A highlight for fashion enthusiasts, the Fashion High Tea is not only touted as one of the most glamorous fashion events in the country but is also the most anticipated annual charity event in Nairobi’s social calendar.

Hosted by Zen Garden, these  events known to feature high-profile guests and personalities boast rave reviews on pizzazz, style and execution. This year’s Fashion High Tea held on Saturday 8th of this month was no different albeit bigger and better.

The fourth edition, Fashion High Tea 2014 was a buzz with fashion, shopping and lots of socializing activity. Aside from the glamorous fashion show that featured top Fashion local and international Designers – Shenu Hooda, Kooroo by Hebret Lakew and Enid Lanez, Masaba, Njema Helena, DivaBag by Kenneth Chiaji, Suave by Simi Sethi, Mini Boutiques were at hand showcasing and selling an array of fashion garments, shoes, accessories and jewelry.

As is the norm with this event, an elaborate High Tea Menu is not to be a miss. Zen created a lavish menu that included, Delicious Pastries, Muffins, Cupcakes & Cookies. There was also a Sushi Bar on Ice, Burger Stations, and Cheese Corners. Guests munched on savory selections  passed around while they mingled. The Beverage Bars at the event are also always a treat…there was unlimited Cocktails, Beer, Spirits, Wines, Soft Drinks, Tea and Coffee throughout the event.

Just like previous editions, this year’s event was also for a worthy cause…Fashion High Tea 2014 was in support of the First Lady’s Beyond Zero campaign launched to raise funds for purchase and deployment of mobile clinics across the country in order to provide better prenatal, delivery and postnatal services to the underprivileged.

For further information on the campaign: Beyond Zero

Some of the Showcased Designs (source; Replay254):

Njema Helena by Cecilia Ostman & Annika Ostman, whose collection dresses the young and daring as well as the classic and timeless brought together vibrant prints and bright colors of African fabrics.

Divabag by Kenneth Chiaji was a beautiful fashion-utility first for the Zen Catwalk. This handbag-only collection featured chic and functional designer-inspired handbags perfect for any occasion; made from high quality genuine leather with creative design work patterns on them.

Suave by simi sethi which is just but a year old strutted fashionable pieces unique to her personality while catering for the 21st century woman.

Shenu Hooda whose exclusive designs comprised of semi-formal and bridal outfits that drew inspiration from both Pakistani and Kenyan prints, brought out an amazing colorful touch on the runway. She has an amazing upcoming fashion portfolio having recently showcased her work both at the Kenya and Tanzania Swahili Fashion Week not forgetting previously featuring in various several private shows.

Kooroo was one brand that really wowed the crowd with their unique pieces. Their collection’s inspiration was drawn from Africa’s rich cultural lifestyles integrating African prints, silks, jerseys, cotton and linens to create pieces with exceptional global appeal. One unique touch on the Kooroo collection was the exquisite usage of original craftwork i.e beading and embroidery used to embellish simple silhouettes on the pieces.

Also on the runway was Masaba by Masaba Gupta whose designs encompassed vibrant colors fused with beautiful patchwork grafted from Indian ensembles offering the Indian consumer, Indian fusion wear that’s edgy yet rooted to its culture at affordable prices. She has even designed outfits for Bollywood actresses i.e. Sonam Kapoor, Kareeena Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez.

 

Masaba’s designs

Masaba Gupta, Fashion designer

The Fashion High Tea dress code was highly respected and perfected having been associated with elegance and sophistication. Ladies adorned big hats and sundresses – although the weather didn’t behave so well, whereas the gentlemen were in slim-fit suits and well-tailored custom outfits.

With so much glamour and pizazz, The Fashion High Tea is truly an event in a league of its own.

KissFm, XFM, Couture Africa, Eat Out, Heineken, Slater & Whittaker, Prosecco Blu, KWV Wines, BullDog Gins, Campari, Dewars Whisky, Nomadic Tents, Majestic Printers, Executive Water, Mi-Fone, Mi-Card, Roc Nation, The Berry Company, Subati Flowers & Suzie Beauty are among the sponsors that support the event.

Photos courtesy: Zen Garden, Nick Klaus