Winnie Machuki is a stylist and the founder of Chukay Collections, an online thrift store. She is a fashion influencer who shares her life on an eponymous YouTube channel. People Daily caught up with her to learn more about her fashion and style.

When did you know you wanted to be a stylist? 

I have always had the passion for styling and fashion since childhood. I would raid my mum’s closet and try on her outfits. At times, I would mismatch different pieces to see how they looked like together.

The older I got, the stronger the conviction to create more looks grew. Over time, I learned my experimentation with fashion is what makes my styling unique and I slowly started growing my brand as a fashion influencer and stylist. 

When did you start styling career?

Three years ago, I decided to take the leap and start styling people professionally. Of course, I had had loads of practice before then, styling my family friends and colleagues. My client roster has slowly grown through referrals.

What does image, style mean to you?

Style for me is an outward expression of the mental and emotional state of a person. You can leverage style to curate the image you want. I believe one’s personality can be detected through style and associated image one projects.

How can you describe your personal style? 

My style is elegant-chic. I seek to always be elegant whether in a casual outfit or official get-up. Comfort is also really important for me as I believe you do not have to be uncomfortable to look good.

My style has evolved over time. I am more sure of myself now than I was when I started out. I would follow trends blindly then, but I am more deliberate now and not easily swayed by trends. 

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

My Mum: seeing her create looks was my first encounter with fashion. She is very fashionable, which made me eager to be like her. She is so chic and polished that she inspires my fashion sense to date.

When did you start Chukay Collections and what inspired you to start it?

I started it five years ago. Back then, I was a broke undergraduate who loved fashion, and thrifting was the only way I could access a wide variety of clothes.

I thought how many women would like to look nice but are financially restricted, and decided to provide classy pieces at affordable prices. 

One thing you can’t leave home without?

My Swarovski studs. They are chic and go with everything.

What is your best fashion buy?

My Ralph Lauren dress, which I got at a resale value of Sh4,000 from PoshMark. Its current retail value is around Sh60,000, so it was an absolute steal.

The dress can be worn in so many ways and is the definition of a timeless piece. For me, it is not only a fashion item, but a collector’s piece.

What scent do you use and what role does scent play in curating an image?

My signature scent is Marc Jacob Decadence. I believe scent is an important component of image as people remember how you smell.

Scent introduces you into a room immediately you walk in and creates an instant impression. The right scent can also uplift your mood.

What is some styling advice Kenyans can apply in their personal lives?

People no longer iron their clothes yet ironing clothes makes such a big difference in a look. Remember that sometimes less is more, meaning that a lot of pattern and excess jewellery can come off as tacky. Do not wear oversize or undersize clothes. Proper fitting goes a long way.

It is important to declutter your closet from time to time so you can tell which clothes you have outgrown or evolved from, and sell these or give them away.