as materials batik, Maasai fabrics animals prints and beadwork.
You are a Child of the Sun. Your fashion art was influenced
by the fauna and flora from your country, Kenya?
My source of inspiration comes from nature, natural
instincts and my surroundings from the dynamic and
versatile African beautiful heritage. In Kenya is globally
recognized through our Maasai culture like the rainbow
full of colors from beads to prints. So yes, my fashion art is
inspired by my culture. I appreciate creativity and quality. I
find styles for both work and pleasure.
3. In your vision, the new African identity has also the fingerprint of the culture and tradition of your people.
The new or modern African has the fingerprints of the
culture and traditions…like the animal prints which represents the animals in the wild found in the 7th wonder of
the world (the Masai Mara).
4. Please tell us about the beauty contests.
I have participated in quite a number of peagents: 2004,
Miss World Kenya finalist; in 2005, Miss Malaika finalist;
2006, Miss Lake Festival of Arts where I was crowned first
queen-and local peagents like Miss Mombasa 2007.
5. Are you a model?
Yes, I am a part time model. Although it doesn’t pay much
in Kenya, I do it for fun.
Which was your contribution at the “Miss Africa USA” contest in 2010 and 2011?
It was a great honor to be chosen to represent Kenya as a
fashion designer.
I created these dresses for some of the contestants of
Miss Africa USA in 2010 who represented diferent African
countristogo, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya. The
fabrics I mostly used were chiffon, silk, satin and Masai
shuka fabrics and one dress using vliscos fabric which is a
kitenge. These are fabrics I love to play around with. As for
the accessorries, its lots of beadwork. I love to work with
beads. Especially the Masai inspired beads which are very
colorful
collection 2013.
No, I couldn’t make it as I was engaged elswhere. But I will
be shocashing a new collection at the sister show called
“Kilimanjaro Fashion Week” in Arusha, May 2014. Regarding the collection I am still working on, called the Matarta
collection…There is a story behind this collection which
I will keep you updated during The Kilimanjaro Fashion
Week.
\What kind of materials do you prefer to use for your
creations?
I love to play around with fabric mix them gather them.
But my favorite is kitenge, Masai shukas, chiffon, silk, cotton, animal prints so long as its colorful and bright.
Exotic as your dresses, your accessories are in the bright
colours of the rainbow. They are made by a local jewels
designer?
No, I do my own jewelery as well with the help of my assistant who is comes from the Maasai tribe and knows her
way around beads,she taught me some of the beading
skills. I like to collect different types of beads from different
cultures, including western. Then, I mix them up to give
them an African look with an International outlook.
Which are your recommendations for the spring 2014?
Africa, Kenyan Coast, beautiful sceneries, nature, culture…
It’s a scene most New Yorkers and the Americans would
marvel at. Unlike the western or American trends inspired
by celebrities that Americans wear, on the fashion campaign trail, this collection is not only memorable for the
diverse culture, but for the striking colors, color clashing
fabrics on display. Mixing up of fabrics, batik, kitenge,
kikoy head wraps patchwork, beaded accessories. All this
with a modern touch, the result is Afro Fabulous: The African Rainbow Collection.
Vee Fashion House - Essence of Cultural Elegance
You participated at the “Fashion Week Zanzibar”, fall-winter
MAMi Magazine 55
MAMiMagazine
“I love to play around with fabric mix them gather them. But my favorite is kitenge, Masai shukas, chiffon, silk, cotton, animal prints so long as
its colorful and bright.”