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#DoYouHaveYourCouture Your feedback is valuable to us and always such a pleasure to read, keep them coming and thank you to all our supporters who always have their Couture! FROM TWITTER: 140 Characters @coutureafrica Ihsani Nkatha Fashion Industry #WCW -Firstly Models who have gone into business and are trying to bring up other models: Olive Gachara I respect your hard work and achievements, Couture Africa is a great fashion magazine. Sammi Osore Sande Love this month's issue, great and going places! Medza Nellie "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." —Coco Chanel Experiencing#Lifeintheskyy.. Nothing feels better than a good shoe and a good read #DoyouhaveyourCouture? Maggie Catsy Love your magazine. I hope to work with you as a model and I am available.
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fashiogenic Nice missnjorogewangui Good Job @coutureafrica ! miss_kyengo@idah_ms stunning anitanderu Yeey will grab it today lucykeshy@idah_ms this is beautiful.....I loove this, grabbing my couture! bevern_oguk Very very beautiful memyselfandmoda Must buy...that cover is screaming my name! maureenbandari Yaaas! That cover is everything ... mnkatha Been checking out the stands @coutureafrica finally ! kabesadee@olivegachara thaaaanks so much plus the whole@coutureafrica finally I got to see myself ! Super excited. fashionfiles_ke itsrachelnelima@idah_ms owining the look. She looks like royal. livingurbliss I need a copy
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ISSUE 18
HIGH ON LIFE @ReneeNgamau Morning made! @coutureafrica April edition! You must read this one! KawiriaRincuni @Kawiria Thank you @coutureafrica , now catching up and I see a lot of #NaturalHair things, love it. Totally worth the flips :)
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CONTENT | ISSUE 20
CONTRIBUTORS: P.10 26
EDITOR IN CHIEF LETTER: P.12 FASHION| BEAUTY| LIFESTYLE: P14-17 EVENTS CALENDAR: P.18-19
EVENTS: P.20-25 STYLE EDITS: P.26-34 Fit and are, The gold skirt,Boot up Knee
to thigh, Wide brim hats, Silk scarves
BEAUTY: P.35-40 Subtle contuoring, Contour like a pro Anne Kiguta, Styling box braids
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Braid care basics
OSOFFICE STYLE: P.41 HS HER STYLE: P.43-44 SILVIA NJOKI
49
1SEX1 SEX 101: P.45 ENTER THE YUMMY MUMMY
1 1 MEN 101: P.47 ON DATING SINGLE MOTHERS MEN
CELEBRITY: P.49 STL aka STELLA MWANGI
FASHION: P.53-59 DOREEN MASHIKA
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CONTENT | ISSUE 20
HER GADGETS: P.59
61
APPS FOR THE WORKING MUM
FASHION: P.61-69 VULNERABILITY BY Anthony Muli
GENTLEMAN: P.72-75 IVER ROSENKRANTZ
M
MAIN FEATURE: P.76-81 Celebrating The New-age Super-mum
RE
RE-VAMPED: P.82 PEGGY OGOLLAH,
DECOR|BITS: P.84-87 Home Sweet Home, Must Have Decor Pieces
TRAVEL: P.88 The Mom'sGuide ToTravelling WithChildren
FOOD 101: P.90-93 QUICK MEALS FOR MUMS
76
WINES:P.94 SOOTHING SUNDOWNERS
90
HEALTH: P.95 SUPERMOMS: The health hazzard
PARENTING: P.96 HAIR TALES THROUGH TIME
AFRICAN FASHION: P.98 Maryesta Carr FOCUS ON: P.100 MAURICE KIRYA
MENS FASHION: P.102 PREPPY MEETS STREET
MOTOR: P.108 NEW-AGE MUM-MOBILES
PEOPLE PROFILE: P.110 CHARITY WANAINA
FINANCE: P.112 110 8 | COUTURE AFRICA
CONTRIBUTORS | ISSUE 20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Olive Gachara olive@coutureafricamag.com STAFF WRITER Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka nzula@coutureafricamag.com
STAY CONNECTED TO COUTURE AFRICA MAGAZINE ALL THROUGH THE
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Maureen Oola maureen@coutureafricamag.com
MONTH
FASHION EDITOR Namnyak Odupoy namnyak@coutureafricamag.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Leilah Namisango leilah@coutureafricamag.com
CONTRIBUTORS Alan Donovan, Ian Arunga, Julie Githiri, Maureen Odera INTERNS Sheena Mpungu, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Issa Zamo issa@coutureafricamag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sisto Muhoro IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER Khalifa of Cool Pixx Photography khalifa@coutureafricamag.com
www.coutureafricamag.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS Riz Mehar Thomson Ncube MAKE-UP ARTISTES Naomi & Betty for SuzieBeauty Priscilla Ndanu of Urembo Creations SALES EXECUTIVE Winnie Wawira winnie@coutureafricamag.com Joy Wairimu joy@coutureafricamag.com ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION sales@coutureafricamag.com
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COUTURE Africa CONTACTS +254 722 738 170 +254 722 650119 +254 722 484 161 editor@coutureafricamag.com Š Touch Media House (K) Ltd COUTURE Africa Magazine is published by Touch Media House Limited of P. O. Box 35601 Nairobi 00100 Kenya. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in parts without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohib ited. While every care is taken in preparation of this maga zine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the ac curacy of the information held herein, or any consequence arising from it.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The month of May is always a special month to many because of Mothers Day; which has now turned into a month-long celebration of those special women in our lives. As COUTURE Africa comes on board this bandwagon, we pay special aention to what we like to call the new-age super mum. This is the woman who seems to have it all figured out. Not only is she a great mother to her children, she is also a focused career woman, a loving wife and an involved friend...the woman who seems to have managed to get that delicate balance just right. In tune with celebrating mothers, and motherhood in general, we have focused alot of our monthly features on this; from tips on traveling with kids and phone apps that help you organise your time beer to both financial and relationship advice for the single mother. We even have our sex columnist's eye-opening feature on being a 'Yummy Mummy'. All this, together with the fashion and beau trends you love to love will definitely make this issue a page turner. Have a great month and remember to get that special woman in your life something great this Mothers Day! LIVE LIFE. CELEBRATE MOTHERS.
O.
@olivegachara olive@coutureafricamag.com
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FASHION BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE! With so much going on in Kenya and beyond, the COUTURE Africa Team brings you the highlights of the month that was and the month to come
THE KIMONO TRENCH Now that the rains are officially with us, there is a scramble for the trench coat that best describes you. Why not try the newly trendy kimono-sle trench coats? A cross between a robe, a trench and a kimono, these light belted trench coats are one of the greatest wearable fashion trends.
THE POWER COVER THE FRINGE IS BACK! WE ARE ALL OVER ALL THAT Overalls are back in! Also known as dungarees, this classic clothing item was popular on the streets of the recently concluded Fashion Month. Off-du models, writers and fashion lovers alike opted for the comfortable laisse faire feel that overalls give. You can have them in the traditional bluejean overalls, overalls that end as shorts or go for a monochrome look with your complete outfit. No wonder we are all over that. 14 | COUTURE AFRICA
It is not in the hair this time though. The fringe is now in your jackets, boots and bags. It may be difficult to imagine that this same trend that was a hit back in your parents' heyday has gone full circle. Seen on the catwalks during the Fashion Month, the fringe trend is quickly gaining ground. You can also throw in a fringe scarf to liven up any dull look. Although it looks more appropriate for a casual look, the fringe can also work well on a formal look.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Kerry Washington and Michelle Obama now have something in common. They made up the trio in the May issue of Glamour Magazine. Imagine a conversation between these three women, must have been something else! It was not their experiences in the limelight they were sharing however. Instead, the three spoke about a maer close to their hearts: military families. Parker has military friends while Washington's father served before she was born. Mrs Obama began an initiative that asks Americans to support veterans and their families.
FASHION BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE!
HAIR CONTOURING 101 KARL LAGERFELD AND HIS CAT Designer Karl Lagerfeld will launch a cartoonist-inspired collection this April as reported by Women's Wear Daily. The Spring/Summer collection will be a collaboration of his designs and the work of French cartoonist Tiffany Cooper. It will feature garments and accessories decorated with drawings of the designer and his cat, Choupee. This capsule collection is not the first time the designer has dabbled in cartoons. Lagerfeld had an animated version of himself star in a video game with the goal of taking off his signature sunglasses, as mentioned in Harper's Bazaar. The collection will launch in Paris on April 1 before spreading to his stores.
NEGATIVE SPACE MANICURES Instead of painstakingly ensuring that your nail is completely covered in nail polish, why not just paint a section of your nail? One of Spring 2015's hoest nail trend is the negative space manicure. These are new designs that let your naked nail show through, while a section of your nail is coloured. Thus making the concept of having only a part of your nail coloured while the rest is not. You can do it in a side sweep –where one side of your nail has polish, or paint just your half-moons, preferably in a bright colour.
NORTH WEST HAS STYLE Being the only daughter of a fashionable couple like Kim Kardashian-West and Kanye West can be a lot of pressure. However, daughter North West seems to be doing just fine charting her own sle path. Everything she wears is closely scrutinised. Sometimes though, a girl's goa do what a girl's goa do. For example, towing around your favourite suitcase, which just happens to be Frozenthemed. Or wearing an undeniably cute pair of sneakers while hunting for Easter eggs.
SCARVES ABOUND The longer the scarf, the beer. It may not be cold enough yet to start pulling out your thick woollen scarves, but it is cool enough to throw on a silk scarf. The options are boundless, from bag handles to belt, neckerchiefs to gentle drapes along our shoulder. You can sport them as a headwrap or tie one into an off-centre bow.
We have contoured our faces until some of us are beginning to look supernatural [although I s u p p o s e th a t wa s th e m a i n i d ea ] . Contouring is basically giving an outline to something. With 2015 rolling by prey fast, it is about time we found a new way to use contouring; contouring your hair. "By using light and dark tones to create shadow and depth on the face, as well as applying colour in specific areas of the hair, you can completely alter either an entire face shape or specific areas," explains Marc Trinder, a UK-based slist. Hair contouring is similar to face contouring in this way and others. The major difference is that hair contouring is largely dependent on the shape of the face. Ÿ For round faces, light tones are applied around the hairline, from ear to ear, while darker tones are painted underneath the ears and lower ends of the hair. The former brightens and elongates the face, while the laer gives the facial shape more of a point, much needed in the great bone structure common to round faces Ÿ People with oblong faces need deeper tones from the root along the parting. Then micro-highlight pieces are threaded from above the ears to the ends of the hair. This creates a slimming effect to the face. Ÿ Oval faces are the belle of the ball –they work with anything. All you need to do is add depth with colour and thick texture. Ÿ Ladies of the square faces need different toned layers of light and dark on the corners of the face and around the jawline and temples. This is due to the fact that square faces have wider facial features. Contouring in this manner soens lines. Ÿ Last, but not least are heart faces. These require lighter pieces around the jawline and ears to soen the boom half of the face. COUTURE AFRICA | 15
FASHION BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE! The COUTURE Africa team brings you this month's trending topics on all matters fashion and beauty. Your ultimate go-to-guide to keep you intrend!
SANKARA'S NEW RESTAURANT, GRAZE GRAZE is the latest addition to Sankara Nairobi's restaurants, launched just last month. The new signature eatery promises a modern aesthetic to the traditional steakhouse. That means the menu includes classic steakhouse dishes like aged beef and indulgent desserts. With Sankara being the holder of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014 for her other restaurant, The Gallery, you can expect these dishes to be paired with exquisite wines. If you love good food and great ambience, you should definitely stop by Graze. The for-four seat restaurant is located on the first floor and will feature a lunch and dinner menu exclusively.
LUPITA RETURNS TO EAST AFRICA On March 29 2015, Lupita Nyong'o confirmed via Instagram that she was in Uganda to begin filming the Disney film Queen of Katwe. The movie is based on the 16 | COUTURE AFRICA
story of Ugandan chess-girl-wonder PhionaMutesi. Phiona's journey with chess began at nine and has over the years brought her name into the lime light as a national chess champion. Lupita will be playing Phiona's mother as she works with Oscar nominated film director Mira Nair and Nigerian actor David Oyelowo [Selma]. This is the 2nd biggest movie to be coming out of Uganda, aer The Last King of Scotland that portrayed the life of Dictator Idi Amin.
THE FIRST WHITE CUBE GALLERY IN KENYA In case you have not yet heard, there is a new art gallery in town! Circle Artis now boasting of the first white cube gallery, recently opened in Lavington. Circle Art have held two successful Modern and Contemporary East African art auctions since 2013 and now wants to offer a space for African Art lovers. The gallery exhibits thought provoking contemporary art and aims at being an avenue for local and international artists'
presentations. With its first exhibition that ran from 26 March - 19 April, the Circle Art Gallery featured artists from Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania for their diversi.
HOW TO LIVE THE JAMES BOND LIFESTYLE In honour of the upcoming release of the 24th James Bond feature film this year, author Paul Kyriazi announced a new marketing strategy for his book How To Live The James Bond Lifesle. This selfhelp book, which can be found in e-book format on Amazon, aims at helping you discover your individuali so that you can get a productive lifesle while remaining true to yourself. Although the book was originally released in 1998, Kyriazi has been updating and expanding the book. The new edition reflects the changes in the Q Branch of technological advancements of the past 17 years as well as the resurrection of the Bond lifesle introduced by the Daniel Craig era. The 24th Bond film, SPECTRE, is due for release in November 2015.
FASHION BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE!
BUDWEISER COMES TO KENYA The American Lager, Budweiser, is now available in Kenya thanks to Viva Global. Known as The King of Beers, Budweiser was first introduced by Adolphus Busch in 1876 and it is still brewed with the same high standards today. Being a medium-bodied, flavourful, crisp American-sle lager; Budweiser is brewed with only the finest tworow and six-row barley malt. Budweiser is available at various leading supermarkets, hotels, lounges and restaurants in glass boles of 355ml and cans packaging of 500ml and 330ml. As you celebrate this news with a bole of Budweiser, remember, drink responsibly!
there was a series of negative comments against the decision to give Trevor the post, Comedy Central has stood by their decision and supported Trevor's appointment. This makes Trevor not just the first non-white host, but also the first African to host The Daily Show. With a thriving fan base here in Kenya, we are looking forward to seeing Trevor Noah add his signature touch to the show.
FORD HITS THE CATWALK AS DESIGNERS GO GREEN
TREVOR NOAH HOSTS THE DAILY SHOW South Africa's funny man, Trevor Noah, was named the new host of the Daily Show on the 30th of March 2015. Comedy Central named the comedian as Jon Stewart's replacement aer Trevor's three appearances on the show. The Daily Show, which has been on air since 1996, is popular for its satirical take to current events. Outgoing host, Mr. Stewart had announced his own departure in February, aer 16 successful years. Although
“Designers have the power to affect environmental waste through their designs and the design process, and can minimise this total impact through the creative use of materials and other innovations,” said Emily Lai, manager, Colour and Materials Design, Ford Asia Pacific. This was said when Ford car seats covers and other waste materials from the Ford vehicle production hit the catwalk during The Redress Forum: Ford Design Challenge, an event organised with Hong Kong sustainable fashion chari, Redress, to highlight sustainable design in fashion and automotive. Emerging designers from Europe and Asia transformed the covers into jackets, dresses and shirts. They included ten finalists of the Ford-sponsored 2014/15 EcoChic Design Award and
Amandah Andersson, from Sweden, who used felt and cloth from Fusion and Edge seats to help create the winning ensemble. “All the creations we have seen are innovative and thought-provoking, and we applaud each participant for rising to the challenge,” added Emily Lai.
AFRICAN AUTHORS FEATURED IN THE SIMPSONS African literature takes over The Simpsons in an episode early last month. During this episode, Homer is given charge over a Nigerian princess named Kemi while her father and Mr. Burns discuss a uranium deal. To show her gratitude to Moe, Princess Kemi gis him with a number of books from her homeland. The four books are wrien by literary big weights such as Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ben Okri; Adichie's 2009 short story collection The Thing Around Your Neck, Okri's Booker Prizewinning The Famished Road, Achebe's seminal work Things Fall Apart and his essay collection Home and Exile make a glorious appearance. COUTURE AFRICA | 17
EVENTS CALENDAR | MAR. 2015 Happy New Month Beautiful people. Five months into the year 2015 and we hope you are enjoying it as much as we are; positive vibes all around. At COUTURE Africa we are all about work and play and we wish you nothing but the best in both.
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EVENTS
CARAMEL LADIES NIGHT WITH OLIVE GACHARA WHERE: Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, Nairobi WHEN: Wednesday 25th March 2015 WHO: Fabulous Females from Various
Although Wednesday nights have been associated with and event dubbed Ladies' Night, theNairobi social scene lacked that special “ladies” only event. Not to fret, Caramel Lounge have taken care of that void by introducing these fun and interactive networking sessions which are a must-aend. The first of the nights was hosted by COUTURE Africa's Editor-in-Chief, Olive Gachara. The event had a great turn out with many women from various professions making use of the opportuni to meet and mingle in a relaxed seing. Cocktails during Ladies' Night are half-price and each guest gets a complementary glass of bubbly just to loosen things up. See you at the next #CaramelLadies Night.
Agnes Peillet and Alice Owambo
Kagonya Awuori , Nina Ambeva and Malowa O-Njeru
Chandni Parmar and Sonia Massuoni
Sylvia Kezengwa , Christiana Wahu and Agnes Peillet
Shreya Karia, Karishma Galaiya and Sonya Syan
Joyce Kimita,Mercie Matu, Anne Kamau, Ruby Matu and Anne Muriithi
Agnes Peillet and Alice Owambo
Rosemary Omama and Pauline Wekesa
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Neemo with CA's Sheena Mpungu and Nicole Nzula
Olivia Karanja, Olive Gachara and Mumbi Kagombe
DUSIT D2 NAIROBI INAGURATION WHERE: The Rouge Deck, dusitD2 East Meets East was the theme behind the official inauguration of the now popular dusitD2 Nairobi nesNairobi tled in the 14 Riverside business centre. Managed by Dusit international headquartered in Bangkok, WHEN:Monday 30th March, 2015 Thailand, dusitD2 Nairobi is their second foray into Africa aer DusitThani Lakeview Cairo in Egypt. The WHO:Hoteliers, Developers and Friends ultra-chi hotel boasts of two world class restaurants, Soko and Soi, an internationally acclaimed spa, of dusitD2 Devarana Spa as well as great lounge areas at the Zing Bar and newly opened Rouge Deck which, as the name suggests, has a stunning red swimming pool – definitely a first in Nairobi.
Anupa and Mikul shah
Lynn Nzila and Olive Gachara
Deva Jbarputra and Runal Patel
Sam and Darshita
MC of the night Caroline Mutoko
Dr. Dan Othoro and Dr.Tilman Stasch
Official Opening Toast
Madhui Sanghrajka, Shazia Deen and Reeta Patel
East Meets East, Sarakasi and Thai Dancers
Scott the Violinist
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DISCOVERY SPORT LAUNCH WHERE: Around Nairobi & at the RMA Showroom, Delta Towers WHEN: Wednesday 22nd April 2015 WHO: Car Enthusiasts
The Discovery Sport 2015 was launched in an allnew way this time around. What started off as a daylong challenge encapsulated into a cocktail event at their showroom. The Adventure Challenge that took place through day was a treasure-hunt-pe competition between four teams each in their own Discovery sport, where the drove around town solving various challenges. The enormous following it got in twier [#AdventureChallenge] was testament to their success. The evening cocktail was a great ending to welcome this brand new car into the Kenyan market. Shem Luchiri and Antoinette Waithira
Renee Ngamau and Natalija Shah
Blame Marsili, Xwprew Blane, Christo and Stuart Cowell
Ossie D'mello, Chirag Shah and Cyprian Rono
Aly Khan Satchu
Danny Muchira, Mr.Kirigua and Thuo Chege
Felix Ochieng, George Gachui and Sammy Desmond Mukolwe, David Mbogo and Soila Kigera Muraya
Irene Kakooza, Chania Lackey and Capt.Koki Mutungi
Malody Ngeno, Peter Ngeno, Nishet Satchu and Naisola Likimani
Phanice Kirubi, Barisa Maro and Njuguna Mwangi
Peter Young and Cillah Young
Stuart Dyer,Nyambura and Karen Dyer
RMA KENYA Team
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Diana Mulili, Patrick Mwangi and Emily Kinuthia
Matthew Hennesy ,Harmeet Sigh and Muhinder Sigh
Anthony Njogu, John Syekei and Njomo Kamau
Roselyn Ditoh and Jacque Miano
CLUB NIGHT AT ENGLISH POINT MARINA WHERE: English Point Marina, Mombasa WHEN: Saturday 4th April 2015 WHO: Par-Goers From Mombasa And Beyond
The English Point Marina is set to bring Kenyans the very best in lifesle and luxury as well as to be the first serviced marina on the East Coast of Africa to cater for the luxury boating world. Many have been waiting since the groundbreaking of this game changing development to experience it first-hand. The 6am crew recently hosted a Club Night at the venue. The rave masters entertained the crowd that was down at the coast on holiday and locals to a great par all through the night. Now Mombasa has a new araction that will not only boost the number of international tourists but local tourists as well.
Sharon Sonje & Princess Wangari
Niral Patel & Rukhsar Munir
Kevin Kori & Annabelle Ashley
Anna & Sophie
KarlNgaira, Keith Olubayi
Kim de Muyunck, Laura Coremans & Louise Krott
Ahmad Ahmad, Zunaida Hyder & Chqnel Armstrong
Iman Nicole & Chqnel Armstrong
Dipul Soni, Anna, Sophie & Amit Patel
Shilu Nasir & Abubakar Nasir
COUTURE AFRICA | 23
BARCLAYS KENYA OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
WHERE: Karen Country Club, Nairobi The Barclays Kenya Open is part of the European Golf Tour with a high level of visibili globally. Several WHEN: Friday 10th – Sunday 12th April local and international players gun for the top prizes and a chance to play in the European PGA.Coca-Cola was this year's official non-alcoholic beverage sponsor refreshing both the players and guests throughout 2015 the tournament. The event aracted golf enthusiasts from all over the country including retired president WHO: Golf Enthusiasts Mwai Kibaki and saw pro-golfer Hayden Porteous from South Africa clinch the32,000 Euro[KSh 3.15 million] Euro Prize Money.
