Tag: Fashion Designer

This weekend’s One World Festival, which will take place in and around Derry’s Guildhall, will include a fashion collection that was created and manufactured in Tyrone but was inspired by the brilliant colors of Africa.
Madge Kelly was raised in Nairobi, Kenya, but since 2018, she and her husband have made Ligford, which is near Plumbridge, their home.

During the 2020 lockdown limitations, she fell in love with sewing and has since created a collection that includes tote bags, waist jackets, circle skirts, scrunchies, and aprons.
She continues, “I learned the art of sewing when I lost my cherished mother during the 2020 lockdown. “I trained myself to sew as a coping mechanism for my sadness, and I started producing masks for my loved ones.

I eventually began producing headbands, tote bags, and scrunchies in my home studio.
“The vibrant colors of African patterns and the way they highlight the energy of the continent and the diversity of its inhabitants inspired me.

“I wanted to honor cultural diversity through my handmade designs,” the designer said.
Madge gave her collection the Swahili name RAFIKI, which translates to “friend,” and at first began to share her possessions with family and friends.

She now feels confident enough to present her work to a larger audience thanks to their favorable response.
This weekend, I will display some of the ideas I have been working on at the Guildhall, she added. “My motivation is to introduce and raise awareness of the African spirit in our community by encouraging them to wear clothing with African motifs.

In order to foster a spirit of inclusiveness and diversity, I hope that by sharing my collection, people will fall in love with the colors and appreciate African culture. Future plans include training in fashion design and learning about the industry. My ultimate objective is to present my African print creations on the catwalks of Paris and London during Fashion Week.

Derry City and Strabane District Council will host the North West Multicultural Festival – One World, which will begin at noon on Saturday, September 23, and will take place in and around the Guildhall. It will highlight the rich tapestry of international cultures that are present in the area.

The comprehensive program is a colorful celebration of worldwide music, song, dance, and cuisine and includes performances, workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling, enlightening exhibitions, and engaging dialogues.
A performance space will be created in Guildhall Square along with food stalls and arts and crafts including Beijing Mask Making and Thai Fan Making.

The space will feature dance and music performances from a wide range of genres including Hip Hop, Indian, and Ghana from midday until 4.30 pm.
Inside the Guildhall, the Main Hall will feature the World of Workshops initiative where people can try India Saree tying, Polish and Latvian crafts, and Chinese Dragon making.

The Whittaker Suite will have dance performances from Africa, India, and Asia while the Guildhall foyer will feature a variety of exhibitions of traditional clothing from throughout the world.
The Main Hall will host a Mukesh Chugh picture show.
The lovely Obon Fest lanterns and an exhibition of Indian culture will be on show next door in Harbour House, and visitors can stop by a variety of discussion events regarding the experiences that individuals from all over the world have had when relocating to the city and region.

Visit www.derrystrabane.com/oneworldfestival to obtain the complete One World Festival schedule.
The Good Relations Program of the Council has provided funding for this festival.

Content courtesy of Derry Strabane & NFH

One thing is certain: this bag is well-liked among Africans. Some refer to it as a “Ghana Must Go” bag, while others refer to it as a “Mashangaan bag,” and others who disagree with the first two refer to it as a “Khonz’ekhaya. In Kenya, the bag is commonly known as Osuofia Bag ”

Strong plastic bags, or ukhonz’ekhanya as they are known in Zulu, are frequently used by Africans who travel great distances. When returning to their homelands after spending time in the city, where they work to support their families, they frequently use this bag to transport heavy luggage.

The exhibition “Anyi N’aga – We Are Going” was curated by Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Chioma Obiegbu in partnership with bnnà bomà. She provides more information about the bag that is popular on our continent.

“In West Africa, the blue and white or occasionally red, black, and white checkered bags known as Ghana Must Go earned not only appeal but also a connection to migration during the 1980s in Nigeria when millions of undocumented Ghanaians were evicted from that country.

The bags got their moniker because many of them used them to bundle and send their possessions back to Ghana, according to Obiegbu.

Obiegbu uses fashion to convey the stories of West African immigration while collaborating with a large group of brilliant African creatives.

“The movement of individuals across nearby boundaries and distant continents has recently been a reoccurring issue, especially with the advent of globalization.

“Many people migrate in search of better economic opportunities, employment, educational opportunities, and marriage opportunities—bringing their possessions, cultures, and beliefs with them,” she said.

“Anyi N’aga – We Are Going explores migration and heritage as they relate to the aforementioned points through the lens of fashion, while artistically drawing on the symbolism of the Ghana Must Go bags as they have been associated with travel and migration.”

South African designer Wanda Lephoto uses the bags’ prints in some of his works, while Obiegbu uses the actual bags to create fashion items.

He incorporated the Ghana Must Go prints, for instance, in his “PEOPLE” Spring/Summer ’24 collection. He incorporated the Ghana Must Go prints in a line he named “Me Fie” for this collection.

