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WITHCONVERSATIONSHIM STONE HEJIMI DR.WALTERKARIUKIMONG'AREJULIUSKIPNG'ETICH EAST AFRICA’S HOME OF FASHION KES 500 USD 4.5 | UGX 22,000 RWF 7,000 | TZS 14,000 ISSUE FASHION61 . BEAUTY . CULTURE GENTLEMAN’STHEEDITION MEN’S ACCESSORIESASHOCK SUNNY TAILOREDDIY SOLUTIONSGROOMINGFORHIM

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The first step to being respected is to look respectable, and nothing quite articulates that and looks picturesque than a man in a wellfitted suit. From a wide spectrum of looks,

CONTENTS COUTURE CONTENTS COUTURE IN-HOUSE 10 THE COUTURETEAM NEWS 12 DIGITAL 16 COUTURE 20 FASHION 22 BEAUTY 24 COUTURE COUTURE36343230COUTURECULTUREEDITSSHOESBAGSCOLOURACCESSORIESFORMENFASHION MEN 38 ASHOK SUNNY TAILORED LIMITED

COUTURE CONTENTS 44FASHIONCOUTUREWOMEN2NUBRAND

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As we rally behin the strength and success of a woman, we realise that we cannot do it by ourselves, and we do need the men in our society. ANNE KABICHO and the COUTURE Africa Team caught up with some of these great men - across various fields to talk about work, happiness, purpose and country. KARIUKI

90 STONE HE 92 DR. JULIUS KIPNG’ETICH 94 WALTER MONGARE

COUTURE CONVERSATION WITH SOME GREAT MEN

58 FASHION 80COUTURE766864COUTUREHISTORYBEAUTYMAKE-UPHAIRBEAUTYTRAVELACACIAHOTEL

Whether you are looking for a holiday retreat, or an ideal business hotel in Kisumu, Acacia Premier is the place for you.

Fashion is instant language. What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. What 2NU does is get women ‘fashionised’.

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visionaries, breakthroughs, leadership and more. Proceeds of the event will benefit the JB Dondolo Inc., a non-profit organisation that provides charitable services worldwide to impoverished communities with a focus on people who cannot afford simple, basic necessities. For the awards, Bonang stunned in a white figure-hugging feathered dress, which is part of U.S designer Stephen Goudeau’s Wedding Couture collection.

COUTURE NEWS

There is certainly no better time to join the creative industry in East Africa. The industry has transformed and grown tremendously in the last few years and that growth can be partially attributed to HEVA, which invests millions in the creative sector. They invest through The Cultural Heritage Fund, Young Women in Creative Enterprise Fund and the Growth Fund. The sectors that HEVA invests in include music, crafts, gaming, performing arts, culture, fashion and apparel manufacturing, digital media, television and film; live music, festivals, fairs, and markets; hair, beauty and cosmetic products, and arts educational enterprises. The fund has been involved in events such as NAICCON (Nairobi Comic Convention), which is East Africa's

The name Bonang Matheba is synonymous with glitz, glamour and a flamboyant style. The popular South African media personality and philanthropist hosted the prestigious 4th Annual Equanimity Awards that took place in Dallas, Texas. The Equanimity Awards Gala is an annual charitable community event whose prime purpose is to encourage growth through collaboration and uplift and honour those who are making a positive impact in the community. The awards honour individuals in entrepreneurship, community achievement, humanitarian work, excellence,

HEVA FUND FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

A film is in the works based on South African comedian and host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah’s best-selling autobiographical novel, Born a Crime. None other than Kenyan superstar Lupita Nyong'o is cast to play the role of Noah's mom, Patricia in the upcoming adaptation. Trevor says that Lupita called him, out of nowhere, to tell him she wanted to play his mother in the film. Though he was slightly confused at first, of course, he agreed. Set during the waning days of apartheid and the transition into the new South Africa, the memoir details the personal and often painful story of Noah’s youth. At the centre of it all is Noah’s fearless mother, Patricia, who grew up in a hut with 14 occupants and took her son to three churches every Sunday, a prayer meeting on Tuesday, Bible study on Wednesday, and youth church on Thursday. Noah is producing the project under his Day Zero Productions label alongside Norman Aladjem of Mainstay Entertainment and Nyong’o through her Eba Productions. Mainstay’s Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin will serve as executive producers.

BONANG HOSTS EQUANIMITY AWARDS IN THE US

biggest comic convention, giving space to over 6,000 enthusiastic artists, illustrators, comic book lovers, animation artists, youtubers, cosplayers and gamers. There is finally space for every kind of artist in East Africa and we cannot wait to see the creative industry became a sustainable source of income for a vast number of people.

MOVIE DEAL FOR TREVOR NOAH’S MEMOIR

Gordon Flack Davison Academy of Design in Johannesburg. That training has fed not only into his performance work, in which he embodies characters or avatars but also into his sculpture and petit point tapestries. Ruga creates work that explores fashion, performance and contemporary art, as well as themes such as sexuality, HIV/AIDS, African culture, and queerness within post-apartheid South Africa. One of his two designs for Dior features a ghostly 3-D self-portrait composed of pearls, framed by crystals, fabric and metal flowers embroidered on a black background. The second bag, in blue lambskin leather, is adorned with a quilted scallop motif inspired by founder Christian Dior’s famed Junon gown.

COUTURE NEWS

NUITS DE MARTELL BY GHANA’S BROMMON

She speaks her mind, sometimes her own language and makes you want to rap her songs to an unsuspecting man’s face. After making her big-screen debut in the 100-million-dollar grossing drama Hustlers, Cardi B has signed on for her next feature, Universal’s Fast & Furious 9. Deadline has confirmed that the multi-platinum selling rapper has landed a small role in the upcoming instalment. Fans were made aware of Cardi’s B’s involvement when star Vin Diesel posted a video on his Instagram account reflecting on the final day of filming in the UK. Cardi is not the only recording artiste who will appear in the epic movie, Latin music pop star Ozuna has joined the cast and will also contribute to the soundtrack. Diesel will be joined by franchise returnees Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron along with newbies John Cena, Finn Cole and Michael Rooker. Fast & Furious 9, which is being directed by Justin Lin, opens on May 22, 2020. Some fans have expressed dismay and apprehension at the news of Cardi joining the franchise...what do you think?

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST DESIGNS FOR DIOR. It seems international fashion houses are taking quite an interest in African designers. The South African artist, Athi Patra Ruga, has designed two bags for the Dior Lady Art Project. He joins Rina Banerjee, Maria Nepomuceno, Mickalene Thomas, Jia Lee, and Eduardo Terrazas who all designed bags for the fourth edition of the capsule collection. The artists deployed a variety of techniques including quilting, embroidery, patchwork and printing to customize the Lady Dior handbag, using methods drawn from cultures across the world. Priced from US$ 4,000 to US$ 14,000, Athi-Patra Ruga x Dior bags will be available in 27 Dior boutiques and worldwide on Dior.com from January 2020. Before becoming an artist, Ruga studied fashion design at the

CARDI-B FOR FAST & FURIOUS 9

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Ghanaian High-End Menswear Designer Brommon led the Celebration of Style & Craftsmanship With ‘Nuits De Martell’. Translated into English as Martell Nights, it is a series of fascinating night-life celebrations with lifestyle influencers driven by innovative cuisine, cognac and music from top DJs in Ghana that encourages hosts to explore their vision of entertainment with guests. Martell, founded by Jean Martell in 1715 maintains its spot as the world’s oldest cognac which comes with rich cultural heritage and undiluted tradition for many years. It was a continuation of the prestige and iconic mark the brand has on the world, that led to the partnership with Ghanaian designer, lifestyle influencer and CEO of Brommon Bespoke, Kweku Boateng Akuoku. Popularly known as Brommon he runs a bespoke, luxury fashion house with custom boutiques in Ghana and Nigeria, which specialises in making quality hand-made Italian suits for men and boasts high profile clientele including Bola Ray, CEO of EIB Network and Ghanaian ace rapper, Sarkodie.

the originals. Uganda is the second African country to host the event after Algeria hosted it in January. The exhibition will feature next in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2021. Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most influential and revered artists in world history with varied interests ranging from science, music, mathematics and literature to drawing, painting, sculptures and architecture. Da Vinci made substantial discoveries in the field of anatomy, hydrodynamics, optics and civil engineering despite no formal education. Among his paintings is the Mona Lisa on display at the Louvre in Paris. It is a half-length portrait painting that has been described as the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about and the most parodied work of art in the world.

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COUTURE NEWS

NIKKY ODUTAYO OPENS UP ON ALOPECIA

A sure way to spark conversation with any art enthusiast is to mention Leonardo da Vinci. Uganda will host the Leonardo da Vinci Opera Omnia from November 19 to January 5, 2020. This is an event that showcases true-to-size reproductions of Leonardo’s 17 paintings, which are scattered in various locations and museums all around the world. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry and different arts societies and aims to share Italian cultural heritage in different parts of the world annually. The exhibition will take place at the Uganda Museum. The annual exhibition moves to different parts of the world on a rotational basis to give art lovers who may not get the chance to see

UGANDA HOSTS THE ANNUAL DA VINCI EXHIBITION

The thought of having all your hair fall out terrifies most women, justifiably so. A woman’s identity has been tied to hair for so long, that the thought of losing it icould be horrific, to say the least. For Nikky Odutaayo, this is her reality. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss from bald patches to complete baldness to a loss of hair all over the body including eyebrows and eyelashes. The exact cause of alopecia is unknown and there is no known official cure. Nikky was in her second year of university when she discovered she had alopecia whilst her boyfriend was taking her braids out for her. It first all started off as small bald patches the size of a coin, these patches rapidly grew bigger and then in the space of two months all the hair on her head was gone.

