Sunday 19th of April 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Oprah Winfrey Covers August Vogue​​​​​​​

Powerhouse Oprah Winfrey is the cover star of the August 2018 issue of British Vogue. Lensed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and styled by Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, Oprah wears a custom-made taffeta gown by Stella McCartney and white-and-yellow-diamond and emerald earrings by Buccellati.

Inside the issue, the media icon discusses race, feminism, her Royal wedding appearance, the loves and losses in her life – and speculation that she may go into politics in a rare one-on-one interview with writer Decca Aitkenhead. The issue hits newsstands July 6.

British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful released his editor’s letter on Tuesday. It’s a lovely tribute to Oprah.

She walked in full of energy, filming us all on her phone for her Instagram stories, and was – as you would expect – the last word in professionalism. The photographers, Mert & Marcus both fell in love with her. I remember Mert turning to me between shots at one point to say, “You can tell that goodness is emanating from her.” Personally, I think this has a lot to do with the fact that – aside from her many great achievements – Oprah is just herself all the time. We can all surely learn from that.

Oprah Winfrey wears a made-to-order duchesse-satin dress by Alexander McQueen, a diamond bracelet, worn in hair, diamond, coral and spinel earrings, a diamond and ruby ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, and a pavé-diamond ring by Asprey. ; Oprah Winfrey wears a made-to-order green jacquard gown with brooch and jewelled shoes by Erdem. Diamond and ruby hair ornament by Bina Goenka. Emerald and diamond earrings and cuffs by G by Glenn Spiro. Emerald ring with diamond surround by Moussaieff. Emerald and pavé-diamond ring by Bulgari

Content Courtesy Of  Vogue & Nairobi Fashion Hub

Best Dress at the Red Carpet SAMA 2018

This past Saturday, the 24th annual South African Music Awards took place in Sun City and it was indeed a spectacle.  Somizi Mhlongo, Dineo Ranaka and Mpho Popps were the charismatic hosts for the evening, making the awards ceremony one to remember. As excited as we were to see which artists walked away with awards, we were also glued to the screen to see who brought the most sass to the red carpet.

Nadia Nakai
Nadia gets the number one spot simply because she redefined sexy and added a regal touch to it. The sheer fabric, embroidery in all the right places, and the somewhat dramatic train stole the show. Her styling team did an amazing job with this Anita Ferreira gown. In a subtle way, the bleached hair toned down the look.

Boity Thulo
TV presenter Boity was the definition of sultry, serving a very high slit gown by South African designer Orapeleng Modutle.
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Exclusive Interview With Isabel Nyamgero Designer behind Iss By Iss Studio

Kenyan designer Isabel Nyamgero, creative director at iss by iss studio share her journey as a fashion and jewelry designer read her full interview inspiration and challenges she face as a designer.

Brief introduction about issa by issa

Isabel Nyamgero: It’s actually iss by iss  iss….  Iss….. which mean it simply simple but iss  iss being me many of my friend call me iss iss I decided to name  it iss by iss so a brief on my company is I started around 2010 but the company was registered in 2011 and I stared by doing jewelry,

I will do jewelry because growing up I liked doing stich book my father has and my mother  stich a sewing machine in the house sewing machine , I liked doing dresses I want to make and look nice ,then I start doing that’s was when I was in high school when I left iss tried to do jewel I will do jewel so that’s what i started doing mainly for sale.

around 2010 so I will do it what I used to do was custom made I used to do bespoke,  my friend she is a designer when she would have to do an outfit for her client  I would go for the meeting and we decide on and will help her decide on if a client want jewelry I would design a piece     for the neck, jewelry.

that’s how I started small small but then continuing through the years I started gaining interest on other things and I have also through the years the same 2011 I got into Theatrical production where I did wardrobe mistressing, a chief stern, I was doing commercials, I did mostly movies Leo. Shattered them. ,I went to do  edit Shuga and in 2012 I did a 1 year shoot with m-net  called corner that is another thing that I started doing and I got a last walk   and  doing costumes as well.

I would get one or two, I have a client who her daughters and sons are in Aghakan academy they normally do these costumes so she normally contracts me I think the time I did and I did tomato basically my company has different arms I have jewelry, I do the costuming, costuming for the tv production, a normal costume, a pregnancy kit, and then I also do my company has different lengths there is a line I have I do it is called refarb,

it is when your wardrobe you have old styled outfit and you want them look better or you want a different modern style so I add something and do something like add something to make it look modern or just have a different twist.

