With an eccentric personal sense of style (he was garbed in a spiky tunic when I met him), Ras Kasozi is not your average fashion designer, he is an artist with an evolving mind and everything on him signals that. After years of obscurity, Kas Wear is now one of the most sought after fashion houses in Kampala thanks to him.  Famed for his wearable but eccentric jackets Ras Kasozi debuted his two in one collection which is getting rave reviews across the country.

Considering the fact that the financial situation in the country wasn’t all that appealing, Ras sat down and designed pieces which are both affordable and fashionable.

“I was trying to show how to spend less and look smart by buying one jacket which can be worn inside out. The financial situation in Uganda is not one to marvel at but still that doesn’t mean that Ugandans should quit looking good.

The coffee brown men’s jacket just does it. You detach the straps at the front and change the style into something you can wear the following day. I simply was being realistic. What would make one turn away from this”

The most compelling piece is that of the bag that turns into a blazer.

“Many times we get caught up with work. You have a party in the evening and work during the day and the only option is to leave work early, get home and change. This is as inconveniencing as it is tiresome. So I came up with this jacket that can be changed into a bag. With this you can wear what you feel you want any time.”

Jacket bag – Ras Kasozi – photographer – Burney MC

Surprisingly his inspiration is drawn from his mother who was a tailor.

“My mum was a tailor so we had sewing machines at home. We were never allowed to use them though. Since I found what I saw her do every intriguing, I many times sneaked to her workshop to try out what I always saw her doing with the machines when she was away on errands. This became a hobby and by the time she found out about this I had already gotten what I wanted.”

Ras will be launching an online store early this year. It is something he’s strongly working on and feels it will elevate his brand.

image – Ras Kasozi – photographer – Burney MC

Ras Kasozi – sack overcoat – photographer – Burney MC

Jeans turned into dress – Ras Kasozi – photographer – Burney MC

Email: kasdesignz@gmail.com
Phone: +256755005599
Facebook page: Kas Wear

Main photo courtesy –  Burney MC

Author: Hassan Ssentongo - Africa Fashion Guide Uganda Contributor