How was your weekend? The 2014 Harvard Africa Business Conference

My cousin Suna convinced me that we should attend this year's HBSABC and with a theme like "Africa Accelerates" it didn't take much convincing.  For the short trip to Boston I chose an outfit that was casual, catchy and included clothing from the continent:

You wouldn't believe me if I told you how excited it I was when I looked at the tag on my jacket and saw that it was made in Morocco. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Zara any more than I already do but I was clearly mistaken!

Screen-printed sweater by DRC Apeparel, available here I Jacket by Zara, couldn't find it online but there were plenty available at the Zara store near 14th St Union Square in NYC I Skirt old, but try this twist I Shoes, Calvin Klein on sale at Nordstrom Rack but try this twist

How was your weekend? Part 2. HBSABC Celebration

My weekend in an African intellectual's paradise continued with the HBSABC after party. When your mind is focused on favorable things you've got to dress in your favorite attire...or at least that's my motto.  I chose a gorgeous Madame Wokie statement dress with simple accessories to close out the conference:

I absolutely love Mary-Ann's (head designer at Madam Wokie) designs.  This flared midi dress has a simple style but the fabric she chose and the way she placed the patterns makes it a showstopper.  I can't wait until she opens an online store, because every time I wear her pieces I get so many compliments. To see Madam Wokie's Vogue Italia feature story click here, to keep up with her work via her blog click here. The shoes are Enzo Angiolini, Yabbo in Purple, they are sold out pretty much everywhere except E-bay.

Check out some of the best African-inspired outfits at the party, plus 2 Face Idibia performed:

Ankara with a bow tie? I love it!

Same guy pictured with Nicola Asgill of Evoque Magazine, who is also rocking a Madam Wokie design. Sierra Leone was beautifully represented at HBSABC.

Ignore the photo bomber (lol), this guy's twist on the traditional embroidered men's cotton suit was very nice.

I'm not quite sure if this scarf was African-made, but its definitely inspired by traditional Ethiopian scarves.  I love the way this young lady used it to turn up her LBD.

These guys topped off their otherwise casual outfits with traditional African embroidered hats.  So. Much. Swag.

Wait a minute...is this Kontri cloth? I should've asked this guy if he is from Sierra Leone since's he wearing a traditional Sierra Leonean hand made fabric.  Regardless of where this young man is from he's got great style, the way he mixed the striped pattern with a checkered bow-tie is an on-trend win!

Lovely structured bodycon dress in a vibrant cotton print. Everything from her nail color to her bag choice is popping!

Exquisite embroidered details...

Elegant elements of North Africa! 

2 Face Idibia performed

Table for 6 African Fashion Merchandizing Event featuring Madame Wokie, WINTERIZED!

My super smart and connected cousin Sudie invited me to an event focusing on African Fashion Merchandizing, where industry experts would be on-hand to discuss fashion design, manufacturing and compliance. Since the winter has been frigid this year, I "winterized" this short summer frock by adding knee boots, tights and a cropped coat. 

                                                              Dress: Madame Wokie, Made in Sierra Leone

                                                                     Boots: Forever 21, available here 

                                                               Jacket: French Connection, available here 

                                                                                   Cardigan: Old, Similar here

 More Pics from the Table for 6 event below, click on the first image to browse the gallery. Do you recognize any of the participants?