2 Fabulous African/African-inspired Blogs I Am Currently Following…

Tags

African Style Bloggers, How to take care of long Afro hair, How to take care of long Nigerian hair, Louis Philippe de Gagoue, Male African Bloggers, Nigerian Hair Inspiration, Nigerian Hairstyle Bloggers

Every now and again, I get a bit home sick…nostalgic…oh I don’t know- basically, without actually wanting to be in Nigeria at the moment, there are times when I miss certain things about Nigeria- the sense of humour, pidgin english, the constant parade of traditional outfits, smells of certain Naija foods…Also I don’t have many creative African friends, and so sometimes I feel really starved as I feel I don’t know enough about what ‘my’ creative people are doing, and this is where the below blogs come in:

1) Morocco-based blogger, Louis Philippe de Gagoue is a true product of the Slash generation being a blogger/stylist/personal shopper/law student-aha! you didn’t see that latter one coming did you? On a side note, what is with us lawyers and our passionate love affair with fashion? Anyhoo, back to the topic at hand, I recently stumbled upon Louis’s blog and the reason why I love it is because of the mix of great photography, interesting locations and his mix of eclectic clothing.

Courtesy of Louis Philippe de Gagoue

Courtesy of Louis Philippe de Gagoue

I also love his tongue in cheek way of dressing that shows a sense of humour and joie de vivre:

Courtesy of Louis Philippe de Gagoue.

2) Nigerian blogger Preye, founder of My African Hairitage Style, I once met a bit of a mumu at a party, who declared that African hair could not grow past chin length, and he had learnt this fact from his Mama- now this was no kiddies party, I was talking to a grown-ass man.  Anyhoo, how I wish Preye had been there at that party to shake her Nigerian, bra-length, natural afro hair in his face!

Courtesy of Myafricanhairitagestyle.wordpress.com

I am a big fan of Preye’s blog because it does what it says on the tin- it acts as natural, afro hair inspiration, which I in particular really need as I recently went for a major chop in an attempt to eradicate about 20 years of damage I’ve done to my hair.  And right now its safe to say that my hair and I are fighting and that in some ways, Preye’s blog acts as a referee- there to blow the whistle, calm me down and give me a bit of hope.

Here she is rocking her natural twists:

Courtesy of Myafricanhairitagestyle.wordpress.com/

I love this updo:

Courtesy of Myafricanhairitagestyle.wordpress.com/

My favorite post of hers was one which she delivered recently where she wrote entirely in perfect pidgin english, not only was it mucho funno to read, but it also made me realise that my pidgin english speaking skills are incredibly poor…tsigh…

I’ll keep you posed of more of the great blogs I discover…

Inspiration for Eclectic, Fashion Lovers

Tags

Hair Extension Styles, Maluca Mala, Muslim Turban Style, Natalia Kills, Terry Lovette, Yuna

I go through moments in time when I really have to search and fight to be inspired.  Due to my current workload, I feel I don’t have the time to do nearly as much research and reading as I would like to. And as for traveling, my wallet chirps to me daily- Forget It Baby.

This is where, Stylelikeu comes in, I really don’t know what I would have done without this site, which does all the above work for me.

Although the below ladies hail from all parts of the globe- North England, New York and Malaysia, I feel what ties them all together is their dedication to their mish-mash, melting pot style-

Yuna

I love the way Yuna represents her Muslim culture and tradition by owning a rainbow assortment of turbans which reaffirmed my decision to check out my local fabric store to buy some more turban fabrics.  I told you I was going through a turban phase didn’t I?

Maluca Mala

I find this New York lady very funny and charismatic; and I’d love to party with her.  How amazing are those culottes?

