Kim Swagga rose to fame after becoming singer Jose Chameleone’s stylist. He has travelled and rubbed shoulders with celebs in the fashion industry and has organiser numerous fashion shows. He meets his fan Bridget Karungi, a marketer at Club Venom.
What is your real name?
My name is Kim Kibirige.
How old are you?
I’m older than Sheilla Gashumba.
Who inspired you to join the fashion world?
I inspired myself. It’s something I dreamt of doing since my childhood, so I basically did it out of passion.
What do you call your fashion label?
I haven’t launched a label yet.
Apart from Jose chameleone, who else do you style and design for?
I have a touch on 90 per cent of Ugandan celebrities’ wardrobes, so I won’t mention names. I have dealt with them all, from the well-established to upcoming artistes and socialites.
Who is your best designer both on the local and international scene?
Locally, it’s Ras Kasozi and when we go international, it’s Marc Jacobs.
How much do you earn out of this industry?
I can’t tell you that but just know I earn enough to cater for myself and my family.
What is your relationship status?
I’m married to a beautiful and loving woman.
What does it take to be a good designer?
To be a good designer, one has to be talented and hard working at the same time. Nothing comes easy. You have to do a lot of research because every single day, something new comes up.
What challenges are you facing as a fashion designer and stylist?
At the moment, I don’t have any challenges. Everything is going the way I expected.
Tell me about your family?
I’m the second born of five children, there is a lot about my family background that will take us days to talk about but just know I come from a humble family.
Does Chameleone help you in anything?
Yes he does. He’s always there when I need him and I’m also there when he needs me. We went from being best friends to family.
What are the key points you’ve gotten out of designing?
I have just started and there is nothing I’ve achieved so far, but the sky is the limit for me. I know I’m going to get to my destination in the near future. I have bigger challenges and dreams.
What else do you do besides designing?
Everything I’m doing rotates around fashion designing. I’m known for designing men’s wear, but I also have a ladies collection store at Centenary Park called Fashion Lounge.
What is your best colour?
Red.
What annoys you?
People who pretend to know everything yet they don’t.
Your best meal?
Matooke, rice and peas.
What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without prayer.
When was the last time you cried and why?
Last year on December 18. I received an insulting text from one of the guests at my fashion party that was held at Club Silk and it came at the exact time I was called on stage. So on seeing this person in the audience, it made me forget my speech thus breaking down out of anger.
