Step into the spotlight with a pair of sleek black leather boots, recently flaunted by a female DJ on the weekend scene. Combine them effortlessly with a well-cut denim mini skirt and a snug blouse, all sourced from the latest online fashion hubs. It’s the look that dominates the streets of Kampala—half the city’s girls embracing this trend on any given day. Are you ready to dive into the fashion wave?
However, my night-out observations reveal an intriguing trend among men—the avid consumers of “high-end” brands. The allure of “Niek” or “Bathing baape” demands exploration. Even a well-groomed gentleman might confidently step out in “diadas” or “abibas” sneakers. Beware, for the day may come when he swaps them for “dior” with the Nike tick sweatpants below.
The reality check hits hard: “Niek” or “Balecioga” from the online realm rarely mirrors that Instagram model’s perfection. It’s not just about being fake; it’s the risk of bruised cotton pimples and questionable label origins from the neighboring printery shop.
A garment’s value skyrockets if it’s from a high-end store. The sophisticated prices and quality fabrics from Abryanz or Gashluxe matter. Yet, let’s not forget, these are stylists’ stores—your ticket to high-end isn’t solely about fabric quality but the prestige that accompanies the price tag.
Stores aren’t to blame; they provide quality, whether it’s from Fashion Nova or Shein. The trend’s accessible, but only for those who comfortably step into these stores, avoiding the inevitable fate of a fake brand.
Our focus lies not in stores but in the muse—the individual shaping the fabric they adorn or tarnish. Why someone won’t embrace their authentic style is as much about personality as it is about competition and comparison.
The alarming trend of people disregarding body types and personal style to replicate online looks is pervasive. Even revered stylists push for the trendy, often sidelining the wearer’s identity. Clothing is emotion and art, carefully crafted for a specific person who sees it, wants it, and feels fabulous in it. Shopping based on an Instagram post strips away the art and emotion.
The relentless gaze of society, with its unwritten rules and ever-evolving standards, also exerts a subtle yet pervasive force on personal style. As individuals navigate an inherent tension between the desire for self-expression and the need for social acceptance. Trends become more than just fabric and embellishments; they become symbols of belonging and markers of status.
And yet, not everyone dresses up for art. Some simply embrace fashion for what it is—an individual statement. Let’s state it plainly and leave it at that.
