‘Wau’ is Nairobian slang for ‘Wow’, which gives you an idea of the energy that exudes from Wauzine. This new digital publication is an expression of Creative DNA (CDNA) - a British Council East Africa Arts programme aimed at developing Kenya’s fashion ecosystem and connecting it to new audiences. In partnership with innovation hub Mettā Nairobi and consultancy and events platform Fashion Scout in London, CDNA selected 11 up-and-coming designers to take part in a year-long incubator programme throughout 2020.

The talents behind Enda Running, Epica, Favoloso by Nanu, Genteel, The Nisisi Factory, Ohana, Sevaria, Styletech by Teshie, Suited by Gordon, Vintara and We Are NBO all received skills and capacity training through mentoring and workshops plus seed funding. In addition, British Council commissioned a number of needs analysis reports addressing some of the challenges facing the local industry, and there was a pop-up at Nairobi concept store Designing Africa Collective.

“Cross-cultural collaboration was at the forefront of the project,” says Fashion Scout directors Biljana and Martyn Roberts. “Both cities have a strong and vibrant creative community that is not afraid to explore new ideas, push boundaries and learn from each other. There is a real sense for sustainable business growth and recognition of the growing movement in each respective scene.”

Now Wauzine introduces the CDNA designers to the world. Spearheaded by Fashion Scout, it has brought together creatives in Nairobi and London to develop three special issues. The first, entitled Neighbourhood, travels across Kenya’s capital to explore its cultural landscape. A fashion story by creative director Sunny Dolat and photographer Maganga Mwagogo sets the work of our designers against the contrasting architectures of two socially significant parts of Nairobi. Meanwhile a think piece by multidisciplinary artist Awuor Onyango reveals the relationship between Kenya’s colonial past and its contemporary artistic output.

At its heart, Wauzine is a reflection of Nairobi’s emerging fashion practitioners; artists who are dedicated to owning their own voice and shaping their city’s identity. From Sevarina’s androgynous tailoring to Enda’s performance trainers; from Ohana’s sultry swimwear to Epica’s extravagant body adornments, each brand is evolving Kenyan culture and is ready to step up to the plate. As such, issue three of Wauzine will coincide with February’s London Fashion Week, during which Fashion Scout will digitally present the designers.

“The scene is being driven forward by the young artists, photographers and stylists who are hungry to make it. They are bringing their A-game and the standard has been set,” says Jamie Bryan Kimani of Sevarina. “Now what we need is the opportunities that will come from sharing knowledge and skills with our peers in London. It’s time for the international scene to recognise our talents.”

WAUZINE TEAM

Editors in chief Biljana and Martyn Roberts
Features editor Helen Jennings
Creative direction Sunny Dolat
Photography Maganga Mwagogo
Make-up Sinitta Akello
Hair Richard Kinyua
Models Adhel Bol Ronnie Nyongesa and Shekinah Iman
Styling assistance Bryan Emry
Shoot production Njeri Gitungo
Shoot production assistance Jane Pauline
Zine design and content editor Jessie Morgan
Website development Jorge Da Silva

CDNA PARTNERS

British Council East African Arts
Fashion Scout
Mettā Nairobi
HEVA Fund

CDNA DESIGNERS

Enda Running
Epica
Favoloso by Nanu
Genteel
The Nisisi Factory
Ohana
Sevaria
Styletech by Teshie
Suited by Gordon
Vintara
We Are NBO

Published on 15/01/2021