Fashion week brings world-class designs to Nairobi

When international designers converged on Nairobi for the Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week, Kenya’s position as the fashion and urban lifestyle capital of Africa was established.

Designers representing Kenya gave a good account of themselves as they showcased their world-class creations.

On display at the event were designs that ranged from comfortable lounge and beach wear to glamorous red carpet gowns and sarees to haute couture.

Designers also showcased their menswear collection as well as accessories for the modern stylish man.

Heer Raja and Deesha Raja are the youthful duo behind Madafu Moxie were the first on the runway.

The Kenyan brand showcased a line of chic yet laid back comfortable beach and lounge wear. Their clothes feature African-Indian detailing mostly made out of recycled material.

Joan Ibuzo of House of Marie from Nigeria presented a collection that aimed at telling the story of an African woman’s beauty.

The city of Lagos also inspired a glamorous capsule collection in gold and lace in celebration of the city’s party scene.

Sougat Paul from India named his collection “modern Gypsy”. The feminine outfits were made of leather that showcased the versatility of the material.

In contrast, his counterpart, Mandira Bedi, showed sarees with bling. The designer describes them as quirky in a nice way that would appeal to traditional and non-traditional saree wearers. Her sarees feature sheer panels with metallic highlights and details with dramatic backs.

Depak Perwani, from Pakistan, showed more feminine and flowy salwars. His adaptations of the iconic look make it suitable a modern woman.

South African Sperro Villoti brought more glam to the runway as he brought out his exquisite collection of bridal wear. His creations were almost 3-D in their textured finishes that included feathers.

Paledi Segapo of Palse design house, also from South Africa, prominently featured animal print. His presentation consisted mainly of form fitting formal and casual menswear in luxurious fabric and finishes.

Kenyan designers,John Kaveke and Wanyoike Lewis also showcased their impressive menswear collections.

While all the designs were ready to wear, Cladi designs showcased a couture collection that was bursting with colour, texture and proportions made from recycled materials.

Cladi is a store for various designers specialising in fine arts and fine designs featuring in African fabrics. In their creative designs, they hoped to pass a message of conservation as they used polythene and plastic materials to make beautiful clothes and accessories.

The event, held at the poolside of the Tribe Hotel, is a brainchild of Designer Sonu Sharma has raised the bar for future fashion events and designers wishing to showcase their designs on a runway.

Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week whose aim was bringing the world to Kenya and taking Kenya to the world saw designers from six countries across three continents exhibit their creativity.

Watch the designers talk about their work here.