Miss Uganda 2015 launches this Friday

Time flies so fast. It feels like just the other day when Leah Kalanguka was crowned Miss Uganda 2014/15. That was in October last year. Brenda Iriama and Taban Yazmin were crowned 1^st and 2^nd runner up respectively. As you read this, her reign is coming to an end. This year’s edition kicks off on Friday (22/May/2015) with a major launch to take place at Serena hotel. At the invite only event, the team from Miss Uganda Foundation will lay down plans for this year’s pageant and the road map. Dates will be revealed of when the judges are heading out to different regions to pick the contestants who will represent their regions at the finale. Also this year’s sponsors will be unveiled although we have it on good authority that Mirinda is coming back onboard for the second year running. More information will be revealed on this site. Below is some of the action from last year’s launch.

The team from Mirinda at the event

Backstage with Fashion Designer Brenda Maraka taking measurements of one of the contestants

Anita Fabiola (L) with the host of the night Jaylor Birungi

Apass

Tonix

Guests

Bi*ch stole my look. How?

The biggest story from the red carpet at this year’s MET Gala was all about how Kim Kardashian stole Beyonce’s 2012 look to the same event. I have taken time to look at the dresses and yes, the critics are right. Both are sheer, tight, long sleeved with feathery train. Kim took it a notch higher by replicating even the ponytail. Whether all this was a ploy for media attention or Kanye West worked with designer Roberto Cavalli to make a fool of Kim, we may never know. At least we are sure different designers made the gowns.

In Kampala, however, you walk into a shop and it is obvious the outfits were shipped from China and are the same grade, colour, and fabric with the same suggested combination, if it is a two-piece. For some reason, a lady walks into a shop and buys one piece and leaves another 499 ready for the next customer to choose from. The funny thing is when she meets another person wearing the same outfit she still goes like: “B**ch stole my look.” Really? So you thought the pieces that remained in the shop you bought yours were going to stay there forever? If I were you, I would just go for only unique pieces if you want to look the part.

Secondly if you buy the whole ensemble, take it apart. If it was a combined skirt and blouse, substitute the top with another matching piece or switch the skirt for a pair of pants. Every time you were the outfit as bought, you risk finding someone who bought the exact piece. And the “she stole my look” looks between our unique fashion-loving ladies will stop.

 

 

Xeadar and Ramah win it for Brenda Nambi at Mr Price launch

Its official, Bossini and Mr Price have set up shop at Acacia Mall. The unveiling took place last night. It was all about lights, cameras and high fashion for the guests and models that hit the runway. The event was not your usual fashion show given that fashion designers, Brenda Nambi, Brenda Maraka and Rafael Kasule were tasked to style a selection of models using outfits from the two stores. Joram Muzira of Joram Model Management (JMM) took care of the models and the overall coordination of the event. In the end the three judges Morris Mugisha a former representative for Uganda in Big Brother Africa, model and photographer, Sylvia Owori-an entrepreneur and legendary fashion designer on the Ugandan market plus Jeddidah Thotho the Retail Director at Deacons Kenya chose Brenda Nambi as the eventual winner of the challenge. Nambi walked away with the cash prize of 4 million shillings. Second place was Rafael who took 2.5 million shillings. I felt like all the designers did a great job but there could have been only one winner. The models could have made the difference. Brenda Nambi had a dangerous combination of Xeadar and Ramah plus the lovely Anna and Knowel. Everything they put on looked fabulous. The other guys like Jaypee, Keith or beautiful Milcah, Vanquisha and Vivian are all top models but perhaps the combination of Xeadar and Ramah was too much for the judges. At the end of the day fashion won and that is what matters most. Below are some random shots from the event. I will be sharing more soon.

Ramah and Xeadar

Brenda Nambi (C) receives her dummy cheque

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A hats affair at Blankets and Wine

The ninth edition of Blankets and Wine Kampala took place last Sunday. The food and drinks were flowing from the beginning to the end. Eric Wainaina, Suzan Kerunen, Janzi Band the dynamic duo Radio and Weasal lit up the stage. As is the norm Kampala the ladies and gentlemen put their best feet forward. Fashion statements were made. What stood out for me were the hats. From Fedoras to cloches, panamas, fascinators, cowboy hats, caps and wide brim hats were all represented in different colors and textures. Even hat makers – Simon and Mary from South Africa had a stall at the event. They were obviously overwhelmed by how people stormed their stall for a hat or two. Simon and Mary will be officially launching in Kampala very soon. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the hats side of Blankets and Wine or is it Hats and Wine! Enjoy. Share. Leave a comment.

