Saturday 25th of April 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Fashionista

The Story Behind Lupita Nyong’o’s Denim-Inspired Met Gala 2021 Beauty Look

Posted on by Fashion Police

Given that the springboard for Lupita Nyong’o’s 2021 Met Gala beauty was a Versace dress defined by a confluence of beaded detailing and denim panels, an above-neck approach equal parts pretty and irreverent seems a natural match. Fortunately, longtime conspirators Vernon François (hair) and Nick Barose (makeup) were more than up to the task, each ensuring that, in this case, an “American” moment meant a supremely creative one.

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“Brooklyn-born conceptual artist Lorna Simpson inspired the look,” said François of Nyong’o’s molded mane, its transparent folds designed to echo the delicacy of tulle. “[Simpson’s] take on texture is powerful, and I wanted to imitate the effortless wave and movement that she conveys in her work.”

François relied on hairpieces, ample pins, and a spritz of Redken’s Triple Pure 32 for maximum hold, along with an ardent communication of contrast, artistic freedom, and history. “Lupita is incredibly visionary and adventurous, not only does she have the most versatile kinky, coily, hair but the ability to wear and show the beauty of all hair textures,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to bring this technique to life within the Afro hair experience, and doing it for the Met Gala is mind-blowing.”

And while the striking hair may have matched the sculptural nature of the actor’s Versace dress, Barose’s makeup took its cues from its blue hue. The makeup artist used ten different shades of blue shadows pulled from two separate Lancôme Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, Bleu Hypnotique, and the soon-to-release Drama Denim with bright accents here and there for even more dimension. A rim of black eyeliner and brickish lipstick completed the look. The trick is the ’90s one, in step with Barose’s overarching inspiration.

“We’ve been exchanging images of the denim dress, which is kind of my heyday,” explained Barose. “I was so inspired by the supermodels of the ’90s and Versace, so it’s something that’s second nature to me. But we didn’t want to do anything too on the nose. It’s a different spin.” The makeup artist also cites Old Hollywood and Western films as references, the shared characteristic of all genres that of a femme fatale a woman who is strong, powerful, glamorous, and fierce. “Mostly fierce,” said Barose. “That word is thrown around a lot, but a Versace moment is always fierce.”

Content courtesy of Vogue Magazine & Nairobi fashion hub

Met Gala 2021 The Best Dressed on the Red Carpet

Posted on by Fashion Police

Last night saw the long-awaited return of the Met Gala, an event that is often dubbed ‘the Oscars of fashion, and which always sees celebrities and designers pull out all the stops to create truly memorable red-carpet moments. After 18 months of cancelled events as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, last night’s gala was even more special than usual as the biggest supermodels, actresses, sports stars and influencers made their way up those very famous steps for the first time in a while.

This year’s exhibition, and therefore the accompanying theme, was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ or ‘American Independence’ which celebrates the Costume Institute’s 75th anniversary and explores a modern vocabulary of American fashion. When it came to the gala outfits, we saw both obvious and subtle nods to American fashion, culture, and history, while plenty of American designers were represented at the event.

It was a truly exciting night for fashion and there were plenty of memorable red-carpet moments.

One of America’s greatest exports is the image of the rugged cowboy, so it’s honestly surprising that the beige carpet at the Met Gala 2021 wasn’t full of spurs, wide-brimmed hats, and sturdy boots. Despite that, plenty of stars lived up to the “In America” theme by embracing Western wear in some way. From Leon Bridges who went traditional in a fringed Bode jacket to Jennifer Lopez who channeled a couture adventurer in an earthy brown Ralph Lauren gown, the looks that embraced the West were also the ones that felt riskiest and most alive.

Ben Platt, in Christian Cowan and Lupita N’yongo, in Versace, both embraced denim, while Shawn Mendes opted for a shirtless look in leather pants by Michael Kors. Kacey Musgraves was more abstract in an equestrian-inspired high-waisted skirt and boots by Ralph Lauren, while Kim Petras honored her childhood as a horse girl by wearing a spectacular printed Collina Strada gown complete with a horse’s head hanging from her neck.

