LOCAL FASHION PRODUCTS MUST -HAVES

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.