Terry Lovette

I relate so much to this woman, its redunkulous.  From her comment about family, mastering emotional detachment to the reason why she uses hair extensions, its not because she loves hair extensions, but because she must have ‘change’.

http://stylelikeu.com/closets/terry-lovette/#ad-image-0

Natalia Kills

I love her sculptured, textured black pieces, her statement gold jewellery and her modern interpretation of Cleopatra’s makeup. And those curved, vertiginous heels, W.O.W:

Blast from the African-Inspired Past

Tags

African-inspired fashion editorials, Clash of Prints- S/S 13 Trend, S/S 13 Womenswear Trends

Currently, I am digging up all my African and African-inspired work for a mega meeting I have this Thursday.
Whilst doing so, I had a flash back to an African-inspired editorial I styled about seven years ago, so pretty much at the beginning of my styling career.

The shoot was for an international magazine called, Colures which is now defunct, I hasten to add that it’s a pity it went bust because at the time it was in my opinion, the best African and African-inspired fashion glossy on the market.

Upon trying to dig up the images for this shoot, I realised that a lot of the original images were in London, so at the moment I am only able to show you 2 images, but they are still images worth showing:

I still remember the name of this fabulous necklace which I sourced from one of the most renowned traditional and tribal jewellery stores in the world:

The Beetle Necklace, Pebble London

I look at these images with a little smile, because it takes me back to a time when it was so much easier to get in touch and hear back from editors and PR’s were a lot more receptive to new talent. Case in point, for this editorial, though I had only been styling for about a year, I was still able to pull from heavy weights like Diana Von Furstenberg. Being a huge fan of print, I remember that at the time, I was constantly borrowing from her collection.

Jacket by Diane Von Furstenberg

What I love about this editorial is that it shows that the trends more or less never change; the running theme I had with this shoot was clashing prints and cultures, and this theme still runs strong in fashion shows today. Don’t believe me? Just have a look at the S/S 13 catwalks of Print TrailBlazers like Mary Katrantzou, Alexander McQueen and Dries Van Noten.

Pictures: David Yeo

Aphropolitan Bag Giveaway!

Tags

Ankara Print Shoulder Bags, Aphropolitan Bag Giveaway, Aphropolitan Cotton Print Bags

Hot of the press from recently being described as the ‘Must Have’ accessory by Arise magazine (the African Fashion Bible); now you have the chance to own one of Aphropolitan’s fabulous statement shoulder bags.  My Fashion S/ash Life and Aphropolitan are coming together so that we can give one lucky lady the opportunity to have this roomy bag that goes by the charming name, ‘Love at first shoulder’. This piece of eye candy is made out of eye-catching printed cloth and adorned with gorgeous wooden handles; and currently retails at $49.99.

This ‘Must Have’ item also comes with a separate, dust cover cotton bag to store your bag when you are not wearing it.  Don’t say we don’t look after you!

And now for the Giveaway Rules-

1. You have to be a follower of my blog of course. If you are not, just subscribe by clicking the ‘Follow’ option on my Homepage: Click Here.

2. Like Aphropolitan on Facebook: Click Here.

3. Leave a comment below on the My Fashion S/ash Life, Comment Section and tell us why YOU should be the winner of this bag.

Don’t forget to leave your email address!

The competition ends on Friday, 5th April 2013 at midnight, and is open to entrants in Europe and America only.

Here is a little information about Aphropolitan:

Aphropolitan is a socially conscious brand with roots in Lagos, Nigeria.  The brand’s vision is to showcase the bright colors, distinctive designs, an, affordable. handmade quality that makes all of Africa truly extraordinary and that also has a rich cultural meaning.

Like what you’ve seen and read so far, then follow them on Twitter.

Pictures by George Markakis

Cody Anglin, the AFDB model that Walks the Walk

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Africa Fashion Day Berlin Model, Cody Anglin Model, Romero Bryan AFDB

Cody Anglin is the Jamaican gazelle whose glorious 6ft 2 frame stomped the catwalks during Africa Fashion Day Berlin, A/W 13.  For those of you who haven’t seen her in action, I urge you to do so.  The strength and conviction in her walk was mesmerizing.

