Amani: mama winner

BY CRYSTAL OKUSA

My style in one word…

Elegant but sexy. My body is very curvy and I suit more feminine cuts, while on stage, I have to add a twist of sex appeal to add oomph to my look while performing.

My fashion inspirations are…

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. This is because all these women have curvy bodies and small busts. I do not necessarily have to wear what they wear, but I find something I can work with in their style.

What trends are you currently obsessed with?

Crazy shoe designs. I am not playing safe with shoes as I want to have them as an accessory. Currently I have skull-like shoes that can match absolutely anything I wear, so it brings a twist to my outfits.

Necessary extravagance in my closet is…

A Guess pair of heels by Marciano and another by Gucci. They work well for both party nights and formal meetings.

As a globe-trotter, what never misses in your handbag?

Sleeping pillow (it fits in my handbag as it inflates and helps me avoid discomfor) a good collection of bath, shower and lotion under 100ml packs and a bottle of water. These are the three most essential items that will never miss in my handbag.

What are the ‘must have’ fashion items in your closet this year?

Nudes and pastels; be it for shoes or clothes, they are very trendy and they simply bring out my skin colour.

My go to accessory would be…

A bracelet as it always complements my hand for pictures when I have my microphone on stage.

My favourite fashion store…

Is Young Designers Emporium (YDE) in South Africa, but here in Kenya I shop anywhere I get something that catches my eye.

Seeing that you perform a lot, what beauty regime do you employ to keep looking good?

I do a lot of facials and reflex exercises once a month. I also sleep well and swim at least four times a week. I tried the gym but gave up because I find it quite boring and tiring as compared to swimming that works on my whole body in a relaxing way.

How has your style evolved over the years?

I used to be the T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but after tips on styling from the ONE 8 stylist before shooting the video, I was finally assured that dresses work better on my body.

My recent splurge was…

Dr Dre headphones. I do not mind spending a lot of money on such items as compared to how much I would spend on clothes. This is because my music comes before anything else fashionable. Spending much on clothes is futile because once I’m snapped in them, I cannot wear them again.

Designer labels I live by…

Monique Lhilier and Roberto Cavalli. These designers’ fashion is timeless. The dresses I buy from them are pieces I can wear for years without feeling less fashionable. I am also fond of Bcbg Maxazria dresses as they got designs and cuts for all body type and cater for the African figure too.

Style mantra I live by?

Dressing my body is the key to looking fashionable.