Tribal Chic 2015
The Tribal Chic fashion show was launched by the Tribe Hotel in 2009 out of the need to showcase African fashion designer’s collections. Since then, the event has sold out every show, with this year’s being no exception. It has grown to become one of the most anticipated fashion events in Nairobi over the years since its inception. The event also promotes the hotel’s belief and foundation: ‘One Planet, One Tribe’.
The Tribal Chic 2015 show did not disappoint. With tickets sold out a few days before the event, it was definitely one not to be missed. Held at the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, the Tribal Chic event aims to give exposure to African designers, while channeling all event proceeds to charity. The show also aims to feature these designers –both established and upcoming- in order to rebrand Africa by giving them a platform to showcase their creativity in the form of fashion and jewelry design. This year’s show featured various designers: Adele Dejak; Deepa Dosaja; Nike Kondakis; Anne Mpinga, Anthony Mulli; Katungulu Mwendwa and Niku Singh.
The event was hosted by the very beautiful Susan Wong- editor of Capital Lifestyle Magazine and award-winning food and travel journalist- and Annabel Onyango, a fashion blogger and stylist under her brand DressUp Nation. They were very elegantly dressed with a contemporary African twist as seen from their few wardrobe changes in between designer showcases.
Tribal Chic 2015 was attended by various patrons, some being well-known public figures such as fashion bloggers, business tycoons, media personalities and musicians. Patrons at the event were dressed in black tie and modern African outfits alike, given that the event gave a hint of the dress code expected for the night.
This year’s show also saw Adele Dejak partner with Kenya’s pioneer fashion blogger Nancie Mwai of the Fashion Notebook in selecting her as becoming brand ambassador for the label. In a short interview with designer Adele Dejak about her jewelry line and the debut of her LBD line, she said, “everything I do is because of my love for Africa. Everything is locally sourced in Kenya and other African countries”. She also mentioned that her LBD collection was inspired by the Maasai and the Karamojong people. It is without a doubt that creating a little black dress inspired by the African people by gives an African touch to what is elegant and eternally. Paired with her handcrafted jewelry inspired by the Fulani, Tuareg and Maasai people; Adele has given fashion classics a modern African twist that has made a mark on the style wish list of many.
Anthony Mulli, a young designer who began fashion design at the age of 16 and one of the 10 finalists for African Designers for Tomorrow (ADFT) also showcased a beautiful collection dubbed ‘Vulnerability’. In a clarification of what the ‘Vulnerability’ collection was about, Anthony Mulli said that the collection saw the focus on the use of exposed zips because “the use of open exposed zips may sometimes symbolize a sign of weakness and vulnerability, but when you fasten the zips back up it symbolizes strength and control over oneself”. Nothing beats fashion with function and purpose.
The event also had designer display booths with items from their collections on display for sale. These booths also served as an avenue to interact one-on-one with the designers. All in all, the Tribal Chic 2015 show was a resounding success, leaving it without a doubt as the prime fashion event of the year in Nairobi.
Article written by Anita Mogere, founder and author behind the fast-growing personal style blog From Curves with Love. She is a champion of inspiring the bigger, curvier woman to show them that great style has no size. Enjoys travel and is a natural hair enthusiast.
