2016 was a terrible year! That’s the gist you get when you log on to twitter these last couple days. Bad things happened. A book I’m reading, enthralled in really, says that things, events, are neither good or bad. Inherently, nothing really is one or the other (good or bad) it just is. I’m still wrapping my head around it. Certainly though there are a few things, events, that are worth mentioning (in the fashion world) that were… remarkable.
Tribal Chic 2016
3rd Dec. was D day for Tribal Chic 2016, what was perhaps 2016’s most anticipated fashion soiree, an event now in its seventh installation held at The Tribe Hotel, all about recognizing and appreciating fashion, both locally and internationally, for a great cause; all its proceeds go to charity, with this years earnings donated to Sauti Sol’s Soma Soma initiative that advocates for education for all the youth in Kenya and Africa.
Hosted by a dynamic duo Patricia Kihoro, actress, singer, radio host & Wanjira Longauer, bubbly TV & radio presenter, this night brought together hundreds of the crème de la crème of Nairobi, in celebration of fashion, design, style and creativity. Showcasing designs and the works of Adele Dejak, Qaal Designs, Niku Singh and Kiko Romeo, Katungulu Mwendwa, Sally Karagu, Anyango Mpinga and Deepa Dosaja, Tribal Chic 2017 is an event to look out for this year!
Nairobi Fashion Week
Launched under the theme Mama Africa, Season 4 of Nairobi Fashion Week was a coming together of diverse creative and cultural heritage, aiming to empower the African Continent through fashion, portraying us, Africa, as self sustaining, hard working, resilient and (of course) naturally beautiful. This was what designers and creatives unified in this year’s show casing.
Centre stage at the two day event were David Alford (Harare, Zimbabwe), Vivienne Taa (Kenya), Style by Ruby (Kenya),OP Clothing (Uganda), Reem Jano Jewellery (Egypt) and many more. Pop up shops were in full swing as well (entry was free) with exhibitors displaying and trading their w(e)ares with customers.
Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards
Originally started to recognize and celebrate the fashion industry creatives (models, celebrities, stylists, designers etc) in Uganda, the ASFA’s,recently opened its doors to include a host of nominees, from all across Africa, including Kenya, and of course, we won!
NTV’s Teen Republik host, Tracy Wanjiru was awarded the Best Dressed Media Personality/Entertainer of the year (Africa), Annabel Onyago and husband Marek Fuchs were crowned Most Stylish Couple and although absent at the event, both went on Instagram to thank their fans and the ASFAs organizers with Marek saying, “Biggest thanks to Boo though. You know you always upgrade me, this one is really for you.”
Other winners included Jamal Gaddafi for Best dressed Male Celebrity, Brian Babu, Stylist of the Year, (East Africa) and Sylvia Njoki for Best Fashion Blogger/Writer (Africa.)
Fashion High Tea
Held at the super lux Zen Garden in every February, the 6th installment of the Fashion High Tea did not disappoint. An indulgence in Haute Couture, this high profile event, quite like no other, also supports various charitable causes, with this year being My Ella, a Down Syndrome Awareness Campaign aimed at the construction of a resource centre, which would ensure that each child’s development and psychological needs are met. Read about it here.
14 Designers including Ada by Alter Ego, Boutique Mahali,Carole Kinoti, Chloe Michell of Drop of a Hat and a host of others were featured on the Zen Runway with close to 30 other designers taking part in the Fashion Exhibitions.
Aside from the fashion, the food is always outstanding. This year, the High Tea Menu included a Sushi Bar, Ice Cream Bars, Burger stations, Cheese Corners, Pastries and Savoury selections. Unlimited cocktails, Spirits, Wines, soft drinks Tea and Coffee were served throughout the day.
Thrift Social
When fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, thrift shoppers, music and art lovers, the trendsetters of Nairobi come together, Velma Ross and Papa Petit call this Thrift Social. Launched in 2015 by the 2many Siblings duo to not only give young creatives a business platform but also to give back to the local community with donations collected at the event (shoe and clothes) going to Jacaranda School for the Mentally Handicap.
This Year saw 6 installment of the event, Thrift Social 4 to 9, with a special overseas debut in the UK in conjunction with the Fashion Cities Africa Exhibition. From a special 90’s themed night market edition (5) that featured Just A Band, Shappaman & East Afican wave to the last installment of 2016, Sneaker edition (9) every Thrift Social is always, always different from the last, growing and bringing together different ideas and perspectives on art, music and fashion!
2017 is here. Let’s see what it has in store for us!
