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.

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 ...

From The Archives: VLISCO's Funky Grooves Collection

(( Written By: Staff Writer  )) VLISCO's Funky Grooves collection may have been released last spring, we can't get enough of the collection that was "inspired by global urban culture and couture craftsmanship." The Funky Grooves collection is a melting pot of ideas, using new colours to update Vlisco’s heritage designs, and classic Vlisco techniques.  Raw, geometric lines, traditional wrap shapes, bold metallic studs and edgy industrial hues come together to create a modern vibe.  See more below.

We Love ... Alek Wek For Benetton

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  )) Proving that she's as fabulous today as she was when she first started her career in 1995, Sudanese model Alek Wek is flawless in Benetton's SS 13 campaign to support the UNHATE Foundation.  The UNHATE Foundation, which is founded by the Benetton Group, seeks to contribute to the creation of a new culture against hate, building on Benetton’s underpinning values.

From The Fashion Files: Sindiso Khumalo

((  Written By: Staff Writer  )) Sindiso Khumalo is a South African designer based in both London and Johannesburg.  She studied Architecture at University of Cape Town before moving to London to work for award winning architect David Adjaye.  Following that she went on to study an MA Textiles at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, graduating with distinction for her final project.  In October 2012 she was shortlisted for the Elle Magazine Rising Star Competition and showcased her debut SS13 collection at the Awards.  Describing her aesthetic as "Afro Bauhaus gone Pop", she brings a heightened sense of colour and a collision of geometric prints to her luxury womenswear brand.

Lira Is "Nappy And Happy"

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  We all know Lira for her signature teeny weeny afro, but as it turns out, getting to her signature look was a hairspirational journey, which she shared on her blog, Miss Lira:  "Sometimes I get asked if I'm 'finally' going to wear a weave now that I'm launching my career in North America. Clearly its not necessary.  On the real though, keeping my hair natural has been the best thing for me and my hair. Although I have never worn a weave, I did keep my hair relaxed and braided for about 10 years.

While I was in College, I made extra cash by running a hair salon from my room at the student village. My own hair had to be on point so I always had it relaxed, styled and sometimes I put highlights on it. I kept a Halle Berry type of boy cut for about 6 years. It got to a point where my skull was lifeless and my hair became like plastic.  It became thin and weak. So I kept it hidden by braiding it. I kept this up for another 4 years.  In 2006 when I finally decided to reveal my real hair, I found that it was badly affected by the years of braiding. My hair line had reseeded and my hair was dry and brittle but there was just enough 'growth' to start anew.

Fatima Siad For Wildfox Couture SS 2013

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  Somali-Ethiopian model Fatima Siad (who placed third on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 10 and has since seen her fashion career take off) is the face of Wildfox Couture's Spring Summer 2013 Look Book along with models Olivia Greenfield and Tanya Katysheva).  To see more of Fatima in the Wildfox Couture's Spring Summer 2013 Look Book, which is inspired by 1995's hit movie Clueless, visit Wildfox Couture's Blog.  

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.

Coming In Spring 2013: Duro Olowu For J.C. Penney

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  When retailer J.C. Penney announced that they were collaborating with print-mixing designer Duro Olowu (and First Lady Michelle Obama favorite) to create a limited-edition collection that would be released in the spring of 2013, I couldn't help but wonder "is it spring yet?"  When asked about the collection Duro shared:  “When I was thinking about this collection, I wanted to give American classic shapes and ideas a global flair.” And that’s just what he did—infusing striking prints like gingham, brocade, and floral.  Take a sneak peak at the collection below.

1.  Floral Ruffle Dress—$50, Single Swirl Acrylic And Hexagonal Acrylic Bracelets—$10 Each, Leaf Print Heel—$50, Raffia Tablet Case—$25.  2.  Paisley Jacket—$35, Gingham Short—$25, Leaf Print Heel—$50, Surf the Web Satchel—$40.  3.  Green Paisley Maxi Dress—$60, Enamel Cuff—$15, Leaf Print Clutch—$30, Leaf Print Heel—$50.  4.  Metallic Brocade Dress $60, Embellished Satin Heel $50, Spike Bracelet $25.