Gentlemen checking out some of the goodies from Simon and Mary

 

 

 

Mr Price comes to Acacia Mall

On Thursday evening, the Mr Price and Bossini brands at Acacia Mall will be launched in pomp and colour at an invite-only event to be headlined by a fashion show dubbed – Mr Price and Bossini Feel Good Collection 2015.

The Challenge

For the first time ever, 3 of Uganda’s renowned fashion stylists will go head to head to put together fashionable combinations from Bossini and Mr Price.

The fashion show will host 3 top Uganda fashion stylists namely:

• Brenda Nambi
• Brenda Maraka
• Rafael Kasule

The above three will be competing for the position of best/ leading fashion stylists in a fashion show featuring Mr. Price and Bossini brands. 
The over all winner will receive a cash prize of Shs 4 million the first runner-up will receive Shs 2.5 million.

Fashion Show Themes

Mr Price Collection Featuring:

• Smart casual working attire
•  Sporty theme – Majorly create sporty inspired looks that can be worn at different sport events and still stand 
out
•  Accessorize it – this will show case different ways to put toghether accessories.
• Bossini Collection Featuring:
• 
 Time Out Collection – Casual wear for weekends & outings for the entire family
• Wet season collection – Showcasing exquisite pieces for the wet season
• Color blocking (Denim and color pants) – Mix different colors to provoke and create a look that stands out.

Fashion Show Judges

• Two of Uganda’s Fashion gurus (They will be disclosed on that day)
• Deacons CEO – Mr Muchiri Wahome

Here are a few photos from the store.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not chase every trend

Recently, I got involved in a heated debate with a friend. Apparently she had nothing sexy to wear to a party but as I went through her wardrobe, I came across this beautiful black bandage dress.

She tried it on and looked really beautiful, but said it was out of style so she could not wear it.

Dear ladies, just because a style is no longer popular on the red carpet or Elle magazine says it is out of style does not mean you should throw it away. It is all about how great you look and how it makes you feel on the inside.

Truth be told, not many of us can afford to buy the latest designs as soon as they hit the market. Even if you are able to get what the top designers have for this year’s spring/summer collection, there is no guarantee that they will look good on you. Getting caught up in chasing trends can result in wearing the most recent outfits but looking so off in them. Someone wearing what could be termed as ‘last season’ but turning eyes towards her is way better.

The trick is to not buy the obvious looks when a trend hits town. For example, the gladiators were an in thing but up to now you meet someone showing off a pair of well-manicured feet in subtle gladiators and you cannot help but notice.

Would it be the same for the knee high gladiators? No. If you live in NYC and follow trends, maybe. But if you are in Kampala, you bought the right outfit and still look as hot in it as you did last year, go on rock it. To hell with chasing trends.

2015 Mirinda Miss Teen Search Kicks Off On May 9

Last Year’s Top 3

The highly-anticipated Mirinda Miss Teen Season 4 will start on May 9, 2015 with new categories and an exciting search tour that will include Northern Uganda, for the first time.

Mirinda Miss Teen is an annual talent contest that aims at showcasing the great talents and characters of today’s teenage girls.

This year’s theme is; “Work Hard, Play Hard” and will involve a search for a girl who is not only beautiful and smart but is also fun-loving.

“We are sponsoring the 2015 Mirinda Miss Teen edition because it’s still the most relevant platform that helps the brand connect with its primary audience; a young girl with the attributes that Mirinda embodies,” said Mr Innocent Tibayeita, the head of marketing and sales at Crown Beverages Limited, the bottlers of Mirinda.

“Mirinda Miss Teen helps the youth to release that inner spontaneous playful spirit that is within every one of us. In so doing, Mirinda Miss Teen brings to life our exciting thematic campaign, free your fun side. More than 40 schools are set to take part in this year’s edition including those from the North, for the very first time in the competition’s history,” Mr Tibayeita added.

Keza Namazzi

Through this contest, Mirinda is searching for school-going teenage girls between 15 and 18 years of age. They should be girls who know when it’s time to be serious and when it’s time to loosen up and have a good time.

