“You have to keep doing what you love as if no one is paying attention…and in time the right audience will find you. You never know who is watching!”
Once again the world turns to Africa — the endless source of inspiration not just for music, but as well as for a different perspective to fashion. And a great example of fresh and distinctive fashionistas is the Kenyan sister-brother duo Velma Rossa and Papa Petit who you can meet on their tumblr page under the pseudonym 2manysiblings. One can be immediately caught by their colorful outfits with a hint of African style and a strong vitange feeling. It’s nothing but a pleasure to browse through their outfits. We caught up Velma and Papa Petit for a short talk and found out what’s behind their exquisite style.
Guys, I’m browsing your blog almost every day, you have amazing shots there! I’m curious — when did the idea of starting a blog about fashion occur to you? How did you get into this?
Papa Petit: We started our fashion blog about a year ago after my sister came back from South Africa after a seven year hiatus. We were also talking about starting a style/art blog and when she back,we started working on it. The main aim of 2MS is to add to the positive thread of our dear beloved continent through images…We are about rebranding Africa,encouraging people to see Africa in a an appreciative light aswell as showcasing the unique talents of African photographers we collaborate with as each of them have different concepts & aesthetics to their work.
What’s your favourite part of blogging?
Velma Rossa: I have to say the friends made through mail conversations and actually meeting some when they come to visit our country courtesy of the images posted up on our space.We have met bloggers from France and the US so far…the reception of 2MS has been great!
The best thing about fashion?
Velma Rossa: I think the best thing about fashion for me is playing dress up and being able to transform yourself … Wearing what you feel inside outside :)
The worst thing about fashion?
Papa Petit: The worst thing about fashion… it can be quite superficial.
Your outfits looks very original and unique — I especially love the colours and also the locations where you take pictures. Does the enviroment where you live have any influence on your style? Where do you seek an inspiration?
Papa Petit: We draw inspiration from our parents vintage photo albums and also our undying sense of curiosity…combining different textures obtained from our cultural environment, like wearing a tribal Turkana beaded necklace with a smart collared shirt. So I’d say our environment definitely contributes to our style…
From some outfits I can sense pretty strong vintage feeling. What’s your favourite fashion era?
Velma Rossa: Glad you noticed this aspect in our dressing, I love a couple of eras but my favourite would have to be the ’70’s in London.
Papa Petit: 1920’s men’s dapper wear.
Any recommendation for shopping clothes or accessorizes in Nairobi? Do you have any favourite African fashion designers?
Velma Rossa: We mainly like to shop in second hand open air markets or thrifting.Good quality high end items for cheap :) Accessories we head down to the Maasai Market for beaded leather & brass accessories.
Papa Petit: Favourite African designers… my brothers down at Blackbird jeans, Afro Shoes and Nick Ondu. All Kenyan.
Where do you see you and your blog in 10 years?
Papa Petit: … in space haha!
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Velma Rossa: You have to keep doing what you love as if no one is paying attention…and in time the right audience will find you. You never know who is watching!
The most imporant thing in life is …
Papa Petit: Believe in God and everything will be alright.
A FESTIVAL CELEBRATING AFRICAN JAZZ.
(jazz festival, 2014).
2 BOYS.SHOOT ME.
THE SOLOIST.
CHILD OF THE FOREST. 1/3
(joshua obaga, 2014)
all images provided by 2manysiblings
