“Am I shallow ’cause all my clothes designer? Dressed smart like a London bloke, before he speak his suit bespoke, and you thought he was cute before, look at this pea coat, tell me he’s broke.” – Kanye West, American Boy
There’s a scene in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, its most iconic actually, where Meryl Streep’s character is deciding between two very similar belts for an outfit, and her naive assistant, played by Anne Hathaway, sniggers because they look exactly the same. Boy does Meryl school her! In her cutting, monotone type way she explains about fashion, how it starts, an idea, a designer, a colour, a runway, a high-fashion editor and then trickling down to what we, regular people, wear. That it’s because of the work done by others that you’re wearing what you’re wearing. (Ira Madison III @Ira) The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards, AFSAS as it’s popularly known, celebrates these people.
Now in its 4th installation, the AFSAS are back with perhaps its boldest theme to date, Dress to Inspire! The Abryanz Franchise CEO & founder of the AFSAS, Ahumuza Brian explains “I felt it was only right that we put more energy into creating opportunities for fellow young people that would not only inspire but also benefit them. This is what the awards are aiming to do; inspire the youth through fashion and style.” The AFSAS, originally started to recognize the fashion industry creatives (models, celebrities, stylists, designers etc) in Uganda has now opened its doors to include a host of nominees, with new categories now including fashionistas from across Africa.
Some of the categories include Continental Style and Fashion Influencer, Most Stylish Artist, Best Dressed Celebrity, Fashionista of the Year, Best Fashion Blogger/Writer & Lifestyle/Fashion Photographer of the Year. Nominees include some of my Kenyan favourites in various categories: Diana Opoti, Sauti Sol, Avril, Victoria Kimani, Nick Mutuma, Vera Sidika, Huddah Monroe, Franklin Saiyalel, Joy Kendi, Silvia Njoki, Sharon Mundia, Victor Peace & BuoArt
Although 60 percent of voting power is held by the ASFAS Academy judges, 40 percent is decided by the public. You can vote for your favourites online at the official website www.abryanzstyleandfashionawards.com or on social media via Instagram and Twitter as many times as you want using the hashtags #Asfas2016Nominee #Asfa2016
The ASFAS, promise a night of stars, style, glitz and glamour at the Kampala Serena Hotel on the 9th of Dec. And Yes! We’ll be watching.
Good Luck to all the nominees.
