Hello again! Today I'm sharing a few more experiences from my short vacation in Europe last month. The purpose of the visit was to attend a wedding and I've been fascinated with spectator hats since I watched Will & Kate's royal wedding a few years ago...
Nigeria celebrated it's 54th Independence on October 1 and many folks....
I'm behind on my blogging but a couple of weeks ago I went on a wonderful trip to London and Paris.
Are you all Iro-ed out yet? I hope not, because I've been spending all of the final warm days of the year in Iro and Buba sets and I love them too much not to blog about them. This one is a floral printed silk set from African Queen Boutique in Brooklyn, New York. The owner is wonderfully sweet and she helped me choose this bell sleeve style and arrange the floral pattern in a way that would best suit the outfit. If you're ever in NYC you should give them a try and if not, they ship!
I tied the Iro a different way to switch things up a bit...
Silk floral/peacock print Iro and bell-sleeved Buba - African Queen Boutique, 4113 Church Ave Brooklyn, Ph 347-295-2301
Shoes - Zara
Hi friends! I realize that it took me way to long to put up a post about the various ways to wear an Iro and Buba set, but never fear, Iro and Buba can also be worn or warmer days in the fall or when you choose a silk rather than chiffon material (which I'll show in my next post). I've had so much fun in my Iro and Buba sets that I'm just not quite ready to let the trend leave with the summer weather:
Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York is one of the world's largest fashion showcases and this year, African designer's and style makers definitely played their part. Check out some of our favorite flicks of African products spotted at NYFW:
Mother and daughter Nigerian fashion family royalty Deola by Deola Sagoe and Clan Diaries showed their lines in a joint show during NYFW.
Nigerian Channel O VJ and fashionisto Denrele Edun was spotted at his countrymen Washington Roberts' NYFW presentation
Liberian designer and project runway alum Korto Momolu also presented her S/S15 designs
Senegalese designer Diarra Busso gave us turban drama and veiled vogue when she presented her ready to wear and bridal S/S15 lines Abstract Cubism and Reves Dores, respectively.
Former Victoria's Secret Model and current host of Africa's Next Top Model Oluchi Orlandi was spotted rocking Nigerian brand Jewel by Lisa and walking in South African designer David Tlale's S/S15 showcase alongside Tyson Beckford.
Angolan cover girl Sharam Diniz also ripped the runway for David Tlale.
Nigeria has obviously developed a robust fashion scene as most of the African talents presenting at this year's NYFW call the country home. Here's a few outtakes from Lisa Foliwayo's S/S15 Jewel by Lisa line:
Jewel by Lisa designer, Lisa Foliwayo, poses alongside June Ambrose and Ambrose's daughter Summer.
Hello! It's been way too long since I've blogged but I hope that this delicious neckpiece from Koko Soulstice of South Africa will help you forgive me...
Hi friends! It's been a while since I've done a style post and I apologize for the hiatus but I'm sorting out some big transitions in my life right now. I do thank you all for bearing with me. Since the weather is heating up I wanted to share one of my african style favorites, the Iro & Buba from Nigeria:
This is an old Nigerian style that has recently come back in vogue with lots of different interpretations. Iro (the wrapper skirt) and Buba (the top) is a perfect summer style because it's typically made from very light weight chiffon fabric (as seen on me) or silk; both of which flow well with the summer breeze and allow you to keep cool. The style is also versatile and can be tied two ways:
I kept the accessories and styling very basic in this post to display the beauty and versatility of the style eve without much adornment. In my next few posts I'll display a few more ways to expand the range of this ensemble. What do think of the Iro & Buba? Does it have a place in your wardrobe?
Iro & Buba - Frock it Rock it (of Lagos) for orders call/whatsapp: 234 - 708 036 7773 or email: info@frockitrockit.com
Well this is one of West Africa's more deliciously packaged products, a hot new track titled "Confidential" by Sierra Leonean rapper Shadow Boxer and featuring Nigerian star D'Banj and British-Sierra Leonean actor Idris Elba. Now I know what you're thinking..."Idris makes music???" But ladies, if you thought his English accent was amazing listen to him speaking Krio on this track. I think it's fire and I promise I'm not biased ;) Check it out:
The good book says to keep the sabbath holy and there's nothing more sacred to this year's spring wardrobe than mixed prints. I bought this dress from Mary Ann Kai-Kai (creative director for Madam Wokie) nearly a year ago and it's still really exciting to wear. Every time I pull it out I think of a new way to style it:
I had so much fun shooting this outfit with my good friend Tania Jones, even though I only kept my eyes open half the time, ha! Thanks for your help Tan. What do you think of the outfit? Could you see yourself wearing this?
Dress - Madam Wokie
Shirt - Old, try this
Tote bag - Made in Sierra Leone, available here
Midi Ring, old but check out her other collections - Urban Kween Brand
