Nelly Mwangi – Kenyan YouTuber founder of Geek Boutique, Geek Hair
By Christopher Owuor, January 15, 2020Nelly Mwangi is a Kenyan YouTuber known for a simple yet sophisticated balance in fashion. She is the founder of Geek Boutique and Geek Hair. She shares her style secrets with FAITH KYOUMUKAMA
Briefly, describe yourself.
Brave, kind, assertive.
Why did specialise in fashion vlogging?
Like most girls, I love getting dressed up. Putting together an outfit is my way of creating something new every day.
For me it’s fun and that is why I decided to share it with an audience that appreciates fashion and style.
And the journey has been nothing, but interesting. My YouTube channel is known as Geek on Fashion.
Tell us about your human hair company
Geek Hair honestly started on a whim. A friend introduced me to a supplier of virgin human hair and I took a leap of faith into it and I’ am really glad I did. We provide quality wigs at pocket-friendly prices.
Do you think the local fashion industry is growing?
Yes. It’s amazing to see a plethora of thriving fashion creators in Kenya today. We all have different ways of interpreting something and it’s really appealing to see the same in fashion.
The big question is, what is there left for us to change? Absolutely nothing! The current state of our fashion scene feels authentic and that’s what counts.
Should people go for what’s trendy or what works best for them?
Style is personal. I would say, go for what you like not what’s trending. If it makes you feel good, put it on.
Which five fashion buys have you made this January?
A Balenciaga bag, Michelankors bag, two pairs of Zara shoes and a dungaree. And I love all my new buys.
What are your favourite vintage pieces?
It’s not yet vintage, but it’s getting closer to that tag. It’s a 19-year-old Christian Dior saddlebag.
Which remains your favourite fashion era?
The 1960s. This was an age of fashion innovation, especially for women. The early 60s gave birth to drainpipe jeans and Capri pants, plaid button down shirts worn with slim blue jeans and comfortable slacks, among others.
What’s your latest beauty discovery?
Sudocream. It’s an over-the-counter medicated cream aimed primarily at the treatment of nappy rash.
However, it can also be used to treat eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns, surface wounds, sunburn and chilblains.
What’s your most surreal fashion experience thus far?
Bella Naija approved the look that I wore at the Moet 2019 anniversary. Honestly I didn’t think it was all that, but the reaction I received was over the top and I was glad.
Your comfortable indoor look is?
A unicorn onesie; it’s so warm and cosy, especially in this cold weather.
Who’s your greatest fashion icons?
Jackie O, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, her daughter Tracey Ellis and Audrey Hepburn.
What do you splurge on the most?
Handbags. I have a whole lot of them.
What’s your style inspiration?
I find style inspiration everywhere, even just by watching the simplest of shows including cartoons. Ha-ha.
Define your ideal stylish man?
When it comes to the guys, it’s more than clothes for me. Good grooming is key, a man who smells nice, clean short nails and properly ironed clothes.
But also, how a man acts, talks and carries himself makes a man attractive. To me that’s style.