Most of the outfits showcased at the event had a visible touch of African. PhotoS/ Isaac Ssejjombwe
Themed ‘Thanking African designers’, the Upendo Fashion Show recognised many young fashion talents across East Africa.
Soon and very soon, the entertainment sector will most likely open again but the organisers of the Upendo Fashion Explosion did not have the luxury to wait any longer and on Saturday, they held the 3rd edition of the fashion showcase and awards ceremony.
The whole day event that happened at Sharing Youth Centre in Nsambya, a Kampala suburb, kicked off with showcases by Eiffel Models UG, who displayed African designs made by different designers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria. The theme of the showcase was ‘Thanking the African designers and models’.
Among the designers that showcased included Kasikana, Neah, Romy Jay and Neste Fashion from Tanzania, Joyce chilando from Zambia while Uganda was represented by Jonjo Fashion, Emma Awech, Unique 256 Crochet, Kisasi Boy, Ziwa and Kikiez Closet.
The models dispalyed outfits for different occasions but with an African touch and their designs were displayed by the little catwalk models and the youth.
For the foreign designers, besides the recognition, they benefited by having their brands cross borders as brand visibility is the main goal of every entrepreneur.
Speaking of recognition, there were both individual and fashion house award receivers and they were all based on votes from the public.
Kasikana Fashions from Tanzania won the Female designer of the year, while Romy Jay also from TZ took the East Africa innovative designer accolade. Zambia’s Joyce Chilando was voted EA guest designer while Uganda’s Jonjo Fashion scooped the East African celebrity designer. Emma Awech won the East African male designer award while Kikiez Closet was awarded best emerging designer.
In the modelling categories, Jupiter Admson took the East Africa female model category, Malik Nazir took the East Africa male model, Fred Ngabo from Rwanda took the inspiring model award while Gracious Desire won the East Africa baby model.
Zara Kalange got the East Africa influential baby model, Tashan Nantongo won the print baby model while Abgail Favor took home the East Africa commercial model.
Modelling and showcases were not the only activities for the day as a handful of revellers got entertainment from singing duo Hatim and Dockie while the Eiffel models dancing crew were exceptional with their dance moves that left revellers mesmerised by how fit they are.
Upendo being a Swahili word meaning ‘Love’, Upendo Fashion Explosion was designed as a charity show that aims to give back with love and this will be held every year to reward people in the fashion industry.
issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com