Women opening up about hairless unfortunately still comes with a lot of shame and stigma and Nikky even attempted to commit suicide. In the end she reached out to other women and that was the beginning of her journey. Now her aim is to weaponise her weakness and increase awareness amongst women in the hair and beauty industry who are unknowingly providing solutions for women with hair loss. Chances are you’ve never thought of the importance of eyelashes, eyebrow pencil and wigs, women with alopecia do every day. She now owns a hair brand which caters to all women providing affordable and innovative wig solutions.

TONI MORRISON'S LIFE AND WORKS HONORED IN UGANDA

Golfers, assemble! Kenya will for the first time host a Ladies European Tour Golf tournament in December this year, dubbed the Magical Kenya Ladies Open. Courtesy of Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort and event organisers U.COM Event, the inaugural tournament is set for December 5 to 8 after the Pro-Am tournament on December 4. The tournament, which is expected to bring a field of 96 players, will be sponsored by Magical Kenya and presented by Safaricom through its Mpesa brand. It will be staged

PLUS-SIZE MODELS STUN TANZANIA'S FASHION FESTIVAL

who died on August 5, is best-known for her novels The Bluest Eye, Sula, Song of Solomon and Beloved, which won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. She also published several essays, reviews and speeches. Some of the major themes in Morrison’s works include a critical examination of the African American experience and especially the black female experience; racism, injustice and the struggles of cultural identity. The event featured readings of Morrison’s major works and a panel discussion of her dreamlike and non-linear plots that make you feel like the entire weight of history bears on her character’s every act.

KENYA HOSTS LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

A visionary, a poet, a storyteller in every sense of the word and one of the few American authors whose books were both critically and commercially successful. Uganda’s literary community recently celebrated the life and work of the American author and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. The event, held on October 16 at the Embassy Plaza in Kampala, was themed Toni Morrison: The Poetics of Memory. It was organised by the Makerere University Department of Literature, Uganda Women Writers Association (Femrite), and the US Mission to Uganda. Morrison,

COUTURE NEWS

The annual Tanzania’s Fashion Festival (TAFF) was held in September featured plussize runway models, much to the excitement of fashionistas in attendance. The models wore Tanzanian designs in local print fabric showcasing body types similar to many in the crowd. Past events featured what was considered conventional models, tall and thin, a reflection of Milan, New York and Paris runways. This comes on the heels of several designers and shows breaking away from the norm and having an all-inclusive and diverse fashion models in their shows. Several designers said they wanted a reflection not of the world, but just of themselves on the runway. The main requirement for most of these designers was confidence. A chance for women to buy designs off a runway, and actually have it fit them, we’ll take it. Designers from across the spectrum, veteran and upcoming, showed their creations. The event organizers did not expect a huge turnout and the limited space was all taken up. The VIP section was fully booked in advance.

at the Baobab Course, a certified European Tour course at Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort in Kilifi County. Earlier this year, 12 players from the Ladies European Tour [LET], made a special appearance in Kenya and played at Vipingo Ridge. This event, therefore, not only marks the very first time professional lady golfers will have played competitively in Kenya, but it will also be the final event of the 2019 season. The 72-hole stroke play competition will prove a significant milestone in the history of the sport in Kenya and work to motivate the next generation of female players throughout the country.

AFI FASHION WEEK 2019

LAGOS FASHION WEEK 2019

Unapologetic. This is the only way to describe the fashion scene in Lagos. Lagos, like Tokyo or Paris, is a city known for its style. The streets of the Nigeria are filled every day with people who artfully blend the modern and the traditional, the classic and the fashionforward and this translates to the runway. The Lagos Fashion Week showcased breathtaking designs on and off the runway. The style at LFW is the epitome of fearlessness, unbridled joy and an abundance of creativity. As a leading fashion event on the African fashion calendar, LFW leads the way with initiatives that support, strengthen and develop the fashion industry. Beyond the runway, the annual event provides a physical platform that is gradually repositioning fashion as a useful tool for commerce and creativity in Nigeria. The 4-day event saw the runway lit by designers such as Orange Culture, Wuman, DZYN, Meena, the Tokyo James+ TTYA London show, Meite Awa and Bridget Awosika, just to mention a few. There was a blend of everything from African pieces to classic lines and silhouettes, and the street style also did not disappoint.

COUTURE NEWS | FASHION

Bright African prints, florals as well as textured, electric and woven fabrics were just some of the popular choices for African Fashion International Fashion Week [AFI Fashion Week]. The designs came in exaggerated and feminine silhouettes, stand out pieces, loose resort pieces as well body-hugging fits. The night saw some of Africa’s most celebrated and talented designers showcasing their spring and summer collections. Returning to the AFI runway after a long absence, Loin Cloth and Ashes presented a modern ready-to-wear collection of girly dresses and separates of shorts, pants and skirts, in funky and colourful prints. Another favourite of the fashion week was the inclusive show by Rich Factory. Designer Rina Chunga has an exceptional design eye and her garments come in mostly bright African Prints designs

in not so usual shapes and silhouettes. Her collection included a showstopper Goddess dress worn by fitness entrepreneur Palesa Masiteng. The collection catered for plus-size women being mindful about designing for women of all sizes and shapes. Mozambican fashion designer Taibo Bacar also showcased. Recognised as one of Africa's top designers, he fuses high-fashion and ready-to-wear very well. His resort collection came in relaxed fits and flowing dresses and pants in white, red and black floral prints. High-cut body suits print-onprint two pieces for men and plunging neck lines is what we should be wearing according to Taibo Bacar.

RADISSON RED LAUNCHES #PLUSISEQUAL

Body confidence and equal representation has been a recurring topic all over the globe in 2019. The Radisson Red V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has launched the #PlusIsEqual casting call for plus-size male models. The hotel held the casting call to recruit full-figured men to participate in South Africa’s first completely plus-size male fashion show in November, which will be overseen by fashion show director Mary Reynolds. A total of 12 gents were selected to model a new plus-size men’s range designed by a ‘secret designer’. While women have been the focal point of this conversation, it is good to see men also being included. It goes without saying that visibility and representation are the only things that can create real and consistent change leading to a celebration of all sizes and bodies. Body positivity amongst plussize men is slowly gaining more awareness globally, highlighting the need for change in the fashion industry. Larger male models have spoken out about the exclusivity of fashion and difficulty in finding clothes that fit their build. Men suffer the same insecurities as women when it comes to their body, but it is not something society talks about. It’s about time.

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‘MADE IN KENYA’ FRIDAYS

Cape Town factory. Crockett & Jones shoes were famously worn by Nelson Mandela as he walked free from prison in 1990. Tlale is reputed for defying convention and has a passion for proudly South African innovation. His creative collaboration with Crockett & Jones has resulted in four innovative styles, ranging from men’s formal and sandalised shoes through to slip-ins and slip-on loafers. Each pair is aimed at inspired, young, fashion-conscious men who wish to stand out. The range boasts bows, hand-stained leathers and bold colours, a must-have for every fashion-conscious man’s wardrobe.

DAVID TLALE LAUNCHES BESPOKE SHOE COLLECTION

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they are not Earth’s. Mineral mining can be quite destructive but there is good news, you do not need to give up your love for shiny jewellery to be eco-friendly. Responsible and sustainable sourcing is at the heart of Shimansky’s jewellery creation, ensuring every creation is mined in a natural and ethical manner within a conflict-free environment. South African jewellery design house Shimansky has been selected to showcase at the Salon Art + Design fair in New York City. Shimansky will join other international fine jewellery design houses for an exhibition titled 'The Protagonist', which celebrates the best in mindful and sustainable fine jewellery. The exhibition is curated by Vogue Italia. For The Protagonist, CEO and founder of Yair Shimansky will present a design featuring a rare blue brilliant

SOUTH AFRICAN JEWELER FOR NY DESIGN FAIR

round cut 27-carat tanzanite ring held in 18K South African white gold. The ring setting is home to a cascade of 2.3 carats of round cut diamonds designed to offset the tanzanite’s deep colour. 1,000 times rarer than diamonds, tanzanite comes from a single finite vein in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gemstone can only be mined from the earth using a hammer and chisel to ensure a sustainable interaction with nature, which is why Shimansky has built a longstanding relationship to source tanzanite directly from the Maasai tribe. As an ode to African heritage, this exceptional tanzanite piece represents all that Salon Art + Design embodies impeccable quality, ground-breaking design, luxurious offerings and geographical diversity.

His design ethos is staying true to magnificent African luxury. Global fashion maestro, David Tlale, who is feted around the world for his bold and elaborate designs, has teamed up with iconic shoe brand, Crockett & Jones, to produce a must-have collection of stylish and sophisticated formal footwear for young and trendy men. The launch range of the Crockett & Jones David Tlale Noir Collection comprises four unique styles, collaboratively developed by Tlale and the footwear brand’s top designers at its

We are not entirely sure how this is going to work, or if and how it is going to be implemented, but we applaud it nonetheless. Government workers have been directed to wear Kenya-made African clothes on Fridays and public holidays in the latest onslaught on second hand [mitumba] imports. The government staff have been asked to ensure the clothes are tailored to suit work environment. This directive’s intention is to kick-start the expansion of Manufacturing sector by producing better goods and creating local employment. The clothes are expected to become a new trend for the government employees across departments with the aim of promoting the local textile industries. This should put an interesting spin on the #OOTD and we are waiting for the posts from government officials every Friday.

