them to the attention of copycats:
“Once you make a good product, automatically people start coming in, so the new clients start thinking that you are actually the one imitating the products,” says Jeff Wanjala, but adds that in spite of that challenge the company is making a profit. “Once you create a good product, you create demand,” he says.
Growing trend
Wan Fam Clothing is just one in a string of African brands who have shunned imported aesthetic to focus on their own heritage for inspiration. South African knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo creates menswear which incorporates visual motifs of his own Xhosa heritage, and Rwandan jewelery maker Teta Isibo creates handmade pieces which fuse traditional local craftsmanship with contemporary bold designs.
Jeff Wanjala offers a piece of advice for inspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a new company:
“I would tell anyone who wants to start a local brand, don’t compromise on quality. That’s number one. And don’t give up on whatever you love doing. Just do what you love and the rest will follow,” he says.
The annual Kigali Fashion Week 2015 will be launched on July 13 at Belgium Ambassador’s residence in Kigali.The five-day event will feature creative models and innovative fashion designers.According to John Bunyeshuli, the promoter of Kigali Fashion Week, the event will be unique and diverse as they expect to have extraordinary creative talents of the young people, who will be showcasing the latest fashion trends, particularly for the promising young designers as well as new styles for the models.
“After spending ‘sleepless nights’ organising this event, I hope it will be more than good,” he said.
“Twelve Rwandan and three international designers will exhibit in the show,” he said, adding that, “The event will attract a global audience after the appointment of Kigali Fashion Week as a permanent board member of the Commonwealth Fashion Council in London Common Wealth Fashion Council early this year.”
Related to this development, the Rwanda Fashion Council, will also be launched at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kacyiru, on July 15.
The event is organised by Zenith international consultancy Rwanda and the Commonwealth Fashion Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Culture and the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show, with the aim to boost the local fashion industry.
Franco Kabano, the trainer of the models, said, “We have new activities that were previously never displayed. For example, during this event, we will use 80-100 models who’ll be displaying non-stop walk and writing, among things.”
Cedric Mizero, 21, a fashion designer running Amizero Brand at Gisozi, said the Rwanda fashion council will act as an umbrella for people interested to contribute towards the development of fashion industry in Rwanda.
Entrance fee is Rwf18,000 for singles and Rwf30,000 for couples.
It’s a busy week for aspiring models and fashionistas, as the fourth edition of Kigali Fashion Week (KFW) kicks off with the second round of auditions at tomorrow.After the Kigali auditions, the KFW team will head to Rubavu District for another round of auditions.
John Bunyeshuri, the CEO of Kigali Fashion Week, (KFW), said, “This year’s event is going to be bigger and better. We are carrying out auditions early enough to allow the participants to get well prepared. We’re bringing fashion professionals from Belgium to train them with the models for the main show in July.”
Kigali Fashion Week is partnering with Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) to bring together contemporary and cultural designers.
Celestin Ntawirema, the CEO of RCFS, said, “We have new faces and we’re planning to hold a forum for designers so that they bring out the contemporary and cultural taste of fashion.”
He added that experienced fashion designers from Africa and Europe will come to train the local models and fashion designers.
The theme for this year’s edition is “The Power of Love”. It will include the Fashion Festival, Cocktail Fashion Show and the Kigali Fashion Week come July and the finale will be held at Kigali Serena Hotel in November.
The organizers said that this year’s fashion week will also feature regional and international models. Content Courtesy Of Kigali Fashion week & Nairobi fashion hub Online Digital Team
No one know exactly where the word spa comes from, but there are two main theories. The first, and most popular, is that spa is an acronym for the Latin phrase salus per aquae or “health through water.”
Others believe the origin of the word “spa” comes from the Belgian town of Spa, known since Roman times for its baths. They speculate that the town was so prominent that the very word spa became synonymous in the English language with a place to be restored and pampered.Modern spas have their roots in the ancient towns famed for the healing powers of their mineral waters and hot springs.
Hot springs were used by indigenous peoples, and the practice of bathing in hot springs and mineral waters dates at least to Greeks. For the Romans, the baths were a place not just for cleansing, but for socializing, a tradition that spread to the east and transformed to the Middle Eastern hammam.