Former President Mwai Kibaki presents Haydn Porteous with a trophy after he won
Emma Wangechi and Lucy Gikonyo
Ilhaam Feisal, Stella Njeri and Irene Nzisa
Laura Ombok and Loise Njenga
Tom Simba and Ndubi Simba
Muthoni Njunge and Lynette Mwangi
Ken Macharia, Peter Njonjo GM Coca-Cola East Africa and Emily Waita
2015 Kenya Open Champion Haydn Porteous and Dipul Soni,Brandon Anna, Sophie Amitfrom PatelSouth Africa runner-up Stone&both
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Hellene Gatiramu, Louis Otieno and Wausi Walya
PALMERS LINGERIE S/S15 FASHION SHOW WHERE: The Village market Nairobi, New Wing WHEN: Saturday 11th April 2015 WHO: Shoppers and Fashion Enthusiasts
Austrian brand, Palmers Lingerie, a lingerie store at the village market, Nairobi held its ďŹ rst seasonal fashion show this April at the village market. The purpose of the show was to not only promote the brand, but make their shoppers aware of the new pieces they have in store for summer 2015. Supported by The Village Market, Black|Up Cosmetics, Titan watches and COUTURE Africa amidst others, the sophisticated fashion event really did bring a touch of Vienna to Nairobi.
Emily Brop, Kimata Kungu, Arthur Kasina and Wangechi Njoroge
Klodiana Golfefe, Peter and Daniel Schiltes
Leah and Rae Shah
Priscilla Ndanu and Sheero Kuria
Rennee Doh, Obegi Mokobi and Nkatha Karauni
Kalika Shah and Kiran Shah
Dorothy Oliech, Yvonne Odhiambo and Joan Saoli
Radek Janecki and Chebet Mutahi
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TOP FEATURED
ARNOLD MURITHI This brand is all about owy ethereal bridalesquegarments, ranging from resort to bridal and evening gowns inspired by the real nature, architecture, geometry and surreal and absurd art. Lookingup to designers like Vera Wang, Monique L'huillier and Elie Saab Arnold Murithi intends to make the world a beautiful place, one gown at a time. The Arnold Muriithi girl is a girl that believes in happily ever after and wants to live in the happy moment.
Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Make Up: Priscilla Ndanu at Urembo Creations Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Model: Wakina Kandia
Black chiffon dress with asymmetrical neckline: KSh 8,000 Floral earrings: KSh 1,200 at Accessorize
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Maroon satin and chiffon gown: KSh 7,500 Floral earrings: KSh 1,200 at Accessorize
White gown with pleated bodice: KSh 15,000 Faux pearl necklace: KSh 3,500 at Accessorize
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WORK WEAR
FIT AND FLARE Fit and are is one of the hottest recurring trends. Add some feminine are in your life with this fashionforward look at the of ce.
Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Make Up: Priscilla Ndanu at Urembo Creations Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Model: Wakina Kandia
Pearl beige lace dress: KSh 12,500 at Kache by Angie Floral pumps: KSh 7,500 at Fab Guru Multi-bead necklace: KSh 2,000 at Accessorize Woven structured handbag: KSh 6,500 at Accessorize
Blue dress with crop-top detail: KSh 6,500 at Fab Guru Floral pumps: KSh 7,500 at Fab Guru Gold coloured necklace with maroon gem beaded detail:Ksh 2,500 at Accessorize Pink stone ring: KSh 500 at Truworths Black handbag with faux fur detail: Ksh 13,000 at Accessorize 28 | COUTURE AFRICA
White and red checked dress with white bidice: KSh 4,500 at Evoke Black faux snake-skin high-heeled sandals: 6,500 at Kungara Kenya White chord necklace: KSh 1,900 at Truworths Brown structured handbag: KSh 7,500 at Fab Guru
Black cape: KSh 4,500 at Evoke Blue and golden polka dot dress: KSh 6,500 at Fab Guru Nude and turquoise high-heeled sandals: KSh 6,500 at Accessorize Floral embellished necklace: KSh 2,500 at Accessorize Brown leather belt: KSh 6,500 at Kache by Angie Light brown woven handbag: KSh 8,700 at Accessorize COUTURE AFRICA | 29
TRENDING
THE GOLD SKIRT Take out your vintage golden skirt for a spin because it is back with a bang. If you do not have one, be sure to grab a piece for yourself this season. Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Make Up: Priscilla Ndanu at Urembo Creations Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Model: Wakina Kandia
Brown woollen sweater: KSh 6,700 at Truworths Black denim embellished crop top: KSh 2,500 at Kungara Kenya Golden skirt: KSh 3,000 at Kungara Kenya Blue patent leather plimsolls: KSh 7,500 at Kungara Kenya White chord necklace: KSh 1,900 at Truworths Geometric print sling bag: KSh 5,200 at Kungara Kenya
STYLE EDITS
BOOT UP; KNEE TO THIGH As the cold season arrives, gear up with knee high to thigh high boots to keep you warm and in trend.
Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Styling: Namnyak Odupoy
Black thigh high boots: KSh 10,000 at In Trend Black velvet knee high boot: KSh 6,500 at Fab Guru Nude suede boots: KSh 7,000 at Backyard Shoez Black lace boots: KSh 9,500 at In Trend Black two-texture knee-high boots: KSh 9,800 at In Trend Brown rider boots: KSh 6,500 at Backyard Shoez COUTURE AFRICA | 31
STYLE EDITS
WIDE BRIM HATS Want to be the next trendsetter? Wide brim structured hats are the way to attract all the right attention is season; amboyant and stylish. Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Styling: Namnyak Odupoy
Jungle green hat: Ksh 4,500 at Accessorize Black felt hat: KSh 3,100 at Truworths Blue woven stray hat: KSh 4,500 at Kache by Angie Grey and blue wide brim felt hats: KSh 5,500 each at Accessorize
SILK SCARVES Scarves are a versatile accessory that work with anything from of ce to casual, evening to travel this chilly season. The silk scarf especially, is not going out of style any time soon. Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Studios Styling: Namnyak Odupoy
Paisley print silk scarf: KSh 3,950 at Mille Collines Brown two-tone silk scarf: KSh 4,500 at Accessorize Green silk and chiffon scarf: KSh 1,300 at Kache by Angie
MAKE-UP
SUBTLE CONTOURING In recent years contouring has been a very big thing for most women; the make-up face lift we would call it. In 2015 however, contouring is all about less is more; silky, fresh skin achievable by highlighting features using shimmer powders. Trust us, it looks way better than a caked face. Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Photography Make-up: Priscilla Ndanu of Urembo Creations Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Model: Wakina Kandia
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MAKE-UP EDITS
CONTOUR LIKE A PRO Unlike the extreme face contouring done by the likes of Kim Kardashian that needs to be the at very basis of make-up application – right from your foundation, you can get a great subtle contour just by how you powder your face. And it is as simple as 1-2-3: 1Apply a darker [contour] powder right under your cheekbone, up towards the top of your ear [you can such in your cheeks to get more cheek-bone deďŹ nition]. 2.Apply a lighter [bronzing or highlighting] powder on the apples of your cheeks and up towards your hairline [you can smile to bring out the apples of your cheeks more]. 3.Blend the two together and viola!
Sleek Make-up Face Contour Kit
Smashbox Contour Kit
Make-up Forever Pro Sculpting Duo
COUTURE AFRICA | 35
HER MAKE-UP BAG
ANNE KIGUTA News Anchor, Citizen TV Don't you just love her glow? I know I do. There is no doubt Anne is one of the most stunning and talented news anchors of our time. Her authoritative voice and con dent and articulate ow just takes it away! She is a mum to a ve year old girl and a mentor to many young girls. Like many successful people her story is no different, there has been a lot of intent and hard work for her to be where she is today. We spent time with her as she shared with us some of her beauty tips. by Maureen Oola Photos by Khalifa of Cool PixxStudios What is your favourite item in your make-up bag? That would be my eyeliner and my mascara. If I have to go with one, it will have to be my eyeliner. I have very tiny eyes and eyeliner helps my eyes pop! My eyes also tend to be very white so it gives it some definition. What are your top three must-have beau products? My Blistex lip balm, Dr. Organic Vitamin E Pure Oil Complex and eyeliner. I tend to have very sensitive skin and I easily react to lip products but I find Blistex to be a good protective layer. Vitamin E on the other hand is for the health of my skin I use a lot of makeup, hence vitamin E helps to regenerate it. Eyeliner as I have said helps my eyes pop. What is your favourite make--up brand? I do not have one, it depends on different things. It may seem like MAC is my favourite because I have a lot of stuff of the same brand but it is not. Nonetheless, it maybe MAC because a lot of it is what I use when I am on air, it has that good photographic finish. But I also use sleek for my eye shadow and Black Opal. Where do you buy your make-up products? A lot of my make-up is sourced by my makeup artist because she understands my skin and my complexion. She gets most of the stuff for me, I use to get MAC outside the country but now they have a store here. However, 36 | COUTURE AFRICA
most of the stuff my make-up artist gets are from the UK. What product would you splurge on? I would splurge on a good cleanser and moisturizer for the health of my skin because most of the time I work in make-up, which generally is not good for your skin. So I am constantly trying to regenerate it. You also need a good foundation to build your make up on. What is your daily beau routine? I use a micro scrub called Oley Pro-X, thereaer Olay Pro-X brush for cleansing, and then I follow it up with Dr. Organic Vitamin E Pure Oil Complex, my Blistext lip balm and last but not least a touch of eyeliner. What is your number one beau secret? Happiness. Wear that smile always!
Xylitol Chewing Gum
Mac Prep + Prime Natural Radiance
Mac Lip Pencils in Magenta and Plum
Precision Blender Sponge by Essence Of Beau
Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner
Wonder Lash Mascara
Mac Studio Fix Concealer
Revlon Lip-Gloss
Milani Brow And Eye Highlighters
Victoria's Secret (Make-up Bag)
Dr. Organic Bioactive Skin Care
Mac Studio Fix Liquid Foundation
Mac Lipstick
BEAUTY EDITS
SELECTING THE PERFECT ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS 4. Know Your Products Anti-ageing products vary in pes and benefits. The two most important things you must nor before seling on any one brand is that it is hypoallergenic [has lile to no risk of allergic reaction] and non-comedogenic / non-acnegenic [has lile or no chance of causing acne]. If your skin is extremely sensitive, feel free to test products for a few days on another part of your body first. You also want to use products that are also high in Peptides, Retinal and Vitamin C as these provide the most essential needs to your skin; hydration, collagen construction and COUTURE Africa has put together the antioxidants. basics that you need to know when selecting 5. Be Patient your anti-aging product and regime. Before deciding whether a product or brand works for you, as long as you have followed 1. Sun Protection is Key Extreme exposure to direct sunlight is one of the correct guidelines on selecting it, give it the highest causes of visible ageing and up to six weeks to see a visible change. wrinkles on your skin. Use a moisturiser high Changing products or brands too oen may in SPF [30+] or use a broad spectrum cause irritation on your skin, accelerating the signs of ageing. If, however you experience sunscreen, over your daily moisturiser. dryness, stinginess or irritation on first use, 2. Focus on one Problem Area Many anti-aging products will focus on one discontinue use of that product immediately.
If there is one section of the beauty industry that has grown in leaps and bounds over the last 10-years in Africa, it is de nitely the area that specialises in anti-ageing products. But, “do these albeit expensive products really work, and are they worth your while?” Yes they do, and yes they are! The secret is not to get ov e r w h e l m e d b y t h e a r r a y o f products you nd on the supermarket shelves, cosmetic stores or your favourite spa.
problem are over the other. Therefore, be it dark spots, wrinkles or dark circles around your eyes, pin-point one problem area you would like drastic improvement on, and select a product that is tailored specifically to work on that. You shall experience quick visible changes in that problem area, and slighter slower changes in any other smaller issues you may have. 3. Know Your Skin Type Before you go out spending six thousand shillings on that promising night cream, ensure you get to know your skin pe, and buy products specific to your skin; oily, normal or dry. This is important. Do not guess nor assume. Walk into your nearest spa such as Revitalize or cosmetic store such as Lintons and have them actually test your skin pe for you.
6. Maintain Consistent Use Once you discover that perfect product that does wonders for your skin, and diminished signs of ageing almost completely, CONTINUE USING IT! Many times we feel that the problem has been solved and we discontinue use of the product that solved that problem. Continuous use of the anti-ageing product will keep all signs of ageing at bay for youthful and radiant skin. Remember, you are never too young to start using anti-ageing products. Do not wait until you have visible signs of wrinkling around your eyes before you rush to the nearest cosmetic store. Products come in ageappropriate variances, meaning you can even begin to use them when you are in your 20's.
EDITOR's PICK: There is a lot to choose from in the market, but amidst all the choices, there are some superstar product ranges…
Elemis Anti-Ageing Pro Collagen Set
L'Oreal Revitalift Range
Premier Dead Sea Ageless Future Range
Estee Lauder Anti-Wrinkle Solutions
Neutrogena Ageless Range
COUTURE AFRICA | 37
HAIR
STYLING BOX BRAIDS Styling box braids may seem like a task not many might want to take on but, it is almost as easy letting your hair down. Photography: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Photography Make-up: Priscilla Ndanu of Urembo Creations Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Model: Wakina Kandia 1. The Double Bun Part a small section of your braids close to the forehead. From the larger section, twist and pull back reinforce with high bun for the remaining section and Voila! Easy and Quick. 2. The side swipe is quick and easy Part your braids into three or more section as desired, divide each section into three and braid swipe closest to the face going backward and pin in place. Do the same to the remaining section and Voila!
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HAIR EDITS
BRAID CARE BASICS Braids are the perfect look for the cold and rainy weather. Whether you choose to go with thick long braids, or thin short braids, how you take care of them will determine how long they last on your head before beginning to look tardy and unkempt. COUTURE Africa brings you six, tried-and-tested, tips on how to take care of your braids, and by extension, your hair.
3.Use Braid Sheen Braid spray or braid sheen goes a long way in keeping braids looking fresh and clean. Daily use of braid sheen on braids and scalp will help keep fizziness of braids and flakiness of scalp at bay, and will also extend the life of your braids; meaning you can keep them on for much longer!
4.Co on Clean If you do not want to wash your braids every other day [or every week], keep your scalp clean by dabbing a coon pad with either a dry shampoo or Aloe Vera oil onto your scalp every other day. This will ensure your braids feel fresh, your hair and scalp stay clean, and also prevents excess dryness or dandruff.
1.Keep Them Loose Avoid puing your braids on too tight. Many people think that the tighter the braids the longer they last, but it actually damages your hair instead [especially by your hairline]. Braiding too tight damages your hair follicles and may actually lead to long-term hair 5.Don't Repair, Replace damage and permanent hair loss. In many cases, once you see your hair line 2.Keep Them Dry geing untidy [especially if you have extraMany are times we opt to take less care of our small braids], you may get tempted to repair hair when we have braids on, and keeping that and move on. However, this band-aid them wet or damp is one such way. Whether solution is generally not advisable, as it you have been rained on, been swimming, creates a façade as to the actual state of your been in the gym or simply gave them a quick hair. To keep your scalp fresh and clean, wash, ensure you dry your braids through replace your braids entirely, once they begin [either with a hair drier, or by siing under to look old. the dryer], because as we all know, moist hair is not only uncomfortable to have, but is also a breeding ground for bacteria.
6.Experiment With S les The best thing about braids, especially in our fabulously slish times, is that there is a lot you can do with them. Going to a wedding, or that formal gala dinner? Worry not, you can play up your braids and get them in sles to bring out your modern chic personali. Not sure how to do so? Have your hairdresser do it for you in the salon. You will be surprised at what she can come up with – given the opportuni.
OS OFFICE STYLE What Women (& Men) Wear to Work
M U S T- H A V E DÉCOR PIECES
Fashion is not just something that happens after hours. Image is everything and you have to look amazing in your of ce space. The CA Team now goes on a monthly work hunt for the most stylish work environments. By Terry Mwangi Photos: Khalifa at Cool Pixx Photography Make-up: Naomi of Suzie Beauty
This month's of ce style saw us visit 14 Riverside to talk travel, technology and style with the team at Amadeus East Africa. The company, under Amadeus Commercial Organization is the world's leading supplier of technology solutions that enables success in the travel and tourism industry. Amadeus Solutions helps improve the business performance of travel agencies, corporations, airlines, airports, hotels, railways and facilitate journeys and enrich the travel experience for hundreds of millions of people every year. We are present in 195 countries with a worldwide team of more than 11,000 people. Brighter, Bolder and Better are three words that capture their aspiration, we will however, add fun to that because we had so much fun at their of ces that when our time was up we did not want to leave.
Dennis Kabutha Operations Manager
Livingstone Katingima Finance Admin Manager
My everyday office look is smart casual, I love colour but I feel that my work restricts me from wearing certain colours. I am lucky to have a job that allows me to travel a lot and my ultimate travelling outfit is shorts, a tee and my good old white fedora. My most important accessory is my watch and my tablet. If I could achieve Taye Diggs' sle from Private Practice, I would be the happiest man alive. Favourite place to shop: Dubai
I wish I could wear khaki pants and polo shirts to work every day. I am very keen on what I wear therefore I would describe my sle as modern yet simple. I love cool colours with a cool feel and I would not be caught dead in screaming colours. I shop at Manix at least twice a year, l stock up on shirts, some suits and shoes. Essentials? I would never leave the house without my watch and my tablet. Favourite place to shop: Any Manix shop
Frider Kithinji Muema Senior Sales
Judith Kalondu IT Support Engineer
I am a shoe addict and that is a fact. I am always on the lookout for the latest shoes in the market, it is a bad habit I know but I simply cannot help it. I never used to care much about fashion, I was always in good old skirt suits and trouser suits until I met my husband. He has transformed my sle in a way I cannot believe. I cannot say that I am well-travelled but the one ci that is amazing fashion-wise is Bangkok. Favourite place to shop: Anywhere including Toi Market
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AMADEUS EAST AFRICA
My work entails making sure clients have reliable internet connection. I take care of logistics for field engineers and receiving calls from service desk. My sle is simple and conservative. I try as much as I can not to overdress. I am always in trousers at work and if I have to wear a skirt or dress, it has to be below the knee. If I were to loosen up my conservative sle at work, I would rock fancy dresses and short skirts but until then, I am happy with my current sle. Favourite place to shop: Citi Walk, Toi Market and Jamia Mall
Mary Muga Accountant I am a trendy dresser. I wish I could wear jumpsuits everyday. I love dresses because they are easy to wear and they make me feel more feminine. I am not a big fan of trousers especially at work. I would never leave the house without make up and I am always in heels. My dreadlocks are 7years old, I am so aached to them and I do not think I would ever cut them. I maintain them by going to the salon every two weeks. Favourite place to shop: Dubai
Ruheena Jiwa Help Desk Training & Customer Support My sle is chic and up to date, quite self-confident right? I love dresses that flaer my figure so I am always in body con dresses. I sometimes put onchino pants for a laid back office look. I love travelling and I have had the opportuni to travel to amazing countries like Thailand, Spain, Dubai, Turkey and France. When travelling, comfort is important, I wear palazzo or harem pants, doll shoes, a jacket or a hoodie. My favourite accessories are my belts. A Travel App I would recommend would beCheck my Trip! Favourite place to shop: Paris
Elly Kwasi Product and Solutions Specialist 90% of what I wear is influenced by my wife. I wear suits to work but I tone down on Fridays with Khaki pants and a shirt. If I am in the field, what I wear will depend on the kind of client I am meeting, some clients are laid back so when I am meeting them I put on smart casual outfits and with others I have no choice but to wear a suit. My job allows me to travel extensively, I would never travel without my ATM card and tablet. My favourite travelling apps are trip advisor, check-my-trip and kayak Favourite place to shop: India [Currently]
Christine Njago Account Manager My sle inspiration is the RnB singer Brandy, downright slish and mature. My makeup is always very subtle. I would not be caught dead in suits at the office, I find them too plain and also geing a nice suit is an ordeal in itself. I wear heels every single day because of my height. Through the years, I have learnt to choose comfortable heels so you will never hear me complain of how tired I am in my high heels. I can walk for miles with a smile. Favourite place to shop: Dubai
COUTURE AFRICA | 41
HS HER STYLE
SILVIA NJOKI FASHION STYLIST AND BLOGGER, WWW.SILVIANJOKI.COM
of sunnies that match my mood. Whenever I do not feel like wearing makeup, a pair of oversized frames and red lipstick always saves the day. Where do you normally shop for you and your daughter? I love the lile boutiques at Veteran House in Nairobi. They seem to always get it right for me. It is difficult to narrow it to just one place, but if you check my blog www.silvianjoki.com there will be links to where I get all my clothing. I sew some of my daughter's clothes but I also shop online every few weeks at GAP kids, Zara and H&M which have a great kids clothing section. Mr Price and 4U2 have cute stuff for kids too. However, my true love is thriing! I love the excitement of finding hidden treasures. What is the most expensive item in your closet and in your daughter's as well? The most expensive stuff in my closet must be antique accessories that have been gied to me, so I cannot really put a price on them. I By Maureen Oola do not really splurge on clothing but I Photos, courtesy of Silvia Njoki recently got a pair of boots from Jessica Silvia, Office Look Buurman that cost 160 dollars. My daughter Your style is... has a few dresses from Babyshop that cost not Whose style do you admire when it The best way to describe my sle is 'versatile' comes to local and international or 'unpredictable'. I love to try out different less than 3,000 shillings each. celebrities? looks and there is no particular sle that I What are the cheapest items you I love fashion bloggers Sai Sankoh and Ranti c o n f o r m t o. A t t h e m o m e n t I l o ve have in both your closets? Onayemi's sle. I also frequent street sle minimalistic, clean and structured pieces in I have a thried coat for 300 shillings and she blogs like facehunter.org for inspiration. I so hues and as time goes by, you will see has a thried dress for 200 shillings. also love to check sle bloggers and kids' more of these looks on my blog. I however If you could travel anywhere in the fashion on Instagram. have an unhealthy addiction to sexy all-black world for a weekend long shopping What is your personal style secret? outfits. That is the one constant in my ever- spree where would you go? Like I mentioned earlier, my sle is changing sle. London! The shopping scene in London unpredictable, sometimes even to myself. I What is your favourite colour? appeals to me so much, from the high street let myself be inspired by the occasion, like the There are so many beautiful colours that it is stores in Oxford Street to vintage stores event I am aending or my plans for the day hard to single out just one but I tend to favour selling all sorts of retro stuff and small or evening, the people I expect to meet and of black and orange or a combination of the two, accessory shops in China Town. course also the weather and my personal not only in my choice of outfits but also when What are your and Nielsine's must mood. I do not follow all trends but somechoosing accessories. You will surely catch have items? times I let the few trends that are appealing to me in a vampy dark lip or an orange hued lip at My must-have item would be an easy to wear me make their way to my closet. Following all least twice a week. everyday maxi dress for me and lile shorts trends is ultimately fashion slavery. Updating and vests or tees for my daughter. They are your wardrobe once or twice a year is also What is your favourite accessory? Undoubtedly sunglasses! They are a big sle comfy for her to play in and prey fun to try mandatory. A cluered wardrobe is not a statement and there always seems to be a pair out different pairings. good starting point to everyday fashion.
