You know when you have a good feeling about something/someone ? That is exactly how I felt the first time I laid my eyes on Taibo Bacar designs. So when Global Grind asked me to name/submit ONE African designer that I am currently excited about for it's African Scene feature I knew I had to say his name (see the clip below). Bacar recently released a lookbook for his AW 2013 collection and boy I am in love. So much greatness!
David Tlale, well what can I say?....It was beautiful. First things first darlings, I must say I am very proud of him. Kudos to Tlale for taking over NYFW by doing a Solo presentation at the tents for his Spring collection. I have been following Tlale for quite sometime now and I can proudly say that he has become a household name in the African fashion industry. He has grown to be respected not only in Africa but the world over.
For his Spring /Summer 2013 collection, David Tlale was inspired by the idea of "Transcendence"-a celebration of the spirit we all share beyond nuances of culture, history and geography. And as usual, he did not disappoint. He presented a collection with a mix of prints, pop of colors and blacks. There were delicate laces, sheer silk fabrics, silk satin and chiffon in pops of mustard yellow, sequins , embellishment, ruffels and without forgetting the silk printed pieces. I love the printed Kaftan with embellished details , mens sequined evening slim pants and jackets, and the burnt orange sequined floor length gown. But again, there was something for everyone. The collection was accessorized with oversized turbans , biker gloves and gold jewelry. See more images here
I am totally in love with these three pieces from Vogue Italia " Discovered in Africa" collection as seen on YOOX. "Discovered in Africa' is a Vogue Italia "Fashion for Development (F4D)" initiative that promotes development in emerging countries through fashion. YOOX.com has a selection of unique collections from ten African designers including top model Liya Kebede's LemLem, Kofi Ansah,Global Mamas and Tiffany Amber just to mention a few. Visit YOOX.com to shop the collections, and to see which other designers made the cut.
Thanks to my fellow blogger Bebe Jones for introducing me to Knits& Knotts, a label by Augustine Emuwa that designs custom-made bow ties for men. According to the designer's Esty page, he says "My client base ranges from the young, hip, and urbane- to the aged, classic and re-inspired gentleman of yesterday. To me, bow ties are a symbol of prominence unrestricted to the ivy leaguers and quasi intellects. -Knits & Knotts, my company, is dedicated to turning clothing into the modern day accessory". Gentlemen, I would advise you to check out his work. I love the colorful prints bow tie (below) with a little Africana vibe to it. Definetly something I would like to see the YB wearing. If you like what you see then make sure you visit the site http://www.knitsandknotts.com for more. By the way, Father's day is just around the corner. These would make a great gift .
This year’s LGN Events Summer Showcase will see an array of designers
including Tanzanian born Anna Lukindo, showcasing their latest collection.
Lukindo will be showcasing her most recent collection from her fashion
Label Anna Luks which was launched in 2010 due to her passion for textiles and love of creating new designs. Continue reading
Thanks to designers Olafemi Bela and Deena Dee of Deenola for sharing with us these images from their Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook. The newest collection was inspired by different aspects, with some influence from some of the Chinese tapestry. A very versatile collection that can take any confident woman from day to evening without looking like she is trying too hard.
I personally love the collection but mostly the two looks above. Be sure to visit their site >>>http://www.deenola.com/ for more. See the gallery after the jump
Last week, I received images from Nigerian designer Washington Roberts from his Spring/Summer 2011 collection which was inspired by Avatar the movie. He says " This is my view of a modern day woman dressing up to become her own avatar. I used fabrics like chiffon, organza, and lace to give illusion of bare skin without showing too much. The collection is very body conscious" . Great collection indeed. Be sure to visit http://www.washingtonroberts.com/ for more. Also check out the rest of the images from the look book after the jump
I have teamed up with designer Bukola Are of the brand House of Versatile Styles to give away two tickets to the HVS presentation during New York Fashion Week on February 17th, 2011. Two lucky winners are going to accompany me to the presentation as my guests. If you have never been to New York fashion week before, this is the one and only chance you do not want to miss. Click here to see how you can win
Modahnik is a women’s contemporary clothing line launched in 2009 that boasts rich colors and textures with a modern 1970’s twist. Influenced by the dichotomy of the vibrant African culture and landscape as well as modern contemporary West. The brightly colorful African print is the signature of Modahnik, fused with western design sensibilities, creates a multicultural feast of modern silhouettes that is refreshingly feminine and visually appealing with an underlying sexiness. This collection has something for everyone, from the sexy cocktail dress to the easy breezy summer staple. These flirty dresses come in colorful prints with ruffled detailing in bright oranges and yellows. Modahnik is a socially conscious line that aims to be ethical by producing in Africa using fair trade practices thus creating sustainable jobs for underprivileged communities within Africa.
Both two ladies are wearing a dress from one of my fave African designers, Deola Sagoe. Model and Actress Lydia Hearst wore hers first a few months ago at the E! Entertainment's 20th Birthday celebration. Dirty Money chic Dawn Richards rocked the same exact dress a few days ago at the 6th Annual African America Literary Awards. So who wore it better?
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