Here are Some of the best Spa in Kenya
Serenity Spa
Revitalize Wellness Center
Saffron Day Spa & Salon
Aromatics Spa
Mombasa Day Spa & Hair Lounge
Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary
Villa Rosa Kempinski Spa Nairobi
Angsana Spa Sankara Nairobi
Tulia Spa Sarova WhiteSands
Devarana Spa Nairobi
About Serenity Spa Gigiri
Serenity Spa mission is to enhance interconnectedness of Body, Mind & Soul by creating a refreshing, rejuvenating and rebalanced atmosphere to all our clients through the use of world class products and provision of top notch services by our highly trained and professional therapists and ensuring high customer service is given to all our clients creating a totally memorable experience.
Founded in 2013, Serenity Spa takes pride in our goal to give our customers a great deal of hair and spa services leaving them refreshed, rejuvenated and rebalanced. Our highly trained and professional staff members are devoted to providing a friendly atmosphere as well as an incomparable genuine service, using the most exquisite products and working extremely hard at being the best by upgrading our skills and learning new techniques to serve you with our finest.
2. About Revitalize Wellness Center
Revitalize wellness centre is a state of art facility offering Fitness, Meditation & Yoga classes, Luxurious Spa treatment, Salon services, and Café. We provide the support and services you need to achieve your health goals. We use products that are clinically proven & scientifically tested, and pure essential
Make a healthy exercise regime for a positive change in your lifestyle, be part of our gym client and fitness classes. Yoga & Meditation. Greater balance, inner calm, and mind-body health. Get daily instruction in our yoga and meditation classes. Spa Experince . Designed to respect the body’s
3. About Saffron Day Spa & Salon
Saffron Day Spa & Salon provides a comforting, yet stimulating environment, where you can relax both your mind & body.
Let’s face it, with the hectic and stressful lives we lead today, it is extremely important that we block some time-off our busy schedules every week to enjoy some ‘me time’ where we can rest, relax and rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and souls. So this season we unveil our newest partners, the amazing Saffron Day Spa and Salon, offering an extensive range of holistic, therapeutic and grooming treatments that will have you glowing in no time, not only making you look good, but most importantly, feeling good too.
Relax, unwind and detox like never before. Bring your skin back to life; choose from either a basic facial or one of the signature facials including Hydrate Marula & Rose, Nourish Jasmine & Baobab, Balancing Rose & Neroli and Pure For Men. Facial scrubs include: Soothing Ethiopian Coffee, Balance & Tone Tea & Rose, Lighten & Tighten Coconut Scrub. If you fancy a body wrap, your options include Detox, Sugarcane & Syrup, and Relax. Enjoy differently timed massage services including Express, Target Area, Frozen Shoulders, Holistic, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy and Prenatal
4. About Aromatics Spa
Aromatics Spa is a space where tranquility prevails. A place where therapies from the East and West blend harmoniously and time stands still allowing a sense of deep relaxation to wash over you. Engulfed in a haven of serenity you soon forget the stresses and strains of life. Aromatics Spa’s tranquil, meditative setting allows you to journey towards well-being and relaxation. Gentle music and low lighting and herbal tea infusions allow your mind to float, your body lets go, Peace engulfs your entire being. Allow yourself to restore balance to your body, mind and soul through a variety of services designed to focus on your overall well being.
5. About Mombasa Day Spa & Hair Lounge
Mombasa Day Spa and Hair Lounge offers a range of services facilitated by our dedicated team of stylists and spa professionals. Allow them to give you a full service to create a winning hair design and memorable spa experience.
6. About Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary
Experience tranquility surrounded by the sounds of joyful chirping birds, the whispers of the wind blowing through the indigenous forest.Entim Sidai (Maasai name for Beautiful Forest) Sanctuary in Karen, sits on 20 acres of indigenous forest land with an iconic view of the Ngong hills. It maintains its Karen pioneer settler farm house built in 1924, park like ambiance with huge mature trees and prolific bird life.
The sanctuary offers unique exclusive wellness spa, featuring hydro therapy and a sui generis nail studio in the forest.The treatments are an eclectic mix of the art from four continents and spiced by a well-trained Kenyan crew of therapists and beauticians.
Entim Sidai Sanctuary and Wellness Spa occupies part of the original Rura Farm that belonged to Dr. Albert Patterson, A Scottish Missionary Doctor who migrated to Kenya in 1916.He built the original home which stands today as part of the sanctuary and wellness spa back in 1924. Rura in Maasai means to sleep. Before being settled on by the Pattersons, this forest served as a sanctuary for the Maasai herdsmen who would come to sleep as their cows grazed in the fields where the Karen Dukas stands today. In homage to the maasai customs and way of life, our therapies and treatments are named after words and phrases in the maasai language.
