Palesa Mahlaba, Stylist and Fashion Consultant ,She always looks like a million bucks, and fashion is her passion. Palesa Mahlaba is the former fashion editor of True Love magazine and is now finishing off a diploma in PR, so she can take the fashion PR industry in style. Palesa chose the Symbol Jewellery and Midi-Ring trend, which she loves. “It’s a way of expressing yourself through your accessories.
I am obsessed with the midi-rings and now have an excuse to stack up on them. Plus they keep my nails looking good!” “Have fun with your jewellery, it is a fabulous way to show your personal style!”
She has massive followers on her Instagram 82,000 plus, and on YouTube her account is dormant no subscribers at the moment more of her work are available on her blog Simply Palesa Edit
Content courtesy of Moss Onyi & Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
The fashion and beauty influencer is definitely body goals and when she’s not travelling to exotic places then she’s chilling and eating the finest food because “Twiggy takes snaps and eats a lot”.
Tshepang ” Twiggy ” Mollison she is a Film & Radio production graduate from UCT and Brand Strategy & communications graduate from Vega a with a keen interest in food, photography and travel.
Besides that, she is also a fashionista of note who knows how to play around with her wardrobe. Furthermore, as a model, she has collaborated with big brands such as Spree, Tommy Hilfiger and Fila just to name a few, Judging from her Instagram page, Twiggy is also a fan of warmer weather and enjoys playing in the water.
She has massive followers on her Instagram 40,000 plus, and on YouTube she has less than 1,000 subscribers more of her work are available on her blog Sleepless in Soweto
Content courtesy of Moss Onyi & Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
Moss Onyi is a fashion, travel and lifestyle blogger who moved to the UK in order to advance her career as a chartered account. However, she is now a full time blogger and is based in Manchester, UK. She also works as a photographer and, since late 2017, runs the Moss Onyi blog with her husband, Craig Moss.
The blog, as well as her unique taste in fashion, will leave you dreaming of a place far, far away, where you can get lost in a world that only dreams are made of.
She has massive followers on her Instagram 92,000 plus, and on YouTube she has 7,000 plus subscribers more of her work are available on her blog Moss Onyi
Content courtesy of Moss Onyi & Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
The fashion industry provides the world with a full calendar of fashion show events from across the world. From runway shows to trade shows, the fashion world knows how to keep busy. But which events are not to be missed? As most things in the world, not all fashion events are created equal. Some events just top the hot list year after year.
Here is a list of the top ten annual fashion events to attend, or at least dream of attending don’t forget to add them your bucket list.
1. Paris Fashion Week
The greatest of all fashion shows, it is one of the most celebrated fashion weeks held in bi-annually in Paris one of the four fashion capitals of the world. The event is held to showcase Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter collections at the respective times of each year. Many of the notables in the fashion industry, as well as the well-known connoisseurs of fashion attend the event to view the designs.
Some of the famous designers who place their latest creations on display include Dior, Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Julien David, Barbara Bui, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, Miu Miu
2. New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week is a biannual event which occurs in February and September of each in New York, one of the primary fashion capitals around the globe. The New York Fashion Week event is considered to be among the four major fashion weeks in the world next to London, Milan, and Paris.
The event is attended by some of the biggest fashion names in the industry including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Dianne von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Herve Leger, Brooks Brothers, Alexander Wang, and many more. It was established in the early 1940s and was the first fashion event across the world. The purpose of the event is showcase American fashions which ordinarily play a secondary role to French designs.
3. Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week (Italian: Settimana della moda) is a clothing trade show held semi-annually in Milan, Italy. The autumn/winter event is held in February/March of each year, and thespring/summer event is held in September/October of each year. An event of glitz and glamour in Milan, Italy among the big Four Fashion Capitals around the world, the Milan Fashion Week occurs bi-annually like its counterparts every year.
It is scheduled in the months of February-March for the Spring Summer Collection and September- October for the Autumn Winter Collection. It begun in the year 1958 and since has been counted as one of the most illustrious shows the world over. Prestigious fashion houses are part of this event which includes Dolce & Gabanna, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, and Prada among others.
4. London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week is one of the primary four fashion week events around the globe which takes place bi- annually during February and September. The event showcases the latest trends and designs in womenswear and is attended by top designers and fashion houses in the industry who flock to the event to exhibit their latest creations.
It was launched in the early 1980s and is organised by the British Fashion Council discussed earlier.
Some of the designer fashions on exhibit include Antonio Berardi, Alexander White, Burberry, Beth Gilmour, Christopher Kane, Claire Barrow, David Koma, Eudon Choi, Erdem, Finlay & Co., Giles, Holly Fulton, Jasper Conran, Kevin Geddes, Lucilla Gray, Margaret Howell, Noel Stewart, Osman, Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood, and many more.
