urbanknit

We are moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 06:00:00 +0000

After many fun and exciting times here on blogger we are now moving home and the Urbanknit blog is now hosted on our brand new website.

Thank you for following us through exciting news, announcements, competitions and everything else. This is not a farewell as we would love for you to join us in our new home. We will be reposting some of our all time favourite posts and to get things going we will also be having a big competition and giveaway so please stay tuned!

You can keep following via Networked Blogs or Bloglovin.

We look forward to seeing you. Have a great weekend.

Urbanknit on Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Oh yes! Urbanknit is now on Pinterest. Follow us to see what inspires us, motivates us, dazzles us, wows us, makes us laugh and more. Its fun and dare I say addictive!

www.pinterest.com/urbanknit

STRIPES OF TRADITION – Introducing Urbanknit’s Listra Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Urbanknit launches a new collection of handcrafted clutches. The envelope-style purse is known as the Listra Clutch and is made using vintage versions of the Nigerian fabric known as Aso-Òkè.

Aso-Òkè (pronounced ah-SHOW-kay) is a hand loomed cloth woven by the Yoruba tribe of south west

Nigeria

. It is usually worn on formal occasions such as coronations, festivals, weddings and funerals. It is considered to be special and symbolic with certain colours and motifs appropriate for specific occasions.

Its history, texture, colours are unique and make the Listra clutch a small part of a larger more elaborate and intricate picture.

The Listra clutch is also available in Ankara and Adire.

http://urbanknit.bigcartel.com/category/clutches

Urbanknit at The National Centre for Craft & Design

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Cool News! A selection of Urbanknit goodies are now available at the National Centre for Craft and Design in Lincolnshire. So if you are round the way, do visit!

The National Centre for Craft & Design
Navigation Wharf
Carre Street
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 7TW
United Kingdom

http://www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

The National Centre for Craft & Design

FAB Magazine Issue 8 is out

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

FAB Magazine’s 8^th Issue Comes to Light

Following months of hard work to bring you the best in fashion, lifestyle and entertainment, FAB Magazine presents the Noir Issue – 200+ pages of all things FABulous, African, Black, Fashion, Beauty and Film: Nollywood being the hot topic of this jam-packed edition.

The 8^th issue in FAB Magazine’s collection sees exclusive interviews with cover stars Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah – two of Nollywood’s brightest stars - as well as a special rendezvous with the cast of new Nollyflick, Phone Swap …Nollyfans, need we say more?

If your appetite for Africa’s own acting talent is never quite satisfied, don’t fret, for New Nollywood isn’t forgotten either; FAB Magazine sits down with the rising stars of the industry as well as upcoming African actors who are currently making their mark in Hollywood and British film and theatre - get to know them now and you’ll be Nollywood Know-all by summer.

But that’s not all Team FAB’s been up to – behind the scenes they’ve been squirreling away to have all bases covered, with music’s Muntu Valdo, Tuface and Les Nubians exclusively talking about their latest moves and shakes (or in Tuface's case, "no shaking"), and FAB’s fashion and beauty pages providing spring’s hottest trends, need-to-knows and must-haves, including shoots and how-tos all Fabulously compiled for FAB fashionistas.

Beyond fashion and entertainment, we bring you exclusives with some of the finest icons of our generation including CNN's Isha Sesay and US-based Liberian designer Korto Momolu who found fame on the runways of New York following her stellar success on the TV show Project Runway while in our biggest travel section to date, we not only take a trip down the highways of Zimbabwe but also catch up with Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2011 with an exclusive photo shoot on Motobo Hills.

So, what are you waiting for? The Noir Issue lands on shelves 25^th March, but you can subscribe now to see your copy arrive through your door even sooner. Until then, check out the FAB Blog for all things fashion, beauty and entertainment, and stay up to date on what FABulous, African and Black goings on there are around the world.

web:

www.blog.fabmagazineonline.com

www.facebook.com/fabafricanblack

twitter/fabafricanblack:

fabafricanblack.tumblr.com

pinterest.com/fabafricanblack

To the Editors:

- FAB Magazine is an international fashion and lifestyle quarterly with 60% African, 40% other content based in the UK and Nigeria, established in March 2010, currently distributed in 8 countries (UK, US, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Belgium, Germany and Australia).