Silvia describes herself as a fun loving, kind-hearted mom and fashion enthusiast. She has always loved to dress up and style herself. Her class mates still remember how she used to plan fashion shows in their high school dormitory and how they would wrap themselves in bed covers and lessos.She is a professional fashion stylist for celebrities, artistes and TV shows and spends most of her free time working on her fashion blog,which has gained a lot of recognition and support among fashion loving women as well as institutions in the Kenyan blogosphere like BAKE. She recently won a SOMA award for 'most promising new blogger'. Being the mother of a one year old daughter Nielsine, has added another aspect to her fashion palette and Silvia is now learning more about kids' fashion.
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Silvia, Night Out
Nielsine's Weekend Out
Silvia & Nielsine, Weekend Getaway
Silvia & Nielsine, Relaxing at Home
Nielsine, Weekend Shopping
Silvia, Weekend Shopping COUTURE AFRICA | 43
1 1 SEX 101 SEX
ENTER THE YUMMY MUMMY What you wear to bed says a lot about your sexual energy. So if you stepped out of bed this morning wearing a pair of joggers, a freebie tee given to you at an event you attended which has the face of a “wannabe� politician on the front, and to top it off, you wore a pair of stockings on your head. Then what that tells me is that you are probably 40 something, you have had your 2 or 3 kids, life has become monotonous, and you have lost your Mojo. It's ok to be honest. And in fairness it is alright to wear these bed clothes from time to time BUT if it happens more often than not then it is high time you realise you don't look or feel sexy dressed this way. By Julie Githiri
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Your Mojo is not too far away. It has just been parked under the rut of life, begging for you to dust it down, ignite the spark to become that desirable alluring temptress again. So ladies the birth of the Yummy Mummy is imminent. That vibrant sexual woman, who was once fearless, oozed tenaci and was gregarious, is still within you. Not even childbirth can douse this sexual flame. So it is time to bid farewell to those comfy bed clothes [I doubt there are many men who would find it easy to get turned on whilst being face to face with another man's face on the front of his wife's tee shirt]. So, if you are guil of wearing this – or something similar – then bid it farewell. Vanilla Sex Exposed Remember those late Friday nights where you could be found dancing with a glass of wine in your hand confident that you were assured a lazy sex filled Saturday morning with your beau. Now, the guarantee is that you will be woken up at the crack on down to watch Dora the Explorer or Pepper Pig. Satisfying as it might be, you are still a sexual being with sexual needs. You might feel that your sex life has become a bit dull, predictable, or dare I say, dutiful. Has your sex life lost its spontanei? or you have both forgoen how to be creative in the bedroom. Maybe sex has started to feel like a military operation. By the time you get the kids in bed, watch the news, organise your tasks for the next day, sneak on to Facebook for a 'short' while you're just too tired to have that romp under the sheets. Well let me tell you that is not called being 'too tired', that my dear is called avoidance. al clock. According to the World Health I will let you into a lile secret; you are not the only couple who have experienced the phenomenon known as the birth of 'Vanilla Sex' aer having children. That's right...Vanilla Sex. It can have a negative effect on any relationship. I am sure you now know the pe of sex I am talking about. For those amongst you who have no clue or are too embarrassed to say, I will set the scene to refresh your memory; kids have gone to bed, the house help has finished for the day. The conversation between you and your husband continues along these lines: Wife, “I'm going to bed, are you coming?” [In other words I want to watch an episode of Empire before you come to bed]. Husband, “Yeah I'm coming, I've just got a few more emails to send” [which could mean he is actually sending emails or he is waiting for you to sleep so he does not have to have sex].
You wait in bed adored in aire mentioned earlier. This time it's a Safaricom printed tee shirt, joggers and stockings on head; bra has already been removed, so your boobs are somewhere between mid arm pit and breast plate...itis not a criticism merely an observation. You are 40-something- so it is expected. Husband enters bedroom, brushes his teeth, and does a pee. He then enters the bed, charges phone, switches off bedside lamp. You wait, and just like clockwork his 'hot' hand slowly makes its way to your upper thigh. Obediently you turn round [there is no point in playing hard to get...it's been a while, so you want to be goen]. A few kisses later, tee shirt is rolled up to your shoulders [there is no point in removing it, it will mess up your hair stocking and that will mean having to reorganise your hair]. Aer some predictable breast caressing, vaginal fumbling, some cock directing, hey-pesto your joggers are down [one leg is out at least]. Husband, “Where are the condoms?” Wife, “It's ok...I'm safe” Husband, “Sawa.” The next 6 or 8 minutes pass by with very lile or no movement. By minute 10, joggers are back up, Safaricom is re-instated.....and Vanilla Sex has been served! Now, does that sound familiar or what? I will try not to be too bombastic. Maybe you are thinking mummies and daddies are no longer expected to have the hot sex that they were used to. Or that desiring sensual stroking, intimate tickling and deep pleasure for hours whilst being highly aroused is no longer permied? Maybe you thought those desires would be replaced with baking cup cakes for the school fete, or dutifully aending every PTA meeting? I think not! Life Begins at Forty Listen here and listen closely. By day you have the capabilities to look aer your kids, shower them will love and affection, ferry them between parties and visits to shags to see their Cucu... but by night sweetie, it is your time. Shackles cannot keep you from unleashing your sexual desires. Did you not get the 'Life Begins at 40' memo? Being 40something is just great, you are in your prime. You are Mrs Financially Independent; confident, self-assured, you have a network of good solid friendships, an established career, and a doting partner who just worships the ground you walk on. And to top it off, you are fun to be around, On the outside you're an admired 'yummy mummy' who has it all, but
let us not forget your inner 'kinky bunny' who has the abili to make the Hugh Hefner playboy mansion look like a nunnery....but for some reason your sexual confidence has dwindled. Here is the good news; it can return. Do you want to regain your trophy and become a 'sizzling sexy mama'? [This is the when you nod your head].Because you can do this. You no longer need to live your life vicariously through the Real Housewives of Atlanta or watch episodes of Empire in order to achieve it. Or live in the hope that your man will miraculously appear in the image of Terrance Howard looking super fly with a toned body and green eyes [but oh, wouldn't that be nice]. That is all a fantasy, what you have is the real deal! Trust me, the grass is not greener over there. The life you have is just fine. It just needs a lile aention. It is time to 'Changamuka' [spice up your life].To do that, I am going to have to let you into a lile secret [pinkie promise you will keep it to yourself]. Channel Your Yummy Mummy Firstly you have to believe that you have the propensi to become the sex bomb that you want to be. Forget about the seductress that you used to be. That time has passed. This is now 2015 your sexual energy is new and improved. Can I just remind you, you grew another human being inside you for 9 whole months? You then birthed and fed it and you have the stretch marks and pendulous breasts to prove it! So, so what if your body no longer looks the way it used to? You have matured into this sensual being that should not be shy to say what excites her. If you want your man to give you some cunnilingus or to massage your clitoris to orgasm then go right ahead and ask; what were you taught in Sunday school? “Ask and ye shall receive”. This sexual emancipation at 40 is real. It is not a myth. Sex no longer needs to stop when he cums. You are not called yummy mummy for nothing. It is time for you to have your cake and eat it. So go on out there and buy some lingerie. I want you to feel and look a million bucks as you enter your bed. You have permission to seduce the man that lies next to you night aer night aer night. You deserve it and so does he. Which man would not be on all fours begging for his wife to initiate their love making and to lead in the bed room as she does in the board room? So why not surprise him and you? Plan that weekend away. Let someone else watch kiddie cartoons for a change whilst you and your 'Ka-Sweetie' have some well-deserved play time. COUTURE AFRICA | 45
1 1 MEN 101 MEN
ON DATING SINGLE MOTHERS My cousin called me to let me know that he had met someone he thought I would really like. It is no secret I like intelligent, big, light skinned girls. He sent me her number after he hung up the phone and I promised I would call her. He then text about two week later to enquire if I had talked to the girl he had hooked me up with. That was the second time my cousin had called me in a month. He never calls – ever! So I sped things up. I called the lady [let's call her Wambui*] and set up a date. I am a blogger, I write stories about my life, so you can imagine how excited I was after setting up a blind date! We met up at Eka Hotel for dinner. By Ian Arunga
Wambui was beautiful. Beautiful and big. She had an amazing mind and the most contagious smile I had ever seen! Her hair was short and her cheeks full. Her hips were round and her tummy flat. And, she laughed at all my jokes; I love a woman who laughs at my jokes. I believe I am extremely funny and whoever strokes that belief is a friend. She was clad in a small black dress and leopard print heels which is one of the outfits I advice 46 | COUTURE AFRICA
women to wear on a first date on my blog [she Wambui had to put in everything she got later confessed she read the article]. physically and emotionally into her relationship with Karanja so he never had to feel like My mind, 2 hours into the date, was rushing! he is missing a parent, and at the end of the Thoughts came down in huge waves. The day, she was out of gas. She had no time for thought of future with Wambui was gaining games. Once in a while, I would go quiet for weight fast! All her teeth were intact and she like two days straight, playing hard to get. had 10 fingers. My grandmother told me once Men like to be shown that they are wanted. that I have to make sure a woman had 10 We are like children. My silence treatments fingers before I commied to anything. did not bother her at all though. We would pick up a conversation in 3 days like we had And then she cut the date short. been talking everyday. She already had a child and another big baby was the last thing she “…I have to go breast feed my son,” she said! needed in her life. Single moms are tough and Those thoughts I had rushing through my independent. brain about the future were now anorexic. Everything went pale with that one single The Story of The Other Man… statement. You see, I love kids. I love to have I was supposed to meet Wambui for a random my own family some day. But no maer how aernoon movie date one Saturday. She it is put, most men would rather have or raise asked me to go ahead to the movies promising their own kids rather than another man's. You she would catch up before the movie. She was will find a number of men who have taken in a waiting for Karanja's dad to pick their son up single mom and raised her child or children as for the weekend. She had not come two hours his own. You will also find men who will not later. She had had a fight with Karanja's dad take a second to think about dating a single and decided to cancel. I had no ground to mom – they would never do it. complain. I had no idea what she was going through. I did not know what to say. Normally I decided to give it shot because Wambui was in a normal boy girl relationship, I would have an amazing woman, and we all know they do helped her cuss over the 'idiot ex.' I did not not come easy anymore. This is what I learnt. know how to cuss at the father of her child. It Is A Different Game… Let me explain, dating a single mom is like navigating Luthuli Avenue for the first time. All the tried and tested dating rules suddenly do not apply! I feel single moms are o torn between two identities, that of a loving and caring mother and that of a single woman. You can agree with me that the two will conflict with each other every now and then. For example, going out with a woman who has been a single mom for a long while, you notice that it is easier for her to let a man back into her life. She has mastered the art of being a mother and has learnt how to juggle her time between work, a social life and her child. She now goes out every other week with her girls without worrying too much if her child likes the new nanny.
The child's father is always a major hurdle when it comes to a single mom. Exes are generally hurdles that could easily be goen over, but try an ex who will be around for the rest of your life. One who probably has every right to pop in at any time to see his child. A seasoned mom has probably learnt how to handle her ex-boyfriend or ex-husband by this time, but men are jealous. A man who shares an extremely tight bond with your girlfriend by virtue of a child, who comes over every now and then to see or pick the lile one(s),kills you slowly. I know it killed me; I was really looking forward to watching a movie! A recently single mother may still have feelings for her ex, aer all, they did have a child together. A man who knows what he wants will probably let the woman know about his discomfort. Some men just keep it all inside trying not to hurt their partner and end up blowing up at some point. Not to mention that going out with a woman when her ex is still in the picture [and will probably be there for a really long time] is the ultimate epitome of awkward.
They Are Fiercely Independent… Wambui would not raise a storm if I did not call or text back like the single woman with all the time in her hands would. And I would never get her if I called aer 10pm. Her phone would be off or it went unanswered. She would go to bed immediately aer puing her son Karanja to bed at about 8 or 9pm. She worked at a television production company that got her so tired that she would black out The Responsibility… immediately she was done tending to her son. When going out with a single mom, a man is
forced to go from zero to a hundred from the first date. She no longer sees a man as simply a boyfriend who is there to pamper her. A man has to wear two hats; one as a boyfriend and another as a 'probable father of her child'. The man will have to prove that he is actually needed. And by needed I do not mean just someone to take her to dinner at Eka, geing to help around the house is a major plus. Single mothers can do it all, but are superappreciative of a helping hand. Acts of service go a really long way. In addition, single moms are easy to pamper. They do not have a lot of time in their hands. I was scared of going out with Wambui because I thought she was going to be clingy and want to sele down immediately. I had started doing serious math in my head trying to split my salary here and there in case I ended up being a dad. Baby things were swimming in my head. It was scary. It was the exact opposite though. My time with Wambui was a breath of fresh air. Single moms pically have very lile interest in seling down with a man until they get to know the guy. Most single moms are doing just fine without a man in their lives. When I asked my sister the other day about life as a single mother, she responded, and I quote, “uerly refreshing!” In conclusion, being a single mother can be extremely lonely. I lost my dad at the age of 9 and my mother had to raise my younger sister and I by herself and it was not that easy on a fashion designer's salary in Kisumu. It was evident that she missed my dad. For the longest time her loud laughs dimmed to simple smiles. There was no one to spoil her or take the kids out to the park. No one to take the garbage out late in the night. No one to lean on… She was alone. I believe this finally took a toll on her and she too passed less than a year aer. Time taken away from being a mother to dating is golden. Single moms cannot just drop what they are doing and go out on a date. Going out with a single mom means planning everything in advance. The single moms clock ticks twice as fast as the normal man's clock. A date will sometimes include her child. Overall, it is a thrilling position to date a single mother. Being with a woman who is up front, passionate, and nurturing feels good. The reward is in the risk. To read more from Ian Arunga go to www.mydeardoris.com COUTURE AFRICA | 47
CELEBRITY
STL
AKA STELLA MWANGI MORE THAN JUST A MUSICIAN
48 | COUTURE AFRICA
blunders in front of the camera. So you get to CA: Having lived in both Kenya and Norway, learn from those mistakes. Once you know which country do you identify with most? what you like, it is just a maer of doing just STL: My God! Both because we had to escape the country because my dad was an activist in that; sindio (isn't that right)? CA: That's true. I heard you mention the 1982 coup. That was not a popular thing. When I was born in 1986, my dad had just something about going back to school? STL: Yes. Actually I am already back in come out of prison so we had to move when I school. Last year in October I realized, ok, I was 4 years old. So I grew up in Norway but I am an artist and I have been doing this since I grew up with parents who were very Kenyan, was eight. I was eight years old when I decided it's not like they wanted to move from Kenya, I wanted to be an artist. Then 20 years later, they had to, so they still had this Kenyan-ness because now I am 28, I had a sort of 20 year in them. And they kept it and they taught me reunion with myself where I asked myself, and my siblings how important it is to be what does it mean to be an artist? I started rooted. And so I grew up in Norway, I asking myself all these questions and then I integrated into the Norwegian socie but my found out that being an artist is all about roots are in Kenya and I will always be rooted informing my fans, informing the listeners here in Kenya. I am Kenyan and I am Norweabout something. If you listen to Bob Marley, gian.
“What you do is not necessarily who you are,” Stella emphasized. These words can be used to describe Stella Mwangi, popularly known as STL. However, as profound as that statement is, it is not enough to adequately describe the diverse personality she embodies. Knowledgeable yet funloving, Stella is de nitely one of the most down-to-earth celebrities I have ever met. So passionate was she on the topic of being rooted to your culture that we decided to make an exception and include the various Kiswahili expressions she used as we spoke. By Sheena Mpungu Make-up by Priscilla Ndanu Photos by Khalifa of Cool Pixx Studios Shot On Location at Cin Cin at Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel www.fairmont.com/norolk-hotelnairobi CA: First things first, you are such a natural in front of the camera. STL: Oh wow! Asante (thank you). CA: Does that come from experience or do you think it is something that has always been in you? STL: Both. Experience is everything. You know with experience you can get an overview of things. I have seen myself making
his songs were filled with faith and warnings, you know. And I was asking myself, what am I telling my people, besides telling my story? I was just thirs for new ideas, new knowledge, so I started reading history, I love history. That is what I am studying in school. I have exams right now, in May, for European history. It is very interesting. I am also doing Science, just to get why the sun is up, where does electrici come from? CA: Are you taking the studies in Norway? STL: I am taking the studies in Norway. The great thing is that I am educating myself. I just bought books. Instead of siing in the classroom, I thought that this is the time now to discipline myself, to prove that everything is just right in front of you. You do not need to wait to have a teacher and a classroom to be in. You can actually just start doing it yourself. CA: What is the most interesting thing you have learnt while doing this course? STL: I have learnt that power is knowledge and not just the power of knowledge of the outside world but the knowledge that you have of the outside world will also reflect to you. The more knowledge you have the more questions you start asking yourself and the closer you get, to yourself. So that is the journey I am on right now. I have been reading about Socrates and Plato and their popular quote 'know thyself'. They formed democracies. This Socrates man was just a human being like me, so now what will I do for my generation?
CA: So that means you must be quite fluent in Norwegian? STL: Yes, I am! (Speaks in Norwegian) (We all laugh). CA: That's the accent! That's the accent I was talking about. That's the one that comes through when you talk. STL: (Laughs) Yeah? Just a lile bit. CA: Okay, before we get carried away, let's talk about VaaKiAfrika. STL: Yes, VaaKiAfrika is another initiative I have started to appreciate our culture and our fashion. Expression is fashion. We are running away from the kitenges, running away from going to a tailor with fabrics. Now we are trying so much to wear the new Jordans and dress like Kim Kardashian that we have forgoen to embrace ourselves. Then what happens is that Europeans are beginning to identify with African fashion. We cannot have people from other countries coming tell us, who we are. That is very dangerous. When I realised this and I realised that music is expression, I thought I might as well, go into fashion. I want to be a platform for designers and for everyone who has a taste. I have realised that with this VaaKiAfrika thing, which is basically a social media campaign that encourages women to dress in their African aire but what I am learning is that these women, they have not bought these things from designers. They have just gone to a tailor with fabric and said, 'Nitengnezee hii (Sew this for me)'. We have to dress like ourselves. That is our true beau
“I HAD A SORT OF 20 YEAR REUNION WITH MYSELF WHERE I ASKED MYSELF, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ARTIST?” COUTURE AFRICA | 49
CELEBRITY CELEBRITY QUICKFIRE Last book you read? Buck by M. K. Asante Shoes or bags? Both, please! Last album you listened to? Abbas Kubaff's new album. What's in your bag? It's full of different lip-glosses and lipsticks. I have water, I always have water. And then I have antibacterial wipes and my notepad.
that is what VaaKiAfrika is all about. Dress like an African; Vaa Kinyumbani, you know? Take it back and be proud. CA: VaaKiAfrika showcases different designers? STL: Yes. CA: All from Kenya … STL: All from Kenya. All the designers are Kenyans and this is what it is all about. Every week I have been wearing a designer. I started with Kipusa, then I went to Jimmy Kotap and then I went to Nur and now I am with Nick Ondu. What really VaaKiAfrika will be and is a fashion label that promotes African designers. The market that I want to build will be in Norway. I want to show abroad what Africa looks like because I am not a designer (laughs). But I am a platform. I am just playing my role. We need to start playing our roles, you know? It is also up to you guys (pointing at us) to promote, expressing ourselves as Kenyans and not as wannabes. With the VaaKiAfrika fashion label, I am hoping to promote our fashion and our designers in Norway. I also hope that we as Africans can work together as a team. The biggest problems we have as Africans is that we do not work together as a team. CA: How would you describe your musical journey this far? STL: My music journey started as a question of who I am. I was asking myself questions. Then I started asking my parents questions. Because kids, Norwegian kids were really pointing out how black I am. They were the ones telling me and I did not know I was black before someone told me I was black! I started
“WE ARE NOT TAUGHT TO FIGURE OUT WHO WE ARE. WE ARE TOLD WHO WE ARE.” 50 | COUTURE AFRICA
5 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT STELLA MWANGI (STL) 1: She speaks 4 languages (Kiswahili, Kikuyu, Norwegian and English) 2: She got saved when she was 15 3: She can compose music in the 4 languages she speaks 4: She was to open an African restaurant someday 5: She loves Jazz and reggae music
questioning myself and tried to become like them, I prayed that I was like them and not me. That is when my parents took me to the side, my dad mostly because he was the activist. My mom is such a strong Kenyan woman that she was like, 'Just deal with it.' (Laughs) You know how Kenyan mums are. My dad he took me to the side and he started talking to me. Telling me that, you are like this for a reason, ok? You are not like this because you are just black. You are from Kenya, you are rooted, you belong somewhere, you have a purpose. And then he taught me this art of expressing myself. Now that you know you are black, express yourself! (Laughs) So I started music; music is all about expression. Just write whatever you are feeling and put it into rhythm. So it was a journey, I discovered how to express myself at a very early age. I know I am sort of going away from what you asked but I think it is very important for me to say this; you do not have to be an artist to express yourself. We have to stop this mentali that you have to be a music artist to express yourself. I see so many kids coming up to me to say that they want to be artists. But I actually think that they just want to express themselves but the only way they think they can do that is through music. I want people to stop puing themselves in a box; I want them to know they can either be an actress or a socialite. Express yourself! I have also learned that what you do is not who you are.
basically is take action in figuring out who you are! (Laughs). Do not follow the crowd. Take action in who you are and what you can do. That is your treasure. So 'ChukuaHatua' is basically do not let circumstances define you. Just do not let life, where you are right now, take over. I wish to see us Kenyans just owning our worth. I am working on a couple of songs; you will see a certain maturi in the songs that are yet to be released the songs that I am working on now, you will see growth. I have had a breakthrough in my thinking. CA: About your personal sle. It's quite versatile; you can rock anything. So what inspires what you wear, how you do your hair? STL:I have had short hair for 3 years, since my dad passed 3 years ago. Growing up in Norway I always had to hide my hair. It was like a taboo for me to walk around Whites (Caucasians) with my hair, you know (laughs). You become ashamed. When my dad passed away, life just hit me, gave me a big slap in the face and then that is when I took my first 'hatua' (step). I was like, you know what, I am free. I want to walk with my hair natural, among Whites. Who were they to say that long straight hair is the right way? So I have had my time with that. But now I am ready for growth so I went all out and did long braids and I am loving it but I am still trying to figure out and explore more about how we as Africans made our hair back in the day.