Iman in Harris Reed

It takes a lot to steal attention on the Met Gala red carpet, but Iman managed to do exactly this in a striking look by Harris Reed. The model wore a completely handmade crinoline and gold leaf gown, jacquard bustier, and flares, with an enormous statement hat which Reed created in collaboration with Vivienne Lake. The stylist described the moment as their “biggest dream come true to date”.

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Zoe Kravitz in Saint Laurent

Post-pandemic, naked dressing is definitely back on the menu. This was proven by a number of stars last night, including Zoë Kravitz, who looked absolutely breathtaking in a completely sheer, beaded Saint Laurent gown, with sparkling Jessica McCormack diamonds.

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Paloma Elesser in Zac Posen

Model Paloma Elesser was the picture of old Hollywood glamour in a deep red satin gown by American designer Zac Posen, which featured a dramatic feathered train.

Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Supermodel Kendall Jenner is no stranger to the Met Gala, and she is also no stranger to a sheer dress, but last night’s custom Givenchy ensemble may have been her best effort to date. The gown – which was embellished with crystals and featured a fishtail train and a jewelled neckpiece – was inspired by the house’s most famous muse, Audrey Hepburn, and a dress she wore in My Fair Lady.

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Lupita Nyong’o in Versace

While there was plenty of amazing fashion to be seen last night, the Met Gala theme of ‘American Independence’ was not always obvious with every single look. However, Lupita Nyong’o ticked all the right boxes with her denim Versace ballgown, which definitely nodded to all things USA.

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Rihanna in Balenciaga

It was a big night for Balenciaga with the house responsible for dressing some of the biggest stars in the world. This included Rihanna, always the queen of the Met Gala red carpet, who this year wore a black voluminous gown and beanie from the house’s latest couture collection, which she paired with lots and lots of Bulgari diamonds.

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Gemma Chan in Prabal Gurung

British actress Gemma Chan pulled out all the stops with her embellished Prabal Gurung mini dress, which featured a dramatic mint-green train. The dress was a tribute to Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American film star of Hollywood’s golden era. “A trailblazer, fashion icon, and woman ahead of her time – she paved the way for those who came after and continues to inspire,” Chan wrote.

Michaela Coel in Balenciaga

It was Michaela Coel’s first time at the Met Gala, and she certainly did not disappoint. The actress, writer, and director arrived in a full Balenciaga look, where she was covered in sequins. The jumpsuit was made in a bright electric blue colour, which was presumably a nod to the American flag.

Kaia Gerber in Oscar de la Renta

Another star that nodded to old Hollywood glamour was Kaia Gerber who looked timeless and beautiful in a strapless black ball gown by Oscar de la Renta. The custom black faille gown featured ivy vines, which were made of black thread-work embroidery and lined the top of the corset bodice.

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Normani in Valentino

Normani had a picture-perfect moment in a Valentino couture gown for the 2021 Met Gala. The dress featured an enormous skirt, a dramatic train, and huge sleeves, all of which made for big, head-turning fashion, which is what this event is all about.

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Content courtesy of Harpers Bazaar, Met Gala & Nairobi fashion hub 

Kenyan Genge Musician Nonini Launches Footwear Line In US, Shoe Designed in Italy

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Kenyan rapper Hubert Nakitare better known as Nonini has launched a footwear line under his Mgenge2RU in the US. The artiste confirmed the info through his social media platforms. The shoe edition was created by Italian master-crafts, AliveShoes, who have many of their shoe editions appearing in international magazines like Vogue.

According to Nonini, he has invested over Ksh 2million in the shoe line and hopes the merchandise gets global recognition. “The shoes going for Ksh24, 000 are real international quality wear. They have been produced and endorsed by one of the best Italian shoe companies,” said the rapper.

His latest design is a unique and limited edition shoe wear in which he has collaborated with Italian master-crafts AliveShoes, through its founder and CEO, Luca Botticelli, AliveShoes, certified Nonini’s designer shoes for distribution and sale to the public this week.

The announcement comes days after Nonini and his team met the Floyd Mayweather African team in Las Vegas to discuss collaborative ideas they can work on touching on the apparel business.

