New York – There’s a short list of things I’m proud of and I’m happy to share this with you: the opportunity to model with my mom and sister for Calypso St. Barth’s Mother’s Day Campaign. Titled, Generations of Style, this campaign was all about the people we all love the most: mothers. Through a series of fun, stylish and beautifully shot photos, Calypso St. Barth’s highlighted each family and the woman who drives it. For me, it was an awesome moment to see my mother be relaxed, light-hearted and playful.

Myself (far left), my mom and sister, dancing to Beyonce on set!

Even more, it was a pleasure to see her looking beautiful in Calypso’s chic Tunics and being at home (in the last place I ever thought she would) a photo shoot! We were one of seven families invited to be part of this dynamic project, including the former First Family of the State of New York, the Patterson’s. It was an honor to be a part of this project – and an honor to share it with you. See the full project – and shop some of our looks online -  here  and check out some more photos! xo – Zandile!

Accra, Ghana – Ghana Fashion & Design Week has made history this month. They are now the first fashion week on the Continent to partner with high end publication, Italian Vogue. According to their partnership, Vogue Italia will get exclusive access to runway shows as well as backstage features and interviews.  The Vogue Italia team will be front and center at the upcoming GFDW, which takes place this October at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. This is the latest chapter in Vogue Italia’s on going interest in the burgeoning fashion industry in the continent, especially Ghana. Earlier this year, the publication’s Editor in Chief, Franca Sozanni along with designer, Roberto Cavalli, visited Accra.  Vogue Italia joins a luxe list of partners for GFDW’s show. L’Oreal and Porshe are already confirmed as partners for the event. Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

Mombasa, Kenya – For forty years, the sleek canvas sneakers known as Kenya Vintage (seen in photo above)  have been a staple in Kenya. The unisex shoe, favored by men, is crafted from all natural cotton’s and rubbers culled from Kenya. For the first time, the shoe is being made available for purchase in the U.S, thanks to Industry of All Nations (IOAN), a two year old company which seeks then sells goods from manufacturers across the world. Kenya Vintage Canvas sneakers are available now in four colorways (black, white, navy and olive, as seen below) for $56 at IOAN online.

New York – Mama Africa, the new documentary by Finnish director Mika Kaurismäki, has launched the 19th Annual African Film Festival in New York – an appropriate opening for a movie festival whose theme this year is “21st Century: The Homecoming.” The film chronicles the life of South African singer Miriam Makeba, who was exiled from her homeland in the 1960s by using her fame to speak out against apartheid. After enjoying a career of international stardom, she would finally make a homecoming of her own – thirty-one years later.

The film features interviews with figures from Makeba’s life – including her first husband, musician Hugh Masekela, her bass player of forty years Bill Salter, and her grandchildren Zenzi and Lumumba Lee. But those expecting a comprehensive, linear look at the singer’s life may be disappointed. Kaurismaki weaves together a kaleidoscopic collage of Makeba’s career, jumping from moment to moment through the prism of rare, vibrant archive footage of the singer from her days as ingenue to Harry Belafonte, to her the last years of her life before her death in 2008. The footage reveals a woman full of pride in her South African roots despite her displacement, a woman who, as African Film Festival founder Mahin Bonetti put it, was one of many African woman who served as “the backbone of the continent.”

Makeba’s music is what drives the narrative of the documentary, a constant backbeat to her triumphs and her pitfalls. For those just discovering her, Mama Africa serves as the perfect primer for Makeba’s music and talent, introducing live, stunning performances of songs like ‘Pata Pata,’ ‘The Click Song,’ and ‘Soweto Blues.’ For those already familiar with her life, the film is a visual smorgasbord of color and sound, a celebration and a reflection on a woman who meant so much to so many people.

