Founded in 2010, Kat van Duinen has established itself as a leading luxury label, known for its signature exotic leather pieces, as well as ready-to-wear collections underpinned by a minimalistic aesthetic, and accented by vibrant African influences.
“What began solely as a luxury leather brand quickly grew into a fashion house that evolved to offer ready-to-wear garment collections as well as couture to private clients.”
At its heart the brand is proudly South African, guided by a commitment to nurture local artisans and industry, as well as to source materials, whenever possible, from within this rich, eclectic country.
Closely intertwined lies the label’s faithfulness to premium, authentic materials so as to promise the ultimate in quality and luxury – from genuine exotic leathers to natural-fibre textiles. Refined and sophisticated, with a striking edge and a luxurious spirit, Kat van Duinen offers exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials and timeless design, from South Africa to the world.
Content Courtesy Of Kat van Duinen Ltd & Nairobi Fashion Hub
In September, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria will celebrate five outstanding years of a successful platform which has promoted emerging and renowned fashion designers in Africa. Its “sister” partner, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) which is the biggest platform in the UK that supports African designers held an exquisite and glamorous show for its season eight last weekend in London featuring over 50 designers like Onyx by Valentina, whose embellishment pieces in its rich colours left a lasting impression to Nedim Designs whose South African roots showed in her designs and left the crowd gasping for more looks to more talented African designers. The event had an attendance of over 1000 people in a period of two days who shopped colourful accessories and trendy summer wears at the exhibition halls, and watched the delightful runway shows. The pieces debuted on the AFWL runway were daring, alluring, graceful and showed the immense growth of the Africa fashion industry.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria is a not for profit organisation that promotes the African and Nigerian fashion industry and its designers. Its’ objective has remained to create an enabling platform across the globe where creative African designers and fashion entrepreneurs can showcase the beauty and creativity of Africa through their designs which it has successfully done. Over the years, renowned designers such as Mai Atafo, Modella, Kola Kuddus, Maufechi, Zizi Cardow, Marobuk, Tash by Tasha, Sally Bawa, and more have showcased their collections on AFWN/AFWL runways.
For its 2018 edition, AFWN will host talented designers from African countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana’s Bushai Weave known for using local handmade weave designs to make tailored menswear, Adriana Talansi from Republic of Congo also the country’s fashion ambassador whose collection never fails to bring out the regal side of every woman, Botswana’s Thabied already rising to the elites of fashion houses in her home country, India, Cameroun, Nigeria and designers from United Kingdom each bringing to life on the runway rich and carefully crafted pieces representing the modernity of their culture and fashion at its best. Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan will also be showcasing his “Kembe” collection at the Gala Showcase.
His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife will launch the Ojaja Fashion Institute, an initiative of Oduduwa Foundation at the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria on 16th September. According to the CEO of the House of Oduduwa Foundation, Prince Jide Fadairo, “The establishment of Ife based Ojaja Fashion Institute is a landmark and unprecedented development for young people based in a rural environment”.
Business of Fashion seminar will feature top industry personalities like Uche Nnaji, Abasiama Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2018 is scheduled to hold at The Lagoon on Ozumba Mbadiwe. Victoria Island. Lagos on 15th – 16th September 2018.
Content Courtesy Of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Makeup is big business, lingerie is big business, and Rihanna is a force of nature rocking both worlds. That much was clear on Wednesday night, when the singer and entrepreneur staged a show for her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, at New York Fashion Week.
It was a lush, surreally Edenic performance piece, in which dancers and models prowled, whirled, and ran, laughing, across a grassy set strewn with fountains, plants growing under fluorescent lights, and geodesic domes. All 17 minutes, which you can watch on YouTube, are mesmerizing.
“Runway shows are an odd tradition. They cost a ton of money, but their appeal is fairly limited to fashion wonks. Much of the clothing doesn’t even go into production. It sometimes seems like a fashion show evaporates the second it’s done.”
But this Savage x Fenty presentation is worth paying attention to because Rihanna has emerged as a leader in the world of consumer products, and has made diversity part of her brand’s DNA, rather than deploying it as a one-off marketing tactic. Her Fenty Beauty collection became a smash hit in large part because it launched with 40 shades of foundation — something that should be standard, but isn’t, as many makeup brands ignore women of color when formulating products. Just a few months later, a slew of major makeup brands had followed her lead.
