Reuben and Levi Uwi
I am always trying to keep on the latest trends and this includes menswear too!
Recently, I was fortunate to speak with Reuben Uwi, CEO/Designer,U.T.F.L. - Uwi Twins Fashion Label . Reuben shared with me his top tips for trends for menswear for spring 2015 and where he will be next to get some fashion inspiration.
Reuben along with his twin brother Lévi Uwi were born in Rwanda in 1987. They escaped the 1994 genocide with their parents and siblings living in Kenya, until they came to Vancouver, Canada in 1998 at the age of 10. They now design some of the most cutting-edge designs and their clothes have been featured around the world. One of their biggest inspirations is celebrities like Drake.
What are the top styles for menswear this spring?
Menswear has had a huge growth in the past decade and the guys have become very fashion conscious these days. Menswear is all about building a closet with investment pieces and less about "trendy" items. Look for top styles that are bold in colour and cuts, don't be shy to wear pieces with prints as this will show your innate fashion sense.
What are the hot colours this spring for men?
I'm all about the classic colours that remain timeless, bold colours like red, blue and purple will keep you stylish. Push the boundaries and wear pink to show off your boldness.
What are the new hot combinations for menswear?
The hot new combinations is putting together an outfit that might be considered to have opposite colours. This will make a bold statement. Vintage polka dots will be in style this spring and geometric patterns are perfect for a mix and look. The Classic black-and-white combination will never go away so you can't go wrong with an outfit that gives you great contrast and highlights smart design.
How can men add these new looks to their wardrobe?
Putting together these new looks is very simple, pair a simple white T-Shirt with a Uwi Twins black and white shorts this spring for an effortless cool wardrobe look. A great wardrobe addition is a stylish pink shirt paired with classic white pants also from the Uwi Twins Fashion Label Collection.
What other advice would you give to guys wanting to create a fresh new look for spring?
Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone by trying new colour combinations, I see over-sized shirts back in style and pairing your vintage tee and some new khaki shorts will show your individuality.
How will expand your vision for fashion this year?
Going back to Africa after 17 years is special for us, leaving when we were 10 years old you don't really remember and understand everything that's around you. The sheer natural beauty has already expanded our mind and has inspired us tremendously to design great pieces going forward. You have to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in life.
Family always comes first and when the chance to go back to Africa came up we owed it to ourselves to visit some of the folks that helped us get here. Being in North America and in the west for so long you get stuck in a bubble. I wanted to answer this question while in the African sun, we're in Kenya right now and it's such a thriving country, for Levi and I, it's come full circle being here.
Having the chance to design our next collection in Kenya is special, the last time we were here our future was bleak but now we have some great opportunities ahead of us it's such a huge contrast. We hope to try and connect with some of the youth here who feel hopeless and share our blessings with them. By sharing our story with them, we would like to give them hope and inspire them that they too can follow there dreams.
I am going to share these fashion tips and this inspiring story with the men in my life.
Please share your comments below. Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to enjoy life to the fullest.
Visit Sacha daily at SachaD.com