Friday 10 July 2015

Kenya: Masai Fashion Dress



The formidable Maasai tribe have long been known as tall and fierce warriors, but they have recently also become unlikely fashion icons.

A Kenyan clothing label has taken inspiration from the patterns of the traditional Maasai shuka, a cloth usually worn wrapped around the body, to produce clothes and accessories in vibrant tribal prints.

Nairobi-based Wan Fam Clothing was founded by brothers Jeff and Emmanuel Wanjala,the sibling duo say they want to pay homage to Kenya's Maasai culture by turning a traditional garment into fashionable urban wear.

"Our dominant fabric is usually Maasai shuka," says Jeff Wanjala. "It's very ideal because it has like a signature for Africa,you can just see it and notice that this is our brand."

The two brothers think time is right for Kenyan and other African designers to start looking inward and exploring their own heritage.

"The demand for local products has actually gone up," says Jeff Wanjala. "People are trying to get more African products, so that means it is actually a big market for local designers," he adds.

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