Not long ago, Beyond the Chair, an event by Braiding Nairobi, was more than a fashion show; it was a bold declaration, a reclamation of culture, and a celebration of identity, memory, and art.
Braiding Nairobi was born barely a year ago from a simple idea: to make booking a hair braider as seamless, dignified, and respected as the craft itself.
For Lazandra, one of Nairobi’s most coveted braiders, the experience was deeply personal and transformative.
“Braiding has always been more than routine; it’s an artistic expression, seeing it presented in such bold, cinematic light is a celebration of its depth.”
During the daytime hackathon, Lazandra was paired with a digital influencer and tasked with creating a runway-ready look in just a few hours live, outdoors, and on camera.
Using a mix of beads, thread, and flowers, she sculpted a stunning crown, a braidwork masterpiece woven with symbolism and pride.
“My hands carry memory of our mothers, our roots, our strength, each braid tells a story of Black beauty that is both ancient and ever-evolving,” she says.
As the sun set and the purple carpet was rolled out, the storytelling continued. Models, creators, and designers showcased custom couture pieces that mirrored the narratives braided into the hair hours earlier.
One of the collaborations was between Lazandra and David, the founder of Akiba Studios. Inspired by the Lotus flower, David’s fashion design was a tribute to African creativity thriving through adversity.
“Fashion represents timestamps of life; it’s both a necessity and a creative archive. In the digital age, storytelling through style is more vital than ever.” He says.
His belief in intentional, symbolic design complemented Lazandra’s work perfectly, fusing hair and fashion into a shared narrative of heritage, elegance, and innovation. At Akiba Studios, collaboration is core.
“We believe in world-building with talented artists, artisans, and braiders where different disciplines align, we don’t just create clothes or hair, we create new worlds.” He says
Yet, Beyond the Chair wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was a deliberate move to confront and dismantle systemic erasure.
In Kenya and across Africa, braiders, primarily women, have long operated in the shadows of the beauty and tech industries, often underpaid, under-recognised, and excluded from formal platforms.
“Events like this challenge outdated perceptions, they elevate the craft and open up new markets and partnerships that were never traditionally available to us. This isn’t just about visibility—it’s about economic empowerment.” Lazandra says.
By merging beauty with tech and storytelling, the platform is reshaping how hairstyling happens and who gets to profit from it.
“This isn’t just a party, this is a movement. We’re reclaiming space and redefining beauty on our own terms.” Braiding Nairobi team says.
As we often overlook the hands that weave, tuck, and twist, Beyond the Chair illuminated them. It honoured the tradition, the talent, and the truth that black beauty is not accidental.