- Distribution in further 5 regions (Austria, Canada, Dubai, Portugal, Zimbabwe) will begin in March - For further information and images, please contact info@fabmagazineonline.com

Urbanknit in Fashizblack Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The Sunrise Ankara iPad sleeve is in the January/February 2012 edition of the newly launched print edition of Fashizblack Magazine. Love it!

Barbican -Hugh Masekela

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Barbican -Hugh Masekela

With support from Zara McFarlane

10 March 2012 / 19:30
Barbican Hall

Tickets: £10 - 27.50

Hugh Masekela has come to be known as a living legend in the half-century since he first picked up a trumpet, and luckily for us he shows no sign of putting it down yet.

His voice has long spoken out in his country’s struggle for civil rights, whilst his soaring, joyful trumpet sound brims with warmth and bristles with elements of township jazz, hip-hop and funk. Universally considered one of the world’s all-time greatest horn players, he remains, in the words of the Independent: 'a musician of phenomenal grace and power...still blessed with a voice that can strip the leaves from the trees.'

Tonight he brings his brilliant young band back to the UK for the first time since his sell-out show at the London Jazz Festival 2010, in partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation.

'Hugh Masekela creates an instant party, leading from vocals and flugelhorn like a South African Louis Armstrong.' The Guardian

Zara McFarlane is a rising star on the British scene. Of Jamaican heritage, her vocals are steeped in jazz with an undercurrent of rich, contemporary soul. Her debut album, Until Tomorrow, has just been released by Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings.

Celebrating the start of Commonwealth Week, tonight’s artists offer a glimpse of the rich culture and creativity the modern Commonwealth has to offer.

The Commonwealth unites 54 countries with diverse cultures around shared values and vision. Join us in 2012 as we celebrate our Commonwealth, a global community of over two billion people of differing beliefs and traditions, with cultural expression a vibrant means of identity and exchange. Find out more at http://www.commonwealththeme.org

RSVP to this event on Facebook here!

ARISE Magazine Fashion Week 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

77 designers

6 continents

6 days

Tues 6th March - Sun 11th March

Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria

Due to the phenomenal response to participate in the much anticipated, ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, which last year hosted 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models, 5 musical acts over three days – ARISE organisers have announced that it will return to Lagos in March 2012

The Designers are below:

Adama-Paris (Senegal/France)

Amine Bendriouich Couture and BS (Germany/Morocco)

Amrapali (India)

Angelo Van Mol (Belgium/Ghana)

Be-Grey (Nigeria)

Bestow Elan (UK/Ghana)

Bridget Awosika (Nigeria)

Buki Akib (UK/Nigeria)

CHICHIA(UK/Tanzania)

Christie Brown (Ghana)

CLAN (Nigeria)

David David London (UK)

Davida (Nigeria)

Duaba Serwa (Ghana)

Ejiro Amos Tafiri (Nigeria)

Eki Orleans (UK/Nigeria)

Frank Osodi (Nigeria)

Funlayo Déri (UK/Nigeria)

Gavin Rajah(South Africa)

Gloria Wavamuno (Uganda)

HOUSE of DIVAS (Nigeria)

House of Farrah (Nigeria)

House of Nwocha (Nigeria)

ICONIC INVANITY (Nigeria)

Imane Ayissi (France/Cameroon)

Jacob Kimmie (UK/South Africa)

Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria)

Kastle Designs & Treasure Chest (USA/Ghana)

Kaveke (Kenya/UK)

Kevan Hall (USA)

Kezia Frederick (UK/St.Lucia)

Kiki Clothing(Ghana)

Kinabuti (Italy)

Klûk-CGDT (South Africa)

Koke (Botswana/India)

Korto Momolu (USA/Liberia)

Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (Nigeria)

LaQuan Smith (USA)

Laurenceairline (France/Ivory Coast)

Loza Maléomsho (USA/Ivory Coast)

Madam Wokie's Couture (Sierra Leone)

