Wachinga Kabaiku : Model Profile

Born and raised in the city of Nairobi, in Kenya, Wachinga Kabaiku is certainly on my “Ones to Watch” list.Kabaiku began a new life on her continuous journey to success. Standing at 5’5, the power-house model with her sculpted physique, flawless skin and a striking face, makes a bold statement.

Kabaiku began modelling around her 15th birthday...moved on to the runway in High-school, which makes it a 4 year career thus far, since she is now 19. Interestingly accelerating through the model industry, Kabaiku gained enough prominence to walk the runway for the 2Die4  fashion house. Although her fast growth has been a major curve ball, he really could not have had it another way. Kabaiku is currently signed with Fashions 4 All,Kenya. ”One major accomplishment for me,my new lifestyle as a model; but of course I do not plan to stop there.”

From Kanga to Kitenge: exploring patterns of cultural change in Nairobi

African-style clothing for women reflects centuries of culture and influence other societies have had on the various African tribes.Much of today's African -style clothing is inspired by the traditional garments worn by Africans for thousands of years.

Profile:1

Lourraine Chituyi

Nationality:Kenyan.

Age:Young @ <3

Occupation:Entreprenuer (Grand Hustler)

Status:

Loves:Fashion & Fashionable people

Fetish:Eyes

Favorite Colour:Purple

Ambition:Best Entrepreneur Award

Style Origin

• The traditional styles of clothing worn by African women were often representative of the wearer's social, political and religious standing.

  Senegalese women traditionally wore a boubou (French for kaftan or caftan), a loose-fitting full-length embroidered robe. Older Senegalese women wore long gowns called grand boubous over baggy trousers. Younger women often wore anangos--close-fitting tunics with plunging V necklines--and matching wrap skirts made from cotton prints.

  In Nigeria, the wrapper was the most common style of traditional dress. It consists of an uncut length of fabric that is wrapped and pleated around the body.

  In southwestern Nigeria, Yoruba women wore bubas, blouses that were either fitted with a curved bottom or baggy with a V-shaped bottom.

  In East Africa, women wore kangas, colorful African-style shawls. The middle part of the shawl usually featured a second, different pattern.

Profile:2

Caroline Wangari 'Pookie'

Nationality:Kenyan(with West African Blood)

Age:21

Occupation:Student @ U.O.N (B.A)

Status:Single

Loves:Fashion & Fashionable people

Fetish:Fashion,Painting,Music.

Favourite Colour:Purple.

Ambition:Finish Degree,Do Masters,Start own Co.& b on a billboard b4 2012 ends.

Elements

• • Traditional African clothing has bright colors and vivid patterns. Typically, patterns and colors vary from one region to another. Durable and natural fibers are predominant, because they "breathe" and keep the body comfortable in warm weather. Silk is a popular fabric, as is Egyptian cotton.

    Boubous and grand boubous are often made from tie-dyed damask and are embroidered with elaborate designs. Anangos and shorter boubous can also be made from strip cloth, which is made from multicolored strips of fabric that are sewn together. Each strip's pattern is said to symbolize an aspect of African culture.

    Tie-dying is an African technique invented by the Tuaregs, a Berber tribe from North Africa. Patterns created by this process symbolize aspects of fertility.
    

    

    
    

  Fabrics

• Aso oke is a traditional African fabric made from woven strips that are sewn together, similar to a quilt, before being cut into a pattern to make a garment. Adire fabric is created when a tie-dye process is used to imprint a pattern in the woven cloth. Kanga fabric is used by Swahili women to make colorful shawls, and kitenge fabric, also made in a wide array of colors and patterns, is worn wrapped around the bust or waist.

Social Significance

• The wrapper gained popularity in the West following the black pride movement of the 1960s. It is enjoying a resurgence thanks to African immigration, and the formal wrapper is frequently worn at weddings, graduations and other special occasions.

  The kaftan and dashiki also were adopted by African American women and men to demonstrate their solidarity with their African sisters and brothers during the civil rights movement in the U.S.

  Head wraps are another African style that became popular with African American women during the '60s, as a way to acknowledge their enslaved ancestors and their West African roots.

Little-Known Facts

• Kaftans and dashikis (long V-neck shirts with border patterns) were both traditional men's styles that were adopted by women. The kaftan was supposedly the garment of choice for Cleopatra. The Egyptian queen is said to have possessed many silk kaftans embellished with prints, embroidery, small mirrors and amulets.

  For a traditional West African-style wedding, the bride's kaftan is the same color as the groom's dashiki. White is the traditional color for West African weddings, but purple or lavender, the color of African royalty, and blue, the color of love, are also common if less traditional colors.

Types of Bags: General Overview

Today i will be looking at a general overview of the types of bags that i have seen on the streets and the caught my attention.Variety of bags is huge and it often seems impossible to know every name a piece can bear.Fashion is so diverse that it’s really impossible to know everything about it. But what it is quite possible is to keep learning. So, today we will speak about types of bags, those which are most common. We hope you will find something new for yourself.

Athletic bag – a roomy bag used for carrying sporting apparel and necessary equipment to the gym or sports ground.