- Zeba Blay

New York – For it’s nineteenth annual edition, the New York Africa Film Festival (in conjunction with the Lincoln Center Film Society) has chosen a poignant theme: homecoming. Under this umbrella, it shelters a solid line up of about a dozen films. The films take us on a journey from South Africa where we delve into the stiring story of Miriam Makeba  (Mama Africa) to the rich meditation on loneliness set in Lagos, (Relentless). Screenings of the film, which are often accompanies by q&a’s with Director and Actors, are currently taking place through out New York City. They are open to the public. Log on to NYAFF’s website for the complete list of shows and prices. This year, emerging film critic, Zeba Blay, will be in attendance for Africa Style Daily. Blay will provide a review of select films throughout the week, so watch this space as well as our Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Thula Sindi's collection at MBFW-Jo Burg

Fashion week is not complete without us, the media:  fashion bloggers, magazine editors and photographers. As we have come to see over the years, bloggers are the new front-row at fashion shows. In the recent years, bloggers have earned fashion street cred, walking and working hand in hand with the editors.

I managed to get a few opinions on this year’s favorite designers and trends from the recent Joburg Fashion Week and even took to twitter to find out more about what the SA fashion creative’s thought.

Elle Magazine SA fashion editor Asanda Sizani on David Tlale and Fabiani respectively:
“David Tlale presented a strong collection, very refined, lady-like and wearable.” On her favorite look Asanda said she liked the black and white top belted with the yellow belt and the yellow wide legged trousers.
The brand hasn’t evolved were Asanda’s words on Fabiani. “The collection was not impeccable but I liked the leather jackets, touch of color in the shoes and the hats.”

Freelance fashion journalist and blogger Sandile Ngubeni:
“I wouldn’t say it was the most groundbreaking fashion week, but with that said there were several highlights. David Tlale’s more accessible ready to wear makes a departure from the usual extravagance of his collections but nonetheless stuck to his signature. I loved the hound’s-tooth, I loved the blouses.”
“Anisa Mpungwe (of Loincloth and Ashes) showed [that] African doesn’t have to be curio. She showcased a utilitarian collection that incorporates African print in a way we have not yet seen at a local fashion week.”
“Gavin Rajah was simple elegant and beautiful. It was minimalistic and stylish. There was lot of detail but it not once overwhelmed but was woven beautifully into those well crafted, romantic dresses in classic silhouettes. Those pastels were just to die for.”
“I also enjoyed Thula Sindi’s black and white story. Although l was slightly taken aback when he introduced the prints, because l thought it interrupted the story. The show was classically Thula except the plunging bodice dresses which I’m open to stand corrected- I don’t recall Thula doing before.’

Menswear fashion Blogger Joe, of OhSoCheap!
“My impression of the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week -Joburg is the same with most South African fashion weeks, nothing really ground breaking. Things that were big were sequins. Sequin dresses, suit jackets, shirts and vests. There were a few prints here and there. The milky way print and the wood texture prints were especially interesting”.
“As for menswear everything was mostly suits, bow ties and suit jackets with jeans. No really amazing knitwear or interesting coats. David Tlale had a few interesting men’s pieces but nothing that Stiaan Louw hasn’t done before”.

He goes on to say…

“The Fabiani collection looked very untailored. All the jeans and suits looked very lose and too big. The best collection for men was probably the C Squared collection. It had a military theme which ran through almost the whole collection. And the sequin vests and suit jackets from the collection were amazing.”

Singer, Lira

The beautiful and talented Lira

 EDITOR’S NOTE: In case you missed this interview with Lira, we decided to re-publish!

If you don’t know Lira, consider yourself introduced. A mega-talent and platinum-selling success in Africa for many years, now the award-winning songstress is ready to make her way into the hearts and minds of stateside music fans with her eclectic blend of Afro-pop and jazz, that always inspires and uplifts. After consecutive  million selling albums on the continent, she not only has amassed troves of fans, many international luminaries such as Oprah and Oliver Stone count themselves among them. The always elegant singer told us a bit about her new album, “Rise Again,“, what we can expect from it musically, and we even got to know about some of her special places in Africa. We are excited and on the lookout for her upcoming album this Fall! Read on and get to know her!

AfricaStyleDaily.com: How do you feel as you are about to release your fifth album, which will also be your American debut?

LIRA: I’m excited. My American audience is basically meeting me at a point where I’ve had 10 years of a successful music career in Africa. I wanted to give them a sense of everything I am. The music on Rise Again is upbeat, it’s a real feel good album – and displays everything I’m about. The States as a singular territory is so much larger than South Africa and far more competitive but I’m ready to explore new ground.