7. About Villa Rosa Kempinski Spa
The Spa at Villa Rosa Kempinski you can explore a whole world of beauty, health and well-being in one of our nine treatment rooms. Take your time browsing our extensive treatment menu to find your perfect method of relaxation. Our exclusive spa is inspired by the four European seasons, and guests can benefit from the many spa facilities available. Whether you want to begin your treatment with a steam or follow it with time in the jacuzzi, the choice is yours. Along with a great range of treatments and spa facilities, Villa Rosa Kempinski also has a fitness centre, outdoor heated pool and accompanying pool bar.
8. About Agnsana Spa
waken your senses at Sankara Nairobi’s award-winning Angsana Spa, brought to East Africa for the first time by the world-famous Banyan Tree Group. With an emphasis on natural ingredients, this luxurious spa fuses Eastern and Western techniques to offer luxury massage therapies and wellness treatments that will leave you refreshed and reinvigorated.
Angsana Spa’s world-class therapists deliver holistic, aromatic treatments for women, men and mothers-to-be. For a detailed spa menu and information about Angsana Spa signature treatments, please download the treatment menu.
Located on the seventh floor, Angsana Spa features seven treatment rooms, two rain mist rooms, a relaxation lounge and a spa shop with a range of massage and essential oils and scented sticks. Join the Angsana Spa Nairobi membership programme and enjoy a wide range of rewarding benefits and exclusive discounts.
9. About Tulia Spa Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
Tulia is the Swahili word for relax and the Tulia Spa at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort is designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. The Spa bandas are set on greens at the beach side at one end of the resort, designed for privacy and relaxation in the quiet zone. Facilities include massage bandas, Ayurvedic massage rooms, outdoor Jacuzzi, reflexology pool, steam and sauna.
The Spa offers Ayurvedic, Western and Oriental treatments. The Ayurvedic treatments are based on an ancient Indian form of holistic healing where health is a result of harmony in body, mind and spirit. These include treatments such as Abhangyam, the full body massage and Shirodhara, the head massage using traditional Ayurvedic oils and ingredients. The Spa menu also includes other treatments such as foot reflexology, body scrubs with Kahawa made from finely ground Kenyan coffee and the signature Tulia Massage.
Tulia Spa promises complete rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit in beautifully tranquil surroundings overlooking the Indian Ocean. Tulia Spa offers:- Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic therapies, manicures and pedicures, facials and ear candling.
10. About Devarana Spa
Devarana Spa Located at the dusitD2 Nairobi is nestled along Nairobi’s leafy and secure Riverside Drive, just minutes from a heart of Nairobi social’s scene.
Devarana Spa, Nairobi will be a perfect urban retreat where art and science is synchronised to bring your body, mind and spirit into serenity. The whole constructions of hotel and spa have been well created to enhance the ultimate relaxation. The spa reception hall is elegantly presented with the “garden in heaven” theme. Guests can inhale the welcoming fresh air from the scents of refreshing basil, tea tree and orange blossom. The luxurious treatment room is inclusive of private changing area, built-in steam shower, toilet facility and optional bathtub.
Fashion is a fast-growing industry in Uganda. The people on this list have in one way or another influenced the way people dress, the designers making the clothes, or even changed people’s mindsets towards fashion in Uganda. They’ve not only perfected their craft but are also using their power to lay a foundation for the future. In no particular order, meet the most influential people in fashion in Uganda.
1. Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda
The Queen of Buganda is arguably one of the most stylish women in Uganda. She’s a style icon to many, especially women from Buganda, thanks to her effortless style and elegance. She always steps out impeccably dressed in custom-made Busuutis and intricately embroidered evening gowns. She’s living proof that one can be a royal and still be relatable, often attending social events in Kampala. Her great style and philanthropic work have been covered by international press such as Vogue Italia, the most influential style magazine in the world. Inspired by her elegance and grace, early this year Sylvia Owori announced that she’s working on a Busuuti line in collaboration with her.
2. Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya
Princess Bagaaya has amassed a long and enviable resume, working in the government as a minister and envoy, in the fashion world as an accomplished model, and in the entertainment industry as an actor. This well-schooled royal was the first black woman to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, an American fashion magazine. In 1974, she caused a stir, when she gave a speech as Uganda’s then Foreign minister at the UN General assembly dressed in a long gold-brocade Chinese gown and her hair braided into a crown by a Nigerian hairdresser she flew in just for the occasion. She set a new hair-trend for black women, and also landed the front page of the New York Times.
