We’re excited to be back here to present our annual list of the ‘People of the Year’. In case you’re new to this site, this is a carefully selected list of tastemakers, trendsetters and innovators who have shaped, and set the tone of Uganda’s fashion and beauty industry in 2018.
This year we particularly looked out for individuals who are challenging the status quo, doing things their way and ultimately winning with the strategy.
From influential creatives, designers, musicians, stylists and stars who are using fashion and beauty as a voice, meet the movers and shakers of 2018;
- Brenda Nanyonjo
Nanyonjo is our ‘Person of the Year’. Through her enterprise, Kezzi Entertainment and the Miss Uganda Foundation, the stylist created a platform grooming and mentoring the next generation of powerful women. This year, they managed to win Uganda its first title at Miss World. Miss Uganda 2018, Quinn Abenakyo finished fourth at the renowned beauty pageant walking away with the coveted title of Miss World Africa.
- Brian Ahumuza
Through his event, Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, Ahumuza is not just celebrating excellence in Africa’s fashion industry, he’s also mentoring the next generation of creatives. This year, the team at Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards held their first ‘Fashionprenuer’ summit. Budding fashion designers had a full day of mentorship and networking with renowned South African designer David Tlale, who flew in just for the event.
- Gloria Wavamunno
Through Kampala Fashion Week, Wavamunno has successfully transformed Kampala into the capital of fashion in East Africa. This year’s edition of Kampala Fashion Week, held at Kampala Railway Station was positively received not just from home, but also all over the world.
- Fatumah Asha
After building a formidable business out of her distinct silhouette and tailoring, the dressmaker is now ready to mentor the other creatives through her own fashion school, Tesi Fashion School.
- Stella Atal
Atal, a renowned fashion designer and professional artist is not just raising Uganda’s flag high in Paris, she’s using her influence to create opportunities for budding Ugandan creatives in Europe.
- Quinn Abenakyo
After a yearlong hiatus, Miss Uganda returned with a bang this year. 22-year-old Quinn Abenakyo emerged winner of the title. Abenakyo went on to go to Sanya, China for Miss World where she finished fourth, walking away with the highly coveted title of Miss World Africa.
This is the best finish for Uganda in the history of the 67-year-old beauty pageant. Abenakyo’s success did not just shine a global spotlight on Uganda, it has empowered many other young women to follow their dreams.
- Michelle Omamteker
Omamteker is the brainchild of Malengo Foundation, organisers of the Hot Pink Catwalk, the biggest fashion show in Uganda dedicated to inclusion. This year’s event had over 30 models and designers with disabilities take to the runway to showcase their creations.
- Maxima Nsimenta
Nsimenta is the CEO and founder of Livara, Uganda’s leading Shea butter cosmetics manufacturer. Her products range from lipsticks, cleaners, toners and body creams, each created to address different skin needs and made in Uganda.
- Monalisa Umutoni
Passionate about growing and mentoring, Umutoni is using her annual Mona Makeup Masterclass to share her genius with budding makeup artists.
- Aamito Lagum
A true Ugandan star, Lagum shows no signs of stopping. Just this year, she appeared in not one, but two H&M global campaigns, starred in fashion editorials for Vogue Ukraine and Vogue Japan. Her lips also landed an appearance in a TOM FORD Beauty advertising campaign.
- Siima Sabiti
Sabiiti took the reins at Flair Magazine, a platform she’s using not only to support Ugandan creatives but also shine light on hard-hitting issues affecting women.
- Anyon Asola
Asola is one of the top fashion models in South Africa. Her European debut is imminent.
- Nisha Kalema
Kalema produced the most buzzed about Ugandan movie of the year, Veronica’s Wish.
- Joram Muzira
Muzira has carved out his niche as the leading taste-maker in the modelling industry He’s the man behind the careers of some of the most successful fashion models in the region. His influence now goes beyond just Africa, to as far as New York where he scouts potentials models who later get placed with globally renowned agencies.
- Anita Beryl
The evening-wear designer has built a successful fashion business. She was achiever of the year in the fashion category at the 2018 Young Achievers Awards.
