Viewing entries tagged
African Brands

Posh People: Fashion Month Appearances

Comment

Posh People: Fashion Month Appearances

September is special for many reasons as it kicks off what fashion industry people and enthusiasts call "fashion month," which begins notably with New York Fashion Week here in the US.  Between NYFW and international star appearances at the Toronto Internal Film Festival (TIFF), posh people from the world over have given us good reason to be excited about what the rest of the month has in store. Take a look:

Comment

Adama Paris' EID Capsule Collection

1 Comment

Adama Paris' EID Capsule Collection

Sierra Leoneans look forward to food, celebrations and statement fashion at every holiday regardless of religious affiliation, and EID is no exception. Designer Adama Paris wets our fasting appetites as the Islamic holy month winds to a close with modest & elegant pieces from her EID capsule collection.

1 Comment

My First Ghanian Wedding: Christie Brown + H&M

Comment

My First Ghanian Wedding: Christie Brown + H&M

I attended my first Ghanian wedding this weekend and I was honestly at a loss for what to wear until the very last minute.  I didn't know the couple so I didn't have any material to sew but I still wanted to wear something cultural. I ended up pairing a Christie Brown (Ghanian designer) necklace with a dress from the H&M conscious collection (a couple seasons old). I think it worked out fine:

Comment

Fashion Friends: Latonya R. Bell

3 Comments

Fashion Friends: Latonya R. Bell

I met Latonya last year through work and we bonded over our love of fashion and fought about my disdain for Kanye (lol)!  I decided to do a feature on Latonya after observing her amazing work style on a daily basis, but fashion sense aside, what I admire most about Latonya is her unwavering determination to remain true to herself.  Being yourself and expressing yourself honestly seems like the simplest concept.  However, in a world where snap judgements are made about the content of your character based on whether you wear your hoodie up or down, for instance, it can be very difficult to block out the noise of societal expectations and follow your unique inner voice.

3 Comments

Front Row: Celebs Support Black Designers during NYFW

Comment

Front Row: Celebs Support Black Designers during NYFW

New York Fashion Week is always cause for excitement but when Beyonce shows up to the Kanye West for Adidas presentation in Head to (ankle) Harbison, that takes things up a notch:

 

image.jpg

Harbison color blocked overcoat, floral embellished bustier & midi skirt & fox fur clutch. 

Across the pond, TV personality Sam Faiers strutted the red carpet premier of Focus in a jeweled gown by Virgos Lounge: 

image.jpg

Draya has been quite the fashion ambassador lately. She tailored an embellished Jewel by Lisa blazer into a dress and was spotted shopping in a miniskirt by the brand: 

image.jpg
image.jpg

Here she is slaying a Marie Anette NYC ombré feathered dress at a Ciroc event last week: 

image.jpg

The starlet was also spotted out and about for NYFW in frocks by the same brand: 

 

image.jpg
image.jpg

Comment

2 Comments

The Finale! Part 3 of Siata's Feature

Happy Friday everyone!  Hope you had a great week.  Please check out the final post in Siata's style takeover below:

My third and final look is a chic high waist-circle skirt and crop top also by Kadiatu Kamara for Printex. I paired this look with silver drop earrings that were a gift from my aunt, and red Jessica Simpson pumps. The hand beaded clutch is by Madam Wokie. (I wanted the outfits to speak for themselves, and since these fabrics had beautiful pops of color and intricate patterns, the less jewelry, the better.)

On a final note, I think its important to say that style isn’t only a way of dress, it is also the manner in which we live and how we give back to the world. An issue that I care about and I’d like my career to revolve  around, is reducing conflict in Africa. The effects of ethnic conflicts, civil wars, and genocide are extremely detrimental to a country and it’s people, as we have seen in Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and many other nations in Africa. The people that have been proven to suffer the most as a result of these conflicts are women and children. Many women become victims of abuse and children become orphans without the opportunity for proper education. My goal is to work with these groups who have been marginalized and to find solutions that provide better lives and opportunities for people to become active members of their society. Wearing African brands is not only fashion forward, its a way to support and uplift the global community and to make the statement that I stand with them as they strive to create beautiful products and beautiful lives.  For instance, the beaded clutches that I've worn with all of my outfits were created as a part of a project that Madam Wokie has with former women prisoners in Sierra Leone, which teaches them skills that they can use to generate income for themselves.  The clutches are available for sale on the shop portion of this site and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.  If you'd like to make a 100% donation rather than a purchase, the Fashion Does Good campaign has a great fundraiser that will benefit children who have been orphaned by Ebola.


