Accessories are usually the cherry on the cake of a great outfit. Picking the right ones can make or break your outfit, and what’s a stunning ensemble with no glint of beading or an equally fabuluxe bag to hold your phone and power bank?
Here are five authentic accessory brands from Uganda, with work so stunning, you need to add them to your wish list.
KONA
Founded by sisters Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath in 2013, KONA is a fusion of Uganda and India, with a genius mix and match of colours and prints that make the two countries similar. All pieces are handmade by local artisans using locally sourced materials.
For SS2020, the brand rescued old and damaged clothing, and threaded them into fabulous pieces of clothing and accessories. The collection is aptly named ‘Threads’. “Inspired by the age old upcycling techniques like ‘Kantha’ and ‘Sashiko’, where we use fabrics scarps to create beautiful new pieces,” the brand shared in a statement.
Follow KONA on Instagram here.
Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)
Kongo-Liro
After being declared winner of the fourth edition of SEED show in 2017, Joanita Nakigudde created Kongo-Liro, an accessory brand. The brand turns waste to value, using beads, maize cobs and other organic materials.
Follow Kongo-Liro on Instagram here.
Joyceline Asio Accessories
Joyceline Asio Betty describes herself as a creative designer who is so passionate about small bead work. “I can do just about anything using beads; from bags, to fabrics and other accessories,” she offers.
She creates all these accessories by hand at her home in Seguku, Entebbe road. The energy of softness and the colour coordination in her work makes for a delightful pairing.
To order pieces from her call 0703646715
Asio Accessories
Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)
Afro Dash
Founded by Juliet Epenu, an ex-model and beauty queen, Afro Dash produces fun and dashing hand-made African-inspired accessories for the chic, authentic and bold woman with a unique sense of style & a sense of eco-consciousness.
Follow Afro Dash on Instagram here.
Elijah McQuiin
Elijah Mcquiin describes itself as the boldest fashion brand in Uganda.
“We mix, blend and merge styles from across the 4 wind directions. Our inspiration comes from frequent visits to the country’s largest market ‘Owino’ (meaning born with a cord around the neck),” reads a statement on the brand’s website.
Visit Elijah-Mcquiin’s website here
Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)
Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)
Credits
Photographer: Tessa Lwanga of Photoetc and Banji Bagwana
Styling: Karen Ibiara
Makeup: Vanny Glam
Assistants: Asaph Murungi
Editor: Lyn Atwiine
Creative Direction: Hassan
satisfashionug@gmail.com
