I’ve never been to an Mbela show, so a few of the faces were new, different from the run-of-the-mill fashion followers. Filmmaker Hawa Essuman and Valentine Njoroge were both in attendance, with Lorna Irungu hosting the actual show. The designs themselves had plenty of editorial drama, and were unmistakably East African. Models were laden with beaded neckpieces, headdresses, bracelets, shoe adornments, berets, fascinators, and layered prints. Mbela also likes to paint her fabric with afro-centric swirls and graphics, so visually there was quite a lot to take in. Some of the girls even had whips and rungus (short wooden cane) with beaded handles! Très erotique.

Later, I met fashion blogger One Nigerian Boy which was fun and unexpected. He’s pretty big on the continent. Showing good blogger solidarity/etiquette, we took pix of each other, ha. Also Revlon Professional’s Randolph Grey was there, good to catch up with him.

Mbela retails at her Kilimani store POISA.

Marek is summer cool in preppy mixed blue prints


Wambui, Designer for Moo Cow

Barbara Minishi’s ruffles & bangles = rock chic


Valentine in that sleek new hairdo


Carol Odero, Drum Magazine


African print wedges from… Aldo! Love.

Interpreting the art of eclecticism – mixed prints & great accessories


Randolph Grey, Revlon Professional


Stylist Crystal Okusa (we have the same glasses!)


Iona & Ann Mcreath (Kiko Romeo)


Miss Iddi Achieng brings the drama as always in that chapeau


Pap symmetry with photographers Teddy Mitchener & Barbara Minishi


Hawa Essuman & Company


Olive Gachara wearing Mbela


One Nigerian Boy with Sylist Franklin Naikuni

By Annabel, DRESSUPNATION