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.