African Prints in Fashion

Bag Encounter

2013-05-19T07:59:00.001-04:00

Sorry for not blogging much lately. I finally found a new apartment in Brooklyn and I am now in the midst of packing and moving. On top of that I had to go for one week to a convention in Florida - so I really did not get much blogging done.

But now I am back and while running some errands in Fort Greene, I stumbled over this print bag. I have already lots of bags and I constantly tell myself to stop buying more. So I texted a picture to my sister and asked her for her opinion. She said "go for it" so now this handmade bag from Ghana by the label Gladberry's is mine. How do u like it? You can shop these bags here.

Creative Energy: Konstellation Klan

2013-05-11T14:30:00.000-04:00

Photos by Tarryn Hatchett

A friend send me the link to an interview on mtv.com with this group of hipsters from Johannesburg. The Konstellation Klan is creating most of their outfits and only accept people in their team, who have style and personality.
To me the pictures feel like a South African, 80ies Hip-Hop, Vintage mix. Konstellation Klan comes across like a younger, more urban version of the Smarteez, a group of friends that were recognized as Joburg's most stylish subculture.

How do you like their style?

mtv interview: Soweto Swagger
t: http://konstellation-klan.tumblr.com/
t: https://twitter.com/K_Klan_SA
f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Konstellation-Klan

It's a Print Print Print Summer!

2013-05-08T23:18:00.001-04:00

I was surfing around the Topshop website today and saw that one of their featured lookbooks was called "Safari". Well, I think the name is very uninspired and cliché for a print-driven collection, but the clothes are actually quite cool. As most of the items are also kind of affordable, I decided to share it with you guys.

I already had the print leaf jumpsuit in the shopping basket, but then didn't go for it. It is cool but I am not sure if it will also look that great on me. I probably have to go to Soho in the next days and try it on in their store. "It's a Print, Print, Print Summer" (using melody from Bananarama Song "Cruel Summer")

How do you like it? Anything that catches your eye?

Prints of the Week: Duaba Serwa

2013-05-08T00:53:00.001-04:00

Duaba Serwa, Ghana, just presented her latest collection. It is fabu, like everything that Nelly Hagan-Aboagye, the designer behind the Duaba Serwa label, has created so far. Her latest designs mix more muted colors with some brighter highlights and of course: beads.

In an interview I did with her some time back, she states: "My story is about bold effortless beauty and I pride myself in the construction of luxurious style lines that cater to the woman who prefers understatements to flamboyant extravagance." You can read the full interview here.

Which pieces are your favorites?

Find out more:

f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DUABA-SERWA

p: clients can call +233262101656

e: duaba.serwa@gmail.com

Della goes Urban Outfitters

2013-05-04T08:55:00.001-04:00

Della, the Los Angeles based fashion label, did it again. After landing their Apple gig and selling their African print cases for iPads and Mac Books directly in Apple stores, they now just announced a cooperation with Urban Outfitters. The self claimed "woman-owned and woman-run" business is producing their designs in a Community in Ghana. I really love their designs and I am happy for their success. This is a great showcase how small, sustainable labels with great products can go far and get recognized. I am already excited to see what Della is planning next.

Find out more:
shop: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban
w:http://www.dellala.com/
f: https://www.facebook.com/Dellalosangeles

Prints of the Week: Taibo Bacar

2013-04-28T11:47:00.005-04:00

Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar recently presented his new Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Bacar was named "Best Emerging Designer" at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa and is an admirer of Valentino's creations.

I like the cohesiveness of his collection that was inspired by his latest trip to Rome. I am usually not so much into orange, but the color combination with the blue and green works beautifully. I could totally see myself in the first two dresses - sooo elegant and stylish. Because I had wanted to share his designs for some time now, I also added pics from his 2012 collection - aren't the green dress and the short jacket and bustier adorable?

Find out more:

w: http://www.taibobacar.com/

t: https://twitter.com/TAIBOBACAR
f: https://www.facebook.com/designertaibobacar

Fresh and Cheeky: Design for Love

2013-04-22T23:43:00.001-04:00

Nigerian label Design for Love (DFL) just introduced its new summer collection: SISI JEJE. The designs are supposed to be "elegant without too much fuss". I think they are fun! The pictures look as if a group of girlfriends got together for a fashion shoot. Don't you just love that? My favorite pieces are the first dress and the two black dresses with small print applications.

What are your thoughts?

