GEN(ius) ART(iculated): GenArt Goes Global?
GenArt Global: Kenya
Say HELLO to: Franklin ”Kenyan Stylista” Saiyalel
Age: 22 years
Occupation: Fashion Blogger/Stylist/Designer
Hometown: Nairobi
When did you start your blog?: I started my blog (KenyanStylista.tumblr.com) January 2010 and it has grown tremendously!
How would you describe Nairobi’s fashion scene?: Fashion is now growing fast in Nairobi, before it was such a drag! People are now seriously dressing up for events, music concerts, fashion shows; its becoming such a big deal now because everyone wants to be in the Tabloids. (Laughs) Which is good because before when people were invited to themed parties or black tie events, people hardly dressed up!
What are the key trends right now in Nairobi?: The key trends right now in Kenya are clothes made from African fabric; people are now starting to appreciate the local textile industries.
What are your must haves for this season?:
1. Chino pants—fitted ones to be exact.
2. The “Stingy” fedora; it’s perfect for giving a dose of attitude to even the dourest suit and tie ensemble.
3. Plastic Aviators. Why plastic? It’s simply an updated version of the aviator trend from several seasons ago, where almost every eyewear designer released their own take on the iconic big frames.
What other Kenyan blogs do you follow?: Kenyan Blogs I follow: Nanciemwai.com, her blog is about her style and she is the only one I have seen that has pulled it off so well in maintaining a personal fashion blog
Media Madness, he is the Perez Hilton Of Kenya; he will say it as it is, ain’t no shame. From politics to entertainment, he has it on lock!
If you pressed play on your iPod right now, what would it be playing?: I love Nigerian music, Asa Naeto C, Timaya, WizKid…I always find myself bogeying to them. They just have a fantastic rhythm to dance to. I listen to a few local artists like Sara Mitaru, Ma3, SautiSol&!51;reason being, they sing what really I can relate to! And the rest include Rihanna, Mary J Blige, Trey Songz and recently I started listening to rap music, so you will find lots of Drake, Lil Wayne and Kanye.
Who are your top three designers?: Locally, Patricia Mbela. I style my clients with her clothes, she always has what I need! There is also John Kaveke, his suits have a good finishing. Internationally, gosh, there are sooo many…Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen (God rest his soul), Balenciaga and Nigeria’s Deola Sagoe.
What is something you would absolutely never wear?: Shiny or Glittery clothes and clothes that are too loose fitting.
Twitter of Facebook?: Twitter all the way.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go (and how would you pack!): Tokyo, I love their street style and the stuff there is quite affordable. How would I pack: Probably a big empty suitcase to carry all the new clothes that I will buy from there, plus my iPod, and lotsa cash—SHOPPING!
Who was your favorite designer at the Tribal Chic fashion show?: My Favorite designers were Adele Dejak and Katungulu Mwendwa.
What was the best part of the event? The best part was before and after the show, the guests in attendance had the chance to interact. I got to meet and talk to international actress/model, Noa Tisby who was in attendance with Emmanuelle Chriqui.
Follow Mr. Kenyan Stylista himself for all the deets on local Kenyan style (and sass!) on Twitter
www.genart.com