The Designers Studio
Pegged as Kenya’s largest shopping mall, Two Rivers Mall, along Limuru Road, Nairobi, has finally opened its doors to shoppers. One of the freshest stores to check out is The Designers Studio and indeed it’s a breath of fresh air for those who associate malls with imported clothing (read somewhat outdated offshore fashions).
The shop features local designers Adele Dejak, Akinyi Adongo, Deepa Dosaja, Ikojn (who I personally love) Canvas and Kangas, Njema Helena, Koroo among others. The Designers Studio has also for some time run a successful fashion blog foucssing on local designers and an online store, be sure to check them out when you visit.
Blackstreet and SWV
“I like the way you work it
Trumped tight, all day, every day
You’re blowing my mind, maybe in time
Baby, I can get you in my ride” – No Diggity, Blackstreet
Now if you were a born in the 90s, you might vaguely remember Blackstreet and SWV but if you ‘grew up’ in the 90s then you are may be more familiar with these two groups especially if you partook in an almost binge like consumption of American music. This was Real R&B not the pop radio tailored version you hear on radio today. I’m talking ‘cry in the rain R&B’, ‘my girl left me and I’ll do anything to get her back R&B’, Break up music R&B that didn’t make silly declarations like “Weeee are never ever ever getting back togetherrr!” but rather, simply let the song cry. Of course there are still some good R&b artists today but it’s not the same as Boys To Men, New Edition, Toni Braxton… and the genius that was Teddy Riley’s production/songwriting skills and creation of New Jack Swing. If the early 80s brought us 808s, the 90s took it and run with it. This Saturday, Blackstreet and SWV (I geeeeeet so weeeak”) will be doing their thing at KICC, Nairobi. Check them out if you want to sing along to some great throwbacks…tickets available on mookh
Peperuka
If you have not heard of the uniquely Kenyan brand Peperuka by now, you must be living under a rock. Using funny catchphrases, bold colours and beautiful designs, Peperuka which means ‘to soar’ in Kiswahili is a Kenyan T-shirt company that was started by Wangari Nyanjui in 2006 it has since diversified to include metal mugs(remember those?) , coasters, fridge magnets and other cool things. Peperuka has opened their first brick and mortar store on Riara Road, Kilimani. Be sure to check it out if you are running out of gift ideas or just need to update your Kenyanese with a new top..
As always, this makes my Friday!
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Thanks for reading Wambui! Stay fresh!