What Make’s a Successful Fashion Designer

Posted on February 23, 2018July 18, 2018 by Ann Mumbi

Whats it take to become a successful fashion designer? its simple follow this step you may excel in some areas but need work in others. Don’t let that discourage you. Enroll in a fashion institute or take classes at a two- or four-year college to brush up on the skills you have and develop the ones you need to be a fashion designer, young and aspiring fashion designer should follow this tip.

Africa Fashion Design

1. Highly Creative & Artistic
Are you known for being artistic? Do you have a unique sense of personal style or appreciate the fine arts, music and dance? An innate sense of creativity is extremely important in the fashion world. Together, artistry and imagination can give you the instincts necessary to turn raw materials into a beautiful finished product.

2. Strong Drawing Skills
Do you like to draw? If so, that’s good news because you’re going to need this skill as you pursue being a fashion designer. Strong drawing skills are a must in fashion, as designers need to be able to take a concept and get it down on paper. If you’re lacking in this area, you can take classes to practice drawing ball gowns, dresses, pants or whichever garments you envision yourself designing.

3. Good Eye for Detail
Fashion designers need not only the ability to draw but also a good eye for detail.
For example, how do you envision the pleats falling on a skirt or a blouse cinching at the waist? What about ruching, ruffles or embroidery? It is often the detail that makes a product unique, so this skill cannot be overlooked, even if you’re great at visualizing and drawing.

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Kenyan Designer Deepa Dosaja

Posted on February 21, 2018July 18, 2018 by Ann Mumbi

Who is Deepa Dosaja? She is one of the Africa’s top designer her couture collection was for the first time showcased at the New York Fashion Week, Studio 450 New York. With her distinctive designs, Deepa Dosaja, has firmly established her name in Kenya and has clientele across the globe.

One of Deepa Dosaja Collection

Deepa Dosaja, one of Kenya’s leading designers, was recently selected to represent Kenya at the inaugural Commonwealth Fashion Exchange that was launched recently in London. Her look was exhibited at Buckingham Palace, during London Fashion Week, on February 19/2018 and ended yesterday 20th February 2018

Deepa Dosaja Background
Deepa Dosaja was born in Nairobi, Kenya. In 1977 her family relocated to Montreal, Canada, where she was to spend her childhood. It is whilst growing up in Montreal that Deepa realised her creative instincts.

On completing high school Deepa enrolled into La Salle College, Montreal from where she received a Diploma in Fashion Design. During this period Deepa also worked at a small exclusive boutique Filly and Colt (www.fillyandcolt.com/). This opportunity proved invaluable to her for the knowledge gained in various aspects of fashion.

In the early 1990’s Deepa relocated back to Kenya with an eye to launching her Fashion career. At the time the Fashion scene in Kenya was slowly ebbing into a reality. Her first assignment was Merchandising Manager or Hardcore Clothing Company a highly successful manufacturer and retailer.
Deepa ventured into her own business in 1991 and primarily engaged in Haute Couture for a client base that was growing in numbers. The year 2000 saw the creation of her own distinct label and flagship company Vabene Couture. The label was elemental in bringing a stylish upscale facet to the then burgeoning Kenyan fashion scene, changing the perception of what Kenyan fashion really means among style conscious consumers.

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Style Temple

Posted on February 18, 2018June 12, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

Founded by Oguana Okonkwo in 2012, Style Temple is a millennial womenswear brand that caters to upwardly mobile, globally curious women.

Recognized for its signature sophisticated textiles, silhouettes, and cuts, Style Temple delivers well-structured, contemporary garments with impeccable tailoring and fit.

After debuting their SS’17 collection at Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012, VOGUE Italia wrote about the buzzy premiere:

“Presented in a chic and contemporary manner, it’s accessible to the independent young woman who frees herself to stylishly embrace all that she is.” Marie Claire South Africa calls the brand “a celebration of African design fused with international trends and influences,” and as Style Temple continues to grow, Okonkwo proves time and again that her designs are a means for self-expression for the women who wear them.

Moët and Chandon Wedding Experience

Posted on February 12, 2018February 8, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

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

Bata Designer Apprentice Competition

Posted on February 5, 2018February 8, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

The Bata Designer Apprentice competition is first of its kind in Kenya and East Africa, is a product development initiative that aims to give students and emerging designers in Kenya the opportunity to create a classic shoe for Bata, while gaining experience working at one of the biggest footwear manufacturer based in Limuru Kenya.

Student from University of Nairobi , Cynthia Allela, is the winner of Bata Designers Apprentice competition and will now have her design sold in select Bata outlets countrywide.

Meet The Designer’s

The Process Work with a select number of designers (five) to design an affordable shoe or collection for Bata Kenya to be produced in our Limuru factory using existing equipment. Invite the designers for a factory visit and product development review to understand our production processes. Designers can include an aspect of technology in the shoes designed. The designers then presented their concepts and prototype shoes to a Bata panel of judges who graded their work, determining the winner. Directors of Design schools from the University of Nairobi and the Technical University of Kenya were contacted by the PD Manager to propose names of their current students in undergraduate design courses and emerging designers who completed undergraduate design courses not more than 9 years before, with priority given to Textile, Fashion and Product designers. From the list provided designers were contacted on phone to confirm if they were interested in taking part in the competition; 10thMay 2017-list narrowed down to 9 designers. 12thMay 2017-Designers present portfolios in Bata Limuru and selection narrowed down to 4 designers.