Mai Atafo (Nigeria)

Maki-Oh (Nigeria)

Mataano (USA/Somalia)

Meena (Nigeria)

Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania)

NKWO (UK/Nigeria)

Odio Mimonet (Nigeria)

Okunoren Twins (Nigeria)

Osman (UK)

Paul Hervé ELISABETH(Martinique)

Poisa (Kenya)

Re Bahia (UK/Nigeria)

Sandra Kennedy (Jamaica)

Sandra Muendane (Mozambique/Portugal)

Sunny Rose (Nigeria/UK)

Taibo Bacar (Mozambique)

the Vessel. By Lois (USA/Jamaica)

Tiffany Amber (Nigeria)

Timo Welland (USA/South Africa)

Tsemaye Binitie (UK/Nigeria)

U.Mi-1 (UK/Nigeria)

Virgos Lounge (UK/Nigeria)

Viv La Resistance(Nigeria)

William Okpo (USA/Nigeria)

Zekaryas Solomon (Eritrea/UK).

ARISE will invite this year's intake of 77 designers to participate in its fashion extravaganza from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th March 2012. The event will end on the night of Sunday 11th March 2012 with the spectacular ARISE Magazine Fashion Awards where each designer will hope to secure a Golden Ticket to showcase their designs at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2012 this September.

Award-winning New York-based producer, Kevin Krier & Associates and celebrated UK-based Inca Productions have been appointed AMFW 2012 show producers.

ARISE Magazine founder Nduka Obaigbena says: “There has been a surge of interest from around the world including major UK and American brands this year, following our successful inaugural event last year, which is why we have decided to give even more designers an opportunity to participate. The world has recognised that Nigeria has much to offer in the way of vibrancy and extraordinary talent in abundance making it the cultural capital of Africa. Once more we are proud to be associated with nurturing new designers from the vast continent – and continuing our support of those who are more well-known in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.”

Have a great fashion filled week!

Urbanknit at L'espace

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

With the new month of March come new and exciting things for Urbanknit. We are happy to announce that we have a new stockist in Nigeria. Please visit:

L'espace:
19 Olosa Street,
Victoria Island,
Lagos.

All the favourites are in stock including the Snap clutches in new colours, Bee Bags in Aso-oke as well as new gadget sleeves and the new Listra clutches. Looking forward to feedback on your shopping experience.

We have also fallen in love with Aso-oke all over again so do check out the new pieces both in store and coming soon online and let us know your favourite.

Have a great week ahead.

Life

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Holstee Manifesto

www.holstee.com

Cool Tees Thursday- Print Brigade

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Quite late in the day I know but came across this one in a roundabout way through Etsy. It is by Print Brigade. It kind of speaks for itself doesn't it? How are you all gearing up for the weekend?

Cool Tees Thursday- ?uestlove on Okayplayer

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Our Cool Tee this Thursday features none other than the legendary ?uestilove of the Roots. Amazing artist and also quite iconic. My birthday is just round the corner so feel free to send this one to me. I wear a small. This Wordsworth tee is available at Okayplayer along with a whole bunch of amazingly beautiful music.

OkayAfrica

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Okayafrica has teamed up with the creative funding giant, Kickstarter, to promote the most inspired projects from Africa and the diaspora. Check out the innovative projects on their curated page here. 

Not On The High Street is hiring

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Fancy a new job or a career change?

I can only imagine that Not On The High Street would be an absolutely fantastic place to work. So if you are interested in the vacancies in Marketing, Finance, Merchandising and so on, then click on this link! Work for Notonthehighstreet.com

Su Beningfield

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I won't try to write anything clever because this work speaks for itself. I have taken a little excerpt from the site just to let you know a little bit about this beautiful jewellery and sculpture by Su Beningfield

Su Beningfield's jewelry is unmistakably sculptural, reflecting her years of practice as a design architect and her fascination with natural lines and sensual forms. Her South African upbringing imbued in her a love of nature and a clear preference for creating bold and elegant design work.