5. Berlin Fashion Week
Berlin Fashion Week is a relatively new event which takes place at Brandbenburg Gate each year during the months of January and July. The event was initiated in 2007 with the purpose of showcasing up and coming designer’s creations. Berlin Fashion Week is a collaborative effort of the Berlin Senate and the Berlin Partner GmbH, the central contact agency for overseeing new operations and foreign trade to promote Berlin as a business hub. The event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz which also sponsors a series of other fashion industry events.
Since the establishment of the Berlin Fashion Week event almost a decade ago, the event has gained international status for many new and upcoming designers. The designers are bringing their fashions to the Berlin capital in an effort to get started on their way in the highly competitive fashion industry. Attendees can view fashions from designers such as Dorothee Schumacher, Ewa Herzog, Fyodor Golan, Emre Ernemoglu, and more.
6. Australian Fashion Week
The Australian Fashion Week is an annual event held in the country which aims to feature the works of fashion houses and designers from the Australian and Asia Pacific regions. It was first held in the year 1995. This event brings the designers and the retail buyers under one roof and helps the latter to purchase the latest in fashion from them.
Some of the noted Fashion names associated with this event include Lisa Ho, Alex Perry, Zimmermann, Toni Maticevski, Leona Edmiston, J’Aton Couture, Ericaamerica and more.
7. Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) started on 16 February 1996 as a retail event intended to benefit retail trade in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has since been promoted as a tourist attraction.It is an annual month-long event, usually scheduled during the first quarter of the year, and attracts about 3 million people to Dubai.
Over the 30 day period, visitors have access to the best fashion brands from around the world with special deals and promotions, in addition to attending a variety of arts and cultural events. The events take place in the Mall of the Emirates and include The International Festival of Fashion Photography from Cannes which is an extraordinary showcase of the latest beauty and fashion photography in large format by notable fashion photographers.
You can also experience events such as The Diamond Fashion Show by Dhamani which features notable jewellery designers who showcase their exquisite designs against a sparkling Burj Khalifa backdrop. The Dubai Shopping Festival website is a great place to discover more interesting fashion events during this annual extravaganza.
8. Tokyo Fashion Week
The Japanese are known for excelling in whatever they do. Fashion is not an area where they are lagging in any respect. The Tokyo Fashion Week is an event which has steadily climbed up the charts of popularity over the years.
The styles and trends showcased are bold and often very experimental. Some of the most unusual fashion trends have come out into the world through the Tokyo Fashion Week and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this event slowly becomes one of the best in the industry.
9. Africa Fashion Week London
Founded in 2011 by Ronke Ademiluyi, Africa Fashion Week London ( AFWL ) is Europe’s largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent ,with a collaborative catwalk, exhibition and business development program, AFWL has led the way in highlighting Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and has been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.
Since 2011, AFWL has hosted 8 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations, they have also showcased over 800 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe and America, to almost 70,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.
AFWL brings value to designers through, contacts, experience and knowledge within the fashion community, with a core team made up of experienced fashion industry experts and business professionals, AFWL is committed to creating a platform for African and African inspired designers that not only showcases them to an international market, but also supports them in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized and promotes social change in Africa.
10. Los Angeles Fashion week
Los Angeles Fashion Week takes place twice, annually in numerous locations throughout the Los Angeles area. Currently, three event producers hold multiple day runway shows concurrent with Market Week (also known as LA Fashion Market).
While there are several productions that take place throughout the county of Los Angeles, a number of city officials, including Mayor Eric Garcetti and District 14 council member Jose Huizar, have awarded event organizers LAFW the official event status
CFDA Fashion Awards
The CFDA Fashion Awards, also known as the Fashion industry Oscars, this annual event recognizes individuals in the American Fashion Industry with awards for design excellence and extraordinary accomplishments in journalism and creative vision, according to the CFDA.
There is also a lifetime achievement given each year. But the highlight of this award show is of course the red carpet. Stars and industry people dress to impress in the best of high fashion. It is not only an event; it is a star studded runway show.
Fashion shows debut every season, particularly the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons,this is where the latest fashion trends are made.
Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
A fashion show is an event put on by a fashion designer to showcase his or her upcoming line of clothing during Fashion Week. Fashion shows debut every season, particularly the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This is where the latest fashion trends are made. A fashion show is an ensemble of creative ideas, right from ramp, lighting, and décor, to models and clothing.
Success of a fashion show depends on whether it is able to spark the imagination of audience, and convince them to buy those clothes. Themes in fashion shows, are able to do just that, as they provide theatrics and create drama, at an otherwise normal show.
Fashion events not only create a buzz in their home countries but attract people from all over the world. These events encourage creative and diverse ideas in the fashion industry and also helps generate revenue for other industries as well.
Over the past few years, the fashion scene in Kenya has undergone massive changes. One could even say that it has been democratized. Even right now it is growing in leaps and bounds even though sometimes it may not be apparent. With the large number of fashion events that we have presently, it can be difficult to decipher which ones are actually the best and worth looking out for.
Do you know what the 10 biggest fashion events in Kenya are?
