African women aspire to embrace their Afrocentric identity and showcase their distinct personal style.
Nallah B. Sangare, a renowned makeup artist hailing from France, born to an Ivorian father and a Malian mother, was based in Nairobi but left to spread her wings.
Reflecting on her Afrocentric apartment tour during Art Of Living interview, it was an absolute delight.
Nallah is a captivating figure, akin to a book with an intriguing title, its cover promising enchantment without giving away the story.
Her professional portfolio extends far beyond makeup artistry; she is an International Makeup Artist, Hair Designer, Stylist, and Creative Director.
Despite her background in International Business, she transitioned into the beauty and fashion industry, leaving an indelible mark with collaborations with prestigious brands such as Givenchy, Darphin, and MAC Cosmetics.
Nallah's career spans the globe, from Europe to Africa, where she has served as an international makeup trainer, leaving her mark on prestigious platforms like Mercedes Benz Fashion Weeks in Cape Town & Johannesburg, FIMA (NIGER), African Collection (Cameroon), Fashion & Design Week (Gabon), Nigerian Next Super Model & GTBank Fashion Week (Nigeria), and TRIBAL Chic Fashion Show (Kenya).
Recognized as the Fashion of the Year 2019 by LeBelle Paris Magazine, Nallah wears many hats as an image consultant and stylist. Her creative endeavors extend to directing musical plays in Kenya and curating photoshoots for magazines.
Venturing into her apartment in the surburbs of Nairobi, the elevator transports visitors to a home that resonates with eclecticism.
Reflecting her extensive travels and profound pride in her African heritage, Nallah, although having studied in France and the United Kingdom, exudes a cultural richness beyond her Kenyan surroundings.
Her three-bedroom apartment was modern and chic and spacious. The white painted walls were a perfect canvas for her art and accessories.
In her living room, traditional norms blend seamlessly with a cosmopolitan flair. With no conventional dining table, a vast exotic hide skin, intricately designed, takes center stage.
Nallah, drawing from her Malian roots, explains the preference for large mats, fostering a familial atmosphere for bonding and dining.
Her vibrant living space boasts a sink-in sofa adorned with lively, Ankara fabric cushions, each narrating a tale from diverse African cultures, such as Baazar from Ivory Coast and Kinte from Ghana.
The walls, pristine in white, serve as a canvas for an array of wicker baskets, trinkets, sculptures, and captivating art pieces, each with a story etched in time.
Nallah's fashionista flair extends to her home decor, evident in her collection of antique eyeglasses displayed on a table, showcasing a spectrum of colors and even animal prints.
A colossal wing chair, a masterpiece made in Kenya with Mali's bogolan/mudcloth fabric, radiates African essence with a touch of Louis Vuitton sophistication.
Among her prized possessions is a cowrie shell basket, not merely decorative but deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual significance. Nallah's home reflects her eclectic taste, featuring unique items like an art piece acquired in Lagos, embodying African beauty and culture.
Her personal style shines through in her wardrobe choices - from her distinctive African outfits paired with jeans to mismatched bronze and cowrie shell earrings, Nallah defies the ordinary. A tour of her dressing room reveals a treasure trove of jewellery from her African travels, meticulously displayed on wall-to-wall open shelves.
The allure continues into her vanity mirror-laden makeup haven, inviting one to sit and indulge in the artistry. Nallah's bedroom is a haven of comfort, with a colossal wood-carved bed from Nigeria, adorned with colourful beddings and a rag from Morocco, creating a summer paradise.
Adjacent to her bedroom, a balcony gym reflects her commitment to fitness.
Nallah is the embodiment of a softly spoken fashionista, a remarkable makeup artist emanating a gentle yet resilient energy.
Her home is a perfect reflection and collection of Afrocentrism..
- For a deeper dive into Nallah's Sangare's world, catch this captivating episode on KTN Home's Art Of Living YouTube channel.