CA: I think it is a good thing because it seems like a lot of people are going back to that as well. But my only worry is that it will not last. STL: True, but you see there is something going on in the air. Now for me as a music artist, I have to play my role. My role is to inform through my music. Your role is to inform through your writing. Everyone has to inform so that people understand what they are geing into. It is like you are going somewhere then you are not really realising where you are. If you do not know you are in Rome, it will not maer. So we are going somewhere, there is something in the air but if we are not aware of it, it will not maer. So CA: So what are you currently working on everybody just has to play their roles. now? CA: What would you say is the one STL: Right now I have just done a song called achievement you are most proud of? 'Chukua Hatua'. It is a song that will be STL: That I have discovered God. I have released later this year. 'Chukua Hatua' formed a relationship with God. I am not just CA: To base on that what you have said, that what you do is not necessarily who you are, do you feel that people understand that? STL: We are not taught to figure out who we are. We are told, 'you will be a doctor, you will do this and you will do this, if you do not do this, you will not succeed'. We are already trapped into fiing into these boxes that we think that what you do is who you are. That is a lie. This is where I am leading my music now, in this direction of self-discovery. Music is a very powerful thing I have realised, and I wanto use it to deliver messages, encourage people, to figure more about themselves.
living anymore; I have a purpose as to why I am living and I am so proud of myself that I have taken this step. People get put in a box when they get saved. When I got saved I was put in this box; now that you are saved I was told I cannot do this I cannot do that and I did not have a relationship with God, I had a relationship with all the people telling me who God is. Now I have a direct connection with God. That is my greatest achievement and with that I hope to inspire people. We all belong somewhere and we are capable of doing anything. When I discovered that I have direct connection with G od, I discovered that I was also put here to do good. It was not like, 'Ah, now I know God! I'm sorted!' No! You keep realising that you have a to-do list. You have to inspire, what I really hope is that we get to discover God without any people or government or priests or churches or families telling us how to speak to God.
STELLA’S TAKE On Life's best kept secret: I found out that the best-kept secret is the education of self. On African Fashion: Expression is fashion! I am seeing beautiful Kenyan girls with kitenges, and I like how we look like! We have to now build on what Kenyan fashion is; just build it because if we are not doing it, other people will. In Kenya we have 42 different cultures. There is so much expression that is lost that we have to bring back. On Music and Expression: We as artists, music artists, or whoever expresses themselves through art, have this advantage that we learn how to express ourselves, very early. You do not have to be an artist to express yourself. That is just an art, a form of expressing yourself. People can express themselves through other ways. Tribalism in Kenya: I know we have tribalism but I have not understood it On having her songs featured in movies: It was so weird! This breakthrough happened almost 10 years ago. It happened so fast because, you are seeing the movie and then your song comes in the background and then you are like, is anybody noticing? COUTURE AFRICA | 51
FASHION
DOREEN MASHIKA The Doreen Mashika Spring 2015 collection is a story of colourful fabrics which have been hand selected in a variety of an almost inexhaustible range of colours and tones. The collection is mainly inspired by the 70s and the great outdoors she is exposed to in Zanzibar. It is a demonstration of how island meets urban. With crispy breathable silks that have been reworked to make it possible to wear for day and night and her owing and feminine contemporary styles, this collection is indeed an acknowledgement of international trends. To complement the bright dresses, Doreen Mashika bags and jewellery combine top quality hides and well- nished woven glass beads with brass, resulting in pieces of inspired and individual beauty.
Photography: Thomson Ncube Photography Assistant: William Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Styling Assistant: Brian Babu Make-up: Urembo Creations Model: Paynette Nyawara
Pink silk halter-neck jumpsuit with belly cut-out detail Zebra print oversized clutch bag with multi-colouredtassels Snake print pointed pumps: KSh 6,500 at Backyard Shoes
FASHION
Grey and pink halter-neck play suit with belly cut-out detail Assorted beaded arm-bangles Zebra print handbag with yellow tassels Yellow and print peep-toe high-heeled shoes: KSh 4,200 at Backyard Shoes
Yellow oversized blouse Purple and yellow African print mini skirt Beaded grey choker with silver tips Silver and blue ankle-strap high-heeled shoes: Ksh 4,300 at Backyard Shoes
FASHION
Blue oversized silk knee length dress Orange, blue and brown beaded choker Zebra printed oversized clutch bag with yellow beaded tassels
Light purple asymmetrical knee length shift dress Multi-colouredbeaded leather sling bag with green beaded tassels Green ankle-strap high-heeled sandals: KSh 4,500 at Instyle Shoe Shop
FASHION
Light purple asymmetrical knee length shift dress Multi-colouredbeaded leather sling bag with green beaded tassels Green ankle-strap high-heeled sandals: KSh 4,500 at Instyle Shoe Shop
Turquoise asymmetrical silk maxi dress Brown ankle strap high heeled sandals: Ksh 4,500 at Instyle Shoe Shop
GADGETS
APPS FOR THE WORKING MOM
“Dear God can you add an hour or two to my 24 hour day?” I am sure a lot of mothers ask for this small favour every day. Unfortunately no one will ever get an extra hour so the only solution remaining is to make the most of the time you have. Organizing a schedule every day for your family and yourself might be a bit hard and time consuming but it is necessary. If you are terrible at creating schedules here is some good news; there's an app for that[or 50]. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka CHORE HERO
as a mother to have a free hand especially when you are feeding the toddler on your le breast and changing the one year old's diaper with your right hand all the while balancing a phone on your le shoulder and shouting at the teenager. In this situation it is prey hard to dra that email your boss is waiting for. That is why Dragon Dictation was invented. With this app you can dra that email, write that social media update or dictate notes just by speaking into your phone. Who needs hands when you have this app? Available on Google Play, BlackBerry App World, iTunes
BABY CONNECT
FAMILY ORGANIZER
Contrary to popular belief mothers are not super-human, they are normal human beings. Being a normal human being means that you forget, all the time, especially if you are a career woman. At times you will get overwhelmed and some things will slip your mind; things like your child's recital or pick up time. Family organizer is the app that will ensure you never forget a date with your children or miss your business flight. This app syncs with your desktop and includes email updates to your inner circle. It lets you keep track of your family calendar and lists – all while you are on the go. Available on Google Play and iTunes
REDLASER Teaching your kids all about responsibili is a daunting task especially when they have beer things to do like play World at War or watch Nickelodeon. No mother wants to come home to a sink full of dir dishes or a can full of garbage, even more so when your kids are old enough to do that job. If you are facing this dilemma Chore Hero is the app for you. Chore Hero like the name suggests offers a fun way to manage and organize household chores on a weekly basis. The app lets you assign a chore to various people on different occasions. It also has a built-in rewards system; the more one person works the more points they earn. BlackBerry calls this app Chore Tracker but the only difference is in the name. Available on Google Play, iTunes, BlackBerry app world DRAGON DICTATION
People who do not have children will never understand the luxury of free hands. It is rare 60 | COUTURE AFRICA
The process of having a baby is scary but it does not compare to being a mother because that is a full time job and this can be a lile intimidating if you already have a full-time job. Here is what all the mommy blogs will tell you; it is hard work and just like a normal job when it comes to taking care of your baby you will need a schedule to help you keep track. Guess what... there's an app for that. Baby connect helps you manage your child's schedule and records information, like the last time the baby was fed or how long he/she slept. It is such a great app to have especially if you need to share information about your child with the day care centre or a nanny as you leave for work. Available on Google Play, iTunes and Windows Phone Store
Window shopping takes a lot of time but it is important when it comes to geing the best deals on certain products. This of course becomes a problem if you do not have enough time. RedLaser is an app that cuts that time in half and does away with guesswork. The app compares prices between different brands on products and helps you choose the best deal available. All you have to do is scan the barcode on a particular product and the app will list the price of that product on online stores and local vendors. Available on Google Play, Windows Phone Store, iTunes
GIIV
We understand, when you are a mother it is very hard to remember that you are also a daughter, a wife and a friend, which means you forget things like your friends' birthdays, anniversaries and mother's day because those occasions do not relate directly to your children. Giiv is an app that ensures you remain as great a friend, a daughter and a wife as you are a mother. This app sends gis as text messages to recipients who will receive gi codes to redeem at online stores like Macys and Sephora. With this app you are ensured to never forget a birthday no maer how busy you are. Available iTunes
BLOOM
There is always that one day in your hectic schedule when you need a reminder of the great things in life. They do not have awards for motherhood but they should because it is a noble title. Your family will always be your greatest achievement and sometimes you need a reminder. That is what Bloom is for. This app combines your favourite photos and music and provides a fun way to give yourself inspiration on a hard and stressful day. Bloom is a simple reminder that the best things in life are free. Available on iTunes
SCANBIZCARDS
MY BUDGET
FEEDING KIDS
This is an important task and it is equally important to teach your kids how to eat healthy. With obesi numbers among children rising, it is beer to encourage healthy eating in your kids at a young age. With the Feeding Kids, this task is simplified because it encourages you to teach healthy eating and makes you aware of what you feed your kids. The simple phone program helps you transition your family towards beer eating habits and the challenge feature inculcated in the app provides healthier alternatives to meals. Available iTunes
Money makes the world go round. That statement becomes realer when you become a mother. As a mother you cannot play around with your finances the same way you did before your children made an appearance. Managing your finances is not as easy as it sounds if you are not a certified accountant which is where the My Budget app comes in. This app lets you manage all of your accounts including savings, checking balance and investments and categorises all your transactions. This handy app also allows you to create a monthly family budget based on all expected expenses. It is password protected to ensure all your information is secure. Available on Google Play, iTunes, BlackBerry App World, Windows Phone Store
Gone are the days when you had to carry around all the business cards you have ever received. You can also say goodbye to the days when you were worried your kids would crayon that all important contact. Now, you can scan all the business cards you receive with the assurance of less paper and the guarantee that it will not become your child's next piece of art by using the ScanBizCards app. This app scans business cards and adds all the info to your address book, with notes for social-media sharing and contact keeping. This niy app is also available on Windows phone under the name Handyscan for Business Available on Google Play, iTunes, Windows Phone App Store COUTURE AFRICA | 61
FASHION
VULNERABILITY BY ANTHONY MULI Day to day we experience the uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure that de nes what it is to be vulnerable. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process or a dif cult family conversation, we must nd the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts. It was Brene Brown who said, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but there's never weakness.�This was the starting point of Anthony Muli's collection,Vulnerability, using brass zippers throughout the collection to symbolize it. Photography: Riz Mehar Styling: Namnyak Odupoy Make-up: Urembo Creations Hair: Sam Sande Model: Laura Shot on Location at BoConcept, ABC Place. All shoes available at Backyard Shoes All accessories available at Katchy Collection
62 | COUTURE AFRICA
Navy Blue bib jumpsuit with brass zipper on side Black leather and silver choker Black and white sisal clutch Floral peep-toe high-heeled shoes
Navy blue shift dress with brass zipper detail Black leather beaded cuff Floral ankle-strap high-heeled sandals
Navy blue trousers with open Jacket Layered beaded bib neck pieces Brown and black embellished pumps
Navy blue bib dress with brass zipper on the side Black leather beaded cuff Salmon ankle-strap high-heeled sandals
Beige and navy blue sleeveless dress with zipper details at the front Blue mini-safari beaded bag Black leather and silver chain cuff Black beaded leather cuff Blue ankle-strap high-heeled sandals
Beige trousers and short-sleeved top Black safari mini bag with beaded detail Grey and pink beaded choker Black embellished pumps
Beige coat-dress with front-zipper detail Brown sisal clutch bag
Navy blue asymmetrical-sleeve dress Black leather beaded cuff Faux snake-skin high-heeled sandals
THE GENTLEMAN
IVER ROSENKRANTZ SOLDIER, ENTREPRENEUR, ADVENTURER AND AUTHOR ALL WRAPPED IN ONE
WE HAD ONE FISHERMAN WHO WOULD DO THE THREAD WORK. HE WOULD SIT UNDER A PALM TREE ON THE
BEACH DOING ALL THE THREAD WORK EVERY DAY
Standing at about six feet Iver Rosenkrantz has an intimidating presence but it is his warm and alluring smile that makes you gravitate towards him. It is the smile that convinces you he is great at making friends which he says is true and his dry humour that lets you know he can engage an audience if he were so inclined. And once he starts talking you get the feeling that he is a man who has got his act together. What else would you expect from a man who was a lieutenant at 19? He is a partner at Uru Diamonds a company he says grew from one palm tree to about 40 and that has slowly become a Tanzanian born international luxury brand. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka Photos by Khalifa of Cool Pixx Studios Shot on Location at Fairmont the Norfolk Hotel www.fairmont.com/norfolk-hotelnairobi
when we started Uru. CA: Before we started the interview you said Uru started with one guy under a palm tree, how many are you now? IR: We are 40. We have 40 palm trees [laughs]. When Uru started personally I had lost everything in my textile factory so I did not really have any money to invest in this so my friend and I just grew it from nothing. We were doing all the silverwork in my business partner's apartment and we had one fisherman who would do the thread work. He would sit under a palm tree on the beach doing all the thread work every day. We would bring him all the pieces and he would then try to fix them on the strap. We would cut them, make it again, cut them and make it again. We did that a thousand times, until it was perfect. That took us about 2 years before we became commercial. CA: It must have been a hard two years. IR: Very hard but it takes time to do something good. It was something new, something original, something unique, something that came out of passion. We spent days and nights, hours and hours thinking about how to develop it and how to mix those materials.
CA: I have always wondered what brings men CA: What makes Uru more unique than other brands? like you to Africa. IR: We have a very different design. We IR: Love. Love for this continent. combine rough stones, threads and different CA: You were in the textile industry to begin natural materials. We combine those three with, is that right? with some of the most exclusive and expenIR: I was in Tanzania as a law student for 6 sive materials in the world. Everything is months, working with the Corps. Then a few done by hand. We travel all over Africa to years later I came back to set up a textile source gemstones for Uru. Currently we are factory. using Tanzanian stones but we are actually CA: How did that go? planning to use stones from different parts of IR: It did not. Just as the factory was up and Africa. We are actually making a documenrunning, a financial crisis came and it killed tary about that. If everything goes well, it is the textile industry. going to be shown on an international network like Discovery. CA: Was it your own personal financial crisis or Tanzania's? CA: That is great. Could you elaborate on IR: All over the world. In Africa it is very what the documentary would be about? difficult to compete with China, Bangladesh IR: Basically it will be about how we sourced and India. We were able to make reasonably the Uru stones. Actually the pilot has just good quali but the problem was sourcing been finished and it is basically about how my materials and logistics. It was very expensive, friends and I found the stones in the jungle complicated and we experienced a lot of and in different places in Africa. We just delays and corruption. Then my two friends finished it and next week we are sending it to and I started trading in gemstones. Aer a the big boss at Discovery International. year we started making jewellery with rough stones because we liked rough stones. That is
CA: How do you feel about that? Are you anxious about it? IR: I am very excited about it because I think we have created something amazing. It is not just about finding the gemstones; it is also about showing a different side of Africa. We want to show some of the amazing things you can do and some of the amazing people that are out there. It is something I really enjoy. If we get that nailed, then we will spend the next few years or so travelling, doing amazing things and seeing amazing places in order to shoot this documentary series. CA: I hope that happens for you but let's get back to Uru. What inspires your collection? IR: My business partner George, he is the designer behind Uru. However, the concept and the system is something we developed together. We divided it in a way where I do sales and marketing and he does the production. George's background is in gemmology so he knows a lot about stones and metals and all those things. Over the last 6 years he has taught himself to be so good that we actually cannot replace him. We cannot find somebody who can do what he does and we have looked, everywhere. CA: Do you intend to diversify as Uru grows? IR: Yeah, definitely. We will move into fine jewellery as well but try to do it with a twist. CA: Twist, what kind of twist? IR: Well, look at our things. They are different from anything you see. You will always be able to identify Uru anywhere in the world. If you have seen an Uru piece you will be able to say that that is an Uru piece. That is what we are about. If it is not to your taste it is because you are not used to seeing jewelry created like this but I bet if you wear one for a week you will like it. It is very practical as well. You can swim with it, you can shower with it and do just about everything with it. It is durable. CA: That is unique so what steps are you taking to ensure Uru stays ahead of the game? IR: Well Uru is constantly evolving. There is always something new, new materials and new ideas. We have so many ideas we have not started carrying out yet so there is still so much to come. CA: Let's change gears and talk about you; who is Iver Rosenkrantz? IR: I am Danish. I grew up in Denmark. When I finished school I joined the army for a COUTURE AFRICA | 73
THE GENTLEMAN
A LOT OF PEOPLE IN AFRICA ARE AT PEACE WITH THEMSELVES. THAT IS INSPIRING AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT EUROPEANS FIND ATTRACTIVE. couple of years, and aer my contract with the army was up, I worked for a safari company in Zimbabwe. That was the first time I came to Africa. I did that on and off for a couple of years and that is how I fell in love with Africa. I am also an author, I am actually publishing my second book in Denmark. CA: What was your first impression of Africa or rather Zimbabwe? IR: The African continent is very diverse, it is also a very particular place in the sense that you either like it or you hate it. There is no in between. You will not find people who are 'just here’. Nobody is coming here to just hang out. Everybody here is on a mission. They have something they do, something they want and something they bring. Africa aracts a lot of interesting people. The thing I find most aractive about Africa, especially East Africa is that you meet positive and happy people. They just smile and are happy which is amazing. That sort of happiness tends to transfer to you, you feel happy when people around you are happy. In Europe it is not like that. People in Europe are struggling to keep up with the life they have. It is very easy and cheap to get loans over there but these loans need to be serviced. If you do not keep up with the payments you lose everything. In Africa people do not really have that kind of commitment or that stress because it is hard and expensive to get loans. In Africa what you have is what you have. When you think about it, what do you need? The chicken you eat, whether you buy it on the street, in the bush or at an expensive restaurant, it is still chicken, right? It is not necessary to have a lot of money and a lot of stress. What is important is to have enough and just be at peace with yourself. A lot of people in Africa are at peace with themselves. That is inspiring and that is something that Europeans find aractive. CA: What were you doing in Zimbabwe at the time? IR: I worked for a safari company. I was taking tourists on safari. When I was first there I was managing a camp deep inside the bush. CA: In the beginning you said you were studying law, do you think you still want to be CA: But you studied it for such a long time… more than I talk. If there is something I want a lawyer? IR: Personally I am not somebody who would to do, I do it and I keep doing it until I get it IR: No, never! It is not me. think a lot about my motives. I just do. I do done. That is my character. That is how I 74 | COUTURE AFRICA
completed 5 years of really boring law studies. I am not very good at reading books so, it took a lot of hard work. You know I think it is important to note that anybody who wants to achieve something in life can do it as long as they keep going at it and work hard. Anybody can get there. There are no limitations. I mean, we see people around the world doing unbelievable things all the time. A friend of mine is a soldier and he is preparing an expedition together with seven other soldiers. All of them were wounded in Afghanistan. Two of them do not have legs and they all have some kind of disabili but they are going to the South Pole in 2017. It is going to be two months of 30 km skiing every day in temperatures of about -40 degrees Celsius. If two guys without legs can do that, then tell me something that you cannot do.
CA: And they still respected you? IR: Yeah, well, you do not only get respect from having a star on your shoulder, you have to earn it. You have to show them that you can do everything you want to teach them. So you have to be able to do the same.
