The basket bag wave is still ongoing and we can say this is the 3rd season this trend is popping up so it’s safe to say the trend is going nowhere. As new collections pop up without fail, new DESIGNS and creation emerges in the ‘Apere’ (basket) culture. A new brand of Apere bags have surfaced thanks to this vibrant collection.
Designed by ethical fashion brand ÉKÉTÉ, we believe we’ve gotten to the right Apere bag shopping destination. The brand uses uses locally grown natural fibres combined with a well prodced leather to create beautiful Apere (basket) bags. Extremely Skilled artisans make the bags by hand and they come in different variations and shapes.
ÉKÉTÉ which means basket in the Igbo language is must certainly so much more than its literal meaning, it is a representation of the beauty and strength of a woman and the bond thats she shares with the people in her life. The brand prides itself on its modern take on an age-old traditional craftsmanship.
According to the statement following the release:
Baskets are malleable, intricately woven into different forms, shapes, and sizes whilst possessing a lasting staying power, these same qualities apply to women of all ages and race.
Our debut Spring/Summer’18 collection was inspired by our love for fashion, culture, and travel, and the burning desire to always carry a piece of home with us wherever we go. These summer bags are fun and colourful, as they are the perfect accessories for vacations, getaways to the beach and all your favourite summer activities. They also work perfectly to compliment your everyday style all year round.
Launch of Darling Runway Kenya, an annual platform about the business of Fashion COUTURE Africa magazine in partnership with Ajuma Ltd will be hosting a one-of-a-kind fashion experience on the 6th and 7th of April at the Two Rivers Mall and Sankara hotel dubbed Darling Runway Kenya.
COUTURE Africa magazine founder, Olive Gachara says that Darling Runway Kenya shall be an annual event specifically focused on the Business of Fashion. It brings together key industry players; 16 showcasing fashion designers, the creative community, and talent such as bloggers, photographers, writers, journalists, and stylists as well as a troop of 75 models and a fleet of Black| make-up artists and hairstylists. Designed to be more than a visually memorable affair.
Darling Runway Kenya draws industry thinkers for a cross-section of intense workshops and conferences open to the public on Friday the 6th of April at the Two Rivers Mall Expo Hall. This will culminate in the ultimate roundtable that will include highly-acclaimed South African designer Thula Sindi, beauty, hair, and fashion professionals and will be moderated by COUTURE Africa’s Managing Editor and award-winning fashion journalist Carol Odero at Sankara Hotel prior to the official event launch at the same location.
Saturday 7th April will see 7 fashion shows take place every hour-on-the-hour at various locations around Two Rivers Mall and event title sponsor, Darling Kenya – East Africa’s Leading Hair Brand – will launch a collection of their latest trends, a compelling live look book created by their top partner hairstylists on the runway. This will be simultaneously done on the same runway models as they showcase the fashion designers. Worth an estimated KES 25 billion, the local hair market is home to 150,000 salons and growing. Darling has a salon partnership program that currently reaches over 20,000 salons across Kenya.
“The Kenyan consumer is becoming more fashion aware and hair is a fundamental part of this awareness. She demands quality hair products and accessories that keep her on the cutting edge of fashion. She has big dreams and is clear that her hair plays a huge role in helping her achieve these dreams. Darling has become the go-to partner for this stylish woman and fuels her passion and aspirations. This means leading the conversation on fashion hence the need to be part of the premier of East Africa’s Home of Fashion,” said Victoria Kieti-Chesire, Head of Marketing, Dry Hair, Godrej Kenya.
To help realize this vision is Ajuma Ltd., founded and run by Kenya’s first supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana. “What made me come on board was my good relationship with COUTURE Africa magazine. They are outstanding when it comes to pushing fashion in Kenya.
We all know models outside of fashion capitals pretty much struggle when it comes to making modeling a lucrative career. Ajuma Ltd. is constantly scouting and doing our absolute best to push potential high fashion models through to international platforms.” Ajuma’s scouting led her to the Kakuma Refugee Camp where she discovered two gems who will come to Nairobi and strut on the Darling Runway Kenya catwalks.
