What I'm Wearing Now

I'm a huge fun of japanese brand Uniqlo and I own several pieces by them. Despite the weird name and High Street status, Uniqlo is known for their fierce attention to detail and the quality of materials used and no wardrobe from New York to London is without one a crisp white oxford shirt or a knitted tie by Uniqlo. Simple, cheap and effective.

Recently they teamed up with Jil Sander, the famed German minimalist designer and came up with +J. The line has been met with critical acclaim, awards and overwhelming demand especially in this post-financial crisis, escalating oil prices economy. Bringing in Sander's minimalism and (almost) architectural design to down to the common man. A friend of mine recently got me two pieces from the most recent collection. My good friend had to hustle in the shop in the wee hours, elbowing youths and grannies alike to get his hands on the precious merchandise.

Here's what he found:

1.) Woolen Slim Fit Jacket

Perfect for nights out with the boys and garden weddings. And the office definitely. The jackets cuts a very flattering silhouette. 

2.) Windbreaker

Then there's this slightly futuristic jacket which is perfect for the now very unpredictable rainy season. I got mine in cobalt blue (as above). The prospect of cold and wet has never looked so good.

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the women's line:

A cotton high waist coat

Stand collar, long sleeved shirt dress.

19th Century Fashion by way of The Matrix.

Favourite Things: The STINGO

I featured some of STINGO's work earlier this year over here. The magazine has grown since then, churning new, exiting and original photo spreads for a hungry public. They have also showcased some of Kenya's emerging design talent such as Sheila Amolo, Kardi Kepha and Cyrus Kabiru not to mention their beautiful models. A uniquely Kenyan concept by a young and talented bunch.

You can check them out here: www.thestingo.com/

Favourite Things: BONK

Discover BONK for their serious trendy slim fit tees as well as their solidly coloured fitted polos. The brand, wholly Kenyan and all, has built a small cult like following and they don't skimp on the quality plus everything is made in Kenya so it's good for the economy.

Browse through their exiting catalogue at www.bonk.co.ke or visit their sole outlet in Mpaka Road, Westlands (below Red Tape).

Favourite Things: The Perfect Pair of Jeans

I don't buy clothes often but when I do I try to buy clothes with timeless style or something I'm going to wear for at least a year. My father, a well-dressed man, always emphasises the importance of quality and style. For instance he still wears the same pair of wingtips he bought 15 years ago. Sure it costs a bundle (and could probably employ a couple of Grade A government employees very happy) but a good pair of jeans like a good shoe should last for many years, weathering all sorts of seasonal or even cyclical fashion fads.

After months of searching I finally found the pair by Gap for their 1969 Premium Jeans collection. The jeans were moderately priced, for some, for me they blew right through my clothing budget for the year but they were worth it. I like the simplicity of the construction, the jeans are not unnecessarily faded, distressed or torn making them a truly versatile component of ones wardrobe. So there you have it. This seasons must have item - the perfect pair of jeans. Pair these with a good blazer or slim leather jacket and formal boots. A pair Converse would also be fine.

Trends: New Shorts

Living smack dab on the equator means Kenya has no definite climatic seasonal changes and therefore not fashion seasons. I live in the southern hemisphere so its winter here meaning that you’re more likely to trip up on a pair of UGGs than Havianas (the converse is true up North).

There has been a movement all over the place to formalise the lowly shorts and since it is rarely cold in Nairobi, they are a very legitimate form of dress even in the deepest gloom of July. These New Shorts are fairly well short, I call them New Shorts but they are more conventionally known as smart shorts for those in the know. They end mid-thigh on the runway but for purposes of practicality and self-preservation I recommend they be worn just above the knee. Never below after all we’re not brutes.

These New Shorts are not baggy; in fact they fit well (some say tailored) much like a formal pair of trousers so getting the correct size (and length) is important. In the spirit of summer they come in outlandish colours but also more conservative hues – a perfect replacement to the weekend khakis. Pair the shorts with a good polo (the croc or the man on the horse are obvious staples). Bonk does an excellent job to and it's Kenyan (can I hear an amen?). Top it off with a contrasting blazer or sports jacket if you’re brave enough. For footwear jam your foot into a good boat shoe, deck shoes (in suede) or loafers in some crazed summer shade. Low profile canvas shoes could also do. Loose the socks.

Finding good quality clothing is tricky in Nairobi so poke around your local mitumba stalls are better still send off someone for them. Some good affordable brands (and personal favourites) are Topman, Uniqlo and H&M. if not then raid your wardrobe, grab your old golf/weekend khakis, wear them and with a pencil mark a spot directly below your knee. Take them off and furiously scissor the trousers. Now wear them and finally cuff the bottom of the shorts unassumingly, and your done. You now look instantly clean, crisp, slimmed down. The quintessential debonair. Now go buy some steaks.

It almost goes without saying – take care of those legs. I’m not saying shave your legs but rather trim them loosely much like a last gardener or a mod-artist - a natural look. Maybe this way we can (further) un-blur the line between the Neanderthal and The Modern Kenyan Man.