Colour me bad: Meet the Nairobian man who matches everything from boxers to phone covers every single day

 James Mwangi: I think I own a suit of every colour in the world!

James hangs around CityHall and Mfangano Street a lot, thats where you will spot himmost of the time donning his shouting suits Thanks to his bold fashion sense, James brags of  tourists asking him for selfies He buys his suits abroad from between 80k and 100k depending on the seller

 

Spotting all these colorful colours, by any chance do you have any links from Kamba land or Congo?

Ha.  Not at all.  I come from Murang'a County.  My father was a freedom fighter. I came to the City when I was only  12 years to hustle like anyone else, life was hard. Can you believe I owed only one shirt , which I used to ' wash and wear?'   

So, do you wake up in the morning and decide today I will do blue, or you plan ahead?

Not exactly. But my rule before I leave the house is to ensure, I  am spotting one colour. Everything matches the colour of my suits including hat, frames of my eye glasses, vest, neckties, belt,socks, shoes (even laces), my phone covers ( I change them everyday). I think I own a suit of every colour in the world! 

Wait, does that mean even your boxes?

Ha! Oh yes. I match kila kitu! 

You know getting a good suit in Nairobi you will pay an arm and a leg. Where do you buy yours and at how much?

I  import my suits from more than five countries including South Africa, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. I've identified shops and I give them my orders. 

About the price, it varies from Sh80,000 to Sh100,000 depending on the country. 

How many pair of shoes do you own?

Ha ! I have lost count. But I am sure they can fill your house. 

Women love men with a sense of fashion. Do you have any secret admires?

Well, that I wouldn't know. I have been stopped by so many women who admire my  confidence and bold dress code. Even wazungus just want a selfie with me!  

Most men hate the thought of dressing up, what exactly inspired you to love fashion?

While growing up, I used to admire my grandfather's choice for good things. Mine is different  because I prayed God to give me wisdom. 

Memorable jobs?

I've National Coordinator of youth since 1993, founded Community Policing, proposed Rural Electrification Project, Matatu Route Management Sacco, Muthurwa Hawkers Market, Rural Access Road Project, Water Rural Regulation Project, Flower and Tree Planting Projects in town among others"