TRIBAL CHIC 2011

Third Time running and growing strong, Tribe Hotel, Nairobi held it’s annual charity event dubbed Tribal Chic on 7th May 2011. The event featured the finest of KINKEY Models on the runway showcasing six leading designers from Kenya! A percentage of proceeds from this event were dedicated to The Flying Kites Children’s Home.

AND THE DESIGNERS WERE:

MooCow

Wambui and carol Wahome of MooCow went all out with their new fun collection that brings out African prints in a fun wearable, youthful way. Even I had to get me a piece of that collection. They opened the show in a real – tribal chic – way! You go girls

Wambui and Jewellery Designer

Deepa Dosaja

As is truly Deepa, she brought the house down in colour! Her bright and jewel toned pieces were indeed the most colourful of the lot, and makes you fall in love with colour. Whenever I think Deepa Dosaja, I think sunshine and flowers… how cool is that!

Nike Kondakis

Nike moved away from her traditional recycled parachute outfits, and embraced the use of silk – and I mean REALLY embraced it. Her fabulous opening started with a model coming out of a cocoon and turning into a butterfly! How amazing. The nude collection was softer and more wearable than ever.

Adele Dejak

Formerly known as Magik Grace, the newly re-branded Adele Dejak jewellery amazed people as always, using a backdrop of black playsuits and leggings. Adele is a brand growing in leaps and bounds month upon month.

Mille Collins

Having just opened a shop in Village Market, this was her first show in Kenya. This Spanish designer gets her clothes and Accessories made in Kigali and brings them to Nairobi. No-wonder her slogan is Kigali.Barcelona. Her outfits are not only comfortable and easy-going, but also on-trend!

Penny Winter

As always, Penny closed the show with a bang! She has a love for silk and structured jackets, and this did not miss from her new collection. Statement jewellery was the cornerstone of her perfectly tailored pieces.

The Make-up

Unlike the past Tribal Chic events, we brought on Saima to do the make-up and she totally went all out on dramatic looks. It was different from the simple looks we get at most fashion shows, and was also received differently by different people, but hate it or love it, this girl’s got skills.

And, as usual, KINKEY Models Rocked!!! Those girls are superstars!

I met a girl called HANNAH

Tribal Chic 2011 was in aid of The Flying Kites Children’s Home. The Children’s Home, located in Njabini, Kinangop, houses about 27 girls and boys between the ages 7 and 16. Out of these amazing children is one called Hannah. Hannah’s dream is to become a famous singer and model and she is not afraid to voice these desires to her caretakers.

When Tribal Chic came along, Tribe Management and Brian (one of Hannah’s guardians), requested me to train her on catwalk, and possibly include her in the show. Standing at 5foot4, this 13 year old girl was keener than ever to learn. Extremely shy on the day we first met; Hannah opened up and showed her bubbly personality more and more during our training sessions at The Tribe. She was a quick study, and what was to be taught in 6-sessions, she got in three (and was even able to walk in 3-inch heels).

On the day of the show, she got to hang out backstage with all the models, and even got her make-up done. Hannah was the showstopper of the event and rocked that catwalk like she’d been doing it for ages…

I was sooo proud of her, like a mother watching her baby take its first steps! Love the confidence in her face!

Hannah was front and centre with Tribe Hotel's General Manager, Mark Somen, presenting flowers to participating designers.

AND... The Flying Kites team, both guardians and volunteers were there to support her.

This was a new and exciting experience for Hannah, and I hope it gives her the confidence she needs to chase her dreams.

For more information on Flying Kites Children’s Home, go to http://www.flyingkitesglobal.org/