Forward to 2.52 secs-

Here she talks with My Fashion S/ash Life exclusively-

Age: 25.
Where were you born: Kingston, Jamaica.

Topmodel Worldwide

What do you miss most about your hometown: The food, sunshine, culture, music, home medicine and the beach.
Which agency are you with: Unique Personalities.
What was your best ‘AFDB Moment’: Wearing Romero Bryan’s double silk chiffon classic knotted dress with Swarovski crystal detailing on the back-zip.  I also liked the ‘Over-Everything’ Silk Cape it was paired with.

MBFW Berlin (Dress: Romero Bryan. Shoes & Accessories: Simon-Hartman)

You had an absolutely amazing walk when you Sashay Shantay’d down the catwalk in Romero Bryan’s double silk chiffon dress.  What advice would you give models who want to have that ‘Naomi Campbell’ walk: Never stop practicing and put all your energy in the right moment.
What are your beauty secrets: Wearing as little makeup as possible when I am not working. I also try to live the life I love and love the life I live.

Model Management

How do you stay healthy:- Doing sports.
What are your goals/dreams for your modelling career: I want to reach a level of success with my modelling career, where I can use fashion as a means to show people that it can be used as a vehicle to tackle pressing social issues like poverty and homophobia.
As a black model, do you think that the industry is now more willing to use models from different ethnic backgrounds like Africa, India, Japan etc on the catwalk: I think that this developement is slowly happening. Culture is the foundation of globalisation. The more ethnic groups that arise, the more need there will be to have variety shown in the fashion world.

Real Soul

You are now 6ft 2, when you were growing up, what was it like always being
the tallest of your friends: It felt very special, my height allowed me to be one of the best runners in my class!  I also had a fast metabolism which meant I could eat what I wanted and still remain slim.
Which is your dream city to live in: Barcelona.

Oliver Barmbold

If you were not a model, you would be a: Scientist.
Who are your favourite designers: Gudrun Sjöden, Nomi by Naomi and Romero Bryan
How would you describe your personal style: Elegant, fresh, with a lot of esprit

MBFW Berlin

How To Wear Bold Turbans In Winter

Tags

Bold Anakara Print Turbans, Erykah Badu Turban, How to make turbans glamorous, How to wear bold turbans in winter, Kate Moss in Gold Turban

At the moment, even though it is Winter, I am going through a real turban phase.  I wish I could show you how I tied the below styles by posting an Instructional Video, but sadly I am yet to learn how to do a video, sad but true…

Anyhoo, I have found that turbans, are the quickest way to update an outfit as they can give your old attire a new lease of life.  They are also one of the cheapest ways to add an air of glamour and attitude to an outfit.  All the below turbans were made out of left-over materials I have been collecting over the years.

Leopard Print Turban

This first look is my ode to Erykah Badu, can anyone really forget the power and impact of her debut album cover, Baduizm? Growing up in Nigeria, turbans and geles were tied around me left, right and very much center- but Erykah was the first person who showed me how cool, unique, sexy, creative, expressive, inspirational and aspirational they could be.  Oh yes!-

http://www.trickesound.blogspot.com

Erykah may have put those turbans down a while back, but she is still a source of inspiration to me whenever I go through my ‘turban phase’-

Mbabaziannet.blogspot.com

Peacock Print Turban

Gold Turban

Kate Moss obviously approves of this texture of turban-

http://www.self.com

And my favourite: Yellow and Green Print Turban-

Last photo by Joe Kake.

I particularly love this yellow and black, rectangle-cut necklace I bought from Portobello market because as soon as I saw it, I knew I would be pairing it with my 60s inspired, lime green and black swirl dress.  Don’t you love it when your wardrobe comes together gradually?

The gold, snake earrings (Anna Dello Russo for H & M) were a gift from a dear friend who knows my obsession with snake jewellery.

Which is your favourite Turban Look?  Have you been wearing turbans lately, or do you feel it isn’t the style for you?