The new categories introduced; Miss AMBITIOUS and Miss PLAY HARD will see winners getting a chance to attend fully-paid five-day career guidance training and a Shs1million cash prize respectively. Fourteen-year-old Keza Namazzi from Mt.St.Mary’s Namagunga is the reigning Mirinda Miss Teen, and second runner-up is Gloria Rutaremwa of Seeta High. Marianne Katusiime now of Gayaza High School was the first runner-up.

Keza walked home with Shs2.5 million worth school fees for a year while Katusiime and Rutaremwa got Shs1.5 million and Shs1.2 million respectively. The prizes for these categories remain the same this year, as well.

Mirinda has promised to make the launch event of Mirinda Miss Teen 2015, the utmost definition of fun and pleasure this holiday. At the launch, the judges will also be unveiled to the public.

The winners will be crowned at a ceremony sufficient of majesty and grandeur in Kampala in September.

Travel chic and comfy

A bus trip is way different from flying to your destination. But in both cases it is easy to tell who is the frequent traveller and who is not.

When travelling, comfort should be number one priority. When you are comfortable in your clothes and shoes, not only will you have a smooth trip, the people seated next to you will have no reason to complain.

Some fashionable people you may follow such as Kim Kardashian can dress in certain ways because they expect to find paparazzi at the airport and don’t want to appear in the tabloids looking anything but hot.

But have you ever wondered what is in her carry-on luggage?

You do not expect her to wear those heels throughout the flight, plus the inconvenience they can cause if she has to make her way to the lavatory.

Since there may be unexpected changes in the temperatures, it is better to wear layers so that you can shed off the scarf or cardigan when it gets warmer or put them on when temperatures drop.

The shorts, sandals and chiffon top may look cute before takeoff but after 10 hours of a cold flight, you will feel and look horrible to your receiving party.

Do not count on the inflight blankets. You will be disappointed.

So wear something that covers your legs, comfortable shoes and keep a simple sweater or scarf within reach.

If you still want to look super elegant for whoever is receiving you upon arrival, there is an option of visiting the ‘ladies’ and getting your swagg on before exiting.

Whatever you do, do not compromise your comfort.

(Internet pics)

Ugandans not ready for some styles

 There is so much fashion craziness going on in the industry. Designers and fashion icons are pushing boundaries with new looks every day.

The level of experimenting with style is so fast it is hard to keep up.

With the all these platforms including magazines, TV fashion and the unlimited online resources, fashion lovers are living in fashion heaven, especially if they can afford to replicate the looks.

However, the biggest setback could be the community one leaves in. Can you walk around your neighborhood in those totally ripped short shorts, or do you, like most people, sneak out the door and into the car and only feel free once in the nightclub?

If you have attended a church wedding and the bride is not wearing a white or ivory gown, consider yourself lucky. I have not. And I will make sure my bride wears pure white and not off-white or cream to keep within the tradition. No pink gown, please. Ugandans are smart enough not to copy everything they see on TV, unless they are Eva Mbabazi or Tracy Bora.

Tracy Bora, a city socialite turned heads at Billy Ocean’s concert last Friday. Her black, lacy see-through dress left nothing to imagination.

One could even see the path her G-string had taken.

She knew what she was doing, because she made sure she arrived very early and sat still. Trust the prying eyes of paparazzi to catch her at the end of the show. A case of one girl who watches way too much TV!

But there is a limit to what we can replicate on our local fashion scene. Certainly not Rihanna’s naked dress look, please.

Flaunt it all you want

Dressing up is not all about covering your body. I assume that you already know that.

Ever seen a lady who wears long skirts and pants all the time but the day she decides to wear something that shows some leg, you all be like, “Where have you been hiding those?”

If you hear that comment, learn that whenever you hide those legs, waist, cleavage or even the face, you will be doing yourself a disservice.

I am not saying you go all ghetto to the levels of indecent exposure or to wear a crop top to that board meeting. There are appropriate times to show off what your mama gave you and never miss that opportunity. Ugandan women are curvaceously gifted. So why not flaunt it?

I am not going to tell you to stay within the boundaries of your body shape when choosing clothes. Thinking of yourself in terms of hourglass, figure eight, an apple, pear or coke bottle shape, will help you not to cross the line, but it is better to focus on the aspects you love not on the ones you must cover up.

So, pick a dress that will support and enhance your bust, wear something to show some leg, pull your hair back sometimes so we can get to a clear view of your eyes and facial features. Flaunt your behind in fitting jeans or flowing dresses; show off your arms in short sleeves. Do not let your time spent in the gym go unnoticed. Most importantly, wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and confident. Go on and flaunt your curves!