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Brian Babu and Regalia Apparel Launch Unisex ‘Uwili’ Capsule Collection
For many of us who don’t live in Kenya, our introduction to Brian Babu came through his remarkable work with Sauti Sol. He served as the lead stylist for their 2023 Sol Fest Farewell two-day concert and their 2016 Live and Die in Afrika tour, as well as styling the cover for their “Midnight Train” album. Known for his impeccable eye for detail and ability to craft trend-setting, custom looks, Babu has dressed some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, and Mr. Eazi. As one of Africa’s leading fashion stylists, Babu has collaborated with top celebrities and brands like Netflix, Safaricom, and Tecno, consistently delivering high-impact designs.
On a more personal note, I had the opportunity to meet Brian Babu at the Fashion Pillar of the Jägermeister Night Embassy in Nairobi. In person, he is the fashion G.O.A.T., whose pieces, designs, and stylings we have enjoyed seeing and watching other stars adorn.
To allow us to tap into his fashion greatness, Brian Babu has teamed up with the local fashion brand Regalia Apparel to release the much-anticipated ‘Uwili’ capsule collection. This exclusive line, which merges artistic design with expert craftsmanship, is now available for purchase.
The ‘Uwili’ collection, inspired by the natural balance of day and night, was unveiled at an intimate event on September 21st, 2024, at Embe Creatives in Lavington. The launch drew prominent figures from Kenya’s fashion and media scene, along with celebrities and friends, all eager to celebrate this stylish new offering.
The concept behind ‘Uwili’ is rooted in the contrasts of light and darkness, symbolizing the earth’s daily rotation. Each piece in the collection is partially bleached, with lighter sections representing daylight and darker sections evoking the night. Beyond aesthetics, this balance reflects the harmony we all strive for in our emotional and physical well-being.
Regalia Apparel, the fashion brand collaborating with Babu, is known for its commitment to authenticity and quality craftsmanship. Founded by designers David Gachie and Joseph Mureithi, the brand specializes in creating garments from scratch, ensuring each piece undergoes a meticulous stitching and dyeing process. The collaboration began when Babu approached Regalia for a custom piece, sparking the idea for the full ‘Uwili’ collection.
The collection, designed to be versatile and unisex, caters to everyone from age 16 and up. “We wanted this collection to be accessible to everyone, a wardrobe that easily transitions from day to night,” says Babu. The pieces are stylish yet affordable, offering a touch of luxury without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.
“We’re excited to share this collection with the world,” says David Gachie. Regalia’s dedication to high standards is evident in every piece, blending style and function for every occasion.
Babu and Regalia Apparel have collaborated before, creating custom designs for Bensoul’s performance at Blankets and Wine and styling dancers for Sol Fest in 2023. Their shared passion for fashion innovation shines through in every piece of the ‘Uwili’ collection.
As Babu puts it, “When brands come together and share ideas, the results are nothing short of magical.”
The ‘Uwili’ collection is now available for purchase—don’t miss out on this stunning blend of creativity and style!