And with this particular fashion show, Rihanna accomplished a few things. She put inclusivity front and center, by hiring a group of performers and models that was diverse in terms of race and, notably, size. And she offered an alternative to the cheery, homogenous vision of female sexuality put forth by the best-known lingerie brand in America, Victoria’s Secret.
Savage x Fenty pushes fashion in a more inclusive direction
For too many years, fashion shows looked like this: A stream of very thin, very young, very white women solemnly marching in a line. Designers and casting directors have been slow to increase diversity on the runway — despite many calls to do so — but recent years have shown progress. Yet keeping in mind fashion’s spotty track record on diversity historically, not just in fashion shows but on magazine covers, some have wondered how sincere the industry really is, particularly when it comes to race.
Representation of different body shapes is a particularly weak point for brands that show at fashion week. For the fall 2017 season, plus-size models accounted for only 0.43 percent of castings, according to a Fashion Spot tally. Even when brands do put plus-size models on the runway, they don’t always manufacture clothing in sizes that those models could buy.
This pioneering new approach from AccorHotels aims to make the continent more accessible and open for not only international travellers, but for Africans and the diaspora to rediscover and celebrate fashion, art, dining, modernity, design, adventure in addition to driving social discourse
MyChicAfrica
CASABLANCA, Morocco, September 12, 2018/ — Fashion, art, travel, food, design, adventure, architecture, hi-tech/hi-touch and creativity, Africa is positively brimming with new and undiscovered experiences. AccorHotels invite guests, travelling nomads and the curious-at-heart to rediscover the continent through a completely new lens – MyChicAfrica (MyChicAfrica.accorhotels.com)– featuring inspiration insights, newfound narratives, and visually arresting content.
Following the immensely successful #MyChicAfrica social media campaign, which paired prominent African influencers together to provide an ‘off the beaten track’ look at their locales, AccorHotels in Africa is now ready to venture even further. The launch of its lifestyle media platform -MyChicAfrica.AccorHotels.com – a depository of material named after this culturally curated campaign, features a dedicated editorial team providing fresh insights and new travel itineraries for the culturally curious.
“Since our earliest days in Africa over 40 years ago to our operations across over 20 countries today, we have unearthed a positive yet realistic picture of Africa as a modern and daring continent, steeped in creativity, unmasked landscapes and offering a treasure trove of cultural gems – past, present and future,” said Souleymane Khol, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, Distribution & Revenue Management at AccorHotels Africa & Indian Ocean.
MyChicAfrica – Showcasing the Continent
MyChicAfrica.AccorHotels.com is a showcase of Africa – a diversity of landscapes and cultural richness, making it one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. This pioneering new approach from AccorHotels aims to make the continent more accessible and open for not only international travellers, but for Africans and the diaspora to rediscover and celebrate fashion, art, dining, modernity, design, adventure in addition to driving social discourse.
Adebusola Adetona started her textile business Grapes Pattern Bank 2 year ago in November 2016. Grapes Pattern is a textile design and Printing Company they work closely with designers to custom make patterns for their brands.
They have a range of fabrics that designers can pick from, patterns are then digitally printed on to any fabric of their choice.
They work with designers from fashion to product designs. They recently started a textile line called Anikilaya Textiles for the everyday individual. Its’ not just limited to brands.
The Founder, Adebusola spoke on why she started a textile printing business.
“I really wanted to create variety regarding the patterns, I feel like we only see the same patterns every day and it is just being recycled. Also, concerning texture, we see a lot of cottons, crepe etc. There is so much more that we can explore”.
It hasn’t been easy in putting the textile business on the map she says, “It’s so easy for people to devalue your work because they see patterns everywhere, but they don’t understand the effort and time that goes into making a pattern. They appreciate it but won’t just put so much value on it. Also, starting a business in a place where the market is almost non-existing can be a bit challenging”.
Exhibiting her pattern collection for the first time at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, she says
“My ready made patterns are mostly inspired by Nature, I use a lot of bright colors, layering and lines to create texture. My patterns are also very Afrocentric but with a hint of modernism. With the customized prints, I work with the designers’ mood board and color palette and I sometimes put in a little of my own interpretation”.
Content Courtesy Grapes Pattern Bank, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Luxury Menswear brand, Erenti (Ee-ren-ti) by British-Nigerian Osborne Ojarimoni debuted an exclusive amalgamation of contemporary fashion and African traditional apparel at the just concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2018.
