malindi kenya - Exploring Mombasa

4 Fashion Events Around The Coast To Look Forward To

BY may
November 20, 2023 10:30 am
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Four Fashion Events Around the Coastal Region Of Kenya to Look Forward To As we draw closer to the end of the year, the world, en masse, has been hooked to their screens and devices to witness the fashion weeks first-hand. The events have been quite significant, involving top-notch designers from all over and others who are just dipping their toes into the fashion world. Kenya has been proudly represented, especially in the recently concluded Lagos Fashion Week, with brands like KikoRomeo, Katush Collection & Lila Bare flying the Regenerative Fashion flag high with sustainable pieces from their collection. Kenya, an exceptionally talented country, is knee-deep in catching up with the fashion weeks, with more shows and haute designers who clearly haven’t come to play. The diversity of the Kenyan culture and its citizens helps draw inspiration to their pieces. Every piece tells a story. With more tempting showcases scheduled, which means more eccentric and bespoke designs to feast your eyes upon, here are the four fashion shows lined up before the year ends that you shouldn’t miss out on. You don’t want to be left behind and termed as ‘old-fashioned.’ 1. The East Africa International Fashion Week The E.A.I.F.W was founded by Eleshia, a Miss Kenya Beauty Queen and winner. Slated for the 24th & 25th of November, the 4th edition of E.A.I.F.W brings forth creative collections from brands like Style by Kriss, Baghai Classic, Kenyanraw, Albright, and many more. There will be awards handed to both designers and models at the show. The two-day event is set to take place at The Reef Hotel, conveniently located in Nyali. Get ready to see the talent handpicked by one of the best talents on stage. 2. The Billionaire Resort Fashion Brunch Malindi has had several fashion events. Perhaps due to its refined taste in dons, or maybe because of its stable weather, or maybe it’s because the fashion queen herself, Naomi Campbell, has a villa there. From the recently concluded Malindi High Fashion Show, which was graced by the Kenyan Supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana, to this fashion brunch, you can tell Malindi is buzzing with activity. Grab your maji and your matunda because the Brunch will specifically feature Beach Wear. From bikinis to short shorts, to abs, to long legs, and all the eye candy, I believe you can get. The Event is set to take place on the 26th of November. 3. The White Elephant Fashion Show Fanice Designs is another guru with an eye for Beachwear. Models poured in by the dozen to audition for the event whose date is not disclosed but is set for the later dates of November. That keeps us on the edge of our seats for more details. She also recently featured her elegant and colourful designs at the Malindi High Fashion Show on the 21st of October. 4. The Eco Fashion Week Kenya SS01 The EFW, having established roots in various parts of the world, has now found its way to Kenya. Much like the globally acclaimed Kibera Fashion Week, EFW places a strong emphasis on crucial topics such as sustainability, conservation, recycling, and upcycling. In collaboration with the exceptional Delight Fashion School, the EFWK 7-day event calendar is brimming with engaging activities, including clean-ups, eco-educational workshops, forums, and swaps. The event has partnered with esteemed brands like ReFaCe, Just Fashion, Trashion Kenya, Clean Up Kenya, and many others. As part of a compelling challenge posed to the Fashion School, designers are tasked with creating Sustainable Designs. The winning designs, rumored to be unisex, will take center stage on November 25th at both Saffron Garden Hotel for a daytime showcase and Lions Eco Resort and Spa for a spectacular night event in Malindi. The subsequent auction of the showcased clothing will not only mark the culmination of the event but also contribute to the designated designers, aligning with the event’s overarching theme of sustainability and support for local talent. As the curtains rise on these vibrant fashion spectacles, remember that the real magic unfolds in the audience. Attend these events not just as spectators but as enthusiasts in the ever-evolving story of style. Embrace the diversity, witness the creativity, and be part of the story each design tells. These are not mere shows; they are experiences waiting to be lived. Join us in celebrating style, culture, and the artistry of fashion. Spectacular is the keyword, and we anticipate nothing less! See you there!”

Vasco da Gama Pillar

BY admin
August 1, 2023 12:45 pm
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The Vasco da Gama Pillar, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Malindi, Kilifi County, is a historical marvel that has been attracting tourists for over six centuries. Erected in 1498 by the renowned Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, the pillar stands as a testament to his pioneering journey from Europe to India via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. On two momentous voyages between 1497 and 1502, Vasco da Gama not only landed and traded with locals along the southern African coast but also reached the shores of India on May 20, 1498. Historical accounts suggest that Vasco da Gama constructed the pillar to aid his fellow sailors in finding their bearings towards India and also played a crucial role in promoting trade between India and Portugal. Serving as one of the oldest European cenotaphs on the East African coast, the Vasco da Gama Pillar once provided direction to those navigating the sea route to India. This pillar, resembling a lighthouse without lights, is believed to have been visible to Portuguese explorers as they approached Malindi’s shores from the vast sea. Adjacent to the pillar stands the Portuguese Chapel which served as a place of prayer and became the final resting place for those who passed away during their voyages. Having stood the test of time, the Vasco da Gama Pillar witnessed Malindi’s history evolve, including the British colonialists’ occupation under the British East Africa protectorate. Vasco Da Gama’s arrival in Malindi in 1498 was greeted warmly by the Sultan of Malindi, marking the beginning of connections between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, particularly India. In the 15th Century, Portugal’s spirit of exploration spanned across the globe. King Dom Manuel of Portugal appointed Vasco da Gama in 1497 to lead a fleet of four ships on a voyage to India through the Far East. After numerous adventures, the fleet anchored off Malindi on Easter Sunday, April 15th, 1498, where they were heartily welcomed by the Sultan. In response to Vasco da Gama’s request, the Sultan provided a skilled sea captain, Ibn Majid, who guided the fleet across the vast Indian Ocean to Calicut, India. Vasco da Gama’s favorable reception during his first visit likely led him to return to Malindi during his voyage back in 1499. On this occasion, his sailors were permitted to erect a pillar topped with a cross bearing Portugal’s Coat of Arms. Unfortunately, the presence of this Christian symbol caused dissatisfaction among the Muslim community, leading to its removal. However, representation from the small Portuguese community, which had established a trading post in Malindi, eventually persuaded the Sultan to permit the construction of a pillar at its current location to hold the cross. This pillar, known as the original Padrao, is the sole remaining one out of several placed along the African coastline by various Portuguese seafarers. Over time, the exposed location of the pillar led to weathering and erosion. In 1973, Captain Malcom of HMS Briton arranged for the protective concrete cone to be built, concealing the original pillar while supporting the limestone cross. This limestone was confirmed to be from Portugal upon examination. Declared a gazette National Monument in 1935, the Vasco da Gama Pillar now falls under the watchful care of the National Museums of Kenya. NMK has undertaken various restoration efforts, including reinforcing the sea wall, paving the access road, and providing amenities like parapet walkways, an ablution block, and a pavement to ensure an enhanced tourist experience, including easy access for people with disabilities. Operating Hours The Vasco da Gama Pillar is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm. Admission Fee to the Vasco da Gama Pillar To explore this remarkable historical landmark and gain access to four national monuments, including the Portuguese Chapel, House of Columns, and Malindi Museum, guests can acquire a single ticket at the following prices: