We were pleased to have the chance to chat with Pearl 1130 designer Ade Yusuf, about her new collection, Le Voyage! Read on to hear about her inspirations behind the beautiful prints as well as exciting upcoming plans!

AfricaStyleDaily: This is Pearl 1130′s second collection (the first being Belle du Jour, correct me if I’m wrong); the line still retains its uber feminine, slightly retro vibe with Le Voyage, but can you talk about how the line itself is evolving?

Pearl 1130: Le Voyage is our second major collection though we had a first take before the Belle De Jour collection. Initially Pearl 11 30 had more of day time pieces but we are currently playing around with evening/night pieces, a capsule collection of these pieces should be released sometime in the year.

ASD: The Le Voyage collection was inspired by a holiday in Benin Republic – Coutonou — what specific elements do we see in the clothes that harken back to that trip?

Pearl 1130: Back in Coutonou I fell in love with the Wax print fabric which was proudly worn by the locals so I decided to create additional pieces that could be found in the closet of a Pearl 11 30 woman if she were meant to be from that part of the world; that is a wardrobe full of pieces inspired by the past and modern day fashion without neglecting her heritage.

ASD: Le Voyage has an amazing watercolor inspired print throughout – tell us about it. It’s beautiful!

Pearl 1130: Oh thank you for your kind complement. The use of colour plays a major role in Pearl 11 30 designs; After sourcing the wax print fabrics by indicating our choice of colours to the artisans; we decided to stay true to our use of lovely bright colours without neglecting the classic black we are so loving at the moment. Actually the wax print fabric was the base of our choice of colours used in this collection hence celebrating our cultural heritage in a modern form.

ASD: This collection contains only a tiny bit of African, or tribal prints. Being a Nigeria based line, was that intentional?

Pearl 1130: Hmm not exactly intentional, at Pearl 11 30 we love to play around with fabrics aside colours; our designs in general are a fusion of vintage & modern fashion design with an afro/traditional flavour which categorically can be seen in Le Voyage. We do not want our customers/people in general to see Pearl 11 30 as a label restricted to lovers of African inspired designs; there is always a piece/or two for everyone irrespective of age, colour or background. I will like to see just anyone wearing at least a piece from our range of designs, this simply means we have done our homework right by creating clothes for everyone, African or not!

ASD: Do you feel that prints are being over used by African designers?

Pearl 1130: Well I will say NO! Reason is that prints are beautiful, very colourful and gracious if well interpreted and hey its ours so who should make better use of it than us.

ASD: Right now, you are based in Lagos and eager fashionistas can buy your clothes there. Are there any plans for an online store or expanding retail?

Pearl 1130: Oh yes we do have plans; though not only our Lagos customers are buying our clothes but customers in London too. Customers all over the world would be able to shop our collections via our site before the end of 2nd quarter of 2012 if the coming of the Lord tarries (lol) and also some online stores would be retailing our designs too.

ASD: And Lastly, what other things can we expect in 2012 from Pearl 1130?

Pearl 1130: We have some exciting plans we would like to keep hush till we make it official, we are definitely branching out and we do believe you will love it!

Check out the collection below!

Adaora Akubilo in Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition

Franca Sozzani has plans for L’Uomo Vogue this Spring — and Africa it is. The Vogue Italia editor is planning an Africa-themed issue that will hit stands in May or June. Says Sozzani to StyleIte: “It will be about the presidents, it will be about the people. But in a very positive way. I don’t want to say in a glamourous way, but I wanted to show the best side, but only the good side. There are a lot of talents, a lot of talented people in art, in music, in cinema and everywhere. So I really wanted to push that side.” Sozzani was no doubt inspired by her recent trips to Ghana and Nigeria. I wonder who from the continent will be featured in the upcoming issue? [Styleite]

In other news…

• Adaora Akubilo is killing it in the pages of the famed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition! Appearing in the pages of this popular edition can launch a model’s career! (see: Oluchi Onweagba and Tyra Banks). We look forward to seeing more the young Najia American stunner. See more photos here. [Bella Naija]

Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

The official designer line-up for the higly anticipated Arise Magazine Fashion Week has been announced! The 2nd annual fashion event will be held in Lagos again, and this time around will feature 77 designers. Among them will be favorites such as Jewel by Lisa and Mataano, as well as tons of up-and-comers representing from all over the diaspora — 6 continents to be exact! [ThisDayLive]

