fashion
Uganda’s Fashion Industry
Almost ofAge Text & photos by Jonathan Kabuye.
H
as the fashion industry in Uganda finally come of age? It just might have, if the number of fashion shows held last year is any indication.
For a long time fashion shows in Kampala were mostly entertainment events, with people more interested in the models than the outfits being showcased. Slowly, but surely, that seems to be changing. And it seems Ugandans have started appreciating their own, and begun buying clothes made by local designers, as opposed to foreign labels. 2012, was the year that Vogue Italia came to Uganda. Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzan held court in Kampala for a week but the fruits of her efforts have yet to be seen. For the last three years the monthly Silk Fashion Nite has been giving young and upcoming designers a platform on which to show what they have and attain some much-needed publicity. It is held in a small venue, the lighting is not ideal, but the press do show up regularly and that can only be a good thing. There were many fashion shows, led by Sylvia Owori’s One Love Collection, held in March 2012. Relatively new designer Brenda Nambi, under the label Bambi Fashions, had two shows, but they were not helped by poor production, which can be said of almost all the others. The annual Bride & Groom Expo, though restricted to wedding fashion, was the single biggest fashion event, with seven fashion shows spread over three days. Stella Atal showcased her designs at several events, with Xenson and Brenda Maraka also featured prominently. And the way forward? Fashion shows must be more professionally produced, with special attention to the lighting which can kill or make a show. But there is hope, so here’s to
ka
Mara renda
B 12 | asante Feb – April 2013
a better 2013.