Thursday 7th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Fashion

Who is Ruby Okidi ? She is the Founder and Head Designer at Style By Ruby

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Style by Ruby is an African inspired fashion house which deals with African prints and fabric to help clients reach their dreams of having African themed functions. While most of our outfits are functional, we also made simple outfits that can be worn in lazy weekends.

What inspired your fashion journey?

Ruby Okidi : I would have to admit that I have always been a fashionable personality. Dressing up is one of the ways I express myself. It was just one of those days that I was doing what I love best, I designed an outfit and posted on Social media, and that created a demand for it. My sister had earlier suggested that I take the fashion thing seriously. So due to demand, I made the outfit to those who wanted on order, hence their deposit was my start up.

Tell us about the aims and targets of your brand Style by Rubi

Ruby Okidi : At Style by Ruby we intend to meet all the needs of our clients by giving them more than their expectation. We aren’t perfect but we strive to deliver the best at all times. We don’t blindly make outfits; we advise clients on what suits their bodies. At time we play stylist and image consultants.

What was your first ever fashion creation, what inspired it? Did you like it?

Ruby Okidi : My first ever creation was a sky blue dress with hot pink details. It was a sexy strapless dress with a high front slit. I wouldn’t say it was inspired by anything other than my love for African prints and my personality, sexy. I totally loved the outcome, so did the public, it made me start a fashion line.

What challenges do you face as designer from Africa?

Ruby Okidi : African designers have so many challenges but I believe Mtumba is a huge challenge. Imported second hand clothes are way cheaper than designer wear hence most people opt for them, unless they have functions and need something specific to be sewn. Mtumba is limiting that you only choose what you get. Another challenge is getting capital Very few get collateral to start businesses.

What does fashion mean to you?

Ruby Okidi : Fashion for me is an expression of oneself. It’s not a joke when I say there is someone who wears red pajamas when she is moody, and why black is a safe color for a first date. If you are keen, they are influenced by moods, the weather, and the event among others. Fashion is a lifestyle.

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Meet Doreen Mashika Fashion and Accessory Designer From Tanzania

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Doreen Mashika was born and raised in Tanzania and later moved to Switzerland where she completed her studies and began her career in finance, working for a team that specialized in luxury goods fund management.

Inspired by her the cultural heritage and wealth of design possibilities in Africa, she returned to Tanzania in 2008 to pursue her passion of design while building her eponymous brand, Doreen Mashika.

As her brand grew and her collections expanded, Mashika took home awards such as Accessory Designer of the Year, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa at 2012; and won the African Designers for Tomorrow Competition (ADFT) in 2014.

Today she is proud to present a modern Tanzania to the world, showcasing sleek and cutting-edge designs rooted in bold colours, motifs, and hand-crafted accents.

Content Courtesy Of  Doreen Mashika & Nairobi Fashion Hub

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

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

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

Exclusive Interview With Dr Sophia Omoro Founder, Designer and CEO Of odAOMO

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

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.

Here are some of OdAOMO Hewa 2018 Collections 

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a fashion and Jewel designer?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: This has always been part of my life’s purpose, even as I pursued medicine and philanthropy. As most people in Kenya, we designed our own clothing (as opposed to purchasing off the rack), and our seamstress mother made all the dresses of the 6 girls in the family. When I got the opportunity to study abroad, I realized that custom clothing was not the norm. I longed for my own style and found myself altering many of the clothes I bought. When friends and work colleagues noticed these custom designs, I knew I had a market, and I, therefore, had to pursue fashion.

How would you describe your personal style?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: Edgy, bold, classic, and global. I love many designers, but I am partial to classic non-trendy pieces. I am not afraid to stand out in a positive way.

