11 Photos
Mtindo Afrika happened, if you attended, you know what went down. If you didn’t like me, you are probably waiting for updates.
When I saw Letoya Johnstone’s review I thought it was perfect. Toy’s review was spot on. Letoya Johnstone went, saw, and experienced it.
Here is the review, and if you missed my interview with Letoya as he spoke about his life read it here http://www.eleksie.co.ke/real-letoya-johnstone/
Scroll through to check some of the pics. Images courtesy of Treymax Photography
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Life of Vinn Clizz fashion show
First of all may I take this opportunity to thank you Vin Cliz for taking your time to invite me to your show personally. That was so humbling and I return gratitude.
As you all know that I always say it as it is, that’s exactly how am going to do it. Now sit back and start eating your ice cubes.
The show was slated to start at 6 pm sharp but we all know that in Kenya 6 pm means either 8 or 9 pm. If you never knew then now you know honey. This one was not an exception.
Immediately I arrived at the show at 8 pm, I was informed that they were waiting for me. They gave me a bit of time to relax, ask for a Wi-Fi password, say hello to a few people who waved at me, and finally catwalk a long distance just check on a chair with my name on it on the front row. Punglu, public embarrassment, my name was nowhere with a reserved metal on it. Sweetheart, this is Letoya_johnstone. The queen herself…. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 oh my goodness, I love special treatment. Right? But who doesn’t anyway?
Without yapping so much, the last-minute people came in and at exactly 9 pm the doors were closed and the first designer started to showcase. How such a brilliant idea?!
There was a break then the two Kenyan boys started to perform and only Toy Toy baby stood up when Jay Z was twanging with a heavy American accent, singing about a girl. The mean crowd was busy chatting with each other and never minding the boys….. The DJ could not fix the things on the other side but finally, those well-picked talented boys killed it with such an impeccable Capella till I shouted out like a Bitch being hugged by Queen Elizabeth. Well, you know LETOYA, the dramatic Queen Victoria full of poise and demeanor.
After the boys’ sweet singing and rapping, the catwalk started again. Velour models by Paynette Joan were well trained and the choreography and sitting arrangement was impeccable. Exactly up to my standards. For the first time, I saw the international standards show. The Eka hotel lighting was white enough for good photos and for showing the true colors of the pieces on the runway.
The shock of the day was when the high end, the legendary Mohamed Bana was turned away by the organization for not coming early. He came late and this did not go well with the respect and professionalism of the team behind the fashion show. Trust me, KENYA fashion industry business is changing the narrative.
Nevertheless, Mohamed Bana did not showcase in this cutthroat entertaining well-organized fashion event. I almost cried because you all know how much I love Mohamed Bana and his wonderful yet delicate and well thought out collections that make me and others enjoy the man bulge since he designs underwear for men. Say eye candy honey, and I love my chocolate black and strong. 😂😂😂😂😂 So sorry Bana .
The standing ovation collection was from my petite designer Kais Divo by Kaijuka Abbas . The representative was out of this world, Kampala Fashion Week guru who works with Gloria Wavamuno; the no nonsense yet stylish Emolsa Hasacha . Who can walk in ten inch block designer shoes like him anyway? Ooops , that would me, Letoya Johnstone.
Honey we don’t attend fashion shows. We are the experience at a fashion show, we… Are… The show.!
The second outstanding designer of the evening was Sally Karago own trained and Nato Aulgah attachee…… ( drum rolls)….. Bridgette Hanjari .yeeeeeeeaaaayyyyy. This girl’s collection stopped the show. What a night of divas?! I bet the Ugandan designers met their match and so were the Kenyan designers.
This does not mean that the other designers were not good; trust me my darling, all the designers on the runway showcasing were above the pass mark. I bet Vin Cliz and Paynette Joan and the team hand-picked the designers individually.
What a thoughtful genius idea? Now that is how a show should be done. Congratulations.!!
The show took about two hours or one hour and it was over. The late comers were there to take selfies with me and the rest of the people. Hahahaha that’s what you get honey.!
I was given the opportunity to say something about fashion industry and I spit out what I had in my mind. It feels good when slay queens and kings are attentively listening. That was heart-warming. Carry on that way.
Without much further ado, I remember Jamal Gaddafi Jamal Gaddafi Presenter put in some thoughtful and insightful words of wisdom. You all remember how this down to earth has been supporting the upcoming fashion industry business like he remembers where he came from to be a star. I swear I must raise my child in coast province. What a respectful young man?!
Nonetheless, make sure you vote for Jamal Gaddafi by going to his Instagram @jamal_gaddafi ) , check link on his bio, click on it and search where Jamal Gaddafi is, click on that tiny cycle next to his name then click vote. He needs to win that media personality in Africa. We ain’t joking darling.
Out of 10 , I will give the MTINDO AFRIKA SHOW an 8 .
That was well done. Right choices of models, some with wobbling catwalks but so are major international models on the runway. Not all of them walk like Letoya Johnstone or Naomi Campbell or Shanellenyasiase Sia on the runway. It takes courage and every day practice and worth of many years of toil.
Reminds me of when I was training my girl Paynette Joan in Kisumu while she was starting. Those days we were working for the hard core, no nonsense and powerhouse Ingred Awuor of East Africa Fashion Week and black dust legitimate owner. My sister, a friend and a young woman who understands my journey in this fashion industry. I was in high school by then and Josephine Apiyoh the makeup artist was ride or die…… Still is up to date.
Damn…!! I would have cried by Francesca Franny loves me so much and will say, ” Toochy, you are tougher than this. ” and I would say to her, ” Apple lips, you are right honey. Women like Letoya Johnstone who drink champagne with diamonds in glass don’t shed tears, we shed gratitude. “
Xo Xo
Toy Toy baby – Kill it with love.
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