Love or something like that.

Love has a way of walking into our closets unexpectedly. My first thought when I saw this rompca

So excited to be part of Fashionpreneur Kenya and many thanks for the platform to showcase my style. 

Till my next post, lets catch up on Facebook or Instagram.

Love, love and more love. XXX

Proudlyelled

F A S H I O N P R E N E U R KENYA: MODELLING ADVICE

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Can I Be a Model? New models often ask themselves whether they have what it takes to become a model. You are likely to hear that to be a model you need to be beautiful,tall and slender with perfect proportions. Now this is certainly true for high fashion models, where designers want one type of model that they feel shows off their designs in the best way.

However, if you do not fit this criteria, don’t despair as there are many other areas that you can work in successfully and lucratively as a model. The modeling industry needs all different shapes and sizes. It ranges from the models who are required for the runways of Paris and Milan to those being seen in the background of TV commercials. You need to find the right fit for you and your place in the industry. To help you with this we have listed the different types of modeling work that’s available and the criteria for each, and as with most things in life there are always exceptions........read more 


Images courtesy of Infinite Media and Wangechi Wachira. 

Ready, Set, Grind (Episode 3) - Streetwear: Made In Kenya by Rey Mungai

For those who read my personal blog (Daily Rey Magazine), you might have come across an article that I wrote about the streetwear culture in Kenya a while ago, it was pretty much a subtle rant to be honest. For those who haven't read it, you can check it out right here. Now on today's RSG episode, I will be expounding a little more on the topic by sharing my insights on what I think of the streetwear culture in Kenya; what we are doing right, wrong and what we should do different. it will all be according to my point of view; so don't get all mad at me for laying down some basic truths.

Okay, first off we have pretty much a good number of brands to have a grip on the international streetwear market... but we haven't done it. When i say a good number; let me mention a few:

• Vazzi Clothing
• 29 Clothing
• Mavazi Afrique
• Like A Boss
• PoEd

Just to name a few. There are a lot more brands that I have not mentioned  but you know them (for you guys in Kenya). For those who know me probably know that I also have my own brand; BLVCK Posse Apparel Co. and I did not mention it either. This is because we offer worldwide shipping and I have pretty much garnered a more substantial clientele in Europe and the USA as compared to Kenya. Most brands here cite courier charge as being too expensive for them to ship internationally; which I don't understand because if you believe in your product it will sell. You wanna know how to hack it? I got a few tips for you don't worry:

1. Create world-class material:

This is where most Kenyan brands go wrong; unless you're comfortable with just selling to a small number of people in the country (which I am very sure no brand wants). Every brand envisions success not just in it's home country but globally... tell me if I'm wrong please.

Getting people to know your brand is great and most brands do this by branding their logos on a few pieces of apparel. I did that too; but not for every single collection I drop. You need to show some creativity to survive the cutthroat waters of international streetwear cultures from here to Tokyo and back. You cant seriously spend two years as a brand and you are still doing logo treatments for all your releases; to me that is just weak (just my opinion). Contract a great designer and work with them on the designs if you have to BUT CREATE APPAREL THAT COMPETES ON A GLOBAL PLATFORM. Don't you forget that.


   2.  Get online:

From Etsy to Storenvy and Bigcartel; you have absolutely no reason not to open up an online store and start selling to new clients all over the globe. Kenyan brands have that potential but we don't utilize it almost at all. That's all I'm going to say.



Getting Kenya to where we all want it is not only up to the brands but customers as well. I love fashion and there is nothing that honestly annoys me more than seeing us as the Kenyan youth spending a lot of money to buy fake items of clothing from designers you saw on a music video (remember the Versace craze?). From some people I know rocking fake HBA and flaunting it to seeing people in town wearing terribly misspelled designer t-shirts. I mean come on, since when did Maison Margiela collaborate with Hood By Air to produce a tee written 'Margeila' ?? Once you start misspelling such iconic brands (and at this point they claim it's authentic MMM and not a parody) you are absolutely losing it bud. All the while you could buy authentic Vazzi and flaunt is insanely because for one, it's 100% authentic and two, what do you think is the reason most of this American and European brands become iconic? Support straight from home.

