Kitenge revolution
What you need to know:
The designers worked the runways, striving to earn their worth at a fashion awards event last year. Meanwhile, we looked out for what we could pick off the runway into our youthful vibrant closets. We spotted something; vibrant kitenge designs.
Who says you cannot be funky in an African fabric? It is true Kitengi can be one of the trickest items to pull off for a young vibrant woman because every time you to dare to wear it, you risk coming off too old and drab.
But, there are ways to wear it young and funky and here, we present to you 13 ways, as presented on the runway at the African Fashion Walk awards in December last year at Cayenne Bar and Lounge in Kampala, Uganda.
Make it short, vary the cuts and go all out complementing it with accessories and exotic shoes. That should do it.
About the awards
The African Fashion Walk awards were first organised in 2010 by Record TV, a local television station. Where it has had winners like Latif Madoi before, Sylvia Owori was crowned the overall best fashion designer at last year’s event.
Other Ugandan winners included Bulenzi Tonny, who emerged the best upcoming designer, while Stella Atal emerged the most inspiring designer in East Africa.
Shopping Guide:
Shop at: Sylvia Owori Designs & Boutique, Kampala.
Targeted dresser: Ordinary African woman.
Where to wear it: At home, parties, travel, and African-themed functions, among others.
Collection: African vintage, consisting of African wear and accessories.
Fabric: Kitenge, bazaar and denim.
Prices:
• Dress, without jewellery: About Shs80,000 each.
• Dress with jewellery: Shs150, 000
• Jewellery alone: Varies from Shs15,000 - Shs25, 000
• The bags: Anywhere from Shs30,000 to Shs40,000, depending on size and fabric.
The shoes were the models’.
