Tanzania's top model Millen Magesse in black stripy native clothing is called Khanga. I love it.
Khanga is a versatile fabric, which can be worn in many ways and on different occasions. The main language in East Africa if I may say is Swahili but mainly spoken in Tanzania, and Kenya, a little in Uganda, then in other few neighbouring countries. Looking at these two beauties, really make me proud to be a Swahili Woman.
Today, I have gathered a few high profile top and budding models from the strip of the Indian Ocean. The models who I have featured hear originate from, of course, my own country, Tanzania, then there are some from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somali.
This map, is to give you an idea where these countries are.
Tanzania's Top Models
Millen Magese & Flaviana Matata
Flaviana Matata
Kenya's Top Model
Ajuma Naseyana
From Uganda
Florence Odaru at Face of Fashion4Africa
Ethiopia's Top Model of the 90's
Anna Getaneh
(CNN) -- In the 1990s Ethiopian supermodel Anna Getaneh walked the runways of Paris and Milan. These days she is putting her flair for fashion to good use, helping deprived children in rural areas of her home country. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/30/anna.getaneh.fashion/
British/Sudanese Top Model of the Mid 90's
Alek Wek
Alek Wek is an entrepreneur and also very active in helping raising awareness refugees worldwide including her own country.
Alek is a handbag designer inspired by her father's briefcase, known as Wek1933 available only on selected department stores in London.
American/Somali Top Model in mid 70's
Iman
We all know her as just Iman, but she is actually Mrs Bowie...Well, lets stick to Iman shall we? , with no disrespect to Bowie, I love you too my shemeji (Brother-inlaw) Its just that there are some people you just cant get use to them with a new name. Moving on....
I/we, first new her as just this amazing model, then she moved on to being an actress, and now,a successful entrepreneur. Iman started her own cosmetics firm called after her name, for brown women, and also works for some charity organisations.
Samira Hashi British/Somali
London Fashion Week 2010
In Face of Fashion4Africa
Samira wearing one of my designs.
