By Gloria Haguma
Pikaboo is a Ugandan fashion designer that was raised in London. The 25 year old has been involved in the fashion world since the age of 12. She describes her designs as a mixture of Western fabrics meshed with African prints.
“I sometimes produce my own prints too. When we are away from Africa, we still want to have a little detail to our garments that speaks for itself that we are Africans within Europe. I will slowly grow out of meshing the two fabrics but not anytime soon.”
Tell us one thing we don’t know about your wardrobe.
My wardrobe is full of vests. Haha… I have over 50 vests in my wardrobe. I buy a vest at least every week. They are mainly black and white vests though.
As a designer, what fabrics do you find easy to work with?
I love jersey fabrics, because you can make just about anything with it.
Do you have a fetish for trends?
No, not at all. In fact, I try not to follow trends so much because as a designer I am 4 seasons ahead of trend. By the time it catches on to the public, am already over it.
Who has the biggest influence on your fashion choices?
Let’s just say I snoop a lot on line.
How much of your monthly budget goes on your wardrobe?
I don’t shop much. Half the time what goes through my head when I’m in a shop is why I should be buying something that I can make. I shop twice each season.
Which is the one trend you feel Kampala men should let go of?
The trend of wearing boots. That needs to stop. The thing is in Kampala, a trend that is meant to just last a season goes on for 2 year. They don’t know how to move on.
How would you define your personal style?
I love prints. I stand out a lot more in prints and I’m a bit of a granny really. I like mixing the old and the new.
Which celebrity’s wardrobe would you wish to get your styling skills on, and give a total revamp?
I’m not so much into styling but I would love to dress Chrisette Michael. But in Uganda, I would love to dress Chameleone’s wife, Daniella.
You can never have enough of…
Ben and Jerry chunky monkey ice cream… yuuuuuuum!!
Which international celebrity would you swap wardrobes with?
Oh, wow… Solange! I love everything she wears.
Any fashion tips you would like to share?
Wear clothes that fit you. That’s a huge problem in Uganda. Not everyone is aware of their sizes.
Which is the one item in your wardrobe that you would never let go of?
I have a few of my dad’s shirts, those are amazing. I also have a little vintage bag from my grandma. Absolutely priceless!
What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe, and when and where did you buy it?
My lingerie… I like buying quality pants and bras. The other expensive thing would be my winter Zara jackets.
“[katogoaward]”