And then I have also what i have started this year I am getting into It is called a blog, a blog where I talk about myths I don’t say myths or lies and want to call them myths or lies let me say it’s like things that the world has insisted on designs or fashion or let me call them myths of fashion things like why do we wear black in weddings is this what we know now or standard thing or this is mystifying fashion.

That is  among the things I want to start this year basically that is me in a nutshell ,that is what I am or if you ask me about the company that is the company and if you ask me about Isabel I pride myself as a distractor.

I  am industry distractor meaning I have worked with different people and in different  industries, when they need,  different twist in their companies what I do I do a different twist in the company you used to doing things like this but what niche do you want in your company or in the market I am able to advise that is the other thing I used to do with clothes, friends , or companies that that is me now that is Isabella and the other is the company. I don’t know if I have explained to you what is a nutshell.

What inspired your fashion Journey?

Isabel Nyamgero:  What inspired me in my fashion journey, when I started it came when I was a child I  used to love flashy things, making things, then I was fortunate that in the house we had a machine and when I was in form three and four I did home science in school  so I had the knowledge but actually I don’t think i had the support because everyone would go like Isabella I am an industrial chemist by academics.

I didn’t do fashion I am a scientist, so  I was better in sciences when I was in school my sciences were always at the top i  did A levels  and then joined campus and did industrial chemist I was always top in my sciences so in a normal world people who told no Isabella scientist make more money.

they didn’t see it as a design you will be told,” why do you want to be a tailor,” am like is not being a tailor I always wanted something better I will have my dress I will not like it I will take a fabric and add something I want to take a fabric and make a skirt that looks different I grew up not liking normal ,
common I always wanted something different  I think that is where my passion came from,

I always wanted something different despite that the world kept pushing me to science which i still did i came out of it saying no… no… no… so to date I have never worked in any company or any industrial chemistry we work in industries,labs.

apart from my attachment when  I was in school for my internship but after that I am not and even every time go for an interview unless I go because someone has insisted I go and has an obligation and someone has been contacted in the company but my heart always want something different I think that is what design is that is what a creation is.

it started with my mum she would tell me this top looks nice you can make a skirt to go with it I think that is where my drive comes from.

Yemi Alade Dressed By Kenyan Designer Kawira Mirero from Mambo Pambo Fashion House

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 

Get your ÉKÉTÉ Designer Bag Spring/Summer’18 collection

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

Darling Runway Kenya Fashion Show

Launch of Darling Runway Kenya, an annual platform about the business of Fashion COUTURE Africa magazine in partnership with Ajuma Ltd will be hosting a one-of-a-kind fashion experience on the 6th and 7th of April at the Two Rivers Mall and Sankara hotel dubbed Darling Runway Kenya.

COUTURE Africa magazine founder, Olive Gachara says that Darling Runway Kenya shall be an annual event specifically focused on the Business of Fashion. It brings together key industry players; 16 showcasing fashion designers, the creative community, and talent such as bloggers, photographers, writers, journalists, and stylists as well as a troop of 75 models and a fleet of Black| make-up artists and hairstylists. Designed to be more than a visually memorable affair.

Darling Runway Kenya draws industry thinkers for a cross-section of intense workshops and conferences open to the public on Friday the 6th of April at the Two Rivers Mall Expo Hall. This will culminate in the ultimate roundtable that will include highly-acclaimed South African designer Thula Sindi, beauty, hair, and fashion professionals and will be moderated by COUTURE Africa’s Managing Editor and award-winning fashion journalist Carol Odero at Sankara Hotel prior to the official event launch at the same location.

Saturday 7th April will see 7 fashion shows take place every hour-on-the-hour at various locations around Two Rivers Mall and event title sponsor, Darling Kenya – East Africa’s Leading Hair Brand – will launch a collection of their latest trends, a compelling live look book created by their top partner hairstylists on the runway. This will be simultaneously done on the same runway models as they showcase the fashion designers. Worth an estimated KES 25 billion, the local hair market is home to 150,000 salons and growing. Darling has a salon partnership program that currently reaches over 20,000 salons across Kenya.

