African enriches Western style at 2014 Kampala Fashion Week

By Stella NassunaSix months back, at the Kampala Fashion Week (KFW) intro, at Serena Hotel, we were wowed by the creative hands of designers. It was a celebration of bold hues, African prints, polka dots, drafts, asymmetrical dresses, cropped jackets, cut outs, and sheers. Then the hair stylists, they showed us how to trim and style that hair, a bit of hair crops, undercuts, pin ups, dreadlocks, straight hair, and afros. The accessory designers did a good job too of reminding us of our heritage, and how we can look urban and stylish while rocking African print bags, shoes, necklaces, bangles, earrings, wood and beaded necklaces. Summing all that up, it seemed like the best of fashion and style had come alive on the runway.

Models showcase Gloria Wavamunno's designs. PHOTO/ Richard Sanya

However, over weekend at Kololo Airstrip, at the grand 2014 KFW, better fashion and style did happen. Straight from the runway arrangement, it was Uganda's ever longest white runway, dotted with guests all around it, in different prints, and hues. When it came to the runway presentations, there was a little bit of everything. From ivory necklaces, ivory clutches, ivory armlets, gladiator shoes, beaded necklaces, and pearl necklace. These accessories from Zanna Collection did an amazing job of enhancing the looks of the night especially Gloria Wavamuno's Collection which was inspired by people's perception of her character and choice of style, 'Wired.' 'People have always openly told me am wired, they cannot seem to understand me. At the start this hurt, but today I drew my inspiration from it,' Wavamuno said. Her collection was characterised of asymmetrical skirts, blouses, jackets, dresses and leather, and sheer, jersey fabrics.

Africa's Next Top Model winner, Stacie Aamito in an outfit by Natasha Karugire(R)

Hues of white, black, red, yellow, blue and bold African and floral prints were a main feature. At least among the nine designers each one had either shades in their collections. A new spice to culture was seen on the runway, as designer Jose Hendo travelled way back in time to remind us how valuable our bark cloth fabric is. She turned it into beautiful wearable attire. Purely raw, bark cloth sawn into ruffled dresses, asymmetrical dresses, and then patched up over other refined fabrics like demine, silk and sheer. Brass buttons, zippers, metal, cropped jackets, and cut outs was Martha Jambo's style trade mark in her collection. Kwesh, Eugana, Kaz, Sylvia Owori, and Catherine's and Son fashion houses were also apart of the show that night.

Models showcase outfits by Jose Hendo

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