Nomi by Naomi- The Woman Behind The Brand

Tags

African-inspired European Designers, Ankara Print Dresses, Ankara Print Hooded Scarves, Nomi by Naomi, Nomi by Naomi AFDB, Solange Knowles African Print

Jennifer Naomi Spieker, is the designer and founder of the label, Nomi by Naomi, which is based in Amsterdam.

Naomi on the left. Courtesy of AFDB.

The collection she showed during Africa Fashion Day Berlin, A/W 13, added a splash of vibrant colour to the catwalk.  Models walked down the runway in ensembles that were made predominantly from 100% African Ankara materials. In my opinion, what makes her collection wearable, for even those who are print-shy is amongst the full-blown colourful, printed pieces, there lies pieces that are more subtle in their delivery, for e.g. a denim dress with Ankara print detailing on the collar, or a cream coloured, sheer tunic.  And then there are her bracelets, which I adore- geometric cut-out  bracelets made out of Ankara print which the extrovert can layer up her arm, or which the introvert can use sparingly.

Courtesy of Coolfunpedia.blogspot.com

Courtesy of news.yahoo.com.

This combination is intentional by the designer, and she uses a mix of western materials such as denim, tweed and jersey with African textiles to create a look that is modern, ‘urban chic’. Her vision is to ‘bring colour into the European wardrobe and to generally introduce the Ankara material into the European fashion world’.

In my bid to find more about the woman behind the brand, I asked her some probing questions-

When I was a child I wanted to be… an interior designer.

If I could change one thing about myself, it would be…to be more focused.

Courtesy of Albinaonline.com

 If I am having guests over and I want to impress them I cook…Peanut soup.

The last dream I had was about…I don’t remember…

  My favourite piece from my collection is…my hooded scarf.

Courtesy of Nomi by Naomi

 My favourite piece of clothing in my wardrobe is…a vintage LBD.

The ‘Nomi by Naomi’ customer is…outspoken and dares to wear bold colour and prints.

The greatest thing about being one of the Runway designers at AFDB was…getting out of my comfort zone.

The celebrity I’d most like to see wearing my designs is…Solange Knowles.

Solange Knowles. Courtesy of Midcoker.blogspot.de.

If my house was burning and I had to rush in to save one thing, it would be…my husband.

My biggest trend prediction for A/W 13 is….statement prints.

To me ‘urban chic’ is…comfortable, wearable but still unique.

What inspires my work/collections the most are…the people around me.

 My biggest hope for my brand is…for it to be internationally known.

 The last album I bought/downloaded is…Solange Knowles’s latest album, True.

 The film, person or book that changed my life was…well, it was a quote in Sister Act said by Whoopi Goldberg’s character, ‘If you want to be somebody, or go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.’

Courtesy of Albinaonline.com

My biggest regret is…I don’t have any.

My proudest moment  so far in my life is…in general, following my dreams to become a designer.

The last time I laughed so hard, I cried was…(laughs) I do that every day!

 The advice I would give to my teenage self is…everything is possible, no matter how many times people tell you otherwise.

Courtesy of Albinaonline.com

Nomi by Naomi will be introducing Spring, vintage shorts and a selection of scarves to its online store in late February, 2013.

http://www.nomibynaomi.com/

Africa Fashion Day Berlin Featured in Vogue Italia!

Tags

Africa Fashion Day Berlin, Nomi by Naomi, Vogue Italia Africa Fashion Day Berlin

Nomi By Naomi Ensemble. Courtesy of Vogue Italia

Yesterday, Africa Fashion Day Berlin got the McDaddy of all press from the ‘Fashion Bible’ itself- Vogue Italia!

http://www.vogue.it/en/talents/blog-from/2013/01/africa-fashion-day-berlino

Special thanks to Vogue Italia’s journalist, Alessandra Signorelli for spending most of the day with us and for writing such a flattering article about the event. Also we are deeply grateful to Franca Sozzani, the Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia who Tweeted our event- shining a great, influential light on AFDB and what we were trying to achieve- ultimately (in my opinion) making African and African-inspired fashion global.

