If resilience was anything to go by, then the JW Show has gone out of its way to demonstrate just that, on behalf of the entire fashion industry in Kenya.
As COVID19 continues to ravage businesses and spread havoc on its pathway, the Kenyan Fashion Industry needed a voice. It needed a big brother, a captain of industry, a talisman to stand up to the pandemic and take one for the team. That big brother, was the JW Fashion Show that took place on 28th of November 2020.
Without a doubt, the JW Show continues to emerge as the leading fashion show in the entire East and Central Africa. From the choreography, to the quality of designs, to the models who strut the runway, to the purchasing power of the audience, to the stage set up, the panel discussion, the moderators/ hosts of the show, the special guests you name it! They are like that sticky rolling stone that gathers everything on its path.
The 2020 edition was a major campaign that saw a lot of changes to the programming in sheer adherence to the COVID19 Protocols. The crowd was limited to 300 pax, there were no judges to award points to the upcoming designers, there was no showcasing by the established designers, and therefore there were no winners! This is majorly because of the social distancing guidelines that have to be strictly followed, and the curfew hours which strike by 10pm, meaning the curtains have to be redrawn atleast 2 hours before. If going by the book was a person, then Mr. Jeffrey Wilson, founder and creative director of the JW show, would be that guy.
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The lucky 300 people were well entertained by two amazing hosts, Ms. Aziza Hashim alias ‘King Ziey’, and Mr. Clive Lupao, who were coming on as hosts for the first time since the first edition in 2013. They were quick to thank those who have gone before them, in the persons of Ms. Angela Wambui, Mr. Kevin Mafumbo and Ms. Charity Gachenge among others, for holding the fort and keeping the smiles of the beautiful audience all these years. The dynamic duo seeks to take over the mantle and cruise the JW Show to greater heights in future editions.
Just like the 2019 edition, the chief Guest this year was the charismatic Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Kenyan Film Classification Board. With his aura and influence, he has managed to give KFCB a strong voice in the creative industry, and his contribution to the show this year was immense, including being generous enough to provide the Nairobi Film Center (formerly Nairobi Cinema) for the showcase this year.
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Dr. Ezekiel emphasized on the need for Kenyan creatives to focus on producing clean content that is devoid of nudity, vulgarity, abuse, and is palatable by all audiences across board.
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Other great partners for the show this year included Immersion Limited by Ms. Sangeeta Patel, Status Concepts by Mr. Kruss Mabonga, Tulivu waters, Redbull, Maverickx 365 and the Doreen Majala Foundation.
Now that we have the formalities out of the way, let’s now dive into the part you’ve been waiting for! Fashion Designers At The JW Show 2020 – Nairobi Fashion Extravaganza
Delight Tailoring Fashion and Design School was one major key for the event this year. They provided training grounds for the models, and most of the designers who were showcasing this year. Being a fashion school, Delight Africa for many years now, has accorded their students a good platform to be mentored and have an industry experience while they’re still learning. Most of the designers were their students, who also received extra mentorship and training from established names in the industry in the likes of Ms. Liz Njoroge, who was also one of the panelists.
A total of 11 upcoming fashion design houses were showcasing that evening, thanks to the 17 models who were well trained and choreographed by Ms. Nivea Debra and Mr. Cliff Mageto, with support from Ms. Sangeeta Patel, Ms. Sheila Nkirote and Mr. Victor Mogaka. The make up artist plays such an important role in fashion, and this year, Stacy Makeup line was doing us the honors. The professional models strutting the runway this year included Ms. Anok Marial, Ms. Ann Amondi, Ms. Brunah Ogutu, Ms. Joy Ngaruiya, Ms. Faith Biwott, Ms. Adut Nyieth, Ms. Gayle Ataro, Ms. Dessy Odeka, Ms. Cynthia Mideva, Mr. Bill Clinton, Mr. Henry Kipkorir, Mr. Blair Otieno, Ms. Shiley Mukoko, Mr. Keith Abonyo, Ms. Abigael Atieno, Ms. Ruth Magero and Ms. Olive Muteti.
The JW show gives great promise to the Kenyan Fashion Industry with regular events that are well planned, well executed and aimed at empowering the young people, who are the majority in the industry.
The show has huge plans of expansion next year, with big deals coming along by international partners, and the Kenyan Fashion industry can only anticipate a major drift in the coming years.
In July 2020, The JW Show went into the annals of Kenyan Fashion, by organizing the first ever Virtual Fashion Show in light of the Corona Virus Pandemic. The mini-show, which served as a preview of the main event in November, sought to keep the fashion conversation in Kenya alive, by allowing budding designers to innovate around COVID19 and look into the future of dressing for different professions with the new protocols in mind. Here is a sneak peak of the July event.
Did you attend the JW Show 2020, or were you following the show live from the comfort of your home? Which designer stood out for you the most? Leave your comments down below and remember to share this article widely.
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