AN ANISA COLLECTION AT SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2012

 

The Tanzanian designer gave the Islamic hijab outfit a modern twist. I love how she added trendy prints and fabrics to her pieces. Fashion is surely universal!

pic source: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo 

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: WAMBUI MUKENYI HOLIDAY COLLECTION

Wambui Mukenyi the brand started in 2009 making custom pieces for clients then branching off making African wedding gowns and ready to wear feminine and effortlessly stylish pieces, keeping the African heritage in tact. The Kenyan label  has a new Holiday Collection which I am loving! Check it out.

Check out the rest of her Holiday Collection and other trendy pieces at www.wambuimukenyi.com.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: NECHA by DANIELLA RAYMOND FROM TANZANIA

Hello readers! Since I moved back to Kenya, I've been running into some very creative and fashionable people. I wanted to introduce you all to the line "Necha by Daniella Raymond", a "Tanzanian based afro-retro women's fashion brand that specializes in urban contemporary cultural inspired clothes". Ms. Daniella Raymond is the owner and head designer behind the brand. Necha translates "KIZURI" in Chagga, a Tanzanian tribe from Moshi, Kilimanjaro. Check out her new line made with well tailored ready to wear clothes for the young, trendy, and elegant woman.

 I absolutely love her line.. it's trendy, classy, and culturally inspired at the same time. The name certainly owns up to it's meaning "something pretty". I'll be sure to rock something fun and flirty from the line in the near future. Look out for her because she's currently working on her new second collection.

TO PLACE AN ORDER: Email : nechadesign@gmail.com and visit her FACEBOOK PAGE for more information.

Designer Spotlight: DESTINI

The line DESTINI was created by Atlanta, GA based designer Natt Taylor. Her line, inspired by the sophisticated woman, offers designs in ranges of different silhouettes and bold colors that flatter any woman! With notable celebs such as Keyshia Cole supporting her line, she has plans to expand her collection to offer sizes 14-24. Prices for her pieces start at $75-$200, offering skirts/shorts, cocktail dresses, and figure fitting pants.

Interesting fact about Natt is that she started out in corporate America with a degree in Accounting before going full time with her line. That's already an inspiration!

Check out more and shop Destini here.

Designer Spotlight: The Hundreds Eyewear

Hey Guys and Gals,

Morrison in Gunmetal $94

If you haven't already, check out new Fall 2011 eyewear collection from indie designers The Hundreds. They have a pretty cool array of specks, ranging from funky wayfarer and aviator styles to mirrored reflective lenses. The brand, co-founded by Ben and Bobby Hundreds in 2003, is the world's first social merchandising company inspired by the "Los Angeles lifestyle/California culture" reminiscent of the 1980s and 90s styles with an emphasis on the street subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk and hip hop. The company is a 2-part lifestyle project that includes both an online clothing and accessories shop and blog, featuring some pretty cool stuff from bookbags to sweatshirts and hats.

Check out more...

Designer Spotlight: Chichia London

London based designer Christine Mhando, originally from Tanzania, introduces us to the East-African fabric known as the khanga. Tribal print is a major trend right now and Christine Mhando's collection offers bright colorful pieces mixed with lace, animal print, and stripes for an eclectic exotic look.
 

Designer Spotlight: Naven- Los Angeles

Naven began with the creative minds of Twin designers Kym and Alexis McClay. After graduating from Pepperdine University and FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles, Kym and Alexis gained valuable experience while working in the industry. Naven was born when the twins put their fashion ideals into a tangible form and introduced their women’s contemporary line in Los Angeles in the fall of 2007. Though Naven finds its roots in Los Angeles, the line embodies touches of European influences stemming from the twin’s background.

Naven plays on a contrast between a classic and sophisticated silhouette and a young, fun and flirty style. The line highlights the beauty of the female silhouette through flattering fits while portraying empowerment and energy through bold colors, fine fabrics, and an edgy take on the classic form.

Spring 2011 Collection

Celebrities in Naven

-Y

Images courtesy of Naven