Erenti Design the rich essence of Africa
Osborne was born and raised in South London, He moved to Lagos, Nigeria for 2 years from the age of 14 where his interest in African fashion and luxury style first emerged, “When I was in Nigeria I observed that those who were genuinely wealthy wore simple luxury – things that were not too ‘loud’, such as the likes of business tycoons Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote who always are always in native wear but are some of the richest men in Africa – whereas those who weren’t and/or pretended to be would. I wanted to capture this concept in my own brand: confidence in simple luxury, wearing luxury but not allowing it to wear you. This is where our motto ‘confidence is silent’ comes from.”
Taking inspiration from prominent Nigerian figures like Fela Kuti and Wizkid as well as luxury and contemporary high street stores like Zara, Osborne says “the brand is a fusion of my culture and my environment”.
Erenti was established out of the aspiration to discover a distinctive approach to showcase African class and elegance through modern, urban apparel and accessories. With a strong appreciation of African authenticity and rawness, Erenti pursues to merge culture and contemporary designs to make its brand truly noticeable on a global platform.
In every piece of clothing produced by Erenti there is magic. Erenti endeavors to present each piece with its own distinctiveness and its own story. With its eccentric mixture of vibrant colour and eye-catching designs, the line is unmistakably sophisticated.
Applying African materials and textiles in an exceptionally unique style Erenti has been formed to provide a remarkable experience.
The rich Essence of Africa will be embraced through Erenti, and it is our mission to deliver this fulfilment.
In every piece of clothing produced by Erenti there is magic. and magic he brought to London runway at AFWL2018 We can’t wait to have that same magic on AFWN runway in September.
Content Courtesy Of Erenti Design , Africa Fashion Week Nigeria & Nairobi Fashion Hub
It all started with a plastic bag. We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started from a major issue in Egypt: waste. One experiment after another, and after many design proposals, we came up with our first product ‘Plastex’.
Plastex is a new eco-friendly material made by weaving discarded plastic bags. After winning several International Design awards for Plastex, all we wanted to do is continue delivering our messages through our designs. And thus Reform Studio was born.
Reform Studio aims to create responsible and thoughtful products. We design for a better life. We design for a cause.
Re-form is an umbrella of many ‘Re’s’– we see design as a recreation of an existing idea, a redevelopment of objects, reusing of materials, reviving of cultures and reforming our world.
Content Courtesy Of Reform Studio & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Monday, 3rd September, 2018, Nairobi – Brand Kenya Board has today inked a partnership deal with Fashion Agenda Africa (FAA) to boost growth of the local fashion industry and enhance meaningful conversation between government and the industry.
Ag. CEO Brand Kenya Board Ms Floice Mukabana (Right) signing a partnership deal to boost growth of the local fashion industry with Fashion Agenda Africa (FAA) Founder and fashion icon Akinyi E. Odongo (Left) at Brand Kenya Board offices this morning.
The partnership will see the two parties engage in an effort to create awareness and encourage the habit among Kenyans to purchase and wear made in Kenya fashion brands within the local and international market.
kenya’s untapped fashion industry has the potential of creating over 300,000 jobs, according to a recent study by Hivos East Africa, Equity Bank Kenya, and the Association of Fashion Designers of Kenya (AFAD). The labour-intensive textiles and apparels sector has been mapped out as a priority sector under manufacturing pillar of the Big 4 national development blueprint as well as the Kenya Industrial Transformation Program.
Kenya is currently the largest exporter of apparels under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with about KES 35 billion worth of exports as of 2017. With the changes in the global apparels sourcing supply chain in the world, the sector is likely to get a significant boost.
“The Human Development Index Report 2017 places Kenya’s unemployment rate at 39.1 per cent. The textile and apparels sector, if well invested in across the value chain, has the ability to create numerous jobs, given that it is labour intensive. Brand Kenya Board is happy to be part of transforming and making this multi-billion industry more profitable to Kenyans,” stated Brand Kenya Board’s Ag. CEO Ms. Floice Mukabana. Read more on the next page..
Kelechi Uchendu : In 2013, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Pre-Law with a specialization in Environmental Science from Michigan State University.
I also received my JD and LLM from Vermont Law School in 2016 and 2018, respectively. In addition to writing, I am a legal researcher at Columbia University, a blogger for my personal blog: kaykaysway.blogspot.com, an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents including Antarctica, a writer for Detroit Fashion News, and the CEO of Kay Kay’s Fashion: kaykaysfashion.com/press which has been featured in British Vogue and Tatler.
Kay Kay’s Fashion
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a Fashion designer?
Kelechi Uchendu : I have always respected the fashion industry and I have always had a passion for fashion. However, I realized that I wanted to be a fashion designer in October 2016.