CA: Did you see any action? IR: No. I did not. Many of my friends went to Afghanistan, Iraq and Yugoslavia but I went to Africa. CA: Do you ever miss the army? IR: No. I had a contract for 6 years but I still get to go every now and then. Although, I think I got the best part of it, I learnt a lot from it, it was a great experience but I wanted to move forward and do other things.
CA: You said something about being an author. What is your first book about? IR: It is about treasure hunting. I was CA: Tell me about your time in the army. involved in a treasure hunt for some German IR: I was an officer in the army. I was on gold lost in the 1st World War in Tanzania. special education, where I spent one year in training and it was quite tough because CA: Did you get it? normally it takes 11 months to be a sergeant IR: Well, let's just say that is a secret. If I say I we had to do it in 6 months. We had to do so would have too many women chasing me. much more running and everything than CA: Really? everybody else. IR: Yeah. I do not want them to chase me for CA: Is this basic training just to become a the money [laughs]. Sergeant? IR: No this was a special training. I got CA: Let me guess, you want them to like you accepted into this education program and I for you had to go through a 3 day test –physical, IR: Yes. I want them to choose me for my pure mental, psychological. Aer I passed that test heart [laughs]. I had to go through training and then for one CA: Let's finish with Uru, is it your greatest year I was a Lieutenant and I had the respon- accomplishment? sibili to educate about 40 soldiers. I was 19 IR: It is definitely. It is great to have been able years old! to create this from nothing and to turn it into an international fashion jewellery company. I CA: How did you feel teaching other people at mean, for two years we have been showcased 19? at the New York Fashion Week. That does not IR: I think I was teaching myself, I was happen for a lot of Tanzanian brands. learning more than all these people combined because when you are 19 that is a huge CA: Fantastic. Do you have any shows responsibili. scheduled in the near future? IR: Not at the moment, no. We are just CA: Were there people older than you at that concentrating on our whole market, which is time? Africa and on becoming a strong African IR: Yeah, many of them were. brand first. That is what is important for us.
1990
1998
2009
2010
2012
Heads to Boarding School at the age of 12
Becomes an officer in the army
Launches Uru in Tanzania
Goes on a treasure hunt
Publishes his first book 'The treasure Hunter'
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CELEBRATING THE NEW-AGE SUPER-MUM There is no class called motherhood 101 and there can never be one. Most studies are based on a singular example but motherhood cannot because every woman's experience with motherhood is different. Motherhood has its own genetic code and it is visible in the lives that different mothers all over the world have helped shape. Jessica Lange put it best when she said, “Motherhood is a natural state of unsel shness. When you become a mother you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” It is a sentiment that all the mothers we interviewed agreed with. The children always come rst there is no way around it. Meet the ve women who have the greatest job in the world on the next page but rst, let's take a look at some of the world's most famous mothers. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka
woman in East Africa to earn a doctorate travelled to Beirut where she aided the children of both Christian and Muslim faiths. degree. She gets a gold star because: She was an outspoken critic of the Moi regime and the spot where she demonstrated in 1989 is called 'Freedom Corner'.
TONI MORRISON ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF
She is the current president of Liberia and a mother to four sons and six grandchildren. In 2011 she won the Nobel Peace Prize with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman, awarded "for their nonviolent struggle for the safe of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work." She's on the list because: She is the world's first elected black female president and Africa's first elected female head of state She gets a gold star because: She was sentenced to 10 years in prison for speaking out against Does' military regime and yet she never gave up.
If you are not an avid reader or even a fan of Literature, you might not have heard of her but trust me when I say that she is one of Literature's greatest storytellers. Toni is a writer, author, professor and mother. Her novels are known for their epic themes, vivid dialogue and richly detailed black characters. Her most popular novels are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon and Beloved. She's on the list because: She is the first African-American woman to ever win a Nobel Prize in Literature. She gets a gold star because: Even in her 80's she continues writing amazing stories. She published her latest novel Home in 2012.
ANNA M JARVIS WANGARI MAATHAI In Kenya, Wangari needs no introduction. She was arguably Kenya's most beloved activist and mother. She was a Kenyan environmental and political activist and author as well the winner of the Nobel peace Prize in 2004. She is also the founder of the Green belt movement a movement founded to fight the devastation of Kenya's forests and lands. She is on the list because: She was the first
MOTHER TERESA She was and maybe still is the most famous nun in History. Her real name is Agnes GonxhaBojaxhiu. In her lifetime she cared for the sick, the poor, blind, aged, disabled and even a leper colony. She might not have given birth to anyone but she was a mother to many if not the world. She's on the list because: She founded the Missionaries of Chari She gets a gold star because: : In 1982 she
She is the last on this list but definitely not the least; this is a 'saved the best for last' pe of situation. People might not mention her all the time if at all but the whole world celebrates her in a way. Unlike most women on this list, her goal was simple and yet it was just as important. She wanted to find a way to honour her mother and mothers in general. And she did! She's on the list because: She is the founder of the mother's day holiday She gets a gold star because: She put a holiday on the calendar that shows appreciation to the most important women in our life.
MOTHERHOOD IS A NATURAL STATE OF UNSELFISHNESS. WHEN YOU BECOME A MOTHER YOU ARE NO LONGER THE CENTER OF YOUR OWN UNIVERSE. YOU RELINQUISH THAT POSITION TO YOUR CHILDREN 76 | COUTURE AFRICA
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flawlessly without missing a beat. It makes you wonder whether she learnt that from her own mother. When asked about whether she catches herself giving the same guidance to her daughter that her mother gave her she says, “to some extent my mother seeps through me, it is inevitable, but I do believe I am raising her through my own life experiences.”Although her own life experiences might differ greatly from her mother's she wants her daughter to always keep in mind that she is her own person and that she can be or do anything as long as she puts her mind to it.
HABIDA MALONEY EBO Habida Maloney Ebo is a musician, songwriter, an actress, an activist and a mother. It is hard to understand how she manages to do it all, a feat that she has no way of explaining. “I have no idea how I do it! The Grace of God, by strengthening myself through prayer, by hard work and no sleep. And maybe by design and sheer will.”
As Oscar Wilde put it “all women become like their mothers…” and in most ways we always end up resembling our mothers in mannerisms and in some cases features. Michaella is no different, “My daughter is just like me. I cannot regret that at all. She is strong willed, knows what she wants and does not take anything less. She is caring and loving of others especially friends. I love her the way she is and I would not change a thing.” Habida says of her daughter. Mama Michaella just like most women has had her bad experiences and where such experiences would put lesser women down, they have only served to motivate Habida to start a campaign. The superwoman campaign is a campaign the Sunshine star started in order to motivate girls. She says that the inspiration behind the Superwoman campaign is what happened to her. “I had been through a hard year last year and it took everything in me to keep walking. I spent time reading my mentors’ stories and it reminded me that those that have gone before me are human just like I am. That they too have had bad times but the difference between success and failure is geing up every time, no maer how many times I fall. Having the courage to follow my dreams through fear and obstacles and to take people with me while on my way up was crucial.”
We believe her because she is no ordinary mother. Habida was involved with a small communi troupe that encouraged her love for acting which culminated in her taking a drama course at Lewishan College and she also has a degree in Musical theatre from Kennesaw State Universi. All her hard work paid off of course because soon aer she won the listener's choice award in 2009 at the MTV Africa Music Awards for her song Sunshine. And yet even with her busy schedule she still makes it home in time to cook dinner and put her daughter Michaella to bed. She is definitely a superwoman. Unlike most campaigns that come and go Habida carries her motherhood gracefully as Habida does not expect this one to ever end. if it were a glamorous gown that only she It is a campaign that is needed to inspire and could fit into, a feat that only women who are encourage women on a day to day basis. “My self-confident and successful seem to achieve campaign of empowering girls/women will
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never end. I am hoping I can impact lives on an on-going basis, empowering girls to go for their dreams not maer what and to remind Superwomen that they should get up and keep walking no maer how many times they fall.” When asked whether the campaign was intended in some way to inspire her daughter she says, “Not really I have always had a dream to make a difference in people's lives, I am just glad she gets a preview of the campaign through me.” Despite all that she has achieved Habida says there is no recipe to being successful it just takes confidence and resilience. “Sometimes women do not realize how strong they are and my passion is to remind every woman and girl, that you can do all things if you put your mind to it.” ABOUT HABIDA'S SUPERWOMAN CAMPAIGN Young girls between 13-25years are invited to write an open leer to a superwoman who they look up to. The superwoman must be from the writer's country of origin. The leers are wrien as emails and sent to superwoman@habidasworld.com Each leer is required to begin with the words, “Dear Superwoman”.5-10 powerful leers will be selected and a judging panel will decide which 5-10 girls will get the opportuni to meet their Superwoman.
HABIDA MALONEY EBO ON MOTHERHOOD Motherhood has made me… …more careful, I take less risks and I must admit I am now more concerned about my family rather than myself. I never make a decision without thinking about my daughter first. Do you have working mum guilt? Yes, I feel it every day. Sweetest Motherhood Moment: Every day is special but the one that I love the most is her kisses. She has the yummiest kisses.
“I WANT MY DAUGHTER TO ALWAYS KNOW THAT SHE IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND HER DREAMS AND WANTS ARE VALID, AND SHE CAN BE ALL SHE WANTS TO BE.” COUTURE AFRICA | 77
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ASUNTA WAGURA Her name inspires just about anyone who has ever heard of her. Her story is one of overcoming obstacles that most people would nd damning. She was diagnosed with HIV in 1989, alarming news that she says was just dropped on her like a bomb. “In those days there was no polite way of saying you had HIV, there were no polite terminologies…it was simply AIDS and AIDS equalled death.” That sounds like a horrible way to find out you have a dreaded disease but what happened next is worse. According to Asunta, her mother had been present when the doctors broke the news but her mother could not understand English and so the volunteer tutor who had been sent to deliver the news tried to explain it to her mother in Kiswahili. “The tutor tried to explain in Kiswahili but it translated to your child has a deadly prostitute disease. So in shock my mother asked whether that meant that I was a prostitute.” It is hard to even understand what must have been going through Asunta's mind at the time. “I tried to correct them but no sound came out, I tried to scream but still nothing…in that moment I wished that the earth would open and swallow me whole.”
And yet through all that she has managed to prove the naysayers wrong and live a fulfilling life complete with children that she absolutely adores. It is these hard life lessons that she tries to impart to her children whenever she can. “I try to teach my children to be tough and to impart life lessons especially to my eldest son Peter and Joshua. I always tell them that we should leave the things we cannot handle ourselves to God. Sometimes we might sink so deep that we actually hit rock boom but it is always good to remember that there is someone who is always above our circumstances.” It is these wise words that have goen her through the toughest situation she has ever faced. In her own life she has also learned to be a great listener and to respect all people no maer what. Lessons she has taught her children. “Life has a way doing the unexpected; respect is something we should give to all people you will never know when your life might turn on you. All my life I have been assisted by people who wanted to make sure I never gave up and I always tell my children that it is never a burden to listen.”
Asunta's life story has inspired her to pick up a cause that is close to her heart. Her goal is to teach people that it does not make people less human when they are infected. She strongly believes that people should not define each other based on whether they have HIV or not but by the content of their character. “HIV is a small condition and it has nothing to do with what one is capable of achieving in life.” When Asunta started fighting for the rights of people infected with HIV about 14 years ago the UN had no targets where they were concerned but now their target is Zero new infections, Zero stigma and Zero deaths. The world has come a long way. ASUNTA WAGURA'S LATEST PROJECT “I think I will take another direction and start helping or working with children with special needs. My son Israel has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and I want to work in this area and help other mothers and families that have to live with children with special needs.”
ASD is a complex developmental disorder that affects how a person behaves, interacts with others, communicates, and learns. The Amy Poehler once said that, “Mother- disease is also commonly referred to as hood…is enriching and fulfilling and an autism. amazing experience.” It is a sentiment that Asunta is quick to echo when asked whether everything simply revolves around her ASUNTA WAGURA ON children. “Everything revolves around my MOTHERHOOD children…I am simply seled when I am around my children, I have never felt so Motherhood has made me… fulfilled. Even when I am simply chasing them …have a big heart. around the house or in the park or playing Do you have working mum guilt? hide and seek. These days I spend as much I used to especially aer I gave birth …and time as I can with them and I refuse to yield to immediately went back to work. life's other demands.” It is common knowl- Sweetest Motherhood moment: edge that motherhood is sometimes chal- I have several like when Peter first tried to lenging and difficult so it is inevitable that talk, when my twins called me bad boy in most women change once they become unison for taking their noisy toy, when mothers. “Being a mother has made me have a Israel gives me his unconditional hugs and deep respect for my own mother, sometimes I when Joshua told a chef to make nyama wonder how she managed with 12 of us. Even choma the same way 'mummy does'. with my five I feel as if they are a handful and on most days I wonder whether I am doing enough for them. But there is no reference manual to being a mother. I can only do what is right and to the best of my abili.”
“I WANT MY CHILDREN TO ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE GOOD THINGS THAT MONEY CANNOT BUY.” 78 | COUTURE AFRICA
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do this, parenting is unique to a particular parent and it is especially noticeable in how children react differently to various things. Janet says, “Sometimes you will notice that what you taught them is different from what the other kids have been taught…and in those moments all you can do is look and say, 'Yeah, that's my boy/girl'…”
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In general Janet does not think it maers how you become a mother she believes the feeling is the same no maer the situation. “Let me emphasize, whether you are a biological or an adoptive mother, that role of being a caregiver is one of the best roles you have. You have this life to mould and to shape. Anything you do or say to that child is going to impact them for the rest of their lives. It is a huge responsibili. But also, no maer how much a woman might tell you that she does not want to be a mom, I think inherently we as women have this trait we want to care for and nurture. In as much as it can be considered a job or a challenge it also feels so good to know that you have formed a person.”
There is also the aspect of the hereditary traits that kids tend to pick up from their parents. It is something all mothers notice in their young ones. “Stubbornness that is my son, both my kids are super-intelligent they get that from my husband…my son has my temperament but my daughter is not really like any of us, she's stable. She has such an WHAT JANET KANINI IKUA DOES FOR independent streak.” Although most women will agree that PAMPERS motherhood is special not all women Pampers debuted a blog dedicated to her JANET KANINI IKUA welcome the idea of motherhood. For Janet it journey through motherhood and childcare was more of a fear. “I used to be scared of it. I dubbed www.babyboard.co.ke. The blog Shot on Location at Secret Garden, could not even hold my nieces. I would put offers Kenyan moms a place to connect and 14 Riverside Drive. them on a chair and look at them from a share experiences with other moms. She also distance, like a doll. But when my son was works closely with the hospitals through the Janet Kanini Ikua may look familiar, born, oh my goodness…” It's easy to tell what activation agencies to educate mums on the and if you are wondering whether Janet is trying to explain as her face lights up importance of vaccines, pre-natal care etc. you saw her on that property show, at the memory. These days it is hard for her Pampers is the world's top-selling brand of you did! But she is so much more than not to share cute stories about her children, baby nappies. For more than 40 years, the host of a T.V show, she is also including a heart-warming story she told Pampers has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for Pampers' Brand Ambassador and a about how her son likes geing her flowers. them through a complete line of diapers, mother a role that as she says is The pampers brand ambassador has so much training pants, and wipes designed for every prestigious and incomparable to to say about motherhood that she bets that stage of baby's development. anything else in the world. Mother- only another mother would understand how
hood calls for a love that is hard to describe, “The level of love that you feel makes your heart expand and makes you realize that you are capable of so much more in terms of loving, caring, being patient and being tolerant. It is simply an amazing feeling.” It is because of this enormous love that mothers feel for their children that motivates them to want to teach their children as much about life as they can. As Roosevelt once said, we cannot build the future for our youth but we can build our youth for the future. There is no question about it even as we endeavour to
it feels. It's easy to believe her if the sparkle in her eye is to be trusted. When pampers asked Janet to be their brand ambassador, Janet felt honoured. “They wanted me to share the message of motherhood with other mothers and share my experiences. I thought that was great because one of the things I have learnt as a mom is that no one knows how to be a mom…you have to keep learning.” Her experience with pampers has been so great that she wants people to know it is more than just selling pampers. “Pampers is interested in educating people, there is a program where everyday a nurse goes through the labour ward and educates mothers about diapers. In addition to that Pampers also runs a mobile clinic just to cater for these mothers.”
JANET KANINI IKUA ON MOTHERHOOD Motherhood has made me… …realize that I can actually enjoy motherhood. Do you have working mum guilt? Honestly no. I have always had a contractual job so I am kind of freelance. Sweetest Motherhood moment: Oh wow! Gosh! Can I really pinpoint one…but sometimes I can just look at them and they're so beautiful…that feeling is indescribable.
“THERE'S SO MUCH THAT GOES INTO PARENTING. SO MANY LITTLE DETAILS THAT FIT TOGETHER LIKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE.” COUTURE AFRICA | 79
M MAIN FEATURE twins Precious and Princess. Even though it had come as a shock to her, Anne has landed on her feet and is keeping herself busy. “I realised that there was a gap between the organizations, the newsmakers and people in general who do not understand how the media operates.” However, media training is not the only activi she has undertaken, together with her partner Beatrice Olimo, Anne has become a school motivational speaker. By using the Dream building model that she and her partner came up with they are leing students know that they can achieve all that they dream of.
ANNE NGUGI Anne Ngugi is well known in media circles. She has worked at KTN and at K24. Her artful way of speaking in Kiswahili is what draws you in when she rst appears on screen to read you the news at 7 O'clock. However the mother of four is missing from our screens these days as she is busy with her mentorship program and raising her four kids. Anne had been an anchor for about 13 years before K24 made a decision she had not expected. It has been two years since Anne was retrenched by K24. She was five months pregnant at the time of the retrenchment. “Because I didn't expect it, there was no way that I could have planned for a retrenchment or planned how I was going to feed my kids…we had to change most of our life, we had to change homes, change our lifesle, so that we could live a life that does not affect the children. I now understand what it means to lose a job, what it means to not wait for a salary but to depend on God and also to look at other avenues of making money apart from being employed.” In December of the same year Anne and her husband were blessed with
family and friends she has managed to survive. “I want to educate her and stand with her and tell her that she is able to speak because she really speaks well and is talented. I could talk about her all day.”
Each mother's story is unique and not one is similar to another. In Anne's view, “it is not going to be easy, but do not wait for things to happen in one day. Take one day at a time. And in the fullness of time, you are going to see the whole picture. You know God does not give us the whole picture. He gives us bits and bits. Pray or do whatever you have to do to make things right, always be positive, and starve the fears that you have.” My career or my children? It is a crossroads that most women get to eventually as they ANNE NGUGI ON DREAM BUILDING juggle both motherhood and the burden of The Dream Builder Program is an empowertheir careers. According to Anne women ing support structure system with everything should always choose family over their jobs. you need to help you blue-print, bridge and “When you lose that job where else do you go build your dream in 12 weeks or less. other than home, back to your family?” The Here is exactly what is included in the other reason she gives for choosing family is program because of the fast rate that children grow. Ÿ 16 Audio cds She believes there is a significant impact that Ÿ 1 Mediation cd a mother has on a child that only a mother can Ÿ A workbook that you use to do the weekly exercises have. Ÿ A mentor/ coach that supports you in the It is an impact that her daughter has had on process of Dream Building. her. Angel who was born with Hydrocephalus has made Anne stronger. “She has made me strong, she has made me who I am today as a human being, she has expanded my character, because before I would have taken so many things for granted, but now I do not. She has made me love and she is the one who has made the most difference in my life because she is older than her siblings.”As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain. Angel's story is one that is inspiring because she was not expected to live a full life with her condition and yet through the support of
ANNE NGUGI ON MOTHERHOOD Motherhood has made me… …think about how every decision I make today will impact my children tomorrow. Do you have working mum guilt? There were so many times I made decisions that involved work and postponed things I was supposed to do with my kids…the best decision a woman can make is to choose your family first. Sweetest Motherhood moment… Angel, my eldest who was born with hydrocephalus has broken all the barriers that were supposed to hold her back. She is my inspiration.
“IT'S THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD THAT CAN HAPPEN TO A WOMAN” 80 | COUTURE AFRICA
M MAIN FEATURE Mya because as fate would have it she is a people's person, a trait Michelle says came from her husband. When asked what other lesson she would like her daughter to always remember, “It is not enough to dream about something, you need to go out there and get it. The things we want will never fall in our laps, For someone who has worked in the Public we need to work hard and push for the them.” Relations sector for about a decade, she At the end of the day, Michelle is clear on one knows the pressures that comes with working thing, motherhood is unique to every single for an agency which is why she le the agency mother. Therefore the decision to keep and joined corporate PR at Access Kenya working or become a full time mother has to when she became pregnant. “In those days it be an individual choice. “I respect other was rare to see women who work in an agency people's opinions. Personally this is a decision I made because I love my job and I get pregnant, the pressure is just too much.” believe women should be allowed to make There are so many articles online that give their own choices.” tips and ways on how to find the balance Olympics. We were working with Protctor and Gamble and they were one of the official sponsors of the event. We literally did everything including talking to athletes because of the 'proud sponsors of moms' campaign which meant we had to talk to the mother's of the athletes.”
