Kikoi is a popular fashion item these days, centuries after it found its way to East Africa possibly from Arab traders at the coast. The latter wore it as they plied the coastline either to sell various wares or on expansionist missions.
The kikoi has gradually ceased to be just a traditional symbol of differentiating ethnic groups and has continued to develop its very own character.
For example, tourist Rebecca Myre from UK, during her December tour of Loldia House in Naivasha, explained to Peter Njoroge, the manager of the lodge, why she though the kikoi is a symbol of safari.
The kikoi has gradually ceased to be just a traditional symbol of differentiating ethnic groups and has continued to develop its very own character.
For example, tourist Rebecca Myre from UK, during her December tour of Loldia House in Naivasha, explained to Peter Njoroge, the manager of the lodge, why she though the kikoi is a symbol of safari.
“When travelling by road in either Tanzania or Kenya, I have noticed a lot of kikois being sold on the way. That makes me associate the fabric with travelling.”
It is hard to believe that the kikoi was once associated with male attire. Traditionally, it was meant for men in hot and humid countries.
Today, things have changed and the kikoi has become a must-have clothing for all ages, sizes and sexes.
In fashion, the kikoi has not passed the local and international designers eyes unnoticed thus the numerous designs of kikoi garments flaunted in different shopping malls here at home and away.
“The good thing with the kikoi fabric is that it is unlimited when designs come into question.
"One can tailor a traditional/cultural themed casual wear, a sexy outfit say for dinner, or just a casual weekend wear. Kikoi is one fabric that has found acceptance in parties to the most serious of corporate affairs functions,” said Jacqueline Muthoni, a designer and the owner of Jaqcklin’s fashion at Narshi House, Nairobi.
Internationally, one can now place an order from the kikoy.com who insist that it is a great way to buy a gift for friends and loved ones. The site further expounded on how to go about the purchasing of the kikoy; Buy a gift certificate just like any other product by adding one to your shopping basket.
It is hard to believe that the kikoi was once associated with male attire. Traditionally, it was meant for men in hot and humid countries.
Today, things have changed and the kikoi has become a must-have clothing for all ages, sizes and sexes.
In fashion, the kikoi has not passed the local and international designers eyes unnoticed thus the numerous designs of kikoi garments flaunted in different shopping malls here at home and away.
“The good thing with the kikoi fabric is that it is unlimited when designs come into question.
"One can tailor a traditional/cultural themed casual wear, a sexy outfit say for dinner, or just a casual weekend wear. Kikoi is one fabric that has found acceptance in parties to the most serious of corporate affairs functions,” said Jacqueline Muthoni, a designer and the owner of Jaqcklin’s fashion at Narshi House, Nairobi.
Internationally, one can now place an order from the kikoy.com who insist that it is a great way to buy a gift for friends and loved ones. The site further expounded on how to go about the purchasing of the kikoy; Buy a gift certificate just like any other product by adding one to your shopping basket.
When you’ve made your purchase, an email gift certificate will be sent to the recipient you specify. It will contain a code that can be easily entered when making a purchase allowing the recipient a discount of the gift certificate value.
Gift certificates will expire 6 months after they are purchased. The site further explained.
Due to its quick spread, a kikoi has intern evoked over a hundred ways to wear it. Some use it as a sarong to a shawl or a turban. People also wear it as a beach costume or beach towel. To those young at heart, adorn a kikoi in form of a hat,
belt, scarves and even carry them as rag sucks.
Gift certificates will expire 6 months after they are purchased. The site further explained.
Due to its quick spread, a kikoi has intern evoked over a hundred ways to wear it. Some use it as a sarong to a shawl or a turban. People also wear it as a beach costume or beach towel. To those young at heart, adorn a kikoi in form of a hat,
belt, scarves and even carry them as rag sucks.
And those who theme their houses traditional, a kikoi can serve as a curtain and wall hanging! Other Kikoi uses include decorative furniture throw, table cloth, beddings and shawls.
These beautiful pieces of woven cotton material are exclusive to the East African coast, in particular Kenya. They are woven with the finest cotton grown in the region to come up with a final product which is comfortable to wear, stylish and exudes art.
With it’s vibrant colours and the use of old weaving methods combined with the new threading, kikoi has continued to remain on top of the game. The kikoi garments have a way of fascinating especially if you are courageous enough to be a little adventurous.
With no definite formula to wrap a kikoi, or to hold them up, people end up tying with amazing skill and complexity. You can also simply wrap your kikoi around the middle, or hips, or anywhere to get a desired look.
Unlike other materials that become ragged with age, a kikoi toughens and become more cherished with a
Story by IRENE NYAMBURA, Daily Nation
These beautiful pieces of woven cotton material are exclusive to the East African coast, in particular Kenya. They are woven with the finest cotton grown in the region to come up with a final product which is comfortable to wear, stylish and exudes art.
With it’s vibrant colours and the use of old weaving methods combined with the new threading, kikoi has continued to remain on top of the game. The kikoi garments have a way of fascinating especially if you are courageous enough to be a little adventurous.
With no definite formula to wrap a kikoi, or to hold them up, people end up tying with amazing skill and complexity. You can also simply wrap your kikoi around the middle, or hips, or anywhere to get a desired look.
Unlike other materials that become ragged with age, a kikoi toughens and become more cherished with a
Story by IRENE NYAMBURA, Daily Nation
No comments:
Post a Comment