Find out more:
http://www.designforlove.com.ng/
https://www.facebook.com/dflclutchbags

Prints of the Week: Sindiso Khumalo SS13

2013-04-19T08:31:00.004-04:00

I adore the designs of South African designer Sindiso Khumalo. Her collection is so sophisticated! Her prints and colors look fresh, fun and elegant. The gold sleeves on the black and white print top are a great highlight. I would love to wear every single piece - minus the shorts! You can read the interview I did with Sindiso here: "Inspired and Confident". What is your favorite piece?

Find out more:

w: http://sindisokhumalo.com/index.php

f: https://www.facebook.com/sindisokhumalowomenswear

Fashion Forecast: Blue Sky with Clouds

2013-04-18T00:13:00.001-04:00

Pic from here

I just had to do this! After seeing the third cloud/sky print I wanted to see what else is out there. It seems like the first collections already hit the runway in 2012 - but the sky continues to inspire some designers this year, too.

Am I a fan? Not really. Personally, I think that clouds combined with the color blue belong to babies and I cannot imagine ever wearing this print. However, the pants from Michael Kors that Solange is rocking are somewhat cool.

What do you think - how do you like the fashion in the sky print?
Is this something for you?

Sapellé London: Pop-Up store!

2013-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thula Sindi

The online platform Sapellé, an online store that is offering fashion from African designers as well as Africa-inspired designs, is hosting a Pop-up store in London.

The store is supported by PopUp Britain - an organization that was created to give new British brands the opportunity to get their products onto the British High Street.

I love online shopping, but I equally love Pop-up stores. I usually stumble upon them while being out and about in the city. So if you are in London, check it out and stock your closet with some cool designs for the summer! If you are not in London - shop online here.

Location:

Opening Event: Thursday 18th of April / 6-9 pm
Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW 1E 5DU

Kutowa African print dress

Kampala Fair

Thula Sindi

Tamboo Linen Jacket

AFWL interviews Nigerian Rapper Eva Alordiah for store opening

2013-04-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is opening its first concession boutique Studio 29 in Lagos, Nigeria. For the launch, AFWL did a fashion shoot and interview with Nigerian rapper Eva Alordiah.

AFWL: How did you get involved with the Studio 29 shoot?
Eva: One of the designers, Asake Oge is a real good friend. She told me about it and I thought, why not? You know, I love to take photos - anything that has me dressing up and posing for the camera gets me excited. It really was a fun shoot, I'm glad I did it.

AFWL: So which looks were your favorites and why?
Eva: I think the red & blue jumpsuit, and the Yutees dress. I think I felt too sexy in the red dress; I am really not used to feeling that super sexy and having clothes feeling all snug up around my tiny curves. The blue jumpsuit fit perfectly. Plus I looked great in the photos.

AFWL: You most certainly did - sexy in a cheeky way! But beyond this shoot, how would you describe your style?
Eva: I am a very spontaneous person when it comes to fashion and style. My style really is edgy. I'm a dark person, or should I say, I am very connected to my dark sides. Let's just say my favourite place to shop ever has been Camden Town! That pretty much summarises my style. I love black, leather, spikes; more black, more spikes, boots. I am not exactly a girly girl. When I am, I feel too sexy and I don't consider myself sexy, so it’s all weird for me. I am edgy. That is all.

AFWL: Any favorite Nigerian stylists and fashion designers you can name?
Eva: I have worked with some very talented stylists over time. There's Tosin, who's one of my favorites, and for a guy, he comes correct. I have worked with Ebun Aboderin, Yolanda for Rani, who are all sweet darlings to work with.

As for designers, there's just a huge list to choose from. I absolutely adore Ejiro Amos Tafiri. She has a way with defining the structure of a woman (...). There's also Ugonna of House of Nwocha who really pays attention to detail. And then I have an April by Kunbi piece which I really love, but I haven't had an opportunity of working with her directly. Oh and there's Lady Stylista Couture! So many talented designers, I could go on and on…

AFWL: What do you think of the rise of African fashion?
Eva: Its absolutely brilliant, just really amazing to watch, you know? I remember when we all wanted to dress western. Now it seems like if you do not have an African fashion piece in your ensemble, then you are not complete. That's just crazy. Plus, we are global now. Good stuff!