1. Kenya Fashion Awards Established in 2012 the Kenya Fashion Awards is celebrating the contributions of the designers, fashion photographers, models, fashion stylists, make-up artists, hair stylists and creatives to the fashion scene. Its aim to recognize and celebrate the wealth of fashion talent across Kenya and East Africa. The event provides a stepping stone for emerging talent into the highly competitive fashion arena through networking, promotion and guidance. Winning or being shortlisted for an Award provides endless rewards for designers, photographers, models … who participate as the event offer s a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and to showcase designers, photographers or fashion stylists work to the industry professionals, fashionistas, press and media.
2. Nairobi Fashion Week
The Nairobi Fashion Week ( NFW ) is a creative idea targeted to be a meeting place for the nation and Africa’s most creative talent. It’s an event created to showcase East Africa’s designers, stylist’s,producer’s, commentators, sponsors and everyone in between to a global audience.
NFW has been conceptualized to provide a leading platform for the Kenyan fashion industry to grow. It brings together all the necessary components under one roof to provide an opportunity to incubate and grow the Kenyan fashion industry.
3. Fashion High Tea
The event prides itself on being one of the few local events that combine fashion and charity, by collaborating with philanthropist,The contemporary high tea theme is slowly changing and becoming accepting of pants, flashy colors and even outfits that are elegant, but don’t necessarily fall under the ‘high tea’ dress code.
Fashion High Tea has proven itself time and again to be one of the premiere fashion events in the country, the event brings together designers from all over the world to showcase their work to the local market.
4. The JW Show
Aim to connect, Kenya, Africa And the world through fabric and design,this style-studded fashion extravaganza congregates men and women who are pushing the envelope of sustainable local fashion brands that have transcended borders and caught global attention. Make a date with us and be part of this iconic show where style will meet elegance.
The event mostly offers a platform to young upcoming designers with more established designers opting not to showcase due to the presentation format,he JW Show, organized by Jeffrey Wilson, has proven itself not once or twice but several times to be among the top fashion events in Kenya.
5. Tribal Chic
Tribal Chic is Nairobi’s most respected fashion show. The annual event is hosted by Tribe Hotel and aims to showcase the best Kenyan and international designers to local fashion insiders. Following in the footsteps of previous worthwhile happenings in the city, namely Kenya Fashion Week and FAFA, Tribal Chic has over the past few years, become a flag bearer for promoting Kenya’s fashion infrastructure. This is thanks in large part to the show’s curator Alina Haq and choreographer Sunny Dolat.
“The concept is simple we want to showcase great design,” says Dolat. “For the line-up we look for something fresh that the audience will appreciate and buy. It’s a show that aims to surprise and impress.”
Held annually at Tribe Hotel at around 14th December, this event attracts thousands of artists, designers to come showcase their talent. It accommodates both local and international fashionistas. It was founded with an aim of helping the less fortunate in the society.
6. Fashion Couture Affair
Fashion couture affair is a runway event , started in 2016 and its managed by fashion killers 254. its a platform for designer, models, exhibitors, artists and any other business related to fashion,The event traces its roots to Nairobi Railways museum where most of the editions have been held.
7. Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo
Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo is a bi-annual event where all wedding service providers in the industry come together and showcase the very latest in wedding trends,The Samantha’s Bridal wedding fair is an exciting 3-day event filled with fashion, beauty and style. It is Kenya’s most dynamic and effective place to meet leading industry players in the wedding, beauty, honeymoon, Kenyan fashion giants and affluent women and their families.
The event spans a couple of days with close to a hundred vendors in attendance to showcase and promote their brands. There’s a runway segment that give a better view at how the wedding attires look like.
8. Entrepreneur Fashion Week
EFW is a great event with three key elements, Fashion shows, mini expo and master class that hat pulls together business owners, industry insiders, exhibitors and fashion lovers in East, south and West Africa across fast fashion, contemporary luxury and trends for the world apparel production and supply for both European and African buyers and an opportunity for brands to meet and spark possible business opportunities & collaborations.
9. Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week
With the immense knowledge in the Fashion Industry and Having held Various High Profile Fashion Shows and Being Voted Fashion Ambassador Kenya ,Sonu strongly Believes “in a World of Color”.Her creativity “runs on an engine of passion,shape,textures and touch in a pattern that Leads to the Creation of Fashion.”
Sonu moved to Kenya from India in 2006 and soon realized that Kenya had lots to offer to the World and had a rich Cosmopolitan flair to it. In a short time Sonu has made a huge impact on the Kenyan Fashion scene, at Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week, local and international designers are given a chance to showcase their original haute couture pieces. It has held 7 editions so far.
10. Core Fashion Kenya Show
The Core Fashion Kenya aims to give the Kenyan fashion industry one voice; to help project local designers and talent onto the international fashion arena,with the aim of promoting local talent to penetrate the international market, Linda Murithi CEO of In The Bag saw the opportunity to give fashion industry a voice. Core Fashion Kenya is held at Tribe Hotel to nurture, celebrate and unify local talent fashion icons.
