L.A.C.E.

I am OBSESSED with lace (nothing new there). I'd like to think that the reason for this isn't because it's crazy trendy and everywhere right now, but because it's so cute and girly and old-school, kind of matronly, and a little kitsch, like myself. This season, if it ain't lace, I ain't wearing it.

This lace waterfall sweater was a gift from one of my vendors, paired with a  vintage jumpsuit.

This slate-coloured lace skirt is from MR PRICE, an oldie but still a goodie.

My favourite silhouette: another laced/eyelet skirt paired with a masculine shirt.

Scheen (formerly of Closet49) helped me pick out this lace-panelled burgundy number.

Another burgundy & lace combo, except the bodice of this sweetheart top is velvet, if you look close.

Classic Annabel: lace mini dress with a lacy flower halo (formerly a necklace & birthday gift from Gita Fuchsova in Prague).

To follow... my friend Jana is visiting from Czech Republic and on one of her Nairobi 'adventures' (a.k.a. gorging herself on clothes in the market) she got me this beyond cute pleated dress with lace bodice that I intend to wear as soon as is humanly possible, and I shall post the pic HERE. Waiting with baited breath.

A few days later...

Franca Sozzani on "Rebranding Africa" via fashion

Photo: L'Uomo Vogue
The New York Times article's cover image features my friend and model director Dorothy Oliech

""They are not my own words... but I do believe in the 'rebranding' of Africa," said Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italia, which has devoted this month's men wear issue to the continent...

...Ms Sozzani's personal commitment helps to dispel any idea that rebranding Africa is a gimmick or that it might sit uncomfortably beside the deep-set issues of poverty, disease and gender."
                                                                           
                                         - "Rebranding Africa", The New York Times


To my personal regret, I missed visiting with Franca Sozzani when she was here (Nairobi) in April. I received the invite, and was in the process of picking the perfect outfit when the meet-&-greet cocktail was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. If I were to heed Franca's call and/or scrape the barrel for a lesson, it would be that it's really not all about the clothes, but the way the creativity of the clothes can help us help ourselves.

Franca Sozzani, Photo courtesy of milansegal.blogspot

Read the entire article in The New York Times Fashion & Style

Cloud 9 (2.0)

After the rain... came the party! Thank-you Brian Owango, for good times at the Heineken Mansion. Can't wait (seriously) for what you come up with next.

StreetStyle: @ Toi (Flea Market)

The guys of SwagOne have this REAL organic streetstyle. It's really effortless and sooo creative and cool. I've featured them on the blog before (see below). I'm thinking I should do some sort of feature on all these guy friends of mine who peddle mitumba (second-hand clothing) and how genius their personal style is. Watch this space...

"Dressed for Action": Msafiri on Kiko Romeo

Look! There's a pic of me and Marek...

Solange... at the Met Gala... Perfect.

"Cleverly, the historically wackier of the Sisters Knowles decided to let Beyonce swaddle herself in insanity and herself picked something sleek and simple. She glows. The knockout fit and colour, coupled with her fabulous hair, guaranteed she'd be noticed without needing to invite us into her pelvis. Three cheers for baby sis."

                                                       -Fug Girls, NY Magazine

Don't Miss: THE SPACE

Watch the ever-charismatic duo Kaz & Mwafrika on THE SPACE every Saturday @ 6pm on NTV. Dressed by yours truly.

Kaz wears Jorge's Wardrobe, Mwaf wears Kanga Kulture

Kaz: red lipstick and foolery at fitting

Blackbird Jeans

Zeddie Lukoe and Syd Owino make Kenyan brand Blackbird Jeans. As far as I know they started the Massai shuka (plaid fabric) trend for menswear that went bananas around the world. See their presentation at last summer's AFWNY (Africa Fashion Week New York) below.

Plus I like their SWAG ("Something We Africans Got") and the way they stand out at parties.