MICHELLE ANIKEA Michelle is the client service director at Hill and Knowlton. Her career in PR begun immediately after she landed her rst job barely a month after she had graduated. Once she started she never looked back. With her experience in PR spanning nearly a decade Michelle has had many successful campaigns that she has organized over the years including one that landed in the Guinness book of World records. Lifebuoy was the lucky brand that ended up in the world record book. As part of their rebranding programme, lifebuoy wanted to also spread the importance of washing hands to schools and children. The project was deemed a success of course once the campaign won the 'record for the most number of people washing hands at the same time at the same location.' During the lifebuoy campaign Michelle was lucky enough to work with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Esther Wahome. However the campaign that she is most proud of is the 2012 Olympics campaign that required her to travel all over Kenya. "My biggest campaign was the 2012
between life and family but Michelle says, “I do not think I will ever find the balance between my career and being a mother, I think it is a juggling act. It is about throwing one ball in the air and hoping that by the time it starts to fall you will catch it and throw the other one up in the air.” Michelle has managed to be both a mother and a professional in a fast-paced working environment. “I am a morning person, so I come in by 6.45am and start working and leave the office by 3pm, so that I can spend some time with my family. The workplace is a competitive place even without the burden of being a mother, so does this mean that she has to work extra hard, “yes, I do. People always assume that you are thinking about your baby and that your thoughts are not at work. But then again, I think all that depends on your own personali and aitude because that goes a long way in determining how people perceive you. I avoid talking about my family when I am at work as much as possible.” Michelle has learned a lot by being in the industry and she says it is important that her daughter understands the value of people. “People should not live in isolation we need people in order to move forward. I would also like her to learn to respect everyone no maer what they are doing. The moment you see people for their titles and not for who they are is the moment you lose the whole concept of respect.” However she is not worried about
MICHELLE ANIKEA'S NEW PROJECT “We are embarking on a new project that involves making sure children get safe drinking water. There has been a lot of cholera outbreak in parts of Mombasa and Kibera recently and we are trying to make the purification sachets available in those areas. We are also trying to work with NGO's just to ensure people get clean drinking water”
MICHELLE ANIKEA ON MOTHERHOOD Motherhood has made me… …more focused. When I come to work I focus on my work but when I go home I focus on them.” Do you have working mum guilt? I have it all the time. It's a choice I still make even now. Sweetest Motherhood moment: She's such a people's person. Even her teachers keep telling me. I remember I went to pick her report card and all these children started waving at me, 'hey, Mama Mya' I didn't even know they knew me.
“I WANT MY DAUGHTER TO KNOW THAT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE SMARTER THAN HER, PRETTIER THAN HER AND RICHER THAN HER. I WANT HER TO LEARN HOW TO BE CONTENT.”
VRE-VAMPED
RE
PEGGY OGOLLAH, 25 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT AT SAMANTHA'S BRIDAL
HER STORY Before
Peggy recently transitioned to a new job as a production assistant with Samantha bridal. She talked about her work and role with a lot of enthusiasm. Her job entails lots of meetings with clients, where she talks to different couples on a daily basis. More interestingly is that she has to attend a wedding every other Saturday. She has been having challenges expressing her personal style as she considers herself a tomboy. On the other hand having to attend a wedding every other weekend demands that she looks the part, this has made dressing up to be a daunting task and yet it should be exciting. She wanted some expert advice on how to remain true to herself without trying too hard to blend in and at the same time dressing appropriately for occasions. We entrusted Peggy to a team of hair and make-up experts, who gave her a glamorous look while at the same time arming her with tips on how to maintain the same standard. Our skilled resident image consultant did some tweaking to bring out her femininity. Words: Maureen Oola Styling: Olive Gachara Hair: Paul Munubi of Afrosiri Salon Make-up: Betty Listwa of Suzie Beauty Photography: Khalifa of Cool Pixx Studios 82 | COUTURE AFRICA
Textured dusty pink dress with owered petal brooch: KSh 7,700 at Truworths Black shimmer high-heeled shoes: KSh 9,500 at Kache by Angie White gold coloured chandelier earrings: KSh 1,500 at Accessorize White gold coloured statement ring: KSh 1,000 at Accessorize
THE MAKEOVER
THE HAIR Paul of Afrosiri Salon resolved to give Peggy a mini bob cut. He began by relaxing the hair using Black Silk since her hair was coarse and it needed a stronger chemical. It was then shampooed with a neutralizing shampoo of the same brand and then trimmed. Wrap form was applied to protect the hair from heat then put under a drying cap for 15 minutes. Thereaer Paul cut and oiled the hair using Blue Magic Castor oil to moisturize the scalp. Lastly he used So n' Free holding spray to keep the sle in place for a while then the hair was tonged and sled.
THE MAKE-UP Bey of SuzieBeau began by highlighting the brow using Air woman pencil. Coco concealer was used on the forehead to make the skin appear more uniform. She decided to give Peggy a black brown smok eye look. This was achieved by using Usi eye shadow, black Kohl which was applied under the eyes, followed by Suziebeau mascara. SB 60 foundation was used under the eye as opposed to the concealer as this was used to contour the eyes, followed by SB 70 foundation for coverage. Loosepowder SB 70 and 40 was used for highlighting. Last but not least Bey used Fierry moonlipstick combined with Nikki and Spice all from Suzie Beau's range of products.
Salmon coloured blouse with draped neckline: KSh 4,300 at Truworths Brownish sh-line skirt: KSh 5,300 at Truworths Salmon coloured mesh high-heeled shoes: Ksh 7,500 at Kache by Angie Peach clear stone multi–pendant necklace Ksh 2,500 at Accessorize Multi- coloured stripped bangles: KSh1500 each at Accessorize
To appear on the Re-Vamped page, post your ward-robe mishaps on our FaceBook Page: Coutureafrica and the story that creates most chaer wins! You could also email us your personal requests, together with your picture on digital@coutureafricamag.com. COUTURE AFRICA | 84
DECOR
HOME SWEET HOME When creating a living or seating room the goal is to create comfortable yet fashionable ambience. We all desire a room where friends and family can enjoy chic décor without feeling stuffy and disconnected. We share tips to convert any living room into a haven of family unity! By Malowa O-Njeru
The Kenyan living room is legendary, the control room of each family unit. It's the space friends, family and even strangers gather when there is anything of importance to be discussed. While it belongs to everyone, it is the domain of the mother in each and every home. She takes the most pride in its development and sle, all the while using it to keep her family together. Nowadays, families which are fortunate enough to still have these bonding rooms call them family rooms. Whether you have an edgy and modern space or a contemporary space, it is crucial to maintain a sle which encourages relaxation and oozes timelessness. There are newer apartments which completely phase out the living room, preferring instead to have unitary spaces combining cooking, dining and relaxation spaces. What is in a living room? The living room for mothers, if not all of us, is that treasured space that not only mirrors the owner's personal sle and needs, but also is the representative space of prestige. The abili to have and maintain a shared space is the mark of maturi and class. Choosing a signature style When transforming your living room into an oasis of relaxation for you, your family and guests, it is important you think about what you like. You may not be a parent and you are certainly not your mother. To start off, eliminate any cluer, update the décor, put your heart and soul into thinking about your ideal living space. It could be a concept which truly reflects your personal sle and charm, if you are single or something built around a theme which your family cares about. Do you like to watch sports or football matches together? In this case, you might own a large flat screen television and wide seat-sofas for communal cheering sessions. Build the entire 84 | COUTURE AFRICA
space around these two centre pieces and work from there. If you already own many items of a particular colour – say red –use this colour as the theme for your living room. Add an accent colour and portraits which bounce off this primary colour. Whatever the case, the following basic concepts should help you create the best ideal space – no maer what your taste is. Comfort Curling up on a large, comfy sofa with your feet deep in the cushions is the ultimate refuge from the cold world outside. Sometimes, there is a bit of a big difference between
furniture that is lovely to look at and furniture that is lovely to sit on! This does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort for sophistication. Strike the balance between the two by picking the perfect sofa. For plush, inviting furniture truly dedicated to cosiness and a sense of sweet familiari, pick colours such as brown, black and shed of reds. Also, unless you want your house to look like a furniture showroom, don't buy large
furniture set with everything in it. Mix dissimilar pieces and paerns. This may mean different sles line-ups but think less about what 'matches' and think more about what 'goes'. Diversi is the key to a vivid interior, one that creates visual texture and stirs you up visually. Once you consider the overall contrasting result, you will enjoy being a part of it, your friends will too. A good seating unit is central to a family room and is what will differentiate a motherly or cosy living room, from that of a bachelor. Warm Colours It is no longer a secret that every colour has
a 'mood'; colours have the subtle abili to elicit various emotions and moods, making this design sector interesting and fun to play with. Warm colours such as orange, brown and red make a space feel more compact and therefore, create a more inviting atmosphere. In addition, any colours with warm undertones complement flesh tones and make most of us look and feel great. So wrap yourself in rich browns, warm reds and glowing golds to feel embraced by your surroundings. Cosy Glow I bet by now we are probably all using fluorescent bulbs because we care about saving electrici, right? Well, I think it is okay to use a few rosy, lower waage incandescent light sources around the living room for a quick and simple way to create a homey scene. You don't have to put them all on at once, and in so doing you can still save electrici and care for the environment. Lighting is one of the most important factors in how a room looks and can set a tone in a subtle yet effective and unique way. Perfect lighting is minimal work and a tiny investment and you are sure to be guaranteed of instant warmth even on a dully June day! The Magic of Touch One of the simplest tricks for a more rich and inviting home is texture. By using different weights and weaves of fabric like fluffy carpets, throw rugs, pillows and woolen blankets you can accentuate the room and make it instantly cozier. Placing rugs on carpeted areas may be considered as a design faux pas but it greatly lends warmth to any room. Bring in those warm comfy throws too! They may just be the grown up version of our beloved shawls and 'blankies' we had as children but in their evolved grown up state they may demand some aention. Tuck a loose woven coloured throw onto the back of the sofa; it makes for a great accent piece, splash of colour and will instantly provide that securi and warmth we dearly love. All about your personality Remember, when upgrading your living room to a comfort zone, make it right for you! Ask, “Do I like to host and entertain guests with dinner parties or do I prefer casual nights with the kids?” For the laer, how about plen of storage for board games, electronics and DVD’s and for the girl who loves to host and entertain, easy-to-move seating to accommodate extra guests coupled with an army of cocktail tables for drinks and plates. By first factoring the activities that will take place, you'll make this gathering room's design even more functional and charming. COUTURE AFRICA | 85
DECOR
M U S T- H A V E DÉCOR PIECES
GET THE LOOK
There are lots of ways to add warmth and uniqueness to your home. These are some of our favourite picks.
L-Shaped Leather Sofa [also available in fabric]: KSh. 152,000, Jabali Furniture
Mahogany Entertainment Unit: KSh 50,000, Odds & Ends Ltd.
Shaggy Rug Carpet: From KSh 5300, Nakuma
86 | COUTURE AFRICA
Cosy Chic 1.Set the Mood with colour. Infuse your living room with colour ranging from pale yellow through all the shades of orange, tints of brown and finally red. These colours guaranteed to spice up classic yet drab neutrals and turn a living room into a welcoming peaceful retreat. 2.Add lile things that make it feel like home. These are items that reflect the personali of those who live in the house or evoke pleasant memories. Artwork by your kids or even a Do It Yourself project, photos and souvenirs add decorative and personal touches giving the home a soul. 3.Accessories such as throw pillows in accent colours enhance a room while faux fur throws are a must-have in your living room to keep you warm in sle. Fill the dead spaces in your home and give your living area something plush with accent rugs. Try not to overdo it by crowding all of them at one point, work towards creating a nice balance. 4.Play with lighting. Flickering flames work in any décor and add warmth to a room. Use candles grouped in varying heights to add achieve this, colourful lampshades on bright, energy saving bulbs or warmer bulbs on one or two power points.
Interlocking Shelf: KSh 25,000, Jabali Furniture Limited
Scaer Cushions: From KSh 1,200, Mr. Price Home
Customisable Mahogany Coffee Unit [with stools]: Price on request, Ayanah Furniture Karen
Patchwork Cube Ooman: KSh 7,200, Odds & Ends Ltd.
Grey Poly Fusion Rug: KSh 3,600, Mr. Price Home COUTURE AFRICA | 87
TRAVEL
THE MOM'S GUIDE TO TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Travelling with a child or children is a nightmare when you think about it.As life would have it however, the time comes when everyone has to do it. The situation is always different for different families; you must consider the number of children and their ages. Fortunately though, there are a few general things that can make the difference between a stressful journey and a peaceful one. The secret is all in the preparation. Here are a few tips that will help you breathe easier the next time a family trip comes up. By Sheena Mpungu
BEFORE THE TRIP
staying at a hotel, book ahead and confirm your booking. It saves you the hassle of having to look for room with an exhausted child in tow. If your baby is still in diapers, be sure you know where you will change him or her during the journey. That means, keep your diaper bag on hand with extra diapers, towels, wet wipes and a change of clothes in case of mishaps. An extra set of clothes is great for toddlers and older children too; they always find a way to get messy. For road trips, get the car checked out at the garage a few days in advance. Your Plan A should have a backup plan and another backup plan. Nevertheless, travelling with children is unpredictable. So no maer how much you plan, be willing to adjust that plan if it goes wrong.
Write Down A Packing List, and Pack Early Plan Ahead Check for special family deals on the plane or If you are the kind of person who easily forgets things, writing down what you need to bus and the hotels at your destination. If
pack would be a good way to avoid that. Once the list is finished, you can allocate different family members to be responsible for different items, that is, if your children are old enough. The list will not do you any good if you do not pack in good time. Packing on the day of travel easily translates into rushed chaos. Encourage your older children to pack for themselves but make sure you monitor what they put in their suitcase. Not everything a child wants to carry is required on the trip. Pack for the weather This is particularly important when you have younger children of8 years and below. At this age, children will not dress for the weather unless told so. Ensure that your child has the appropriate clothing for the weather of your destination. If it is a hot place, stick to coon clothes and sandals. If it is cold, carry vests and t-shirts as well as sweaters and jackets to
layer your child. They may need to take off the e x t ra l a ye rs a e r r u n n i n g a ro u n d . Remember: double the clothes are a safe bet for the baby, but not for you!
sStore them overnight in the fridge if you must, but keep them packed. Rushing to the upermarket on the day of your trip is a huge no-no. Your food bag should be part of your hand luggage as well. Snacks are a great way to Separate Hand and Cabin Luggage This works across the board, whether you are distract younger children. travelling by road, air, rail or water. Anything A small medicine kit is essential that will be needed during the trip should be If your child has allergies, it is important to in the hand luggage –that includes blankets, pack their medicine in a separate bag that will toys and diapers. Everything else should stay be part of your hand luggage. This way the in the larger suitcases to avoid confusion medicine will be within easy reach if you need during the trip. Ensure you are practical with it. If your children are allergen-free, pack a your hand luggage. Aer all, it will be on your medicine kit anyway. Your kit should include p e rs o n t h e w h o l e t i m e s o t h e l e s s band aids, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, an cumbersome it is, the beer. antihistamine like Piriton and insect repellent. Allocate Duties Do not try to be Supermom. There is a lot that Travel Light and Essential goes into travelling and trying to handle it all You may feel the urge to be prepared for on your own will leave you flustered. Decide everything. Any mother wants their child to amongst your spouse and older children who be safe and warm in a foreign environment. will be responsible for what. Give one person Remember however, not to over pack. That is the responsibili to account for all the bags what the list is for; to help you look through and another the du to keep the tickets the items listed and be absolutely sure they (plane or bus) safe. Another should be are needed before they find their way to a accountable for travellers' cheques and suitcase. If you cannot be sure you have passports. And do not forget to label your packed enough, ask your spouse or a friend to entire luggage with a name and address when go through the list with you. Do not let your using public transport. motherly protectiveness cloud practicali. Involve the Children Allocate Time to Get Into the Car Children as young as 3 years old will Sounds bizarre, I know, but packing a vehicle understand that something extraordinary is takes time. Give it at least 15 minutes to get happening. Explain the trip to them. Outline everything and everyone in the car. Agree the gist of the journey, where you will be with your children beforehand on seating going and how you will be geing there. This places when going on a road trip. This avoids helps your child feel involved in the the inevitable fights of who gets to sit next to experience, however old they are. Aer all, the window. Children are notorious for people should not be luggage, they should be wanting to go to the bathroom at the last participants. minute or losing their shoe even aer you laid out both shoes for them. Give an extra thir Sleep Early minutes for flexibili. It helps keep everyone Whether you are flying to your destination or driving there, it is not only the driver who calm in spite of the delays. When travelling by needs a good night's rest. Most people think plane, train or bus, you need to agree on that they can always sleep and get rest on the seating as well. If taking a taxi to the airport, way. Sadly, they are wrong. Sleeping during bus station or train station, arrange for the the journey does not give you ample rest. It is taxi to be there 15 minutes earlier than the especially harder on children because they time you actually need to leave. This way, you are too excited to rest during the trip. Send get everyone in the car with minimum hassles everyone to bed early the night before and and avoid the risk of leaving luggage behind. make sure they've eaten well too. Leave the House in Good Order Nobody likes to come home to a dir, untidy Carry Snacks house and it is worse if you come back to a When travelling by road, buy your snacks the dir home aer an enjoyable vacation. Leave day before and pack them in a separate bag. the house clean and tidy before you travel. If
that is not possible, organise for someone you trust to come clean it while you are away.
DURING THE TRIP Organise Family Games This works best on road trips and keeps your children engaged. Play games like I Spy or start off sing-alongsongs that your children love. It helps the journey pass by faster too. You can also allow each child to have one toy in their hand luggage as a source of comfort and distraction. Ignore the Naysayers Do not automatically assume that fellow passengers are thinking the worst of you and your fussy baby. Try and ignore them and maintain the focus on your children. Aer all, your baby is auned to your emotional state so if you let yourself get bothered, your baby will be bothered too. Counter Cabin Pressure Planes are notorious for the oen painful pressure changes. Babies and children suffer more because their ears are more sensitive. Counter the pain they would feel by nursing during take-off and/or landing. Another way, which works for weaned children, is to give them sweets to suck on. This relieves the pressure on their ears and takes away their discomfort. Schedule Enough Stops Most roads have roadside restaurants where you can stop to have a bite. During road trips, children have to sit still for long periods of time, something that is against their nature. These stops give them time to stretch their legs and run around for a few minutes.
ON LOCATION Alternate Busy Days with Low-Key Days Children may have bundles of energy but they also need time to rest. If you go hiking one day, visit a museum on the next day. Organising one busy day aer another will only tire everyone out and take away the fun of the trip. Savour the Moment One of the beauties of travelling with children is that they force us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Let your children set the pace where possible. Take the opportuni to look at your environment through their eyes and you will be reminded what a wondrous place the world is.
COUTURE AFRICA | 89
FOOD & DRINKS
QUICK MEALS FOR MUMS! Happy Mother's Day! Today is when you are supposed to take a break from all the duties that come with your title, and let your children or partner treat you. The reality is motherhood never stops – you will probably still spend the day playing doctor, referee, counsellor and coach. Being a mother is beautiful but it can get hectic. Here are a few recipes to make the coming weeks a little easier. By Malowa O-Njeru
NYAMA CHOMA STEW Nyama choma is a Kenyan favourite, but it can get dry and boring when le over. Reuse it to save money and time when cooking for your family. As it is already cooked, you can make it in a short time. If you add potatoes or carrots, you need to blanch them before adding them to the stew. Prep and Cook time: 45 minutes You Will Need: Ÿ 1 Large Onion, chopped Ÿ 1 Green Pepper, chopped Ÿ 1 Tablespoon, Olive Oil Ÿ 500g leover nyama choma or dry fried meat Ÿ 2 Cups, Beef Stock [or 2 cups of stock prepared using Royco Cubes] Ÿ 1Can, Diced Tomatoes Ÿ ⁄ Tablespoon, Mixed Spices Ÿ ½ Tablespoon, Garam Masala Ÿ 1Cup Mushrooms, cut in large chunks Ÿ 1Tablespoon, Fresh Dhania [Coriander], 90 | COUTURE AFRICA
chopped Ÿ Carrots and Potatoes, diced [optional] Preparation: 1.Cut onion and green pepper into ¾-inch pieces. Cut the mushrooms into 1½-inch pieces. If necessary, cut the nyama choma up as well. It is not important that the pieces are tiny or equally sized. 2.In heavy pan or wok, sauté onions in oil for 3 minutes, add green pepper and sauté 3 minutes more. 3.Add beef, stock, tomatoes, mixed spices, garam masala, and mushrooms. Reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4.Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if desired. 5.Add fresh dania when stew has once the stew is almost ready. It should be thick and of a nice consistency. Cook 5-10 minutes more. Serve hot. Serves 4
PASTA AND CHEESE An all-time favourite, this recipe results in extra cheesy pasta. If you prefer something with less cheese, reduce the amount of buer, cheese, milk and flour in half. Cook Time: 15 minutes You Will Need: Ÿ 500g, Pasta [elbow pasta or small hollow pasta is best]. Ÿ 500ml, Milk Ÿ 50g, Wheat Flour [20g,Corn Flour] Ÿ Salt and Pepper for seasoning Ÿ 5 Spoons, Buer Ÿ 400g,Cheddar Cheese, grated Ÿ Breadcrumbs [optional] Preparation: 1.Bring water to boil and cook the pasta of your choice according to the directions on the packet. 2.Meanwhile, melt the buer in a pan on low heat. Slowly add flour to the melting buer, stirring continuously. 3.Gradually, add milk to the mixture. Continue to stir until it is smooth. 4.Add grated cheese on a low heat and stir. It will melt into the mixture Turn of the heat and continue to stir. 5.Your pasta will be ready by now, turn off the heat and drain. Set it in a casserole dish. 6.Once the mixture is at your desired consistency, mix with the pasta! Serves 6
CHILLI CON CARNE A simple yet soulful recipe, once you have it mastered, it can easily become a household staple. Prep and Cook Time: 40 minutes [if a pressure cooker is used to pre-cook the beans] Ingredients Ÿ 1 Large Onion, chopped Ÿ 500g,Ground Beef Ÿ 500g,Canned Kidney Beans [these should be pre-cooked], rinsed and drained Ÿ 10 Large Tomatoes, peeled and crushed or blended Ÿ 300g,Tomato Sauce
300ml, Water 1 Large Green Pepper, chopped 1Tablespoon, Mixed Italian Seasoning Salt and Pepper to taste ¼ Teaspoon, Cayenne Pepper 2 Pieces, Chilli, chopped [optional] 100ml,Red Wine [optional] Shredded Mozzarella Cheese [optional] Preparation: Cook ground beef in hot pan. Add the onions and toss. Mix all the ingredients in the pan, with the exception of the mozzarella cheese which should be used to garnish. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Garnish with mozzarella cheese if desired. Cooking Tips: To make the cooking process faster, prepare everything you need beforehand. This will save you from wasting any time you would spend looking for small items and keep you from forgeing crucial ingredients. Cook anything you can half way through beforehand and freeze. This is called blanching. You can then 'finish' off the meal in the middle of the week. For instance, you could boil beans which take long to cook on Saturday, and thaw whenever you need to cook it. Serves 8 COUTURE AFRICA | 81
FOOD & DRINKS
SOOTHING SUNDOWNERS Enjoying a great cocktail after a long day is not usually about overindulgence, but winding down. Seeing that most super-moms may not have the opportunity to enjoy their sundowners in the hippest new restaurants or lounges around town, here are classic, simple signature cocktails you can make for yourself, your girlfriends, and your signi cant other at home!