All in all, I'm not laying all the blame on the consumers, brands also have to step up their game when it comes to the creativity behind their releases (as I already mentioned) and please guys, quit wearing fake stuff and flaunting how real it is... it ain't a pretty picture.

I hope you got informed in one way or the other on this post. Drop a comment and tell me your thoughts on the whole subject guys! Or get me on social media for questions, comments or complaints:

Instagram: @reymungai
Facebook: Reynolds Mungai
Twitter: @dailyreymag

My personal blog: dailyrey.wordpress.com

I look forward to hearing from you guys:

Cheers,
Rey

AVADORE CLOTHING AT ATHI

AVADORE CLOTHING PHOTO SHOOT.

AVADORE CLOTHING......Yes.... I'm aware of what is running through your mind.. The legends are back again with a brand new project branded "DESERT PHOTO SHOOT" In conjunction with PIXELINC PHOTOGRAPHY they bring you a set Unveiling the "DRY SPELL MASKS"to be done in  Athi. Damages= ksh 1000 Make up to be done by Miss Keisha and Sheila Brownie. Note that ONLY 10 Models are needed and transport is catered for.
Avadore will be unleashing new fashion designs and behind each design we going to see new pretty faces. come and share the experience with fashion killers and legends 
Avadore Team being made up of
BrandonTheVintageGuru
Teddsparks
Abigael Pyx
MitchBoney
Viola Berry
Ammadu Makau
and joined by Gregley trends worldwide we are going to experience the shoot, Glamour, Art and Beauty of Fashion
Desert Photoshoot Is officially marketed by;
Alobaam
DopeCrew254
SelfieMaster254
Andie
NairobiHottestTeens
TeenizKillingIt
BOOKING VIA MITCH BONEYE 0725105057

The Plus Size Affair Event

The Plus Size Affair Event will be taking place on the 1st of August at The Prestige Plaza Nairobi (off Ngong Road)
It’s an event you don’t want to miss as we showcase elegant, plus size fashion, we will also have makeup class and a fitness dance class. Lots of goodies will be up for grabs and great music as you shop.
Tickets are now available on ticketsasa.com 

F A S H I O N P R E N E U R S: FASHIONPRENEUR OF THE MONTH

F A S H I O N P R E N E U R S: FASHIONPRENEUR OF THE MONTH: |JUNE | Loux The Vintage Guru BY Royd Bosire  Lourens was born in Namibia and lives in windhoak city of Namibia, A designer, Stylist wit...

Ready, Set, Grind (Ep. 2): 'The Fashion Of Passion' by Rey Mungai

Hey guys! It's time for the next episode of my weekly blog series 'Read, Set, Grind' and this week I wanted to share my views on what role passion  has in the business of fashion. Nowadays more and more people are following their hearts and doing  what they feel makes them happy as opposed to a few years ago when anything other than a typical 9-5 was frowned upon. I'm not saying that we are out of the woods already on that but we can say we are making very good progress. For me personally I believe that anything that makes you happy with life is what you should pursue... life is too short to waste it on things that don't really add significant value to your life. Unless significant value to your life is working at a job you hate just because the money is good which is the definition of happiness to some people (To each his own).
For those of you who have a fashion based brand or are looking onto starting one or just venturing into the field, this post is for you *insert singing voice*. Instead of just talking about what roles passion plays in this business I'm going to do some short case studies of brands that, off of passion, built a successful brand. One of these brands is Kokon to Zai which is famously known as simply KTZ (worn by mega stars from Rihanna, Kanye, A$AP Rocky & 2 Chainz just to mention  few) and Brooke Roberts which is among the top five most creative brands I have ever come across.