“The US is a lucrative market because as you know, their economy is thriving and that is why my products are doing well here,” he expounded on his choice of launching in the US. Besides seeking performance opportunities, the rapper relocated to the United States of America four months ago, where he has been consulting on how to expand and monetize his ‘Mgenge2Ru’ brand.

“I am still working on my music with two major collaborations; one with Redsan and the other with Tanzanian rapper Chege, coming out soon. But I have discovered that all creatives in the world including US rapper Kanye West are trying to make it through brands.

“Fashion can take you places including those international fashion platforms like the New York Fashion week and so I have my eyes on the prize. This is where all my focus is now,” the celebrated hip-hop star who was part of the Kenyan hip-hop revolution in the 2000s said.

Popular for his big songs such as ‘Furahiday’, ‘Mtoto Mzuri’, ‘Keroro’ and ‘Nimetoka Mbali’, Nonini started working on his fashion design Mgenge2Ru when he was still at Calif Records.

He recalls how he would visit Gikomba market to buy clothes that he would then brand and sell to his fans. This is how the popular Calif Records T-shirts came up.

“It is only that Mgenge2Ru apparel is exploding now otherwise what people are seeing now is a result of constant work dating back many years. The time I have put in this cannot be measured.

“In the last two years, I have put in about Sh2 million into the work and that tells you that since I have no partner this is a real investment that has gone into it. I am trying to create merchandise that is self-sustainable and one that earns itself a good international identity. This is a game-changer,” he said.

Nonini’s music career is also thriving.

“Last Saturday I performed in Oakland in California among other shows and it is during my interactions with fans that I am learning what they want in terms of fashion,” Nonini said.

Nonini is not the only Kenyan making it big in the US when it comes to fashion designs.

Zedekiah Lukoye, aka Zeddie Loky, the founder and CEO of California-based Blkkburd Genes has been making waves in the US with his designs showcasing Kenya’s exquisite features, recently, he hit international headlines after rapper Jay-Z was spotted wearing his designer T-shirt showing Lamu’s Riyadh Mosque.

Each pair of kicks comes with collector edition packaging, You can buy your own pair here.

Mgenge 2Ru Kicks 
Mgenge2ru Jeshi Ed
Mgenge2RU Ladies 
Mgenge2ru Kids 
Mgenge2ru Kids 

Content courtesy of Mgenge 2ru Brand & Nairobi fashion hub 

Afreximbank and  Portugal’s ANJE to Promote the African Textile Industry

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE), have announced a three-year partnership to support and promote Africa’s fashion apparel and textile manufacturing industry in Portugal and across Europe. This partnership is part of Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program.

CANEX aims to facilitate investments in Africa’s creative and cultural economy through financing, capacity building, export and investment promotion, digital solutions, linkage, and partnership promotion, and policy advocacy, the two entities said in a joint press release.

Within the framework of this partnership, ANJE, through its fashion project called Portugal Fashion, will provide African designers with showcasing platforms, facilitate their access to international markets and strengthen their capacities through business mentoring and technical assistance in apparel production. In the long-term, Afreximbank and ANJE aim to attract more investment opportunities into the sector while developing the technical skills of African industry players, thereby improving Africa’s manufacturing and production capabilities.

The cultural and creative industries of Africa, with the right investments, can contribute to the structural transformation of the continent, thereby creating jobs and increasing exports and other development outcomes. The partnership between Afreximbank and ANJE aims to address the challenges faced by African designers, providing them with the opportunity to access international markets while building their capacity through brand incubation.

The program is designed to promote at least 40 African designers annually on Portugal Fashion’s runways. Designers will also benefit from networking opportunities with international industry experts, retailers, manufacturers, and other key stakeholders. The inaugural fashion showcase will take place in Porto, Portugal from October 13-16, 2021.

In addition to this event, Afreximbank and ANJE have structured a partnership to advise and support European and Portuguese companies seeking to invest in Africa, where ANJE will act as a one-stop-shop for investors looking into Africa and seeking advisory services and support from both Afreximbank and ANJE.

