A total of fifteen talented designers showcased their works at Brads Fashion Show at the Michael Joseph Centre. These included Afro Bertine, Rikittah Collection, Seki Classy Designs, Syandi Designs, Shenu Hooda, Chantale RizikI, Bana the Brand, Glamourville, Stella Collection, Briy Designs, Djodey, Malishaj, Contemporary Nomads, Vaishali Morjaria and Phyllgood by Shiro. Special guests included Ian Mbugua of Fashion Watch, Hon. Isaac Mwaura and his wife Mukami Mwaura, Owago the comedian and Shirleen Wangari popularly known as Shish.
Brian Roberts, the event organiser explained the concept behind Brads fashion show, I learnt that the theme for this year was uniting Africa through fabrics. Brian shared that the brand’s main agenda is to unite designers not only in Kenya but in East Africa. The show supports all designers from all walks of life. What makes Brads fashion show unique is the fusion of a live band and a fashion runway, I couldn’t agree more as I was entertained during the fashion show.
Some of the main challenges in the fashion show industry in Kenya include sponsorship, co-operation to buy designs said Brian. Despite, he stated that the fashion industry in Nairobi growing.
Pulse writer Crystal Okusa, armed in fabulous neon pink stilettos kept the audience engaged during the show. Christine of Afro Bertine designs classic and simple handbags, well suited for every kind of woman. I really admired her bags, they range in different colors, are modern and so affordable. She shared some of the challenges that she faces in Kenya , a key one being that people are skeptical of fashion products made in Kenya.
Phyllgood Designs by Shiro showcases Women’s African Clothing for everyday wear and high end wear. Speaking to the designer Phyllis, she says she’s trying to bring back the African vibe and for African fabric to be appreciated again. Some of the challenges she faces are that fashion shows in Nairobi are picking up slower than most designers would like and marketing the brand can be quite costly.
Vaishali Morjaria of Vaishali Morjaria Creations was present at Brad’s Fashion Show. The brand is inspired by her Asian heritage as well as Africa. Her current collection was inspired by the culture of scarification in both cultures. What is unique about her collection is that she has hand painted all her designs, in gold to symbolize the potential of Africa. Some of the challenges that she faces in Nairobi include a stark lack of support in the fashion industry. Secondly she says there is conflict among fashion designers in Kenya as opposed to designers working together and that there too many fashion events that should made into one large event.
What I took away from Brads Fashion Show was that there is immense talent in Nairobi. The fashion industry is picking up, Kenyans have began to embrace African prints. We need to appreciate and support our own designers!