Which Year did your start your brand Kay Kay’s Fashion?
Kelechi Uchendu : I started Kay Kay’s Fashion in 2017.
Did you relocate permanently to the USA?
Kelechi Uchendu : I did not need to relocate to the USA because I was born in the USA. Growing up I lived in Canada and in the USA and I currently live in the USA. I also have a Nigerian passport as well, so I am a Nigerian and American citizen.
Why did you choose this career?
Kelechi Uchendu : I honestly feel as though this career chose me! I have always wanted to own my own business in the fashion and/or beauty world. However, I started Kay Kay’s Fashion and chose a career in the fashion industry because if a dream I had. On one night in October 2016, I dreamt that I attended a formal event in a magical city like New York. This event was special because it was an event to honor me for my accomplishments. I remember walking down the grand staircase in a gorgeous dress that I had never seen before–and I knew that I needed to bring this dress (and my dreams!) to life. When I woke up, I told my mother about the dream I had and my desire to design the dress. My amazing mother told me that I should start right away and not put my dreams on hold. After this conversation, I was determined to design the dress.
Tell us about your line. What was your inspiration for this collection?
Kelechi Uchendu : Kay Kay’s Fashion is inspired by my blog Kay Kay’s Way ( kaykaysway.blogspot.com/). My blog is not solely a lifestyle blog or a fashion blog. I discuss various topics on Kay Kay’s Way and I try not to put my blog in a box. Kay Kay’s Fashion is the same way. Kay Kay’s Fashion currently offers several chokers, a formal dress, and a t-shirt and we will keep expanding what we offer in the near future.
Walk me through the step by step process of creating your designs?
Kelechi Uchendu : The process of creating my designs is fairly straightforward. Once I have an idea, I will have my sister draw out the design. I will then have a meeting with the design team at Detroit Sewn (detroitsewn.com/) and they will help me sew the sample piece of my design. Once the final sample has been approved, I can start selling my items to customers!
Dauvia Nijenhuis is a fashion designer based in the Netherlands. She has made her mark in the fashion industry and it’s no surprise that in a few years she will become the face of modern fashion design. Dauvia was born in Angola and she moved to the Netherlands when she was just 10 years old.
In 2011 she graduated from high school and started to make her own designs at home for friends and family members. Soon people noticed her creations and she started to get invitations to participate at fashion shows where she showcased her fashion collections. From there on, women wanted a Dauvia Designs and since then more women, both Africans and non-Africans are wearing her designs.
In 2016 Dauvia was among the few selected African fashion designers who was picked by Vlisco, a design and manufacturing company of original Holland wax African print fabrics. Dauvia was selected by Vlisco to produce a fashion collection out of their new fabric collection.
In 2016 Dauvia won an Award for best African designer in the Netherland, and she couldn’t be more honored to be recognized for her work. Dauvia Designs is a feminine brand that embrace the best of both worlds, the African and European. With a mission to gain the rest of the world with her clothes.
Content Courtesy Of Dauvia Designs & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Wacera Kieha. I just finished campus, and work as Administration & Accounts Officer full-time and part-time as Head of Marketing for a Spanish Tavern. Away from that, I am a fashion and lifestyle blogger, YouTuber (launching next week), and entrepreneur. I am an outgoing person, a lover of people and good things in life.
Meet Fashion and lifestyle blogger Wacera Kieha check out her blog and her work here www.wacerakieha.com
What is the primary focus of your blog?
Wacera Kieha: My blog focuses on Fashion and Lifestyle, Travel, Beauty, Hair. The aim is to provide a platform for people to have fun, learn and share.
When did you start blogging?
Wacera Kieha: I started blogging back in November 2015. The plan was to start a Youtube Channel but ended up starting a blog.
How would you describe your style?
Wacera Kieha: Comfortable, Classy and unique. I am tall(6’2), so it can be a challenge getting outfits that fit me perfectly. But when I do get them I ensure they are unique and gorgeous pieces.
Do you prefer sneakers or Heels?
Wacera Kieha: Sneakers. I am currently wearing sneakers with every outfit, from jeans to skirts and dresses.
Your Favorite shopping mall in Kenya?
Wacera Kieha: Two Rivers, because it has several Fashion Stores that are affordable and have outfits that cater to my style. Any other mall with good stores is also a favorite.
How did you first get your start in media?