Turkana Fashion Week
Founded by Ignatius Wafula, Turkana Fashion Week aims to recreate Turkana culture using fashion beyond Kenya. It has received international recognition from the likes of Ajuma Nasenyana.
All the fashion shows events listed here may vary from ranking.
Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team
Models walk the ramp in an empty auditorium as AFI Fashion Week moved its last day of runway shows online in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. South Africa Fashion Week has also announced that it will take its Spring/Summer 2020 runway shows online.
Africa Fashion International ( AFI ) Fashion Week to continue without guests due to coronavirus outbreak
Following hot on the heels of Africa Fashion International (AFI), South African Fashion Week South Africa Fashion Week ( SAFW ) has announced that it’ll be taking its Spring/Summer 2020 runway shows online in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
On March 14, AFI cancelled the third and final day of live presentations at Fashion Week Cape Town. Ticket holders were refunded and the scheduled runway shows went ahead without an audience. Instead they were streamed via social media.
That’s partially because Booyzen was concerned that fashion weeks were becoming less about the designers’ collections and more about who was in attendance at the shows.
“Rather than spending lots of money and having big venues, we were looking at new ways of showing collections.”
She’d also been keeping a close eye on developments around the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since January we’ve been developing a plan B. With the backing of our sponsors, Sandton City, Cruz and Carlton Hair, we are going to shoot the collections in isolation because the designers have already started designing their sample collections.”
Along with having no audiences, Booyzen confirmed that South Africa Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2020 runway shows would involve less models, make-up artists and production people than past years in light of the current pandemic. Health specialists will also be consulted to ensure that a safe working environment is created.
The wasteful nature of fashion weeks has been called into question around the globe by environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion. Beyond being “Covid-19 respectful”, a recent South Africa Fashion Week statement boasts that the upcoming runway shows will be “climate-friendly”.
“It is important for designers to reinvent themselves and think about how they do not have to spend so much money, how to use more natural fabrics and how to be sustainable,” said Booyzen.
Presenting this season’s collections digitally has also made some designers rethink the relevance of Fashion Week entirely.
Neo Serati Mofammere, the young mastermind behind Joburg-based label Nao Serati, explained that while past generations of designers relied heavily on such events to promote their brands, newcomers to the industry have found “a whole lot of different ways” to do so.
“Right now Instagram is the strongest way to market [yourself] and some people are using influencers. It doesn’t work for everybody but some designers would rather have an influencer wear their garments and some use good old word of mouth.”
South Africa Fashion Week is set to take place in late April.
WAA Fashion is a U.K based multi-brand platform and number one destination for stylish, chic and contemporary African-inspired fashion. WAA, which stands for “ We Are Africa ”, defines the concept and the essence of inclusion that is in the heart of the company.
Hosting a variety but carefully curated African fashion brands from all over the continent, under one virtual roof and making them available at the click of a button across your mobile, tablet, desktop and delivered to your doorstep. WAA Fashion aim to offer you a seamless shopping experience for products that are strictly ‘Made in Africa’ and thereby celebrating the talent, the quality and the luxury within her shores.
At WAA Fashion they are fully committed to researching and bringing you fashion products that are unique and exclusive yet responsibly, sustainably, ethically sourced and produced using earth-friendly methods. WAA Fashion partner with artisan groups, cooperatives, small businesses and independent designers to design and produce high-end clothing and accessories, providing income and encouraging fair trade always.
Through their company, they give back and support charities working to eradicate poverty, providing safety, shelter, healthcare, education and training for women and girls in ecologically vulnerable regions, not only in Africa but the world over. A purchase from their platform helps provide at least one woman with the education or training she needs to create a sustainable livelihood to provide for her family, to give birth in a safe environment, or to escape domestic violence. It will protect at least one girl from abuse, or slavery or get her off the streets.
WAA Fashion Believe in Fashion As A Force For Good.
Online shopping in Kenya is on an upward trend due to its convenience and time-saving. Generally, online shopping, which is also known as e-commerce, is a method of trading goods and services via the internet. There are over 21 million online shoppers in Africa.
Photo credit Binti
A number that is even projected to continue it’s upward trend according to reports released by the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD).
Kenya has also not been left behind on this trend. In fact, with 2.61 million shoppers, Kenya ranks third on the list of countries with the most online shoppers in Africa. Nigeria and South Africa come in first and second respectively.
Photo credit Jumia
Jumia is undoubtedly one-stop online retail shop in Kenya, both in terms of traffic and wide variety of products where you can find beauty products, Fashion items , clothes for both men and women, electronics, home appliances, and much more.
The website has various Top branded stores too, and you’re likely to find some of your favorites.
Vivo woman was founded in 2011, and is a proudly Kenyan-owned clothing brand which is designed to make women look and feel great. Vivo tapped into the need of ready-to-wear clothes that were affordable when Kenyan women had very few options to choose from.
At Vivo, they pride themselves in having 90% of the products they make, made in Kenya and they are 100% dedicated to inspiring confidence in women no matter what size or shape they are!
