Swahili Fashion Week - Backstage

 Who would have thought that it would have been possible for a blogger to get backstage passes at the Swahili Fashion Week??

Not me... Even as Tifa and I were asking for the passes, I didn’t think we’d actually get them because Washington – the lovely gentleman who’d reserved the front row seats for us – mentioned something about them being few or exclusive.  Thank God I was able to nab one.

I got to the venue (Michael Joseph Centre at Safaricom House) at about 6:30pm, 1.5hrs before the show, so I could chat up the designers and take some pictures. I think I must have been backstage for about 15minutes just gawking, listening and chatting people up before I realised I’d left Binti in the car. Silly me.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle and the occasional “EVERYBODY LISTEN UP!!” going on back there. I could tell the models and designers were excited about the show as they were busy trying to do last minute fittings. The energy back there was palpable and everybody seemed so engrossed in what they were doing that I almost felt invisible! I could snap up any picture and no one really asked questions.

But even despite all the exciting chaos, whenever I’d approach a designer to ask a few questions about their line or a certain piece, they would always be so warm and patient with me.

And let me not even start with the gorgeous models and the constant smizing and fabulous poses. They too would be so patient whenever I asked to take their picture!

It was really awesome you guys, hope these pictures are able to take you backstage with me. 

 I think this lady is gorgeous. I mean,  GAW-JUS.

 Mashariki Mix in the house

 So just to give you a little background info on SFW, it was founded by a Tanzanian named Mustafa and it's been running annually since 2008. This was its debut in Kenya with a total of 16 designers showcasing their work - most were from Kenya but some were from Tanzania. Besides Tanzania and now Kenya, the event is also held in Zanzibar and it's said to be the largest fashion show in East and Central Africa! 

 Designer: Mohamed Bana. 

Fawzzia and I

 This is Washington. Say cheese my man!

 Designer: Wangechi Muriithi.

Designer: Patricia Mbela

(on the left)

 Miss Jay and Jamil Walji

 Designer: Shenuhooda. 

 Photographers were armed with big guns. I really should invest in a new lens for Binti..

 Designer: Jamil Walji

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and thanks for dropping by!

Edit to Add: More pics from the actual show will be up soon!