Wacera Kieha: I attend to think I was born for Media. Ever since I was young I wanted to be a media personality from Tv, Radio, and Print. I used to look up to Julie Gichuru, Caroline Mutoko, Carol Mandi, Tyra Banks & Katherine Kasavuli. I changed my mind when I joined High School and gained other interests in Finance, Governance, and Business. The blog was a comeback for me.
Name five beauty products you can’t live without?
Wacera Kieha: I am not big on Beauty but I have several favorites:
Coconut oil – I use on my hair and body
Lipstick – This is probably my favourite Makeup product
Lip balm/Gloss – When am not wearing lipstick
A good fragrance
What’s your Favorite fragrance?
Wacera Kieha: Mmmh. My natural smell.
Your Best place to eat out in Nairobi?
Wacera Kieha: I don’t eat out a lot and I also don’t like to cook. I love to explore and try different menus from different restaurants. I am currently trying out Spanish, Mexican & Indian cuisines.
What do you prefer Blog or YouTube?
Wacera Kieha: I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and it is time for me to try out YouTube. I think I will love both equally.
Your favorite top five Instagram accounts you can recommend following? Wacera Kieha: @CeraAccessories – Everything Fashion, Beauty & Homeware, all made in Kenya.
@Vogue – Fashion
@UNWomen – Gender Equality
@CravingYellow – Natural Hair
@Interiorblink – Home Decor
What’s your take on Kenya Fashion Industry?
Wacera Kieha: We have really grown, have a look at our Designers, Runway Shows, and also how Kenyans dress on daily basis. But, we need more affordable designers and this could be made possible if our textile industry is revived.
How can you rate Africa fashion and what’s your reason?
Wacera Kieha: I think Africa Fashion is really growing and the future is bright. We now have more designers, influencers, and Fashion events. West Africa and South Africa are ahead of the rest of us, and we need to borrow notes from them and work together.
Your favorite designer both local and International?
Wacera Kieha: I do not have a favorite fashion designer, I appreciate every design, as they are different and elegant in their own way.
Your Favorite travel destination?
Wacera Kieha: Beach, please. I love Beaches, I hope to explore as many as possible worldwide.
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?
Wacera Kieha: If you like it, forget the rules.
What was your most exciting moment since being an influencer?
Wacera Kieha: Every time someone clicks on my blog is an exciting moment for me. Meeting new people is also very exciting.
Who takes your pics?
Wacera Kieha: @Anthony_kariuki. I recently got a camera and I working on my photography skills and I hope to take my own photos soon.
How much time goes into a normal picture found on your Instagram account?
Wacera Kieha: I post photos from my blog’s shoots, which are already edited so, less than a minute should be enough. I am not a selfie person.
How can someone find you, your social media handles? Wacera Kieha: @WaceraKieha on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube
@CeraAccessories on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook
Your most terrifying moment since being an influencer?
Wacera Kieha: I haven’t had one yet, and hope not to.
Tell us Something people don’t know about you?
Wacera Kieha: I am an extrovert who loves to keep her private life private.
What’s the best campaign you’ve ever worked on?
Wacera Kieha: I love each and every campaign I have worked on because I put so much into them. Though I love Cake Festival a lot, I love cakes.
Any future collaboration with fashion influencers from Kenya and Africa
Wacera Kieha: I have done several and am looking for more influencers for collaborations. Hit me up if interested.
Has anyone, or anything, in particular, inspire your creativity and artistic passion for blogging?
Wacera Kieha: My love for b/vlogging comes from my love for media. I get my inspiration from my daily life: places and people. I hope to do more in that space: tell people’s stories.
Fashion can be influenced by the environment we live in how would you describe your style do you wear as per the type of weather your experience and how does this impact your style?
Wacera Kieha: Over the years I have defined my style and it is slowly becoming a classic which I love. I am not a trends person so, I wear different pieces during different weather seasons and occasions, but you can still see my style in each.
Fashion Fades, Style Remains. Coco Chanel
Your closing remarks and advice to someone who would like to start a fashion blogger in Kenya and Africa
Wacera Kieha: Just start. You will figure out the rest on the way.
Content Courtesy Of Wacera Kieha & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Led by Creative Director, Babalola Haastrup, Head Stylist Femi and Fashion Influencer Angel Obasi, we were looking for both style and technique.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2018 held a successful model casting with over 300 models turning out to get an opportunity to walk the AFWN runway which will feature over 40 designers from various African countries.
15th – 16th September 2018 Doors open from 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday for Exhibition Saturday Catwalk Shows: 4pm & 7pm Sunday Catwalk Shows: 1pm, 5pm & 7pm
