Bark cloth for international runways

Designer Stella Atal paints on a piece of bark cloth

Last Thursday, the Uganda National Museum hosted a one of a kind fashion show. The pieces were partly or fully made out bark cloth (lubugo) by José Mendo. At the event, fashion designers based here and abroad hatched a plan to make bark cloth one of the mainstream fabrics on and off the runway. The Bark 2 The Roots programme is a brain child of Josephine Kyomuhendo, a UK- based fashion designer who label José Hendo has been featured on fashion shows in Europe, the New York Fashion Week and recently Kampala Fashion Week. The project is a collaboration with Makerere University School of Fine Artist, fashion designers like Stella Atal,Eva Mynsberghe and Anne Musisi among others. The idea is to bring together researchers, makers, designers, education institutions and buyers (promoting production and export) among other stakeholders to promote the environmental friendly, sustainable and renewable material that bark cloth is. Some designers showcased how the material from the mutuba tree can be used as fabric for clothing and decorated with patterns or mixed with other textiles, while Mynsberghe showcased how she is using the material to make jewelry. José Hendo showed the potential of bark cloth and how it can be maneuvered during designing. Her haute couture avant-garde designs showcased on that day showed how the material can become a global trend. She explained that she is using explosion of colours plus silhouettes and patterns that that can be embraced by the young generation. That way, bark can move forward but keep its heritage.

Jose Hendo (R) demonstrates bark cloth manipulation

The event partly put together by activist Winnie Sseruma also brought together fashion lovers of different generations and eco-sustainable designers. Bark cloth was the only form of fabric way back before textiles like cotton, nylon, and polyester among others pushed it out and left it for the coffin. This project could end the stigma attached to it and put it at the same level with the likes of leather, silk and other fabrics.

 

Kampala Fashion Week lands with a bang

The first edition of the Kampala Fashion Week took place last week with the grand finale on Saturday night at Kololo ceremonial grounds. To say that designers pulled all stops at the event, a brainchild of Gloria Wavamunno, would be an understatement.

The nine fashion designers plus the jewellery and shoes that went with their creations, made every effort to create a lasting first impression.

The event organization was impeccable thanks to LDJ Productions from New York, and this could go down in history as one of the fashion shows attended by true fashion lovers and not just wannabes.

The runway lights came on around 8:30pm and there could not have been a better way to open the show than having the winner of Africa’s Next Top Model, Aamito Stacie, showcasing a high slit and plunging V neckline dress by Kwesh (Juliana Nasasira). From then till 10pm, model after model hit the runway walking unique designs as the guests applauded.

The runway was graced by jumpsuits, florals, mind-blowing men’s wear, one-shoulder dresses, among others, made from leather, bark cloth, beads, lace and African fabric.

Ras Kasozi of Kas Wear worked with military inspired fabrics and black lace for his collection. Fringed and pointed-shoulder finishing stood out in his collection.

Sylvia Owori showcased her Safari Collection before first daughter Natasha Kainembabazi Karugire showcased her comeback collection under J&Kainembabazi.

She chose chiffon and silk in vibrant colours for her

Aamito (L) with Natasha Kainembabazi

collection, with some beading to finish some dresses in the neck area. A matching yellow hat complemented one of her yellow dresses with simple animal prints.

After a 15-minute break, Gloria Wavamunno’s collection that bordered more on the abstract graced the catwalk.

What stood out was the draping accompanying some of the designs and the use of nude colour pastels. The beautiful handmade jewellery, sandals and bags by Zanaa complemented the designs.

UK-based Jose Hendo brought the end to a fantastic night with close to 30 unique creations.

Her touch on the ready-to-wear designs made out of fabric left a lasting impression. Martha Jabo, Catherine & Sons and Eguana also showcased.

Fashion lovers are definitely looking forward to next year’s edition.

More photo..

 

Judith Heard rocks Kigali Fashion Week

Judith Heard doing her thing

 

The fourth edition of the annual Kigali Fashion Week has been taking place in Rwanda’s capital Kigali with 15 fashion houses showcasing their collections on the runway. The event took place between 3rd to 8th of this month.  Designers from Kenya, Burundi and Uganda took part, while Rwanda was represented by 12 designers, including Patrick Muhire of Inkanda House, Colombe Ituze, Kevine & Ysolde of Uzuri K&Y, and Teta Isibo of Inzuki Designs. The theme for this year’s KFW was “Disability is not Inability” in a bid to create awareness on intellectual disability in Rwanda. Uganda was represented by Santa Anzo. Judith Heard was one of the models that hit the runway to showcase Arapapa by Santa Anzo. Here are more photos from the event courtesy of Allan Atulinda of Atulinda Images in Kigali.

 

Miss Uganda’s Brenda delivers Baby Girl

 

 

 

 

Join us to congratulate the CEO of Miss Uganda franchise, Brenda Nanyonjo upon delivering a baby girl this morning. Baby and mother are in good condition. Welcome to the world  baby Zarah!