Fashion Scout X Creative DNA presents WAUZINE: Creative Direction by Sunny Dolat
Our very own Sunny Dolat is the creative director of WAUZINE—a limited three-issue digital publication by the British Council East Africa Arts Programme through Creative DNA! This was done in partnership with Mettā Nairobi, Fashion Scout UK and our sister company HEVA Fund, and features 11 emerging designers from Kenya. WAUZINE is a digital showcase that brings together cross cultural collaborations between writers, illustrators and creative teams in Nairobi and London. The WAUZINE body of work includes 3 issues of an online magazine, and a fashion film!
The first issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Neighbourhood’ came out in December 2020, and it explores Nairobi’s cultural landscape. In this issue, Sunny, with photographer and artistic luminary Maganga Mwagogo, showcase the striking and beautiful work of the designers through models Shekinah Imani, Adhel Bol and Ronnie Nyongesa, against the contrasting architectures of two socially significant parts of Nairobi—Kariokor and Kilimani. The issue is accompanied by a captivating piece by the amazing Awuor Onyango that speaks on the relationship between Kenya’s colonial past and its contemporary artistic output.
The second issue of WAUZINE titled ‘Joy and Rebellion’ is out now, and it explores Nairobi’s CBD through a fashion story by the talented photographer Sarah Waiswa. From Uhuru Park to the streets of Nairobi’s city centre, Sarah showcases the bold and diverse work of the designers through models Janet Muthoni, Chuony and Alex Kirimi. This issue is accompanied by a fun piece by Abigail Arunga, who writes about the life and heart of Nairobi’s city centre. Issue 002 is also a reflection of the many Nairobians who go against the law to have a good time (enjoyment) and as Sunny puts it in his letter from the editor, “...this issue joins thousands of other funny stories and love letters by defiant Nairobians to their city as part of their overarching super narrative of joy, mischief and rebellion.”
WAUZINE issue 003 titled ‘Matatu’ will be out in February just before the London Fashion Week. In issue 003, Sunny and photographer Edwin Maina showcase the bold and beautiful work of the designers alongside Nairobi’s iconic matatu art. The issue is also accompanied by an insightful piece by Wanjeri Gakuru telling the story of the matatu culture, reflecting on the designs featured of the matatus, and their specific cultural resonance.
The WAUZINE short film was co-directed by our very own Sunny Dolat and Noel Kasyoka. The 5-minute fashion film is an audiovisual accompaniment to the magazine, and features the models and the beautiful work of the designers, moving in, and as part of, the hustle and bustle of the Nairobi city centre.
The 11 design brands featured in the three-issue WAUZINE publication are Ohana Swimwear, Suited by Gordon, Enda Sportswear, Epica Jewellery, Genteel, Favoloso by Nanu, The Nisisi Factory, Sevaria, Styletech by Teshie, Vintara Collections and We Are NBO.
Check out the first issue of WAUZINE here, the second issue here and the third issue here!