Vibrant Things Are In Store With MIMI's BIG Summer 2009 Issue

The MIMI team has been working hard to finalize our BIG summer issue and bring you an issue that reflects the vibrant spirit of the summer. Despite some hiccups, we hope to have our new issue out in July. Here's a sneak peak at the cover of the magazine, which was shot by the internationally acclaimed photographer Paul Sika. Like Paul Sika, our covergirl Murielle Nanie is from Cote D'Ivoire. Look out for an announcement about the publication of MIMI's summer 2009 issue on Twitter, where you can follow MIMI by visiting www.twitter.com/MIMIMagazine

Zap Mama's ReCreation

Zap Mama, multicultural musical entity led by Afropean vocalist and songwriter Marie Daulne, is sending everyone on vacation, and the first and only item on the itinerary is ReCreation, released worldwide on May 26. The album offers everything the title suggests–a time to make a break, to renew, and to play. “That moment when you are relaxing and enjoying yourself,” says Daulne, “is the perfect moment to create a new person within yourself–to heal yourself and let go of all the negative aspects of your life. In those times when you relax, you recreate yourself.”

Zap Mama’s previous album, Supermoon (2007), was crafted with an undercurrent of sadness at the death of a close friend shortly before recording began, but ReCreation represents a new day–a happier one that bears a closer resemblance to the original brilliance of Zap Mama, and reflects the optimism of a new political and social climate around the world. “Sadness is a part of life,” Daulne acknowledges, “but this new record is about the joy that comes with being reborn. Even if you can’t go on a holiday, you can listen to this album and feel renewed. This is how I want people to feel.”

Hit the play button. Make a change. Re-experience the positive vibrations at the heart and root of Zap Mama’s original vision. Enjoy some ReCreation, Zap Mama's latest album.

(Photo Credits: ReCreation Album Photo By Jurgen Rogiers)

Nature Reinvented By Vlisco

With the new fabric collection ‘Eclat de Nature’ by Vlisco, nature speaks to you in a language all its own. The collection features a unique interpretation of an unknown world, one that goes beyond nature, where bold colors and an eclectic colour palette of intense reds and a combination of blues and bright yellows dominate.

Natural elements are transformed into geometric floral designs while at the same time the organic flow is captured, creating an interplay with nature in its freest form. ‘Eclat de Nature’ is a manifestation of extremes - theatrical shapes and intense colours are combined to reinvent nature, a fantasy world where thoughts wander freely. This collection can also be enjoyed as part of the ‘Eclat de Nature’ fashion and accessories collection available in Vlisco Boutiques starting this summer. Get more details at www.vlisco.com

New Music From Sade Is In The Works!

We have waited almost a decade for new material from Sade, and according to Billboard Magazine, our wait is almost over. Billboard Magazine is reporting in an exclusive story that Sade is in the studio working on new material with her band, and it is possible she will release an album this year! A source at Sony Records told Billboard that "[Sade] is in the studio and the album will come when it is ready, . . . you don't wait for years for one and then rush it." Fellow Sony labelmate, Maxwell indicated via his private Facebook page that he'd heard some of Sades new recordings. "Trust me, it's so monolithic it'll shake you in your shoes!" he wrote. For more about Sade's new album, visit www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/exclusive-new-sade-on-the-way-2009-release-1003978338.story

Kirette Couture New York Fashion Show

As promised, here are the details about Kirette Couture's New York Fashion Show for MIMI readers residing in the area ...
.
To learn more about Kirette Couture, visit KiRette Couture Facebook

Kirette Couture Fashion Show

For MIMI readers based in the UK, Kirette Couture, a fabulous line led by two Cameroonian designers, Kibonen Nfi (based in New York) and Anrette Ngafor (resident in Manchester, UK, has an upcoming show in Manchester.

.

For MIMI readers based in the UK, Kirette Couture is planning a fashion show in New York later on this summer. Details to follow ...

Baka Beyond: Baka Beyond The Forest

If you have never heard Baka Beyond before prepare for something of unique and unusual beauty; if you know Baka Beyond you will no doubt agree that their latest album Beyond The Forest is their best work yet. The haunting, mystical vocals on the album were recorded on a solar-powered 8-track machine in the middle of the Cameroon rainforest which has been inhabited by the Baka Pygmies, an ethnic group of hunter-gatherers, for thousands of years. At night time the Baka Pygmy women perform powerful ritual singing ("yelli") to ensure a successful hunt. Back in the UK, Baka Beyond leader Martin Cradick deconstructed the original interwoven vocal lines and replaced some voices with bass and acoustic guitar. The result is a stunningly beautiful, other-worldly album. As well as offering a rare glimpse into an exquisite disappearing musical culture, buying this album also directly supports the Baka who face various problems such as being disenfranchised from the forest. Beyond The Forest is out now. For more details, check out: www.baka.co.uk

The State Of Black Models In Mainstream Fashion

Three women of color have appeared on the cover of a Vogue Magazine in three consecutive months—Michelle Obama appeared on the March issue of Vogue, Beyonce appeared on the April issue of Vouge, and now Liya Kebede appears on the May cover of the magazine alongside other top models. Liya credits the Obamas for having an influence on diversity in the fashion industry. As she told NY Magazine, "I think it’s wonderful to have a beautiful, elegant man and woman in the White House," said Kebede. "I think it changes the way we look at things. Already they’re attracting so much attention. I think fashion is following, and I’m really glad that fashion is following what they’re doing and [that] it’s really helping diversity." Kebede added, "I think there’s a lot more black models working and I think that’s because of having Michelle and Barack out there. I mean there’s been this issue, raised last year—how there wasn’t enough black models on the runways—but I think Barack and Michelle have really helped us, hopefully forever, to get over this hurdle for black models."

Earlier this month, supermodel Naomi Campbell told the German Glamour magazine that although politically times have changed and a black president is now in power in the United States, the modelling industry is behind the times and black women have to work harder in order to get equal treatment.

.

What do you think, are black models "over" the hurdle or do they still have a ways to go to get equal treatment? Share your comments below.

.

(Photo Credits: Iconogenic, © iStockphoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)