The vibrance of color surrounds us as on the African continent. We spoke to Nairobi-based makeup artist Sinitta Akello to get her thoughts on the Art of Color.
What gravitates you towards color?
Most color choices depend on the theme and feel of the shoot; I don’t always use color, though, I like to play with it to achieve different looks both for editorials and beauty shots. Playing with color can give you a very interesting look and it will give a totally different feel as opposed to black and white. Imagine a peach and aqua color palette combination… beautiful!
Should more brides use color on their big day?
When it comes to the big day I am very traditional. I do like the earth tone natural look, however, an accent or pop of color never hurts. On the wedding day, color should not be overused, but a purple crease is not a bad choice for the more outgoing bride who may want to make a statement or reflect her personal style on her big day.
How and when did you get interested in makeup?
I studied visual communication in University, which involved photography and film. I have always been a jack-of-all-trades and I am comfortable being hands-on with pretty much everything. I started by helping my friends with photo shoots for their assignments and used my friends as models to practice my skill. During my free time, I planned shoots and found that I enjoyed mostly editorials and high fashion shoots.
Where do you see the makeup industry going in Nairobi?
Fashion has grown within the Kenyan industry where you find more and more women dressing to express their individual styles. It involves more skill with stores like MAC opening in Kenya. It creates an avenue for women to learn more about the industry now.
Sinitta Akello has studied under local beauty giant Suzie Beauty, and is now an independent beauty consultant at MAC Nairobi. Follow her blog at Cultured Ego to get the latest makeup inspiration from Nairobi.
Aprelle Duany describes herself as a nerd who adores fashion.
After years of climbing the corporate ladder, Duany became detached from calculating billable hours and chasing corporate clients. She longed to reconnect with her creative gifts. Upon graduating as Summa Cum Laude at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Duany was excited about the opportunities that lay ahead of her, designing at top fashion houses. Little did she know her life would take a drastic turn.
That same year, she married her college sweetheart, Kueth Duany. Longing to help redevelop his home country, the two journeyed nearly 7,000 miles from NYC to the newest country on Earth, South Sudan. Landing in South Sudan was a shock! Transitioning from the 24/7 life of NYC to a place with no electricity, no plumbing, and no roads was unimaginable.
Although the challenge of a lifetime, Duany began to uncover the mystery of this new world. Her discovery was a result of appreciating the simplicities of life. Eventually, she realized the beauty which became the inspiration to create a luxury lifestyle brand, APRELLEDUANY, that would offer others exclusive access to the true African experience.
She currently resides in Nairobi, Kenya with her husband and two daughters. Duany loves to write about fashion, accessories, luxury brands, IT, travel, and the beauty of Africa.
Favorite quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau
