A fashion show in collaboration with creative director and show producer Ola Shobowale of infinite beauty factory and Sabrina Henry, fashion director at Arise Magazine showcase six, talented designers who originate from the continent or are inspired by its rich cultural heritage.

African fashion has somewhat seen a renaissance of late with well-known, global brands borrowing concepts, designs and energy from the colourful continent to inspire their SS12 collections up and down catwalks in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Africa on the Catwalk brings you a few designers who live and breathe the culture and are at the forefront of showing the world the many creative takes on a continent and its culture that is varied, exciting and life defining.

Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1:30pm as part of the month- long Africa Etopia festival in the Clore Ballroom of the Royal Festival Hall. The show incorporated six, talented designers who originate from the continent or are inspired by its rich cultural heritage as part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of the World with MasterCard. This four month festival includes inspirational projects from the UK and around the world that showcase the power of how the arts changes lives of individuals, communities and whole societies. See more including pictures from show. 

Kezia Frederick is a London based fashion and textile designer, specializing in silk screening and digital print. Being of mixed heritage British and St. Lucian, Kezia is interested in relaying this fusion of cultures in her work by continually exploring the theme of ‘dual heritage.’ A Central Saint Martin’s graduate of Fashion Print it allowed her to express her creativity through designing and printing her own fabrics and clothing.

Models for  Kezia Frederick jewellery designer Joansu. (Top 3 images courtesy of Rob Sheppard)

Already seen on Eku Edewor earlier this year during Arise Fashion Week

Having worked with Jeremy Scott in LA, Suno in New York, Zandra Rhodes and Goodhood in London she is hoping to officially launch her own brand in 2012, specialising in unique and limited printed pieces. Since graduating she has shown her AW12 collection at the recent Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 in Lagos. Her debut collection was greatly influenced by the mesh of London cultures especially Nigerian.

Bestow Elan (Ghana/UK) The designer behind this label; Erzumah Ackerson; is a former London College of Fashion graduate and assistant to fashion designer; Jonathon Saunders. She draws her inspiration from both classic and vintage stimuli, as well as influences from her Ghanaian heritage. Her garments are often described as timeless, feminine and chic. Having showcased at the V&A museum, La Geneve North, the much coveted Arise Magazine fashion week in Lagos, Nigeria and featured in Grazia Magazine, US based lifestyle website Clutch Magazine and Africa’s largest TV network Studio 53. Bestow Elan is quickly rising as one of the UK’s and Ghana’s prominent fashion stars.

Models for Bestow Elan wear shoes by MO SAÏQUE shoes (Ghana/UK) MO SAÏQUE was created in 2010 by former banker; Afua Dabanka who was born and raised in Germany to Ghanaian parents who were both doctors. Key to the design philosophy is a bold, androgynous sense of style with classic, feminine German silhouettes that beautifully show the interesting mix of Afua’s influences. Her love affair with shoes started as a young girl; in 2006, Afua took her first course in footwear design at the London College of Fashion and the rest, they say; is history. MO SAÏQUE has been seen on the red carpets at the Cannes Film Festival, F1 Amber Lounge Fashion Show in Monaco, the V&A Museum Afropolitan Fashion Show and the Vertu Vogue Festival in London. Most recently, MO SAÏQUE heels were the first choice of Noisettes leading lady, Shingai Shoniwa for her promotional shoot for the Noisettes new single; ‘Winner’; in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

Do you remember when Helen Jennings Editor of Arise told us in our New Year post this is the brand being trumpeted as the African Louboutin see here

Chichia London (Tanzania/UK) London based designer Christine Mhando a graduate from Kent University launched the label that bears her childhood nickname, Chichia in 2007 and has been recognised as an international African designer who modernises and transforms traditional illustrative East African textiles into stylish and considered fashionable women’s wear. Tanzanian-born Mhando, created a ready-to-wear range that is an amalgamation of both continents and cultures from which the designer was raised. The label’s signature transpires from the artful application of the ‘Khanga’; a traditional east African, cotton printed fabric used by local women as wraps. Each collection consists of an eclectic range of dresses and separates in modern wearable silhouettes and styles in a variety of succulent colours. Chichia’s intelligent use of eye-catching colourful prints in natural fabrics intermixed with beautiful embellishments and intricate detailing makes every piece uniquely innovative and a timeless addition to anyone’s wardrobe. The brand has been shown during London Fashion Week (off-schedule) in 2008 and 2009, Swahili Fashion week, 2009 and 2010, and ARISE Magazine fashion week, 2011.

Models wear bags by Nigerian designers Ugos Boutique  ( all images courtesy of Rob Sheppard)

Eki Orleans (Nigeria/UK) A self-taught designer and the creative force behind the brand; Hazel Aggrey-Orleans was born in Germany, raised in Nigeria and educated in London where she currently resides. This diverse mix of cultures has strongly influenced Hazel’s design aesthetic as she draws inspiration from all of her cultural experiences, but the most notable from her West African heritage. This forms the foundation of her brand’s identity and spirit, which are vivacity, elegance and sophistication. In Nigeria, the name ‘Eki’ means ‘centre of attraction’ which is a natural consequence of wearing an Eki Orleans creation. Hazel’s fondness of West African Prints has made her reinterpret the traditional designs that are typically printed on cotton, to create more unique prints on silk fabric. The result is a design aesthetic that appeals to the international market.

