Siri Studio - Hey , Ms Siri
Siri Studio is a Made in Kenya fashion brand founded by Anita Gaitho in 2016. Anita believes that her garments compliment everything you love about yourself and they are crafted as a celebration of femininity, confidence and elegance .
Siri Studio targets the urban work oriented woman aged between 23-40 years who requires a contemporary yet sophisticated wardrobe that helps her express her authentic self . Their garments are high quality, versatile and durable.
The brand is located at Adlife Plaza Kilimani.
Peperuka – The Brand Telling African Stories
Peperuka is a Kenyan lifestyle brand by Wangari Nyanjui that tells African stories through products with powerful symbolic representation and language. Wangari is passionate about designing for impact. For every purchase, a percentage of the proceeds goes to Peperuka Foundation which trains and mentors young girls in the fashion industry.
Their products range from apparel, accessories, home décor, and gift items that are inspired by everyday life. Peperuka products are loved by people in Kenya and all over the world.
Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution High Tea Event
Earlier this month Connie was a guest speaker at the Women in Alternative Dispute (WADR) Resolution High Tea event, which was held at Radisson Blu, Upperhill. The event was part of the month of March International Women’s day celebration. The Key topics for the day were “Leveraging on Equity” and “Personal Branding for Success” which Connie facilitated alongside Professional Makeup Artist Kristeen Kuria and Chairperson Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration Jacqueline Oyuyo.
Soft Glam Makeup with Grace Murema for Costume and Makeup for Film Class at USIU
Grace Murema of Grycelle Studio is an Award-winning and certified Special Effects Makeup Artist and was our Guest Lecturer in March. She trained the students on key aspects of Soft Glam Make Up and how to create the look.
Ashok Sunny – For the Executive Man
Ashok Sunny Tailored Limited is Kenya’s leading designer brand dealing in Bespoke suits for women and men. Bespoke tailoring simply means that the garment has been customized for a particular individual their specific measurements, preferences, and body type. The executive brand is named after its Founder and Creative Director, Ashok Sunny.
The brand offers an Imperium Collection which is a whole wardrobe specifically designed for you. The wardrobe has suits for work, weekend life, hobbies, and family life. Ashok’s clientele includes businessmen, the diplomatic community, and individuals looking for an executive appearance. His suits have been worn by His Excellence President William Ruto.
Visit their showroom on Koinange Street, Deluxe Mall, and have a bespoke experience
National Career Fair
Connie alongside her Co-Panelists Dr. King’ori ,Dann Mwangi Philbert Julai Mdindi and Denning Okato at the Nation Career Fair. She shared her insights and experiences on the evolving job markets in the Creative Arts, Technology, and Marketing Sectors.
Wangari Mathenge – Masai Culture to the World
Minimalistic, Quirky, and Versatile. These are three words that describe the Wangari Mathenge fashion label. Started in 2014 out of a passion for fashion and conservation, WM is known for creating and modifying fabrics into pieces that are everyday basics with a little bit of twist in terms of construction. Maasai Shuka is one of her favorite mediums which she is popularly known for.
Strathmore Team Leaders Training – 27.01.2023
Last month Connie conducted training at Strathmore Business School (SBS) where she is Adjunct Faculty. The training was for Strathmore Staff Managers and Team Leaders. The training focused on Personal Branding and Executive Presence. Key topics covered during the training were Personal Branding, Grooming and Executive Presence.
Kamami Bliss – Boho Chic Meets African Style
Kamami Bliss, launched by Linda Muthama in 2015, is a made-in-Kenya brand that designs and creates stylish clothing with size-inclusive silhouettes. Her designs feature Boho-chic aesthetics infused with vibrant African-inspired prints. The brand grew organically through pop-up events and social media marketing until they eventually started stocking at a retail outlet at Westgate Mall. She recently launched the Nawiri collection which is a love note each woman gives herself every day to remind herself how powerful she is.
Metamorphisized
Metamorphisized, founded by Daudi Onkoba in 2018, is a Made in Kenya leading streetwear brand that tells African stories through garments. The brand believes in inclusivity through design and makes clothes that are gender-neutral. The name Metamorphisized represents the idea of growth similar to that of butterflies.
They recently released their Mechi Collection from the idea of a fictional “Fight Club” and it embodies the idea of the discipline, persistence, and perseverance a fighter endures. The collection brings forth sportswear staples such as Jersey T-Shirts, Sweat-Pants and Hoodies, Varsity Jackets, Track Jackets, and Track pants. Have a look at the collection below;
The Label Saba – Redefined Nomadic Luxury
The Label Saba is a luxury leather bag brand that represents “Redefined Nomadism” – the movement of Nomadic culture through luxury. Nthenya Mwendwa, who is the creative director, creates original African luxury designs using raw materials such as fish leather, beads, and cow leather. She works with women’s community groups, especially in the Maasai community, and helps them create a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their children.
The brand is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and exports to the U.S.A, U.K, Dubai, Italy, France, and Germany and showcased at the Dubai Expo 2020.
