Style Curator, Koya Nyangi of Let Me Show You Different introduced Denver to African culture through music, food and of course, fashion.
From start to finish, the African-inspired show immersed the audience in all things African culture. Food was served to guests buffet style and an interactive drum segment featuring the audience helped set the cultural feel of the show. Originally from Kenya, Nyangi has an extra personal tie and a deep love for her culture — which was reflected in the show.
“Introducing my Africa and Africa through the eyes of the designers,” she said during introductions.
LaaniRaani
Designer Shamyra Moodley of LaaniRaani opened the show by having models enter through a garage door to the runway. From the impeccable details to the colorful patterns, the upcycled collection was the perfect introduction to African fashion. Though it may seem questionable combining unconventional patterns, colors and textures, Moodley tied in her African, Indian and Irish heritage which reflected beautifully in every garment. Each piece was timeless with quirky silhouettes that made for a playful yet jaw dropping collection.
Margaux Wong
Made from cow horns, brass and ethically sourced materials, designer Margaux Wong tied in African culture through jewelry pieces. Wong partners with local artisans to combat waste and preserve the African heritage – this was evident in every earring, necklace, belt and arm piece. To really emphasize the beauty of each jewelry piece, models wore muted tones, simple textured linen tops and walked the runway barefoot. This really drew the audiences’ eye to Wong’s wearable art. Though each piece was more grand than the next, Wong showed that jewelry is much more than an average accessory and it truly can elevate any look.
Kiko Romeo + Bags by The Label Saba
Inspired by traditional Swahili prints and patterns, designer of Kiko Romeo, Iona McCreath showed what traditional Swahili garments look like with a modern twist. Each print is designed with a traditional Kanga in mind, this is a bright colored printed cloth with a Swahili proverb. This was seen in the linen clothing and the colorful hand stitching. The pops of color layered over each garment helped bring the Swahili garments to life. Though the clothes were showstoppers, models were seen carrying handcrafted leather bags from The Label Saba. Bag designer Nthenya is the first African designer to have her bag at the Grammys red carpet worn by Viola Davis.
Sevaria
Designer Jamie Kimani brought a collection inspired by the tribes in East Africa. He incorporated decorative patterns that Maasai women and children drew on their Manyatta homes. Kimani also used the marks young warriors of the Surma and Maasai wore and reflected that in the prints and natural textiles that dominate the elegant looks. This is seen in the materials of every garment and the unique textures. Through each look, the African influences were notably interwoven through the oversized accessories, unique layering and fabrics. One model wore an off the shoulder dress made out of fringe while another wore a brown matching set with gold pieces dangling off of it. Needless to say, Kimani’s combination of rich textures and fabrics made Sevaria one of the most notable collections.
Adele Dejak
Designed and handmade in Kenya, designer Adele Dejak brought edgy African luxury fashion and accessories to the runway. Made out of recycled materials from across the African continent, Dejak let her jewelry speak for itself with minimal and neutral colored clothing. Each piece incorporated African traditional designs with a modern European style making for a stunning collection. Every jewelry piece served a purpose in how it was styled on each model truly emphasizing the beauty of each handcrafted piece. Dejak integrates local materials and traditional designs with a modern European style — for that it was the perfect way to end the show.
The African led show took the audience on a journey through Africa and really showcased the beautiful culture in the best way possible. It’s through the interactive experience and impeccable craftsmanship of the designers that Nyangi truly introduced Denver to African culture and for that, it was an experience unlike any other.
Nyangi did — in fact — show the audience something different.
Photos by Roxanna Carrasco
Hair: Keva Morris and Tennisia Littleton
Makeup: Daja Herrera and Cydney Staples
Editors note 6/8: Corrected from African American to African in order to correctly reflect the culture throughout the show and corrected the location from Zimbabwe to Kenya.