• {Video}: Watch the first episode of the popular MTV Base Africa series, Shuga: Love, Sex and Money. Banky W and Wizkid have cameo roles and recorded music for it as well.
• With elections in Senegal drawing closer (and sadly, Youssou N’Dour will not be eligible to run, we thought that would have been interesting to say the least), political clashes heighten. [CNN]
• On the gossip tip, rapper Tuface Idibia made it a very happy Valentine’s Day for his lady and popped the question! However rumour has it, he is currently expecting a baby from another woman! Ummm…[African Spotlight]

Image Courtesy of Arise Magazine

Sharam Diniz, Herve Leger by Max Azria

New York Fashion Week rolled up its catwalks yesterday, and the fashion crowd has dispersed and boarded flights to London for part two of the worldwide fashion extravaganza! We enjoyed seeing our favorite girls strut their stuff in New York like Ajak Deng and Herieth Paul, we really loved discovering new faces – thanks to one of our readers the lovely Angolan trio of Maria Borges, Sharam Diniz (pictured above) and Roberta Narciso are now on our radar! We even spotlight some amazing Black models who though they don’t hail from the continent, we still adore anyway! However, we couldn’t help but notice some fashion week regulars were noticeably absent like Flaviana Matata and Ataui Deng. Hopefully, they’ll be stomping in London and back on the New York runways, next season.

A new face to us, Maria Borges (Angola) appeared for (l-r) Tibi, Vivienne Tam, and Ruffian among others.

Herieth Paul showed her stuff at (l-r) Monique Lhullier and Diane von Furstenberg.

Melodie Monrose (Martinique) for J.Mendel

Grace Bol for Mara Hoffman

Atong Ajork for Naeem Khan

Anais Mali looked pretty at (l-r) Vera Wang and Diane von Furstenberg.

Candice Swaneopoel (South Africa) for Carolina Hererra

Armando Cabral for Lacoste

Roberta Narciso (Angola) for Carolina Hererra

Nyasha Matonhodze walked for DKNY and also for Carolina Hererra.

All photos Courtesy of Style.com

]]> http://africastyledaily.com/2012/02/nyfw-african-model-watch-wrap-up/feed/ 0 http://africastyledaily.com/2012/02/nyfw-inside-nyfw-with-editor-nana-brew-hammond/ http://africastyledaily.com/2012/02/nyfw-inside-nyfw-with-editor-nana-brew-hammond/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:37 +0000 Zandile http://africastyledaily.com/?p=7401

Editor, Nana Brew-Hammond with noted blogger, Hanneli Mustaparta

New York – Of the majority of editors that we see during New York Fashion Week, Nana Brew-Hammond consistently catches our eye. The Ghanaian beauty floats from show to show in effortlessly elegant pieces while greeting everyone from friends to fans with a warm greeting. This season, we went beyond our customary greeting to an in-depth interview with the editor and author. Check out Brew-Hammond the first of our inaugural ‘NYFW Inside Guide’ series as she shares her photos and feelings on NYFW.

Africa Style Daily: Are you covering a ton of shows this season?

Nana Brew-Hammond: Thankfully, this season I’m sharing coverage duty with a bigger team so I’m going to several shows, but I don’t have an overwhelming schedule.

ASD: Which ones are you most looking forward to attending?

NBH: I’m most excited for Doo.Ri, Lacoste, Rachel Roy, Charlotte Ronson, Jenny Packham, and Mimi Plange. I also loved the BCBG show yesterday.

ASD: Do shows by African designers ever make your list?

NBH: YES! I always look forward to the ARISE show in the Spring, and this fall one of the shows I’m most looking forward to is that of Ghanaian designer Mimi Plange. I think she’s brilliant.

ASD:  As you review these shows, what earns a good or a bad review in your eyes?

NBH: I’m looking for an original or unexpected twist on a so-called basic. Lacoste’s Spring 2012 collection is a perfect case in point. They took the polo, which they are known for, and reimagined it inifinite ways. They did the same with the anorak. It was simple yet genius.

ASD: Does having to actively cover shows – and actively socialize during the season – ever get overwhelming?

NBH: It does at times — especially since the shows are scattered in such disparate locations — but cry me a river. I love fashion and it’s thrilling to be in the mix of the madness, even when it gets tiresome. (More answers after gallery!)

With Blogger Hanneli Mustaparta

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"I was SO flattered to have photoblogger Hanneli Mustaparta photograph me. Here, I'm trying my best to smize next to this gorgeous girl."

ASD: How do you find balance and pace yourself during NYFW?

NBH: I remind myself NO show starts on time when I’m running late, and I keep my Blackberries — yes I have two — on me at all times so I can stay connected to what’s going on at the office. I also try to stay focused on why I’m doing this in the first place: I love fashion!

ASD: Several years later, what still excites you about this experience.