Backpack – a bag that lies across the back and is supported by wearer’s shoulders with double handles. A backpack can be worn on one or both shoulders.

Baguette Bag – a rectangular bag that basically reminds a baguette in shape. Baguette bag is long from side to side and small from top to bottom. This bag can come with a short shoulder strap.

Bowling Bag – a bag that was originally intended for holding a bowling ball, later became a fashion item.

Bucket bag – a roomy bag in shape of a bucket, can come with an open top and a shoulder strap.

Clutch Bag – small rectangular bag that is shorter than a baguette bag. Clutch bag is usually an evening bag and can be adorned with jewels, sequins, crystals, etc.

Cosmetic case – a bag intended for holding cosmetics. Cosmetic case can come in different sizes and shapes, usually with a zipper.

Duffel Bag – a large bag used for travel or sports. The name comes from Duffel which is a town in Belgium where the fabric for the bag was first produced.

Envelope bag – a flat bag, square or rectangular in shape, with a triangle top flap that folds over like an envelope. Envelope can be as small as a clutch bag or larger.

Fold over clutch – a clutch that can be tucked or folded, can be with or without a handle, large or small.

Hobo Bag – a roomy crescent-shaped shoulder bag with a main compartment closure.

Messenger Bag – a large or middle-sized bag with a long strap that lies across the body, winds around the chest and rests the bag on the lower back. Messenger bags are usually made of high quality, durable and water-resistant materials.

Satchel – a handbag with a flat bottom and double handles. Satchel can be large or small.

Shoulder bag – a bag of any size and shape provided with a shoulder strap.

Sling Bag – a small bag with a long strap. Sling bag is similar to a messenger bag but smaller.

Tote Bag – a middle-sized or large bag with two handles, can be used for shopping.

Wristlet – a small bag in shape of a clutch, comes with an attached leather or bracelet-looking strap allowing wearer to hold the bag and have hands free.

Information taken from Bagbible.com.

NEO CHRISTMAS brought to you by SPARTANS INC.

• •  Saturday, December 10, 2011
  • Time

    9:00pm until 6:00am

• Where

  ALFAJIRI, HURLINGHUM

• Description

  Come out….. come out….. wherever you are!!! As we come to a close of another great year, it’s about that time we let you experience an exceptional wave of cool and pizzaz! We are definitely going all out on this one! From the crew that brought you SERENITY: The bubbles and smoke party, On the 10th of December, SPARTANS INC. brings you NEO CHRISTMAS……a different type of Christmas~ It’s a masquerade party ……only better! Tying into the name NEO….we want you to think outside the box and for this we challenge you all to come dressed in an outfit that represents both fun and glamour…because yes we are giving away prizes for the best dressed gentleman and lady. We are also gonna give a prize to the group that has the most hype during the event. The night will be equipped with fun stuff to indulge in featuring Free Jellow shots upon entry at the door, UV painting and Tattoos We’ll also have a Christmas tree just to set the mood and the venue will be adorned with mistle toes everywhere :-) Beware if we find you and somebody standing under one, you know how it goes……..! ********MUSIC******** As for our entertainment, we will be visiting all genres of music and the hits that were for the year. On the decks, a mash up of two mind blowing acts…… Dj Burn, the fire flame spitter and Dj Kafi. Judging by the last time…..our advice to you…COME PREPARED!! All beers will be going for 160bob and selected shots will be going for 150bob all night. ********TICKETS:******** Advanced tickets are going for 400/= and 700/= at the gate. **Your mask will come for free with the purchase of your ticket.** Advanced tickets can be accessed from the following outlets: -TAZ MOVIE SHOP, 2nd Floor, Lonrho House. -FURTHER MORE ENTERTAINMENT, Dominion Plaza. -AVENUEHOUSE, 3rd Floor. Or alternatively, you can call the following numbers for tickets: -0711221473, 0720112148, 0721784159, 0722210711 FOR MORE INFORMATION: You can follow us on our fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spartans-Inc/189425334456273?ref=ts Or follow us on twitter: @spartansinc Or check out our blog: http:// meetthespartanske.blogspot. com/ OH, ONE LAST THING…since its Christmas, we have a BONUS for you all. We shall be providing transport for those who are not mobile. All shuttles will be branded SPARTANS INC and can be accessed from Kencom, the whole night to and from the venue!!…yes the whole night!!!! Now you have no reason to miss this event! Come in numbers as we intend to usher the festive season in style~

Long Live The Chucks

One shoe that you can always count on anyone to own, are definitely a pair of Converse.  Alike me, I believe that everyone in this world has at some point in their lives has seen the all-star Converse as being an incredibly longstanding shoe brand, which has gone through decades shaping a culture of its own. Although they never seem to die,  the shoes were not particularly popular until basketball player Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. He was impressed with the design, and so he became the shoe’s leading salesman. After proposing a few changes to the shoe, the shoe got its current name and Chuck Taylor’s signature on its ankle All Stars patch. One change was the switch to non-slip soles. Although classic black is the most popular, Chuck Taylor was himself known to prefer unbleached white high-tops (known in his day as simply “white”). Consumers demanded more variety from the shoe – particularly with respect to colors in order to match basketball teams – so colored and patterned shoelaces became popular to complement the two colors, blacks and whites, available before 1966. Afterwards, more colors and styles became available. Low-top or “Oxford”, high-top, and later knee-high, versions were produced. More materials were offered for the construction, including leather,suede, vinyl, denim, and hemp. Some versions of the shoe were offered without laces, held up instead by elastic. These new versions of the shoe were also co-designed by Chuck Taylor, just before his death in 1969.