- Bettinah Tianah
The TV star is using her influence and enviable following on social media to promote local Ugandan fashion.
- Buyi Phillip
Buyi is using his skills in dance and theatre to build a fashion brand that’s both dynamic and relevant.
- Patricia Akello
Just this year, Akello walked for top-tier fashion brands such as Giorgio Armani and Marc Jacobs, and landed beauty campaigns for Bobbi Brown cosmetics and ColourPop, plus editorials for magazines such Glamour Germany.
- Solomon Tazibone
Tazibone’s profile as a celebrity stylist is growing fast. He’s the image-maker behind stars such as Lydia Jazmine and Vinka.
- Danieline Moore Kamya
Kamya is the CEO and founder of NALU, a chain of luxury fashion outlets with presence in Uganda and the US.
- Dyna Vence Ruvuza
Ruvuza is, without doubt, one of the buzzed-about designers of the year. One of the creatives fueling the revolution of red carpet fashion in Uganda.
- Nsubuga Ronnie
Nsubuga is shaping the careers of many Ugandan models through his agency Crystal Models Africa.
- Nunu Mugenyi (Bold in Africa)
Through Bold in Africa, Mugenyi and her team are offering Ugandan designers a platform to be seen. Their inventive editorial projects such as ‘Bold Women’ have received positive reviews.
- Ras Kasozi
Through SEED show, Kasozi is mentoring a new breed of fashion designers. For this year’s edition, the renowned designer and his team traversed the whole country offering this rare mentorship opportunity to more young creatives.
- Aketch Joy Winnie
The former Literature teacher made her ground-breaking international debut walking in the GUCCI Cruise 2019 show in Paris.
- Emolsa Haasacha
Emolsa is, without doubt, one of the top fashionistas in Kampala, using his eccentric style to make political statements.
- Mavo Kampala
Mavo Kabunga is the fast-rising stylist adding a buzzy sheen onto the images of stars such as Spice Diana and Irene Ntale.
- Spice Diana
The music star has collaborated with top design brands such as Dyna Vence, and stylist Mao Kampala going on to become one of the top music stars of the year.
- Oscar Ntege
The photographer is using his unique aesthetic to the create cutting edge images for designers and celebrities.
- Judithiana
Using her enviable influence and social following, the TV star is shaping her image as a style maker and trendsetter, who also happens to be a makeup artist.
- Paul Mwesigwa
Mwesigwa made a buzzy New York debut landing an appearance in Paper Magazine. He has starred in advertising campaigns for Spaceman South Africa, Rosey & Vittori and more as well.
- Emmanuel Bagwana
The successful designer is gaining prominence and attention as a fashion photographer.
- Aliet Sarah
Aliet made her international debut walking for Christian Cowan during New York Fashion Week.
- Kaijuka Abbas
Kaijuka’s profile as a designer and stylist is growing fast. He’s the image-maker behind the compelling fashion in music videos for stars such as Maurice Kirya, Winnie Nwagi and more.
- Sheebah
The singer is tapping into her entrepreneurial potential. This year she launched her own hair line ‘Sheebah by Natna’ which is a fast-growing beauty brand.
- Saida Beauty
The makeup artist is the brainchild of one of the fastest growing makeup brands in Kampala. Stars such as Zari, Bettinah Tianah and Natasha Sinayobye consider her their personal makeup artist.
- Kagimu Michael
Through Records Fashion School, Kagimu is credited for being behind the careers of many budding fashion designers.
- Sham Tyra Nalwanga
The eccentric dressmaker is helping to shape the images and careers of many of celebrities.
- Faith Imani
The makeup artist behind the Imani Makeup brand has honed a distinct aesthetic which is a favourite for stars such as Desire Luzinda and Juliana Kanyomozi.
- Monica Kansiime
The dressmaker is getting recognition for her vibrant style as a designer, going on to lend her unique style to the images of celebrities such as Flavia Tumusiime.
What are your thoughts on this year’s list? Sound off in the message box below.
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