COUTURE NEWS | FASHION

market, Pattern is designed specifically to nourish and hydrate curly natural hair textures. The brand’s first product range will include a shampoo, three different kinds of conditioner [Medium, Heavy, and Intense], two hair serums, a hairbrush, a clip to hold your hair in place, and a microfiber towel. "If we are in a time right now, where we have gone from our hair being about a revolution to a celebration, where we allow our crowns to flourish as electric, beautiful, and gravitydefying, then we need for everyone to have access to those products so that their hair can feel as beautiful and as hydrated as it should," she told Allure in an interview.

Cosmetics brand Inglot announced that it will be launching a limited-edition PowerPuff Girls make-up collection in collaboration with Cartoon Network. If there was ever a nostalgic make-up collection that deserved to be made, this Power-Puff Girl one has to be it. With all the cartoons of our childhood coming to life in other ways, who would have thought one day Cartoon Network would collaborate with make-up brands! Cartoon Network said in a statement: "Combining Inglot and Cartoon Network’s shared vision around girl power and empowerment, the

THE RISE OF VEGAN SKIN CARE LINES

INGLOT TO RELEASE POWER-PUFF GIRLS MAKE-UP COLLECTION

When you think of Tracee Ellis Ross, many amazing things come to mind. Award-winning actress? Check. Outspoken advocate for equality and all-around cultural icon? Check. Gloriously hydrated and healthy natural curls? Double check. For Tracee, those signature curls are much more than just a beauty look – they are part of her identity. So much so that she says she has been dreaming up her own hair-care line for ten years, and now, we are happy to report that it is finally coming to fruition. Pattern, is a hair-care line for people with natural curls [specifically designed for those with 3B to 4C curls]. According to Tracee, Pattern is the culmination of her lifelong struggle to accept and care for her naturally Afro-textured hair, reports Allure. Aiming to fill a giant void in the hair-care

Boipelo Mabe has partnered with My Skincare to launch a new vegan skincare range, named My African Skincare. Your first thought when you think of vegan skin care could be, ‘is there meat in my moisturizer?’ Not exactly, it is just that there are some popular ingredients that are used in skin care products that are derived from animals. This includes ingredients like lanolin, gelatin and beeswax which is used in lipsticks. With the vegan trend sweeping through the world, you can see why companies are going out of their way to announce their vegan products. The range developed with the former South African beauty queen includes body butters and a scrub made with ingredients derived exclusively from the African continent and is being sold online and in Johannesburg boutiques. Speaking of the skincare launch, Mabe said, “I am so proud to have partnered with a brand that has a deep regard for people, our continent and the environment that sustains us. More than anything, this is a step towards disproving the notion that Africans consume what they do not produce.”

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TRACEE ELLIS ROSS LAUNCHES HAIR CARE RANGE

COUTURE NEWS | BEAUTY

functional, high-quality products come in cool colours and packaging, offering each individual the opportunity to express their strength, authenticity and femininity through beauty." The Inglot x The Power-Puff Girls capsule collection will include products such as eye shadow palettes, pure pigment eye shadows, lip glosses, lipsticks, eyeliner gel, sparkling dust and highlighters for the face, eyes and body. The collection will be available via Inglot stores across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

BEAUTY BRAND AMBASSADORS OVER 50 Move over! 50 is the new, well, 50. The Daily Mail reports that the over-50s have become the biggest buyers of beauty products in the UK – fuelled by the rise of older cosmetics brand ambassadors such as Dame Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda. Total average expenditure on cosmetics products for women from the age of 50 to when they turn 70 is now up to £ 43,446 – which makes this age group the biggest spending for the first time. Women over 45 account for 58.14% of the beauty market, while the over-60s are behind 25% of all beauty sales in Britain –more than double that of a decade ago. The 45 to 54 age group now spends £ 2,238 a year on beauty products – up 4.1 per cent

THE MAC ‘LOVE ME’ COLLECTION

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COUTURE NEWS | BEAUTY

on previous years. The 55 to 64 age group now spends £ 2,190 a year, which at an increase of 4.9% making it the UK beauty industry’s biggest growth area. The boom has seen cosmetic companies such as L’Oreal and NARS take on older stars to sell their products. In the past year, l’Oreal has chosen to use ambassadors such as Dame Helen [69] and Miss Fonda [77] who both promote L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Day Cream. Miss Swinton [54] is the brand ambassador for NARS, while Charlotte Rampling [69], and 65-year-old Jessica Lange have been picked to promote Marc Jacobs beauty

FENTY IMMORTALIZES BLACK BEAUTY

The Cameo collection by Fenty is a jewellery collection that celebrates the diverse beauty of black women, a statement the brand has been making since its introduction by the pop star in September 2017. Rihanna has been paying attention and homage to black beauty in the creation of all the products under her brands within fashion and beauty. The collection was unveiled at the tail end of October and it is a three-piece jewellery collection that retail between Us$ 340 and US$ 530 containing earrings, a pendant, a brooch and a ring all in a black and white hue and adorned in Swarovski crystals. The official imagery was captured by Nigerian photographer, Ruth Ossai, while Issac Poleon focused on the sculptural hairstyles. “Cameo jewellery has been worn as a statement of intent, belief or power. In ancient Greece, young women wore cameos bearing the portrait of Eros, the God of Love, to express their sexuality, or Medusa with her snake hair to ward off demons. Though FENTY’s Cameo features a black woman’s profile, the collection is not about a singular definition of beauty; she symbolizes the beauty of difference. The Cameo is an emblem of fearlessness, elevation, creativity and joy –everything FENTY stands for.”

The rush that comes with applying a perfect lipstick is typically a once-in-a-blue-moon type of feeling, but MAC Cosmetics' Love Me Lipstick collection guarantees you will be head over heels with every use. The new lippies put the iconic brand's years of beauty knowledge to use, and they have cranked out 24 new shades positioned to become staples in your summer make-up bag. With a bevy of shameless nudes, powerful reds, high-impact purples, the Love Me Lipsticks are lightweight and creamy with a satin finish. Lychee fruit extract and argan oil add a moisturizing touch to these glide-right-on bullets, and even though they feel light on the lips, the payoff is still heavy-duty, thanks

to the formula's True-Colour Gelled System, developed by the brand. It is a MAC lipstick after all, did you expect it to be anything less than bold? “Love Me lips are the colours we have lust for,” explained Chantel Miller, New York-based MAC Director of Senior Artists, in the brand's press release. “Its single-swipe sex appeal plays a critical role in the lip of the season,” she insists. Whether you choose to pair these babies with a lip liner and gloss, as Miller recommends, or opt to wear them solo for a standout summer lip, the payoff will be plentiful.

ASISTASSERIESTylerPerry Series

This book puts a very literal spin on the phrase ‘it’s a man’s world’. Imagine a world where your phone is too big for your hand, where your doctor prescribes a drug that is wrong for your body, where in a car accident you are 47% more likely to be seriously injured, where every week the countless hours of work you do are not recognized or valued. If any of this sounds familiar, chances are that you are a woman. We know the world is biased towards men, that is not surprising, but it is nevertheless useful and sobering to have it listed in this way, To have numbers to quantify our pain and misery. Seeing imbalance in percentage terms gives the process of understanding and combating it an important dimension. I bet you never knew the reason you are always cold in your office or home. Here is a hint, buildings are simply not designed with you in mind. This book will make you angry, that is guaranteed. But hey, at least you will finally understand exactly how invisible you are, or can be.

The world constantly asks for authentic content from musicians, this album is it. Wow... That’s Crazy covers the highs and the lows of Wale’s music career and we can all relate. This album tells you that he spends a lot of time in his head, and it is just that he is able to articulate his ideas way better than most of us. The consistent appearance of relationship themes in Wale’s music has made the Nigerian-American rap star one of hip-hop’s most romantic wordsmiths. Every sound and voice on the album compliments the world Wale is creating; a world that is sonically lush and lyrically transparent. Wow... That’s Crazy is basically a story weaved by a master storyteller on his struggles with mental health in the music industry mixed in with odes to black women with lines like ‘Sue me, I’m rooting for everybody black’. This album turns self-reflection into easy listening. The Wale on Wow... That’s Crazy knows himself well. He knows the production that benefits his lyricism, he knows the features that complement his song writing, and it shows.

Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez

INVISIBLEBOOKS WOMEN

22 | COUTURE AFRICA

COUTURE NEWS | CULTURE

I was hoping against hope that this isn’t yet another typical Tyler Perry series. A group of single black females from different walks of life who bond over why they are single. I should have known better. At first, I thought it would be reminiscent of Girlfriends but the only real similarity is the cast of 4 black women. The story revolves around divorce attorney Andrea ‘Andi’ Barnett (KJ Smith), hair salon owner Karen Mott (Ebony Obsidian), airport worker Daniella ‘Danni’ King (Mignon Von), and bank teller Sabrina Holli (Novi Brown) dealing with career, relationships and friendships. The narrative of successful women sabotaging their careers for unworthy men and the pinnacle of their accomplishments coming down to a proposal is a tired one at best.

