3 lessons we learnt from the Kenya Fashion Awards

The second edition of the Kenya Fashion Awards took place on Saturday at Alliance Francaise in Nairobi. The purpose of the event is to recognize fashion designers, fashion photographers, models, stylists, make-up artists, hair stylists and everyone that contributes greatly to the business of fashion in Kenya.

The event was attended by the most glamorous people in Kenya. Winners included Carol Odero the editor of Drum magazine and a panelist on the hit show Fashion Watch on Citizen TV who scooped the Media Personality award. Connie Aluoch went home with Stylist of the Year while Emmanuel Jambo won the Photographer Award.

These are the three lessons we learnt from the event.

1. The Categories
Taking a look at the categories
Upcoming model of the year
Established model of the year
Upcoming photographer of the year
Established photographer of the year among others.
These categories were truly designed to honor those who have handsomely contributed to Kenyan fashion unlike here in Uganda, where celebrities and socialites take center stage.

2. The creativity
Three Photographers showcased their work. Here in Uganda, it’s only the designers that showcase their work during Fashion Shows. This was a really creative. Ugandans have not yet paid attention to the work done by photographers. Photographers – Emmanuel Tambo, Thomson Ncube, Radoslaw Tani were given chance to put their work on display.

It would be nice to see the works of photographers such as Gulio Molfese and Sebuuma Ivan on the same display. Thisnot only celebrated their artistry but also was enthralling to everyone that was in attendance.

3.There was less Kitenge on the runway
Designers here in Kampala use a lot of Kitenge which many times becomes monotonous. During this event, designers showed that African designers can us fabric that isn’t Kitenge and still conserve their heritage. However much we love to sell and celebrate our African culture through fashion, designers should strive to think out of the box.

The event was broadcast live on KTN TV. Here in Uganda its only Bebe Cool’s concert and The Presidents’s state of the nation address that will get broadcast live on national television.

The Ugandan Fashion Industry has a long way to go but we only hope we are getting there one step at a time. SatisfashionUG congratulates the team at KFA on this hugely successful event.