Prof Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: “We believe that the vast creative talent pool on the continent is an opportunity to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. Through CANEX the bank is providing tangible support for the development of an ecosystem to monetize the creative sector and increase its contribution to Africa’s economy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

Manuel Mota, vice president of ANJE, said: “The creative industries in Africa have immense potential to become key drivers for economic growth and I believe this initiative will have a positive and sustainable impact. It is a privilege for ANJE to host and work together with Afreximbank on this important milestone.”

Content courtesy of Fabire 2 Fashion & Nairobi fashion hub 

Prudent Gabriel Turning passion into a Fashion Empire

Posted on by Fashion Police

She is fast becoming the choicest of celebrities, and an emblem of African fashion in a world of numerous fashion and beauty stylists, with a dynamic market where only the strong can thrive and expand.

Also, the business of designing and styling is becoming even more prominent and ubiquitous. In this competitive and ever-growing industry is where she has taken advantage of her love for fashion, as she is creatively aggrandizing her brand and fashion entrepreneurship to top-echelon.

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Multiple award-winning fashion designer and the CEO, creative head of Prudential Styling and Prudential Fashion Academy, a fashion empire located in Lagos, Prudent Gabriel, has been in the fashion designing and styling industry for a while now. Her journey has not been a smooth ride but she has remained relevantly consistent for the past three years.

According to the Lagos-based fashion Designer and styling expert who quit her job as a waitress to pursue fashion, “fashion and modeling is something I had always wanted to do most. I was working as a waitress and I making tired of the job because there was no satisfaction. I could not create time for myself and my passion, and at the end of the day, I just had to resign and moved on to my passion full-time.”

Starting out was a very daunting task, being a low-profile design with a small shop in the industrial city of Lagos, Prudent had gone through many challenges. It was difficult to convince clients of her dexterity because no one was willing to be a lab rat for a neophyte in the business.

The Nigerian fashion market was highly competitive and mostly embraced accomplished designers, so it was an arduous undertaking for novices to break in. Another challenge for her was creating unique designs that no one else has ever styled. “Also, working with difficult customers is also very pressurizing because you’re trying to prove your worth. I keep designing even when I don’t have people ordering for them, I make sure always have clothes up there, I post about them, ask my friends to share and that’s how I kept pushing till the brand got this big.” Prudent said.

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Today, her list of clients at Prudential Styling is endless, but, she mentions Tim Godfrey and Xtreme Crew, Debbie Rise of Big Brother Naija Season 2, Naomi Mac of Nigerian Idol, and Queen B of Ultimate Love as some of her celebrity clients. With Prudential Fashion Academy, she has produced over 150 fashion designers and has received multiple awards for her service and excellence in the fashion industry.

Prudent’s role models in the industry are Matopeda, YomiCasual, Valdrin Sahiti, and Veekee James who make bespoke outfits. She advises other young designers who draw inspiration from her works to be ready to work very hard and give it they’re all. Keep positive people around themselves and make sure their circle consists of people that are helping them grow, people that encourage them every day.

With her passion and goal-driven momentum, Prudent Gabriel has grown from her small shop into a highly valuable fashion empire.

The fashion world has only been better since the presence of her brand, with more hopes for the future.

Content courtesy of Vanguard & Nairobi fashion hub  

10 Creative Ways to Shrink your Jeans

Posted on by Fashion Police

Denim jeans are the type of clothing that you never miss in a closet. Jeans are comfortable and easy to rock. With a fitting t-shirt and jacket on top, you can rock your jeans like a fashionista. But what happens when your jeans start getting baggy in select areas? You do not throw them away; you learn how to shrink jeans.

Can you permanently shrink jeans?

It is almost impossible. You can, however, shrink it to the size you want for a while. Permanent shrinkage of jeans will only damage them. How to shrink jeans with ease There are several methods of how to shrink stretch jeans. Most are DIY methods and can be done at home without help from a second party.

The main element in the shrinkage of jeans for most methods is water. Learn how to how to shrink Levi jeans using the following tips:

1. The Boiling Method

Turn your jeans inside out and put them inside a pan or pot of boiling water. Ensure that the entire jeans outfit is submerged. Let it stay there for about 30 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. This takes a while to ensure there is no excess water. Put the jeans in a dryer and set the dryer to high heat. Once dry, remove the jeans.