In the Ghanaian language of Akan, “Me Fie” means “My Place of Origin. The late Virgil Abloh’s 3% design philosophy, which held that you might create something new by altering a procedure, a product, or a perspective by 3%, was the inspiration for the collection, according to Lephoto.

Content courtesy of  IOL & NFH

African designers and industry professionals discuss the influence of Africa on fashion globally.

Journalist Nana Agyemang, who is also the CEO of EveryStylishGirl, put together a diverse panel of African designers, industry professionals, and business owners for an ESSENCE Fashion House conversation.
Amira Rasool, the CEO of the wholesale marketplace The Folklore, Barkue Tubman, the Chief of Staff and Diasporic Engagement at Essence Ventures, and Kwaku Bediako, the creator and creative director of the fashion label Chocolate, were all part of the Ecosystem of African Fashion.

They each emphasized the interconnectivity of Africa with the international fashion business during their conversation.

“I feel like it’s so important that we connect,” Tubman said. “That’s part of my responsibility at ESSENCE Ventures, and just really in my life. I think that’s why this all works for me.” “For everything, with each other.
I believe we are aware of our effect on the fashion industry, and connecting the disconnected is what Essence Ventures wants to continue doing.
We’re going to accomplish it via a number of pillars, including economic inclusion, fashion, entertainment, and diaspora. Because I believe that Africa is luxurious, I am a major fan of African luxury.

Bediako emphasized how important it is to link African traditions with those of other continents as well as with those of other civilizations within Africa.
During the discussion, Caroline Wanga, the moderator of We’ve Been Here Before 50 Years of Hip-Hop Fashion, was actually sporting a bespoke Chocolate.
Bright colors and a variety of textures were used throughout the composition.
Rasool is commemorating The Folklore’s fifth anniversary, while Bediako is also marking Chocolate’s tenth anniversary.

Rasool is essential in helping different products gain exposure by securing placements with stores like Nordstrom, Saks, and Bloomingdale’s.

No insult intended, but working with the brands is the most challenging aspect of running our firm, Rasool added. “Because you are creative, your business is sensitive. It’s also the most satisfying aspect, and my journey to South Africa is what actually gave me the idea to found The Folklore.
While I was an undergrad, I had never been there before, and I instantly fell in love with the community.
I’ve worked in the fashion business for some time. I used to work in the media and was familiar with all of the European and American brands, but I was completely ignorant of the South African names at the time.

Content Courtesy of ESSENCE Fashion House & NFH

When we talk about fashion shows, we frequently pay more attention to the designers than to the curators who make sure the environment is appropriate for the items being displayed.

A fashion show’s location and production style have a significant impact on how the clothing is highlighted.
The African clothing company Merchants on Long organized a fashion display featuring South African designers at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival.

Designers like Mmuso Maxwell and Lukhanyo Mdingi showcased a true celebration of South African wool and skill at the fashion show, which was centered on sustainability and durability and portrayed a cyclical, sustainable fashion industry where clothing is returned to the source.

The showcase also included designs by Viviers Studio, Luminous Ware, Emelia Dorcas, INKE Knitwear, Fields, Wrapt Knitwear, House of Lucent, and GugubyGugu.
The curator of the show and fashion buyer at Merchants on Long, Sumendra Chetty, was quite clear about the types of designers she sought for the exhibition.

“In choosing the designers, I was quite deliberate. The first requirement was to find designers who had a history of working with the local wool sector; names like Lukhanyo Mdingi and MmusoMaxwell instantly sprang to mind.

“Our definition of luxury is based on durability, recyclable materials, respect for the environment and animals, as well as adhering to fair-trade principles.
“Every designer was required to adhere to this ideal, ensuring that we advanced purposefully. This showcase was identical to what we were presenting in person or online, according to Chetty.

Chetty and her colleagues devised something unexpected instead of the typical runway that we are used to. In order to display the most recent collections from the designers, models strolled beneath the stunning Karoo sky.

The visual storytelling had to have the same effect as the Karoo scenery. I made the decision to create layers to resemble the Karoo sky pretty early on because the trend was already so daring and distinctive.

From the delicate whites and creams of the cirrus clouds through the soft beige and sand of golden hour to colorful blossoms, dusk to blue, and eventually culminating in a starry night.

Content courtesy of IOL & NFH

Hassan Duba, a fashion influencer and model from Kenya, has praised Nigerian celebrities for promoting the nation’s fashion industry.
According to her comments to Saturday Beats, “Nigerian celebrities, such as actors, artists, and influencers, have significantly contributed to the globalization of Nigerian fashion.
Their everyday attire as well as their red carpet outfits have inspired many. People have been inspired to be more daring and expressive with their personal styles by their daring fashion choices.

Duba commented that the vivid and varied selection of materials used in African fashion sets it apart from that of other regions.
The vibrant colors, detailed patterns, and distinctive textures of these fabrics, which range from classic prints like Ankara, Kente, and Kitenge to modern interpretations, set African fashion apart.

