JG: Hi Kokuhilwa Rosemary, Thank you for your time, straight away, let’s begin. Tell us about yourself, your history, family, education etc.
FJ: My name is Rosemary Kokuhilwa. I was born in Bukoba but grew up in Dar -es-salaam Tanzania. Right after high school I became a model and was managed by Faces International which was the first modelling agency in Tanzania back in the days. I am the eldest in my family, I have five siblings. I am currently in the States where I work and attend school at FIT (Fashion Institute Technology).
JG: Where did the name Fashionjunkii Stem from?
FJ: The name came about after playing around with diffferent names that fitted me as a fashion enthusiast. Then my sister and her boyfriend came up with Fashionjunkii because they thought I needed help because of my shopping habit. It was actually supposed to be fashionjunkie as in a "junkie" for fashion but instead I threw in "Junkii " thinking it would have a bit of swahili flavor.
JG: Where are you based NOW?
FJ posing with Kiki & Miriam, her mates from Faces International back in the days.
JG: When and how did you get into fashion styling?
FJ: I got into styling two years a go after realizing that I could make a living out of it. The first thing i did was to take classes to learn the business of Fashion styling. You know, it's not just about the clothes, it involves a lot of things and lot of paper works. After that I did a few internships here and there just to get myself familiar with the game.
She's not only a fshion stylist but also a fashionista!
JG: How challenging was it making it as a stylist in Diaspora?
FJ: It was very challenging, and it is still very challenging. Most times it's who you know, the more networking you do, the more contacts you have and the better chances you have to meet your next client.
JG: What are your views on the African fashion industry at the moment; where are we excelling and where do we need improvement?
FJ: I think at the moment the fashion industry in Africa is on the right track. We now have our own fashion weeks in Africa, our models and designers are being recognized world wide. We have publications such as Arise Magazine and African blogs that promote our talented models and designers to the extreme. What we need to do is to continue promoting these talents non stop. Believe me, Africa is the next big thing for fashion.
JG: What was your first editorial spread? Tell us about the experience.
FJ: I have not done any editorial spread but i have done feature stories and a cover. The first cover / feature story for me that i worked as a key stylist was with ladybrille magazine which is an African magazine based in the diaspora. It was a great experience for me because not only was it a spread but it was also the cover. But also during my internship, I assisted two stylist for two different TV commercials with very well knows celebrities one for DR. Pepper and another one for Nikon Camera.
FJ with Solange Knowels @Charlotte Ronson Fall/Winter 2010
JG: Where do you draw inspiration when planning a shoot?
FJ: From everywhere, I have no boundaries. It could be the streets, museums, online surfing.. just everywhere.
JG: Are there Any stylists you most admire or look up to?
FJ: Yes, I love Nicola Formichetti and also Love Rachel Zoe just to mention a few.
JG: Designers that inspsire you?
FJ: A lot of designers inspire me , each one in their own way just because everyone brings something different to the table. For instance, I love Alexander Wang for making clothes that are simple, young yet modern ( his clothes are like the new cool) Alexander McQueen for his creativity and his genius vision ( he always thought outside the box), Yves Saint Laurent for always for his timeless pieces. Dries Van Noten for making beautiful prints that look so fresh and colorful. Marc Jacobs for making comfortable clothes for a modern woman.
JG: What is your favorite fashion Era?
FJ: I love the 70's a lot
JG: Who is your fashion icon?
FJ: Again, I have many. I love Grace Jones, I love Ana DelloRusso, just to mention a few.
JG: What’s the biggest obstacle you faced by choosing to become a Fashion Stylist?
FJ: It is always hard to book a job. As I mentioned earlier, knowing people is very important. Also having the client to pay you can be a headache. I have done two jobs that the clients never paid me, yet they had the products, sent the invoices but acted like it was a free job.
JG: What is your favorite part of your job?
FJ: Seeing the end results. if it is a client, seeing her/him transforming into something different, something fabulous. If it is a shoot, seeing you work on publications or TV and so forth. Above all it is the people you meet and the fun associated with it.
Fj with some of the stylists she admires
JG: Worst part of your job?
FJ: Okay, here is the secret about styling. It might appear to many as glamourous and all but it is a dirty job. you sweat, you are moving up and down, moving racks, steaming, sewing, putting tapes, doing pick ups and returns. It is just not as glamorous as it seems. It is just that because we are dealing with beauitiful clothes, shoes ,model and so forth thats why it looks so good on the outside.
JG: Do you ever plan to move back to Tanzania?
FJ: I don't know yet.
JG: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
FJ: I see my self very successiful with a big studio here in the USA and also in Africa.
JG: Any advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in styling?
FJ: If you love styling, and think you got some great style and a good eye for it, I say go for it. Follow your heart, work extra hard because it is not easy out there.
Always making a statement!
JG: Advice for the African fashion industry as a whole?
FJ: Africa is Fashion. There is no stopping, it's our time, lets go out and show the world how talented we are.
JG: Advice you would give absolutely anyone?
FJ: Follow your dreams, never give up
For more on FJ visit her website: http://www.
JG: Thank you for your time FJ & I would like to wish you all the best in your career and plans.
FJ rocking a dress from CHICHIA London!!!!
Thanks Jestina, nampenda sana
ReplyDeletei love that she is fearless and she inspires me.love love love her!!!!!
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