Kaine’s simple, sensual and sexy collection
Dec 13, 2004
FOR many Ugandan women, the <i>kanga</i>, also known as the <i>leesu</i>, is a must-have item of clothing. This multi-purpose piece of cloth serves many purposes. It is an apron, a bathrobe, a tummy trimmer for new mothers, and a wrapper. Muslim women wrap it around their bodies and use it to cover
By Keturah Kamugasa
FOR many Ugandan women, the kanga, also known as the leesu, is a must-have item of clothing. This multi-purpose piece of cloth serves many purposes. It is an apron, a bathrobe, a tummy trimmer for new mothers, and a wrapper. Muslim women wrap it around their bodies and use it to cover their heads when they go to the mosque.
Despite its many uses, few Ugandan women will be seen in public wearing it as a dress. In fact, it is Angelina Wapakhabulo who launched it here, but it did not catch on very well. Well, this is set to change.
The House of Kaine has designed easy-to-wear dresses out of the leesu. Out of the four collections the fashion house showcased, the kanga collection was one of the best received. Guests in Victoria Ball Room at Speke Resort Munyonyo could hardly contain their excitement last Saturday.
Each creation out of the leesu was anticipated. “It was the colours. They are so vibrant and alive,†one fashion enthusiast exclaimed. For me, this collection was a winner because it brought out the simple and complex aspects of Africa. It made one feel carefree, relaxed and yet elegant and vibrant at the same time. It was a truly great collection that touched the Africanness of the guests to the core.
The next best collection was the linen one. Like its predecessor, this was a collection that everybody could relate to. The clothes appeared comfortable, carefree, easy-to-wear and yet sensual and sexy. I’m not one for dull colours and I wished there were some reds, pinks and yellows. But then again, vibrant colours might have drawn attention away from the simplicity of the designs. This too was a great collection that truly celebrated womanhood.
This year, there was a guest designer, Paula Butagira of Flair.
Her clothes were the epitome of elegance. Butagira’s unique designs balanced the show very well because she used vibrant colours. There was the black chiffon dress, split of both sides, worn over red satin trousers. The fuchsia and pale gray outfit was also a winner because it could suit a woman of any size. Ruffles are in and Butagira used them quite well on her black and white evening gown. All in all, her clothes were elegant, feminine and wearable.
The House of Kaine evening wear was not what I expected. Compared to last year’s outfits and those showcased at Kampala Casino in October this year, her 2005 collection left a lot to be desired. It’s not because they were simple. Natasha has always chosen simplicity, which works well for her designs.
The wedding collection was different. Its appeal was that the gowns were not the usual kind you find in most bridal parlours. In other words they were not fussy and overdone. What stood out was the putting of a Basque over the bodice. The cream brocade gown was also quite elegant. This also turned out to be a good collection that no doubt will be improved on with time.
Men were not left out. The male models who had obviously invested time in the gym excited female guests. Knights Polo of Garden City showcased suits, casual wear, casual-smart and sports wear. In the end, the fashion show was a success because of the variety of designers. These included Salon Ultra, Lugogo Mall, the hairstylists of the day. J&V Beauty Parlour did make up.
The show that started an hour late seemed to end too soon. But this was to whet our appetite according to Nukuri Mizero of House of Kaine. “So you can now come down to the shop and see what we have,†she said.
In her speech, the First Lady commended Natasha Karugire and other young people for being creative and innovative. However, she emphasised the need to produce quality in order to compete at national and international level.
“These are exciting times for Uganda. Exciting especially for these young people who are spreading their wings and trying out their talent,†Mrs Museveni observed.
Indeed, it was an exciting time. Those who arrived early were able to try their luck at gambling at the Kampala Casino stall. There were other exhibitors like infomania, salon ultra, Knights Polo and Gem, a jewellery shop. These kept people busy instead of just waiting around.