Early this year, American designer Zac Posen announced that his Spring Summer 2016 show presented at New York Fashion Week in February was inspired by the “stunning Oxford-educated #PrincessElizabethof Toro”, he shared on Instagram. The runway show, which featured only models of color was closed by Uganda model Aamito.
3. Queen Best Kemigisa
An advocate of the Suka, the traditional wear of the Batooro, Queen Best Kemigisha is one of the most stylish women in Ugandan. Her style and grace have inspired many women especially Batooro that, they can still look modern and trendy in their traditional wear. She often attends high-end events in her beautifully embroidered dresses, often stealing style points without even trying.
4. Keturah Kamugasha
Keturah is the editor-in-chief of Flair for her magazine, a lifestyle magazine for women. She has for many years used her popular style columns both in the Newvision newspaper and her magazine, to influence what people wear and the designers of the moment. Through her writing, she has shared her knowledge on fashion with the rest of the world, while also inspiring young fashion writers and journalists
5. Gloria Wavamunno
An accomplished designer and tailor, Gloria Wavamunno continues to raise the bar high for fashion in Uganda with her brainchild, Kampala Fashion Week. She chose to live and work in Uganda, to use her genius to impact the local industry. Kampala Fashion Week is the most influential fashion platform in Uganda, often attracting designers from as far as London to fly in and showcase their new designs.
6. Joram Muzira
The models who walk the runways are such a crucial element of the shows, bringing to life the creative vision of designers. Casting directors are usually charged with the role of hiring the right models for the job. Joram Muzira has grown to become the most in-demand casting director and model manager in the business. His shrewd and tough demeanor has polished the careers of most of the successful models now including Aamito and Patricia Akello among others.
7. Kalungi Kabuye
The no-nonsense arts and lifestyle journalist has helped launch the careers of many local designers often supporting them in his articles and reviews. His articles have a number of times ruffled a few feathers, but what’s influence without a bit of controversy.
8. Santa Anzo
Santa Anzo is one of the most successful designers in Uganda, running her business in Kampala. Her main focus is usually on designs with an African element and she’s a big advocate of African print. She organized the first fashion week in Uganda, the Uganda International Fashion Week. She’s a celebrated entrepreneur and businesswoman, often doing motivation speaking to young people. She’s supported the careers of many up-and-coming designers.
9. Brenda Nanyonjo
Brenda is one of the few stylists from Uganda to have great success. She styled most of the beautiful fashion stories featured in African Woman magazine back in the day, and long after the magazine folded, she’s still the go-to stylist for many big-name celebrities in Kampala. Not afraid to innovate, early this year she launched ‘Miss B Jeans, a denim line for women with curves. She’s also the current holder of the Miss Uganda franchise.
10. Aamito
Aamito is not just an icon in the modeling world, she’s a huge inspiration to many young people in Uganda. A trip to Kenya on a bus, to audition for Africa’sNext Top Model changed her life completely. After winning the TV show, she has gone on to have an accomplished career, walking for almost all the big-name designers in Milan, London, Paris, and New York; appearing in British Vogue, Yahoo Fashion, Vogue Espana, W Magazine, and much other major fashion publication. She has also been featured in advertising campaigns for brands such as Marc Jacobs and Other stories.
11. Ahumuza Brian
There’s no way you can mention fashion in Uganda and leave out Ahumuza Brian of Abryanz Collection. What started as a retail shop selling clothes in downtown Kampala is now a huge phenomenon. His styling genius has been tapped by many brands and big-name celebrities for press appearances and in advertising. His unique style sense has inspired many trends in Kampala, and he has greatly influenced how men view fashion. What he wears, everyone will follow and wear? His brand grew to include an annual event, the Abryanz Fashion & Style Awards, a platform that awards and recognizes movers in the fashion industry.
12. Sylvia Owori
Arguably the most powerful woman in fashion in Uganda, Sylvia Owori is a forward-thinking creative, always putting out collections that attract so much traction from across the globe. The British educated designer has impacted the industry in a number of ways, giving people jobs, dressing them, and most importantly, inspiring many young designers. She now hosts The Style Project on NTV where she shares her style genius with the rest of the world. Her comments on the show have many times sparked controversy, but again, what’s influence without controversy?
Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of something or someone. But, how do you measure it? Is it through the number of people, one has mentored? Or the successful projects they have under their belt? An influential person is one whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events. Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub
