It has been said that every woman needs something in her wardrobe that is classless, timeless, elegant, and ageless. That one piece of clothing is the Little Black Dress (simply known as the LBD). Introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and made famous by the legendary Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the LBD has become that one staple piece that cannot go missing in any woman’s wardrobe.
Since 1926, when it first appeared in the pages of Vogue, the little black dress has been reimagined time and time again evolving into beautiful pieces that define style.
Last week, Ms Connie Aluoch, an award-winning fashion stylist, image consultant, corporate trainer, entrepreneur and fashion lecturer and Carole Kinoti, a prolific Kenyan fashion powerhouse (creative behind the collections – The Hariri, Rafaela, Dhahabu and the Blanketi Collection) launched a gorgeous loose fitting long sleeved tiny collared dubbed Little Afro Dress, a brand-new fashion line with an African twist to the Little Black Dress (L.A.D). The main characteristic of this dress is the Dhahabu cuff (a beaded cuff made in collaboration with the Maasai women in Kajiado county and proceeds of which, creates a sustainable income for them).
The Little Afro Dress (L.A.D) is what every woman needs- it will make you feel unstoppable, untouchable and ultimately drop dead gorgeous and it comes in different shapes, sizes and color- for every woman. Connie Aluoch and Carole Kinoti, the brains behind this iconic twist of the LBD, have kept the design very simple, the goal being to make it comfortable enough to wear all day long and eliminate the need for multiple outfit changes in any one day. “Fashion has grown to a point where Kenyans want to associate with Kenyan brands. We are proud of our designs and are wearing them more and more, both women and men,” says Carole Kinoti.
In the Maasai culture, the beadwork colors have a special meaning; red signifies blood, bravery, and unity. White represents health, peace, and purity. Blue is the color of the sky and represents energy, and green is the color of grass, which signifies the land and production. Black represents the people and the struggle they must endure. Yellow symbolizes the sun, fertility, and growth, and orange represents warmth, generosity, and friendship.
Under starry night skies, guests at the invite only event held at the luxurious GemSuites Hotel & Serviced Apartments along Riverside Drive, were treated to an evening of Jazz with a special performance by Don Sax, bespoke food pairings curated by GemSuites Culinary team, and lots of wine at the launch of the L. A.D.
The occasion symbolized greatness, creativity, and happiness as there is nothing more classic or chic than an L.A.D. -The one you can accessorize for any occasion. With the Dhahabu cuff/ Maasai beadwork on the dress, it is not just a piece of clothing, it’s a statement.
One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Afro Dress (L.A.D).
(Available Sizes 8-18. Colours -Grey, Navy, White, Pink and Black. WhatsApp+ 254 780 474 710 for orders)