KUTOWA DESIGNS - YATATU COLLECTION LOOK-BOOK!

Finally I have some time to review the Kutowa Launch from the time I wrote about attending the show.
Towani as usual attracted a vast variety of spectators, from journalists to officials in the arts Ministry to ordinary fashion lovers. 


I absolutely enjoyed my time there. Apart from the lovely snacks and wine (which I don't drink but people did not complain about) I met a lot of lovely acquaintances and friends. Towani as usual did not disappoint. The last collection - black and white was particularly my favorite. Classy with lace and jackets that switch from inside out. Amazing work as usual.


Pictures below courtesy of my lovely friend, radio presenter, not-so-amateur photographer (clearly by the images below), extraordinaire really *drumroll please* Luciano a.k.a Luchi. He is such an amazing person, friend, so intelligent and full of everything LIFE! I cant thank him enough for letting me use his images. Enough talk (type), Enjoy!

The pictures below courtesy of Nambeye, amazing young photographer and journalist. She did justice!

 What I wore:

Without much of a thought I wore the easiest thing my closet could put together. Chitenge skater shirt with matching Chitenge details on my shoes and the rest was black... trust me, black works all the time and I finished it off with this gorgeous drop beaded ear-piece, a gift from an amazing accessories designer from Botswana, Boitshoko Kebakile (Like her FB Page House of Divinity )

picture credit: Nambeye <3

Lessons Learnt

Having attended a number of Zambian fashion shows, there are a lot of things I have picked up and usually I make mental notes but how do we grow if everyone makes a mental note without actually telling anyone.... right? So I have decided to finally put my lessons (general observations) learnt into some form of words:

• Designers to Collabo with Stylists

Stylists could be Hair stylist, makeup artist and fashion stylist
A Fashion Stylist is someone who does not particularly design outfits but has an amazing eye and puts together a particular look or theme for the specific project e.g., a fashion show / launch, photo-shoots..the works.
A Fashion Designer on the other hand is involved in the process of creating garments either by sketching them or actually putting the fabric together by sewing.
A fashion designer is NOT always a great fashion stylist and as we know, to make a successful show, delegation is key. However, I have witnessed some amazing Designers that are blessed with amazing Styling genes too and clearly they do not need any help from external stylists.
I guess what im trying to say is, designers must consider and make certain that all pieces come together so beautifully that a story is told, because that is paramount to the outcome. Which point leads me to the next;

• A careful selection of Foot-wear 

I know for a fact after working behind-the-scenes of fashion shows often that models are tasked to bring their own footwear to pair with their outfits. And some are lucky enough to have great shoes where as others... uhmmm, yeah... so that right there is a problem. Some designers are able to provide foot wear and  others may not be able to - so its really quite tough - however, some stores maybe willing to provide foot wear for advertisements but the trend in Zambia really is that no store will lend you shoes unless the walk way is paved with plastic or something of that sort. BUT... this problem can be tackled by a stylist from the Designer's team looking carefully at what the models bring and consider options.

• Presenters/ MCz Outfits - Male or Female

This in my books is a Must!! its such an add-on to your advertising. I have noticed that most Mcz are also tasked to bring their own clothes but come on! its a fashion show, have them wear your Brand. I am assuming the Presenter would have been thought through way before the event, its a great chance to style them and have them change outfits during the breaks (or not) however, I know it makes the show exciting and Designers need to be mindful that the Presenter will be on the stage longer than any of their models so utilize that as a tool. 

•  Music Selection

Who should be incharge of picking the music the models walk to? Who selects the music that is played during breaks? Should music be carefully selected to match the theme of the show?
All these are just some of the questions I have as I sit there watching the models strut their thing and of course during those necessary intermissions.

Those are just some of my general observations from different fashion shows I have attended. Kuddos to all the designers that ace their shows - hard-work does pay off!

Fashion enthusiasts, what are your observes? lets help improve the Zambian fashion scene if we are to be taken seriously globally.

#Bless