Ituen Basi!

I'm back!  It's been far too long, please forgive me but there has been lots to do and tons to get through but fear not I was never far.

Today my wonderful new find is Ituen Basi, I was struck by her Spring/Summer '09 collection aptly coined 'Ankara and Beads'.  I LOVE African fashion, don't you?

If you haven't already done so you can check out the feature on her in the March '09 issue of Genevieve magazine.

Aimas

I saw this and thought I'd share it...

Duro Olowu

I would tell you more but this is all I know...

http://www.duroolowu.com/

Exposé: Kevan Hall

For Kevan Halls Spring 2008 collection he chose to lift Africa and take it to the catwalk. He says the line named 'Africa: A Safari' was inspired by the Dinka, Masai and Zulu tribes.   Beautiful stuff (obviously) but one or two pieces look like he just took their traditional attire and plonked it on the runway, there is no way he can say he designed that!

http://www.kevanhalldesigns.com/

Jewel By Lisa

Jewel By Lisa, one of my personal favourites, established in 2005 by Lisa Folawiyo.  She creates hand embellished bejeweled ankara pieces and her inspiration for each piece comes from the piece of material she is working on ensuring each product is unique and special in it's own JBL way.

www.jewelbylisa.com

Lola Faturoti

Nigerian Born Lola Faturoti began her label after Barbara Weiser President of New York's trendy Charivari noticed her fabulously unique sense of style and helped her launch her first collection (lucky girl!) She's been moving forward in leaps and bounds ever since even managing to gain recognition as one of the "Best in America" by Amy Spindler of the New York Times Magazine.

Lola says "my woman doesn't have to be pretty or sexy, nor is she superficial, she is a woman who loves both her faults and her strengths."  

So ladies I guess it's just icing on the cake that you are all so very pretty and sexy then lol!

I can totally see some of you in these so check her out.

www.lolafaturoti.com

She also does jewelry but I'm just recommending the clothing...

Sungoddess

Sungoddess is an old and well known South African label especially popular for their ever present corsets.  They have been around for about seven years and are a leading name in the South African fashion industry.

They design both mens and women's clothing and are in the process of coming out with a range for children too.  

www.sungoddess.co.za

Emmy Collins

Emmy Colins whose clothing line is tres funky and ultra chic is a mens wear designer like no other. 

His outfits call to mind musicians like Lenny Kravits, Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye and Jimmy Hendrix and he doesn't believe in following trends as he chooses instead to make his own *a man after my own heart*.

www.emmycollins.com

Tiamo Designs

This is a favorite of mine.

Ghanaian born Tina Atiemo of Tiamo Designs is one to watch with her exotically quirky pieces.  I love her designs and look forward to seeing more from her in the future.

You can catch her in Ghana from time-to-time if you're quick I think she might even be in town right now!  Get in touch with me for details.

 

She also does handmade greeting cards and t-shirts.

www.tiamodesigns.com (under construction)

Sika Designs

This is a treasure I've been holding onto for a while now...

Sika designs, a fabulously cultured clothing label that imbibes Africa's rich and colorful printed textile heritage.  I love the way she crafts out pieces that allow the vibrant fabrics to really come to life.  Ooo I'm so excited to be sharing her with you all.

www.sikadesigns.co.uk

Sources tell me we can expect to find a Sika store on our shores sometime in the not so distant future but shhh... it's a CSA secret. 

Stoned Cherrie

This week I have been falling madly in love with the designs of South African Designer Nkhensani Nkhosi's design house Stoned Cherrie all over again.  Her outfits all have a touch of her native South African heritage and merge traditional attire supremely with modern contemporary styles.

Stoned Cherrie whose 'vision is to become a premier African brand pioneering a cultural revolution in Africa' Is taking the African fashion industry by storm with their cutting edge designs and timeless pieces.

Check them out at www.stonedcherrie.co.za

Their frames and shades are available at the Eye Emporium in the Accra Mall so hurry over for your piece of Cherry pie!