All recipes below are for one serving; multiply recipe quantities in direct relation to additional number of servings.
THE MARTINEZ The original Martini, the Martinez is a great nightcap to close your hectic day. You Will Need: Ÿ 45ml, Gordons Dry Gin Ÿ 20ml, Sweet Martini Vermouth Ÿ 15ml, Maraschino Cherry Liquor / Juice Ÿ 2 dashes, Orange Biers Ÿ Orange Peel Ÿ 2 Ice Cubes. Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir well for 15seconds. Strain into chilled coupe or martini glass and express oils from an orange rind twisted over the top, adding it to the glass as a garnish. 82 | COUTURE AFRICA
THE CLASSIC SUNDOWNER The original sundowner cocktail that a whole line of cocktails has evolved from, this drink has the perfect hints of coconut fruitiness and pineapple freshness to wind you down aer a long day. You Will Need: Ÿ 45ml, Malibu Coconut Rum Ÿ 150ml, Delmonte Pineapple Juice Ÿ 2dashes, Angostura Biers Ÿ Ice Cubes THYME-AFTER-THYME GIN Preparation COCKTAIL Pour all ingredients into a shaker over ice. The perfect blend of ginger, lemon and thyme Shake and strain into a martini glass. this will open up an entirely new way of enjoying your gin. You Will Need: Ÿ For Thyme-Infused Honey: Ÿ ½ cup, Water Ÿ 5 springs, Fresh Thyme Ÿ ¼ cup, Honey For Cocktail: Ÿ ½ Cucumber, thinly sliced Ÿ 15ml, Lemon Juice Ÿ 30ml, Thyme-Infused Honey Ÿ 45ml, Hendriks Gin Ÿ Ice Cubes Ÿ 60ml, Stoney Tangawizi WINE SPRITZER Ÿ 2 springs, Fresh Thyme [for garnish] Aer a long hot day out and about, there is Preparation: nothing more calming than a perfectly For thyme infused honey: In a small sauce- blended wine spritzer. It is simple to prepare pan, bring water to boil, set aside and add as well. springs of thyme. Let it sit for about You Will Need: 15minutes, strain and whisk in the honey Ÿ 90ml, Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc into the thyme-water until fully incorpo- Ÿ 30ml, Schweppes Soda Water rated. Ÿ 1 dash, Orange or Lemon Biers For the cocktail: Place four slices of cucum- Ÿ Orange or Lemon twist ber, lemon juice and thyme-infused honey Ÿ Ice Cubes into a shaker and muddle. Add gin and ice, Preparation and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled Pour wine into a large-bowl wine glass over glass and top up with Stoney. Garnish with ice. Top off with club soda and biers. cucumber slices and/or fresh thyme springs. Garnish with lemon twist.
DARK ‘n’ STORMY This makes for a great cocktail for rum drinkers...simple and to the point. You Will Need: Ÿ 60ml, Bacardi Dark Rum Ÿ 120ml, Stoney Tangawizi Ÿ Ice Cubes Ÿ 4 Lemon Wedges Preparation Put two ice cubes into a glass and squeeze the juice of two lemon wedges over the ice. Pour Stoney over the ice and gently pour the rum over the iced mixture. Garnish with lime wedge and stir gently before drinking.
LONG ISLAND ICE TEA WHISKEY SOUR
Nothing says, “I have had a long day,” like a long island ice tea. Those who have tried it before know that one is all you need to mellow out into your evening. You Will Need: Ÿ 15ml, Smirnoff Vodka Ÿ 15ml, Clear Jose Cuervo Tequila Ÿ 15ml, Barcadi Light Rum Ÿ 15ml, Gilbeys Gin Ÿ 15ml, Cointreau Ÿ 45ml Sweet & Sour Mix [mixture of sugar and lemon juice] Ÿ 1 splash, Coca-Cola Ÿ 2 cups, Ice Cubes Preparation: Mix all ingredients, except cola in a shaker, over ice. Give it one brisk shake and strain into a tall glass over more ice. Top up with coca-cola and enjoy.
The time-and-taste-tested of whiskey cocktails! If whiskey is your preference, but are not quite up to having it on the rocks, this is a must-try. You Will Need: Ÿ 45ml, Jameson Irish Whiskey Ÿ 20ml, Fresh Lemon Juice WHITE RUSSIAN This cocktail, though delicate, definitely Ÿ 20ml, Simple Syrup [one part water, one part sugar, dissolved] packs a punch that is sure to match even the Ÿ Ice Cubes longest of days. Ÿ Cherry and/or Lemon Wedge for Garnish You Will Need: Preparation: Ÿ 50ml, Smirnoff Vodka Pour whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup Ÿ 25ml, Baileys Cream Liqueur into a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a Ÿ 50ml, Cream glass filled with ice and garnish with cherry Ÿ Chocolate Shavings and lemon wedge. Ÿ Ice Cubes Preparation: Pour vodka and cream liqueur and cream into PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. EXCESa shaker over ice and shake until cold. Pour SIVE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IS into glass, over ice and garnish with chocolate HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH. shavings.
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WINES
IT'S MOTHER'S DAY HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT WINE GIFT
Wine and Food Pairing? In most cases, by the time you have hit your 50's, not only do you know what you like and do not like, you are really not interested in experimenting on new things either. Regardless of the food you shall be having, or the time of day, if your mother fancies a merlot at high-noon on a lazy Saturday aernoon with her veggie-lunch…get her the most exquisite merlot you can afford. Do not try to re-invent the wheel, and no, I doubt she will be interested in your epic Sangria. Then again, if wine and food pairing means everything to her, ensure you do your homework and make the perfect combinations.
Selecting a wine for your mother [or mother-in-law] can be rather daunting. Quality is key, and less is de nitely more. Whilst taste-buds, purse sizes and personal preference, may determine a lot in selection of a bottle of wine as a gift, here are the basic Quantity vs. Quality points to consider so as to ensure that Whilst a 1litre bole of Frontera may be your you make an almost-perfect selection!
It may cost you a prey penny more, but our mothers aer all, deserve only the best [plus unlike your 20-something year old sister, I highly doubt that her goal will be to get as much wine into her system as possible in one siing]. Take Her Wine Shopping If you have never bought your mother some amazing wine as a gi, but think it is a great idea…you may very well have no clue where to start! To avoid playing the guessing game for hours on end at the liqueur store, why not go pick her up, take her to that fancy new wine shop down the road and have her choose what she likes. This could make for an amazing mother-daughter-bonding session as she takes you through the various stages different pes of wine have taken her through. Remember to let her know what your maximum spend is before you start. Wine Accessories Please! If your mother has the kind of relationship with wine that you only wish you could conjure up with the adults around you, then a great wine accessory [together with a bole of wine] is all she needs. It could be something as simple as a big-bowl glass of wine that has been inscribed 'Best Mum In The World' or something more technical like the new-age four-piece wine openers we can now find at most wine stores. These make for great keepsakes that will keep her excited until the next Mother's Day comes around.
perfect purchase [yes, it is less than one thousand shillings, and yes, one bole goes a long way], it may not be the best choice when giing your mother [or anyone else for that maer, unless you are going for a BYOB par]. Opt instead for a richer, more mature The most important thing you need to and more intricately blended wine. remember, as you go out to look for the perfect wine gi; do it with love, or not at all.
When Shall It Be Drank? If you have been invited over for Mother's Day lunch or dinner, and you carry a bole of wine with you, it is more than likely that – in only the most generous ways of our mothers –this bole shall be shared by everyone at the table. Carry an extra-bole just for her, and cheekily let her know where you have put it for her own personal consumption and enjoyment. 84 | COUTURE AFRICA
HEALTH
SUPERMOMS; THE HEALTH HAZZARD Have you ever wondered whether you are older than you really are? No, I am not talking about the age on your birth certi cate, I am sure that is correct. I am talking about your medical age. Most people might not realize it but their bodies might be touting an age that is different from the one on their certi cate. This is called your Medical Age. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka
MEDICALLY SPEAKING If you are curious about how old you really are, you can easily get this test done through AAR Insurance either physically or via their online tests. You should know that determining your medical age is an important step to take towards taking beer care of yourself. Remember, the first step to solving any problem is discovering you have one.
Organization, “Diseases linked to lifesle choices including diabetes and some cancers, kill 16 million people prematurely each year. Unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol abuse and consuming too much fat, salt and sugar have sparked an epidemic of diseases which together constitute the leading cause of death globally.” Although lifesle diseases might be a global pandemic there are those who are more vulnerable to some lifesle diseases than others, especially women.
And while this particular disease is not connected to any gender in particular, women tend to run a higher risk of having it than men because of the different stages women go through like pregnancy and menopause. Women who are on birth control pills also have a higher risk of geing high blood pressure.
4.Diabetes: The effect of diabetes on women is unique because the disease can affect both mother and unborn child. Diabetes can also THE CIRCLE OF DEATH Working mothers, and the new-age super- cause miscarriages or may propagate the moms, are more prone to such diseases due to birth of a baby with birth defects. the stress that comes from balancing their Like most lifesle diseases which seem to be family life and their careers and especially if interconnected, women who have diabetes they are doing it at the expense of their own are more prone to heart aacks and so are health. Most health officials agree that long women who have high blood pressure. In hours of working under strict deadlines cause essence if you are obese, you are likely to get women to suffer from depression and general diabetes and high blood pressure which in anxie disorder. Women who do not take turn will make you susceptible to a heart care of their health leave the door wide open aack. That right there is the circle of death. to experiencing lifesle problems in the future. Here are some but not all of the Keeping Lifestyle Diseases at Bay common lifesle diseases that affect women. You can avoid the circle of death and stop 1.Obesi : When we have so much work to being a statistic all together if you just do that we oen skip the healthy meal and opt change your lifesle habits. It is easy all for junk food that is usually where the you have to do is: problem starts. Obesi, especially
Our medical age is oen determined by the lifesle choices we make. If you do not take care of yourself by eating right and exercising regularly, you are more likely to feel a lile over 50, when you are only 37. Lifesle choices not only determine our age medically speaking, but they also determine whether we abdominal obesi is central to the metabolic are more likely to get a lifesle disease. syndrome and is strongly related to BAD LIFESTYLE = DISEASE polycystic Ovary syndrome in women. To Your lifesle goes a long way in determining make maers worse, obese women are more your level of health. The only vaccine that can susceptible to diabetes. protect you from geing lifesle diseases is leading a healthier lifesle. Lifesle diseases 2.Heart A ack: Although it is considered a are becoming more and more common as disease that affects men, this disease is still a countries become more industrialised. problem for women. It is even more According to Caroline Munene, A AR complicated in women because the Insurance Managing Director, “Lifesle symptoms of a heart aack vary in women diseases are different from other diseases due to our physiological differences. For because they are potentially preventable and example women can get a heart aack can be lowered with changes in diet and without experiencing chest pains. In fact lifesle and through regular exercise.” This unlike men who get heart aacks while doing rings true because the main factors that strenuous activities, women are likely to get contribute to lifesle diseases include: bad heart aacks while at rest. food habits, physical inactivi, wrong body 3.High Blood Pressure: It is oen known as posture and a disturbed biological clock. the 'silent killer' because it has no symptoms. According to the World Health
1.EatRight This does not necessarily mean eating bland food it just means making sure you are eating a balanced diet. Get your daily intake of fibre; reduce your sugar and salt intake and limit your fay food intake 2.Stay Fit and Active Physical activi improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibili and burns up calories to keep you fit and trim. Look at it this way, you will feel good, you will look great and you will think beer. 3.Rest and Relax It is that simple. A good night's rest can help reduce stress tremendously which in turn reduces your chances of geing heart disease. Always remember that the quali of your sleep directly affects the quali of your waking life. COUTURE AFRICA | 85
PARENTING
TIPS FOR THE MODERN MUM 86 | COUTURE AFRICA
It is said that being a parent is the most rewarding job in the world. True. It is also the hardest. For the woman especially. From the time you conceive, your body is already wired to provide and protect this living being for the rest of its life. The doctor says you must eat right, take supplements, drink plen of water, exercise moderately, sleep well, avoid drugs and alcohol etc. Most of which you should normally do but now that you are expecting it is a conscious decision you have to make. By Maureen Odera Today’s woman not only has the priori of providing for her child but also has to actively spend quali time with her child. Whether married or single, the responsibilities of the modern working woman are the same. It is up to you to be mummy, to be a partner, to be a sister, to be the boss. All these roles you play are important and are what make you who you are. How then do you balance out all these roles and Today’s woman not only has the priori of providing for her child but also has to actively spend quali time with her child. Whether married or single,
the responsibilities of the modern working woman are the same. It is up to you to be mummy, to be a partner, to be a sister, to be the boss. All these roles you play are important and are what make you who you are. How then do you balance out all these roles and still find time for your child? It does not maer if you gave birth, adopted or were assigned guardian, as long as some child calls you mummy, this article is for you. FIND THE TIME The demands of work and life can seem to be more valuable than time spent with your children. Yes there are bills to be paid and money must be made but there is more to life than that. Schedule time in your daily calendar to spend time with your child. Working late? Take time in the morning to have breakfast with your child, drive him/her to school, and switch off the radio so that you can have conversations. Le home early, try and make it back before bedtime. Give them a bath, help them with their homework and put them to bed. Whatever your night time routine is, brushing teeth, praying or just sharing what your day was about, be the one to do it. Try alternating early morning and late nights at the office. During the weekend, incorporate your child into your schedule. Run errands together, go to the salon with your daughter, watch cartoons together, make Saturday breakfast a mummy bonding time affair. GET RELIABLE HELP I know for most parents this sounds like a myth. Every parent has a natural instinct not only to provide for but to protect their child. Leing someone, in this case a nanny, take care of your child has to be an informed decision. Do your homework; get your nanny from a reputable organization, perform background checks and ask for referrals you can verify. In a recent interview, Caroline Mutoko when asked about hiring help to care for her daughter, said, allow your nanny to love your child. This made me think, how do I allow my nanny to love my child? Let her assist in making basic decisions like what the child can have for lunch, what outfit to wear that day, let her put your child to bed every alternate day. Allow her to reprimand your child's bad behaviour but not punish. These lile acts of love and affection then allow your nanny to feel more empathy towards your child and less likely to endanger her. When you are away, your child will also not question why your nanny is performing duties you would normally be doing. Empower your child minder. Take her for a First Aid course or to driving school. She will then be beer equipped to handle an emergency in your absence and it also gives you peace of mind.
TRAVELING? COMMUNICATE APTLY Before You Go…If you have to travel for whatever reason, be it work or leisure, let your child know in advance. Children get more anxious when news is sprung upon them and deal with their emotions by throwing tantrums, being moody or aggressive or geing defensive. Leing them know early enough allows them time to process your leaving. They will ask information like where are you going? For how long will you be gone? Is it far away? If possible explain it to them on the Atlas. Come up with a countdown system of how many days will you be away. Start the countdown at least 2 days before you travel so they can easily grasp the concept of time. Ensure their care giver keeps up the countdown until you get back. When You Are Away… Communicate with your child as oen as you can. If your schedule will be predictable agree on a standard time to talk on phone or make a Skype call. If you have time in the morning, make the call at that time, walk them through the morning routine of taking breakfast, geing ready for school, discuss the day's activities and also let your child know what you plan to do that day. If it is in the evening, discuss homework, what experiences they had that day and walk through the night time routine. You could pray together or read them a book or simply sing a lullaby good night. This also applies if you are working late at the office. When You Get Back…Take the next day off if possible and spend it with your child. If possible get them out of school early so you have more time to spend together. If you must wait until the weekend try not to commit to anything else other than your child and plan a fun activi to do together. It gives them something to look forward to and reduces the focus on your absence. TAKE TIME OUT This may sound counterproductive but it is not. The demands upon you as you play the role of wife, mother, career woman, friend, sister etc. are heavy. Your body is like a machine. And just like all machines it suffers wear and tear. Some parts break down faster than others, some may need to be replaced and some just need rest for them to function at optimum level. Treat your body like a welloiled machine. Take a day or two away from all your regular responsibilities and take the time to recharge. Pamper yourself, catch up on sleep, finish reading that book or simply just be and take time to smell the roses. Just make sure your lile one is in good hands so that you do not spend time mentally
agonizing over them in your absence. STOP FEELING GUILTY No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. The trick is to acknowledge the mistake, learn from it and try rectifying the situation. Be honest with yourself. Find out what you need to change, be it in yourself or with your care giver or your partner. Do not beat yourself down too much if you missed the PTA meeting, you could always ask for the minutes later and catch up. Missed sports day? It is not the end of the world especially if your child was not participating. So you fed your child cereal for dinner. What's the harm if it only happened once this week? At least they ate their fruit and drank their yoghurt and had egg for breakfast, surely in that day they must have had their recommended vitamin allowance, right? Mismatched socks to church? Trust me no one noticed except you. All these things happen even to the 'supermoms', they just don't talk about it. REMEMBER, NO CHILD IS ALIKE For those of us with more than one child, the biggest learning point for me was realising that not all children are the same. Get to know your child. This will help you formulate a routine that caters to their differences. The OCD in me colour codes everything separately for each child. It also makes it easier for their care giver to know what belongs to whom. It saves time and reduces tantrums. Knowing your child's personali and temperament allows you to understand how each of your children reacts to change, to your absence or to your presence and what level of aention each child needs. My first born for example thrives on routine so I ensure not to make changes too oen and I am the one to effect any changes in routine. I also get him involved in the process. The second likes to be the centre of aention so I greet him first before his siblings when I get home and give him extra cuddles before bedtime. The last born hovers around me for a couple of hours just to make sure I am not leaving any time soon. Initially it used to irritate me until I realised it was her way of reconnecting so I just let her follow me around the house for as long as he wants. She also tends to imitate all my movements, which is quite funny now; it's like having a live shadow. MAINTAIN A ROUTINE Children find a sense of normalcy and comfort in routine. Ensure your child minder sticks to routine in your absence. Normal wake and seep time. Ensure normal feeding schedule to be maintained and no drastic changes to be made in your absence. If something must change, be the one to initiate it and plan to do it well in advance before you travel or leave for work. COUTURE AFRICA | 87
FASHION HISTORY
Ke Maryesta Carr had New York designers agog over "KENYA IS MARIDADI" as the US went Kenyan in the l980's. No less than 25 of the top US designers participated in the "Kenya Collection" in l981. African Heritage was the ďŹ rst from Africa to show at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City that year (see below). Left: Kenyan Khanga design by US designer Mollie Parnis.
Maryesta Carr at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology, wearing African Heritage design in Malagasy raw silk.
African Heritage models in Maridadi designs with enamel jewellery by Lady Susan Wood of Kazuri Beads. Photos from My Journey Through African Heritage by Alan Donovan. www.africanheritagebook.com 88 | COUTURE AFRICA
com
Kenya is Maridadi Maryesta Carr was a vivacious American fashion consultant who swept in to Nairobi in l980 with her team of designers, printers and publicists. Her KENYA IS MARIDADI campaign to bring the hand printed silk screened designs from Nairobi's MARIDADI FABRICS to world attention attracted many of the top US designers. African Heritage showed its PAN AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTION in New York as part of this campaign. Maridadi fabrics were very popular in Kenya in the 1980's but have now nearly disappeared from the Kenyan fashion scene.
Africa’s beauty, tradition inspire contemporary style
Kenyan models show khanga and Maridadi designs.
Model in Maryesta Carr New York showroom in Kenyan Maridadi by US designer.