Where can we find your designs?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: Our flagship store is located in the heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans Louisiana. I am so proud to come home with our second shop at the Village market. The new wing, We also pop up frequently in different locations, so follow us on Instagram @odaomo and @odaomo_kenya,  and  of course, you can always find us online at odaomo.com

What’s your target market?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: The range of ladies who wear odAOMO has humbly surprised me. My youngest customer has been a 14-year-old who returns over and over. My oldest is a 65-year-old fashionista. We have blurred ethnic and cultural boundaries, and have many non-African clients proudly wearing our beaded pieces.  We are truly global, and thus I find it hard to put a bracket around a targeted group.

Where do you see Odaomo in the next 5 years?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: My plan has always been and still remains to have a physical representation on each continent. Two continents down thus far!

Your fashion shows often take place in unusual locations and they always revolve around a certain topic. Why is this different approach so important for you?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: At the end of the day, we are all here on earth for a purpose. That purpose should be furthered on each and every platform or opportunity. We want to inspire, uplift, and give hope to each person who graces us with their time and presence. Each time.

A women’s collection can usually speak for itself, but a straightforward runway show of a men’s collection often fails to have an effect on people.

Do you have any plans in the future to start men’s designs?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: I have repeatedly received this request…I am working on it! I promise

What is the weirdest collaboration somebody has approached you with so far?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: “Weird” to me is just another word for “different”, and therefore an opportunity and challenge for growth. We had a request to collaborate with a runway for cute little doggies (I have a weakness). Although ultimately it did not happen for many reasons, I was totally up for it !

Collaborations with other companies are becoming more and more important for designers. Are they a good way of cashing in? Although yours has been very successful, having elegant women wear?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: I feel that there is enough room on this globe for all of us designers. Collaborations can therefore only strengthen the cause. I think if we lead with a pure heart and goal, the cash always follows.

Is it easier for you to find inspiration for Women because you have a closer relationship to those clothes?

Dr Sophia Omoro: I think being a female who wears many hats (I am a surgeon as well), I understand the need for a woman to feel feminine, confident, beautiful, and enhanced. Especially when you are in a position that involves visibility. I understand the need for this fine balance and try to design accordingly.

If you were given the opportunity to work with a local or international fashion designer who will you love to work with?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: I love Alaia and Alexander McQueen! Would love to throw in some Kenyan vibe into those amazing silhouettes.

What’s your take on the Kenya fashion industry and Africa in general?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: It is our time !!! We are coming into our own, appreciating and embracing our color, culture, hair, body types, and it is close to a fashion resolution. So glad to be in the midst of it all.

The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs what’s the secret?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: My mother is my inspiration. She was a master seamstress. In retrospect I am so grateful for her making us hand hem, stitch, sew buttonholes, touch and feel fabric, “run” the oiled sewing machine, etc (we thought it was torture at the time!)  She taught me the art of making a garment with proper seaming, paneling, and never skimping on fabric amount or quality.  It is ultimately what results in a beautiful well-fitting garment. It’s all in the details and love.

Check more of OdAOMO collections on  their social media pages  Instagram @odaomo and @odaomo_kenya

There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season.
What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

Dr. Sophia Omoro: Stay true to who you are. Your aesthetic heartbeat should be clearly manifest in your collections. Go at your pace. Life is not a race, it’s a journey.

your closing remarks and advice to young Africa fashion designers who view you as their mentor

Dr. Sophia Omoro: Never lose your verve, your soul, and your creativity. Don’t get angry when your designs are copied..take it as a compliment and run harder. As you run, pace yourself as though on a marathon..not a sprint.

Content Courtesy Of odAOMO & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Mafi Handcrafted Designs From Ethiopia

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Founded in 2011 by Mahlet Afework, Mafi Mafi relies on traditional Ethiopian fabrics and techniques for its contemporary designs.

Mafi, one of Ethiopia’s most recognized designers won a contest organized by Creative Futures. Known to work with exclusively hand woven fabrics, Mafi as a winner of the competition  showcased her work at the Hub of Africa 2017, an event that showcases the works of well know as well as up and coming fashion designers,

The competition was juried by Waridi Schrobsdorff, Founder and CEO Fashion Africa 254, Sara Maino, Senior Editor Vogue Italia and Head of Vogue Talents and Julia Sattler, Director Goethe-Institut Addis Abeba.