WALE’sMUSIC - Wow…That’s Crazy

lens of today’s young generation. Since 2017, they have narrated stories about Wangari Maathai, The Nyayo House Survivors, Zarina Patel, Timothy Njoya, Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima, Otenyo Nyamatere, Syokimau, William McMillan, the resistance at Lumboka and Chetambe forts, Wanugu, Wacucu and Rasta, amongst many others. The play was so well attended that an additional screening took place due to public demand, a fete for the infinitely imaginative team of young Kenyan actors, writers, and historians who blend history, humour and technology with a brilliant 4th dimensional style of storytelling.

COUTURE AFRICA | 23

TEFB was true to form in revealing all sorts of salient facts and sparkling anecdotes about Tom Mboya and the historic moments where he made major impacts. Mboya’s charm, brilliance, electrifying energy and charismatic character swiftly got him hooked up with millionaires, black power leaders and even future American presidents, like John F. Kennedy Jr. In just two hours, TEFB gave rich insights and enormous entertainment that confirm they’re a troupe at the top of their game

For Birds is a series of theatrical storytelling productions retelling stories from Kenyan history in a fresh, funky style and from the

What a tale. Makes you want to laugh, cry, fight and go back in time all at once. Directed by Mugambi Nthiga, this edition of TEFB tells stories from the life and death of Tom Mboya. The juicy, jarring and hilarious but historically insightful stories are written by Ngartia, Magunga Williams, Mercy Mbithe, Hellen Masido and Wanjiku Mwawuganga. Too Early

AFENYIART ARHIN

The Life and Death of Tom Mboya

COUTURE NEWS | CULTURE

Ghanaian Illustrator and Character Artist

TOOTHEATREEARLY FOR BIRDS

It is one thing to look at art, it is another to see yourself reimagined as more, not sure more what, just more. The only way to describe Afenyi Arhin’s art is a child’s imagination brought to life, an African child. My favourite thing about his illustrations is that they are unapologetically African. Taking a deep dive and searching for every piece he has done is a worthwhile endeavour. He designs worlds around each character, framing them in vivid colours. These are worlds you want to live in, worlds you want to see.

Equity Board Members and CBK Deputy Governor cut the 35-year celebratory cake

A NEW LOOK FOR EQUITY BANK

Central Bank of Kenya Deputy Governor Sheila M’Mbijjewe & Equity Group Board Member Edward Odundo

WHO: Equity Group Employees, Board and Customers In pomp and flare, Equity Group launched its new look logo through an elaborate event that started with a 20-minute firework display on the Kenyatta International Convention Centre pillar, unveiling the new logo. This was then followed by an extensive 5,000-strong launch event at the KICC grounds with the the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Sheila M'Mbijjewe as the chief guest. The most notable moments were historical journey of the bank as told by outgoing and founding Chairman Dr. Peter Munga, as well as the dream of the future highlighted by the Group CEO and MD, Dr. James Mwangi. The evening was all about celebrating 35 years of the Bank's operations in Kenya as one of the largets banks in the region by asset size.

WHEN: Wednesday 2nd October 2019

Equity Group Board Member Fredrick Muchoki with National Treasury PS Julius Muia and Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Wainaina

COUTURE EVENTS

Equity Bank board Members presenting a retirement gift to Equity Group Founding Chairman Dr. Peter Munga

Equity Board Members from Tanzania and South Sudan

Equity Group CEO & MD Dr. James Mwangi and Central Bank of Kenya Deputy Governor Sheila M’Mbijjewe

24 | COUTURE AFRICA

WHERE: Kenyatta International Convention Centre

COUTURE AFRICA | 25

New Logo Unveiling

Equity Group Founding Chairman Dr. Peter Munga

COUTURE EVENTS

Sheikh Kinyua with His Grace the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Kenya Jackson Ole Sapit

Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi

The Equity choir perform the Equity Anthem

Equity Group CEO & MD Dr. James Mwangi, CBK Deputy Governor Sheila M’Mbijjewe & Nyandarua County Governor Francis Kimemia

Equity staff members take guests through the history of the Bank

New Logo Unveiling Fireworks Display on KICC

WHEN: Saturday 26th October 2019

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WHERE: Hemmingways Nairobi WHO: Breast cancer Champions, Female Influencers, Beauty Enthusiasts UAP Old Mutual and Estee Lauder Companies celebrated the breast cancer awareness month of October by first turning the UAP Tower Pink through the month. This led to some social media activations and culminated with a luncheon where women converged to talk about breast cancer as well as celebrate and champion breast cancer vitoresses, Bidanya Barasa and Anjilee Gadhvi. This was part of a global campaign by Estee Lauder Companies as they champion the fight against breast cancer. Estee lauder products are brought into the Kenyan market through Lintons Beauty World.

ESTEE LAUDER BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN LUNCHEON

COUTURE EVENTS

Edward Gikunda, Carole Mandi, Bidanya Barassa and Dr. Joyce Gikunda

Asna Patel, Mihira Patel and Saad Abdallah Catherine Masitsa and Connie Oluoch

Maureen Momanyi and Janet Mbugua

Anne Nyamu from UAP Old Mutual with Estee Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign Ambassadors, Bidanya Barassa Anjilee Gadhvi

Christie Nuance from CADCO E.A. and Mario Lazzaroni from Estee Lauder Companies

Michelle Njeri, Maureen Waititu and Victoria Mwende

COUTURE EVENTS

Kalekye Mumo and Kamal Kaur

Kay Matseba from Estee Lauder Companies Dr. Joyce Gikunda of Linton’s Beauty World

COUTURE AFRICA | 27

LVEB EN LAUNCHESROSEINKENYA

COUTURE EVENTS

WHERE: Garden City, CBD, Junction Mall and Yaya Centre

WHEN: September 2019

WHO: Shoppers and Beauty Influencers Lancôme officially launched its new fragrance, La Vie Est Belle En Rose in Nairobi recently as its first official campaign in the Kenyan market. Imported and sold through Lintons Beauty World, this campaign took on a different twist from your standard launch events by turning Lintons stores pink and holding mini events at various malls around Nairobi through the month of September, all the while driving conversations on social media and driving sales through the Lintons outlets. Select influencers including Janet Mbugua, Kalekye Mumo, Sera Teshna and Grace Msalame were amongst those spotted at the mall events.

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COUTURE EVENTS COUTURE AFRICA | 29

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Black lace up high-heeled booties: KES 3,500 at Backyard Shoes

Black and red high-heeled shoes: KES 3,399 at Bata

Black asymmetrical pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata

30 | COUTURE AFRICA

Photography: Arthur Morris

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

LOWSTHE

White and silver kitten-heel sandals: KES 3,399 at Bata

Black leather sling-backs: KES 3,399 at Bata

COUTURE EDITS

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

Red mules: KES 3,399 at Bata

A practical alternative to stilettos that marries style and comfort. Low heels are elegant, versatile and go superbly with literally everything in your closet; what more could a lady want?

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

HIGHSTHE

Red and black sling-backs: KES 3,500 at Backyard Shoes

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COUTURE EDITS

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Live the high life in high heels. The higher the better.

Photography: Arthur Morris

Nude suede studded pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata

Cheetah print pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata

Silver ankle-band high-heeled shoes: KES 3,500 at Backyard Shoes

HANDHELD STRUCTURES Green Patent Leather Structured bag: KES 3,500 TexturedBrown Sling Bag: 2,500KES Nude Box Bag with Pearl Detailing: KES 4,000 Oval Maroon Bag: KES 3,000 Grey Miniature Sling Bag: KES 3,000 COUTURE EDITS 32 | COUTURE AFRICA

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui Photography: Arthur Morris

Black Chanel Box bag: KES 3,500

Bags from Styleoft by Dee Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

Black Box Bag with Pearl Detailing: KES 4,000

Mini bags are everywhere right now and should be in your wardrobe too. Why? These bags have their own way of doing the talking. You find your outfit incomplete? Then worry not. Grab that nice mini bag and hit the streets with style.

COUTURE EDITS COUTURE AFRICA | 33

Nude Structured Bag: KES 2,500

Light Blue Structured Bag: KES 3,000

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

In a world of safe hues like black, greys and white, yellow says, “Look at me, I’m happy!” Live life in warm yellow and create your own sunshine.

Clear and yellow bag: KES 3,000 at Styleloft by Dee

Photography: Arthur Morris

YELLOW

COUTURE EDITS 34 | COUTURE AFRICA

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

Forever

Mustard yellow beret: KES 700 at Star collections Yellow sandals: KES 1,800 at Forever Trendy COUTURE EDITS COUTURE AFRICA | 35

W CHEER Yellow bikini: KES 1,800 at Forever Trendy

KES 500

Light yellow scrunchie: at Trendy

Photography: Arthur Morris

Brown leather belt: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

ACCESSORIZE HIM

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Brown leather wallet: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Brown double-pocket trench coat: KES 8,500 Ashok Sunny Tailored

Black and brown travel bag: KES 4,000 at Vintara collections

COUTURE EDITS 36 | COUTURE AFRICA

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

Tan derby shoes: KES 6,999 at Bata

A bag, a watch or a pocket square are small but crucial differentiators between your outfit and everyone else’s. Go that extra mile and add just a dash of style to your everyday look.

