FASHION HIGH TEA RECAP 2023
BY WANJIKU THUKU
Fashion High Tea has come of age having been in existence for about ten years and has been termed as one of the best high profile fashion events of all time in Kenya. The past weekend saw the comeback of a very successful and lovely fashion event right after covid pandemic that raked up all top fashion designers and models (both local and international),diplomats like Peter Kenneth as one of the special invited guests, Caroline Mutoko and her team who partnered with Zen Gardens to make it a charity fashion event dubbed ‘Love for A Cause’ ,having all proceeds going towards the Kenya Women and Children’s wellness Centre (KWCC) in support of Gender-based violence survivors amongst many others like the real housewives of Nairobi team including Susan Kaittany (who made a special appearance on the catwalk during the electrifying runway show),Sonali Maherali aka Generali and Lisa Christoffersen all escorted by Dr.Catherine Masitsa of Samantha’s Bridal Fair.
The Luxe Zen Gardens played host to some of the heavy weights in the showbiz,fashion,media and corporate worlds including Alex Holi and his wife,Bidanya Barassa,Emma Too, Suzanna Owiyo,Nina Senanu of Yaka Yeke,Wambui Thimba and Wambui Kibue,the ever so gorgeous Joy Kendi and Anita Nderu(Both brand Ambasssadors of Tanqueray Gin0,Vinnie O and Nana Gecaga,Angela Muiruri(both Radio presenters on Capital FM),Miss Universe Kenya-Mukami and Cris Njoki of IJOKN amongst many others who showed up in full swing like renowned stylists like Brian Babu, Annabel Onyango,
Mohammed Bana and Filbert Mkwiche of Fintan Fashion. The MC for the runway show was Miano Muchiri (who did a fantastic job at keeping the special guests on their feet, as the models led by Dorothy Oliech from Mochez Models strutted the runway in all garments from Indian Saris, swim wear, casual and formal/cocktail wear, and everything in-between.
This 10th Edition saw Idd Aziz perform during the grand finale; a certain song called ‘Nyumbani’ which means ‘Home’ in Swahili having the models dance around him as they strutted their beautiful kimono designs that brought the show to a perfect close to set the mood for the evening. A special 17-year old
young male singer called Ari Mediratta also got invited to perform some of his original songs in the start of the show, plus a group of two female acrobats wowed the audience with their fire acts as well as doing daring acrobatic stunts on a hoola hoop ring (which was quite a sight to behold).The special guests were also treated to a Savoury of various delicacies from Calamari, a variety of sushis,pizzas,beef/fish/chicken,chipolatas,spring rolls, chips and dumplings amongst many desserts which included Rainbow cupcakes, love hearts, French macaroons, fresh fruit cheese cakes, fresh berry tarts and chocolate eclairs.
Some of the vendors included sponsors like Tanqueray,Mayers,Haagen Dazs,Brown’s Food company, The Singelton,Ciroc,Spring valley coffee, white cap crisp, Under The Influence Beverage Solutions, Maybelline New York ,L’oreal Paris(who had a lovely walk way setup with a blue door at the entrance of the grounds),Chic Aura Events-who did the catwalk and floral installations),Stage and Lighting done by Live Gigs ,Sorcha Collection who did braids intertwined with Swahili Lesso or Kanga Pieces in the models
Hair, Infinite Planners who brought in the most exquisite stretch tents and Marquees ,Shaki Studio who brought in their stunning Aerial Hoop and Fire Performance onstage.
Some of the other exhibitors included Zammiluni(Kenyan Boutique),Suave(Kenyan Boutique),Yazz jewelry collection(Kenyan Boutique),Shenu Hooda,Safarahh(Kenyan Boutique),Poetic Trends (Kenya/India Boutique),Potpourri(Kenya/India Boutique),Opium by Khalida Wild(Kenyan Boutique),My Soul Tonic(Kenyan Boutique),Koki Designs(Ethiopia/Kenya Boutique),Mirayas(India/Kenya Boutique),Kipepeo (Kenyan Boutique),Joo Stores (Kenyan Boutique),JR Jewelry(Thailand Boutique),Earthstone_KE(Kenyan Boutique),Coco Lili(Kenyan Boutique),and Afro street Kollektions(Kenyan Boutique) with a few of them who also show cased their designs on the runway. The official deejay for the event was Dj Foozak ,who did a fantastic job at spinning infectious tunes for the audience which continued for a few hours after the runway show ended.
In conclusion, it was a fun-filled fashionable afternoon full of love, laughter, food, drinks of all kinds, color, beauty but most of all high-profile fashion. We look forward to the next edition of the Fashion High Tea event Next Year.
