We’ve been sharing glimpses of our latest editorial images on our social media and the feedback has been incredible. Today, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of what went into the making of this year’s shoot.
This was a process rooted in Sandstorm’s values of craftsmanship, quality, creativity, and intention. We enlisted an all-Kenyan team to bring this vision to life—each one a master of their own craft. More than a campaign, this was a creative offering. We wanted to capture a feeling—a tribute to Afro-resurgence, and the creative momentum that has been aggressively pulsing through the continent for the better part of two decades.
Sandstorm was started in 2002, right at the cusp of this cultural awakening. As a leading African luxury brand, we’re proud to be part of this rise—where Africa is no longer a passive participant in the global craftsmanship conversation, but an active force shaping it. From fashion to film, from music to design, we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. And we are finally getting credit for it. We’re not arriving—we’ve been here. And now, the world is catching up.
At the Centre of It All: The Bags
As always, they were the true stars—crafted to hold attention through quiet confidence rather than volume. Our models were styled to complement the bags without overpowering them. Every frame, every fabric, every silhouette was built around their presence—because at Sandstorm, we don’t design around trends. We design around craft, function, and meaning.
The Location – Paradise Lost, Kiambu
Just a short drive from Nairobi, Paradise Lost is one of Kenya’s most quietly magical locations—home to ancient caves estimated to be over 2.5 million years old, lush coffee farms, forest trails, and a waterfall that feels carved from myth.
But beyond its natural wonder, it carries layers of colonial history—a place once used for British settler agriculture. The caves at Paradise Lost also served as hideouts for Mau Mau freedom fighters during the struggle for independence in the 1950s. Concealed behind a waterfall and surrounded by dense forest, they provided a strategic refuge from colonial forces.
Today, they stand as a living monument—a reminder of resistance, reclamation, and resilience. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a brand rooted in depth, story, and African spirit—a space that, like us, has transformed with purpose.
The Question of Colour
Sandstorm has long been known for its warm, grounded safari aesthetic—earth tones, classic silhouettes, and quiet, enduring elegance. But this time, we asked a different question:
What if colour isn't a departure from earth—but its natural evolution?
All colours are born from the absence of it. Every hue holds echoes of soil, dust, ash, and clay. We’re not saying we’re right. We're just asking—what if?
We opened the shoot in all black—an intentional choice. It was a study in strength, simplicity, and contrast. Shot along the forest paths of Paradise Lost, the bags felt like shadows themselves: powerful in form, restrained in tone, harmonising effortlessly with the environment. They echoed the depth of the forest—unapologetic, grounded, and elemental.
The second look introduced vibrance—unexpected, expressive, and deeply textured. Shot by the caves and beneath the waterfall, this chapter saw the bags take on a new rhythm. Set against colourful fabrics and ancient stone, they came alive with contrast. The tones popped, the details sharpened. Tradition evolved—and the bags held their own in the midst of boldness. Nature embraced it.
We closed with white. Light, open, and timeless. Shot at the lake and in the waterfall once more, this final look was about return—clarity after colour, calm after intensity. The bags floated with ease against the white palette and tranquil surroundings, exuding quiet confidence. This was a visual exhale—an embodiment of grace, purpose, and simplicity.
Throughout the shoot, African artistry shaped the visual language—from braided and sculpted hairstyles echoing heritage, to silhouettes that spoke softly but stood tall. This wasn’t trend-chasing. It was cultural memory, refined.
The Creative Team
Models: Agulet Malek, Milan Mitei, Scovia Cheptoo, and Teiyan
Makeup: Esther Ochangwa
Photography: Picture Guru, led by Braxton Omondi
Creative Direction: Flat Earth Policy
A Closing Note
After an intense eleven-hour shoot, we wrapped up—grateful for having accomplished what we set out to do.
Of course, you might want to ask the true stars of the show—the Sandstorm bags—how they feel about it.
But the best way to find out? Buy yours and let it speak for itself.
Get yours now at www.sandstormkenya.com