Classy Holiday Wear Guideline – Business Daily
The end of the year comes with celebrations and travel that require a fashionable look. Selecting the perfect outfit for the End Year office Party, New Year Gala and much more can be daunting. Connie Aluoch has compiled a style guide that will help you navigate the holiday fashion season successfully. Click the link below to read full the article on Business Daily Africa.
Made in Kenya Brand IKOJN Spreads its Wings
IKOJN, founded by Cris Njoki in 2015 is a renowned women’s wear brand. The brand is synonymous with unique inclusive designs tailored for African Women and focuses on empowering women and creating a sustainable impact on the lives and communities of people around the ecosystem.
The brand launched its 2nd physical outlet in Kenya at Imaara Mall on Saturday, November 5th. In attendance were special Ikojn guests, clients, and various influencers who were all awarded 50% discount vouchers. Connie Aluoch and team are proud to be supporting the IKOJN brand in their brand strategy and media presence
3rd Edition of The Social Sunday Fashion Brunch
This year’s 3rd Edition of Social Sunday Fashion Brunch curated by Connie Aluoch was held on Sunday, October 30th at the Social House. The fashion brunch was proudly sponsored by Samsung, Bio Food Product, and Beefeater Gin. The Brunch is a partnership between Award Winning Stylist, Connie Aluoch and the Social House to promote the “Made in Kenya” #BuyKenyaBuildKenya initiative.
The chief guest speaker was Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert, Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board. Other guests included Dr. Joseph Aluoch and Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, Capital FM Lifestyle Editor Vinnie O, Terryanne Chebet, and Georgie Ndirangu. The Fashion showcase on the runway had personalities Natalie Tewa, and Muriuki Kagiri showcasing Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
In line with creative sustainability, designers showcase and sell their collections during the Brunch, and thereafter selected pieces are sold at the Social Retail Store giving the designers access to local consumers, international travelers and the business community that stay at the hotel.
Designers who showcased at the 3rd Edition were;
Genteel: Classic Menswear wear brand that fuses Kenyan Culture with Exceptional Craftsmanship.
2NU: This brand is for the Classy, Elegant and Stylish woman.
Artfit Africa – Afro-centered Streetwear
Artfit Africa, founded in 2021 by Joshua Nyachieo, is a homegrown fashion brand that produces afro-centered streetwear. The brand is reknown for their African-inspired bold prints on customized t-shirts, shirts, pants, hoodies, etc. for both kids and fashion-forward adults. They produce and print their collections locally.
Artfit offers both ready-to-wear and custom-made options. Their vibrant and bold prints represent different aspects of traditional African style and modern pop style. The brand is a favorite for both Kenyan and African Audiences.
Instagram: @artfit.africa
Website: www.artfitapparels.shop
Zamara Graduate Induction Personal Branding
Earlier this month Connie trained young graduates of the Zamara Induction Program on the importance of Branding. Key topics covered during the training include the importance of first impressions, building a personal brand and grooming. There was a practical session on key factors to consider when creating a capsule wardrobe
Magical Kenya Travel Expo – “Rediscover the Magic’
Magical Kenya Travel Expo hosted by The Kenya Tourism Board is one of the largest tourism and travel fairs in the region and that brings together global tourism leaders, buyers, and sellers. Due to the pandemic for the last 2 years the event was held virtually but this year the event was held at Bomas of Kenya from October 5th to the 7th.
On October 4th, there was an opening cocktail that hosted guests from across the world. The Chief Guest was Hon Najib Balala Minister for Tourism. Also in attendance were Chairperson of Kenya Tourism Board Joanne Mwangi Yelbert, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board Betty Radier, and Marketing Advisor of Ministry of Tourism &Wildlife Fatma Muses amongst other dignitaries.
For the first time ever, the event hosted a fashion show celebrating #MadeInKenya curated by Connie Aluoch. The designers showcased were women’s wear designers Aulgah Nato, Mambo Pambo and unisex brand Boguk. All looks were accessorized by jewelry designer Zanta Adeyde and the Designers sold their collections at their Pop Up Retail Section at the Expo.
Zamara Group – Personal Branding & Executive PresenceTraining
We had an interactive session training the Senior Managers and Advisors of Zamara Group on the importance of building a strong Personal Brand and developing Executive Presence as leaders. Key topics covered were The impact of first Impressions and the 7Cs of Executive Presence.
Emeka Suits – The Epitome of Sustainability
Emeka Suits refers to itself as a black and green lifestyle enterprise. Black, because it is black-owned, black-made, and created to empower African industries. Green, because it uses up-cycled materials, aims for a waste-free production chain and explores new ideas of sustainability. Founded by Sydney Emeka Nwakanma, the business has its roots in Africa with production taking place in West and East Africa, especially in our own Kibera slums.
Emeka Suits sources its fabrics from Mitumba Markets and create new pieces of clothing from curtains or bed sheets that they then turn into suits, hats, and bags in limited collections.
