There was a time when being in the fashion scene in Nairobi meant something. That something may be subject to debate, but in my view, the perception was a curiously positive one, hopeful even. And that is something I cannot say about the fashion scene these days. The circle is much bigger, obviously, filled with dubious personalities channeling a mind-boggling sense of entitlement. But the work out there is binging on lack of originality. It’s the fashion bloggers, the stylists, the aspiring designers and the fashion consumers (like myself) stuck in a mediocre rut, gasping for relevance.

I’ve had several bad experiences with designers in particular. There was one who disregarded my proportions and confidently handed me a finished product fit for an emaciated adolescent. Another accessories designer chose to replicate a print to which I was guaranteed By Nigel Mwaura exclusivity—after paying a premium price. I drew the straw after a famed designer disappeared with my down payment for several months. The said designer resurfaced with selective amnesia, at first claiming I didn’t pay, then apologizing and asking for more money to complete the outfit. The aspiring designers are the worst of the lot—promising all manner of guns and sparkle, only to send stiff fabrics and uninspiring ensembles down the runway to the thundering applause of sycophants.

Don’t get me started on the fashion bloggers who can’t even use spell check on their posts! The scene has become a scene! I cannot claim to be anything but a concerned fashion consumer in all this and I am here to raise the red flag. I am not here for this soulless shit. Are you a designer? Then put some thought into your endeavour. Spend time learning your craft and your Nigel Mwaura is a fashion enthusiast, blogger and stylist. Nairobi’s Fashion Scene is in the ICU target market.

It makes little to no sense targeting wannabe hipsters and socialites when there are working class men and women itching for a good pant suit for daily use. If you are truly a designer, your creativity will shine on the most basic designs. Also, if you can’t tell, let me say it loud and clear, we are tired of the celebrity-endorsement route! Who told you I would want a pair of pants because I saw it in a music video? Who told you? Stand out because of your craftsmanship.

Chema kizuri chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. (Good things sell themselves but bad things have to promote themselves.) Oh, you’re a fashion blogger? There is no need to rehash content from other blogs. Use your influence to create local buzz. Majority can’t afford McQueen or Calvin Klein but we all know where Toi market and Mr. Price are—mix and match anyone? Take a picture. Post it. Interact, connect, share and inspire. Come up with themes and try to stick to them. If you are looking for revenue, create a media kit and explore all possible channels of revenue. Be a go-getter, a focused one.

The Nairobi fashion scene has become a hustling fad designed (pun unintended) to extort money out of a populace that wants to look good. If we want our beloved Nairobi to rise to the level of Cape Town or Lagos, then we as consumers have to demand better. Do not buy poorly constructed blazers and dresses in an effort to prop up wannabes. It is well within your right not to settle for less. Challenge our local designers when you run into them at events, and on social media.

Ask them what inspires their collections, (try to) be constructive in your criticism and give credit where it is due. I have a passion for the industry, and it does pain me to see talent overshadowed by creative lethargy and opportunistic vendors. I don’t want a “Caroline Mutoko versus Generation-Y” spat, because for one, I’m a no-body. Secondly, someone was bound to put similar frustration in the public domain. The Nairobi fashion scene must be saved by the concerted effort of all those involved: new and old players. We can only talk about growth after we’ve dealt with quality control.