2. Have Leggings Underneath

Leggings are light and comfortable. Many wear them during cold months to keep away the cold. But did you know that they also come in handy when you want to constrict your jeans?

Wearing leggings underneath your jeans will provide sufficient snugness to your legs. The best thing about leggings is that they are light and so no one will notice what you have under your jeans.

3. Take a Bath with Your Jeans On

Get into a hot bathtub and ensure that your outfit is submerged for half an hour. Then, get out of the tub and stay with your jeans on for another 15 minutes. Your attire will mold properly, taking the shape of your figure. Then, carefully remove it and put it in a dryer.

4. Crank Up The Heat On The Dryer

This is another easy method of shrinking your jeans to the size you want. Cranking up the heat on the dryer will make the cotton fibers tighten and shrink on your jeans.

5. Sewing In a New Seam

The method requires patience and skill. You can look for a local sewer to do it for you if you are unsure how to go about it. Tear the old seam of the leg of your pants and make a new, tighter one. You can also sew a 6- to 7-inch piece of elastic into the inside back of your waistband if the area appears larger for you.

6. Use Fabric Softener

A fabric softener can be used to constrict jeans. First, mix 3/4 water and 1/4 fabric softener into a clean bottle and spray the areas on the jeans that require a little straightening. Finally, place the jeans into the dryer set until they are dry.

7. Wash and Dry in a Hot Dryer

How many washes does it take to shrink jeans? It takes up to 5% shrinkage with a single wash. This, however, depends on the amount of heat and steam. The more you want your jeans to shrink, the more you wash. Can jeans shrink in the dryer? Absolutely. This method is simple and will only take a few minutes. The temperature regulations help in constricting your outfit.

8. Ironing

Ironing is one of the easiest methods of constricting jeans and requires little effort. Quickly apply direct heat on the areas of the jeans that need straightening. You can also iron the entire jeans if you want to. Then, allow the jeans to cool down before you can wear them.

9. Don’t Forget Your Belt

Do you know how to shrink jeans at the waist? Use your belt. Other than helping one fit their pants and appear as accessories to the outfit people rock, belts also come in handy when you want to shrink your jeans. This method may not be as effective as the methods shared above, but the belt works wonders in making your jeans fit properly and not appear baggy.

10. Look For a Tailor

When all has failed, look for a tailor in your neighborhood and tell them how you want your jeans shrunk. Tailors and fashion designers do some neat work and will deliver your desired shape and size of jeans after taking your measurements. What is one great thing about denim? It can be worn year-round. With the above tips, it will be easy to learn how to shrink jeans. All it takes is persistence and commitment.

Content courtesy  of YEN & Nairobi fashion hub 

 

 

Fashionomics Africa, Google Train African Fashion Entrepreneurs in Digital Marketing Strategies

Posted on by Fashion Police

The African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa initiative and Google held a 2-hour virtual masterclass on using digital tools and social media for African fashion entrepreneurs.

The online session, on 2 July, aimed to equip African fashion entrepreneurs with tools to plan and execute a digital marketing strategy; how to use social media and e-mail effectively; and creating a digital presence using Google digital tools. Building a brand and engaging with customers and potential customers is one of the key challenges faced by African entrepreneurs, particularly the youth and women.

“We are very excited to collaborate with the African Development Bank to support fashion entrepreneurs in Africa, especially during the pandemic,” said Khadija Abdul Juma, a marketing specialist at Grow with Google, an initiative supporting African entrepreneurs and small businesses across Africa. Women Will Africa, an initiative that supports women to take advantage of the Internet, also participated.

Since the onset of the pandemic, e-commerce has grown considerably, with total global retail sales estimated to exceed $5.8 trillion this year

“To be competitive in our changing world, African creatives need to be well-armed with greater digital skills and tools. Technology and digital tools must be at the heart of their businesses if they want to amplify their voices and join the global fashion sphere,” said Bintou Sadio Diallo, cultural and creative industries expert at the African Development Bank.