From a fitness wear clothing line to one of Kenya’s leading women’s clothing brand, Vivo has tapped into the need of ready-to-wear clothes that are affordable and offer a great sense of style and comfort,with 90% of products made in Kenya, vivo clothes are designed to make you look and feel great as well as inspire a great deal in confidence in you no matter what size or shape you are.
2. Fab Guru
Fab Guru Online store is one stop shop for fashionable women’s products in Kenya, mostly fab guru focuses on women’s wears trendy dresses , fashionable shoes, designer handbags and ladies fashion accessories like earrings and bangles.
La BELLE fashions is the shopping destination of choice for something a little bit different here you can get a wide range of outfits from summer wear, winter and all seasons wear. La Belle Fashions provide trend-led fashion for those on a budget, taking inspiration from international and local celebrity style, while using the catwalks as its inspiration,
Binti is the largest leading wholesale E-commerce platform for ladies fashion items and accessories in Kenya, and growing across East Africa. Binti aim to empower and grow local micro-based, medium, individual entrepreneurs in business, startups, and customers who are looking for quality and stylish products for the best value in the market.
They do this by linking and offering the best products directly from certified manufacturers and suppliers around the globe mainly from Asia to our customers at reasonable prices and affordable quantities.
LeStyle Parfait is an Online shopping store in Kenya for the best fashion trending clothing and shoes, with a wide range of family wear range from women clothing, men’s clothes, kids clothes, shoes, jewelry and handbags.
Tique a Bou was born in 2012 and is run by bou-tiful people from Kenya and the UK. Tique a Bou was built to bring online shopping to Kenyan’s. As Kenyan’s, we know how frustrating it is that new, good quality clothes are so expensive and limited. Well, we’ve had enough of paying too much and buying second hand.
So, here at Tique a Bou, they have made it thier mission to bring brand new, good quality online shopping to you at an affordable price.
Tique a Bou UK team in London are constantly searching for the latest in online shopping and fashion and with our years of experience in the industry we have access to prices and quality that we think is pretty hard to beat. See for yourself, feel free to have a browse.
Sarai Afrique Fashion House has been serving women for the last five years and the experience we have gained over this time with manufacturers and designers allow us to offer top quality designs at competitive prices in the industry. they take great pride in the relationships, Sarai Afrique form with our customers whom they consider part of the Sarai Afrique family.
Sarai Afrique Fashion House offers a wide assortment of the latest and best selections of women’s apparel from brands across the World. Designs that fit the sophisticated woman as well as the modern styles of clothing that best suit the trends of today.
Style connection is a Kenyan online and physical boutique aiming to bring you up to the minute quality, trendy, unique women’s fashion clothes and accessories.
At Style connection, they are continuously working hard to deliver on-trend women’s clothes that are perfectly suited to fit your style. they have an utterly amazing range of fashionable clothing for the ladies, including brilliant casual day-to-day clothing and stunning evening dresses for that special night out with friends.
Amore was born in Dec 2014 and our flagship store officially opened in March 2015. Amore is the initials of our names Amadi and Moreka and means love.
Amore is the greatest commandment and they believe that when you come to Amore you’ll fall in love with everything. they got a storage space near our home and set up the business. they diversified from interior décor to men women and children’s wear.
2NU Boutique is an online shopping store for smart career women, that specializes in offering unique and fashionable clothing, Their website is designed to provide an easy, accessible shopping experience,for the 1st time you don’t have to go through the hustle of going from place to place through the traffic to get to the shops in time before they close.
Let’s be honest. We all dress up for other people. At least to some extent.
It may be to attract the opposite sex as we seek their admiration. Admiration, not approval.
It may be to impress members of the same sex as we seek their respect. Anyone who’s ever had to dress up for an important function with a lot of big wigs can easily attest to this. Today, however, I want to address the most important person you will ever dress up for.
YOU.
Elevating your standards to new heights and dressing up for yourself can have some serious positive impacts on your psychology. Benefits which include but are not limited to;
A major boost in your self-confidence which radiates like warm sunshine to those around you.
Improved mental health based on the good feelings you end up having about yourself from within.
A sudden increased desire to go out and conquer, which is essentially what men are all about in the first place.
When all’s said and done, anything you wear to a special occasion should pump you up as it does with the gentleman in the video below.
https://youtu.be/znsyf0Ot0mU
If it doesn’t, then it’s a waste of money. And as my grandfather would always say, “It’s better to invest Kshs. 50,000 than to lose Kshs. 5,000.”
So, gentlemen, it’s time to stop taking cheap shortcuts and make the investment in yourself that you’re worthy of.
You deserve it.
Black designer mafia boss jacket exclusive to King Sidney.
Content courtesy of Paul Oloo & Nairobi fashion hub
A global area of concern, the coronavirus has quickly become the topic at the front of all minds. As a result of responses to the health crisis, the stock market experienced sharp declines, demonstrating the impact of the virus on consumer industries.
