Anita Quansah London SS14 Lookbook: Silhouette of Power

((  Written By:  Mia Leheluka  ))  If you don’t know bespoke jewelry curator Anita Quansah, you should.  Her multi-textured costume jewelry pieces make us dream of being transformed into African royalty, and then aspire to acquire all of her looks so that our dreams become a reality. Take a look at these stunners from Anita Quansah's Spring Summer 2014 lookbook, and then for more, visit www.anitaquansahlondon.com.

Preserving Ghana’s Cultural Heritage One Theatre At A Time

((  Written By:  Mia Leheluka  ))  A brilliant award-winning Ghanaian filmmaker with a small cult following, Akosua Adoma Owusu has made the world her stage with films like me broni ba and Kwaku Ananse.  But taking on the role of reviving Accra, Ghana’s dilapidated REX Cinema, may be her greatest accomplishment to date as it symbolizes her indelible mark in the resurgence of Ghana’s creative community.  The REX Cinema was built by Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who had a vision of creating a Ghanaian cinema industry that could be shared with the world.  With time, however, the theatre—like many others in Accra—stopped being used as a theater in part due to increasing (bootleg) DVD sales that decreased the cost of movie watching and brought movies to the comfort of the home.

Book Review: Ghana Must Go

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Author Taiye
Selasi takes on an ambitious goal in her debut novel, Ghana Must Go:  to tell a cohesive story about a fractured Ghanaian family from the various (and often different) perspectives of each family member.  The novel opens with the patriarch, Kweku Sai, slowly dying in his beloved garden in Ghana.  The reader quickly learns that many years ago—in a time that seems like a lifetime ago—Kweku was a successful surgeon in the United States with a picture perfect nuclear family—a wife, a first-born son, fraternal twins, and a last born daughter.  But that idyllic life soon comes to an end, when his career is jeopardized and Kweku makes the choice to spare his family from his professional and financial adversity by leaving them.  What follows are years of intricately weaved events, pulled from each of the Sai’s lives, that tell the stories of their well-intentioned strides to not only survive, but excel as model immigrants, despite having the fabric of their family unraveled by their absent father.

In telling the complex life stories of each of the Sais, the novel occasionally gets bogged down in detailed prose about issues not central to the plot, which can be distracting.  And, as often happens when an author tries to tell the perspectives of various characters, there are times when the novel does not reveal enough about the Sais to fully understand each of their motivations.  Notwithstanding these quibbles, the fact of the matter is Ghana Must Go has received heaps of praise from critics and readers alike, and I’d be hard pressed to say that it’s not well deserved.  The novel is a richly textured and beautifully layered exploration into the indelible complexities faced by modern African families with ties to the Diaspora and the Continent.

Sneak Peak At The Next Issue Of MIMI

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  We're busy gearing up for the release of the next issue of MIMI, which will feature the "tribal chic with a Brazilian flavor" fashion line, Ashanti Brazil created by designer Annabel Kwateng.  Here's a sneak peak at what we have in store ...

Yes, Another Mandela Movie

((  Written By: Mimi Tsiane  ))  And I am waiting in anticipation.  The chocolate goodness and British Ghanaian actor Idris Elba will portray former South African president Nelson Mandela in the movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”  Slated for release this year, the film boasts South African actress Terry Pheto, as Evelyn (Mandela’s first wife) and British actress Naomie Harris as Winnie Mandela.  I have thoughts about this movie—good thoughts—and several questions, including: will you see “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”?

Naana B.

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Naana B. is a label built on the spirit of a family and history.  The designer—who identifies as a “recovering lawyer” and goes by the pseudonym “Naana B”—draws from her childhood spent in Southern Africa as well as from her travels to places such as Brazil, Switzerland, Paris, Turkey, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Spain, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Ghana.  Her unique dresses, jackets and clutches are all created using fabrics sourced from Ghana.  See our favorite pieces from the latest collection below, and for more, visit www.naanab.com.

LOVE: Barbie's Dolls Of The World—Africa

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Barbie's Dolls Of The World Collection spans globally across generations to represent Barbie dressed in aspirational versions of traditional dress from various countries.  The Nigerian Barbie doll, released in 1990, wears a brown, beige, and black swirled dress with golden accents, as well as golden armbands and matching slip-on shoes. Her black hair is pulled slightly away from her face, and tied with a matching head-scarf.  1996's Ghanian Barbie doll wears an authentically styled Kente cloth tunic dress that ties into a bow below her knees, a brightly colored turban, and flat golden sandals.