Mafi’s ability to use only traditional materials while at the same time making it appeal to the modern women and the fact that she has already developed her own signature for her work is one of the reasons she won the contest.

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Best Dress at the Red Carpet SAMA 2018

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

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

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

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.

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SAMA 2018 Winners and Full list Of Categories they Won 

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The South African Music Awards took place over the weekend at Sun City Resort where music industry heavyweights came together to celebrate the country’s most talented. Here are some highlights from the event and the award winners.
The event, which took place on Saturday, 2 June was hosted by popular choreographer, TV host and Reality TV star Somizi Mhlongo, radio presenter Dineo Ranaka and comedian Mpho Popps.

R&B singer Shekhinah was the most nominated artist of the night and scooped up three gongs for the Best New Comer, Best Female Artist and Best Album of the Year.
​​​​​​​
Lifetime Achievement Award recipients this year were the late hitmaker Spokes H, Steve Kekana and Mbongeni Ngema while Shashika Mooruth received the International Achiever Award.

Full list of winners of the next page

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Tikovah Clothing Creative Director talks about her fashion Journey and How she was inspired By Art

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Nigerian designer, Ihenatu Kodlinye Mike Creative Director, at Tikovah Clothing shares her journey into fashion as she prepares to showcase at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2018

What inspired your fashion journey?
Tikovah Clothing: Growing up as a child I used to see my mom and grandma make clothes with portable sewing machines, I was always fascinated at the process of converting a plain fabric to bespoke and hot couture outfits.

Art also inspired my fashion journey; I appreciate Art so much to the extent that everything I do has to have aesthetics and creativity written over it, I was always keen to make something. I selected my clothes, picked out my shoes, styled my mom’s hair a lot- I still do (laughs), and played with her jewelries too. My mom and dad played a profound role in my journey, my mom has this big wardrobe filled clothes , jewelries and what not, so I used to play dress up too ,while my dad never failed to buy the really good and pretty stuff to help augment my fashion flair

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Meet Zimbabwean Designer Tanaka Chinogureyi,Creative Director,Claire Albert

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Claire Albert is a high-end women’s couture clothing brand that was established by Zimbabwean designer Tanaka, who has always had a passion for fashion and bringing up the industry in her country. The label custom designs and tailor makes women’s garments for all occasions and ensures that every woman looks elegant, sophisticated and sexy, these being the main values of Claire Albert.

What inspired your fashion journey?
Claire Albert:  I have always wanted to be a Fashion designer since i was a young girl and my desire for elegant apparel led me to creating a clothing label that focuses on designs that are elegant and sophisticated while staying Fashion forward.

What has been your challenge as a designer in Africa?
Claire Albert: My first creation was inspired by Indian Fashion. Colorful images with gold accessories excited me to design a red and gold gown which I called the Claire Albert because it spoke everything that i wanted my brand to be, elegance, sophistication and edge.

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Interview with Michelle Arowoshola from Nigeria

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

We got the opportunity to have exclusive Fashion Interview with Michelle Arowoshola from Nigeria she will be among top designer who will showcase their brand during Africa Fashion week Nigeria.

Local by Michelle Arowoshola is an innovative high-end/high street brand for both male and females, the clothing styles have elements of sportswear, some tailoring and are mostly ready to wear pieces, the print on the fabric makes it unique in style because of the originality of the design which is designed in house, The styles also reflect black culture within the UK and Nigeria and aims to encourage people from all ethnic backgrounds to embrace their culture and to see culture as something to be valued and celebrated in addition fashionable.


Its founder, Michelle Arowoshola’s love for fashion spanned from her interest in art and textiles..

What inspired your fashion journey?

Michelle Arowoshola: My fashion journey was inspired by my interest for art throughout the years this interest had filtered into a broader interest for design both graphic, textiles, and 3D art, which finally developed into a focus on fashion design.

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

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

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 

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