“The Kenyan consumer is becoming more fashion aware and hair is a fundamental part of this awareness. She demands quality hair products and accessories that keep her on the cutting edge of fashion. She has big dreams and is clear that her hair plays a huge role in helping her achieve these dreams. Darling has become the go-to partner for this stylish woman and fuels her passion and aspirations. This means leading the conversation on fashion hence the need to be part of the premier of East Africa’s Home of Fashion,” said Victoria Kieti-Chesire, Head of Marketing, Dry Hair, Godrej Kenya.

To help realize this vision is Ajuma Ltd., founded and run by Kenya’s first supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana. “What made me come on board was my good relationship with COUTURE Africa magazine. They are outstanding when it comes to pushing fashion in Kenya.

We all know models outside of fashion capitals pretty much struggle when it comes to making modeling a lucrative career. Ajuma Ltd. is constantly scouting and doing our absolute best to push potential high fashion models through to international platforms.” Ajuma’s scouting led her to the Kakuma Refugee Camp where she discovered two gems who will come to Nairobi and strut on the Darling Runway Kenya catwalks.

Darling Runway Kenya shall bring the already vibrant Two Rivers Mall to an all-new high, with a Darling Mobile Salon, Black|Up Make-up Booth, COUTURE Africa Magazine custom covers, Pop-Up Stores by the 16 Designers, Mini Casting Sessions by Ajuma Ltd, select backstage access all wrapped up with a Fashion Party. This is an Open Access event with VIP priority parking within the mall and exclusive VIP seating at the runway shows.

Content Courtesy Of Darling Kenya, Couture Africa Magazine, Ajuma Limited & Nairobi Fashion Hub

Best Sunglasses Brands For Women

Sunglasses are one fashion accessory that can lift your entire outfit and put it on the pedestal. While some people are suckers for style, others are brand freaks, and most are hoarders (like me). In all this frenzy, sometimes we end up buying glasses for their sheer style, and do not bother to check if they protect our eyes from the sun (which is what they are supposed to do). I learned the hard way that sunglasses are worth the investment, and one robust pair is better than ten fancy ones. And when I say robust, I mean that they should at least be polarized, provide sun protection, or both (ideally). What does this mean? To know more, and about the top sunglasses brands for eyewear, you need to scroll down.

Types Of Sunglasses
UV Protection Sunglasses
UV Protection Sunglasses protect your eyes from the powerful ‘Ultraviolet’ rays that are known for causing damage to the skin, eyes, etc. Look for glasses that give 100% coverage, and are both UVA & UVB protected. UVA rays can cause cataracts and damage to the retina in some cases because they penetrate your eyes easily. UVB rays can be absorbed by your cornea, and are more harmful and powerful than UVA rays. The best and easiest way to protect yourself is by buying sunglasses that give your complete protection.

Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized Sunglasses are sunglasses that nullify the glare, reflection, and the intensity of light. ‘Glare’ is one of the biggest issues while driving, walking or even being out in the sun. Without getting into the science of it, here’s what they do – polarized glasses come with an invisible chemical coating that diminishes the intensity of light, and mellows down the sharpness. Polarized glasses are not always necessarily UV protectants, while the opposite is true. If you have to choose between UV protection sunglasses or polarized, go for the former, they are great value for that extra money you are going to spend.
Also, whichever one you choose to buy, make sure that your glasses cover your eye area completely to avoid skin discoloration, sunburns, tanning, etc.

Odaomo Seductress at Sunset Fall 2018 Runway Show 

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”.

Instagram Shopping Made Easy for Users to Shop and Buy

Instagram has roll out a pair of new shopping features to make it easier for its 500 million users to shop without leaving the app.
How the new feature works

A “Tap to View Products” icon will appear in the bottom left of posts.

Tapping on that icon will reveal the names of, and prices for, up to five products tagged in the post.

Users can then tap on any featured product tags to then get additional details.

All of this happens within the Instagram app.

Levitando en Afrika

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

Moët and Chandon Wedding Experience

International wine maker Moet and Chandon launched an offer on Thursday for Kenyan couples who wish to hold their weddings with their champagne brands. The event held at Hemingways was graced by a host of celebrities and media personalities who included Lucia Musau, Anita Nderu, and Amina Abdi among others.

“Every wedding couple desires their wedding to be the most memorable for themselves and their guests. From the classic and intimate weddings, to glittery and full of grandeur, Moët & Chandon makes the perfect toast. It is the champagne of Kings and Queens, braced as the quintessential champagne of choice by the glamourous and charismatic, turning every occasion into a celebration graced with style,” the East African based marketing manager said.
The brand aims to elevate the wedding experience from proposals to wedding dinners, offering account managers, wedding essentials and consultants.