Baseball cap: KES 1,500 at Infynite Fashions

Navy blue suit blazer: KES 12,000 Ashok Sunny Tailored

Black leather shoes: KES 4,999 at Bata

Navy blue leather wallet: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Black leather wallet: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Black leather belt: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

COUTURE EDITS COUTURE AFRICA | 37

Black and gold suit blazer: KES 12,000 at Ashok Sunny Tailored

Black Chelsea boots: KES 6,999 at Bata

Tie, cuff links and pocket square pack: KES 1,000 at Infynite Fashions

FUCDA watch: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Black leather belt: KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

COUTURE FASHION

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

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The first step to being respected is to look respectable, and nothing quite articulates that and looks picturesque than a man in a wellfitted suit. From a wide spectrum of looks, Ashok Sunny Tailored provides nothing less of sartorial excellence with quality craftsmanship of bespoke looks. Today, either out of choice or necessity, the modern man is mindful of how he looks and presents himself. From the classics to some pattern and print in bolder designs, there is something here for every man of style.

Model: Simon from Ajuma Limited

ASHOK SUNNY TAILORED LIMITED

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

Photography: Riz Mehar from Mehar Images

KES 8,500 at Ahok Sunny Tailored

Brown trench coat:

Black round neck t-shirt:

KES 2,300 at Infynite Fashions

Black Levi jeans:

COUTURE AFRICA | 39

KES 1,200 at Infynite Fashions

COUTURE FASHION

COUTURE

Maroon floral tuxedo:

Maroon khaki pants:

KES 2,300 at Infynite Fashions

Black penny loafers: 4,999 at Bata

KES

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KES 2000 at Infynite Fashions

FASHION

Pink formal shirt:

KES 25,000 Ashok Sunny Tailored

KES 8,500 at Ashok Sunny Tailored

KES 2,300 at Infynite fashions

COUTURE FASHION

COUTURE AFRICA | 41

White formal shirt:

Navy blue formal shoes: KES 5,999 at Bata

Grey abstract grey:

KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

Navy blue khaki pants:

KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

KES 18,000 at Ashok Sunny Tailored

KES 2,000 at Infynite Fashions

COUTURE FASHION

KES 5,999 at Bata

Navy blue suit:

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Striped official shirt:

Beige chino pants:

Navy blue formal shoes:

KES 8,500 at Ashok Sunny Tailored

COUTURE AFRICA | 43

Black chelsea boots:

KES 5,999 at Bata

KES 2,300 at Infynite Fashions

COUTURE FASHION

Maroon Chinese blazer:

Black Khaki trousers:

Model: Carolyne Kinuthia from Ajuma Limited and Miss Universe 2019 Runners Up.

COUTURE FASHION

Fashion is instant language. What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. What 2NU does is get women ‘fashionised’. With extremely interesting and unique designs, these pieces embody the epitome of stupendous workmanship. A little ruffle, bow, pattern or puffy sleeves adds an edge, to an outfit, that every stylish woman loves. The luxury and elegance of the pieces is in each intricate detail.

Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo

Styling & Words: Charity Kalui

Photography: Arthur Morris

BRAND2NU

Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia

Make-up: Kamene Kyalo and Irene Lihanda from Lintons Beauty College

44 | COUTURE AFRICA

COUTURE AFRICA | 45

COUTURE FASHION

Satin bubble sleeved jumpsuit: KES 9,500 Black patent leather stiletto heels: KES 3,399 at Bata Golden palm tree earrings: KES 400 at Star Collections

COUTURE FASHION 46 | COUTURE AFRICA

Green ruffled skirt: KES 6,500

Geometric spiked earrings: KES 400 at Star Collections

Green ruffled top: KES 4,500

Green dotted square-heeled sandals: KES 3,799 at Bata

Mustard suede skirt suit: KES 9,500

Cheetah print pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata Gold geometric chandelier earrings: KES 300 at Star Collections

COUTURE FASHION

COUTURE AFRICA | 47

COUTURE FASHION

Nude suede pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata

48 | COUTURE AFRICA

Checked poncho: KES 6,500

Checked midi skirt: KES 4,500

COUTURE FASHION

bubble sleeved dress: KES 8,500 Brown ankle boots: KES 3,500 at Backyard Shoes Triangular hoop earrings: KES 250 at Star Collections COUTURE AFRICA | 49

Suede

50 | COUTURE AFRICA

Red midi dress with ruffled front detail: KES 8,500

Black and red pumps: KES 3,399 at Bata

COUTURE FASHION

White striped A-line dress: KES 8,500

White belt: KES 1,000 at Forever Trendy

White and silver high-heeled sandals: KES 3,399 at Bata Faux pearl necklace and earring set: KES 500 AT Star Collections

COUTURE AFRICA | 51

COUTURE FASHION

COUTURE

Gold double hooped earrings: KES 350 at Star Collections

52 | COUTURE AFRICA

Printed palazzo pants: KES 4,500

FASHION

Red high heeled mules: KES 3,399 at Bata

Printed crop top: KES 3,500

COUTURE FASHION COUTURE AFRICA | 53

COUTURE FASHION Printed suede poncho: KES 7,000 Printed suede skirt: KES 4,500 Brown pompom shooties: KES 6,500 at 2NU Gold double butterfly stud earrings: KES 300 at Star Collections 54 | COUTURE AFRICA

Yellow

Asymmetrical

COUTURE FASHION

Mustard front slit maxi dress: KES 7,500 high-heeled shoes with mesh detail: KES 3,500 at Backyard Shoes zigzag chandelier earrings: KES at Star Collections

250

COUTURE AFRICA | 55

Burnt pants: KES 4,500 high-heeled sandals: KES 3,500 at Backyard KES

Brown

COUTURE FASHION

orange overflow

400 at Star Collections 56 | COUTURE AFRICA

Burnt orange overflow top: KES 6,500

Shoes Gold hollow chandelier earrings:

COUTURE FASHION

COUTURE AFRICA | 57

Black high-low wrapper dress: KES 9,000 Black sling-back high-heeled shoes: KES 3,399 at Bata

Google Arts & Culture Launch at African

“From African Heritage House. www.africanheritagehouse.info. Photos by Gilbert Otieno

58 | COUTURE AFRICA

COUTURE HISTORY

“From African Heritage House. www.africanheritagehouse.info. Photos by Gilbert Otieno

Google Arts & Culture Launch at African

Otieno

Left: Dorothy Oliech, founder of Mochez Models, began her modeling career when Alan Donovan discovered her on a train trip to African Heritage House in 2004, wearing Mali mudcloth; models in stunning designs from Ghana and Nigeria; Alan Donovan with models in Kente cloth with photographer Gilbert Otieno. (Right): Models wearing out ts woven by women in Nigeria; Dancers in Fulani embroidered garments from Timbouktu; Google’s Rosemary Momanyi.

COUTURE HISTORY

at African Heritage House

COUTURE AFRICA | 59

Left: Dorothy Oliech, founder of Mochez Models, began her modeling career when Alan Donovan discovered her on a train trip to African Heritage House in 2004, wearing Mali mudcloth; models in stunning designs from Ghana and Nigeria; Alan Donovan with models in Kente cloth with photographer Gilbert Otieno. (Right): Models wearing out ts woven by women in Nigeria; Dancers in Fulani embroidered garments from Timbouktu; Google’s Rosemary Momanyi.

African Heritage House

Guests arriving at African Heritage House from Google on Rift Valley Railways were greeted by African Heritage warriors and models.

“From African Heritage House” www.africanheritagehouse.info Photos by Gilbert Otieno

60 | COUTURE AFRICA

COUTURE HISTORY

“From African Heritage House. www.africanheritagehouse.info. Photos by Gilbert Otieno

Google Arts & Culture Launch at African

Alan Donovan of African Heritage House was feted by GOOGLE for his life’s work with four permanent exhibits on GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE. (Below) Masked dancers from Cameroon opened the show with Kenyan musician Papillon playing his original compositions. (Opposite page from top) Charles Murito, Director of Google Nairobi, addresses guests for the #WeWearCulture” launch at African Heritage House; Special Guest and former head model of African Heritage, Emma Too, in spectacular beaded regalia; Warrior in feathered headrest and cloak from Cameroon; Model Doreen in Mali mudcloth with Porupine quill adornments; Spectacular beaded out ts from Cameroon. All from African Heritage Collections.

Google Arts & Culture Launch at African

COUTURE HISTORY

African Heritage Houseat African Heritage House

Left: Dorothy Oliech, founder of Mochez Models, began her modeling career when Alan Donovan discovered her on a train trip to African Heritage House in 2004, wearing Mali mudcloth; models in stunning designs from Ghana and Nigeria; Alan Donovan with models in Kente cloth with photographer Gilbert Otieno. (Right): Models wearing out ts woven by women in Nigeria; Dancers in Fulani embroidered garments from Timbouktu; Google’s Rosemary Momanyi.

Otieno

COUTURE AFRICA | 61

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COUTURE AFRICA | 63

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COUTURE | BEAUTY

BROWTIFUL

Nothing gives an instantaneous lift and frames a face so beautifully quite like perfectly shaped brows.

Dgohnie Hair AND 4c Hair Chiq of Dgohnie Empire

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UPCOUTURE | COUTUREBEAUTYAFRICA | 65

EYEBROW KITS

66 | COUTURE AFRICA

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyebrow Kit

BLK/OPL Colour Splurge Brow Shaper Kit

When it comes to eyebrow products, we are now spoilt for choice, and need not stick to the dark brown pencil we were all raised with. Here are COUTURE’s top picks.