Darling Runway Kenya shall bring the already vibrant Two Rivers Mall to an all-new high, with a Darling Mobile Salon, Black|Up Make-up Booth, COUTURE Africa Magazine custom covers, Pop-Up Stores by the 16 Designers, Mini Casting Sessions by Ajuma Ltd, select backstage access all wrapped up with a Fashion Party. This is an Open Access event with VIP priority parking within the mall and exclusive VIP seating at the runway shows.
Content Courtesy Of Darling Kenya, Couture Africa Magazine, Ajuma Limited & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Sunglasses are one fashion accessory that can lift your entire outfit and put it on the pedestal. While some people are suckers for style, others are brand freaks, and most are hoarders (like me). In all this frenzy, sometimes we end up buying glasses for their sheer style, and do not bother to check if they protect our eyes from the sun (which is what they are supposed to do). I learned the hard way that sunglasses are worth the investment, and one robust pair is better than ten fancy ones. And when I say robust, I mean that they should at least be polarized, provide sun protection, or both (ideally). What does this mean? To know more, and about the top sunglasses brands for eyewear, you need to scroll down.
Types Of Sunglasses UV Protection Sunglasses UV Protection Sunglasses protect your eyes from the powerful ‘Ultraviolet’ rays that are known for causing damage to the skin, eyes, etc. Look for glasses that give 100% coverage, and are both UVA & UVB protected. UVA rays can cause cataracts and damage to the retina in some cases because they penetrate your eyes easily. UVB rays can be absorbed by your cornea, and are more harmful and powerful than UVA rays. The best and easiest way to protect yourself is by buying sunglasses that give your complete protection.
Polarized Sunglasses Polarized Sunglasses are sunglasses that nullify the glare, reflection, and the intensity of light. ‘Glare’ is one of the biggest issues while driving, walking or even being out in the sun. Without getting into the science of it, here’s what they do – polarized glasses come with an invisible chemical coating that diminishes the intensity of light, and mellows down the sharpness. Polarized glasses are not always necessarily UV protectants, while the opposite is true. If you have to choose between UV protection sunglasses or polarized, go for the former, they are great value for that extra money you are going to spend. Also, whichever one you choose to buy, make sure that your glasses cover your eye area completely to avoid skin discoloration, sunburns, tanning, etc.
odAOMO Seductress at Sunset Fall 2018 Runway Show went down at the tribe hotel village market the show started exactly at 5:00 pm east African time, event was graced by who is who in Kenyan fashion sector , great performance from America Pop idol and Odaomo creative director Quentin Alexander who left guest wanting more and more, fashion show was held at the poolside spectacular view with African set up.
Luxury Design for Global Citizen Luxury line for modern women’s wear with a timeless and cross-cultural aesthetic ,Odaomo company is based on the principle of “giving back” and supports improved social and economic conditions here in Kenya Creates exclusive and collectible statement pieces for global citizens, utilizes sustainably sourced materials to handcraft leather goods, Ready-to-Wear and jewelry in limited seasonal collectionsat the same time preserves the art of quality craftsmanship and community development through the fair-wage employment of local Kenyan artisans Odaomo produces regular fashion shows and events to foster a transcultural, stylish and philanthropic community, offers private shopping and personal styling services to clients Knowledgeable team of passionate professionals committed to providing the highest standard of products and services
History ( Odaomo Background ) Established in 2014. As you may know, in Africa, given names have significant meaning. Children are named after a great ancestor, a significant birth trait, a time, season, or an event. The designer’s name, Aomo, not only talks of ” a time of harvest” , but is also after the great matriarch Aomo. Her grandmother was tall, strong, entrepreneurial, and left a legacy carried by many female grandchildren. The house of Aomo (od AOMO in Luo, her tribal language) was indeed the beginning of it all. We welcome you to odAOMO, “House of Aomo”.