1. Brooke Roberts - SHOP: brookeroberts.net/collections/all

Established in 2009, Brooke Roberts is a London-based fashion label inspired by science and founded by radiographer and knitwear designer, Brooke Roberts. Using digital knitting techniques, Brooke and her team translate digital medical scans into knitwear using cutting-edge programming and industrial knitting technology. A pioneer in the exploding sector of London's Fashion/Tech movement, Brooke is at the forefront of combining science, technology and fashion in her designs and recently gave a TED talk explaining how she fuses radiography and knitwear design in her clothing. Brooke Roberts' clients are dynamic, forward-thinking individuals who are curious and seek to learn something new every day.

What captures me most about this brand is how she turned something as random as radiography and knitwear to build a clothing line. These two are both her passion and that's obviously what drives her to create and create more.

2. Kokon to Zai - SHOP: kokontozai.com

KTZ or as it is famously known; Kokon to Zai is a sick collaboration between Koji Maruyama, Sasko Bevoski and Marjan Pejoski (who is in charge of the design process). From whatever angle you want to look at this brand, it's an amazing brand. From the killer designs to material treatments; not only does KTZ stand out on the runway but also  in street fashion it has inspired a myriad of designers including myself. Let's be honest, your mum would not be impressed if she saw you rocking some KTZ apparel... mostly due to the design inspiration that is brightly displayed on around 90% of their releases if not more. From Ouija Boards to pentagrams, Marjan always sparks a conversation among everyone who sees his designs and this is what pulled me most to KTZ. His passion has always been to create something different that stands out and gives an identity to the 'misfits' and being one of them I LOVE IT. 

In Kenya no brand has really delved into the dark waters that are black fashion and its not because they don't want to. To me, I think it's because most designers in Kenya are way too worried about how they will be perceived by the society. Come on guys, take a risk. Stand out.

I'm all for being true to your roots but once we all start designing Ankara and Kitenge inspired pieces, it gets really old really fast and that will not get us to the global platform that all of us want Kenya to get to. Besides, as we are busy not wanting to grow into cuts inspired by other cultures, designers from other cultures are creating pieces inspired by our culture. From Louis Vuitton in 2012 to most recently Junya Watanabe's african themed collection (which you can check out on my blog right here: www.dailyrey.wordpress.com)

Most people out here would rather put their dreams on hold than do something that is considered unconventional and that's not what success and happiness is about. Be yourself, that's the only way you'll find true  happiness and success. Just as Karun once said, if you love something and you are determined to do it, it will work out (well, these are not her exact words but you get the point, right?).

The fashion of passion is a really simple matter to grasp, do what you feel and think is right for you. That's all.

From that you build something that will make you proud and leave a mark. I know it's really cliche but it rings true, follow your dreams bud. 

I really hope that this post will help all of you fashionpreneurs on your journeys and I can't wait to share more insights into this world according to my point of view. If you have questions, comments etc you can drop them in the comment box and you can also reach me on the following avenues:

Instagram: @reymungai

Blog: www.dailyrey.wordpress.com

Twitter: @dailyreymag

Fashionpreneur kenya 

Follow, like & subscribe guys.

Cheers,

Rey

Ready, Set, Grind. Episode 1: The Business Of Fashion

Hey guys, I'm Rey... And I am a fashion junkie. Not just the love of clothes but the business essence of Fashion. That's what makes a fashionpreneur.
So, who is a Fashionpreneur? To me, A fashionpreneur is a person who has possession of a fashion enterprise, venture or idea, and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks and outcome.
(So basically accountability for the risk is a big part of this.)
In all the episodes of my blog series here titled 'Ready, Set, Grind' I will be examining fashion as a business and try to give you guys an insight into it from my experience as a 21 year old trying to wade through these waters. Most people who I have told about this series has promptly asked me to base it on breaking into the Kenyan market but my aim, be it in blogging or business is to aim for a global

A MUST WATCH MOVIE...
DONT MISS OUT

KENYA APPRECIATES SOME OF THE BEST

CONNIE ALUOCH
Connie Aluoch is a Kenyan born hip, stylish, energetic chic who's passion is fashion and fashion styling.
In her work environment she is best described as a strong leader, team player and forward thinker. With her focused vision and determination she is a firm believer that with dedication and persistence you can achieve anything you set your mind to doing.
As a child Connie vividly remembers watching Elsa Klensch on CNN "Style" program and dreaming of one day becoming a name to reckon with in the fashion industry. From modest beginnings at Evelyn College of Design in Kenya Connie has over the past ten years steadily built her career in the fashion industry and developed her time management and organizational skills. She knows that without commitment and determination it will be very hard to remain in the cutthroat fashion industry.