Tata Naka ... When Motown Meets Mali

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Tata Naka's inspiration for their autumn/winter 2012 collection drew from the music of Motown and the photograph of photographers Malik Sidibé and Seydou Keita.  The result is an electrifying pop(haute) collection.  Be still my beating heart!  For more visit www.tatanaka.com, and shop the collection at shop.tatanaka.com.

From The Archives: Tiffany Amber

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Although Tiffany Amber's 2009 Africa Fashion Week Collection is now three years old, her pieces are as beautiful today as they were then, proving that she is a designer who withstands the test of time.

Kreyann': 2012 Africa Fashion Week Collection

(( Written By: Staff Writer  ))  With over 10 years at the helm of her Cameroonian label Kreyann', Anna Ngann Yonn is easily recognized as one of the leading designers in Africa.  Below are some of our favorite pieces from her 2012 Africa Fashion Week collection.   

Photo Shoot Fresh: House Of Hadassah

(( Written By: Staff Writer  ))  We love House of Hadassah's Spring 2012 look book that is all about celebrating fabulous mothers.  We've added a number of our favorite images from their look book on our Pinterest page, just take a look at our Iconic Africa board.  For more visit www.houseofhadassah.com.

Be Wax

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Be Wax is a young French label created by Mathieu Mendy that is all about using wax print in their pieces (mainly accessories and t-shirts) for women and men.   In the one short year that Be Wax has been around, the label has generated a loyal following.  Take a look at some of our favorite pieces from their look book, and visit their Facebook page to see more from their current collection, which can be ordered by emailing WaxBeWax[at]gmail[dot]com.

Choolips SS13 Collection: Diamond Petals

((  Written By: Nani Hapa  ))  Here's a sneak peak at Choolips' Spring/Summer 2013 collection titled ‘‘Diamond Petals’’ which is part of the label's ‘‘Gold Coast’’ series that is produced in Ghana.  According to Choolips, ‘‘Diamond Petals is inspired by the rich traditions of the Surma tribe from Omo Valley, Ethiopia.  Known for their exquisitely beautiful vegetal headdresses made from exotic flowers and the use of their bold geometric body paintings their timeless creations have us slightly obsessed beyond the season.’’  Indeed the collection juxtaposes sporty-chic silhouettes, watercolor petals, bright diamonds and delicate animal prints with fresh spring colors such as white, mint, pink, and bright yellow.  See some of our favorite pieces from the collection below, and for more, visit www.choolips.com where you can pre-order items from the collection.

Lola Faturoti Fall/Winter 2012

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  Designer Lola Faturoti is known for creating collections that borrow fashion elements from Africa and Asia.  Her Fall/Winter 2012 collection is true to form and includes billowy kimono sleeves and bold prints.  See our favorite pieces below.  For more, read The Elements Of Style: Lola Faturoti from our Spring 2011 issue, and visit www.lolafaturoti.com.

Doreen Mashika And EDUN For The Holidays

((  Written By: Staff Writer  ))  EDUN has partnered with Zanzibar-based accessories designer Doreen Mashika for a special accessories collection for the holiday season.  She says about Zanzibar's influence on the collection:  "The nature I find around the island is quite interesting, I think finding form and function inspired by nature plays a significant role in creating a brilliant design.  Going outside to be inspired is the most enjoyable research I love to take part in.  Nature never fails to produce something new and interesting.  This is quite visible in the Zanzibar Collection for EDUN."

Taibo Bacar Africa Fashion Week 2012 Runway Collection

((  Written By:  Staff Writer  ))  There’s always a touch of glamour about Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar, whose garments have that indefinable quality that make them unforgettable.  Take a look at his 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa collection below.

It's Summer Somewhere ...

((  Written By:  Nani Hapa ))  Bantu's mission is straightforward: "introduce the world to African beach culture by creating a hot line of beach and resort wear, accessories, and skincare products using indigenous prints, labor, and materials. All 100% made in Africa."  Mission accomplished:  j'adore the wax print bikinis!  To see more from Bantuwax, visit www.bantuwax.com.

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.