Among the first to appear was MTN’s Rita Okuthe, resplendent in a wine evening gown. Ian and Robby Clarke were also on time.
After the show, people hang around to drink, eat and exchange business cards. Like the first lady said, fashion has indeed become a glamourous affair.
Till next year!
FOR many Ugandan women, the kanga, also known as the leesu, is a must-have item of clothing. This multi-purpose piece of cloth serves many purposes. It is an apron, a bathrobe, a tummy trimmer for new mothers, and a wrapper. Muslim women wrap it around their bodies and use it to cover their heads when they go to the mosque.
Despite its many uses, few Ugandan women will be seen in public wearing it as a dress. In fact, it is Angelina Wapakhabulo who launched it here, but it did not catch on very well. Well, this is set to change.
The House of Kaine has designed easy-to-wear dresses out of the leesu. Out of the four collections the fashion house showcased, the kanga collection was one of the best received. Guests in Victoria Ball Room at Speke Resort Munyonyo could hardly contain their excitement last Saturday.
Each creation out of the leesu was anticipated. “It was the colours. They are so vibrant and alive,†one fashion enthusiast exclaimed. For me, this collection was a winner because it brought out the simple and complex aspects of Africa. It made one feel carefree, relaxed and yet elegant and vibrant at the same time. It was a truly great collection that touched the Africanness of the guests to the core.
The next best collection was the linen one. Like its predecessor, this was a collection that everybody could relate to. The clothes appeared comfortable, carefree, easy-to-wear and yet sensual and sexy. I’m not one for dull colours and I wished there were some reds, pinks and yellows. But then again, vibrant colours might have drawn attention away from the simplicity of the designs. This too was a great collection that truly celebrated womanhood.
This year, there was a guest designer, Paula Butagira of Flair.
Her clothes were the epitome of elegance. Butagira’s unique designs balanced the show very well because she used vibrant colours. There was the black chiffon dress, split of both sides, worn over red satin trousers. The fuchsia and pale gray outfit was also a winner because it could suit a woman of any size. Ruffles are in and Butagira used them quite well on her black and white evening gown. All in all, her clothes were elegant, feminine and wearable.
The House of Kaine evening wear was not what I expected. Compared to last year’s outfits and those showcased at Kampala Casino in October this year, her 2005 collection left a lot to be desired. It’s not because they were simple. Natasha has always chosen simplicity, which works well for her designs.
The wedding collection was different. Its appeal was that the gowns were not the usual kind you find in most bridal parlours. In other words they were not fussy and overdone. What stood out was the putting of a Basque over the bodice. The cream brocade gown was also quite elegant. This also turned out to be a good collection that no doubt will be improved on with time.
Men were not left out. The male models who had obviously invested time in the gym excited female guests. Knights Polo of Garden City showcased suits, casual wear, casual-smart and sports wear. In the end, the fashion show was a success because of the variety of designers. These included Salon Ultra, Lugogo Mall, the hairstylists of the day. J&V Beauty Parlour did make up.
The show that started an hour late seemed to end too soon. But this was to whet our appetite according to Nukuri Mizero of House of Kaine. “So you can now come down to the shop and see what we have,†she said.
In her speech, the First Lady commended Natasha Karugire and other young people for being creative and innovative. However, she emphasised the need to produce quality in order to compete at national and international level.
“These are exciting times for Uganda. Exciting especially for these young people who are spreading their wings and trying out their talent,†Mrs Museveni observed.
Indeed, it was an exciting time. Those who arrived early were able to try their luck at gambling at the Kampala Casino stall. There were other exhibitors like infomania, salon ultra, Knights Polo and Gem, a jewellery shop. These kept people busy instead of just waiting around.
Among the first to appear was MTN’s Rita Okuthe, resplendent in a wine evening gown. Ian and Robby Clarke were also on time.
After the show, people hang around to drink, eat and exchange business cards. Like the first lady said, fashion has indeed become a glamourous affair.
Till next year!