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FOCUS ON
MAURICE KIRYA Age: 30 Profession: Musician, Actor, Businessman Dating Status: Single
Years from now when tributes will be paid to the voices that shaped African music through the decades, Maurice Kirya's name will no doubt come up. Presently, we have nothing but pride in Maurice's contribution to de ning the African sound because he is putting Ugandan music on the map. He calls his sound Mwooyo and himself the King of Mwooyo. Mwooyo translates to Ugandan Soul Music. Boasting an impressive list of awards bagged over the 12 years he has been in the industry, he now appears on Maisha Magic's Maisha Superstar (music reality show) as a mentor. Maurice's voice is not his only talent, thanks to his good looks (we suspect) he has been cast in a number of television shows and movies. There is more; Maurice is also in the restaurant business and owns a restaurant called The Sound Cup. Read on as the Never Been Loved singer talks about music, love, his all-time crush and much more. You have had an illustrious career in the entertainment industry; take us through the highlights… I have been featured on BBC, CNN, Voice of America and RFI. I have scooped a number of accolades across the world during this musical journey and they include; the RFI Award (France), E-World Music Awards (LA), Museke Music Awards (New York), KORA Awards, KISIMA Awards (Kenya), PAM awards (Uganda) and multiple nominations which include Channel O Music Video Awards, Afrimma Awards, Club Music Awards, Hipipo Awards and the list goes on. The Kirya Live in Concerts were received with such acclaim that they were named the Best Concerts of 2011 and 2013 by the entertainment media in the region. I also double as an actor featuring in a couple of 100 | COUTURE AFRICA
movies and TV series which include Live Joseph, The Painter, The Hostel TV series, Last King of Scotland and a Hollywood blockbuster to be released next year. How do you spend a typical Sunday? A pical Sunday for me is a day of rest. I have a relaxing day unless there is some serious business I need to aend to. Due to the nature of my job, I never get time to rest apart from this one day of the week (Sunday). I wake up at about 8 am, as opposed to my normal waking time during the week which is
6:00am, go to the gym, make myself some breakfast then prepare to relax with the family. We share a meal together, play a couple of boards games which I love, watch movies, play with my nephews and nieces and so on. Later on in the evening I slowly get myself back into work mode, preparing for Monday. If you had a superpower, what would it be? … I would want to read minds, especially women's! Well, let's say I have trust issues and
reading minds would make my trust issues go away. What are your dreams like? I want to be a successful and great musician who not only doubles well in acting but also uses his work to inspire and upli societies. I also want to steal Beyoncé from Jay-Z. Did you mean my nocturnal dreams? I sometimes dream about superheroes depending on the day of the week, Monday -Superman, Tuesday-Batman, Wednesday -Spiderman, Thursday- Captain Uganda and Friday- Iron Man. What do you spend most of your money on?
I think that would probably be clothes because of my job I find that I cannot wear an outfit that was meant for stage more than twice so I end up spending more and shopping more frequently than other guys. Showbiz! Showbiz! Showbiz!I prey much shop anywhere; in Uganda or around the world when I travel. My basic principle is when I like something and it looks good on me I just buy it. I love fashion and would like to venture into fashion someday. Manicures and massages or garages andworkshops? Garages and workshops. I used to fix my own car. It was a 1971 Volkswagen beetle, so I got used to being oily and dus as long as I fixed something! There is a certain therapeutic effect that comes from fixing broken down things, I think.
Suit and tie or denim and t-shirts? Denim and t-shirts. I love to be comfortable and expressively wild but still gentle. However my sle has evolved considerably over the years as expected. I believe in dressing in harmony with what feels good at a particular time. You can tell a lot about a man based on the shoes he wears! Fact or Fiction? Fact! Class goes all the way to the texture and quali you stand for as far as accessories are concerned. It reflects your persona. What are your favourite shoes? I love me some tight ankle leather boots so that my pants can drop gracefully. Who according to you is the best dressed woman in town? Patricia Kihoro and that is because I had a crush on her. I cannot even say that I remember what she ever wore in particular. How would you react if a girl made the rst move? I would be impressed. I admire a woman who knows what she wants. I believe in living in the moment. As a musician I am not averse to the adulation from my female fans who form a huge percentage of my listenership. Does this make it hard for me to find love? No, it does not, love is all around us. If a girl you really liked turned you down, would you still be friends? Yes! I would be stupid to turn down her friendship and lose her! It would be a sad
ending to a story! What's your take on women who chase men for money? Do you think women chase you for money? I do not think women want me for my money. I want to believe they enjoy my company... (Takes a pause to really think about it)... Ok, maybe just a few. My take? I can understand we all have needs, female or male and sometimes we cling onto people who can financially favour those needs. I guess people do what they have got to do. An amazing night out in the town would involve? An amazing night would be dinner at Seven with my friends, movies with the clique or drinks with the boys at a club. Sum up your life in three words... Music, Love and Hones.
Style BOX Boxers or briefs? Briefs Ties, bowties or scarves? Ties You like to shop at: Lacoste stores Favourite fashion accessory: Watches Favourite gadget: Laptop, it is my office. Your iPod playlist: A lot of Hip Hop & Jazz COUTURE AFRICA | 101
MEN’S FASHION
PREPPY MEETS STREET There is nothing better than when two unlikely opposites fuse so well together with easy manipulation to create perfect harmony. Spice up your wardrobe with these easy to wear pieces any day of the week. Photography: Liaam Photography Model: Ed Kayembe Styling: Bryan Emry
Uzzi oral print polo shirt: KSh 4,800 at Truworths Light green chino trousers: KSh 3,500 at Truworths Black suede boots: KSh 7,200 at Truworths 102 | COUTURE AFRICA
Blue oral print Shirt:KSh 4,700 at Truworths Turquoise blue shorts: KSh 3,500 at Truworths Espadrilles: KSh3,700 at Truworths
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MEN’S FASHION Blue oral print Shirt:KSh 4,700 at Truworths Turquoise blue shorts: KSh 3,500 at Truworths Espadrilles: KSh3,700 at Truworths
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MEN’S FASHION White slim t Chinese collar shirt: KSh 5,700 Truworths Grey V-neckknit-sweater: KSh 5,000 at Truworths Blue slim t khaki trousers: KSh 5,900 at Truworths Brown chukka boots: KSh 7,200 atTruworths
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HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Beginning last month and going into August, you have several opportunities to go further, sign on the doed line or take the next step with that remarkable person. The possibly magic dates this month are 17th May to 21stMay. Saturn is imposing rather heavy restrictions on your group, team or tribe near the 3rd of May, 15th of May and 23rd of May. Do not feel guil for wanting to wash your hands of a friend or group commitment. Skip Mercury Retrograde period in May and June for discussion concerning your young relative or any youth demographic you work or volunteer with. Wait. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) There is a stunning twist or improvement in the way you handle your sleep/work/relaxation calculations until June. Make all things ambition easier by avoiding meetings, contracts, new roles or projects near the heavier Saturn transits of 3rdMay, 15thMay, 23rdMay. The apparent backward motion of Mercury, the planet of communication, information and transportation, in the area of your chart ruling your house, flat, household, town or family can hold you up, alter your plans or even scrap them. Be fully aware. ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Jupiter is in Leo, improving and expanding your life through children, godchildren, young relatives, lovers or erotic experiments, with emphasis on the periods around 17thMay and 21stMay. Very close to 3rdMay, 15thMay, 23rdMay you will experience Saturn's classic waiting games or reali checks with your trip, holiday, course, workshop, book, website or foreign connection. Go into everything with your eyes wide open and be aware of the risk of airline closure, strikes, and cancellations.
twelve years; Carpe Diem. Continue to embrace the changes brought on through the special man or remarkable woman who maers so much. This is the new way to handle the seesaw; throw out the old. Early on in the month, an opportuni to travel or escape from reali will present itself with your family, child or lover. Weigh up the charge versus the payoff though, this could cost you a prey penny. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Saturn is lurking in your money, business, banking and tax sector, waiting to teach you lasting lessons through paperwork, decisions or commitments you make on or around 3rdMay, 15thMay, 23rdMay. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Jupiter will be in the perfect position for you to make the big move with your family, household, home, proper, locali, country or role as a patriot on 17thMay, 21stMay. This is the time to expect a divine helping hand in form of a forward thinking benefactor or group of benefactors.
Celebri Taurus: Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her provocative lyrics and dance moves, as well as for being the sister of the late Michael Jackson. In the movie industry, she is famous for her role in Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too? Born: May 16, 1966 (age 48).
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Do not make serious or important decisions concerning your former, current or potential partner, enemy, rival or opposite in life on or around 3rdMay, 15thMay, 23rdMay. Saturn is in Sagiarius, waiting to teach you some heavy du life lessons, and we can all live without those. Before or aer your birthday, you will give or receive invitations which will take you in an incredible new direction with your groups, teams, clubs and societies. Everything is about to be different, and all for the beer. Watch out for your brand new social life!
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Jupiter in Leo heralds your most successful relaunch in twelve years between April and August. The magic dates for film or TV appearances, advertising and online promotion this month are 17th May and 21stMay. Avoid the periods around 3rdMay, 15th May and 23rdMay for decisions concerning your child, godchild, niece, nephew, grandchild or any project involving a youth demographic. When in doubt this year, pull out if children are involved. Alternatively, shrink the commitment as much as possible.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Jupiter is in the money, business, chari and precious possessions sector of your chart until August, bringing good fortune, success and growth with him. This only happens once in
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Near the 17th to 21stMay, your decision concerning the big secret or hidden role behind the scenes will continue to pay off, and you will have another top secret opportuni or
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uncredited part to play that will be a great success. Saturn in Sagiarius has been delivering major life lessons concerning your household, home, family, hometown, country or the general way in which you feel you belong. Make the trip a lile easier by avoiding this month for important decisions. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Since April, you have experienced unbelievably good fortune with your group, team or tribe and all related efforts. Your friendships have flourished as a result. For some of you, this applies to the world of babies, children and young adults in your life as well. It continues this month and into June. Ignore the periods around3rdMay, 15th May and 23rdMay for media projects, important communication, internet or publishing issues and purchase of phones, computers and other communication paraphernalia. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Jupiter in Leo brings good fortune and great success in your chosen field from now until August 11th. Skip the heavy Saturn transits around 3rdMay, 15thMay and 23rdMay for big decisions concerning your money, house, volunteer role or proper. It is never too late to change your mind about an arrangement which, in hindsight, seems too much. Mercury, the planet of communication, information and transportation will be moving backwards in the area of your chart dedicated to money, business and proper this month. Expect delay, stoppage and backtracking. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Jupiter in Leo until August delivers a boost to your role as teacher, student or lecturer and around 17thMay to 21stMay, your career, school or volunteer work experiences incredible good fortune. Be careful with choices that lead to a change with your image, brand, profile, name or personal appearance around the days when Saturn's influence is strongest; 3rdMay, 15thMay and 23rd May. It is never too late to change your mind and walk away from or alter the situation. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Jupiter in L eo until August brings opportunities for success with your business, house, company or profitable possessions. Dates to watch in May are the 17th to the 21st; expect abundance. Avoid these dates for major discussions or decisions concerning the secret or the hidden role: 3rdMay, 15th May and 23rdMay. To sidestep problems into 2017 do not cover anything up from others if dodgy, illegal or dubious. Allow for things with work, school or your voluntary activi to be delayed, stopped and changed this month and into the next. Get everything in writing and triple double check.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE of COUTURE AFRICA MAGAZINE On Sale 1st JUNE 2015
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MOTOR
NEW-AGE MUM-MOBILES MUMS DO NOT HAVE TO BE BORING. SO THEY HAVE A KID OR 2 OR 10 BUT WHO'S COUNTING…
Just because your title changed from 'pretty young thing' to 'mum' does not mean you have to stop being cool. So there are a few more things that need to t in your car like car seat(s), kids, dogs and your groceries but that de nitely does not mean you should trade your Toyota Celica for a minivan, absolutely not! Yes, you should de nitely trade the Celica [does it even have a backseat?] but not for a minivan. You need a family car, scratch that, you need a COOL family car and we have got 5 cool car families you can choose from for your growing family. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka
2:The Q's[Audi Q7, Q5] These SUV's are huge and the Audi Q7 is Audi's answer to the BMW X5. So if you like Audi’s more than you do BMW's this one is for you. The great news is that for such a huge car the drive still feels as good as it does in a spor car. It is however not a sport car! Just so we are clear, it is an SUV. Recommendation: The Q7;it is spacious and can seat 5 comfortably and with the back seats folded the boot capaci is as big as a bus' Side Note: It comes with Audi's eight speed tiptronic gearbox which might cause problems if the car is not serviced regularly and on time. You do know this is not a Toyota, right?
1:The Xes[BMW X3, X4, X5, X6] I know, you want the BMWi8 instead but unfortunately it is not suitable for going on a school run with your 2.5 kids. However, do not despair; you can still have a BMW except this one will fit your whole family, the dog and a few other relatives. Recommendation: The X5; the third generation one not the original. The 3rd gen X5 is the 3G version of the old X5. Sidenote: It will go off road comfortably however off road in this instance does not mean through the forest. Let's not get carried away it's not a range rover.
3:The Mercedes [GLA-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class, GL-Class, G-Class] It is hard to beat the SLR McLaren, it is basically the king of the Benzes but that is not what you need, so focus! What you need to know is that Mercedes makes family sports cars too in the form of SUVs. Recommendation: GL Class ; It is a beast of a machine that can sit seven people. In this car everyone can keep their thighs to themselves. Now, that, is what I call comfort. Side note: It is HUGE! The point here is to drive in comfort and not to drive fast around corners. That is the SLR McLaren's job it is not the beast's job.
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4:The Porsches [Macan, Cayenne] The Porsches are the Audi's close cousins and that is why most of their cars feel and drive like their Audi counterparts. It has something to do with the 'apple not falling far from the tree' or whatever. However, Porsches do have a way of being uniquely Porsche. You really cannot say that just because you have driven an Audi you have driven a Porsche. Recommendation: The Macan; it is Cayenne's smaller brother and it is touted as the first SUV that is also a sports car. It has average space as compared to the other SUV's on this list but if we are talking about sports cars, it is more spacious than a 911. Side note: The Macan can take corners at thunderous speeds and for an SUV that is impressive!
5: The Rovers [Discovery 4, Evoque, Sport] There is no question about it, when it comes to off roaders the Rovers are Kings. They can go anywhere even up the side of a mountain without breaking a sweat. That might be an exaggeration but you see my point. And nothing beats the respect you earn just by owning one. Recommendation: Discovery 4;it has plen of room and unlike it's off road cousins which appear awkward on normal roads, the discovery 4 can be used as an everyday car. Side Note: The Discovery sport is the smaller version of the Discovery 4 and has just been launched in Kenya, so you could just opt for that one instead.
COUTURE AFRICA | 111
PROFILE
CHARITY WAINAINA HEAD OF MARKETING, PR AND BRAND – OLD MUTUAL
FOR ME BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING IS ABOUT GETTING RESULTS. IF THERE ARE NO RESULTS THERE IS NO POINT IN TRYING TO FORCE GUYS TO BUY WHAT YOU ARE SELLING. GOOD STRATEGY HAS TO COME WITH GREAT EXECUTION. EVERYONE CAN DREAM, BUT EXECUTION IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL SET YOU APART. It is said that being a parent is the most rewarding job in the world. True. It is also the hardest. For the woman especially. From the time you conceive, your body is already wired to provide and protect this living being for the rest of its life. The doctor says you must eat right, take supplements, drink plenty of water, exercise moderately, sleep well, avoid drugs and alcohol etc. Most of which you should normally do but now that you are expecting it is a conscious decision you have to make. By Maureen Oola Photo by Khalifa at CoolPixx Studios What do you love most about your job? It allows me to experience a different side of financial services, apart from just doing loans and accounts, to now seeing the wider spectrum of insurance services. I love working with brands and figuring out how they fit into people's lives and making sure that we get that best fit. We always try to get results that are in line with what the brand is aspiring to do and at the same time meet the customers' needs. There is no charted path when it comes to what I do as long as my clients are satisfied. What do you wish you did not have to deal with at work? Emails. They are necessary but sometimes they make you not move forward as fast as you can or desire to. I wish there was a way around emails. I know they are a necessary evil and that is the only means we have to communicate, especially for a global company like ours. Technology as much as it is a convenience also comes with certain things you have to adjust to, like the need to keep on learning and catching up every day. What is your signature office look? I would say I am conservative and I think it came from working in the banking sector. It is so pical of financial services to have a conservative look. But again I think I am one of the very few people who are the most colourful in this business. I have learnt to use my taste, to explain my work. I try to inject life in the serious financial services every day with how I dress. I look very good in dresses.
What is the one accessory you cannot step out of the house without? I would say my earrings. Why? I do not know. I always think it is a small lile piece [I do not put on very big ones] that adds life no maer how tiny it might be. Do you believe that women who make the extra effort to dress up and look great for work get ahead faster in their careers? Yes. Impressions maer. You might have all the brains but if you are frumpy no one will give you aention. But if you are look the part people tend to say, 'let's listen to her' or ask 'what do you have to say?' But if you do not look good chances are it will be you asking to get involved in the conversations. ‘what do you have to say?' But if you do not look good chances are it will be you asking to get involved in the conversations. I think we have confidence in people someone who are neat and confident. Especially the confidence bit. Stileoes, wedges, kien heels or flats? Stileoes. Flats are for driving. What are you personally doing to break the metaphorical glass ceiling? Personally, it is bringing to the table different ways of doing things and convincing guys around the table to try it. I think the hardest bit is trying to sell those ideas to people who are older than you or who have more experience than you. Some may have above 30 years experience and you only have probably 5 years or 2 years. The truth is you have to sell your ideas passionately in order to convince people put money into it. And diligence is very important, I must say. Focus on being fruitful and you can do so much. For me breaking the glass ceiling is about geing results. If there are no results there is no point in trying to force guys to buy what you are selling. Good strategy has to come with great execution. Everyone can dream, but execution is the only thing that will set you apart. No one can argue with results but we can argue about everything else. What is the one popular misconception people have about you? [Laughs] That I am a slave driver and that I am a workaholic. I do not think I am. I cherish breaks a lot, and fun also. People tie my focus on delivery and fruitfulness to 'I'm a slave driver' because for me if you promise me you will deliver, you have deliver on time. For example if you have promised to deliver a phone when you start taking me round in
circles, telling me how you have ordered for it that for me is a clear sign that you will not be able to deliver. What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? Fruitfulness that is the first thing that comes to my mind. I want my day to be fruitful. Whoever I interact with, how can I help them to be fruitful in whatever they are pursuing? It is about me, it is about the people I interact with and it is about the company I work for. Most importantly it is the wisdom of God to know what to do. I am a born-again Christian so for me that is the direction I want to take. I seek that wisdom to be able to say; today I need to be fruitful. God gives us time, gives us life and for each one of them we should be able to account for the hour, the day and the year that we have. And what would you say is the last thing you think about before you leave the office in the evening? Jam! [Laughs] I cannot get out of this place quick enough. I am always thinking about how fast I can get home and help with my kid's homework or how I need to relax with my family so I am always calculating how long it will take me to get home. I always try and figure out what can I leave for tomorrow. You just have to know which assignment scan be done the next day and ensure you clear the most important work for the day. What three words would you use to describe you? Passionate, fruitful, I use that word a lot it means a lot to me and people. I like to work with people because the results are only results if they have touched many people. It is always great to be around people. I would never come to the office if it were not for people. Even machines, still serve people. If you were invisible you would… …I would enter into my 9 year Old's mind and tell him do the right things. I would just enter his head and make him make all the right decisions so that I am the mind in his head. I think he can handle things that are logical, but I think some things that are illogical confuse the mind of a child and sometimes with all your success and achieving big things, you tend to find that the only thing we cannot do is probably to get our children to act in the logical way that we want. If I was invisible I would enter his mind and manipulate it. COUTURE AFRICA | 111
FINANCE
STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR THE SINGLE MOM
Financially speaking, raising children is hard enough when you are co-parenting and can be even more daunting when you are a single parent. Here are some tips to keep you not only nancially a oat, but also help you create wealth while raising your children alone. By Mumbua Nzula Nzyoka
1
ESTATE PLANNING
You might think it is too early to start planning for such an event but the truth is that estate planning or writing your will is the most important thing you can give to your children once you are gone. Part of estate planning includes deciding who your children's guardian will be if something were to happen to you. Make sure when you are writing your will, you choose an executor who has financial knowledge, to ensure dues are paid and assets are properly managed. Remember to review your will every two or three years or whenever there is a life changing event .
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PLAN YOUR LIFESTYLE Unlike co-parenting, as a single parent you have several competing financial obligations and this may be your biggest problem. The solution to this conundrum is lifesle planning; basically planning you way of life. This involves deciding how you want to live now and in the future. The best way to prepare for the future is to start a retirement fund now. Save money while you are still young. Financiers advise that to start doing this it is beer to create four different accounts; one for fixed monthly expenses like rent, another for long-term expenses such as 112 | COUTURE AFRICA
retirement, another for emergencies and the final one for discretionary spending. It will be difficult in the beginning but it is necessary step towards a bright financial future.
Children fall sick and get injured all the time and that reason alone is enough to apply for health insurance. Health insurance is there for the unpredictable, unexpected and fundamentally uncontrollable problems that CONTROL SPENDING come up in people's lives. The onset of a USING A MONEY BUDDY s e r i o u s i l l n e ss c a n c a u s e fi n a n c i a l This tip follows the previous tip bankruptcy and that is a situation you do not closely because once you start want to put your kids through. s av i n g i n th e fo u r d i ffe re n t accounts, money will be tight. This means PRIORITIZE RETIREMyou need to keep a close eye on where your ENT OVER EDUCATION money goes and whether what you are This might seem like an odd tip but spending your money on is worth it. Another it is just as important as the rest. difference between co-parenting and single When you need to choose between parenting is that single parents oen lack your retirement fund and your children's financial accountabili which is where the educational fund choose the laer. Your money buddy comes in. A money buddy is a children have the option of geing mentor who knows how to set up and stay on scholarships or geing a loan to go to college. a budget and with whom you can discuss By addressing this financial issue peace of financial ideas. mind and financial peace is guaranteed for you and your children. Geing your finances CAREER GROWTH in order might be hard now but it will yield Most households depend on two financial results in the future. incomes and that is never the case when it comes to single-parent ASK FOR HELP homes. Since the family is It takes a communi to raise a depending on that single income it is child. Just because you are single important that the income be substantial does not mean you are not enough to cover costs as well as a two-parent allowed to ask for help. If in the family would. This might mean considering beginning you find it difficult to make ends doing a postgraduate degree in order to get meet look for support systems that will get promoted or be eligible for a beer position you through your difficult patch until you can at another company. However, before get back on your feet. However, you cannot spending your hard-earned money on a always depend on other people to raise your degree and another career, it is important to family; if the problem persists you might have make sure you have chosen the correct career to rethink your money planning and your path. sources of income. Look for a financial adviser to give you advice on what to do right GET HEALTH INSURANCE and shed light on what you are doing Hospital bills can be crippling wrong. especially if the responsibili falls on one parent to foot the bills.
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