African Fashion- Print-topia...NOT!

Katungulu Mwendwa- NY fashion Week

Khanga, Leso and Ankara, these prints are now the identifying factor in the fashion game quite especially on the runways of Kenya; multitudes of designers are coming up with designs which feature in what is becoming a seemingly cliche tactic, stereotypical African prints on an over commercialized western trend eg. a peplum dress.

Is this the way Kenyans view African/Kenyan fashion? I think it is quite disappointing for anyone to think that that is simply what African Fashion constitutes of, a collection of loud, bold prints on a specific fabric and   hey presto! You've got an African design. Consequently, people who have realized the popularity and insatiable demand for an African print (which was looked down upon not too long ago) here in Kenya, are creating what seems like a mass distribution of the product which results in a over saturated and over commercialized  fashion market of literally the same item.

Nairobi Fashion Market- Finally!

Having delayed my older sister leaving the house to go to the fashion market because of a fixation on  watching Jimmy Kimmel Experiments on YouTube that involved breaking kids hearts, yeah i'm just that kind of person, I finally got ready and left the house with a pissed off sister, whose friend by the way was waiting on her.

After a series of unfortunate and hilarious events (including being a blogger whose camera pulled a disappearing stunt and coming to the sad conclusion that I would have to use my very unprofessional phone for pictures) we ended up at Impala with my little sister who was forced to attend it with us when my parents picked us up in the blistering heat waiting on a jav...
I must say from the entrance I was a bit discouraged thinking that we would be 5 people at the event,  it was nearly empty despite the numerous cars parked outside, however once inside, I realized that the tents enclosed everyone inside, therefore explaining the apocalyptic feel of the entrance.

Nairobi Fashion Market- October Edition

Nairobi Fashion Market Poster

I wanted to write "we are going for this" in large dominating and fearful capitals but I didn't want to seem like I was shouting at you guys. This event is seeing more and more people jumping on board and I think its good exposure for local designers and boutique owners and for bloggers too, so that we can have more content to blog on and there's gonna be an Arcade!!! I'm such a child. Praying to my lucky stars for BARGAINS.

WE ARE GOING FOR THIS!!!!!! 

Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

See you guys there, damn, it feels good to be back :)

-Annie

East African Designer's Fair

Hellowall!

 Today is UP MAGAZINE article day, ah the free press... here is what we were up to at the East African Designers Fair.

Aug02

Freaks at the Fair

1 Comment

Chilli Mango T-shirts

Read It Here only on, Up Mag

-Annie

Peeling Back The Skirts

Amen

Yes, I had to jump on this bandwagon.

I know some of you are wondering what this means, well, a few weeks ago a Girls School protested over what they deemed UGLY UNIFORMS; they complained that their skirts were too long. Seriously, they were, I am talking Ankle Length.

Most of my readers are American so I have to go on and say that I live in Kenya, it was once a Brit colony so a lot of what we do here is Brit, meaning almost everyone has a school uniform. I have been to catholic school, boarding school and finally a British System school and have practically worn uniform my whole life, first it was tartan skirts, sky blue skirts(yikes!) then navy/ black trousers, the latter making us all look like we were caterers.

I have to applaud these girls because in the end their skirts were shortened but, crap hit the fan when the minister of Education mentioned that girls should wear short skirts... he never said mini just short! Of course there was outrage as most of the education system here is largely controlled by religious clerics and our country is mainly patriarchal but I say, THANK YOU minister! You are revolutionary

I have never understood why school administrations should make girls look matronly and boring in their wear, if they did not realize, these uniforms are what most girls and guys wear  and since its an everyday thing, we should at least be allowed to feel comfortable wearing it shouldn't we? Besides, if someone is comfortable aren't they more happier and more productive in their work? Students are not robots, they are people too and their opinions should be taken into consideration.

Anyway for those who find their uniforms boring, here are a few pointers taken from the most stylish student of all Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl.

Zambarau Spring Lookbook 2012

Habari!