2 Comments

1 Comment

I Dream of Independence...

Although the weather is still dreadful, lately I've been dreaming of spring and the African events that come along with it; Ankara Balls, Independence Dances and Celebrations, oh my!  I've been brainstorming outfit ideas for the Green White and Blue Commission's Sierra Leone Independence Ball and I definitely want a look that's fashion-forward and African-made.  In my search for the continent's best creations  I found so many things that I've got a running list.  So I wanted to share a few of the designers and shops that caught my eye:

Duaba Serwa is a Ghanian fashion brand that I can't stop stalking.  With intricate beadwork, shape sculpting silhouettes and modern designs this line has a little of everything that an African girl loves.  Shop Duaba's ready-made designs &…

Duaba Serwa is a Ghanian fashion brand that I can't stop stalking.  With intricate beadwork, shape sculpting silhouettes and modern designs this line has a little of everything that an African girl loves.  Shop Duaba's ready-made designs  or contact them by phone at 011233262101656 or info@duabaserwa.com for special requests.

Photos from Instagram: @duabaserwa

Taibo Bacar of Mozambique is quickly becoming one of my fashion favorites.  His dresses don't come cheap but the final product is nothing short of luxury.  Well placed lace, detailed floral beadwork and elegant sheer panels are some of Mr.…

Taibo Bacar of Mozambique is quickly becoming one of my fashion favorites.  His dresses don't come cheap but the final product is nothing short of luxury.  Well placed lace, detailed floral beadwork and elegant sheer panels are some of Mr. Bacar's hallmarks and right now I want to say yes to every single dress!  I believe that his line only does custom work and they can be reached at sales.clientservice@taibobacar.com or whatsapp: 00258827029196.

Photos from Instagram: @taibobacar

Sometimes all a gal needs is a well placed ankara pattern, and in those times SIka Designs is a go-to online shop.  The brand features clothing that is made primarily in Ghana but shipped from the UK.  Simple yet elegant, their designs can…

Sometimes all a gal needs is a well placed ankara pattern, and in those times SIka Designs is a go-to online shop.  The brand features clothing that is made primarily in Ghana but shipped from the UK.  Simple yet elegant, their designs can be styled to suit a range of occasions and are perfect for the girl who wants a tailored look without all of the fuss.  The styles pictured above are available here. Photos from the Sika Designs Website

The African Shop is a UK based Etsy boutique that delivers neatly tailored ankara and cotton designs which were hand sewn in Africa.  They delivery to the UK and US and carry a range of styles from work place casual to floor length gowns, so yo…

The African Shop is a UK based Etsy boutique that delivers neatly tailored ankara and cotton designs which were hand sewn in Africa.  They delivery to the UK and US and carry a range of styles from work place casual to floor length gowns, so you can find outfits for nearly any occasion.  They're also budget friendly and have good customer service reviews.  Images from the African Shop page on Facebook. Shop looks here

You thought Guipure lace and Iro and Buba were styles of your mom's time right? Well think again.  Nigeria's Matopeda (Tope) Abiola of Frock it Rock it is making these classic trends new again.  From sculpted Guipure lace gowns with sexy c…

You thought Guipure lace and Iro and Buba were styles of your mom's time right? Well think again.  Nigeria's Matopeda (Tope) Abiola of Frock it Rock it is making these classic trends new again.  From sculpted Guipure lace gowns with sexy cut-outs and modern numbers like the sequined romper pictured above, to well placed printed silk and chiffon Iro & Bubas Tope is giving old styles a fresh take.  So if you've been wondering why you've been seeing Guipure Lace on everyone from Kim K to Zara fast fashion spreads, wonder no more.  Tope makes all styles by request so whatsapp her at 011 234 708 036 7773.  Photos from instagram @topeFnR

Virgos Lounge is a fashion line created by three Nigerian designers based in the UK.  They carry fabulous thrift finds as well as original designs that are often characterized by intricate bead work and colorful figure-flattering gowns.  Y…

Virgos Lounge is a fashion line created by three Nigerian designers based in the UK.  They carry fabulous thrift finds as well as original designs that are often characterized by intricate bead work and colorful figure-flattering gowns.  You're guaranteed to turn heads at any ball in one of their designs. Shop them here

I hope this post helps you find an African design that suits you fabulously for upcoming events this spring! Thanks for visiting.

1 Comment