Designer Apprentice Story We have all grown up with Bata and hold fond memories of the excitement we felt when we got a new pair of Toughees for back to school, wearing Bullets during PE classes, Ngoma, Sandak, PataPata and the Safari boots our dad or favorite uncle always wore. “Bata Designers Apprentice”is a Bata Kenya Product Development initiative that wants student and emerging designers in Kenya to be part of creating a classic shoe for Bata through a designers competition while gaining experience working in one of the biggest footwear manufacturer in Kenya and East
Africa;

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Content Courtesy Of Bata Kenya &Nairobi Fashion Hub

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Anyango Mpinga

Posted on February 1, 2018August 12, 2020 by Oscar Alochi

Anyango Mpinga is an award-winning fashion designer who was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. Formally trained in media studies, she graduated with a B.A. in social communication with a minor in radio production, and worked in the media industry as an event and public relations manager at the beginning of her career.

In 2011, she was inspired to take her love for fashion beyond a hobby, and began her clothing line with the vision to create a brand that is synonymous with elegance, authenticity and style.

In 2015, she relaunched eponymously as part of a growing slow fashion movement, which emphasizes a more conscious consumption of fashion products, focusing on a clean, transparent supply chain that is sustainable and ethical.

Mpinga’s influences are drawn from her spiritual life as a Bahá’í, her love for the arts, her travels and her rich multi-cultural heritage. As her brand continues to evolve, the designer has been recognized internationally—in both 2015 and 2017, she was nominated for Designer of the Year at the Kenya Fashion Awards, and in 2016, she received the She Trades Collective (ITC Geneva) International Design Award. Mpinga’s work is a testament of her love for art in motion while creating sustainable incomes for the artisans she works with across the globe.

Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub

Ugandan Model Aketch Joy Winnie Singed By Fusion Model Management

Posted on January 18, 2018February 8, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

The South African Model based agency has recently singing East Africa Models,Fusion Model has several Ugandan Models

Aketch Joy Winnie she the newest from east africa She is on away to South Africa to jump start her international modeling career as a fashion model after signing with Fusion Model Management Cape Town. Joram Muzira is the proprietor of Joram Model Management took to social media to share the news.

Aketch Joy Winnie

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Penny Winter

Posted on January 10, 2018June 12, 2019 by Oscar Alochi

Founded in 1997 by Irish designer Penny Winter, the brand’s handcrafted jewellery, made from ethically sourced, re purposed Ankole cow horn, brass, and other raw materials from Africa, is considered one of Kenya’s first sources of African accessories.

Winter started her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English National Opera in London after her studies at the London College of Fashion, where she specialized in period costumes for plays.

After travelling to Kenya on a backpacking adventure she fell in love with the country, making it her permanent home in 1997.

An adventurer and explorer, Winter’s travels provide the perfect opportunity for sourcing interesting materials – whether it’s the downtown backstreets and alleyways of Nairobi, the ruby mines of Voi, the metalworks of Suswa, or the island of Lamu, Winter always takes away something that can later be seen in her designs.

With a designer’s eye, she handpicks uncut stones from genuine stone merchants – sapphires, rubies, tourmaline and opal – and turns it into unique pieces of art. Penny Winter has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Condé Nast Traveler, and has stockists both locally and abroad.

Content Courtesy Of Penny Winter & Nairobi Fashion Hub

Eguana Kamapala

Posted on January 5, 2018June 12, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

Founded in 2007 by Emmanuel Bagwana, Eguana Kampala is a ready-to-wear Afrocentric brand based in Kampala, Uganda. The brand considers ‘African prints’ its signature, and a variety of colours and patterns are incorporated into each design.

Working primarily with denim, satin, cotton, and lace, the brand has shown at fashion weeks both in Africa and abroad. With the goal of showing the world that both Uganda and Africa as a whole are a mix of people, places, and patterns, Eguana Kampala aims to give African fashion a universal and versatile appeal. Recently, the brand has attracted attention for its SS’18 bomber jackets.

Mai Atafo Showcasing her Wedding Collection at Asfa2017

Posted on January 5, 2018May 2, 2024 by Oscar Alochi

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

Posted on January 4, 2018June 12, 2019 by Ann Mumbi

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.

Kenya fashion events that went down in 2017 Calendar

Posted on December 12, 2017July 26, 2018 by admin

Kenya Fashion Awards

Set up to honour Kenyan Talents who have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry; from designers to photographers, models to stylists, make-up artists to choreographers, writers, and fashion & design students. This awards recognizes the most influential people in Fashion today and celebrates the development of Fashion Industry. Taking place over multiple days, the awards include a two weeks exhibition of Fashion Photography, Designers and Exhibitors. Although the nominees’ list isn’t out yet, they are already taking applications for designers and photographers for their exhibition.

About Kenya Fashion Awards

The Kenya Fashion Awards is an awarding prestigious trade mark event that incorporates fashion, music, photography and art to create a magical runway experience and recognize and award the most talented in the industry.

The purpose of the Awards is to honor Kenyan Talents who have made a significant contribution to this most discerning of industries. We recognize the very best of Kenyan Fashion Talent, from designers to fashion photographers, models, stylists, make-up artists, marketers, retailers, choreographers, fashion & design students and fashion writers. A team of judges professionals drawn from the leading fashion giants, most renowned and respected fashion publications and leading figures in international style.

Overview: The Kenya Fashion Awards is a multi-days branded entertainment environment providing activities and opportunities for fashion designers, make up artists, fashion stylists, fashion bloggers, models, fashion photographers, fashion enthusiasts and donors to come face-to-face with the principal taste makers, celebrities, musical talent, media, investors and consumers during the Event.

Activities at the Kenya Fashion Awards include: modeling Academy, talent search and training, workshops; press conferences, private cocktail parties for sponsors, designers, fashion people, celebrities and entrepreneurs; coverage and publicity by media and press; exhibition of fashion photography, designers and exhibitors; fashion Bazaar.

Kenya Fashion Awards

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Tag: Fashion Designer