By Gloria Haguma
Martha Jabo is a fashion designer. Her collections are exotic, and it would be right to say that she is one of the leading trend setters. She is in this new class of designers that we have in Uganda, those that make exotic, right here at home. She shares with us her style story.
How many vintage items do you have in your wardrobe?
I have 2 vintage items. A vintage blazer and purse that were initially my mum’s. She got them from a vintage store in Cortona, Italy.
As a designer, what fabrics do you find easy to work with?
Basically all fabrics, with the exception of chiffon. It’s the hardest fabric to work with, though I love using it.
Do you have a fetish for trends?
I don’t really have a fetish for trends. As a designer I create my own trend, although a few times I pick out a few elements from what’s trending and incorporate it into my signature style. However, I strongly believe that you should not follow trends if the trends aren’t following you. Wear what looks good on you.
Who has the biggest influence on your fashion choices?
No one influences my fashion choices. I always choose what makes me feel good and comfortable in my skin.
Please share your style secret?
Knowing what’s flattering and owning a look, regardless of the type of look one’s going for.
Which is the one trend you feel Kampala men should let go of?
I wouldn’t call it a trend. It’s more of a fashion No-No. Short ties. A tie should stop where one’s belt starts from and not their mid-section, but you find that some men choose to wear these short ties, and some are even way too short to be called ties. This just doesn’t do justice to their look.
How would you define your personal style?
My style is more of modern contemporary, bold, daring at times and I also love to stand out from the crowd.
Which celebrity’s wardrobe would you wish to get your styling skills on, and give a total revamp?
Everyone has a signature style, so I don’t think I could change someone’s style because I believe they are comfortable with that. Whether or not it’s displeasing to the public eye.
What is your emergency outfit?
A cool blazer, flats, jeans and a fitting tee.
Which international celebrity’s wardrobe would you die to have?
None, because I can create any look I want.
Any fashion tips you would like to share?
1. Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.
2. looking truly sexy involves what to base and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise where’s the mystery? Choose only one body part and show it off.
3. Know thyself: The best colour in the world, is the one that looks good on you.
Who is your style crush?
I don’t have a style crush as such but if I were to choose someone, it would be Supermodel Rob Evans. His looks are always effortless and well put.
Your take on the ban of the mini skirt?
I don’t think the mini skirt should be banned because it has a place and time where it can be worn, and it’s a part of most women’s lifestyles. Besides that, as a designer I believe there are some clothes that look better with that length, as compared to if they were longer.
“[katogoaward]”