Oh, the things you can do with kitenge!

We spoke to two designers; Lawrence Okoronkwo of Rwenzioni store who specialises in kitenge-clad accessories, and Solome Katongole, a US-based fashion designer who makes most of her creations out of the African print.

Like any other trend, choosing what kitenge or what style to wear to where is very important.

Accessorising with kitenge
Wearing your kitenge accessories with non-kitenge outfits would be the perfect way for them to stand out. A clutch could provide the only busy detail to your monochromatic look, for instance.

Joy Sheeba Dini, law student at KIU, is wearing a necklace with kitenge highlights from Renzione store.

The style
The best way to have your kitenge might be to have it custom-made putting into consideration your personality, purpose, and your tastes.

If you plan to make an outfit for office, opt for neutral colours, if it is for a cocktail event, you can select a bright bold pattern. For a special occasion such as a wedding, try pairing your kitenge with another fabric such as lace or silk to dress it up.

The African print dress shirts, shorts, and kaftans will work perfectly for an outdoor activity like the beach, concert or a weekend barbeque.

Jazz it up with other fabrics
A trend that was born late last year, kitenge is being paired with chiffon, leather, brocade, lace, nylon, cotton and other materials. A single stirp in this black hat makes a whole lot of difference. Remember that African fabrics are thick and can therefore be hot, so, pair them with lighter fabrics.

A touch of kitenge
There is nothing you cannot get in kitenge today; bags, bangles, hats, shoes...name it and you will get it. These can be a great way to brighten a dark outfit.

Pattern vs design
Some prints are dressier, some bolder and others brighter. With some prints, head-to-toe in kitenge becomes too busy, costume-like or overwhelming.

Instead, pick one or two pieces to focus your outfit on or accessorise with kitenge. If you have to do a full dress with kitenge, make it short, mix prints with plain ones, or break it down like the long dress (Left).

You can get creative and mix prints in a single item, or, to add a modern touch, pick one kitenge clothing item such as a blazer and throw it over a solid attire.

Kitenge can otherwise get as dressy as a red carpet gown and as casual as a jumpsuit.

Shopping guide
Where
You can buy - fabric at stores down town such as Zaina textiles, and Atlanta textiles, which stock fabrics from Congo and West Africa. Designer stores like Arapapa, Woodin, Bold, and Rwenzioni Stores also sell kitenge fabrics. You can purchase online through sites like Vlisco or when you travel, particularly to West Africa.

All items used are from Renzioni Store, Graceland Hotel, Bunga, and Bold at Acacia mall.
How much
Prices will vary depending on the fabric’s texture and where you shop. Fabrics sold down town will cost between Shs18,000 and Shs80,000 per yard. At Woodin, fabrics such as Ankara go for about Shs130,000.
Finding a tailor
Tailors in Kiyembe Lane, a downtown shopping area above the Old Taxi Park in Kampala, will charge you from about Shs20,000 onwards, depending on how well you bargain.

There are also personal tailoresses around town who specialise in African print designs. Vanessa Ikwanga is one of them. She normally charges Shs40,000 to Shs 50,000 for a simple piece, and up to Shs100,000 for more complicated designs.
Natasha Siima of Siima Africa, charges Shs70,000 and above depending on the design and how soon you want the work done.