Connie Alouch is a celebrity stylist that has gained popularity over the past few years due to her work with Drum and True Love magazine. She has become a great inspiration after being the first Kenyan faculty member of “Instituto Marangoni”, an institute that trains fashion professionals. With many years of Fashion design related studies and a huge talent, she has become an inspiration for many young women aiming to grow in the industry. Today, we have interviewed her to learn about her perception on a few subjects.

1.  Would you mind telling us a bit about your background and why did you decide to be involved in the fashion industry?

My name is Connie Aluoch I am a Fashion Stylist. I was greatly influenced by my parents who are very fashionable and Elsa Klensch

2.  What is your achievement until today that you are most proud of and why? 

Being the 1st African to be appointed International Tutor at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy in March 2017 and being appointed a Fashion Lecturer the University of Nairobi in January 2015 to date.

3.  As a person running a business, what are some skills or attributes that you have found to be indispensable? 

As a business owner I have found it key to have the following skills:

• Time Management/ Organization: I am very hands on in my business and give out specific projects to my Assistants and constantly following up on them. 
• Good PR Skills: As a stylist I work with a team of Fashion Assistants, Hair/Makeup Artists etc. It’s very important to be approachable and relatable as one is constantly working with a team of people.

4.  What do you think of the current state of the African Fashion Industry? 

African Fashion is Booming because of the following reasons:

• Unemployment of Younger Generation
  According to the Internal Labor of Organization in Sub-Saharan Africa 50% of graduates are unemployed. This forces them to look for alternative ways to make a living in Arts and Fashion 
• Globalisation

Globalisation with the free movement of services, goods, people, technology and information. New trends and information can empower innovation. E.g. Online shopping on Jumia etc

• Technology & Information

Internet world statistics shows that Africa’s Internet penetration stands at 18% with 170 million users but has increased seven times over between 2000 and 2012. More access to videos via YouTube, television i.e. Fashion TV, Social media and magazines and E-books on Fashion has accelerated creativity.

• Technical Training Colleges are increasing

Due to the employment crisis, governments are encouraging training in technical skills i.e. Fashion and tailoring.

5.  From your point of view, how do you see the “Fashionomics Africa” involvement?

I would love to see Fashionomics having more “Masterclasses’ at least one every quarter around Africa. 

I would also like to see Fashionomics involving Skilled lecturer’s like me in giving Masterclasses on Fashion Marketing/Styling etc.