SUNO New York Fall 2010

SUNO is a label by NYC designer Max Osterweis who creates vibrant, contemporary collections out of Kenyan textiles or 'kangas'. This most recent collection which showed at NY Fashion Week is just the business when it comes to fusing Western cuts with traditional fabrics & textures. Local Kenyan artisans actually sew the garments which then make their way back to the international circuit. The effect is a stunning globalization of fashion which rather than ape ethnic styles, uses it in an authentic way.

TL Fashion... coming soon

In the April issue of TRUE LOVE Magazine we preview some essential (& bold!) trends for now and the coming year. If in Nairobi, Kampala, or Dar-Es-Salaam, buy it!




photos by Charlie Grieves-Cook

Tusker Power

My neighbour Rich rocks this hat made from Tusker beer cans that he bought at an eco-trade fair. It's got leather lining, and it's stitched together and everything. So funny.



Eddie layers his Tusker tee with cardi & Zara jacket (worn inside out) although he claims to be teetotal.

Out 'n About... Ramoma Museum of Modern Art

Tunu's subdued grey palette pops with black accents. Buy everything you see on her from her online store @ http://2nu.co.ke


Farida keeps things ecclectic


Red socks!


Skinnies & flats are a match made in heaven at any age


Tote made entirely from sweet wrappers


The sultriness that is a well-worn sari






In my serious journalist look (centre). For my pains that night I won the raffle!! - 2 nights for 2 at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Tsavo West. So happy :-)

Work Made Fun

My ridiculously well-dressed man ambushed on his way to work… Thin lapels and one button on a slim-fit suit is as dapper as dapper gets. A skinny polka dot tie (bought on the streets of Douala, Cameroon) against a lavender shirt and pocket hankie challenge boardroom boredom I'm sure.

Graphic tees for a (real) cause

Support social justice and cultural awareness through innovative design by purchasing these fresh tees from the TANO Design company. Proceeds from sales support grassroots initiatives around Africa. Hola to my boy Eddie Mandhry in NYC whose brainchild this is! Visit http://tanodesign.bigcartel.com for more tees & more info.

Mom... Sunday best in mixed prints

My mom is the most gangsta dresser in church... or pretty much anywhere. Her collection of African prints fills wardrobes & suitcases, their points of purchase spanning across the continent with decades-worth of fabric-buying, tailoring, swapping, gifting, and random ready-to-wearness. More from her in later posts.