Fashion with a cause

What three words would describe your fashion line?

Radical Nairobi chic. Radical because I am an activist, and I use fashion to highlight causes. It is chic because it is classic and elegant.

Apart from fashion, are you involved in other projects?

I use fashion in other projects like FAFA, Fashion for Peace, Fashion Revolution Day and Kilimani Project Foundation among others.

What do you love most about being a woman?

I don’t know what it feels like to be a man, but I would like to think that women tend to be conscious of everyone around them and are often reconciliatory within the household.

Are you a feminist or a traditionalist?

A feminist. I fail to comprehend how anyone – male or female – would think differently. You need male and female voices in equal measure for a balanced discussion on anything.

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I hear you sold your car and decided to walk instead. What made you do that?

I love walking plus I live seven-minute walk away from my office. I look at everyone sitting in traffic and think how lucky I am to walk. However, I do want another car soon.

What is your secret to a trim figure?

The 4-Hour Body guide (a health and fitness book) was a great start. Generally, I do not eat a lot of carbs and I eat less than I used to as my metabolism has changed.

What one thing don’t people know about you?

I can be very happy with few material things and I interact easily with all kinds of people.

You are also a mother. Tell us about your daughter…

She is called Lona. She is mixed race, born and brought up in Nairobi. She is finishing her IB in Scotland, which she doesn’t like much. She’s passionate about animals.

What do you love most about being a mother?

Having a great companion whom I can totally trust.

How did you balance business and motherhood, especially when Lona was younger?

I am not sure I do. Lona has been an apprentice in my business from the day she was born. When she feels I’m not paying attention, she calls me ‘Ann’ as opposed to ‘Mum’. I cannot ignore her after that.

What do you do for ‘me time’? 

I dance in a club, or at home. I also listen to music, travel or meditate.

Are you dating and does it get harder as you grow older?

I am a free spirit and do not like to be pinned down, so I would not say it is any easier or more difficult. I am just choosy about spending a lot of time with any one person.

Describe your ideal man?

I do not have an ideal as such, but there are character traits I look out for. I like funny, intelligent, sporty and energetic men. I also like those who let me be myself.

What do you know now about love and men that you wish someone had told you when you were younger?

That there can be many suitable partners in your life. Now I enjoy the journey, as I have realised I do not need to race to reach anything.

If you were not a fashion designer, what would you be doing?

Politics. I have always been interested in fighting for causes I believe in and for social justice.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself still creating and connecting people, travelling around the world more and maybe doing some farming.

Photo: styleisflair.blogspot.com