Paris to Nairobi: City Models Africa Launches Tonight

FAFA Debuts in London

"The Festival for African Fashion and Arts (FAFA) was set-up in 2008 during the post-election violence in Kenya. It was envisioned as an event that would bring people together to promote a message of unity and peace. FAFA 2013 is a celebration of Kenya at 50. A celebration of Kenyan heroes in design, sport, business and technology. Past FAFA Gala events have included designers such as Nigeria’s Tiffany Amber, Senegal’s Mame Faguèye Bâ, Tanzania’s Mustafa Hassanali, Ghana’s Kofi Ansah, Ethiopia’s Mosaique, Uganda’s Arapapa, Zanzibar’s Doreen Mashika and South Africa’s Thula Sindi."

"21st November 2013, saw FAFA Kenya raise Kenyan fashion a notch higher in London all for a worthy cause during the ‘Wherever The Need’ Charity dinner. Hosted at Victoria Embankment Gardens, London, the charity dinner successfully raised a total of £80,000 (KSH 11 200 000) proceeds going to a water & conservation projects in Laikipia, Kenya.

The FAFA show was the highlight of the evening with six designers showcasing their collections, and Ajuma Nasanyana being feted as Guest of Honour. Jamil Walji, opened the show with a splash of vibrant colours and bold prints in yellow, black, pink and red. He was followed by a denim men’s wear collection by Anna Adero, then a conceptual collection by Katungulu Mwendwa of sculptural 3D forms mixed with flowing jersey, all in blacks, greys and whites. Nick Ondu's lively prints mixed with plains, followed by KikoRomeo's dramatic hand painted red silk gowns and capes. Kooroo closed the show with an exquisite collection of laser cut silks and suedes in soft purples and silver."

                                                                                                                                 - FAFA

All images courtesy of Joseph Hunwick, makeup by Saima Rashid.

Joy! I'm in LONDON.

So I'm in London this week, staying at the très trendy Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. Grey, industrial minimalism is the overall feeling, but there's art and bicycles scattered everywhere, and quirky add-ons like a photo booth in the lobby. Everything is very cool and artsy. My room (which is blissful!) has a mural, a turntable with vintage records for my personal enjoyment, and an artfully presented mini bar that's not-so-mini. It's cold outside, but I'm gonna love it here.

Swahili Fashion Week 2013

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK , East and Central Africa Largest Platform is NOW in its SIXTH YEAR 27 Tanzanian Designers and 17 Regional designers from 9 Countries to Participate Lets promote Made In Africa. and show the world trends emerging fromEAST AFRICA Tickets in advance available @25,000TZS at EPIDOR & ZUANE in Masaki, Golden Tulip Hotel and Century Cinemax (Mlimani City) Tickets can be Bought Online  www.tiketi.co.tz

CONTACT US : GENERAL: info@swahilifashionweek.com MEDIA: media@swahilifashionweek.com FASHION: designers@swahilifashionweek.com TEL: +255762434232 Follow us on Instagram @swahilifashionweek

DESIGNER: Anil Padia

DESIGNER Anil Padia

MODEL Ajuma Nasenyana

PHOTOGRAPHS Barbara Minishi Photography

STYLING Laura Ubago

HAIR Randolph Gray

MAKEUP Muthoni Njoba

PRODUCTION Olivia Ambani

ACCESSORIES Le Collane di Betta

Launching The Spa at Hemingways

Yesterday marked the launch of The Spa Hemingways. Attached to the colonial-influenced architecture and design of the newly-constructed Hemingways Hotel Nairobi in the leafy suburban neighbourhood of Karen, is this spa that carries that same mood and theme. With its plantation-like opulence, Lamu-carved doors, gigantic Indonesian lampshades and carvings, fresh-cut flowers at every turn, earthy ambiance, and gentle-looking staff floating around, Hemingways Spa is therapeutic luxury as best as you could define it in East Africa. Here, a snapshot:

  

The more than delightful Katy Whitfield, Hemingways Spa Manager

Stylists reunited over cocktails: Wambui Kibue, Wambui Thimba, and me.

Find The Spa Hemingways on Marula Lane in Karen, Nairobi, or contact Spa Manager Katy Whitfield at katy.whitfield@hemingways.co for more info on this dreamy city retreat.

(LADY KARUN) Makeup by Sinitta Owor of Cultured Ego

Aren't these super fly?

Makeup & Hair by the supremely talented Sinitta Awor of Cultured Ego.

Photographs by Shifteye Photography

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Formerly of pop group Camp Mulla, Lady Karun is a singer, songwriter currently based in California.