AFWL: Finally, what to expect from Eva in the near future?
Eva: Oh! A whole lot! I'm currently working on music non-stop and there's a line of videos to go on location for which I cannot wait. There's no pressure really. I just hope I have God's grace enough to do what I want to. The fans have been very supportive. I'm super grateful to have that.

For further information or to stock at Studio 29 please contact
studio29@africafashionweeklondonuk.com and info@stwopr.com

Credits:

Photography: Hakeem Salaam

Styling: Maryanne Alabi and Asake Ogoro

Make up: Eva Alordiah

New Collection & Name: Diablotine becomes Bineta Sanor

2013-04-13T02:00:00.000-04:00

PHOTOGRAPHER: KIA CHENELLE
STYLING: ANNA TOURE| PR
MAKE UP AND HAIR: REEBAH COVINGTON
MODELS: ALEXIUS DIANA and HANNAH FREDERICK

With the presentation of her new Versatile collection, designer Bineta Sanor re-brands her label Diablotine to Bineta Sanor. Her designs combine wax prints with leathers and other textiles. They are ready to wear and - unique. So you won't catch too many other ladies rocking these outfits, as all her pieces are limited editions. Of Senegalese heritage, Bineta doesn't just want to create cool fashion, she also wants to give back to the community: Thus all fabrics are produced on the African continent - mainly Senegal - to help develop small, local businesses.

What is your favorite look?

Find out more:
w: http://www.binetasanor.com/
f: https://www.facebook.com/BinetaSanor

Solange: The Fashion Icon

2013-04-12T21:30:00.001-04:00

I know I am not alone with my admiration of Solange's style and sense for fashion. It is usually impeccable and trendsetting. I also love how she rocks her natural curls. Maybe it was naive of me, but I thought she would put her own outfits together and just have a nag for the right combinations and looks. But recently I read that her stylists are Ogo and Chichi Offodile from Poodle Pusher. Apparently they helped to evolve her style into a more print and color-driven one.

My favorite look from these pic is the first one with the blue sky print pants and the last one with the star prints. What is your favorite look?

Find out more about Solange here:
b: http://mydamnblog.com/
f: https://www.facebook.com/solange

Beautiful Imperfectionz

2013-04-06T08:40:00.004-04:00

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Designer: Narasa Boutique

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Models: Charmaines and Primilla

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Designer: Narasa Boutique, Model: maria

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Model: Primilla

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Model: Charmaines

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz

Photo & Styling: Beautiful Imperfectionz, Model: Eva

Behind Beautiful Imperfectionz are two friends in Tanzania who do photography and styling. Most of their work has so far focused on fashion and beauty. The ladies work with local designers who are up and coming and for styling they use their own accessories that they find in random shops or during travels. Moving forward they want to expand their portfolio also to mother and baby and maternity photography. What is your favorite picture?

Find out more:
f: https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulimperfectionzPhotography
w: http://beautifulimpefectionz.tumblr.com/

Prints of the Week: Tanya Nefertari

2013-04-01T22:43:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Companion - that is the meaning of Zimbabwean designer Tanya Mushayi's label Nefertari. The website is a combination of a style blog and a shop for African print dresses. Tanya models most of her own creations and they all come at very fair prices around 25- 40 USD. I love how Tanya styled the print blazers and wrap dresses and so I decided to showcase her label as Prints of the Week. How do you like her designs?

Find out more:
f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tanya-Nefertari
w: http://tanyanefertari.com/
t: https://twitter.com/nikko_frikko
shop: http://tanyanefertari.bigcartel.com/category/african-print

"Live for Summer": Interview with the label Ashanti Brazil

2013-03-30T00:30:00.000-04:00

APiF: Please introduce your label.
Annabel Kwateng: Ashanti Brazil is a summer wear brand based in Monte Carlo and Rio de Janeiro. Our signature look are bright and vibrantly colored prints infused on all of our products. Our latest collection, OPL by Ashanti Brazil, is a line of Brazilian cut swimwear that utilizes exclusive tribal prints on our bikinis. We believe that the Brazilian cut is more flattering to the curves of the wearer, with its higher waist cut. The most democratic place in Brazil is the beach where women of all ages and sizes (including those who are heavily pregnant) all wear swimwear. Don’t worry, there are no thongs in our collection!

APiF: What is your cultural heritage and how does it inspire you?
Annabel: My parents are originally from Ghana, West Africa. They were born into the Ashanti tribe. Upon my first visits to Brazil I was struck by the great similarity between the local culture there and in Africa. This is where the name Ashanti Brazil came from. In Brazil all races are influenced heavily by the African culture that helped build the nation. This is evident in their music, style of dance and food.

