Step back sisters, 2015 is year for male fashionistas

A model at a past show. FILE PHOTO | CHARLES KAMAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• New year will take standards to higher level, say experts.
• Men are now more conscious of their clothing and are not afraid to push the fashion boundaries.

By NJOKI CHEGE
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Year 2014 saw the rise and rise of various fashion trends. The year 2015 will be no different in setting higher standards in the world of fashion and beauty, pundits say.

Carol Odero, an award-winning fashion journalist predicts that men’s wear will be the next big thing in the world of fashion in the year 2015 all through to 2018.

We are set to see more male fashionistas in the coming years because men are now more conscious of their clothing and are not afraid to push the fashion boundaries.

Local designers and fashion bloggers are also set to strike it rich in 2015, but with a caveat.

“A lot of them are bent on the ‘selfie-culture’, which is all about ‘me’, but they can gain traction and make 2015 their year if they study international fashion trends and process those international trends for the local market.

“They need to make themselves relevant because there are higher expectations and people are more conscious of fashion,” says Carol.

LOCAL DESIGNS

Fashion experts reckon that all attention will gravitate towards the young, relatively known designers because there will be bigger markets for local affordable designs. Kenyans are more likely to resonate with local designs beyond the wedding dresses and find something to wear on normal days.

The Kenyan beauty industry is also expected to grow notches higher in 2015. Things are already looking up, with local products such as Suzie Beauty gaining momentum in the Kenyan market.

International brands such a MAC have also shown interest in the Kenyan market, which only means one thing; Kenyan women are set to be more conscious of their polish and make up.

“The make-up industry is growing with big international entrants,” Carol says.

PERSONALISED CHOICES

And what of the fashion trends such as the undying peplum — the 2012 trend that has refused to die in Kenya as it has internationally? As is the norm for Kenyans to be innovative and creative, they have built on international trends such as the peplum, making it more high-fashion and geometric.

Little wonder that Kenyans have now shifted from keeping up with international fashion trends that change every spring and summer, and are now focused on personalising their fashion choices.

“The year 2015 will see the rise of individuality in fashion and people who want to create their own unique styles. People are now more interested in dressing their body types than keeping up with international fashion trends that are so hard to keep up with,” Carol contends.

All the same, if you have the energy and time to keep up with international fashion trends to dress your body type, do not be afraid to delve into the retros and bold colours and florals because that is what 2015 will be all about.

Bold florals are slowly edging their way into fashion’s hall of fame as colourful blossoms on clothes are now a classic look. You can play around with your florals by incorporating new patterns as long as you stick to the course; florals must be big, bold and beautiful.

Remember the Culotte? We are going way back and reviving the wide leg cropped graceful midi-pants. Anthea Turner, a fashion columnist with the UK's Daily Mail gives you every reason to love the culotte. Culottes, she says, “a strange skirt/shorts hybrid, are said to have the practicality and comfort of trousers, but the feminine look of a skirt”. Go back to the 80’s in style and wear the culotte for evening elegance or a relaxed Saturday afternoon.

Colour blocking. So 2013? Think again! Colour blocking is a tried and tested fashion trend that has stood the test of time and will be here to stay.