Here are the just released pictures from a shoot styled by... THIS BLOG of course and it was surreal so tell a friend dude that we really are just that awesome, no need for applause, really :)

The client was jewelry house Zambarau (call 0721954235 to place an order) and they make handmade couture accessories. Zambarau's work is like an unexpected cinematic twist in a movie and a welcome one at that; Nairobi everyday fashion is serious and black especially in the spring when its so cold which at times can be boring but, these items add that explosive twist into your spring wardobe. Spring fashion has really embraced colour and rightly so, I cannot walk anywhere without bright flowers and butterflies decorating the streets, it really is a beautiful season. I am already making orders.

Working with Maria (Creative Director, Zambarau) made us realize that Zambarau really is statement fashion at its best!

Recognition

Guess who made it to Vogue Italia? ...no, seriously, guess who?! Imma tell you anyways :)
Poisa did! Oh yeah!

Can't believe I didn't hear about it till yesterday when Annie told me. According to Vogue.it, (shame on me for not knowing), Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, is travelling around our beautiful continent looking for talented designers. It's part of her goal to introduce African products to European markets. Just imagine how awesome it would be if lets say, you go to uni in the UK or Italy and you don't have to wait till the holidays to get your hands on a pair of earrings or a dress by a local designer. If you couldn't tell that makes me all too excited!

All images via Google and Vogue.it

In the post she mentions both John Kaveke and Patricia Mbela. I'm so happy both designers were recognised by a Vogue Veteran (you got a better word?), who also happens to be one I genuinely really like. I really think this could be another step towards better recognition from the Fashion world of our country and continent as a whole.

Do I see a Swahili Vogue in the future perhaps? Don't be cynical, think about it. Why not?

- Chezza

Shutterbug 3

Yes, it's finally out and my laptop is back to it's prime condition.
As promised the finale to the Shutterbug series!!

LOOK AT THAT SCARF!! AND THOSE SHOES!

Here's Halima. Among one of the only two people in the world that make me want to have braces! Not just for vain reasons, it's little known fact: I have a Caesar bite or something that rhymes with "Caesar bite" (where your upper jaw isn't in line with you lower jaw and other technical unnecessary jargon) (Jargon? who says jargon??).

Don't mess with Edward

Hadassah and Zanetta at the School rooftop

Notice how they're both wearing close to the same basic things (white top and jeans) but differently? I love that.

- Chezza

Mashujaa Day

As most of you may already know, today's Mashujaa Day, which celebrates all the fighters that died for our freedom.

Across from me is my dad and my sister paying serious attention to Kibaki's walk. He still walks with a limp. I like that he doesn't shy down to address the army on the field or let it hold him back in any way.

Masai bangles: various Masai Markets
Black Swistar Quartz Watch: gift
Red and blue beaded wire bangles: 4U2 

When I was younger I wasn't really aware of my nationality in any way. I remember wanting to be american (probably because of the western-ised shows I'd watch). Even though we don't have the best politicians and what not, I love this country!...and I love being Masai! even though I'm only an eighth Masai and seven eighths Kikuyu and I LOVE this rain! oh yeah, rain, yeah!
Now, time to fix these nails. Ain't it just awesome when your nails are perfect even when your not all dressed up?

Have a lovely day!

- Chezza

Shutter Bug 2

I must say that fashion in Kenya has changed DRASTICALLY. People are shying away from mainstream trends and are slowly edging closer to more eclectic, personal style.(Yes, this is a subliminal message) On shutter bug 2, Our mufti-day proved a turning point concerning my ideas of fashion in this country and i must say i am proud. We have managed to create trends for ourselves, (Note the many Maasai bangles the girls had and the slowly emerging ''kanga'' trend on shutter bug 1.) What's more to note is how guys are on this post. The general idea according to fashionistas here is that they[guys] had stopped caring... well, i am just as disillusioned as you are.

Floral Prints are in this summer. The sandals are in too.

Adrian : Harem Pants well worn.

Adrian: Hightops

Eva: Style slightly reminiscent of harajukus. Note the ankle boots and bangle layers

Michelle: The nail polish, the shoes perfect match. Neon/pastel colours are in for the summer. Acid wash Jeans!!!

Michelle, Wambui: Geeks worn in a different way, Refreshing! Nice Earings...hehe

Chezza and Wambui: Floral prints once more. Note the Printed Shift Dress so slinky. Love the mary jane shoes

Kaneda

Floral shoes even, love the detail.