COVID-19 has led to the postponement or cancellation of a number of fashion shows for the fall 2020 and resort seasons, including the following:
Milan Fashion Week Chinese fashion brands Angel Chen and Ricostru also canceled their fashion shows in Milan last week in the wake of the outbreak.
Ricostru designer, Rico Manchit Au, stated she canceled her show because half of her staff wouldn’t be able to get back to work due to China’s travel restrictions and city lockdowns. The outbreak has also affected fashion week attendees, including editors from the Chinese editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, InStyle, T Magazine, WSJ Magazine, Wallpaper* and Nylon, who partly or fully halted their fashion week plans.
Paris Fashion Week Chinese fashion brands Masha Ma, Shiatzy Chen, Uma Wang, Jarel Zhang, Calvin Luo and Maison Mai have all canceled their upcoming Paris Fashion Week events due to the virus. The news was revealed by French fashion’s governing body, La Fédération de la Haute Couture, which stated it will
“make available all its communications platforms to allow these brands to share the work they had planned to present both in France and overseas.”
Sao Paolo Fashion Week Sao Paolo Fashion Week has canceled its spring 2020 edition. The event was scheduled to run from April 24 to 28.
Shanghai and Beijing Fashion Weeks: Both Shanghai and Beijing Fashion Weeks have also been postponed because of the outbreak. Shanghai Fashion Week was slated to begin on March 26 while Beijing’s China Fashion Week was slated to run from March 25 to March 31.
Shanghai Fashion Week is now partnering with Alibaba’s Tmall to create an online platform for the designers and brands to debut their fall 2020 collections from March 24to March 30.
Tokyo Fashion Week: It was revealed on March 2 that Tokyo Fashion Week has been canceled. The event would have run from March 16 to March 21. The announcement comes after brands including Hyke and Vivienne Tam already canceled their shows.
After the coronavirus outbreak forced Chinese fashion designers, buyers and other industry insiders to skip Milan’s Fashion Week in late February, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or National Chamber of Italian Fashion, launched a campaign to demonstrate solidarity: “China, we are with you.” The slogan turned out to be prophetic. By the end of fashion week, Italy was facing a coronavirus pandemic outbreak of its own, and Milan’s typically bustling streets were eerily empty.
Models posted Instagram selfies in masks, fashion magazines asked their employees to work from home, and Giorgio Armani held his women’s Fall/Winter 2020/2021 fashion show in an empty theater.
COVID-19 has led to the postponement or cancellation of a number of fashion shows for the fall 2020 and resort seasons, here are the list of fashion designer and fashion brands heavily affected by coronavirus pandemic :
Fashion Design Houses and Fashion Brands
Chanel Chanel revealed on Feb. 17 that it has postponed the restaging of its Métiers d’Art show in Beijing, which was planned for this May. The collection was initially presented in Paris on Dec. 4.
“Considering the current situation and following the guidance of Chinese authorities, Chanel has decided to postpone its project of a replica of the Paris 31 Rue Cambon 2019/20 Métiers d’Art collection in May in Beijing to a later date and more appropriate moment,” the design house said in a statement. A new date for the show has not yet been revealed.
The design house also revealed that it has barred its U.S. staff from traveling to Paris for its upcoming fall 2020 show on March 3.
Armani Giorgio Armani revealed on Feb. 22 that he would no longer be hosting a public runway show in Milan for his fall 2020 collection, rather the show was filmed in an empty theater and posted on the brand’s web site and social media platforms. The company has also closed its offices and plants in Northern Italy for the next week.
“The decision was made to avoid exposing guests to any dangers to their health,” said a company spokesperson.
The designer then revealed on March 5 that we will be postponing his cruise 2021 show in Dubai, which was slated for April 19 and 20. The event would have coincided with the reopening of the Giorgio Armani boutique at the Dubai Mall and marking the first decade of the Armani Hotel in the city. The event is now scheduled for November.
The design house then revealed on March 8 that it is working to fight the spread of COVID-19, donating 1.25 million euros to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions.
Rosie Assoulin Rosie Assoulin has announced that she will no longer be presenting her fall 2020 collection on March 1 during Paris Fashion Week. The announcement comes on Feb. 27 as France has reported its second death due to the virus. The designer will instead bring her collection back to New York, presenting in mid-March by appointment.
A.P.C. A.P.C. has canceled its fall 2020 fashion show, scheduled for March 2. “For us at A.P.C., a fashion show is a celebration, and an opportunity for carefreeness and sharing,” the label stated. “Given the uncertainties linked to the spread of the coronavirus, we prefer to cancel […] our [fall 2020] fashion show.”
Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton’s fall 2020 show is still slated for March 3, however the design house is also prohibiting its U.S. staff from traveling to Paris for the show.
Agnès B. Agnès B. announced that it is canceling its fall 2020 co-ed show, which would have taken place on March 2 in Paris. Instead the brand will release a film and images on March 3.
Cartier Cartier canceled its accessories presentation, Cartier Creations, that was scheduled for March 3.
