The 2019 Collections Issue

5 Ugandan Accessory Brands You Need To Be Wearing Now

By SatisfashionUG Team | November 8, 2019

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.

Models Cissy, Biar Kartel and Deborah Akech, wear Kona clothing and accessories fresh off Kampala Fashion Week 2019 Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc.

Models (l-r) Biar Kartel, Deborah Akech and Ruth Ishimwe, wear Kona clothing and accessories, fresh off their Kampala Fashion Week 2019 Runway Show. Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)

Biar Kartel wears Kona clothing fresh off their Kampala Fashion Week 2019 Runway Show. Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)

Ruth Ishimwe wears a sari-inspired dress from Kona fresh off their Kampala Fashion Week 2019 Runway Show. Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)

Cissy wears Kona clothing and accessories fresh off the Kampala Fashion Week 2019 Runway Show. Photography by Tessa Lwanga, Photo etc. Styling by Karen Happuch Ibiara, Make-up by Ivan (Vanny Glam)

Deborah Akech models Kona earrings and hair from Natna Natural Hair
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.

Model Mario Bol wears Kongo-Liro neck, head, and arm pieces with a fan from Bold in Africa. Photography by Banji Bagwana.

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.

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.

Model Prince Godfrey, wears Afro Dash neck piece and clutch bag. Photography by Bangi Bagwana.

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