Odaomo “Luxury Design For Global Citizen “

Posted on February 15, 2018July 19, 2018 by Ann Mumbi

“Luxury Design for Global Citizens”

Odaomo was conceived by Kenyan native, designer and CEO Dr. Sophia Aomo Omoro, the sixth of eight children born to a seamstress mother and postal worker father. The brand derives from a childhood interest in sketching designs to express her individuality among similarly clad sisters and an innate desire to support her community.

At 16, Sophia Omoro left Kenya and traveled to Canada to continue her education that inevitably led to Tulane University for her MD and PhD. In 2014, then medical colleague and now odAOMO business partner, Amy Trainor, supported Dr. Omoro’s creative-outlet-turned-design-brand and together debuted the line in a local fashion show followed by a successful trunk show in New Orleans, LA. The overwhelmingly positive response led to the label’s flagship store in August of that year on Chartres Street in the historic French Quarter.

A truly unique brand, odAOMO produces garments and accessories from eco-friendly materials in Kenya. The leather, hide, shell, snake and fish skin goods are constructed of food byproducts and found materials so no lives are harmed for fashion. The fine silks, cashmere blends and cottons used are sourced from an independent Kenyan textile distribution, run by two young Kenyan women. The African textiles are collected throughout the Continent. Each piece is handcrafted and produced in limited batches creating an exclusive and organically nuanced line.

Where some philanthropic entities choose to focus on charity, odAOMO and Dr. Omoro empower through opportunity. odAOMO employs a small team in Kenya with fair wages– Douglas, the label’s leather craftsman, and Valentine, the primary jeweler—that have a profound economic impact on their respective villages.

“I would like to bring to light this wealth in material and human resources, and show the world that wonderful things can come out of this continent and country. Wonderful, beautiful things, made with love, and by human hands.” –Dr. Sophia Aomo Omoro
Born and raised in the Greater New Orleans Region, Amy Trainor was introduced to high fashion by her interest in friend and medical colleague Sophie’s wardrobe and styling. When she discovered Dr. Omoro’s clothing were her own original designs and the breadth of her collection, she saw the potential and dedicated herself to planning the launch event that led to the creation of odAOMO. Amy has continued commitment and presently acts as Operations Manager for the brand. In her spare time, she works out, travels, spends quality time with her husband and three sons, and enjoys her home on the water.

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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

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.

Wan Fam Clothing Brand Recognized International

Posted on May 16, 2014April 29, 2024 by Oscar Alochi

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.

Content Courtesy Of CNN and SDE

Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week 2014

Posted on May 15, 2014April 29, 2024 by Oscar Alochi

Just Like That Ltd Kenya’s Leading Fashion Events Company, Brainchild of Founder/Designer Sonu Sharma, has hosted various Premier Fashion Events in the Country over the last 5 Years, such as Trendz Kenya Fashion Festival / Trendz Kenya Fashion Week. The above events have gained great Regional / International attention and have rapidly become Sub-Saharan Africa’s most beloved Fashion extravaganza, Strongly contributing to consolidating Kenya’s positioning as the Fashion / Urban Lifestyle Capital of Africa. Keeping the Heritage Alive of “Bringing the World to Kenya and taking Kenya to the World”, we present “Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week “which will witness yet another grand gathering of World Class International and Regional Fashion Designers, High Profile Labels, Sponsors & Media this Aug 2014.

THE AIM –To Expose Kenya as the Established Fashion & Urban Lifestyle Capital of Africa.

THE OBJECTIVE – Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week Believes in building Relationships, Creating Opportunities & Encouraging Excellence in Quality.

THE EVENT FEATURES –

Fine Designers from Africa and around the world showcasing exquisite collections. World Class entertainment. Exhibits of Lifestyle & Luxury Products and Services. VIP Red Carpet Dinner & reception. KWFW After Party-“Celebrate the Nite” Schedule- KENYA WORLDWIDE FASHION WEEK 30 & 31 AUGUST 2014

DATE- 30 AUG 2014– GALA FASHION SHOW , DINNER AND AFTER PARTY.ENTRY BY TICKET –

Best Dressed Couple at KENYA WORLDWIDE FASHION WEEK 2014- Wins-Joburg ’/ Nairobi / Joburg’ Airline Ticket Courtesy South African Airways

Venue – The Tribe Hotel , Pool Side(VIP Gala Fashion Show & Dinner (6PM – 11PM)

11PM-After Party” CELEBRATE THE NITE“ @ The Village Market

CALL- +254-0-706376796 or DROP MAIL – Kenyaworldwidefashionwk@gmail.com

DATE – 30/31 AUG 2014 EXHIBITION OF LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

ENTRY FREE !

Venue – The Village Market (Food Court)

9AM – 6PM , Great Raffle Prizes to be Won !!

Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week 2014 SUPPORTED BY –

Mercedes Benz
Glenfiddich
Red Bull
Raka Finest Kenyan Cheese.
Xpose Ltd
Valon
YOU C – 1000
South African Airways
Pride Drive
Dhiiren’s Hair & Beauty College
Safari King –Natural Spring Water .
Healthy U
The Village Market ( Exhibition & After Party Venue Partner)
Tribe Hotel – VIP Gala Show Venue + Hospitality Partner
Media Partners –

Nation Media Group- Official Media Partner
Fashion One – Official Fashion Channel
Couture Africa Mag’
Kenya Buzz
East FM
Participating world renowned Designers/Labels

Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week 2014 will be graced by the Finest designers/Labels that will strut their collections down the runway.

There will be a concoction of demurring charm, dazzling luxury and eternal classics from fashion’s most sought-after designers.

This Years Line up of Designers –

1. John Kaveke – Kenya

2.Mandira Bedi – India

3. Joan Ibuzo *House of Marie – Nigeria

4. Deepak Perwani – Pakistan

5. Wanyoike Lewis- Kenya

6. Sougat Paul *Soup – India

7. Paledi Segapo *Palse – South Africa

8. Madafu Moxie*Madafu Moxie – Kenya

9. Spero Villioti *Spero Villioti Couture-South Africa

10. Margaux Marionette*Margaux – Reunion (French Islands)

For more information contact –

Sonu Sharma, Founder Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week & MD – Just Like That Ltd.

Mail – sonu@justlikethatltd.com Tel Mb- +254-736-779259

Website-www.kenyaworldwidefashionweek.com
Content Courtesy Of Kenya Fashion Week

Tag: Fashion House