Monday 26th of October 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Fashion

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

Read more  no next  page

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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.

Read more  no next  page

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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.

Read more  no next  page

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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 

Get your ÉKÉTÉ Designer Bag Spring/Summer’18 collection

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

The basket bag wave is still ongoing and we can say this is the 3rd season this trend is popping up so it’s safe to say the trend is going nowhere. As new collections pop up without fail, new DESIGNS and creation emerges in the ‘Apere’ (basket) culture. A new brand of Apere bags have surfaced thanks to this vibrant collection.

Designed by ethical fashion brand ÉKÉTÉ, we believe we’ve gotten to the right Apere bag shopping destination. The brand uses uses locally grown natural fibres combined with a well prodced leather to create beautiful Apere (basket) bags. Extremely Skilled artisans make the bags by hand and they come in different variations and shapes.

ÉKÉTÉ which means basket in the Igbo language is must certainly so much more than its literal meaning, it is a representation of the beauty and strength of a woman and the bond thats she shares with the people in her life. The brand prides itself on its modern take on an age-old traditional craftsmanship.

According to the statement following the release:

Baskets are malleable, intricately woven into different forms, shapes, and sizes whilst possessing a lasting staying power, these same qualities apply to women of all ages and race.

Our debut Spring/Summer’18 collection was inspired by our love for fashion, culture, and travel, and the burning desire to always carry a piece of home with us wherever we go. These summer bags are fun and colourful, as they are the perfect accessories for vacations, getaways to the beach and all your favourite summer activities. They also work perfectly to compliment your everyday style all year round.

Content Courtesy of  ÉKÉTÉ & Nairobi Fashion Hub

A Slay Queen’s Guide To Fashion

Posted on by Linda Wairegi

I believe that a slay queen never underestimates fashion because you never know whom you’ll bump into. Definitely, when preparation meets opportunity then success is right around the corner. Here are a few pointers on a slay queens’ guide to fashion.

A) High heels. Always have one nice black pair of heels in case money is tight. I love how black heels work well with most items. I can always invest in more quality pairs when money is a non-issue. Furthermore, if you’re still teetering on heels whenever you’re in them then straighten your back, place a book over your head and walk in your room. Believe me when I say that practice makes perfect.

B) Own a romper or two. Rompers are short, cute, flirty plus they’re perfect for events like Koroga. You always need to look your best plus you have long legs so why not show them off. Similarly, never wear a romper if you’re using public transport because not everyone understands style & someone might take it as an invitation to touch.

C) Make-up tutorials. It’s a no-no having your neck looking different from your face. Of course, those are mistakes that we left behind in 2017 & now we’re moving up in life. Internalise your skin tone & knows what works for you. In addition to learning from YouTube make-up tutorials and attend demonstrations that brush up your make-up skills. 

D) Own good make-up. On the same note, buy your make-up. You can afford it. I can’t believe that you’re contemplating sharing make-up brushes with other individuals yet you’re at the forefront of preventing acne breakouts? Invest in makeup that can stand up the elements and lasts all day long. I need to be able to attend events in blistering hot afternoons or grey rainy days worrying about foundation running down my neck.

E) Manicure + Pedicure. I can’t be there trying to reel in a big fish with chipped nail polish because slayers are always on point. How else will he know that I’m high maintenance if not by soft manicured nails? I wasn’t born for washing dishes and house chores especially if I can get a dishwasher and washing machine. Likewise, I need my feet manicured just in case I need to fly to coast out of nowhere. I can’t be walking on sand with cracked heels and long nails. 

F) Fashion. Develop a fashion sense that will always accentuate what you have & go with whatever brand that you’re trying to create. Research. Watch lots of fashion stuff online & you can buy dated, glossy fashion magazines on the streets for tips. Educate your Instagram followers because not slayers aren’t born, they’re moulded. 

Hats for Women and How to Style Hats

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Wearing hats, no matter what type, is the easiest way to make your outfit elegant almost instantly. These are timeless and a discerning choice of accessory for women who like dressing up. But, if you are new to the hat game, it can be quite overwhelming to look at all the hats out there and figure out what suits your personality and style. While some of them are occasion and event specific, some are traditional – while others are purely an add-on. The style of the hats differs from region to region, but there are a few hat styles that are pretty standard across the globe, and evergreen too. Let’s look at the different types of hats and how to style them.

Types Of Hats

Sun Hats
Sun hats were initially called the ‘lifeguard hats’, used by lifeguards who sit at the bay to provide them protection from the glaring sun and the scorching heat. These were usually made of straw or some other kind of plant fiber, and were pretty light. Just like all the other hats, these have gotten a makeover too and have changed with the times. Women seldom go on a beach vacation without wearing one of these. Wear it with bikinis, swimsuits, cover-ups, flowing dresses, and anything you want.

Derby Hats
Derby hats are the most iconic hats and are as English as they can get. They trace back to the 1800s when they were called bowler hats. Initially, these hats were about plain and elegant self-designs. They started to get a makeover as English and world fashion evolved. Women going to Polo matches in England wear these hats with formal dresses, and that’s the most famous look. A formal dress, a pearl neckpiece, pumps, and a small hand tote makes up a look that is as perfect as it can get.

Baseball Caps
Baseball caps are the easiest to style and are the most common hats used by both men and women. The baseball cap was specially designed to serve a purpose, and the idea for the basic design was to ensure that the cap sits in place, and extends out to give protection from heat and sun while one is playing sports, etc. These are now available in a million variants and are one of the most sought-after headgears. Wear it to feel sporty instantly.

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