NBH: When the security guards pull the plastic off the runway, and the lights go dim, I am amped! I love being able to see the clothes up close in a room full of people who also admire fashion. But most of all, the ingenuity of the designers continues to astound me. The fact that they can reinvent simple staples like the cardigan, t-shirt, coat, or shift dress season after season always leaves me in awe.

ASD: Finally, any advice for those readers who are hoping to follow your career track?

NBH: Take the time to educate yourself on technical fashion terms so you know how to describe the collections you are covering. Learn about the evolution of the designers you are interviewing so you can be senstive to new directions they are taking and have a context from which to form your opinion of their current work. Follow the industry news and key players, just as you would in any business you are serious about. And don’t take yourself too seriously — beware of the diva inside. No matter how awesome your style is, a self-important attitude is so last season.

Mataano F/W 2012

New York – As you exited the elevator to the penthouse space occupied by Idyl and Ayaan Mollahim for their Fall 2012 collection – you knew something big was going to happen. You were immediately greeted by rows of Iman Cosmetics gift bags. A few more steps in and you encountered dozens of chic New Yorkers, all excitedly anticipating the unveiling of Mataano’s latest offering. The pieces they debuted followed the feminine elegance  Mataano is becoming known for. A knee length dress topped with a sheer shawl, a belted silk blouse, and a blush colored, floor grazing silk gown with a pleated finish were among some of the standouts. (Review continued after image)

Mataano F/W 2012

Knowing all too well the struggles encountered by young designers in showing a collection we loved the story of their triumph, but would have appreciated a stronger narrative in the clothing. Unlike other collection’s we’ve seen this season, we didn’t get a full sense of where the Mataano woman had evolved to for Fall. Likewise, the range of pieces didn’t provide a dynamic spectrum of where this woman/customer was going from day to night. They hit a strong note with a feminine woman en route to elegant affairs – and left it there.  That said, we departed energized by the talent of the designers and excited to see their evolution next season. Below, check out our exclusive images from the show.

New York:  The emergence of game-changing African’s in New York City can count Ngozi Odita as one of it’s leaders. As the founder and Editorial Director of Society H.A.E, Odita has crafted one of a kind events that bring together hundreds of creatives from a cross section of countries, cultures and industries. Today, she is working her magic again with a signature event  ‘Meet The Afropolitans: Digital Media + Culture in Africa.’  The Nigeria native made time to talk to us about the inspiration behind the event and what we can expect to see. (Details on location of event and live stream link after the interview.)

Africa Style Daily: What motivated you to put this together?
Ngozi: The more I traveled the more I came across African’s who are doing amazing things. It’s like a renaissance. I am always trying to let other people know about this and connecting folks. I wanted to harness this into an experience that reframed the story. What tends to get coverage re: Africa is always a corrupt politician or people who are dying on the continent. But nobody ever talks about these amazing people who are the exact counterparts of people in Europe. It goes without saying that we know about this, but nobody else does. I just felt like we needed to let other people know. And I just said, ‘Let’s talk about Afropolitans.’ Initially I thought of it as ongoing portraits of people here in the U.S. Twenty-first century people who are  doing interesting things – that happen to be Africans. I want it to be a project that keeps going. I don’t want it to stop there. I hope it leads to some sort of exhibition where people can see the faces, hear sound bites and get a sense of how are they informing what the future of Africa will be – and the world. Their talents are not exclusive to the continent.

ASD: You seem to be a curator of people

Odita: I always get so excited to meet people.  I am always continuously impressed and surprised by the well of talented people I come across.  I’m always thinking about how to let other people know what others are doing. It’s something I am passionate about. Ultimately, I feel like artistry impacts people on so many levels and it can be world changing. It changes lives and communities. Using our talents for something that is progressive is amazing so if I can help people then why not?

ASD: What about each panelist made them ideal?

Odita: I did a panel last year on music and how social media is changing that so I knew I wanted to do something again and I wanted to do something from East Africa specifically.  Last year’s panel was very West Africa heavy, so I wanted to balance it out. This year I figured Yolanda Sangweni of AfriPop and ESSENCE magazine(s) would be great. Shes a cultural curator and very established. I loved the idea of using Kate Bomz as well.  She’s from the East and she has this other perspective and been following her on twitter. I knew I needed some music in there too so I invited Chief Boima. I wanted to make sure everyone was represented.

ASD: What will the audience be like? Will it generally be African’s or will it be mixed?