Fashionomics Africa intends to attract foreign direct investment in the African textile, apparel, and accessories industry and support the growth of micro, small and medium-sized businesses – with an emphasis on women and youth. Through the Fashionomics Africa program, the African Development Bank works with public and private sector partners to develop local, regional, and international textile and fashion value chains, taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

For more information about Fashionomics Africa and to sign up for the next masterclass, click here. To (re)watch the session, click here.

Content Courtesy of Fashionomics Africa

Creative DNA x Fashion Scout present WAUZINE ‘Matatu’ Cross Cultural Collaborations

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The first issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Neighbourhood’ came out in December 2020, and it explores Nairobi’s cultural landscape. In this issue, Sunny, with photographer and artistic luminary Maganga Mwagogo, showcase the striking and beautiful work of the designers through models Shekinah Imani, Adhel Bol and Ronnie Nyongesa, against the contrasting architectures of two socially significant parts of Nairobi—Kariokor and Kilimani. The issue is accompanied by a captivating piece by the amazing Awuor Onyango that speaks on the relationship between Kenya’s colonial past and its contemporary artistic output.

The second issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Joy and Rebellion’ is out now, and it explores Nairobi’s CBD through a fashion story by the talented photographer Sarah Waiswa. From Uhuru Park to the streets of Nairobi’s city centre, Sarah showcases the bold and diverse work of the designers through models Janet Muthoni, Chuony and Alex Kirimi.

This issue is accompanied by a fun piece by Abigail Arunga, who writes about the life and heart of Nairobi’s city centre. Issue 002 is also a reflection of the many Nairobians who go against the law to have a good time (enjoyment) and as Sunny puts it in his letter from the editor, “…this issue joins thousands of other funny stories and love letters by defiant Nairobians to their city as part of their overarching super narrative of joy, mischief and rebellion.”

WAUZINE issue 003 titled ‘Matatu’ will be out in February just before the London Fashion Week. In issue 003, Sunny and photographer Edwin Maina showcase the bold and beautiful work of the designers alongside Nairobi’s iconic matatu art. The issue is also accompanied by an insightful piece by Wanjeri Gakuru telling the story of the matatu culture, reflecting on the designs featured of the matatus, and their specific cultural resonance.

The WAUZINE short film was co-directed by our very own Sunny Dolat and Noel Kasyoka. The 5-minute fashion film is an audiovisual accompaniment to the magazine, and features the models and the beautiful work of the designers, moving in, and as part of, the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi city centre.

Photoshoot Creative team

Creative Director: Sunny Dolat
Producer: Njeri Gitungo
Production Assistant: Jane Pauline
Photographer: Edwin Maina
Styling Assistant: Bryan Emry
Make-up Artist: Sinitta Akello
Hair: Richard Kinyua,
Model: Juliet Kiruhi, Steven Juma, Silvia Tonui

Project Manager Kenya
@sunnydolat @zi.ggie @janeywaithera @photoman254 @bryan.emry @sinittaakello @rickykish @kiruhij @stevenjuma_ @eastafricaarts

Designers part of Creative DNA:
@endasportswear  @epicajewellery @favolosobynanu @genteel_ke @ohanaswimwear  @sevaria.ke  @styletech_by_teshie  @suitedbygordon  @thenisisifactory @vintaracollections @we.are.nbo

Larry Casual Returns with a Bold, Timeless & Sophisticated collection

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

While the wedding guest numbers may have been taken down, in a bid to observe S.O. Ps, your attire shouldn’t be a letdown as well.

And with the new fashion collection that has been released by Larry Casual, your wedding
fashion just went a notch higher.
The bespoke luxury men’s designer has just released a new 20-piece collection, that he says was birthed last year during the lengthy lockdown.

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“Because we were stuck home for a really long time, I began looking at things differently and realized that we needed to experience and create something new with the men’s fashion when it came to weddings. And that is how this collection was born,” Martyn Larry, the designer explains.
He adds that this collection was made for the man/groom who is seeking to make a statement with their fashion, not afraid to go bold, and also very expressive.

“I need the man who wears any of the pieces from this collection to feel bold, bright, and truly Africa, which is something that we endeavored to emphasize with this collection.

The Larry Casual man is unapologetic, stylish, and fashion-forward. And that is what this collection is aimed to achieve!” he adds.