“In light of the concerns associated with international travel at this time, your safety and well-being and that of our team are top priority.”
The Richemont-owned label added that it planned to show the accessories “in the days ahead,” without specifying the format. “Please stay tuned for further updates,” it said in an email.
Glossier Beauty brand Glossier announced on Instagram on March 12 that it will be closing its permanent and pop-up locations in New York, Los Angeles, London and Atlanta for at least two weeks because of the outbreak. The opening of its Arizona store, which was scheduled to open on March 18, has now been postponed.
Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren has canceled his upcoming fall 2020 fashion show scheduled for April in New York. The designer had skipped out on last month’s New York Fashion Week, revealing he would instead be showing at an unspecified time in April.
Burberry Burberry has postponed its fall 2020 Shanghai show, which was initially slated for April 23. The show was meant to debut exclusive pieces made for the region. A new date has not yet been revealed.
Hermès Hermès has canceled its resort 2021 show in London on April 28. The design house of also canceling its annual Saut Hermès show jumping competition slated for March 20 to 22 at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Versace Versace has decided to postpone its coed cruise 2021 show slated for May 16 in the U.S. The design house’s released a statement explaining it is “conscious of the need to prioritize the health and safety of its guests and employees and will inform all parties involved on new plans as soon as possible.”
Gucci Gucci has canceled its cruise 2021 fashion show in San Francisco on May 18, the design house revealed on March 2, due to the “ongoing uncertainty prompted by the coronavirus outbreak, as a precautionary measure.” The design house stated it will reveal a new date and location at a later time.
On March 10, chief executive officer Marco Bizzarri announced he would be making a personal donation of 100,000 euros to a range of hospitals in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region to help combat the virus.
The design house then announced on March 12 that it will close its six Italian production sites until March 20 as a precautionary measure. The decision comes after the country went on lockdown on March 9 in an effort to contain the virus.
Prada Prada also plans to postpone its upcoming resort 2021 show, which was initially planned for May 21 in Japan. “The decision was made as a precautionary measure as well as an act of responsibility and respect for all the people working on and planning to attend our resort 2021 show,” the company said. The design house will reveal a new location and date at a later time.
Max Mara Max Mara has canceled its resort 2021 show in St. Petersburg on May 25.
As she walked the runways, no one could tell how lucky she felt having an opportunity that could turn her life around. Indeed life turned around.
Priscilla Ray is now a mother of three beautiful kids; a 5-year-old girl, a 3-and-a half -year-old girl and one-and-half-year-old girl. She holds a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Westminster in London. After dabbling into a string of businesses that didn’t go well, she chose to now focus on real estate, and life has never been better.
You recently turned 34, what has been the biggest life lesson you’ve had so far?
Never to undermine any job, as long it’s income-generating. Life is about making mistakes, don’t be afraid of failure. You need to be really patient, if you want to get what you want.
Suit – Kai’s Divo Collection
Has there been a point in your life where your patience was tested to the chore?
After doing my Masters, I failed to get a job as soon as I had wished. I was living in Notting Hill where it was rare to find a black person across the street. So, I figured that no one would hire me because of my skin colour and even made peace with it.
Jumpsuit – Eguana Kampala Bags – Joseline
One evening, while watching football, I met this random white guy. As we chatted, I found out that he owned a hedge fund. I told him how I was hunting for a job. He asked for my credentials, I shared them. And just like that he offered me a job. To do what? Make tea!
‘How could he?’ I asked myself. With a Master’s degree in International business, how could he ask me to make tea? But after giving it some thought, I agreed to take the job, because there wasn’t much I was doing anyway. My role was to make and serve them tea and coffee, a job I was horrible at.
After a month, he intimated to me that he would have me for two more months. After, I’d go get a better job elsewhere, and he would write me a nice recommendation. Two months later, I waited for him to let me go, but he didn’t. Meanwhile I was getting paid 2000 pounds monthly for my job of making tea. Then, they hired another tea girl who was obviously doing a better job than I. Still I wasn’t let go. I went to him to make my case.
That’s when he finally opened up that he had been testing my patience all this while. He wanted to see how far I could go before hiring me for the job. I burst out in tears and cried. I couldn’t believe it.
I worked with them for 3 years before moving back to Kampala.
Dress – Fatumahasha
How are you instilling the value of patience in your kids?
My kids know that they can get what they want from me if they are patient. If someone throws tantrums “Mummy I want this”, then they are surely not getting it.
Surprisingly, you’re living a very quiet life. Yet you have every reason not to. Is this intentional?
It’s very intentional. I live both here and in London, so I’m always in and out. Also, I enjoy my privacy so much that I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The life of a social butterfly ended when I left Sylvia Owori to focus on my studies. I did Social Works and Social Administration at KIU, before immediately moving to London for my Masters. My life changed since then.
You are also quite inactive on social media too..
Yes. I prefer to have real life experiences rather than living for social media. I live a completely normal life. For example, instead of posting on social media, I’d rather spend that time with my kids. I’m on Facebook and Instagram, that’s all.
