Such a Tease!

Ghanian designer Christi Brown teased us with a few pictures from her Spring 2016 line, and so far the pics are giving major bridal inspiration. What do you think?

Are you excited for the full release of the line? And doesn't this model look like Beyonce and Solange's middle sister? Till next post xoxo.

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.

BEST DRESSED! : The Annual GWB Commission's Sierra Leone Independence Ball

I attended the GWB Ball this past weekend with and had an amazing time with my friends and family.  Sierra Leoneans take pride in dressing well so I am always wowed at the amazing designs that I see each year.  Since I'm sharing my love of African and diaspora fashion through blogging now I thought a best dressed list would be a great way to share the experience with people who weren't able to attend.  Please, please don't be offended if you didn't make this list, there was no way to capture all of the beauty that was present that night.  Also, I will add more honorable mentions and better pictures once the GWB Commission releases official pictures.  Hope you enjoy:

Number 10: Shine-shine baby

The fabric of this gown closely resembles Pagne Tissé, a traditional woven cloth made in Senegal.  The golden shimmer was dazzling in person.  I chose this for my best dressed list because the way this woman styled a traditional fabric to fit her body was exceptional.  I loved all of the details from the ruffle placement to the tiny loop and knot closure at the nape of her neck.  She neatly accessorized with a golden wrist cuff and clutch, and red lipstick with demure make-up made her look effortlessly sexy.  

Number 9: Laced with Grace

This floor length lace gown with a dropped waist gathered skirt was a definite show stopper.  Her elegant tresses and alluring gold accessories made it impossible to look away, definitely a top look of the evening.

Number 8: African Angel

This heavenly blue gown with asymmetrical silver lace embellishments was eye catching and creative.  I loved her choices of short hair, a tiny embellished clutch and pure confidence to accessorize this look.  

Number 7: Accessory Lady

Accessories can make or break an ensemble and in this woman's choices definitely MADE it!  This simple cotton design was made magnificent by the exceptional cut and fitting.  The gold geometric earrings, platinum blonde close cut and straw circular neckpiece gave this look the perfect balance of traditional and edgy.  The accessory that topped it all off? Her radiant disposition; she exuded happiness and we couldn't resist her glow.

Number 6: Diamond Cut

This young lady exemplified the elegance and excitement of the GWB Ball with her styling of this embellished wax print cotton gown.  The fit of the gown is flattering and sleek and the cutout design and spiked pixie cut add a youthful flare.  Her choice of gemstone accessories and a white clutch finish the look in a way that is sassy yet refined.  This would be what Halle Berry would look like if she was 25 years younger and from West Africa! 

Number 5: It's a tie! The sister Act: 

I am officially in ankara heaven.  This sister combo slayed these cotton fabrics, with one choosing a sweetheart neckline, impeccably placed pattern over a fitted bodice with drop waist skirt, and the other choosing a similarly shaped gown with strategic cutouts and a sewn-in choker.  I couldn't stop staring at either gown and I think they were equally fabulous.

Number 4: Embroidered Envy

Intricate embroidered details do it for me every single time.  This mint green and pale pink embroidered and floral embellished gown was striking, feminine and bold.  Accented with gold accessories and a curly coif this look was absolutely regal.

Number 3: Queen of the Night

When the official pictures are released I promise to post a front view of this fabulousness but until then you'll have to feast of this side view of Queen Sai!  The design of this gown appeared to be quite simple, a strapless, fitted, slim cut cut gown with a neatly sewn cape that was wrapped around her shoulders and tucked in at the top left and right side of her strapless gown, but I promise that the shimmering lace fabric she choose was nothing short of breath taking.  But you can alway count on Sai to slay.  Check out her personal style and high fashion blog: www.becauseiamfabulous.com when you have a chance.

So I've already told you how I feel about embroidery right? I just couldn't get enough of this embellished gown with sweetheart neckline.  It was demure yet sexy and this young lady's side-swept curls, bare neck and red pout were just perfect accents.  I loved this look.

Number 1: Belle of the Ball

This lady was the Belle of the Ball in more ways than one.  The GWB Ball was her brainchild and she is one of the principle organizers of the event, but that isn't the reason that she tops my list.  She's number one because I honestly didn't see anything more radiant the entire night.  She absolutely glowed in this low cut, form fitting gown and it wasn't just the sequins.  Everything from her honey auburn hair and bronzed make-up, to her sleek accessories culminated to make her best dressed in my book.  Way to slay Mariama!