We are very excited always to hear from our readers and followers of this websites and we are constantly contacted about projects, designers amd more happening in Africa and make an effort to do features on a variety of brands and projects in Africa especially those with an ethical perspective too. So to keep that going we would also like to introduce you to a new contributor from Uganda, East Africa who will be bringing another perspective of African fashion from the Ugandan experience. So do stay connected.

Jacqueline Shaw

If expressing creativity is worth a prize, Uganda’s Xenson would take it without a fight. “When you define yourself, you’re already dead,” he proclaims. Xenson is a fine artist, a graffiti designer, a poet, hip hop artist, painter and a celebrated fashion designer.  He refuses to incline himself onto any of these “It’s a whole packet and all these mediums are inter-linked“ he says. Using recycled magazine paper and banana peels, he creates spectacular pieces. And thanks to his eco friendly efforts he has showcased his designs in Milan, Paris, London and New York among other international fashion shows. Not phased by the idea, he and Santa Anzo were the lucky designers featured on a fashion show that was courtesy of Vogue Italia. “It was one of my best shows ever“ he muses.

As passion for community based projects, he teamed up with local women who do the weaving, beading and knitting of his items. “African culture is nothing without community and to develop Africa, you need to involve the community,” he says. The women do the tie-dying clothing, paper beads and also hand weave items from organic cotton. “Many of these women are earning a living out of this and this is the best part.”

His last collection which he showcased in November was titled Futuristic Past and was a hit. He explored his intricate side by takings us through the past to the future using his creatively rich mind. An authentic brand of handbags, shoes and other fashion items with a very unique approach to creating them, offered at affordable prices were unveiled as well.

spare-tire-xenson-handbag

Creativity is limitless is his motto which he lives by in all aspects. He’s now shooting his fashion guns to social problems such corruption, employment and HIV/AIDS. He’s already shooting a film on the vices.

Ssenkaaba Samson a.k.a Xenson, is a young multi-talented creator with extraordinary imagination and unfound creativity greatly influenced by the grandeur of African arts, African cultures, vitality of African dance and Hip-Hop as a free expressive art form.

You can purchase his designs online at http://xensonfashion.com/.. And art pieces at http://xensonart.com

Author: Hassan Ssentongo

Uganda Contributor