Instagram has roll out a pair of new shopping features to make it easier for its 500 million users to shop without leaving the app. How the new feature works
A “Tap to View Products” icon will appear in the bottom left of posts.
Tapping on that icon will reveal the names of, and prices for, up to five products tagged in the post.
Users can then tap on any featured product tags to then get additional details.
Levitando en Afrika is a brand of ethnic and tribal macrame jewelry founded by Alexandra Gracia Ortiz from Spain all her collections are inspired by Africa tribal Jewelry hand made,Macrame is a very old art whose technique consists of making different types of knots with thread forming a tissue.
Alexandra Gracia is a self taught and versatile designer that show in her handmade designs, inspired by her trips to Africa, originality, multi-culture , colorful and ethnic essence, definitely pure African style. In Alexandra unique pieces, She fuse the techniques of micro macrame with gold, old silver, bronze, minerals, recycled materials, African beads and wax prints.
Alexandra Gracia Showcasing her Collection
Last year 2017 Levitando en Afrika participated in Africa Fashion Week Barcelona (Spain) and also showcased Nairobi Fashion Week (Kenya), and recently 03/03/2018 she exhibited her jewelry collection in the Fashion High Tea event at Zen Garden, Nairobi (Kenya)
What is Macrame? Macrame (or macramé), is a form of textile-making where fibers or cords are knotted rather than woven or knitted together. Square knots and half hitch knots are traditionally used, and sailors have long used macrame to decorate accessories and parts of ships. Most friendship bracelets are macrame, and this knotting technique can be used to create other styles of jewelry as well.
Common materials used in macrame include cords made of cotton or linen , hemp , leather, twisted nylon and yarn. In recent years, paracord has become another popular material. Beads , charms , links and other accents can be knotted in with the cord to create a wide variety of designs.
How to Macrame Though macrame involves knotting, the process of making macrame jewelry is almost like braiding. Multiple strands of cord are knotted together using square knots in a repeating pattern. It is often helpful to have some sort of clamp, clip or macrame board to keep the strands organized and in place.
A central cord (or cords) remains stationary and forms the foundation for your knot work. Beads, links, and other accents can be mixed in as you knot or added at the beginning. This technique is best shown visually so see below for step-by-step instructional videos on how to macrame.
Content Courtesy Of Levitando en Afrika & Nairobi Fashion Hub
Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocratic French fashion designer whose understated style represented a golden age of elegance, has died aged 91. Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy and is famous for the “little black dress”. He died at the Renaissance chateau near Paris that he shared with his partner and fellow designer Philippe Venet.
At 6ft 6in tall, Givenchy, whose full name was Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy, was a giant of the fashion world in every sense.He created on- and off-screen wardrobes for Hepburn for films including Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face. His enduring muse, Hepburn inspired Givenchy’s first perfume, l’Interdit, and is credited with the designer’s subsequent success and popularity in the US. Givenchy, who learned his trade from another fashion master, Cristóbal Balenciaga, produced restrained designs of what admirers called an “extreme elegance” that became his trademark. His creations were eagerly awaited and sought out by the titled and wealthy in the 1950s and 60s, including Princess Grace of Monaco and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
The fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has been criticised by environmentalists after reportedly chopping down several old oak and poplar trees for his Chanel catwalk show. Campaigners said the grand couturier’s attempt to present Chanel’s green credentials had badly backfired and revealed the fashion house was “completely divorced from the reality of protecting nature”.
Chanel Fashion Show, Ready To Wear Collection Fall Winter 2018 in Paris
Lagerfeld turned the vast glass nave of Paris’s Grand Palais into an autumn forest for the event, strewing dead leaves, moss and logs on a mirrored runway and installed nine tall trees inside.
Guests, including the British actor Keira Knightley, the singer Lily Allen, and the former French first lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy, were installed on rows of wooden benches to watch the models walking down what appeared to be woodland paths.