Models for Eki Orelans wear MO SAÏQUE shoes. (All images courtesy of Rob Sheppard)

SOBOYE a lifestyle boutique located in Shoreditch, London offers clients the opportunity to purchase one of kind pieces embracing fashion accessories (bags, belts, purses and scarves) and interior design products (luxe throws, and hand beaded products). Creative Director, Samson Soboye  endorses his own creation as well as showcasing up and coming designers who share his flair and aesthetic for luxury and style.

This year SOBOYE celebrated its 10-year anniversary as Shoreditchs’ pioneering designer and retailer. This week we were invited to the official press launch of ‘Africa at Soboye’ the idea to introduce clients to the fashion talent from the African Diaspora and designers inspired by this. Designers: Chinakwe, NWKO, CHICHIA, Samson Soboye, Posh African and more. We enjoyed multiple glasses of champagne whilst viewing the various collections from the designers and we must say we were impressed!

Guests included: Helen Jennings, Editor of Arise Magazine, Ola Shobowale, Anita Quansah, Creative designer of Anita Quansah London and Bunmi Olaye formerly known as Bunmi Koko and many others. Check out the pics.

                                                                                                       Blogger Seriously Doughnuts  and Bunmi Olaye formerly known as Bunmi Koko

Ejos, Bunmi and Anita Quansah catch up.

Caroline Creative Director of Chinakwe talks through her debut collection with Ola Shobowale

J’adore Caroline’s shoes

Helen, Editor of Arise Magazine

Check out the pics ad tell us what you think

EKU EDEWOR IS…

among the most original and captivating creatives to emerge in the African media and fashion industry in recent years.  In just over two years, the 25-year-old mixed race Nigerian has carved out a flourishing career as a presenter, model, actress and producer in her native country, Nigeria, where she co-presents the hit lifestyle magazine show, 53 Extra shown on  South Africa Entertainment network M-NET. Not surprising given her first high-profile TV appearance was on Britain’s Next Top Model Cycle 2.

Raised in Nigeria, Edewor left her homeland as a child for Benenden Girls boarding school in England. After her A-levels she attended Warwick University where she obtained a BA Hons in Literature and Theatre Studies in 2008. After a year in New York studying at New York Film Academy, she moved back to Lagos, and it wasn’t long before she got the chance to showcase her talent.

Championing Nigerian luxury brands such as Jewel by Lisa, Bunmi Olaye; formerly of Bunmi Koko, Maki Oh, Bridget Awosika and Tsemaye Binitie among many others, Edewor is always resplendent in these home-grown labels as she is in international brands, which has catapulted the Sudio 53 Extra host into a bona fide style icon, exuding confidence and an individual style sensibility that is admired, emulated and widely documented. Social media has contributed to her visibility and success – she’s  a constant feature on blogs and magazines alike. But what of the woman behind the delectable fashion ensembles and beyond the TV screen?

On the day that we met, back in February, Edewor looked like any other twenty-something young woman, dressed in skinny jeans, a nautical t-shirt and white plimsolls she sprightly strides into Paris Deli in Victoria Island, Lagos. It’s not long before we’re chatting like old friends, naturally bonding over our love of fashion – we have an affection for the same brands- Isabel Marant, Rick Owen, Jewel by Lisa, Maki Oh, and we shop at the same boutiques and department stores in London.  Eating a panini and cheerfully answering our questions, it’s easy to see why people like her – she’s unpretentious, warm and endearing.

So without further ado we give you Eku Edewor!

It’s all in the name…

Who is the real Eku Edewor?

 The real Eku Edewor, urm hard working I guess but also quite chilled when I’m alone. You know like a normal 25 year old girl,  I like to get my nails done, read, spend time with my friends, eat!  I’m very close to my family, I love Lagos and I love London with me what you get is what you see but, maybe not what you perceive.

You are known to some as Georgie but over here (Nigeria) you are known as Eku Edewor 

Eku is actually my middle name, it’s also the name of the village where I’m from my Granddad gave me that name. When I auditioned for MNET I think because of the way I looked, because I’m quite fairer than the average Nigerian and also I have a very English name.  So I think for an African show I thought it was better that I appeal to the African side and stuck with Eku Edewor.

What you get is what you see…

How do you think people read you?

As a socialite I think.  I think a lot of people have impressions about me from tabloids. So they have impressions about the way I’m dressed, that I’m the girl who attends all the best parties, initially people didn’t realise that I had a job and that’s why I attended these parties. It’s rare that I go out, unless for a job because if I’m not working, then I stay at home.

There’s a lot of speculation about your ethnic background, how would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as mixed, my mum is Nigerian and we’re from Delta (Delta State) and my dad is English but I think I’ve always stayed more to my Nigerian side because I grew up here. I’ve never known my dad to live in England. He met my mum here; a British man ingrained in the Nigerian system and I can’t see him going back. So I’m very much Nigerian as well as British.