From Kenya, Connie moved on to

The Arens Effect: Episode One: The Adventures of Moses Nyaemo; Comin...

The Arens Effect: Episode One: The Adventures of Moses Nyaemo; Comin...:      Years have passed but the memories are still vivid, and those first virgin images remain untainted. My first journey to the big city,...

FASHION DESIGNER TO SUBSCRIBE :-WM LABEL

WAMBUI MUKENYI  is the founder and president at WAMBUIMUKENYI Fashion Brand.
Founded in 2009 the Wambui Mukenyi label is the brainchild of a self taught designer, a true artist and a visionary to the Fashion designing not only in Kenya but also in Africa..
Every collection shows the designer's love for luxurious fabric, whilst at the same time instilling her African heritage to produce timeless feminine and effortlessly stylish pieces.

Beginning from custom made pieces for her clients in 2009 Wambui Mukenyi branched out into making African wedding gowns and ready to wear cloths full of creativity and style.The demand for her label has been soaring from then on been featured in Many Fashion Magazines in Kenya and several others showing interest in her work. Without a question The WM Label is a statement of fashion in contemporary life where elegance must meet the everyday needs and brings life to any wardrobe.

is a fashion lover, wifey, friend and a great daughter to an awesome woman - See more at: http://www.divastylecollection.com/2012/11/15/diva-of-the-weekwambui-mukenyi/#sthash.qn8fQeu8.dpuf

is a fashion lover, wifey, friend and a great daughter to an awesome woman - See more at: http://www.divastylecollection.com/2012/11/15/diva-of-the-weekwambui-mukenyi/#sthash.qn8fQeu8.dpuf

She is one of the best Fashion Gown designers that Africa can offer. She has always brought out elegance, glamour, "Classified" Fashion, Art, Creativity in designing and this year was no different but more improved by her launching Bridesmaid Collection to accompany what she does best "GOWN DESIGNING". If you and your spouse are planning to tie a knot, she is the right Lady to get to and she will just get you what you want with perfection
Below is more of her 2015 collection

 THE FASHIONPRENEUR TO WATCH

FASHIONPRENEUR GENRE: DESIGNER

NAME: WAMBUI MUKENYI

 YEAR: 2015 COLLECTION

Please leave us with a comment on what you think about wambui Mukenyi Designs .
Thank you

WHO IS A FASHIONPRENEUR??

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Hello again Fashionpreneurs, today i am here to clarify and Tell  you what qualifies one to be a Fashionpreneur(Kenya) and tell you what exactly a fashionpreneur Is.

NANCY MWAI THE BLOGGER

Many People Have been asking me!! . SIR, WHAT/WHO IS A FASHIONPRENEUR?
FASHIONPRENEUR is a male/female  who gracefully mixes fashion and entrepreneurship to build their empire in the fashion industry. Real fashionpreneurs are not limited to time or place for all they understand whats going on all around the globe in the fashion industry and are ready to move with it.

is a fashion lover, wifey, friend and a great daughter to an awesome woman - See more at: http://www.divastylecollection.com/2012/11/15/diva-of-the-weekwambui-mukenyi/#sthash.qn8fQeu8.dpuf

A fashionpreneur develops their own style  and doesn't believe in fads , wear what they want and is not afraid to mix match to get the taste they want with no fear, They do not need a lot of money either, they can shop Versace one day , hit the local shop the other day and finish up with finalizing look from the street the third day.
NOTE that to be A real fashionpreneur recognized by us be it you are a designer, stylist, makeup artist , Hair stylist, Nail stylist,Event planner, Business owner, or blogger, they are making moves and their business is always wrapped around the fashion arena
RECOGNITIONs: Today we recognize one Fashionpreneur. I am pretty sure you are familiar with  her face,

JUMIA KENYA GLAMOUR AWARDS 2015 NOMINEES

The Glamour awards are the new fashion awards in KENYA spearheaded by Nic. o. Junior the Founder and CEO EAST AFRICA FASHION WEEK...