MIMI's Holiday Gift Guide: Ah(MEN)

((  Written By: Lola K.  ))  Here are MIMI's inspired gift ideas, which are sure to suit almost every good guy on your Christmas list who loves all things Soul.Substance.Style from Africa and the African Diaspora.  1.  ENZI Footwear (Ethiopia—Price Available Upon Request; Stockists Available at www.enzifootwear.com)  2.  Della's Ruckus Skinny Tie (Ghana—$44 via Della Boutique Online)  3.  This Is Africa Tee (South Africa—$35 via The African Look Book)  4.  Street Level: A Collection Of Drawings And Creative Writing Inspired By Dar-Es-Salaam Illustrated By Sarah Markes (Tanzania—$30 via Amazon)  5.  Kushn 13-Inch Leather Laptop Case (South Africa—$122 via Etsy).

My Fair Lady

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Each perfectly executed garment from SIKA Designs is produced in Ghana by highly skilled tailors and seamstresses, and their Blossom collection is no exception. Although the collection was created for, and indeed inspired by, the Spring season, we love the pieces as an alternative to the black dress for the holiday season.  See our favorite pieces below. For more, visit sikadesigns.co.uk, and shop SIKA at boutique.sikadesigns.co.uk.

The Body Is Back

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Not that there is any question about whether curves are always in, but if there's any doubt, take a look at gorgeous Ghanaian model Philomena Kwao's Tumblr philomenakwao.tumblr.com page.

Oh Joy!

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  If Joy Buolamwini's
accomplishments at a young 20 years old, are a predictor of her future accomplishments, then there's no doubt that she is destined to be a leader.  For one thing, the Georgia Institute of Technology graduate's accomplishments read like the resume of a wizkind precisely because, she is one. 

Joy has designed computer games.  She’s built websites for African consulates.  She’s founded multiple startup companies dedicated to gaming, mobile applications, and web design.  She helped develop a program using a robotic teddy bear for diagnostic use in children with autism.  She writes for Newsweek.  She has won a Fulbright for work in Zambia where she will work to expand access to education.  And just last month, she was named a Rhodes Scholar.

As a Rhodes Scholar, Joy plans to pursue her M.Sc. in African Studies at Oxford.  She says about her upcoming studies:  “The heart of computing is humanity, and as a Rhodes scholar, I will have an unprecedented opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of developing nations and global governance while connecting with world leaders who are committed to fighting the world’s fight—making sure each individual can reach her human potential.”

We are looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for Joy and the next generation of young African leaders like Kelvin Doe, who we wrote about on our blog just last week.  If you missed the post, read DJ Focus: A 16 Year Old Genius From Sierra Leone. 

Hello, Gorgeous!

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Designer Nina Baksmaty launched her label Koshie O. to create "clothing which integrates African themes and aesthetics with modern designs." In the Spring of this year, Nina teamed up with model Eva Marcille for her "Koshie O Woman" campaign, where female celebrities who embody what the brand stands for will co-design a few pieces for the Koshie O Spring/Summer 2013 collection.  The result of the collaboration is fabulously Afri-chic:  a crisp white tuxedo shirt with hints of a soft African print on the cuffs and epaulettes on the shoulders.  For more, visit www.koshieo.com.

Abla Volta: Say Yes To The Dress

((  Written By:  Nani Hapa  ))  Born in Ghana, where her mother ran a clothing company, Abla Volta grew up around fashion.  Through her mother, she discovered and developed a passion for design. Splitting her time between Ghana and Togo during her adolescence, it was not until she moved to the fashion capital of the world—Paris—where Abla decided to create her eponymous label.  Take a look at pieces from her wedding collection below, and for more, visit www.ablavolta.com.

Wear Africa On Your Sleeve: Trousers

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  )) Add a piece of Africa into your wardrobe with these fashionable choices from Jewel By Lisa (available to purchase online at Moda Operandi), Boxing Kitten (available to purchase online at Boxing Kitten's BigCartel store), and Eki Orleans (available to purchase online—discounted on sale—at Eki Orleans' official website).

Les Femmes En Noir

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  If you're looking for inspiration on Afri-chic ways to incorporate black into your wardrobe, look no further than Ghanaian designer Christie Brown's Fall Winter 2012 look book—Xutra—available at christiebrownonline.com.  To see past collections from Christie Brown in MIMI Magazine, read Fashioning The Continent.