Black|Up gel Eyebrow Powder

EDITOR’S PICK: Chelsea Beautique Eyebrow kit [comes complete with eyebrow stencils].

THE BROW-RANGE

Revlon Colourstay Brow Kit

COUTURE | BEAUTY

Maybelline NY Master Brow Pro Palette

Note Cosmetics Eyebrow Pencil

EYEBROWPENCILS COUTURE AFRICA | 67

MAC Cosmetics Big Brow Pencil

Black|Up 3-in-1 Eyebrow Pencil

COUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR 68 | COUTURE AFRICA

LARGER THAN LIFE!

COUTURE AFRICA | 69

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UPCOUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR

Add some character to ordinary extensions. GET THE LOOK • Section the hair into two and cornrow it. • Feed in the curly hair extension using pins to hold it down and to stay in place. “My Hair Is Too

said No Woman EVER! CURL

Hair: Dgohnie Hair AND 4c Hair Chiq of Dgohnie Empire Make-up: Kamene Kyalo and Irene Lihanda from Lintons Beauty College Shoot Production: Nadia Macharia Words: Charity Kalui Photography: Arthur Morris Photo Editing: Raphael Mumbo Model: Mary Mshai Big,” DOWN

COUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR

• Gather the hair into a ponytail.

70 | COUTURE AFRICA

THE PUFFY BUN

• Pull on the drawstrings and tie around to affirm.

GET THE LOOK

Every queen needs her afro puff.

• Insert the puffy bun extension into the small bun you just made.

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UPCOUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR COUTURE AFRICA | 71

Channel your inner diva with a larger than life pony.

COUTURE

BEAUTY | HAIR

72 | COUTURE AFRICA

• Section it into ‘balls’ using black rubber bands.

GET THE LOOK

• Puff out the hair extension to give it volume.

• Attach the extension around your already styled pony, securing it into place with bobby pins.

SPIRAL PONY

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UPCOUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR COUTURE AFRICA | 73

COUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR 74 | COUTURE AFRICA

GET THE LOOK

TWIN BUNS

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UPCOUTURE BEAUTY | HAIR

• Give the bun volume using kinky extensions.

• Secure with bobby pins.

• Part the hair into three sections and divide the middle one into triangular shapes leading up to two buns on each side.

COUTURE AFRICA | 75

Because two buns are better than one.

Settling on the perfect shaving cream or lotion can be quite a daunting task. This homemade solution, however, promises to deliver on moisture and smoothness.

One great way to get men into skin care remedies is by easing them into it, and DIY home remedies may just do the trick!

EXFOLIATORFACEOATMEAL

76 | COUTURE AFRICA

DIY SKIN CARE FOR HIM

Combine all the ingredients into a paste and apply directly on your clean damp face, exfoliating with your fingers. Rinse with warm water.

A face exfoliator is a great way to remove dead skin and should be used at least once a week.

YOU WILL NEED: ½ cup, Shea Butter 1/3 cup, Sweet Almond Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil 10 drops, Essential Oils of choice for scent

Whip shea butter in a bowl and slowly add melted coconut or sweet almond oil while whipping, followed by the essential oil. Store in a glass jar and give a tough whisk before the next use.

SHEA BUTTER SHAVING CREAM

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UP

YOU WILL NEED: 2 tablespoons, Ground Oatmeal ¼ teaspoon, Sea Salt 1 teaspoon, Water ½ teaspoon, Olive Oil ½ teaspoon, Honey

Blend all of these ingredients together and then pour into a spray bottle. Spritz onto your face after shaving. Alternatively, you can pour it into a glass bottle and just dribble a bit into your hands to splash onto your face.

For a more moisturised after-shave, a shea butter-based cream will work great.

Combine these ingredients in a food processor or blender and apply a small amount with your hands after shaving. Keep refrigerated between uses.

YOU WILL NEED:

Allow the teabag to steep into the hot water and mix in the coconut oil. Allow to cool slightly and using a cotton ball or soft cloth, dab the liquid onto your skin to alleviate redness and sensitivity.

SHEA AFTERSHAVEBUTTERCREAM

YOU WILL NEED: 1 Tea Bag 1 cup, Hot Water 2 tablespoons, Coconut Water

1 cup, Witch Hazel 1 teaspoon, Vegetable Glycerine 6 drops, Sweet Orange Oil 3 drops, Sandalwood Essential Oil

COUTURE BEAUTY | MAKE-UP

WITCH HAZEL AFTERSHAVE SPLASH

YOU WILL NEED: 1/8 cup, Coconut Oil ½ cup, Shea Butter, softened 2 to 4 drops, Essential Oil for fragrance (optional)

Razor burns may happen to the most seasoned shavers, and if only to ease your discomfort, here is a great solution…

COUTURE AFRICA | 77

RAZOR SOLUTIONBURN

Witch hazel is an all-natural astringent for the face and body which tones and refreshes, and can be combined with other natural ingredients to make a great aftershave splash.

15ml, Argan Oil

¼ cup, Boiling Water

Make a strong tea from the chamomile bags and allow it to cool to room temperature. Squeeze the bags well as you remove them from the water to extract as much liquid as possible, and then pour the tea into a blender or food processor. Add the cucumber, aloe vera, and lavender oil, and puree it all until you have a smooth, creamy product. Put this in the fridge to cool, and then apply over the affected area with your fingertips. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse well with cool water, pat dry, and apply a gentle moisturizer.

ESSENTIAL BEARD OIL

2 drops, Lavender Essential Oil

78 | COUTURE AFRICA

7 drops. Lavender Essential Oil

COUTURE | BEAUTY

5 drops, Rosemary Essential Oil 3 drops, Cedarwood Essential Oil

7ml, Sweet Almond Oil

Combine all the ingredients in an amber glass bottle with a dropper and shake to mix. Apply 3 – 5 drops to a freshly washed beard that has been towelled dry and comb down to groom. Increase the ratio of oils by two factors to make a larger batch.

YOU WILL NEED:

7ml, Jojoba Oil

2 bags, Chamomile Tea

YOU WILL NEED:

1 whole Cucumber, chopped (leave the peel ¼on)cup, Aloe Vera Gel

Even men get sunburnt, and more often worse than women because they neglect to apply sunscreen before going out on a hot sunny day. Here is a quick fix to ensure you heal fast without peeling.

BALMSOOTHINGSUNBURN

For he who chooses to grow a beard, investing in a great beard oil is important, and making one at home, even more ideal.

10 drops, Tea Tree Essential Oil

Combine corn-starch and baking soda and slowly add the coconut oil until you get a creamy thick consistency. Stir in the tee tree oil, which acts as a natural antibacterial and any other essential oil you like. Store in a glass container and apply small amounts with your fingertips under your armpits after you shower.

½ cup, Coarse Sea Salt

½ cup, Brown Sugar

Soak your feet in the Epsom salt and baking soda for 15 – 20 minutes. Mix all the other ingredients and rub on your feet with extra emphasis on any dry areas, using a pumice stone if necessary. Rinse in warm water and pat dry.

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½ cup, Corn-Starch

YOU WILL NEED:

½ cup of Epsom Salts and 2 tablespoons, Baking Soda (for Soaking) 2 tablespoons, Brown Sugar 1 teaspoon, Lemon Juice 1 tablespoon, Honey

We have a lot of men going for pedicures, which is great, but for those who would still rather not, a simple home-made foot scrub will work wonders for you.

8 to 10 drops, the Essential Oil of your choice for fragrance (optional) 4 tablespoons, Coconut Oil

Mix(optional)theingredients

NATURAL DEODORANT

While deodorant is essential, men tend to focus more on their colognes. This home-made deo is a great natural scent-free solution for daily use.

½ cup, Coconut or Olive Oil

YOU WILL NEED:

YOU WILL NEED:

SALT SCRUBSUGARANDBODY

together and rub all over your already clean, slightly dry skin in gentle-but-firm circular motions. Rinse with warm water.

1 tablespoon, Olive Oil

½ cup, Baking Soda

A few drops of Essential Oil for scent

EXFOLIATORFOOT

COUTURE | BEAUTY

Say goodbye to lizard legs and ashy elbows with this easy to use body scrub. Remember, your skin regenerates itself every 28days, so it is essential to scrub off the dead skin and allow your new skin to breathe.

ACACIA PREMIER HOTEL FIRST CLASS SERVICE IN KISUMU 80 | COUTURE AFRICA

Whether you are looking for a holiday retreat, or an ideal business hotel in Kisumu, Acacia Premier is the place for you.

HOTEL

By Gloria Wanjohi

KISUMU

COUTURE | TRAVEL 82 | COUTURE AFRICA

Both the suites and standard rooms have amazing views of Lake Victoria and even in the night, you can see just how expansive and beautiful the lake is. The five-star standard rooms have everything you would expect to see in any other 5-star international hotel such as Kempinski, and this was very impressive, keeping in mind that the hotel is fully Kenyan owned and operated. You can choose between a standard room [single or double] or a suite which comes with an adjoining sitting room, which is great for private meetings if you are in Kisumu for business. You can also opt for the presidential suite which is pretty much the size of a small apartment and comes with personalised Asservice.wegot

The staff there were amazingly polite and warm, and the massage one of the most relaxing I have had yet. So much so that I quickly fell asleep – Chef Joshua’s fault – and they did not rush me out once done, which I thought added even more value to the experience. I then finally went and had my bath and soaked for about an hour before it was time to me to get packed up and start heading to the airport.

