Creative DNA 2.0 Kenya: A new programme supporting and showcasing 20 of Kenya’s most exciting new fashion and accessories talents, such as standout emerging talents Metamorphisized, LUXATRA and TUG.
www.instagram.com/luxaltra
www.instagram.com/tug.kenya
ONE PROJECT, TWO COUNTRIES, TWENTY DESIGNERS, AS THEY EXPLORE INDIVIDUALITY, IDENTITY AND THE VIBRANCY OF NAIROBI’S CREATIVE SCENE
For this programme, acclaimed photographer Maganga Mwagogo and stylist Dwayne Kenzie teamed up to create three exclusive photoshoots. Titled ‘Identity’ these visionary shoots investigate what personal identity and freedom mean in a post-Covid world.
Fashion has always had a strong impact on the community, serving as a canvas for expression and exploration of identities. It has for generations revolutionised stereotypical norms in societies and communities, pushing what is deemed as “normal” to new dimensions, sometimes raising eyebrows on its journey.
“Fashion is a liberating form of self-expression, and Dwayne and I set out to explore and celebrate this. The styling and make-up are striking, empowering the models and enabling them to truly stand out from the crowds. They show that people can get out of their comfort zones and experiment” explained Maganga.
The first photoshoot juxtaposes the ever-flowing quest for identity and self-expression with its visual power, using fashion as a form of communication and a true form of art. How we represent the contradictions and ourselves in everyday life is inevitably intertwined with fashion, its continual constructions and reconstruction.”
Handbags @luxaltra
Earrings @ginene_by_diro
Handbags @luxaltra
Earrings @ginene_by_diro
Celebrating the energy of Nairobi, the second photoshoot explores the youthful skate culture of this city. Maganga, Dwayne and their creative team capture the vibrant colours of the Shangilia Mtoto skate park – strongly communicating the vibrancy of this city, its creative scene, and its identity.
Neckpiece @tiger.tail.twister
T-shirt (left) @peni.mbili
T-shirt (right) & bags @nairobiappareldistrict
The final shoot provides a more polished vision of Nairobi. Celebrating the international sophistication and glamour also found in the city, it is shot as the sun sets on the roof terrace of the high tech co-working space, Kofisi 9, Nairobi.
Three shoots featuring three visions of identity and modern life in Kenya.
Clothing @mariam_couture_
Clothing @mariam_couture_
The photoshoots are part of a three-month British Council programme, titled Creative DNA 2.0 Kenya. Providing business acceleration masterclasses and training to 20 Kenyan fashion and accessories designers, this programme follows 2020’s highly successful Creative DNA 1.0. That programme saw the participating designers experience significant business growth following their mentoring as well as international media recognition, including Vogue Italia, Business Of Fashion, SHOWstudio and many more.
The new Creative DNA 2.0 programme will also give fashion fans the unique opportunity to buy the designer’s latest pieces via a month-long pop-up boutique in Nairobi’s Village Market as well as directly from the designers via Instagram.
Promoting cross-collaboration and understanding between Kenya and the UK, Creative DNA 2.0 are part of the portfolio of work produced by @fashionscout (UK) and @fafakenya (Kenya).
PROGRAMME CREDITS
British Council @eastafricaarts / Fashion Scout @fashionscout FAFA Kenya @fafakenya @annmccreath
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:
Photography: @maganga.mwagogo
Styling: @___dwaynekenzie
Creative Direction @maganga.mwagogo @___dwaynekenzie
Hair and makeup: @jamiekimani
Models @babi_akinyi @abotphoebe
