If you have been looking for that high end high fashion event with exclusive culinary experience, unlimited drinks, high profile designers and a range of boutiques with haute couture to choose from, then you should probably pinch yourself so hard for missing out on this year’s Fashion High Tea.
All photos courtesy of TOJO PHOTOGRAPHY
Being one of the leading high fashion events in Kenya, the Fashion High Tea, for 8 consecutive years now has managed to put together a colorful and one of the most rewarding fashion events on this side of the Sahara. Every year, in February or early March the Fashion High Tea brings together multiple designers to showcase what we as Fotophreak could comfortably say are designs that could rank highly on a world stage competition. And although this year the event came at a time of heavy outpouring of the rains, the venue, Zen Garden Restaurant was full to capacity! Nobody who is well aware about what goes on a stage like this could afford to miss out.
Each year, proceeds from the event go towards selected charitable courses, and with just over 480 tickets going at Ksh 6500 sold, the event was a big success. This year, the money collected will be directed to supporting the Hope and Faith Centre for disabled in Juja Constituency, Kiambu County. A home that empowers the disabled to overcome limitations and become self reliant through psychosocial, spiritual and intellectual intervention. The center also creates awareness about disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy within the community.
The menu, which is a big part of the event included the Zen Sushi rolls on ice, wood fired pizzas, Chicken Empanadas, mini burgers, Vintage praline tortes among othe delicacies that kept the guests feeling okay all the way from 2 pm into the evening. The liquid pop ups included Dalmore Single Malt whiskey, Cointreau Cocktail bar, The green All’s and Tonic Square, Kericho Gold, just to name but a few.
The event organizers, led by Shivani Radia, who is the Zen Garden Managing Director and proprietor of Fashion High Tea, try every year, to breathe some new life and fresh vibe into the event.
It was the first time in 8 years to partner with a bank, Barclays, the French airline Air France and also adopting a new theme and art installations. Subati flowers went all out this year with blooming flowers that literally transformed the whole place into a floral beauty haven.
The guests were also treated to raffle giveaways including breakfast in bed and private beach dinner for two, for two nights at Swahili Beach Hotel and two return tickets to Paris courtesy of Air France; among many other exciting offers.
The designers list this year included Zoe Sevak (Kenya), Mara Elle from Kenya, Koki Designs of Kenya/ Ethiopia, Kapoeta by Ambica (Kenya), Hamaji from Kenya/ Berlin, Potpourri from India, African Classics (Kenya) and 33 ART from the United Kingdom. The boutiques also constituted designers from around the world including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, India and Ethiopia.
Speaking to Fotophreak Magazine after the event, runway model Beggi M Jeremy said the unique and stunning style displayed by the guests really stood out for him. “…Especially the ladies. No thread was left unwound in this year’s high tea. It would really be amazing though to include some of the beneficiaries to the event, have them witness and appreciate the generous people in person and enjoy the good food too”, he added.
A couple of Fashion Awards were also given at the event and here are the winners:
1. Best Dressed Male Male- Michale Makori
2. Best Dressed Female- Rachel Shabaan
3. The Most Creative Boutique -Kastur Jewels
4. The Grace Makosewe Most Stylish Lady – this award is a tribute to the Diva in entertainment and fashion – Zoe Sevak
In an exclusive Fotophreak interview with organizers of the event, including Shavani Radia, Payal Radia, Nshuti Bunyenyezi, Smita Radia and Dorothy Oliech of Mochez Models, they were quick to highy appreciate everyone who attended the event, and the support they received especially from the sponsors. “We were really happy and felt supper supported about how many people attended the event, despite the terrible weather. Big thank you to everyone who came.“, says the Fashion High Tea marketing and events coordinator Nshuti Bunyenyezi.
The planners also expressed special thanks to Caroline Mutoko who has supported the Fashion High Tea since 2011 and has been selecting the special charitable causes every year.
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