Subverting Stereotypes

I've been hearing her name for a while but it only just hit me how much I admire Iggy Azalea's game. I'm actually enamoured by her attitude and style. Not just her personal style, but her mind's style. She jolts you out of your preconceptions about pop culture, race, what people are supposed to be and do when they look a certain way. Life lessons for even the most open-minded among us.

Doooope interview by Iggy Azalea for Best of Hard Knock TV:




Her Work video is my latest 'on repeat' joint - "Work, work, work, work, workin on my shit". It's surprising, because I don't even like rap.





"Support what you like" - Iggy Azalea

ZARA Comes to Kenya. Finally.

Universally-adored fashion brand ZARA is finally landing at Nairobi retail outlet 4U2 (Deacons family). And we're involved in the launch! Here are the details:

Fashion is currently riding high in Nairobi! If you don’t see it or believe us, check this out—Kenya’s top Fashion Stylists drawn from Media Houses: Anyiko Owoko (KBC/UP Magazine), Wambui Kibue (Sunday Nation), Sunny Dolat (The NEST), Wambui Thimba (Standard), Annabel Onyango (Mnet), Connie Aluoch (Nairobian/True Love); as selected by Deacons Kenya Limited, will be battling it out at a unique fashion show later in the month in a creative challenge with a top prize.

For the launch of Europe largest lifestyle retail brand ZARA, Deacons Kenya has chosen the six stylists and fashionistas and tasked them to come up with a unique collection that will display all the brands stocked under Deacons, namely: 4U2, Baby Shop, Angelo, Woolworths and of course, the new ZARA.

Deacons Kenya Limited C.E.O  Muchiri Wahome is confident in the direction the franchise has taken in introducing a new brand in town. “It will be a massive showcase to find out who is Kenya’s finest Fashion Stylist. Deacons wants to do more for the local industry and this fashion show is just a beginning of the many ways we are looking of partnering with local Kenyan stylists and designers,” he said. Adding, “We are keen on making this an annual event.”

The Fashion Show, also Deacons debut for their collections will be held on July 28th at Thika Road Mall, and will feature 21 models strutting up and down the TRM runway. Overall winner will get a cash prize of KES: 100,000. Number two: KES 50,000 and the third stylist: KES: 25,000.

(We are obviously biased and are vouching for our Associate Editor, hoping she can take the entire office out for drinks, if she bags the top prize. )

                     
      - UP! http://new.upnairobi.com/dt_portfolio/top-fashion-stylists-for-zaras-launch-in-kenya/


Frothing at the mouth over this. Come join us on the day - July 28th at the Thika Road Mall.

Behind-the-Scenes at "Mashariki Mix"

Mashariki Mix Presenter Amina Abdi wears leather top & pants from Laddia (Bridget's, City Market Stalls) 

Mashariki Mix Presenter Sarah Hassan wears dress from Laddia (Bridget's, City Market Stalls)

Contact Laddia at (+254) 723134582

Shot at the Classic Mouldings showroom in Nairobi. Watch Mashariki Mix weeknights at 19.30 on AfricaMagic (MNET).

AFRICA's Next Top Model!

ANTM model mentor Oluchi alongside her casting director Maria

The Africa's Next Top Model media launch happened tonight (Saturday 13th). This is the 2nd leg of the America's Next Top Model franchise, with Kenya auditions happening on Sunday, July 14th. Get the audition details here.

Will post photos of the evening shortly!

Look Who's In Town

Get the audition details at ANTMAfrica.com.

And in other even more exciting news, my friend and MODAHNIK designer Kahindo Mateene has been selected  for Season 12 of PROJECT RUNWAY! Unbelievable! The show premieres in the U.S. July 18th. Check out Kahindo's bio here.

Kahindo Mateene, MODHANIK, Project Runway Season 12 contestant

Season 12 contestants

Good luck Kahindo, we'll be watching online!

Another Gem (There's Been a Lot Lately)

"Cherry Lady" - Lookbook.nu

So I obviously can't get enough of this silhouette - itty bitty top, midi pencil skirt. The quirky mixed prints takes it to another level of fabulous. The best of every day retro glamour.

Beyoncé for FLAUNT Magazine

http://theybf.com/2013/07/09/beyonce-is-butt-naked-covered-in-glitterfor-flaunt-magazine

Don't these beads look African to you? Doesn't a lot of what she puts out have a keen African edge? Either way, great image of Beyoncé here (as always) from Flaunt Magazine. She's too mainstream for me to outright admit that she's amazing, but you've gotta give credit where it's due. This African-referenced Chime for Change performance back in June is really her art at its peak for me:

DRUM Magazine Fashion: SAUTI SOL are "All Grown Up"

The DRUM Magazine fashion shoot with super-band SAUTI SOL was inspired by 1970's portrait photographers Malik Sidibe and Seydou Keita who brought out the personal flair of their subjects. Mixed African prints, a studio feel, and the checkered lino floor all hearken to an era of shameless posing and flamboyant personal style.

Pick up your July issue of DRUM today! ...And see the behind-the scenes here.

Easy Breezy

"On the Street... Viale Piave, Milan" - The Sartorialist

This is easy breezy perfection at its best - simple pieces that coordinate effortlessly to give you a perfectly modern and put-together edge. I've worn my stripe midi skirt to death this year, but it's a timeless silhouette so I have no shame. Visit the The Sartorialist to read comments on the look.

Striped knee-length skirt: a favourite go-to this year. Image courtesy of Miamis Silas.

Behind the Scenes at "Mashariki Mix"

Mashariki Mix Presenter Sarah Hassan wears peach peplum from Jorge's Wardrobe.

Shot at Zen Garden, Nairobi.

Makeup by Koby steals my sunglasses.

 Meanwhile...

Mashariki Mix Entertainment News Presenter Amina Abdi wears Jorge's Wardrobe. Shot at The Boma.

Makeup by Koby

Hanging glass outside The Boma.

Watch Mashariki Mix weeknights at 19.30 on AfricaMagic (MNET).