SHARE | TAG | MENTION | COMMENT 

UPCOMING MODEL OF THE YEAR
Name Code
1 Eragon Whisper (KGA001)
2 Scoby Omollo (KGA002)
3 Ben Opiyo (KGA003)
4 Alex Kirimi (KGA004)
5 Hanningtone Gaya (KGA005)
UPCOMING FEMALE MODEL OF THE YEAR
Name Code
1 Eunice Anyango (KGA006)
2 Nayanka Singh (KGA007)
3 Wendy Omanga (KGA008)
3 Mercy Mulandi (KGA009)
5 Sulvia Shimanyula (KGA010)
TOP MALE MODEL OF THE YEAR
Name Code
1 Brian Onyango (KGA011)
2 Simon Mwai (KGA012)
3 Gabu Fords (KGA013)
4 Boaz Hosea (KGA014)
5 Jo Kisila (KGA015)
6 Nelvin Chuma (KGA016)
7 Kenson Njagi (KGA017)
TOP FEMALE MODEL OF THE YEAR

WELCOME BACK HOME PRINCESS

Lupita Nyong'o, on a return visit to her native Kenya, announced that she would be partnering with international conservation organization WildAid to advocate for a variety of issues, including elephant conservation and women's issues, as well as acting and the arts in Kenya. 

"I am proud of my Kenyan heritage, and part of that heritage is the incredible wildlife haven that is in our care," Nyong'o said at a Tuesday press conference in Nairobi. "I ask the world to end the current elephant poaching crisis by being 'Ivory Free.' It is time to ban sales of ivory worldwide and to consign the tragedy of the ivory trade to history."
Kenya banned ivory sales 25 years ago, though up to 33,000 elephants are still killed each year for their ivory, owing to an increased demand for the material in Asian countries.
"Brave and dedicated people are giving their lives to protect our elephants," Nyong'o said. "They need all of our support, from people in the United States and Asia by not buying ivory, and from Kenyans in supporting anti-poaching by reporting wildlife crime. Poaching undermines national security and endangers jobs and community support derived from tourism.(alex Heigl) 
On top of all that, she comes with The whole worlds fashiom to the country. Every media, every photographer whants a picture of her. Kenyans Missed You Our Only Princess.

____FASHION AND CULTURE____

________STARTING OUT AS A MODEL_______

           
One important thing to keep in mind when you are planning to start working as a model, or when you are already working with a modeling agency, is that while there are plenty of legitimate modeling agencies out there, there are plenty of scam artists trying to trick young, impressionable models.
When you start contacting modeling agencies, you should always do your homework on an agency's background. The internet can offer plenty of material on the legitimacy of a modeling agency, so use that information to your advantage.

Legitimate model agencies will never ask you for money. If an agency does ask for a fee when you sign up with them or even at a later stage, you should be alarmed as it is not common practice for legitimate modeling agencies. In addition, a trustworthy modeling agency would never ask for any money for test shoots or for building a portfolio.
Overall, a legitimate modeling agency should not be charging their models anything up-front. Legitimate agencies make their money once they have booked their models in modeling jobs. In other words, none of their income should come directly from their models, only from clients who want to book them.
Another very important point is that legitimate modeling agencies should never ask you to pose for nude photographs. Do not be fooled by an agency or an agent that says that in order to become a model, you need to take off all your clothes. Legitimate modeling agencies will never ask you to do that. Depending on the type of modeling you are looking to get into, a legit modeling agency or agent might ask you to pose in a swimming suit or in your underwear in order to know what your body type is.
Remember to read as much about the agency as possible before you contact or visit them. The more you know about the agency, the more informed you will be about the legitimacy of the establishment. It's important to start your modeling career with real professionals, so be careful, as not everyone is as trustworthy as they might seem.                                        

                                         ___F A S H I O N P R E N E U R     A D V I C E___