Margaux Wong, based in Burundi, East Africa, is an innovative design hub where artisans have been transforming discarded cow horn and brass into luxurious, beautiful wearable art since the brand launched in 2001.
The brand’s artisans are the center and essence of Margaux Wong, and they continually strive to create objects of beauty. Founder and Creative Director Margaux Rusita, originally from Guyana, South America, draws inspiration from her homeland and home-continent.
Having lived and worked in Burundi for the last 10 years, she pulls from the turmoil and victories that come with being an artist in the country.
All Margaux Wong designs are hand-made and each piece is unique due to the special quality of the cow horn.
The brand emphasizes the value and the natural beauty of the horn and does not add dyes, paints or varnish to their merchandise.
Each piece is hand polished to the finest finish using tedious traditional techniques.
Constantly working to produce the most prized artisan jewellery from the finest cow horn in the region, Margaux Wong prides itself on its sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
With marble-like skin and bold features, women from Africa have always had a unique charm. Most of these women have strong, able bodies and features, as though it was a gift from the goddess of hunting, Artemis herself. There are many women from the African continent who have redefined the term ‘beautiful’. So, without further ado, I present to you a list of some of the most beautiful African women from our mother land African do you agree with the list.
1. Lupita N’yongo Date of Birth: March 1, 1983 Place of Birth: Mexico City, Mexico Height: 5’5” Weight: 51 kg Profession: Actress, film director, model, music video director Although Lupita was born in Mexico, she was raised in Kenya. She then moved to the United States to attend college. Before becoming an actor, Lupita was a production assistant. She made her film debut with East River in 2008.
2. Fatima Siad Date of Birth: December 17, 1986 Place of Birth: Mogadishu, Somalia Height: 5’8″ Weight: 50 kg Profession: Model Fatima’s mother is from Somali, and her father is Ethiopian. After the tragic death of her sisters in the war, her mother and Fatima fled to the United States. She is currently signed with IMG Models in New York City, Paris, Milan and other cities.
3. Freema Agyeman Date of Birth: March 20, 1979 Place of Birth London, England Height: 5’2″ Weight: 54 kg Profession: Actress, model, and singer Born to an Iranian mother and Ghanaian father, Freema was born and raised in London. Freema is best known for her role as Martha Jones in the popular BBC science fiction series, Doctor Who.
Anok Yai has become the first black model to open a runway show for Prada since Naomi Campbell did so more than two decades ago in 1997. The 19-year-old only discovered that she had been chosen to open the show for the Italian fashion house at Milan Fashion Week about an hour before she was due to grace the catwalk.
Anok Yai is an Egyptian-born American fashion model of South Sudanese descent. She is the second black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell, and the first South Sudanese model to do so. Yai currently ranks as one of the “Top 50” models by models.com
Anok Yai at Prada Show 2018
She showcased pieces from Prada’s autumn/winter 2018 collection, only a few months after being scouted for her modelling potential at a college party.
“It was an honour and I’m proud that I was the one chosen to open, but this is bigger than me,” Yai told Vogue. “Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world – especially for black women – that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”
Moyo By BiBi is a Kenya Luxury accessories Brand (company) founded by Bibi Ahmed accessory designer based in UK London with Kenyan roots,all her accessories are handcrafted at the island and Village by selected artisans from Kenya
Moyo By BiBi was founded by Bibi. The brand is Inspired by the Maasai, Samburu tribes, Kenyan culture and tradition. “Moyo” which means “heart” in Kiswahili the main language spoken in Kenya. All accessories have been handcrafted by native Kenyan men and women at the village using tradition method, making sure they have put effort in every little detail to give you a true statement piece, and long lasting accessories.
Her first collection of accessories was launched in march 2016
Moyo By BiBi accessories are unique, versatile and vibrant. One of the reasons why Moyo By BiBi accessories are so unique is because men and women can wear, each piece has a story to it. Using a range of materials such as real leather, maasai beads, pipe beads and glass crystals. The art of the bead work is out of this world.
“Be bold and vibrant with African inspired jewellery”
