Fashion designer Louis Kainja, who trades under the brand LK Fashions, has won the best international designer award at the Stara Fashion Week.

The ceremony was held on Friday and Saturday at Le Maraheb in Tanzania and attracted 30 participants from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya as well as Malawi.

Kainja showing off his award

The design paraded at the fashion show were slanted towards the islamic theme.

Kainja said he had to dig deep to create designs related to the theme and he was pleased that he succeeded.

“I have participated only in normal fashion shows. This was my first time to take part in such an event of such a nature. Much as it was challenging, it was also exciting. It allowed us to think outside the box,” he said.

Kainja said winning the award will help open opportunities as the platform has increased his visibility.

“Earning a recognition at such a platform has its own positives. The experience of rubbing shoulders with international designers alone is enriching too. I have drawn a lot of lessons from the experience,” he said.

Kainja started designing in 2020. He participated in his first major show in 2021 in Lusaka, Zambia.

He said: “My passion for designing started when I was young. Ever since, I have been attracted to fashion. I would sit and watch fashion and design television channels as if my life depended on it.”

The Stara Fashion awards is a modest platform designers and entrepreneurs exhibit to promote their creations. This year the event entered into its eighth year.

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