FASHION POLICE: Nairobi Half life

Team Ghafla! was at the premiere of Nairobi Half Life, and the red carpet was rolled OUT. So in keeping with the fabulous theme, we thought we would give you a look at a few of the fashions that made an appearance on the red carpet that night, and a little run through, “Fashion-Cop” style.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Ms Mandi‘s (L) ensemble is giving me LIFE. Loving the ripped jeans. Sure, the loose pant is something only the lean can pull of, so the rest of us can just look in envy. Her mustard blouse and red shoes are just the right pops of colour-blocking. However her bowl cut, though trendy, doesnt compliment her square face.

Olivia Otieno‘s (R) hair is ready for a scarf wrap and bed. Her black on black is not fierce and this feels  more like a  coffee run outfit than a red carpet oufit. We know there’s a banging body under there…. Where is it?

BASIC INSTINCT

Nini Wacera‘s legs are going on for days. Forget Sharon Stone, this was double the distraction for the men. I would give both arms to even have just one leg of hers. And any lady that looks THAT good rocking a natural fro also gets a thumbs up for me. Only piece of advice, a little concealer under the eyes, some creamy blusher, a flick of mascara and a splash of lipgloss would have turned her face from drab to fab. We are all for the dewy look, but lets not forgo makeup altogether. Its a red carpet, lights will be flashing, a little goes a long way.

PRINT ON PRINT

Two opinions on prints.

Hawa Essuman (M) stacking print on print is just amazing. She has pulled off this difficult style with ease. The  earth tone and teal dress is perfectly offset by the psychedelic bright scarf. The cross satchel completes her laid back look. And once again, peep that perfectly coiffed natural do. (Can’t help but wonder why the arm brace, hope her arm is alright!)

Tosh Gitonga (L) is wearing what is quickly becoming the male Kenyan uniform after Sauti Sol made it popular. Simply because at Ghafla! we love him so much, and respect this man’s body of work (including his directing debut: Nairobi Half Life -this is where you can watch it-) there will be no comment on this. But to all Kenyan men out there, please MAKE THIS STOP!

 MATCH SET

Mr and Mrs Sempele matched on the red carpet. While Mrs Sempele was a vision in her elegant yellow chiffon dress (with brooch to accessorise) and exquisite pearl studs, not the same could be said for her darling hubby. The black on yellow was a bit too reminiscent of a bee costume. At least they get points for being the cute matched up couple.

BLAND BELLES

Though these outfits were stylish for a day at work, they didn’t cut it for the premier of Nairobi Half Life. The black shoes on both of them take two dull outfits to an even lower anti-climax. Two beautiful ladies, but two very uninspiring outfitls.

YELLOW YUCK

Most people believe that matchy-matchy works well. But this here neon overload gets a resound NO. I guess his confidence makes up for his lack of style though NOT. I would like to comment more but mine eyes! Next picture!!!

SIMPLY STYLISH

My focus is going to be on the two ladies in the middle of the picture.

Mkaiwawi Mwakaba(L) is the perfect example of tribal-print chic. This impeccably tailored ensemble was perfectly matched with this seasons hottest accesory-strappy sandals. She kept it simple-no junky unnecessary jewellery, long legs for days. A fun print let to stand out on its own.

Sarika Hema Lakhani (R) is working NYC sleek. Black from head to toe. Deconstructed black shirt dress, black tights and black pumps to go. Monochrome perfection to-a-T. And her hair and make-up is flawless. Dewy face topped off with a bright red lip, and simple eyes. And check out her youthful, trendy (but extremely hard to pull of) pixie cut. Miss Lakhani, you are the perfect example of less is more.

PROM GONE WRONG

These four ladies are the perfect example of good intentions but poor execution. From the prom dresses/pageant dresses, to the clunky shoes, to the unnecessary dark tights, to the mismatched clutches, to the unsightly belt…. The list could go on forever, but it would seem like hating. Ladies, A for effort. At least you didn’t show up in jeans.

Let us know: what do you think of the Nairobi Half Life Red Carpet? Who was a hit, who was a miss?