Through his The Styling Process series, Babu shares the ideas, materials and decisions involved in creating different looks.
His latest instalment, Episode 4, focuses on the styling for Charisma Live, offering a look at the work that happens before the performer takes the stage.
Behind the look
Babu’s series first gained attention through his breakdown of the styling for Bien’s All My Enemies music video.
The project linked fashion to Kenyan culture, with inspiration drawn from communities including the Luo and Luhya.
The looks included a red jacket and snake-print pieces, each designed to carry a different meaning.
One outfit required detailed handwork.
The jungle-green look featured sisal frays that were sourced, dyed and hand-sewn to achieve the desired finish.
“Bien wanted something that reflected Kenyan culture; Luo, Luhya, and more,” Babu explained.
A career beyond styling
Babu’s work extends beyond music videos and celebrity appearances.
His portfolio includes campaigns for brands such as Rituals Cosmetics, Tusker, Kenya Cane, Infinix and OPPO.
He has also worked with Kenyan entertainers, including Sauti Sol.
His work earned him recognition at the 2018 Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards, where he won Africa Stylist of the Year.
Showing the process
Celebrity fashion is often seen only through photographs, music videos and stage performances. The preparation behind those looks is rarely shown.
Babu’s series puts that process at the centre.
Episode 4 now turns the focus to Charisma Live, documenting how the event’s theme influenced Charisma’s stage look before the final look is revealed. According to Babu, Charisma wanted the event to feel like a family fun day, with the idea of building an outdoor circus.
“Charisma wanted to build a circus. He wanted an idea of a family fun day, an outdoor… That’s why the event was at Waterfront,” Babu said.
The look featured red and white, colors traditionally associated with circus performers and clowns. He also incorporated stripes and checkers into the outfit to strengthen the visual concept. Another key accessory was Charisma’s walking stick. According to Babu, the prop was made by an artisan in Kariakor, adding a local handmade element to the stage look.
The final influence came from the 1970s, bringing vintage fashion into the circus-inspired concept.
For Babu, the clothing is part of a wider creative process.
His series shows that a finished celebrity look can involve planning, sourcing, design and hours of hands-on work.