From Left Lucia Musau, Neomi Nganga, Kobi Kihara, Anita Nderu, Amina Abdi

Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub , Moët & Chandon

Learn How to Wear Wig in 7 Simple Steps

Wearing a wig can be a lot of fun whether you’re doing it to cover hair loss or just want to enjoy the variety of hair styles, lengths and colors that wearing a wig makes it possible to achieve. Wigs always warm up to the temperature of the human body, so in winter, a wig may replace a hat. In summer, wigs are used to protect your hair from the sun or even help you out on vacation, when there is no time for hair styling. That being said, wigs take some getting used to and there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing the right one for you and even wearing them.

Certain wigs need to be treated in specified ways, and how they are applied is extremely important as well or they will look artificial. There are also all sorts of different pins and clips to use along with wigs as well and it’s important to know which one is right for what purpose. Wearing a wig is easy once you get used to it and below are some tips to help you through your first few times of donning them initially.

Yemi Alade

1# step Hairpieces and wigs have the ability to conform naturally to the shape of the head. Initially, the hairs are sewn onto a one-size, shapeless container that will gradually, within 3 to 4 days, conform to the shape of the head. While trying the wig the very first time it might feel uncomfortable and insecure, but that is to be expected. Even leather shoes need time to be broken in before they are comfortable enough to be worn steadily.

2# step Synthetic hair wigs are of a standard size, but you can tighten or loosen them by means of special adjustable straps on the inside. As per above description, the wigs are stretchable. You can stretch the wig by carefully misting it with water and pinning the wig to a larger head-form or any similar object.

3# step In the case of a custom human hair wig, the manufacturer will take exact measurements of the client’s head size and shape, as well as make a precise tracing of the hairline.

4# step Before applying your wig it’s a good idea to lightly style your wig on a wig blockhead attached using wig t-pens which will hold it in place on the canvas or Styrofoam blockhead while you gently style (cover seams etc.).

5# step Typically when you are wearing a wig over hair you need to find a way to conceal it besides simply rearranging it on your head. To wear a wig, you do not need to cut off your own natural hair. Those wishing to hide their natural beauty would just need to use a fishnet cap under the wig. The cap provides the necessary grip to hold your natural hair without poking through the wig.

6# step Wig caps are typically the answer but if you have lots of hair you might need to do something different. If the client has long hair, then it is divided into strands that are distributed evenly throughout the head and secured with special pins. The remaining hair, for example, at the temples, can be smoothed by means of gel to make the wig fit securely and tightly enough on the client’s head. You can do French braids and then put a wig cap over your hair. You can pin curls up and then use a wig cap and smooth them out, or you can do a combination of these techniques in order to get your hair tight and flat enough to be hidden underneath. Using wig clips has been reported to thin hair in places and cause breakage when worn continually.

7# step Once you have your hair successfully tightened up and flat enough to be concealed then you’ll want to put the wig on which is fairly easy, however you’ll want to take the time to make sure it is aligned properly on your head and around your face. If your wig doesn’t have hair lace you’ll want to put it on like normal and start pulling out your hair across the front area of your forehead. Keep pulling at these areas and moving them to the side until you are happy with the way it looks. You’ll probably see a seam in the hair now but you can use a comb to comb lightly over that seam and then match up the edge with your hairline for the right, natural look.

Full Lace Options Full lace wigs require that you put the wig on, get it in a position you are happy with, and then pin the hair back with hair clips in order to reveal your scalp line. Next you should trim any lace that sticks out past the hairline one little bit at a time. Be careful and persistent so that you get it right. Once you are done with the trimming and positioning you can apply wig tape and adhesive to the wig. Lastly pull the full lace wig onto your head and make sure that you carefully position it. The hairline should meet your wig and look completely natural. Hold it in position for 30 seconds while it adheres and you’ll have a full lace wig that is properly applied and natural looking too. Keep in mind that front or full lace wigs are not meant to be worn for long periods of time.

Today wigs are extremely popular and the latest styles, if they are high quality, look natural as well. Whether they are synthetic or made of real hair, today’s wigs are exceptional in most cases, and if you follow the wig wearing tips listed here, you’ll love wearing them and the versatility they deliver.

Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub

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