Fashion icon Connie Aluoch, Carole Kinoti, and Model Bidanya Barasa, Debra Sanaipei out to showcase designs during the Madaraka day fete

Posted on by Fashion Police

Four top models and fashion icons Debra Sanaipei, Bidanya Barasa, Connie Aluoch, and Carole Kinoti are preparing to showcase their self-designed outfits on June 1

The white dresses, embroidered with the Kenyan flag beads on the wrist, wraps, and waist, will be worn on Madaraka Day.

The designers, Carol Kinoti, Connie Aluoch, and models Bidanya Barasa and Debra Sanaipei described their style as unique and contemporary.

Their motivation is their love and compassion for being an African woman.

Speaking to Star Sasa, Carol, in Lad Flo-Cape, said the creativity of their dresses is highly inspired by the different physical aspects they have.

“I asked Connie what it takes for a Kenyan woman to wear best, then I remembered she is a typical example of an African woman and I decided to use her as my muse,” she said.

The dresses, described as Lad Occasional, Lad Red Carpet, Lad Skater, and Lad Flo-cape, symbolize peace, tranquillity, and patriotism.

Connie, in Lad Skater, attributed the success of her fashion career to a global approach and constant innovations. She is the brand ambassador, Lad Little Afro Dress, and a lecturer.

“I decided to be constantly innovative and I ventured into image consultancy, one-on-one image styling. I lecture fashion and give mentorship,” she said.

Bidanya, in Lad Occasional, and Debbie, in Lad Red Carpet, are legends in the modeling industry. They have now embarked on family business and real estate respectively.

Written By: Laura Shatuma
Photo Credit: Victor Imboto And Wilfred Nyangaresi

Content courtesy of The Star 

Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Chic, urban, sophisticated, vibrant, and inspired Eliza Christoph enters the fashion zeitgeist on a mission.

Founded by Kenyan-born and NYC-based Liz Njoroge, the newly launched brand is an homage to her homeland and an upscale nod to its betterment. Poised to empower women in Kenya by creating jobs for skilled artisans and supporting their training, the brand offers more than sustainable, ethical luxury. Eliza Christoph offers principled, handcrafted clothing and accessories that wholeheartedly embrace the vibrant prints that are the spirit of Kenya.

For clothing and accessories made outside of Africa, the brand donates a portion of the profits to communities where their artisans live and work.

Classic in design, the timeless approach to each garment’s composition is as youthful as it is elegant. The pieces mix unique, vibrant prints with timeless and versatile silhouettes to create luxury staples that add effortless sophistication to any closet. The first collection consists of shirt dresses, skirts and silk scarves.

The dresses come in Dutch-wax-printed fabrics and uniquely designed and printed Italian cotton poplin. The skirts are made from the same cotton poplin, and the scarves are 100% Italian silk.

The double-faced Dutch wax fabric is printed in rich colors with a labor-intensive technique that applies wax resin before submerging the fabric in dye. For the cotton poplin prints, the brand created its own unique print designs inspired by historic African prints and Africa’s natural beauty. The bold prints blend the founder’s love for her home country and passion for modern and contemporary art.

The Eliza Christoph silk scarves bring art and luxury together in a delectable silk scarf. Uniquely designed, the scarf prints are hand-painted and digitally designed to depict the magnificent Kenyan sights and experiences. The scarves are made and printed in Italy on 100% silk and finished with hand-rolled edges for a refined look.

Produced on a non-seasonal calendar in limited runs, the clothing is hand-inspected for perfection. In keeping with their mission, Eliza Christoph will continue to give financial support to the African communities that inspire their collections.

About Eliza Christoph

New York-based Eliza Christoph is a sustainable and ethical luxury brand with the mission of creating the world’s most exquisite clothing and accessories while improving women’s livelihoods in Kenya and other African countries. Founders Liz Njoroge, Creative Director, and Christopher Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer, launched Eliza Christoph after years of travel, research, and development in Africa.