The ensembe in the above image, is by the talented Naomi Spieker of Nomi by Naomi, you can peruse her collections and accessories here- http://www.nomibynaomi.com/

Africa Fashion Day Berlin, A/W 13- Watch The Runway Video!

Tags

Adama Paris Runway, Africa Fashion Day Berlin A/W 13, Nomi by Naomi Runway, Romero Bryan Runway

Romero Bryan dress, Accessories by Simon Hartman. Courtesy of MBFW, Berlin

On Tuesday, 15th January, Berlin saw its first Africa and Africa-inspired fashion show- Africa Fashion Day Berlin, and I was the Head Stylist of the  Runway event. The event was in partnership with the official sponsors of Berlin Fashion Week- Mercedes Benz.

This position came with a lot of responsibilities, some of which were sourcing accessories for each of the 3 Runway designers, attending castings and fittings, assembling my team of assistants and dressers, deciding which model walked for each designer and much more.

The three very talented, runway designers featured were-

Adama Paris- A Senegalese fashion designer, whose aim is to share with all modern women, ‘one fashion without borders’.  Her designs have been featured in reputable press such as Vogue Italia.

Nomi by Naomi- This fashion label was founded by Naomi Spieker, her brand combines, ‘African style with Western trends from here and now’.

Romero Bryan- his decadent and luxurious, statement pieces have been worn by fashion trend-setters such as Beyoncé Knowles, Kate Moss, Heidi Klum and Alek Wek.

Watch the Runway Video here-

Africa Fashion Day Berlin, A/W 13- Model Castings & Model ‘Off Duty Style’

Tags

Africa Fashion Day Berlin, Africa Fashion Day Berlin A/W 13, East/west Models Frankfurt, High Fashion Catwalk Models, High Fashion Runway Models, M4 Models Berlin, Model Off Duty Style Trends

At last I can finally tell you all about this event!  For those of you who read my blog regularly, you will know I have been talking about how busy I was due to the project I was involved with during Berlin Fashion Week, A/W 13.

On Tuesday, 15th January, Berlin saw its first Africa and Africa-inspired fashion show- Africa Fashion Day Berlin, and I was the Head Stylist of the  Runway event. The event was in partnership with the official sponsors of Berlin Fashion Week- Mercedes Benz.

This position came with a lot of responsibilities, some of which were sourcing accessories for each of the 3 Runway designers, attending castings and fittings, assembling my team of assistants and dressers, deciding which model walked for each designer and much more.

At the moment, though I am experiencing pure, sheer and utter E-X-H-U-A-S-T-I-O-N, and wasn’t able to capture all my personal highlights of working for such a historical, landmark event; I can share one of my highlights from the show which was the-

Model Castings

So many great girls came for our castings, and here are just a handful of my favourites, I don’t remember all of their names but sometimes an image is more than enough-

Melanie W.-East/West Agency

She was by far, my favourite, with a smile that could put a sunny day to shame and an attitude to match.  I remember in one of my more stressful moments when I was chatting to her backstage she wisely told me, ‘At the end of the day this is all for something…’

Pepa- M4 Models

I adored this red head as did all of the designers-

Dominika, M4 Models

Justine, East/West Models

Roberta, M4 Models

Johanna, M4 Models

And the rest are some of the nameless beauties who walked for our show-

On a side note this lady is a shoe-in for a 90s slacker movie- you know Dazed & Confused, Empire Records…her bee stung lips, her wide- apart, doe eyes- Liz Tyler- hellooooo, I see it…

And now we move on to-

Model Off-Duty Style

The below models didn’t walk for AFDB, but I was pretty impressed by their  individual natural style.

As you will see from the below images- the Model Trend went Back to Black-

I’d like to give a big thank you to Jeffrey Santiaga aka Jeffrey My Love, who was our Model Coordinator- no easy feat, and he did a great job!