Photo credit: Curvy Geekery

 Hey Guys,
I have been meaning to start a DIY post on Ciaafrique for while but been a bit busy. I Am a big fan of Do it Yourself because you can save so much money by doing so .Anyways I stumble upon this great DIY on the Curvy Geekery's blog and thought that this was a  great way to revamp your old pumps or even flats. You don't necessarily have to  use Ankara you can use  any type of fabric you like.I have a bunch of shoes that I no longer wear so I am going to try this pretty soon. If you  happen to try this tutorial  feel free  to drop me a line and tell me  how it went.,in the meantime have a  fashionable day !!!!!!!


Click here for the full tutorial.

 Abuja Designers Dzyn Couture employed the services of Transquisite Management Consulting as their PR Consultancy for “The Ankara Generation Collection Showcase” that took place in the London Marriott Maida Vale on the 22-24th July 2011.


Having taken Abuja and Lagos by storm with regular features in Bella Naija, Fashion Couture label
Dzyn Couture crossed the seas to London to host a networking event showcasing their collection:
Dzyn Couture sisters Ogwa and Ofure have created a presence in the Nigerian Fashion world. As
members of the Runway Abuja Management Team, they are a part of a dynamic team of talented
designers that have hosted successful fashion show creating the buzz as a force to be reckoned with.
Frequently showcasing their collection at the Fusion Lifestyle Events, Dzyn Couture have become a
very sought after contemporary designer attracting clients across Nigeria.
The overall collection is casual chic with elegant pieces to electrify any wardrobe with their exquisite
but subtle designs.

The latest collection Nigerian Designer Autumn Adeigbo is titled "6 Nights with Jean-Michel". what is is inspiration behind this collection .

"I inspired by my protagonist's 6 nights affair with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collection incorporates my usual African influences and prints, and of course 5% of each sale is donated to healing sexual violence crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo- via Women for Women international.   

One of the most anticipated African fashion shows  took place last week. The three day event showcased the work of 21 designers from Africa and the Diaspora.Unfortunately I was not able to attend but the lovely Neema Syovata  was there and  helped me put put this post  together .


Some of the most colorful people I know are African – we do it so well. So as you can imagine, it was not lacking on the runway during AFWNY 2011 (color that is).I was only able to attend day one of the shows which featured the following designers Gloria Wavamunno  Korto Momolu, KikoRomeo, , Rough,Blackbird Designs , Syl Anim, Bebegrafiti, Kachi Designs, and Jo Black Craze. Based on the pictures made available to us by the fashion notebook here are some of the trends  I noticed – as experienced from the front row (I can’t tell you how psyched I was).


Off Shoulder


From left to right :
1. Kachi Designs
2.Fikirte Addis
3.Syl Anim
4.Korto Momolu
5.Korto  Momolu

 Obsession du Jour (Obsession of the day) is a section on ciaafrique where I post random fashionable pictures of someone or something related to Africa.Just  Fabulous Images rocking my world.Enjoy and comment !!!!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New designer Adjoa Osei launches capsule
wardrobe July marks the official launch of Adapt by Adjoa Osei, an exclusive and rare collection from London’s newest designer of the same name.Adjoa Osei’s capsule collection, Adapt is an effortlessly chic array of hand finished jersey vests, loose fitting tops and bright maxi skirts all emboldened with a signature woven West African print detail.

 Are you heading to the beach this summer? well if you are then one of these bikinis belong in your suitcase. They are from the fashion conscience site and are all made in Kenya. As much as i love these i think I will stick with my one piece suit. The prices are really affordable compared to other african print swimsuits out there so shop away

After going through most of the magazines already on newsstands, we realized that we could not identify ourselves with any of them. There were western magazines, with a cruel lack of diversity, and African magazines hardly ever conceived with a global outlook.

IAMISIGO introduces its latest collection called "Le poseur". I have introduced this line just a few week ago here. The collection is very sophisticated and feminine. I particularly love the snoodie dress and always wanted to own one of them . I have to say "Good Job"  to Bubu for this collection .Nigeria has a very competitive fashion market and this collection really  sets this young label apart from many. .What is 'le poseur' ?‘

Name: Ibilola Sotire


Country: Nigeria


Favorite designer:  I don't have a particular one. But I love Victoria Beckham collections, and a great fan of Aqua couture. 



What is your style ? My style is classy, chic and elegant.


Something you will never wear:Sequinned leggings.


