New York To Nairobi

In a special collaboration to build relationships with our brothers and sisters from East Africa, a select group of American journalists and lifestyle executives were invited by me ( and CFK) to celebrate Kenya Airways new direct routes from New York (JFK) to Nairobi ( NBO). As the first direct route (by air) to the country, it cut down travel time by at least seven hours and so far the routes have introduced all kinds of business relationships, including The Core Fashion Kenya and Mel Writes. The mission was simple - host a series of fashion- focused workshops for local Kenyan college students to gain insight and learn from the best creatives in Nairobi and New York City. The curated guest list included editors and media influencers Tanya Christian, Claudia Rondon Torres, and De’von Johnson, photographer Bellamy Brewster, fashion producer Mariana Cantu, branding executives, Natasha Roberts, Suzie Wakobi and Diana Opoti, as well as fashion designers and Stylists Anyango Mpimga, Mi Mi Plange, Brian Babu and Iris Barbee Bonner of These Pink Lips. At the core, #CFKNY2018 was an exchange in culture, a connection to each other’s roots, and a reawakening of our own creative power. It was much more than just a “press trip to Kenya.” It was the Real World: Nairobi. Things didn’t go as planned, there was lots of partying and late nights, yet we all were excited to be together. At the end of the day, we were all vessels of inspiration, confidence, and proof that if you are passionate enough about your work and have a plan, you can accomplish anything. This is what the local Nairobi students at the workshops valued the most. The overall mission was Collaboration Not Competition.

Quick Travel Guide For Your Google: Where To Brunch: Karura Forest Restaurant Where To Dine: J’s Bar & Grill ( live music) Where To Party: Embassy Row Where To For Nature: The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Where To Shop: The Village Market Mall Where To Go For Tailored Suits: NAROK NYC by Zeddie Loky

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19The Workshops: Over 200 local Kenyan students attended the 3-day sessions to hear first hand how to build their brand or a successful career in the fashion industry.

The Photoshoot: Designer Anyango Mpinga collaborated with Los Angeles based photographer Bellamy Brewster to document her latest Spring/ Summer collection for Look book and e-commerce campaign. Special thanks to Wardrobe Stylist Brian Babu for his onset expertise and Claudia Rondon Torres for her modeling skillz.

VSZ: Since we last spoke in Nairobi, what business implementations did you make that you learned from our workshops and overall fellowship? JH: The workshops were very inspiring in different ways to be upclose and in person with mentors from NYC and native people here who made it to the international level. It is a big deal. My sister and I were inspired by all the speakers at the workshops who work at Vogue, PRADA, Ralph Lauren, Essence magazine, BLEU magazine, a writer, last but not least a PR & Brand consultant. The most important thing about these workshops is that you get to ask yourself if you’re on the right track. I hope everyone has answered their questions.

VSZ: What panel did you enjoy the most? JH: Iris Barbee of @ThesePinkLips was beyond! A lot of people don’t know where to start off, especially as an African. It’s rare to make your own decision. What she has shared with all of us was a key to success as well living proof to others that we can do it too!

VSZ: Your clothes look so dope on African dignitaries who want to stand out at a government event. What inspired your most recent looks? (See photo above) JH: This outfit was designed for a young movie scorer, music composer and a bass guitar player who was nominated on the Ethiopian Gumma award (movie award). I was inspired by the movie Jalo. The outfit speaks about two different cultures- Ethiopian culture and western culture. The Ethiopian culture called GADA is a traditional system of governance used by the Oromo people in Ethiopia developed from knowledge gained by community experience over generations. Follow @yohannesgoitom’s journey on IG.

By: Melissa Henderson