((  Photo Credits:  Charlene Asare for Christie Brown  ))

The Best Of MMI Magazine: Teiko Dornor—More Than A Woman

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  In 2006, MIMI interviewed Teiko Dornor, a "Jill Of All Trades" who is just as interested in saving the world as she is in spotting the latest fashion trends.  The interview was filled with many inspirational stories and lessons from Teikor, below is one of them.  To read our story about Teiko, take a look at our September 2006 article More Than A Woman.

Dorothy Koomson: All The Pretty Books

((  Written By:  Nani Hapa  ))  Novelist and journalist Dorothy Koomson wrote her first novel, There’s A Thin Line Between Love And Hate, when she was 13 years old, and she has only been honing on her literary craft since.  She says about her passion:

My mum taught me to read and write when I was in nursery, and my older brother used to read to me a lot before I started school. These two things meant that from an early age I had access to the fantastical worlds you find inside the pages of a book.  From the age of about ten, I used to stop off at the library on my way home from school and read stories. I basked in the peace and tranquillity of the library. At home I would read in bed from the light that could come into my bedroom from the corridor. I would devour books by Judy Blume and Jackie Collins (even though I was too young to read Collins’s stories!).  I would also read the novels of films in the cinema because I was too young to see them—I remember reading Lethal Weapon and Witness over and over again.  My love of experiencing stories grew into a passionate desire to tell stories, especially when I discovered people as young as me could write books. 

Inspired By MIMI And The DPiper Twins

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  We just published the latest issue of MIMI, Inspired, and it features Ghanaian-Carribean designers Danielle and Chantelle Dwomoh-Piper (The DPiper Twins), who are behind the jewelry label Treasure Chest and clothing label Kastle Designs.  In the current issue of MIMI you'll not only read about the inspiring twins who jointly jumped over hurdle after hurdle to pursue their life's passion in the cover story Design Squared, but also about Somali model and advocate Ubah Hassan and the project she recently launched that has us calling her a Force of Nature, as well as South African Creative (re)Director of Authentic Creatives Banele Rewo's May Johannesburg Bless You photo series that provocatively dares you to examine the problems that plague everyday people.  For the current issue of MIMI, our collaboration with Africa Renewal took us to Mali, where the women there are creating beauty and profit by creating a special fabric known as bazin.

Read the latest issue of MIMI now, and be Inspired by these stories and many more at www.mimimagazine.com/2012/volume8issue1.  If you are looking for more from MIMI, browse our magazine archives, which are available at www.mimimagazine.com/archvies.  For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

((  Photo Credits:  G. Legare  ))

From The Current Issue Of MIMI ... Shirley Eniang: Style Blogger Cut From A Different Cloth

Written By: MIM!—Shirley Eniang proves that the day-to-day style of a university student majoring in mathematics can be personal, versatile, and oh so very chic. Get her beauty and style tips by visiting www.meek-n-mild.com.  Read the rest of this article—Style Bloggers Cut From A Different Cloth—in the new issue of MIMI, With Love.

(Photo Credits: © www.meek-n-mild.com)

From The Current Issue Of MIMI ... Samata Angel: Manifest Destiny

Written By: MIM!—Since we last interviewed Samata Angel in 2009 until now, it has been as she puts it, “quite the adventure!” In a snapshot: “In February 2010 I became an ambassador for the exclusive Transatlantic Network 2020, and was named in the Black Women in Europe: Power List 2010 which were great honours for me. Most of 2010, I spent working on my third book [a fashion designer’s how-to guide for aspiring designers] and working with the London College of Fashion, lecturing and mentoring students there. 2011 was an incredible year! It started off with me winning Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress Contest [a global sustainable dress contest] and then being ... named as the Campaign Director for the campaign ... I was also named as one Red Magazine’s “One to Watch: Top 20 Women Under The Age of 30” and was invited to address the Prime Minister David Cameron ... and an audience of MP’s, entrepreneurs and media at the launch of StartUp Britain.” And that’s just the beginning, 2012 promises to be a big year for Samata —she plans to return to designing with the launch of her own womenswear brand. MIM! caught up with Samata, to learn more about the entrepreneur, dreamer, achiever.  Read the rest of this article—Samata Angel: Manifest Destiny—in the current issue of MIMI, With Love.

(Photo Credits: © BMG)