He started with their classic local cuisine, Tilapia fresh from the lake, served with brown and white ugali and buttered chicken. Then came tandoori chicken with rice, salad and kachumbari from their Indian kitchen and closed with beef medallion and potatoes from their international kitchen. Onto desserts, the Acacia Pastry Chef prepared a platter that had all the main heroes; carrot cake, chocolate brownies, ice cream, chocolate

If you are looking for a high-quality hotel experience, Acacia Premier in Kisumu will definitely deliver. It is als available for conferencing and events and tehir romms start at US$ 150 to US$ 550 per night. #TembeaKenya #KisumuDala.

The morning lake views did not disappoint! It is simply glorious, and I have a cup of tea in my room to take it all in before heading down for breakfast at 6.30am. As we were there on a business trip, the restaurant was surprisingly active by then, and we did not have to request for an early breakfast, so that was great. If you are there on holiday, worry not, breakfast goes on until 10am, so you can sleep in, or even order room service.

Arriving

We step out for work and return to the hotel by 2pm for some rest and relaxation. The initial idea was to go for a boat ride, then come in for late lunch, but the lake’s waves were too strong, and it was drizzling, so we were advised not to go. Also, I did not know lakes have strong waves, always assumed they were always silent and still. It is advised to go for a boat ride in the morning hours when the tides are low. Whether by plan or luck, Chef Joshua was back again, and fed us for pretty much the entire afternoon. I am a foodie. I was plenty happy.

gateau, cheesecake and strawberry cake, and of course a fruit platter! If you have a sweet tooth, this was a little bit of heaven here in Kisumu. If you like your cocktails, Lawrence seems to know all the right picks and we sampled quite a number, but the bikini martini and passion daquiri were my personal favourites.

in Kisumu at 8pm, somewhat exhausted from a seemingly short flight from Nairobi, we expected an uneventful reception into Acacia Premier Hotel. However, this was not the case. Our airport pick-up got us directly to the hotel in no time, and almost directly into our rooms, as we had already been checked in by the very helpful staff at the reception. One quick signature, and we were on our way up to freshen up and possibly order a simple dinner at the restaurant.

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COUTURE | TRAVEL

As I had an opportunity to see the city in the morning, I decided to use my extra time, as we wait for our flight back out to Nairobi to go to the spa. They also have a gym, for the fitness fanatics, but after that meal, all I wanted was to relax and winddown after a long week. I got my one-hour relaxing massage in their state-of-the-art spa; you never know how much you needed a massage until you get one

down to the pool restaurant on the 2nd floor that overlooks the lake, we are met by Chef Joshua who was aware of our late arrival and prepared for us a special late dinner that was as enticing as the views in front of us. It was my first time in Kisumu, and in my head I’d always imagined the place would smell like fish [especially when you are near the lake], but to my utter surprise, all I got was fresh calming air!

then went on to have soft mutton, spinach and potatoes and closed with a light fruit platter. In Kisumu, they do not play with their portions, this simple yet tasty meal took a while to get through! Back in my spacious room, I am tempted to take a bath, but I am scared that I am too exhausted and will fall asleep in there, so I take a quick shower –they have those rainfall shower heads, and retire to bed, keen to explore the hotel and Kisumu, in the morning.

Chef Joshua’s three-course meal started with Chungwa coolers, a refreshing cocktail, and went on to the creamiest buttered pumpkin soup I have ever had. True to the continental nature of Acacia’s menu, we

Get Your Digital Copy on Magzter and Download the COUTURE App LIPA NA MPESA PAYBILL NUMBER : 902254 ACCOUNT NUMBER : YOUR NAME AMOUNT: 4,500 SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR JUST KSH 4,500!! FASHION . BEAUTY . CULTURE ISSUE 60

As we rally behin the strength and success of a woman, we realise that we cannot do it by ourselves, and we do need the men in our society. ANNE KABICHO and the COUTURE Africa Team caught up with some of these great men - across various fields to talk about work, happiness, purpose and country.

Photography by Entheon Pictures

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COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

GREATWITHCONVERSESCOUTURESOMEMEN

JULIUSJIMI COUTURE AFRICA | 87

ManagingKARIUKIJIMIDirector,SarovaHotels

… have integrity, believe in yourself, there is no short cut to hard work. But also take the time to have fun. Life balance.”requires

How would you describe your job to a child?

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

I do not think I can agree or disagree. I prefer to address the youth rather than just one gender. Whereas there are more opportunities available for the youth today, especially around technology, I think there are still more challenges than there are opportunities. More and more younger people are being brought into senior corporate positions, but they are still not enough, and especially not enough women.

What would you tell the 18-year-old you, today?

When it comes to work, standards are very important to me. Maintaining high standards in areas of maintenance, hygiene, personal grooming, Customer service and treating colleagues respectfully are vital. These are areas that are non-negotiable. Outside the office, my wife and I love entertaining. It is important to keep in touch with friends and meet new people. So we regularly host guests at home.

88 | COUTURE AFRICA

What dream do you have for Kenya? I love Kenya and I am a proud Kenyan just as millions of my brothers and sisters are. But I will be honest, sometimes I do feel sad when I travel overseas, especially to Southeast Asia and you see countries that had fewer resources than we had during their independence that are now so ahead of us in terms of infrastructure development. I dream of a Kenya where we as Kenyans can regain our pride respect ourselves, each other and our country. A Kenya where we recognise that some of the bad things we do now will not only affect us but will also affect the next generation.

It is said that there is no better time to be a young African woman, do you agree?

That is an interesting one. I would probably say that I work in an office, with many other people. We have hotels where we have visitors who come to swim, see animals, enjoy the beach and eat good food. My job is to make sure that those visitors are happy.

If

I think that the environment is not yet as enabling as it should be for young people. There are still traditions around women especially in Africa. Questions of whether they should go into the corporate world or stay at home, get married and have babies are still dominant. These are some of the challenges that exist, but having said that, today it is a very great time to be an African. I am a very proud African and Kenyan and I am sure you are as well.

I would say have integrity, believe in yourself and there is no short cut to hard work. But also take the time to have fun. Life requires balance. Do not take life too seriously but also do not party all the time. I reiterate that you need to have integrity and to believe in yourself. Make sure that you stay focused and make sure you build a diverse network of friends. Having a diverse network of friends is important because friends support you.

The younger generation are a lot more fearless and take a lot more risks than we did when we were young. They. They do not seem to have a fear of failure, or a fear of trying something else if a certain venture fails or does not work out as they hoped.

I was not in the hospitality industry, I would probably be a lawyer. My father’s business partner was a practising lawyer and I liked his style. I guess over time my career path changed and I studied Marketing, graduated and joined the hospitality industry in 1992. Nonetheless, I am happy in the hospitality industry so I imagine if I was in the Legal fraternity I would be just as happy. This is simply because I would make it work for me.

What are you most passionate about?

You’d like to be remembered for… being the best dad to my kids (Robyn, Lauryn, Colin) and the best husband to my wife Alison. There is nothing more important than family.

Quote you live by, “Why do later what you can do now.”

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

Shot on Location at the Sarova Stanley 1902 Club Lounge.

Your personal style is… well mannered, organised, I like to dress well for the occasion, I stay well groomed. Your favourite drink is… the occasional Fanta orange by day and Glenfiddich 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky when I am out having a good night. Your favourite meal to cook is… [laughs] I have not cooked since university. But I love home cooked food and Thai food.

JIMI’S QICKFIRE

COUTURE AFRICA | 89

To unwind you… keep fit. I spin and do circuit training.

That is a simple one; work, work and more work. I am passionate about technology and the imoact it can have on a community and a nation.

What are you most passionate about in life?

The way I describe it to my own children is that it is my responsibility to make sure that the equipment that you use for connectivity whether that be your smartphone, smartwatch, internet modem and the internet connection itself is fully functional at all times.

What would you tell the 18-year-old you, today?

Do not be nervous about the future keep working hard and you will end up where you want to be.

90 | COUTURE AFRICA

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

It is said that there is no better time to be a young African woman, do you agree? Absolutely, the environment has improved, and more African ladies are taking up leadership roles and on boarding into the Technology world which creates an improved balance in the business ecosystem. However, we can still do more and we intend to. At Huawei we recently launched our initiative WITH (Women In Technology Huawei) to support and encourage more women to join the technology world and through this platform encourage more and more young African ladies to take advantage

Africa, in particular Kenya, has had tremendous growth in the few years I have been here which is very impressive. My dream is to ensure we as Huawei contribute more to the development of the country and close the gap completely in the digital divide to ensure that every Kenyan has access to connectivity.

TechnologiesManagingHESTONEDirector,HuaweiKenya

of immense opportunities in the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) sector. The future in Africa is in technology, and women should not be left behind. We hope to encourage them to embrace ICT and help them gain the necessary skills to become competitive and succeed in this field.

What dream do you have for Africa?

How would you describe your job to a child?

…the environment has improved, and more African ladies are taking up boardingrolesleadershipandoninto the Technology world which creates an improved balance in the ecosystem.”business

Icouldn’t imagine myself doing anything else other than what I am doing today. All my life I have wanted to be in technology, and I am especially happy to be working from Kenya. If I was not here today, doing what I do, I would simply be working harder to get here.