The cultural traditions and heritage of the continent are also honored by African fashion.
When asked what she thought fashion represented, she responded, “Fashion is a form of self-expression and creativity.
Through the selection of clothing, accessories, and personal grooming, it offers the chance to express one’s uniqueness, personality, and style preferences. It also enables one to express one’s identity, views, and feelings to the outside world.
As it allows us the opportunity to try out new styles, trends, and aesthetics, fashion may be liberating. One can express themselves honestly and with confidence thanks to it.

African celebrities from all over the continent have united in an amazing display of support for influencer Hassan Duba, who was born in Kenya.
The top influencer, who has been dubbed one of the most attractive women in the United Arab Emirates, has won over many hearts with her talent and personality.

Duba, who competed for Miss Universe UAE 2022, has established herself as a major player in the fashion and modeling worlds in addition to making a name for herself in the world of pageants.
Her popularity has quickly surpassed national boundaries after appearing at prominent events including Dubai Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Fashion Week DXB.

Duba’s status as a rising star in the entertainment and fashion industries is further cemented by the outpouring of support from African superstars like Tems, Chanel Ayan, and Lisa Milan, founder of luxury design label Minaroe.
A number of well-known actors, musicians, and celebrities have praised and urged Hassan Dub on social media. Duba’s talent, style, and commitment have been praised by powerful figures in the African entertainment sector from Nigeria to South Africa.

Hassan Duba’s extraordinary journey and accomplishments serve as an example for aspiring influencers and models not only in East Africa but across the entire African continent.
She has gained the respect and affection of both her peers and admirers thanks to her perseverance and dedication to her craft.

The enormous amount of support Duba is getting is proof of the strength of African talent and innovation.
People like Hassan Dub act as ambassadors, highlighting the enormous potential that the entertainment and fashion sectors on the continent hold as the world continues to appreciate and recognize the diversity and depth of African culture.

Hassan Duba stands tall as a beacon of African brilliance in a time when discussions about representation and diversity are at the forefront.
Her transformation from an entertainer to a global influencer and fashion star is proof that young African people with ability, passion, and perseverance can achieve everything they set their minds to.

Content courtesy of Punch , Independent & NFH 

The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival will take place as usual, following the success of the MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini.
The event is a two-day extravaganza of music, fashion, entertainment, and gastronomic treats.
The theme for this year’s event is “A Return to the African Future,” which will showcase Africa’s natural wealth, beauty, and elegance from the past to the present and into the future.

It’s a sensory trip, a reimagining of our legacy, and a peek at tomorrow’s design advances.
Luju 2023 will commemorate the transformational power of design and the use of fashion to impact future generations, in addition, to live performances by great African artists and a full gastronomic program.

This year’s theme, “African Fashion Folktales,” emphasizes craft mastery, with sustainable materials serving as means for reclaiming ancestral traditions. We reimagine our future by weaving these stories from our history together.
Mbali Temantimandze Kunene, Nomi, House Of Diva, and Ntrentre Couture Creations are among the designers whose designs will be showcased at the Luju Mastercard Runway Show.

“The Design and Craft creatives will be tasked with creating a capsule collection to be presented as part of the Standard Bank Luju Fashion Runway on the Mastercard Stage.”
“Working with local stylists, hair artists, and models, the collective will create a pop-up fashion performance that will be displayed on a regular basis in the Fashion Café Marketplace.”

“The Fashion Café Marketplace is a swarm of creative abundance, offering a wide range of African clothing, accessories, and skin and hair care products.

“Festival goers can find a wide variety of items inspired by African culture and heritage, including colorful apparel, distinctive jewelry, and healthy skincare products.

This market has something for everyone, whether festival-goers want to include natural, plant-based substances into their skincare routine or want to add some bold statement pieces to their outfit.

According to the event’s organizers, festival attendees may shop with assurance knowing that their purchases support small, independent enterprises and showcase the exquisite workmanship of Africa.

Designers will participate in the first market showcase following the fashion show to advertise their off-the-runway collection.
They will carry out this action as part of the Artisanal Incubator Programme for 10 MSMEs, which is sponsored by the European Union and run in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) Alliance for Action Programme.

On August 4 and 5, the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival will be held at Malandela’s Farm’s House on Fire. There will be numerous South African musicians performing, including Big Zulu, Lloyiso, Sun-El Musician, Zo Modiga, and more.

About The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival
A family-friendly feast of culinary exploits, high-end fashion, premium wine, and whiskey showcases fine music and wholesome entertainment.

Through culinary showcases by celebrity chefs, and fabulous fashion designs inspired by the Luju ethos “A Return to the African Future”, the festival celebrates the sophistication and elegance of African vintage style, creative design, and delicacies. Come and Eat, Sway, Love, and rejoice in our heritage and culture, in all its afro-futuristic boldness.

The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is proudly brought to you by House On Fire, with generous support from Standard Bank Eswatini.

Content courtesy of IOL , The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival & NFH