Does that make you anti-social media?
Not at all. I believe social media is such a blessing to everyone trying to put themselves or their products out there. It’s also quite convenient. I believe if we had social media in the early 2000s, I would have done much more than I did.
You’d probably be an Instagram model like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid
To some extent, it’s unfair that some of those models are touted as successful not because of what they can do as models, but because of their huge following on social media. That’s the part I dislike.
Would you let your children become models?
It’s up to them. I’d like for them to make their own decisions, and become their own people. Although I would be thrilled to see my daughter on the catwalk one day.
Dress & kimono wrapper – Martha Jabo
You make motherhood seem so easy. Look at you, 18 months after giving birth and you are in such good shape.
I’m enjoying every bit of it. I never liked kids to be honest. I didn’t even want to talk about them. It’s one of those things I never saw myself doing. Then, at some point I felt like I was growing older, I needed to just get it out of the way. After my first child, I couldn’t believe what I was missing. I wished I had done it a lot earlier.
You say that your dad left you when you were 9 years old. Have you ever bothered to look for him?
No! I know where to find him, if I want to see him. Ohh it’s been a while since I last asked, so I don’t know if he’s still there. I’m not angry at him, I just don’t care.
Dress – Bantu by Clare Asiimwe
What has been the turning point in your life?
When I met the father of my first child. He totally changed the course of my life. He made me look at life differently. You know my mother struggled to take us through school. She told me that she would only go as far as S4. But we managed to make it to S6. That was it. She didn’t have the resources to take me to university. That’s when my then partner came in, I joined university. Then after, I did my masters. I was in London for three years, away from him and he never complained. That’s when I confirmed that he actually wanted the best for me.
Was it easy living in London on your own?
I managed. As children, our dream was to go to London. We never knew America or Dubai. So, going to London was a dream come true. I made it work. However, the first year when I was doing my Masters, it was one of the most challenging time of my life. I slept for three hours every day for the entire year because I didn’t want to fail. From not having any hope of going to university to having the opportunity to study at the University of Westminster. I just couldn’t let myself screw it up.
You say you have done a few businesses that didn’t go well. What some of the lessons you picked from those experiences of failure?
My first experience was immediately after I came back from London. I was hungry to start a business, and have something going on for myself. A friend of mine lured me to getting into event promotions. I wasn’t directly involved in it though, I brought the money and let him handle the rest. In a space of just a few months, I lost 120 million shillings. I was broken!
My lesson after that was; you should be involved or at least have a considerable understanding of any business you set out to do.
Then I did a diaper brand, after a friend who had just given birth shared with me how she was struggling to find quality diapers. I did my research, flew to China to meet the suppliers and did a product that I was proud of. The diapers were received positively, but then, no one was willing pay for them. I realised that many people preferred quantity over quality. Then my distributors became shady, the diapers would move off the shelves, but they would never commit to pay us. Then the taxes were hiked every other time. I was strained until I chose to end the project. It pained me so much because this was like my baby. But, I had to make the smart decision, and it was to quit. I lost over 400 m. My lesson this time was; I had to be content. My motivation for doing that business was to have something going on for me, which was wrong.
Do you have any regrets?
Not at all. There’s no point where I say “I wish I had done this”, because I did it all. The only regret I had then was; I wished I had channeled all those resources I lost into real estate, because that has worked out pretty well for me.
How do you unwind?
I travel a lot with my kids.
During the photo shoot you had so much fun. You also walked the runway (and red carpet) at the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards last year. Is this some kind of come back?
Come back or not, I love modelling and I’m happy to do it anytime. I’m very open to any opportunity, because why not? I have the time. I had so much fun doing this photo shoot. Seeing all those happy people trying to do the best they can to make the shoot come out perfectly. I loved it.
Dress – Bantu by Clare Asiimwe
Jacket & pants – Kai’s Divo Collection
Dress – Kori House of Couture and Design
Dress – Aisha Ganda
Dress – Martha Jabo
Dolce & Gabbana Leopard print bodysuit – From Priscilla’s wardrobe
What were some of your favourite looks?
I really loved the short blue Martha Jabo dress. I loved the leather dress from Bantu. I also loved the maroon Fatumah Asha dress. I loved that dreamy purple gown. I loved basically everything. I wanted to buy some of them actually, because I would totally wear them.
Does that mean Ugandan fashion is getting where you think it should be?
Exactly! The industry has grown so much that I’m excited about the future. I couldn’t believe that all the looks on set were made by local designers. To get where the industry should be, we, the consumers should develop a culture of supporting them and wearing original products.
Excellent idea. Should we prepare to write about your wedding gown, custom made by a Ugandan designer?
Wedding? Not me. I don’t believe marriage is for me. My partner and I are happy and content with what we have. Why fix it when it’s not broken. A lot of times, marriage makes couples take each other for granted. What makes a relationship work is not a ring, a gown or a big event.