Heels or Flats:Heels 


Blog:ibbystyles.com

 I rarely post about African men fashion on ciaafrique because  there are only  a hand full of African fashion  designers that I know of that  actually design for men . I am quite excited to introduce Jo Black Craze. JBC is a Clothing Line created in accordance to the Head Designer, Olusola Elegba popularly known as "Sola Cash"'s style who despite not having any Fashion Educational background has been able to create a huge impression with his designs. The aim of his designs is to capture sophistication & style, Every piece is a translation of careful and passionate craftsmanship and is catered to the Gentleman & Lady.

Dakar Fashion Week was took place last week and I was fortunate enough to watch the events live.. Some of the designers invited were ADAMA PARIS , ALAIN NIAVA,ALFREDO MONSUY,BEATRICE BEE ARTHUR,DIOGOMAYE LO, FALLOU STYLE,MATHILDE BADJI, MARIEM BOUSSIKOU,MARIAM DIOP,PATRICK ASSO,MARIAH BOCOUM KEITA and more ...The show was amazing and I have no doubt that Dakar is on his way to be one the  fashion capitol of  Africa. There are quite a few pictures available online however because of copyright reasons I can't post them on ciaafrique. Here is link where you can check a few backstage photos http://www.backstage.2central.net/?p=1 
Below are some videos highlighting the night of the show and the fashion award show as well.

Obsession du Jour (Obsession of the day) is a section on ciaafrique where I post random fashionable pictures of someone or something related to Africa.Just Images that are fabulous.Enjoy and comment!!!!

Source

7D - Shoe-Wrap Advert from Nel - VillageBoi on Vimeo.

Me like it !!!

Ghanaian designer Mina Evans  was one of the fantastic designers that showcased her work  during the Vlisco Dazzling Graphics Fashion Show In Ghana back in  May 2011. Please note that all these pieces are available for purchase. Mina Evans us definitely a designer to watch 

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Maali is a  Nigerian based Fashion Label Created by Two Sisters). "Maali"  means 'Blessed' in hebrew- a fashion label that blends the African and British culture, to create clothes that are effortlessly 'chic' yet quirky. Maali works with local tailors in Africa to create exclusive garments for people around the world.Their inspiration is from everything around them from architecture to music, culture, film and television.This Debut collection is called "Beyond fashion" and was  mostly inspired by  the Fulani people of Knwoi Nigeria . Maali also help children and women in Africa by donating a portion of their profits to Gweimen Center a  charitable organisation In Kwoi Nigeria. Consequently, when you purchase any Maali clothing you “bless a child”. 

Will you be rocking these shorts shorts from Nicole Miller's Indego Africa line this Summer ? Indego Africa is an innovative social enterprise that partners with women artisans in Rwanda on a fair trade basis to drive forward a sustainable, long-term solution to systemic poverty in Africa. The prices are about $25 to $65 and 15% of  all the proceeds made will go to Indego Africa

 Source

 My love for Jewel by Lisa grows everyday. In fact when I become rich I will make sure my closet is filled with their pieces.Spotted this pic of E!News presenter   Catt Sadler  wearing this skirt from JBL's AW 2010 collection. I think catt rocked the skirt better than the model. What do you guys think?


Photo credit: Stylehousefiles.com

Malaan Ajang

Name: Genevia Sawyer & Sade Teyibo 

Country: Genevia - Sierra Leonean American  Sade - Nigerian American 

 
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What is the name of your fashion label and its designer? 
Anna Luks is the design label and my name is Anna Lukindo

When was it established? 
I started the launch of Anna Luks towards the end of 2010

Where are you based? 
London

Tell us about your fashion background, how you got started, why you got into fashion and the type of designs you do.
 I guess I got into fashion from my mum and older sisters but it was always in my nature to create. Apart from my architectural back ground, I also was very much into performing arts and into design and won first prize in a design competition too back home in Tanzania. After I had my family, I got back into clothes designing and drawing. As I always loved working with a variety of textiles a lot of my work in Anna Luks uses recyclable materials such as ropes, cords, and yarn. My clothing designs and accessories are at present mainly for women.

How hard was it to get started? 
As anyone who runs their business can tell you it’s not easy to set out on your own, especially in the fiercely competitive world of fashion. You just have to be determined and have great support networks in place.


What has been your greatest success to date within the fashion industry? 
Launching Anna Luks, receiving positive feedback and from within the industry (creative peers, photographers, models) and general public supporters.

What is the future vision and aim for your label?
More collections from Anna Luks, expansion and international recognition. Check out 

http://www.annaluks.com/ for the rest of the collection.