Thoughtful colours and patterns at Qetenggei launch

Feb 11, 2014

Last Friday Qetenggei, an urban studio fashion hub, and Kaya shoes, a shoe line held a fashion showcase at Park Royale mall. Fashion savvy Ugandans thronged the place to be a part of the show case of the African tradition wear called Qetenggei that started with a cocktail in the lounge of the Menu

By Solomon Muleyi

Last Friday Qetenggei, an urban studio fashion hub, and Kaya shoes, a shoe line held a fashion showcase at Park Royale mall. Fashion savvy Ugandans thronged the place to be a part of the show case of the African tradition wear called Qetenggei that started with a cocktail in the lounge of the Menu 24 café.

They took occasional strolls around the lounge where the Qetenggei fabrics were displayed as they sipped on cocktails and danced leisurely to the music the DJ was playing.

It was a night of sharing ideas as fashion forward men and women challenged themselves to quizzes about what was needed to make the theme a better one.

The Qetenggei fabrics were a broad spectrum in itself, tailored to meet every age group’s taste and inclination as they were draped in thoughtful colours and patterns making the display a splendid one that saw many of the revellers use it as a back ground to take pictures.

Among the fabrics on display were Real Wax, London Wax, Lacquer Print, Kitenge Rotto, Uniwax and Baza Tie & Die.

The biggest highlight of the night however were the Kaya shoes made from the Qetenggei fabric and leather.

The display of the Kaya shoes, inside the Qetenggei shop, was small but was thronged by many people who found the view of the Kaya shoe line ensemble enthralling.

The shoes’ cloths were draped in colourful Qetenggei patterns and a strong leather material joined the cloth at the sole in both the women and men’s shoes.

“We are here to promote Africa, we cater to the proud Ugandans who believe in who they are and we take our history and roots with us everywhere we go, we proudly wear it on our faces and now – on our backs and feet” said Martin Manzi, co-owner of Qetenggei.

“The character of the brand is that of the creators and it is an aspirational mind space for every young African to be in - organic, beautiful, proud, fearless, comfortable in her skin, in-charge of her life, intelligent and street-wise.”