Viewing entries tagged
African Textiles
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:
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:
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:
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:
Here she is slaying a Marie Anette NYC ombré feathered dress at a Ciroc event last week:
The starlet was also spotted out and about for NYFW in frocks by the same brand:
An ode to black and white.
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!
My weekend in an African intellectual's paradise continued with the HBSABC after party. When your mind is focused on favorable things you've got to dress in your favorite attire...or at least that's my motto. I chose a gorgeous Madame Wokie statement dress with simple accessories to close out the conference:
I absolutely love Mary-Ann's (head designer at Madam Wokie) designs. This flared midi dress has a simple style but the fabric she chose and the way she placed the patterns makes it a showstopper. I can't wait until she opens an online store, because every time I wear her pieces I get so many compliments. To see Madam Wokie's Vogue Italia feature story click here, to keep up with her work via her blog click here. The shoes are Enzo Angiolini, Yabbo in Purple, they are sold out pretty much everywhere except E-bay.
Check out some of the best African-inspired outfits at the party, plus 2 Face Idibia performed:
Ankara with a bow tie? I love it!
Same guy pictured with Nicola Asgill of Evoque Magazine, who is also rocking a Madam Wokie design. Sierra Leone was beautifully represented at HBSABC.
Ignore the photo bomber (lol), this guy's twist on the traditional embroidered men's cotton suit was very nice.
I'm not quite sure if this scarf was African-made, but its definitely inspired by traditional Ethiopian scarves. I love the way this young lady used it to turn up her LBD.
These guys topped off their otherwise casual outfits with traditional African embroidered hats. So. Much. Swag.
Wait a minute...is this Kontri cloth? I should've asked this guy if he is from Sierra Leone since's he wearing a traditional Sierra Leonean hand made fabric. Regardless of where this young man is from he's got great style, the way he mixed the striped pattern with a checkered bow-tie is an on-trend win!
Lovely structured bodycon dress in a vibrant cotton print. Everything from her nail color to her bag choice is popping!
Exquisite embroidered details...
Elegant elements of North Africa!
2 Face Idibia performed
My super smart and connected cousin Sudie invited me to an event focusing on African Fashion Merchandizing, where industry experts would be on-hand to discuss fashion design, manufacturing and compliance. Since the winter has been frigid this year, I "winterized" this short summer frock by adding knee boots, tights and a cropped coat.
