BY RAVNEET SEHMI
PHOTOS BY DHRUV SHAH
Coming off of a weekend filled to the brim with an eclectic edit of international & local designers and fashion brands of deluxe couture, pret wedding attire, accessories, elegant western ensembles and lifestyle niceties – this year’s DIVAlicious served up some serious style and trends.
The two-day soiree hosted at Trademark Hotel saw heavy footfall from all fashion, accessory and lifestyle lovers peruse the 60 fashion brands and designer wear labels, 45 of whom where international vendors and 15 local brands.
Many would agree it was a celebration of fashion and a creatively curated event by DIVAlicious Founder Vanitaa Bhatia (pictured left).
“In the nine years we have exhibited in Nairobi, this is our biggest and most loved showcase. We had some hitches some years ago, but we have transformed this platform into something much bigger and deeper for the fashion-conscious consumer. In terms of curation, we have edgy and highly sought after labels, and the discerning buyer is very much aware when it comes to global trends,” she intimates.
From wedding attire to casual outfits, from daily wear to luxe pret – the vendors in this curation had it all. This time round, there were seemingly more jewellery and accessory brands and Vanitaa also added a home décor category. Designers and fashion labels from India, Dubai, Thailand, Greece and Pakistan also showed their collections.
Interestingly, to back local brands – Vanitaa offered 15 local brands space free of charge to support the market here too.
A stroll through the hallways, and it was evident there was different silhouettes, styles and cuts from luxurious sarees, dhotis, court suits, pleated tops, contemporary anarkalis, pastel and bold-coloured diffusion wear, jump suits, kurtas, and statement jewellery for the taking.
Having showcased with DIVAlicious for eight years is brand SVA by Sonam and Paras Modi, who let on “Nairobi has been a lucrative market to our brand. We have intelligently designed the collection to mix and match it in a way there’s something for every shape, size and age and it has been a pleasure serving this market as they are very akin to their styles and global trends.”
Another highlight of the event was celebrated Indian fashion designer Vikram Phadnis.who has visited Kenya before. He intimated, “It is unreal the kind of love and the footfall we have seen in two days at the event. The Indian community here has evolved in what their fashion preferences are and they know what’s fashionable. My collection is a festive edit – it is edgy, colourful, not too much embroidery but enough to be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. The association with Vanitaa has been for the past couple of seasons, she knows the Nairobi crowd and how to curate for it. So, it’s been a pleasure.”
Some designers that showcased included The Arab Crab, Basil Leaf, Adhvan Goa, Azuli by Nikki, Whimsical by Shica, Dinesh Malkani, Kiran Shah, Stir Me, Simba Maharani, Something Gorgeous by Devleena and Glitterati Jewels among many others.
Here’s some moments from the event.