Edgy                                  

Sandals for Spring/Summer

Alistair

Alistair: Guys, Plimsoles!

Ted: Now that is punk rock without being mediocre. The hand!

Chezza: The African necklaces are coming back

Chezza and Annie: Preppy Chic, Get... More...Tweed

Hadassah: somehow she is prevalent in our posts. Love the coloured locks note the nail polish - Pastel!

So Rad we should have another, Wait, Watch for Shutter Bug 3. Its not over till... nope not appropriate :)
Have a good one, Day that is Have a good day... Huh, Whatever.
The end.

 - Annie

Shutterbug I

So last weekend nether of us could attend the fashion market, how sad yeah? Things just came up then I got sick, anyway so last week Friday was Mufti-Day in school. Well, not really, but yeah. Anyway Annie and I were pleasantly surprised by the number of people that - I don't want to say looked good, let's just say there was something we liked about them.
We grouped them up into editions. Here it goes, In the beginning there were these:

Hadassah

Kylie

This here's my sister, Wanjira. Sista love!

Anyone take note of the edge of her fron toe cap is missing? Our dog ate it.

This s Harriet. Funky shoe-lace combos are for the youth. I think I'll try this out sometime.

Our friend Rukia from school. And yes she is just as cool as her name!

Bernie

Knicco

About a week ago, right before a leadership training meeting outside of school I sat on gum. Yup I sat on gum... in skinny white cotton trousers. So, like the super quick thinker I am, I survey the surrounding area for anything helpful and in the distance what do I see? My sister with a kanga on her shoulder. Luckily she was having those one of those really rare good days and she passed it on to me (thank you Wanjira). Anyway I tied it around my waste like Knicco has above. After looking in the mirror I thought it looked pretty cool. I think this could pick on. It's really easy-breezy you know like for one of those days, you know, those days. I've only so far seen this worn with skinny pants but I love the idea of a bright kanga with plain white shorts.

Liquid Smoke

By the way, for everyone we took pictures of sorry for the delay, but it was worth it yeah? Hell YEAH!
Have a lovely day!

- Chezza

Kenya, where are our fashion blogs?

There I was procrastinating away on the internet when I got a little needy for something, something I don't see/hear very much of. KENYAN FASHION BLOGS! Where are they hiding?!

5 minutes later after searching Google I came across this site. Of course I had to market this blog on it* read it through and check out all the other blogs posted there too.

So far here's what I'm looking at

*Which by the way, you could do too by adding your link to their blog.

...and because I couldn't just post without a picture I leave you with this

ATTACK OF THE CUTE

All together now, Awwwwwwwwwww!...and yet somehow Annie STILL doesn't like dogs.

On a more somber note please read about Steve Jobs. I only began learning about him a month ago. He really was a pretty incredible human being. Oh my gosh, get what started playing, 'Fiction' by Avenged Sevenfold...coincidence?

- Chezza

Spring and Summer

Being in a country such as this, (Kenya) is quite challenging for fashion. Truth is, we have more dust than pavements, more people traffic than available transport and even more fierce weather, that is, Summer or Spring (read scalding hot sun and freezing temperatures- it is either cold or hot) There is no ''Fall'' or ''winter'' but Chezza and I are on agree to disagree terms on this. So with 2 calender seasons that are relentless, fashion in this country should be unique. Shouldn't it? 
Well, I stumbled upon Lalesso, a perfect spring summer collection and its totally African certified! Such a coincidence since its Summer here.
Using lesso (not the rope kind) and Khanga material Oliva Kennaway and Alice Heusser inspired by Lamu island, Kenya (holla!) have crafted designs that are perfect for our summers and springs. At last, Fashion meets African practicality!
Loving the light, flowy fabrics, simple designs and those toned down beachy colours that are just the perfect, easy going, Kenyan summer feel.

All pictures from LaLesso. This is their spring/summer 2011 collection

The shoot is in Kenya by the way, so if you have never been here, Get packing!

Nairobi stockists: Marula studios, Karen

Mombasa stockists: The Little shop, Diani

Visit the link to know where else they stock their stuff, especially if you are not Kenyan.

- Annie