Instagram: @emeka_suits
Website: emeka-suits.com/
Olisa Kenya – Knitwear at its Best
Olisa Kenya is a knitwear design label whose visual language puts a strong emphasis on color, pattern, craftsmanship, and materiality. Heavily inspired by the vibrancy of the African lifestyle, Olisa Kenya is a celebration of textile traditions. The designer, Akoth Otieno, is a self-taught knitter who created the brand out of a basic need to bring a fresh take on a basic uncomplicated wardrobe.
Instagram: @olisakenya
Enquiries: studio@olisakenya.com
Deepa Dosaja – Ethics and Beauty Combined
Deepa Dosaja is a leading fashion designer with international recognition and she uses her platform to speak about the impact fashion has on the environment and the fashion community. Her collections are known for their elegance and playfulness with the signature stunning color combinations, embroidery, and hand-painted flowers seen throughout.
From its earliest days, Deepa Dosaja Limited (DDL) has been founded on the twin pillars of ethics and beauty. The DDL brand has always believed in producing sustainable environmentally friendly clothes and is proud to have created constant employment for its artisans.
Instagram: @deepa.dosaja
Website: www.deepadosaja.com
Located in Nairobi at Old Loresho Shopping Centre, Loresho Ridge.
Lilabare – Purposefully Made Clothing
Lilabare, based in Nairobi, Kenya is a clothing brand that uses traceable, natural & handcrafted materials to create versatile designs for the mindful individual. LilaBare’s styles are inherently sustainable for the wearer and they make clothes for people who appreciate the ever-increasing value of purposefully made clothing.
Training on Personal Branding & Fine Dining Etiquette with Diageo Brand Ambassadors
Connie Aluoch in partnership with Victoria Mulu-Munywoki conducted a training on Personal Branding and Fine Dining Etiquette. Victoria is the first Kenyan Native Sommelier with over 10 years of experience. The trainees represent the various range of Diageo products.
Key topics covered by Connie included First Impressions, Grooming, Brand Reputation and Brand Communication
Victoria’s had a practical session on the Fine Dining Etiquette and highlighted key rules that must be observed during fine dining.
Creative Styling Class at United States International University (USIU)
The main goal of Creative Styling is to equip the students with skills on how to select costumes and accessories for film characters based on a script. The session covered both theoretical and practical aspects of creative styling.
SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP (SFX) Class at United States International University (USIU)
Grace Murema of Grycelle Studio is an Award-winning and certified Special Effects Makeup Artist and was a Guest Lecturer last month and she trained the students on key aspects of Special Effects. Grace demonstrated to the students how to create gun wounds; entry and exit wounds. The students then paired up in groups of 2 to practice creating both entry and exit wounds.
Powering Fashion Made in Kenya Hosted by Shop Zetu
Wandia Gichuru Co-founder and CEO of VIVO with the flagship brands Vivo Woman, Safari & Zoya hosted an interactive session on ‘Made in Kenya’ at the Sarova Panafric Hotel on 18th July. The key agenda was to discuss the opportunities and challenges “Made in Kenya” faces. In attendance were fashion and textile stakeholders, stylists, designers, influencers, manufacturers, fashion associations and policy makers. The discussions covered various issues that the Kenyan Fashion Industry is facing and what changes can be made.
Anne Mutahi -SME Advisor to the President highlighted the need to understand the profile of the Kenyan Consumer & their purchasing power. Linda Mukangonga from Haute Baso Rwanda shared the successes of Rwanda’s fashion
The panel discussions was moderated by Media Personality Caroline Mutoko and panelists included Connie Aluoch Award Winning Fashion Stylist and Fashion Editor, Esther Nyawira of Elsie Glamour, Wakiuru Njuguna of HEVA, Patricia Kihoro Influencer & Storyteller and Mark Stephenson MD of Sandstorm Bags.
The discussion highlighted that lack of collaboration between designers, high cost of manufacturing, saturation and deficit in different parts of the value chain and poor visibility of fashion brands these are key factors that hinder growth in the fashion industry.
Key recommendations from the discussions include the initiative of Connie featuring only Made in Kenya brands on her Sunday Nation Fashion Column & The Social Sunday Fashion Brunch that markets local designers. Patricia Kihoro mentioned that designers need to engage influencers to propel the narrative. Waikuru from HEVA encouraged designers to engage with the company for funding options and Mark highlighted that they are working on a platform called Opportunity Factory and this platform will increase visibility of local designers to the international market. Wandia encouraged
Little Red: Made to Measure Experience
Luxury brand Little Red Africa recently hosted an Authentic Bespoke Experience with Master Tailors from Italian Fashion Houses Pal Zileri, Principe D’Eleganza, Sannino, and shoe company DIS (Design Italian Shoes)
The experience also included a private Cocktail Party on June 9th at the Social House where guests were able to meet with Master Tailors, view Collections and Book Appointments. The Bespoke experience was in partnership with Connie Aluoch Styling Management and Glenfiddich.
Family Bank Training at SBS
Last month Connie conducted a training at SBS where she is Adjunct Faculty for the Family Bank Sales Team.The training focused on Personal Branding and Executive Presence.
Key topics covered during the training were First Impressions and Grooming, The 7Cs of Executive Presence – Confidence, Clarity, Control, Competence, Class, Connection, and Collaboration.