The pieces are first modeled on the computer and then 3D printed in wax, before being cast into precious metals. They are finally painstakingly assembled and finished by hand. Each piece therefore combines the latest technologies with age-old manufacturing techniques. The result is an unique collection of remarkable sculptural jewelry, which is as individual as the people who wear it.

www.subeningfield.com

Cool Tees Thursday: Transmission Underground

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Our Cool Tee this Thursday is from a fellow Bigcartel store. We have to support our indie brands. This is one called Electro Dependence By Transmission Underground which is described as being a Cali underground T-Shirt company started in Santa Barbara.

I like the simplicity of this one.

www.tshirtsweatshop.bigcartel.com

Fela: Waka Waka

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

A very good friend sent me a link to this Fela track. I have never heard it before and the 'sound' is very different to what is now known as the Fela sound, the sounds of Afrobeat. Nevertheless, I really love this track. Thanks Kemdi!

IAMTHELAB

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Please make sure you check out IAMTHELAB which is a wonderful initiative promoting indie and handmade designs and designers. There is also an opportunity to get your hands on beautiful handmade goodies at an exclusive discount. (Click for a big discount on Urbanknit accessories.)

The site will offer a great resource for the handmade community to help with setting up their websites, blogs and creating a professional and accessible home on the internet. There will be things like fonts and themes and a whole lot more.

You must have a look if this sounds like what you need.
www.iamthelab.com

And oh.... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here's to a fantastic 2012.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:14:00 +0000

We at Urbanknit are wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone!

Urbanknit at LPM's Grande Marche 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:39:00 +0000

To round up the year, Urbanknit will be participating in the December edition of LPM, the Grande Marche on Friday the 23rd of December, 2011.

As well as our usual range of clutches, totes, shawls and purses, we will be offering great discounts on the day. There will also be lots of great music, people, foood, drinks, a perfect chance to catch up and grab a bite to eat before the Christmas festivities continue.

Do stop by and say hello.

Date: Friday 23rd December 2011
Time: 12noon-7pm
Venue: The GET Arena, Oniru Estate, Opposite Oriental Hotel, V.I Lagos, Nigeria

Feature: FASHION156

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:02:00 +0000

We are very excited that one of our Super Snap clutches, The Ariel View Yellow to be exact, exclusive to The Shop Floor Project was featured in FASHION 156 Trends. Please check out the link, there are some really gorgeous finds. Not to mention serious eye candy.

http://www.fashion156.com/issues/the-winter-issue/trends/want/want-the-items-we-covet/

Cool Tees Thursday: I Am Literati

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Today's cool tee is from our friends at Literati. Will the revolution be televised?

Back in Stock: XL Wool Neckwarmer in Vert

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:10:00 +0000

After a short while and various requests, the XL neckwarmer in Vert is back in stock

Cool Tees Thursday: Kayobi Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Today's tee is brought to you from Kayobi Clothing. I cannot even remember how I stumbled upon this brand but I do like graphic font tees. At the risk of pointing out the obvious, this one is titled 'Oh Chale'. Visit Ghana to get it. Enjoy!

My Asho Xmas Pop-Up Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Urbanknit) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:03:00 +0000

Following the success of the first pop-up shopping event this summer, My Asho, the UK based online fashion store, which retails leading African designer brands proudly presents our XMAS Pop Up Boutique on the 3^rd and 4^th of December in Notting Hill, London.

On offer will be a great selection of Menswear, Childrenswear, Women’s clothing and accessories, and Homeware from designers including TAN by Tiffany Amber, Christie Brown Ghana, Jewel by Lisa, Urbanknit, Chichia London, Kiki Clothing, Isossy children, Aimas and more.

The boutique is situated in the heart of Notting Hill, and will offer stylish party dresses and clutches for the festive season, cosy home and dining furnishings as well as newly available menswear labels all at affordable prices.

The event is a great opportunity to view in-person the detailed craftsmanship, vibrancy and boldness of items typically sold via MyAsho.com. The pop-up shop will be available for a limited time only and collections will be available while stocks last with prices ranging from £5-£90.

When: Saturday 3^rd December 2011: 10am - 6pm

Sunday 4^th December 2011: 10am – 6pm

Where: 47 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, W11 3HG, London, United Kingdom