Founder and Creative Director Liz is inspired by her upbringing in Nairobi, Kenya, where women wear vibrant prints and sophisticated clothing for everyday life and celebrations. Having spent her childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and later in New York City, U.S., Liz’s designs blend traditional African print inspirations with New York City modernism. She mixes unique, vibrant prints with timeless and versatile silhouettes to create luxury staples that add effortless sophistication to any closet.

Eliza Christoph’s fabric prints and scarf designs blend African scenes and nature with modern and contemporary art to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Each design is hand-painted or digitally designed in collaboration with our textile design team. For our print designs, Eliza Christoph selects only the best quality, sustainable materials from around the world.

Eliza Christoph employs highly skilled African artisans, who are paid a fair wage and receive benefits, to handcraft their luxury clothing. For clothing and accessories produced in Italy, a portion of the profits go back to the communities where our Artisans live and work. We carefully choose our supply chain partners for their ethical and environmentally sustainable practices.

Contact:

Jess Kennedy
Communications Manager, Eliza Christoph
jess@elizachristoph.com
1.929.416.2558
Website:https://www.elizachristoph.com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/eliza_christoph
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability

Content courtesy of News Wire & Nairobi fashion hub 

Rwandan fashion designer to represent East Africa at African Fashion International ( AFI )

Posted on by Fashion Police

Multi-disciplinary, textile and fashion designer Amza Niyonzima is among four African creatives expected to participate at the forthcoming African Fashion International (AFI) and pan-African network of creatives slated for May 25 in South Africa.

Niyonzima, whose clothing brand ‘Masa Mara’, made it to the AFI  line-up of runway collections and will represent East Africa alongside David Tlale representing the South, Said Mahrouf for the North and Ituen Basi from the West.

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In commemoration of Africa Day, which recognizes the founding of the African Union, AFI will host an intimate fine-dining, fashion, and music experience for guests and creatives who are steering the African renaissance.

The pan-African experience will fuse fine-dining with fashion, and will incorporate music and dance elements led by renowned producers and artists such as Ayo Solanke a Saxophonist, Vuyani Dance Co and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

The experience is hosted in collaboration with Aurum restaurant and pan-African chef Coco Reinarhz.

“The African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspires for, amongst others, cultural identity and heritage that contributes to Africa’s transformation. The notion of a renaissance, which refers to the European period of transformation that was driven by philosophy, literature and art, calls on us to rediscover and elevate the arts in order to transform Africa into a hub of creativity and innovation,” said Dr.Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI’s founder and CEO.

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Since its founding, AFI pioneered pan-African co-operation within the fashion industry.

In 2019, AFI launched a campaign, African Fashion Unites, to bring continental creatives together in response to xenophobic attacks.

In a similar response to the pandemic that has harshly impacted small and emerging creative entrepreneurs, this showcase is a pathway to ensure their sustainability whilst celebrating the aspirations of African people and the African Union.

For audiences at home, the collections that will be shown on the runway will be available to shop online at www.houseofnala.africa and at AFI’s concept store House of Nala at the Leonardo in Sandton, South Africa, and streamed online on AFI Facebook page from 19h00 SA time.

About the designer

Niyonzima developed a love affair with fashion and art at a young age. Even as a young boy, he meticulously put his outfits together, and used his clothing to express his culture, personal taste, and his zest for life.

His fashion journey began when he started customizing his personal style, this sparked interest from friends.

He began creating and printing his own t-shirt designs, and also taught himself patterns and sewing. This propelled the designer to seriously consider the development of his own clothing line in 2013, which he proudly named Ma Casi, which means ‘strength’ or ‘power’ in Swahili/Lingala.

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According to the designer, the name ‘Ma Casi’ was inspired by African strength, which is exemplified by our formation of powerful empires, and our ability to conquer our struggles victoriously.

“Ma Casi’ honours our freedom to go anywhere and to be anywhere in the world by our will. December 2014 marked the inception of a new collection called The Brave Ones,” Niyonzima said.

This new collection captured Niyonzima’s ever-evolving nature, and represents a new direction for his brand aspirations: Masa Mara, which means ‘The Brave One’.

Masa Mara came from a Rwanda saying Amara Masa (Empty handed or something from nothing).

Content courtesy  of The New Times & Nairobi fashion hub 

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