LOCAL
FASHION PRODUCTS MUST -HAVES
BY
EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO.
FOR
KENYA KIDZ.
I bet
you have been to an event or even in town and admired a stranger in a locally
made outfit; kitenge designed shoe or
custom made Maasai cloth blazer.
Well,
it is now time to get geared up to match the vibe; with a range of Nairobi’s
new, fresh, chic and unique local fashion products.
The feel
and beauty of the sunny Nairobi seems to be directed by the fashion conscious
who want our beloved city under the sun to rise to the level of Cape Town;
Lagos or even Milan, Paris- the true home and city of fashion.
A small
fashion production house SOKO Kenya, got associated with one of the most
powerful women in the world- Michelle Obama. In July 2011; Mrs. Obama was
photographed wearing an ASOS Africa collection item manufactured by SOKO Kenya.
This goes
to show the potential of our local designers and how when given the local
support; they can go places. On my different shopping spree researches; here
are some of the chic and trendy Kenyan items that caught my eye.
THE
KENYAN NDULA
“The Nairobi
fashion scene has become a hustling fad designed (pun intended) to extort money
out of a populace that wants to look good. If we want our beloved Nairobi to
rise to the level of Cape Town or Lagos; then we as consumers have to demand
better”, those are the passionate words of Nigel Mwaura; a fashion enthusiast;
blogger and stylist.
So, we
all love it when a young and hype designer brings in a fresh feel in the
fashion world.
The name
“ndula” is Sheng for shoe. The inspiration for KenyanNdula came from the desire
to promote local fashion; taking the everyday loafer or brogue; to create a
unique edge that is stylish.
The touch
is unique. It has a traditional feel and that local “mtaani” (hood) touch;
while still oozing a contemporary urban touch.
This fashion
fad comes with a variety of comfort shoes ranging from the traditional kitenge; Maasai cloth; leather and more
fun colorful and locally inspired fabrics.
Plus; their
recently launched Fashion for Peace collection will leave you speechless and we
bet will be big this year.
The pieces
are unisex, which makes it even a more plus! Pair these up with your everyday
casual wear; your pair of slacks; jeans or even maxi dress, for the ladies and
you are good to go.
KenyanNdula
is for the fashion conscious since they are comfortable; easy to wear and very
trendy.
-for
orders, visit Facebook page: kenyanNdula.
JIAMINI/
OTENGE
Looking
for a one-stop shop for authentic and exceptional Kenyan adornment? Then Jiamini
is your place. Ranging from rings and earrings to neck and hand pieces.
These are
made using brass, beads or animal horns that are inspired by the ancient Ethiopian
and Touareg communities.
These products
are certainly for the afro-divas; with pieces ranging from KES 5,000-25,000.
Looking
to add spruce to your look using urban kitenge
accessories? Then try Otenge for accessorized earrings and ribbons. This
unique range of products goes for less than KES 1,000.
-To get
in touch, visit Facebook page: Jiamini.
-otenge
products are available for sale at the Banana Box company stores, Sarit Centre.
Or find them on Facebook page: Otenge.
AFRO
SLIPPERS/ MORAN APPAREL.
Unisex
shoes seem to be the new funky trend in Nairobi. Made of Ankara, with either leso prints
or velvet; they are suitable for high fashion events, everyday fashion wear,
theme parties or those days you wish to have heads turning as you make a
fashion statement.
Moran Apparel’s
shoes come with laces and both shoes cost between KES 2,000 and 6,000.
-for
more details, check Facebook page: Afros (African slippers).
-twitter:
@Moran Apparel.
MANCINY
Their
latest collection dubbed “Urban Gentlemen” comprise mostly of warm colored
laced coats. Ladies can purchase Manciny kiondos
and clutch bags made from recycled papers and VHS tapes.
The customized
male coats are made from soft khaki fused in batik or Ankara with fancy inside
pockets.
Coats cost
between KES 6,500 and 7,500; while clutch bags/ kiondos go for between KES 500 and 3,500.
-for
more of Manciny-www.manciny.kbo.co.ke.
CHILLI
MANGO
Their
big retro-shades print and funky warm-colored tees with distinctive
asymmetrical designs do make these cool tees worth an ideal buy. They come in
sizes for both ladies and gents with quirky prints such as maize combs.
Tees go
for KES 1,200. Also check out Chilli
Mango’s warm hoodies partly made of leso/ khanga prints costing between KES 4,500
and 6,000.
-to get
in touch with Chilli Mango, email chillimangodesigns@gmail.com.
MARIDADI
Maridadi.co.ke
and totallytumba.com
together form the franchise “Maridadi”, online stores that sell affordable
Italian and French haute couture fashion.
They also
sell excellent vintage high street fashions, unique jeweler, sleep wear and
beachwear. Jeweler ranges from KES 700 while beachwear (bikinis, tankins and
full swim suits) retail at KES 3,500
Established
way back in 2010 by four sisters; in 2012, Maridadi acquired a physical store
located in Highridge; opposite Diamond Plaza, first floor, shop 6.
They
deliver to your doorstep at a minimal cost of only KES 250 anywhere in Nairobi,
within 24 hours.
-For
more inquiries, call Mary- 0715 248 305 or email info@maridadi.co.ke
I have
a deep passion for the fashion industry. I am nobody special but I do what I do
that the Nairobi fashion scene must be saved by the concerted efforts of all
those involved; new and old players.
We can
only talk about growth after we’ve dealt with quality control and Kenyans are
buying locally produced world class standards goods.
-additional
insights from Nigel Mwaura and Anyiko Owoko both of Nairobi’s Urban Perspective
(UP) magazine Kenya.