Family is everything…                                   

You mentioned that you’re very close to your family and we all know that you’re a twin, how close are you?

We’re really close. We’re each other’s best friends. We spent everyday of our lives together until we were 18 and then we went to different universities and since then our lives have gone in different directions. She lives in London, and works in fashion but in a way it’s still very related, I love fashion but I just wouldn’t work in the fashion industry. I’m also very close to my mum I get a lot of my work ethos from her, because she’s always been a working mum, she had several businesses that she set up on her own.

Getting the dream job…

What was your prayer the night before you started Studio 53?

THANK YOU GOD, THANK GOD for giving us (Eku and co-presenter Dolapo Oni) an amazing experience in South Africa. That was the prayer we got the dream job!  

Things have been working in your favour since you landed the dream role, you’re only 25 and you’ve done really well, how have you been able to achieve this and stay so consistent?

It’s really interesting because I didn’t really pay attention to the media stuff. I kept focused on the job. For me looking a certain way, I always had my own style, so I was more focus on the job and everything else just came without even realising that I would become so popular with the press. I had some reservations at first that Nigerians would say, “Oh she’s not Nigerian enough, she’s too English because of her accent.” I’ve seen that a lot here, I think women give each other a lot of negative press.  I just focus on the job and get it done because the logistics here can make you loose your cool.

Media expectations…

What does Nigeria offer in terms of media coverage that you haven’t seen elsewhere?

I think what Nigeria definitely has is a close touch with its audience because there’s always events here. So I think media coverage is a dialogue of things happening and not just about people’s personal lives. One thing we don’t have here is that paparazzi culture, where people are hounding you down and you step out for a coffee and people are like OMG she looks horrible!

Her thoughts on the fuel subsidy …

I do think the riots were definitely the voice of the unheard and I do think these things are reactive to real problems. These are the problems that Nigerians face everyday.  I think people have a voice and people should be allowed to express that.

I want to be FASHION…

So who are your favourite designers?

I love JBL, Bridget Awosika, I was officially the first person to wear Bridget in Lagos. I love her clean lines. Maki Oh I think she’s very creative but at the same time makes wearable garments. 

Where do you shop in Lagos?

If I see something I like I just hunt it down, I bought a Bumni Koko outfit when she was just doing a pop up shop, Temple Muse is like a concession store so I can just go in there and find pieces. I really don’t shop for high street stuff here, everything I buy is like a piece.

Where do you shop in London?

Zara, H&M, Brown Focus, Harvey Nichols, and sometimes just walking around and finding boutiques.

What we’ve always wanted to know…

How do you maintain your skin here?

At the moment I’m using Kiehl’s the clear refining stuff.  I always use really good make -up I’ve always felt that is really key in maintaining my skin. I use Becca they should make me their spokesperson!

Blogger champions…

Bella Naija, The Satorialist, Karla’s Closest,

Who are your favourite African Blogs?

One Nigerian Boy, Neks2u, 360 and I love your blog!

Not just a pretty face…    

Finish the question …if I wasn’t a TV presenter I would be?

A lawyer, I am very argumentative!

Photos courtesy of Bella Naija, IntoThe Gloss  and Georgie Eku Edewor 

Dec 1948 – May 2012

Farewell the Queen of Disco – a music trailblazer and legend. May she rest in perfect peace.

Photo courtesy of Carol’s Daughter Facebook page.

Beyonce in Givency haute couture

Solange in Rachel Roy

Chanel Iman with Mr. Tom fORD (Do you spot Lala in the background?)

 Riri in Tom Ford

source

Grey Velvet boutique located in Ikeja, Lagos inside City Mall enjoyed its official launch on Saturday. Taking inspiration from luxury brand store Temple Muse, Grey Velvet endorses emerging Nigerian designers stocking; shoes clothes and jewellery. The exterior  and layout is just what you would expect from a classy boutique: opulent white, chandeliers, and unique furnishing. Guests were treated to delicious cupcakes and sipped on rosé whilst viewing designer collections from Bebegrafiti, Kiki Kamanu, and Xclamations some of the brands stocked. We had the opportunity to meet the Creative Director, Isiomia Aihie she is really sweet and we wish her every success as well as the designers. Check out pics

Isioma Aihie

Wine served on arrival

designer Bebegrafiti

In non- African Diaspora news today, we had to share with you our excitement. H&M is proud to announce its collaboration with Anna Dello Russo, Fashion Director of Vogue Japan. This is quite an unusual partnership as we all know H&M usually team with high-end luxury brands for one of collections at affordable prices, so this comes as a huge surprise. Anna known for her ostentatious choices in accessories will design jewellery, sunglasses, shoes and bags. The partnership is a certified hit, her style is idolised across the blogsphere and she is photographed endlessly in almost every fashion magazine worldwide. When it comes to selecting clothes and pairing it with accessories Anna does no wrong.

We can’t wait, possibly the most exciting collaboration yet. Available in selected stores worldwide, 4 October 2012