By Gloria Haguma
Leila Kayondo, is not only one of the leading female artistes in Kampala, she also runs the LKAY fashion store. She has a unique style sense, and it’s not hard to see how much effort she puts into her looks. Whether she is dressing to an event, or just dolling up for a selfie, she makes an extra effort to look good. She shares with us her style story.
How seriously do you take your fashion?
I take my fashion very seriously. I love fashion and have grown to learn a lot about it. I recently opened up a clothing store, and hope to turn my love for fashion into somewhat of a career.
Do you have a fetish for trends?
I do love trends, because there is always something new and trendy on the market. And I always want to try out each and every one of them, particularly those that catch my eye.
What is your fashion addiction?
My fashion addiction is a vast. I love shoes, bags, and blazers. I have lost count of how many pieces I own for these three items. Yes. It’s that crazy!
What is your most prized fashion item, and for how long have you had it?
My most prized fashion item is a brown Louis Vuitton bag I bought from South Africa. I have had it for 2 years now. It’s the one bag I don’t see myself giving out.
What is the one item that has stayed in your wardrobe longest?
There is this beautiful pink sweater that my mum bought me 6years back.
Which is your go-to accessory?
My lipstick! I never wear make-up, so this is the only thing I can wear to emphasize my face.
What influences your style choices?
Trends and my body type. I love trends; so many times I will wear the latest trends. Then I also consider my body type a lot, because I want my outfit and my body to be in sync!
What are some of the irritating fashion blunders you notice with Kampala men?
That would be wearing oversized clothes that do not really fit their bodies and perfumes that do not tell their characters. A perfume should always tell one’s character.
Which Ugandan celebrity’s wardrobe would you wish to get your styling skills on, and give a total revamp?
Ugandan celebrities have different styles and do dress well. I wouldn’t give any a revamp unless asked to.
Which international celebrity’s wardrobe would you die to have?
Oh! I would die to have Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian’s wardrobes.
Which is the one fashion trend you feel Kampala babes need to let go of?
The multicoloured hair dos! One highlight is always simple and enough.
Do you have any memorable wardrobe malfunction?
Honestly, I don’t really remember any of my wardrobe malfunctions.
How much of your monthly budget do you spend on your wardrobe?
I spend approximately 500k on my wardrobe, monthly.
You can never have enough of……………
Shoes and blazers.
Is there any difference between your fashion choices in your music videos, and in your day-to-day outfits?
No! There is no difference between my fashion sense in my music videos and day to day outfits. I just love playing with what I have in my closet.
What is the one trend you are never going to fall for?
I will never fall for wearing makeup all day, all night. I believe make up should be occasional and sometimes you need to let the skin breath.