Quote you live by, “perseverance prevails all.”

Shot on Location at Huawei Offices, Tiara Business Park, Lavington

COUTURE AFRICA | 91

STONE’S QICKFIRE

Your personal style is… smart casual is more to my liking. Your favourite drink is… white wine. Your favourite meal to cook is… barbecue. I make a great barbecue. To unwind you… spend time with my family

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

You’d like to be remembered for… being a good father and using technology to improve the lives of many.

It is said that there is no better time to be a young African woman, do you agree?

What dream do you have for Kenya?

92 | COUTURE AFRICA

I was involved in vision 2030 when it was being written in 2006 and those were the years when many Kenyans were dreaming of a prosperous Kenya. That was my dream for Kenya, and it has not changed. Kenya will only achieve vision 2030 by design and by constant deliberate effort from its leaders. So, my dream for Kenya is a prosperous Kenya with a high quality of life where we truly are the jewel of the world. The world is yet to see a highly successful country of black people led by black people and I hope Kenya will be the first. There are however fundamental things that must happen: very strong leadership, an absolutely clean government, very strong controls for a corruption free society, a clear vision of where the country is going and a caring society to create a balance in distribution of wealth. Africa has the biggest opportunity to create a difference in the world. There has never been a situation whereby fast internet, mobile phones and a young population are combined at the same time. This puts Africa at a very advantageous position to emerge as continent, and I would like to see Kenya at the forefront.

How would you describe your job to a child?

You have access to the internet and a mobile phone. This puts the world at your fingertips. You have access to the same information as a child in the US, and information is an equalizer. Your place in the world no longer depends on your skin colour, your location or even your intellect, because anyone has the power to reimagine the world. The world is yours, mould it to what you want.

just became our patron and we are looking to expand the reach so that we can touch more lives using music. This is where I spend a lot of my free time.

My job is being a leader. A leader is someone who influences people towards a goal; we sit together and come up with the goals we want to achieve, and I help them to achieve those goals. I encourage them, direct them, communicate with them and we see how we can work together. The other role of a leader is to inspire. A leader always needs to give people hope and this is what I do every day.

I tell people that tomorrow is going to be better, so that they do not give up.

I am the only man in the house, and I have 2 daughters. The world has changed dramatically from the time of my mother, when it was tougher and harsher to women. Today, the girl child has gained a lot of attention in Kenya and globally and opportunities for women have opened drastically. There is still a long way to go but the direction that we are heading in really inspires hope and I aim to motivate my daughters to take their place in the world while uplifting other women. There have been a lot of murmurs about the boy child being disadvantaged but I do not think we are there yet. I think it is misplaced fear because men are not used to women in powerful positions.

that I am teacher, just one who was not trained. I like communicating to people about life. Even on twitter I try to communicate to my 123,000 followers about things that will inspire them and lift their spirits. I think there is a lot of negativity in the world today, especially on social media, but I want to use my platform to uplift and inspire people to be the best versions of themselves. I see myself as a teacher of life. I once used to teach at the University of Nairobi and when all is said and done, I think I will end up there again.

What are you most passionate about in life?

DR. KIPNG’ETICHJULIUS

I have always been passionate about public service and touching lives. I can serve the public either in a public office or in a private role. When I was a student, I was heavily impacted by Geoffrey William Griffin, who is the founder of Starehe Boys. He had two jobs, one in Starehe and one with NYS. He always used to say, give back. He had the passion to serve people and make an impact in their lives, and I learnt from him. I am passionate about anything that can be scaled and used to touch more lives. I am involved in and have sat on the boards of many charities. Today, I sit on the board of Ghetto classics, a charity that teaches children in the slums to play classical music. The First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta,

What would you tell the 18-year-old you, today?

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

…the direction that we are heading in really inspires hope and I aim to motivate my daughters to take their place in the world while uplifting other women.”

Chief Executive Officer, Jubilee Holdings

Ibelieve

You’d like to be remembered for… leading a happy, free life, touching people’s lives in a positive way and for starting things that lasted several generations.

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

Shot on Location at the Jubilee Library, Jubilee House, Nairobi

COUTURE AFRICA | 93

Quote you live by. “Life your life, do not live other people’s lives,” by Steve Jobs

Your personal style is… professional or smart casual

Your favourite drink is… tea, specifically Safari Pure by Ketepa and red wine, any old Shiraz.

To unwind you… read a book or a magazine, take walks, or meet up with my friends.

Your favourite meal to cook is… I am an addict of chapatis, although I cannot cook them.

GENTLEMAN’S QUICKFIRE

How would you describe your job to a child?

Take two tins and a string. Get a hammer and create a hole in tin one. Take the same hammer and create another hole in tin two. Then take the string and pass it through the holes on both tins and tie a knot on the strings on either side. Now get two people to hold the tins to their ears standing on opposite sides and have them speak to one another. Can you hear something? That is what I do. I help people communicate with each other better. I am that string.

TheDeputyMONGAREWALTERDirector,YouthPrograms,PresidencyandCabinet

What are you most passionate about in life?

continents have an aging population, they shall start looking to Africa for skills and labour. So not only is there no better time to be an African woman, there is no better time to be an African. Empower yourself with the right education and skillset to ensue your are ready to take on the vast opportunities that are already coming your way.

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My dream for Kenya is for the country to be able to maximize on its huge youth population by simply looking at them as a resource as opposed to the current situation of them being termed as challenges. Youth are the engine that drives the economy, and are a readily available resource for this country.

What dream do you have for Kenya?

If I was not in government, I would probably be doing what I was doing before I got into government which is entertainment and radio. One thing I am able to do in my current position and would still do with or without the title is social mobilisation – especially among the youth – and advocacy.

Affairs Office

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

family because it is the primary foundation for healthy living. I have seen what family can do when things are positive and what can result when some things are a miss. It is important to get the right balance between a successful career and a happy home.

…Spend more time preparing for the yourcertainlyopportunityyouforinsteadopportunityoflookingone,andwhenareready,thewillfallonlap.”

In my opinion, the full potential of the African continent is not in what we have so far exploited but the immense opportunities available in almost every sector and every country. There is some level of exhaustion and over exploitation of natural resources in other continents, but nit in Africa. Our biggest raw material in Africa is its youth, with a median age of 18. While other

It is said that there is no better time to be a young African woman, do you agree?

What would you tell the 18-year-old you, today?

Spend more time preparing for the opportunity instead of looking for one, and when you are ready, the opportunity will certainly fall on your lap. When you look at older people who seem successful, there was a time they focused on preparing for opportunities, constantly learning and growing. Secondly, in your pursuit for success, live a healthy life, so that you can guarantee yourself to spend time with your grandchildren in future.

I am very passionate about helping others both in their careers, at the workplace and otherwise. Not because they need help, but I realise every day, that it takes an external outlook to discover the internal. Most people need just a little push and they are on their way shortly after. I am also passionate about

WALTER’S QUICKFIRE

Shot on Location at The Village Creative, Nairobi

Your personal style is… smart casual Your favourite drink is… tree tomato juice

Quote you live by, “The earth is the Lords and everything in it; the world and all who live in it; ask him for anything and HE shall supply.”

Your favourite meal to cook is… ugali. The accompaniments are just that, accompaniment. To unwind you… listen to inspirational music

COUTURE | COUTURE CONVERSATIONS

COUTURE AFRICA | 95

You’d like to be remembered for… being a man of my word.

O.

NairNorfolk,TheFairmontatLocationonShot|Ntong’onduRoseMake-up:|ArtsHairDgohnieofDgohnieHair:|MukenyiambuiWOutfit:|OdhiamboRuthStyling:|LouieKhalifaPhotography:obi 96 | COUTURE AFRICA

So we welcome you to continue walking with us on this exciting journey, and whatever your personal plans may be to achieve the next great height in your personal and professional journey, do it with style, or not at all.

The gentleman’s issue is one of my favourite issues of the year. It could be because this is the one time, we get to focus on what men want and need –fashionably speaking. Coming up with interesting beauty regimes for men is definitely an interesting conversation to have; you would have to be a fly on the wall of that brainstorm room to understand why. The highlight of this issue, however, is the couture conversations. This could be because I was able to join the crew in meeting, shooting and sitting with each of these men, or because, I’m a great fan of light, yet interesting banter on topical matters. Brief and to the point, I hope you enjoy the read. We also have some great men’s fashion and beauty lined up for you, and while we may not have a ‘male cover’ as we always do, I think our Miss Universe runners up, did us some justice.

…do it with styleor not at all.

As we sit on the last quarter of the year, many cannot wait for 2019 to end, I personally cannot wait for 2020 to begin. Remember the days, in the 90’s, when we thought 2020 was soooo far away, we’d be old hags by the time it got here! Well, old, we now are, hags, probably never. In the bat of an eyelash vision 2030 will soon be upon us. 2020 holds a lot of first for Couture Africa and a lot of great partnerships coming forth. After publishing for 6 years, we believe the time has come, to grow and evolve, not just into digital – digital is not an evolution, it’s a happenstance – but into a fully integrated Couture experience. Afterall, in tough economic times, the secret is not survival, the secret is innovation.

www.iwo.co. ke INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS | TRAINING & WORKSHOPS | MARKETPLACE BRANDING COUTURE AFRICA | 97

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