Meet the Designer: Annabel Kwateng

APiF: If your label would be a person, what kind of person would it be?
Annabel: She would be confident, a trend setter, stylish, most importantly live for Summer!

APiF: Any tips for start-ups in the fashion industry?
Annabel: Passion is key. If you are passionate about your brand and what it represents, it will be easy for others to fall in love with it.

Find out more:
f: https://www.facebook.com/AshantiBrazil
w: http://www.ashantibrazil.com
t: https://twitter.com/AshantiBrazil

'Share Your Style' Friday

2013-03-29T00:24:00.002-04:00

Get the look: Red tights - similar here / green shorts - similar here / graphic tee - totally different here / blazer - similar here or here / brown sandals - similar here / brown briefcase - similar here

Wohoo it is "Share Your Style" Friday again. I am so excited that the weekend is almost here, as it is my friend's birthday and my brother and his wife will be arriving on Sunday and stay a week in NYC. Oh, and it is Easter and it finally started to feel like Spring.

Today's "Share Your Style" Friday is Jesica Colbyn from Johannesburg, South Africa - again. Jesica already grazed this category in November last year. Her outfit is so fun, relaxed and stylish! I don't even know where to start: I love the graphic tee combination with the blazer. The red tights and the African print head-wrap finish the look. I have to copy that! What do you think? Hot or Not?

If you want to share your stylish picture, just send it to africanprintinfashion@gmail.com. Tip: Daylight is your friend! Try to take the pictures outside. Indoor pics are usually too dark and I cannot share them on the blog.

You asked for it: Peplum Dresses!

2013-03-27T22:57:00.002-04:00

Peplum is still trending. I was on the fence at first, because I was worried that they wouldn't be a good fit for my body type and make me look bigger. But eventually I faltered, and now I am the proud owner of 2 peplum tops: one in bright blue leather and one in tweed. I received an email from readers asking for peplum dress inspirations. And as all my readers are dear to me, I did a little research and this is what I found. What do you think? Any favorites? Some of the 'dresses' are actually skirts combined with peplum tops - but the combo gives the illusion of a one piece!

Kalida African Print Dress

BurdaStyle

Boxing Kitten

The swimwear hunt

2013-03-20T07:49:00.000-04:00

If you are like me, you start hunting for a great beach outfit when the weather is nice and you are planning a summer holiday. This strategy left me in the past with not very much cool options to choose from - or if I did find something interesting, it wasn't available in my size anymore.

Therefore, I decided to start swimwear hunting much earlier this year: now! Now is the time as all bikini and swimsuit collections are already out there and you can pick and choose what fits your style and body type best. I am really into these high rise bikini bottoms and ordered two from ASOS and Urban Outfitters. Here are some cool print styles that I found - any favorites? Have you started swimwear hunting yet?

by Andrea Iyamah

by Mara Hoffman

by naKIMuli

Moschino

Chef Aki

Urban Outfitters

Beautiful Pieces by Harmony

Miranda Reloaded: Over the top styling by ADR

2013-03-15T21:57:00.005-04:00

Anna Dello Russo (ADR), stylist as well as editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, created together with photographer Giampaolo Sgura this vibrant fashion homage to Brazilian samba dancer, singer and actress Carmen Miranda.

The spread 'Miranda Reloaded' was published in Vogue Brazil. I had seen and posted one of the group shots with dresses from Stella Jean before, but not all of the pictures and decided to do this post after seeing them on the blog Muse Origins. Wax prints, flower prints, stripes, feathers, tons of bangles mixed together - over the top but just right. These images really make me yearn for Summer!

How do you like the styling? I am totally inspired for my next outfits.

Lollipop Fashion: Dpipertwins Spring/Summer 2013

2013-03-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

A new collection from the designer twins - lollipop colored as expected! Danielle and Chantelle Dwomoh-Piper, of Ghanaian/Caribbean heritage, present their Spring/Summer collection for the first time under the name Dpipertwins. Their old brands Kastle Designs and Treasure Chest are gone - this makes much more sense as everyone is already referring to them as Dpipertwins anyhow.

The outfits are young, vibrant and sexy - just right for the sunny season. I personally like the print dress, the turquoise dress, the sparkly one and all of these awesome long earrings best. What are your favorites?

