Local Fashion Films Set International Standards
A wave of high quality fashion films, made by Kenyan designers and producers, has this year re-introduced Kenyan style to a local and international web audience. “Chico Leco Presents”, is a series of short artistic videos debuted in April 2013 displaying models in autumn/winter collections by eight local designers/stylists. They include Ruth Abade, Wambui Mukenyi and Blackbird among others. Sunny Dolat, whose four-minute film titled “Sunseeker” was directed/edited by Mbithi Masya of The NEST, states: “The collection is a journey in essence. As you go through, the patterns, colors and fit changes.” In one scene, his edgy collection features a model wearing a turmeric colored shirt and an ornate nose and earring accessory. “[Films] are another way of showcasing fashion other than catwalks,” notes Sunny.
“You Are It” (Gecko Production) is another short display of moving fashion released in May. Fashion stylist cum producer of the film, Annabel Onyango, summarizes the story as, “Two girls trapped in a building needing to be released” with models: Namnyak Charity Odupoy and Ndelela Nancy Pappas working dramatic and bold couture wear and accessories. The designers involved were Kapoeta (by Ambica Shah), Katungulu Mwendwa and Namnyak. “Clothes were dark: black and drapey; we were going for an apocalyptic feel,” says Annabel, adding that the feathers came out of the idea of seeing a lot of birds in the area [Voi] where the film was shot. “We were shooting with an eclectic team,” she reflects. After submitting the film internationally, the five-minute “You Are It” production, edited/directed by Jakub Zahradnicek and Asa Isacson as the creative director, has been accepted by La Jolla Fashion Film Festival (US) and Calaveras International Film Festival (USA). It is now at the verge of reaching a global audience. The use of new ideas and new media on the Kenyan fashion scene is making us want to fast forward to the future, and see what creative projects will shape the fashion industry in this country.