In modern times, Chuck Taylors are worn as a casual fashion shoe, and are less often used for sports because of the development of better sports shoes by other brands. But this certainly does not stop the revolution of the famous shoes, which to this day remains on the must-have list for many celebrities and people alike.

Denim Jackets: Hot 2011 Trend

One of the hottest trends in the new season is set to be denim! Denim jackets have a long-lasting appeal making them the perfect item for 2011!

This classic fashion item is timeless, and if you find a good denim jacket that fits you and is in a classic cut, like the ones above, you’ll have a jacket for many years to come. Throwing on a denim jacket over the hot little white dress, in style,will give your look that perfect 90s feel,but keep in mind, go with a feminine dress and a denim jacket for the ladies. 

Denim has certainly been throughout the years the most worn fabric from inception and has indeed dominated the world of fashion and style.To this day however, although many people are comfortable wearing jeans whether they are skinny, straight or boot-cut, they still question Denim Jackets. Without a doubt in m mind, I strongly believe that denim jackets are indeed stylish and add a rugged touch in an elegant and sophisticated way. They can be worn with a chic dress for the girls or even a classic outfit for the guys. But no matter how they are worn even miniature or over-sized, they most certainly get my “style icon plus.” My favorite denim Jacket, is my Tommy Hilfiger Denim jacket, and I like it because it has a preppy look while still retaining the jeans rugged appeal. Today I will show you some of the hottest denim looks for women and the coolest yet still uber-stylish looks for men.

Have Your Say…

What do you think of these jackets? Do you own one and how do you style it? P.S. Join lots of other pips over at Facebook and get the latest fashion and beauty scoops!

Urban Women Dress code

The city never sleeps, and neither should someone living there who wants to keep up with urban woman’s fashion trends. The city is where fashion originates, with fads that start in a place like New York, not hitting the small towns for several years. In addition to being of the latest style, urban clothing should be chic, functional and ready to brave all the elements that come with life in the big city.

The modern day woman is fashion conscious like never before and it is every woman’s eternal dream to look beautiful. Women in general spend most of their free time buying clothes. The fashion industry will never lose its charm. Fashion has become an integral part of urban women’s lives and each one yearns to look her best at all times. With the clothing comes the right shoes, accessories and jewelry to match.

Hit the streets or magazine racks and it’s apparent that trends in urban woman’s fashion run the gamut from alternative rock, urban hip-hop, to funky and classic. The following looks are helpful references to pinpoint different fashion genres and will help you to mimic a desired style.

Classic Fashion

A classic style expresses a clean, prim and proper look. Jewelry and accessories are muted and don’t carry a bold statement. Shoes are comfortable for walking, but stylish enough for the office.

Preppy Fashion

Conservative, the kind of look that makes big estates and golf might come to mind. But the preppy fashion style has slightly evolved into trendy status.  The basics still remain: collared blouses, polo shirts, khakis, skirts with traditional prints and a clean-cut, well-groomed appearance.

Bohemian / Hippie Fashion

This variety of urban women’s fashion can be represented by many styles and can lean toward the beachy, quirky, eclectic or kitschy cool as descriptive adjectives. This style radiates freedom with loose clothing, loose hair, headgear ranging from headbands to fedoras to baseball caps, and other fun accessories including cocktail rings and stacked bangles. These are usually coupled with sneakers.

Rock / Funk Fashion

A funky rock look is edgy with bold accents that can be expressed with hairstyle and unconventional hair color, lipstick or accessories. Clothing pieces include black leather jackets and dark shirts with funky designs, and jeans.

Skater / Alternative Fashion

The skater or alternative style also has different ranges. This style of urban woman’s fashion is characterized by tight skinny jeans, long frontal hair and dark eye makeup (guys included).

Goth Glam Fashion

The goth glam fashion category is a classy version of gothic but ensembles still retain dark and gloomy colors like black, navy and burgundy. Let’s not be judgmental.

Girly Glam Fashion

Girly glam outfits hug the body more tightly and are replete with pink, loud and sparkly accessories, high stilettos and platforms. This seems very uncomfortable to me, but then again, I’m not 15 anymore.

Urban Hip-Hop Fashion

In the street scene, gold chains, diamond earrings and baseball caps have always been standard for men. Urban woman’s fashion includes many brown and tan outfits, bold designs, along with large hoop earrings, thick platforms and tight up-dos that look like they are pulling on facial muscles.

Many people mix fashion style trends depending on mood. The important thing is to find styles that fit personal preferences because how you dress subconsciously affects your demeanor.