Photographer:George Legare
Model:Myea Hoskey
Makeup Artist:Richard Lomax
Hair Stylist:Charisma Cardoza

Find out more:
w:http://www.dpipertwins.com/
f:https://www.facebook.com/Dpipertwins

Neon and Print

2013-03-13T00:07:00.001-04:00

Asos dress out of stock - similar here, shoes from Zara - other cute once here, tights from American Apparel - similar here

I have fallen in love with neon tights and polka dots. I never cared much for dots until I came across this amazing dress from ASOS and now I cannot get enough of them. After I saw someone combining a print dress with neon tights at Fashion Week, I knew I had to copy this look. I combined the outfit with one of my blouson leather jackets and my brand new studded heels from Zara.

As I hardly ever post style shots of myself, I still have to work on my fashionista smile ;-)

How do you feel about dots and neon tights? Let me know!

"Giving it an Urban Twist": Interview with Open The Gate

2013-03-09T11:04:00.001-05:00

APiF: Please introduce yourself and your business?

Sandrine Herbert-Razafinjato: I am French and currently live in London. I am a designer and events manager, driven by innovation and social change. I founded Open The Gate in 2009 together with my boyfriend. Open The Gate is a cultural organization that aims to promote a positive and contemporary image of African & Diaspora arts, crafts, music, design and cultures.

APiF: What is the meaning behind the name of your label Open The Gate?

Sandrine: We act as a hub, as a platform for artists and musicians - we are like a bridge between them, the institutions and the community. We want to open new doors, new opportunities for the artists of the network. It is also an invitation for the audience to discover the variety of art forms and richness of cultures from Africa and the Diaspora and their influence on other cultures and art forms today.

APiF: What inspired you to work with wax prints?

Sandrine: For nearly 2 years, we were running a cultural venue in East London, showcasing our artists and vision. It was all decorated with African prints - on the walls, on the ceiling, everywhere! That's how I started to work with wax prints and turn them into lamp shades, puffie seats, door rims, curtains etc. It became quite addictive! I love street art and urban culture and I finally had the tools to mix and blend my passions: making accessories with African prints and giving it an urban twist.

APiF: Any tips for start-ups in the fashion industry?

Sandrine: Be true to yourself. Make what you like, don't necessarily follow the trend, be creative and always remember why you are doing this. Nowadays it's also necessary to check-out what's happening in terms of sustainable and ethical fashion as well. There is already enough of everything on the market, so at least if the new garment could be "intelligent" - it would deserve to be.

Find out more:
f: https://www.facebook.com/OpenTheGate
w: http://www.openthegate.bigcartel.com/

My Duro Olowu Shopping Experience

2013-03-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the day I had been long waiting for: Helen from Bon Vivant and a Budget and I met at 8.30 am in the Manhattan Mall to get a good look at the Duro Olowu for jcp collection. I had never been there before and was pleasantly surprised how stylish the jcp store looked. Helene told me that J.C. Penney recently hired an executive from Apple's retail store design team to enhance jcp's store design - and it is showing!

The Duro Olowu display was all prints with a very small collection of his accessories and designs - which went quickly! I just bought the necklaces (love them!), the green top and black pants there. All other items I had ordered already online before I left the house. Which turned out to be a wise decision, as not all of the designs seen in the look book were there yet. But the store managers ensured us that they would be soon available in store, too.

Shop the Duro Olowu @jcp Collection here. Let me know what you got!

This is what I got

Share Your Style Friday

2013-03-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Leopard Heels and Prints are awesome! Shop Leopard Heels from Aldo here!

This week's "Share Your Style Friday" picture is from Priscilla Boatemaa. She is from Ghana and lives in NYC. The print dress she is wearing was made by a tailor back home. Priscilla has worn this dress to weddings and other celebratory events. I love that she combined leopard print heels with her dress. That is bold and shouldn't work, but it does! I saw this style just recently at a fashion event and was wowed (see below), so I will also try the leopard heels plus print dress look soon.

On another note: I also just had to post that pic as Priscilla took that shot on a subway platform. And as you know - my latest project is the blog SubwayStyles NY!

How do you like her outfit? Hot - or Not? Are you also a fan of the leopard and print combo? If you want to share your outfit, just email it to: africanprintsinfashion@gmail.com.

Candace from http://www.thestyleclimber.com/ (left)and Emijaa from http://www.emijaajaaemil.com/ (right)