Odita: It’s actually pretty balanced. I didn’t take a survey from last year’s conference, but the audience I saw featured  people from all over. From Eritirea to South Africa to Mali, the continent was well represented. There were also lot of White people who are curious. They are just interested in what’s going on.We are in such an interesting time that no matter where you are from, with so many people talking about Africa, you are excited.

ASD: How do you think digital culture has changed over the last five years on the continent?
Odita: I think the fact that so many people have mobile phones has transformed the continent. It’s so much more feasible to connect now. Everyone can easily get online. Not everyone has a smart phone, but more and more people have them. In Nigeria I see more and more people are using their Blackberry’s and smart phones like computers. It’s a great option since not everyone has a computer or internet service at home. There are so many people who have access and they are using it just like anyone would. In addition, there’s a curiosity to find out more about culture locally and globally.

ASD: How is it impacting Afropoitans?

Ngozi: Pride! I think Afropolitans (Cosmopolitan African’s) are always proud of where they are from. But in last five years, everyone is so excited about the possibilities. It’s like how can I contribute? How can I be a part of it? Five years ago a lot of young Africans were trying to leave the continent, but now doing business on the continet is something thats very pheasible and happening. Young designers are like I’m just going to stay home and do my own thing on the continent. It’s more accessible than ever thanks to sites like yours. That’s what the buzz is about!

ASD: What can we expect?

Odita: It’s not suppossed to be this highly intellectual experience. But I do want it to be thought provoking. It’s more about letting people have an experience that opens them to exploring more when it comes to Africa. From the African food, to the DJ spinning African music,  it allows people to come in and catch a vibe and be more open to discovering.  The music will be cool, the food will be good. We just want people to come, experience and enjoy.

ASD: For those who can’t go is there a way to participate?

Odita: Yes! The event will be live streamed. We will also be on Twitter with the hashtag #smwafropolitan. We will use that so people can see comments and get snippets of what we are talking it.  I’m also gonna have picture posted to SocietyHAE  the next day!.

The event takes place today, February 13th 2012,  at 6:30 pm at 40 West 23rd  in New York City. For those who can’t attend the event will be live streamed. Click on this link to check it out!

Mimi Plange‘s clothes never fail to impress. The designer is known for her impeccable craftsmanship as well as her stunning design work, but what always intrigues us is how she consistently takes erudite, high-brow concepts and translates them to beautiful, wearable clothing. For the Fall/Winter collection, entitled “Labyrinth”, she takes her inspiration from surreal, enchanted Nordic forests, and Paludario’s  “otherworldly” arboreal art. She combines these influences with the use of luxe alpaca wools, detailed and intricate bead work, soft velvets and gold brocade and creates a collection that is equal parts glamour and old world.There are Mock necks, ruffles and full skirts accented with beading and velvet, yet Plange maintains clean, simple lines so the clothes do not overwhelm. The color here remains muted and subtle (ecru, wine, coal…) with the exception of the bright magenta Fionah maxi skirt paired with the Beatrice mockneck, sleeveless ruffle top. A collection fit for the woman who demands the best (as Mimi’s customers certainly are), this is absolutely another amazing season for Mimi.

Check out flicks from the collection below. What are your favorite pieces? Tweet us @AfricaStyleD!

Herieth Paul in SUNO

New York: The last paragraph of Style.com’s largely favorable review of Suno’s show reads: ‘It wasn’t all hits. A blue and red geometric motif wrap dress looked more like DVF than quirky Suno. But mistakes like that aside, the important thing is they’re figuring out ways to ensure that their relevance lasts longer than fashion’s current fascination with print.’ As we watched the collection, we couldn’t agree more.  In our opinion, their solution has been to stray far from the Batik print roots that put them on the map. Their collection, while punctuated by patterns, was void of the vibrancy of rich African prints. Instead they opted for whimsical prints with leaves,trees and doodles. The big story instead became boxy shapes and layers, which designers Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis used freely. We have mixed feelings about the progression of the brand and would love your thoughts and comments on Twitter or Facebook. In the meantime, check out our favorite picks.

Nana Keita for St. John

Fashion Week has gone full force into the weekend, presenting dozens upon dozens of shows in Lincoln Center and a myriad of other locations throughout the city! Here’s a report on the fab African models we spotted on the runways! Nana Keita did her thing for St. John (above)…

…Herieth Paul is stomping furiously! She walked for (l-r): Yigal Azrouel, Rebecca Taylor, and SUNO.

One of our absolute faves Ajak Deng also walked for SUNO and St. John.

Rising fashion star Fatima Siad also walked for St. John. Kudos to that brand!

If we left out a girl or guy you think should be on our radar, tweet us @AfricaStyleD and let us know who they are! We’d love to include him or her!

All images courtesy of Style.com