Ben Wilhelmi

Fashion and more

 

Here are some modern pictures snapped in Tanzania. Wildlife, stunning landscapes, Masai people safaris are only one aspect of Tanzania, a bit reductive somewhat. The pictures below are a modest attempt to show a different aspect of this stunning country.

 

This stunning woman has been one of my favorite anonymous model recently. Mwanza city, aka Rock city.

Huge billboards sadly have come with modernism...Dar es salaam.

 

One of the cool bars with nice views in Dar.

 

 

Yeah, girls will be girls, everywhere. Check check...what's the verdict?

I hope this comment won't get me crucified by feminists and other politically correct activists...

 

Female pilot and flight engineers have been our colleagues for a while now.

 

I have to send this picture to Christian Dior's company. They might get a heart attack...

 

Below are some fashionistas commonly spotted in the Dar malls:

No idea who the woman on the yellow dress is but she is often to be seen around.

 

In cities, Tanzania

 

I tend to post pictures of the picturesque Africa...guilty. To show what is similar to Europe doesn't seem so attractive but then I decided to be fair and show everything modern and maybe boring. There is a lot more than the bush....And while doing that, I noticed the stunning fashion, the colors, the style, the various styles and that became interesting.

 

Stripes and polka dots in the KFC. This model could have been waiting in a Subway or Pizza Hut.

 

I did wait 10 min for this one. I had noticed the new buses had the same ad as the building...Those buses hav their own fast lanes in Dar.

 

 

The modern bus stands are located between the 2 bus lanes. So while I drive I get this kind of view, like a catwalk. Can you see my reflection in the yellow pattern?

Dar and a few of its many skyscrapers and large highways.

 

A coupla fashionistas again.

"Yo Bro whassup?". Those have been here for a while. Big hit in the local music industry.

Poor framing, sorry but look at the girl on the right side. Does she know these ripped jean's have been around for 50 years?

Also the rainbow shoes? That is where I feel very old...Sometimes I only notice extra details when I start the editing.

 

Street photography, Uganda

 

 

These trendy hats are quite common in Uganda  Not at all in Tanzania. I love how fashion gets recycled.

 

 

The "I don't care lady" gliding through the downpour...

 

 

 

Usually my natural charm suffices to defuse a situation when I get spotted.

 

Or not...

 

These contraptions on the other end, unlike the retro hats, are common through the East African countries...I got rescued once in Kenya and once that Land Rover came to a halt next to my car the driver slammed the door and the front grid fell off! Just like in a movie. But those mechanics are good at fixing older cars on the spot. A bit more challenging with modern cars full of electronics...

 

 

 

Rare case of a mask worn, and properly. A few dozens deaths due to corona since the beginning. One cannot blame the average Ugandan especially with some notorious examples come from the West

Uganda, street photography

 

 

Any color missing in this shot? Purple...

 

I had only taken this shot for the colors and contrasts but my Ugandan common-law wife laughed at it and pointed out the roots carried by the vendor, "mulondo" which is the equivalent of our blue pills. I'm glad the need for it has never come in our conversations...

 

 

Elections coming next year, they didn't waste to start the electoral campaign. 

 

this picture misses a yellow touch, I know...

 

While waiting for my car to be fixed, I grabbed my camera.

25 kg bags of rice, sugar, flour...are very common here too. Tough job for the housewives.

 

Unusual moped in Kampala.

 

 

Uganda, street photography

 

As stated before, Africa is street photographer must. Colors, activity, fashion...

"Why run pretty lady? Is anybody dumb enough to run over you?"

 

Helmet...baby step.

I can't remember I have ever seen such a bicolored dress.

 

Kampala, street photography

Street photography has been a hobby since Mom offered my first SLR camera in 1987. Not that fashionable by then but I had discovered the big masters...

Fast forward 33 years and I am still at it, here in Kampala, Uganda, right now.

 

 

Stunning fashionistas are numerous along traditional outfits which can also be quite awesome...

 

 

...or not?

 

 

oh and haircuts are a whole chapter of their own.

 

Corona...the rules are a bit more followed than in Tanzania but it is more due to a fear factor of the police I hear. On approaching a police road block, whether in a bus or in a car, everyone lifts the mask up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kikubo bazaar, Kampala, Uganda

Kikubo, central Kampala, closed to regular circulation, even to cows. Most of the retailers operate here.

 

The banana seller is the attraction on the picture but notice the orange hat. Isn't that an old-fashioned hat from the roaring 20's? Yet I have seen quite a few of them here in Uganda only, different colors and patterns. Still very stylish on African women l'd say.

 

On top of the chaotic atmosphere in the bazaar, the show is also about fashion. Bras for sale...and those ladies know a few things, whether l can appreciate or not.

My big problem these days are slippers or sandals with furry decorations and to add insult...socks!

I'm told I cannot understand fashion...

 

At least this elegant woman fits some of my fashion standards.

 

 

Items are stacked beyond belief, no space must wasted.

Even stairs are rented to lower class business people.

And the street itself can be squatted. These entrepreneurs just have to be ready to lift up aside the goodies on a tarpaulin or small table when a deliver van shows up.

Traditional brooms and cool sport hat on the lady in red. "Venezia". Another long trip for a garment. I have spotted a t-shirt once belonging my Belgian bank.

 

 

 

No idea what this is..

 

'

 

Fashion in South Sudan

In the middle of a civil war, fashion is interesting and of various influences.

 

 

Have a 2nd look at her hat...

 

Yep a slab of meat!

 

Ole! A traditional Spanish dress!