 ASD: When can we expect your tour to hit the United States?

 I will be coming to the U.S. this Fall for a 45 venue tour. You can visit my website www.misslira.com to stay abreast of upcoming shows in both the U.S., Africa and Europe.

Did you know Lira has more Facebook fans than any other South African artist? Be sure to click here tovisit her page.

Check out the gallery below!

Lira's U.S. debut, Rise Again will be out this Fall

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Photo Credits: Helio PR, Protea Hotels, and via here, here and here.

Loincloth and Ashes redefined African prints when they showcased their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection recently. I couldn’t help but notice everyone’s jaw dropping in the packed Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week-JoBurg tent. The brand’s utilization of the African print was innovative and fresh, changing the way people see and wear African prints.

The collection was very wearable boasting a various range of colors in soft, sheer loose tailored fabrics. The detachable collar was a hot trend in the collection and was incorporated in most pieces. Many applauded Founder and Head Designer of the brand Anisa Mpungwe for her ability to create garments that incorporated prints but still remained fashionable and not restrictive.
Talk about elegant and beautifully structured garments!

See the gallery of the selected pieces below!

Avant
It was the first I heard or seen of the fashion house Avant, and was l impressed! The show was opened up by last year’s Africa Fashion International model of the year winner Ajuma Nasenyana in a white Melton trench coat, white corseted bodysuit and gold buckled belt. Perfectly tailored, opulent and minimal, the designs where elegant yet simple. I really liked the cuts and layerings as well as the “sexiness without giving away too much” feel l got from the collection. There was heavy usage of the Melton fabric. Some of my favorite pieces from the collection were the grey high-waisted wide leg Melton pants worn with a white linen shirt and grey belt and the grey Melton cape dress among others.

David Tlale
David is known for his unique, futuristic couture signature look but this time was different. Showing off the Glam-Intersections collection he recently showcased at New York Fashion Week, he left the over-capacitated tent in fashion awe. Kick starting his show in a dramatic runway walk by the designer himself, then mimicking the blowing of a trumpet, the collection was my favorite of all his collections l have seen. It was wearable and modern dominated by hound’s-tooth check contrasted with soft pastels. Floral prints, different tones of browns, sequins, gray and leather was also included.

Distinctive Man
Home is where the heart is! Distinctive Man lived up to their name when they showcased their A/W collection. The collection was nothing l had never seen before but thanks to the traditional prints, a unique vibe was added to the collection. Taking it back to their roots the line was covered in animal print vests worn under suits. I love that the collection wasn’t all dull and gloomy. Bright colors like blue, purple and maroon spiced up the looks. It was Zulu meets Western! Tailored suits worn with Zulu sandals.  It got half thumps up from Elle fashion editor Asanda Sizani who told me she liked the story behind it but not so much the clothes.

Kluk CGDT
After their show stopping showcase, I’m not surprised that this duo have been named fashion designers of the year second year in a row by Arise Magazine. Like David their show had a dramatic start with dancers popping up among the audience and performing a short dance routine. The collection was inspired by Spain. Loosely tailored flowing colorful gowns where the order of the collection. Light materials: silk, digital prints and stylish garments perfect for that red carpet appearance. Drama, royalty and femininity where all themes that echoed the collection. The finale was a dramatic bridal wear gown. Three words for KLuk CGDT, we do love!

Photos Courtesy of Simon Deiner/SDR

A model walks down the runway in a slick Ozwald Boateng suit.

Lagos, Nigeria -  Today, Africa Fashion Week ended off as it started: dramatically. Audiences were treated to a style spectacular that began in one tent with a strong line up of designers and ended in a larger tent, complete with performances and cameos on the runway by Alek Wek, hair stylist Mr. Sarpong and a cute – albeit crying – baby. See our reviews below.

Bestow Elan

Bold palette of oranges and freens and sparkling sequines and gilded gowns. This was the palette the designer drew from to craft a series of daring mini’s, structured coats, sexy separates and gowns. As head turning as it was very few pieces – except the last two one showstopping cocktail dress and sultry gown – felt inspired. What did? The twins as they took their bow.  We look forward to seeing this label grow.

Vonne Couture
Vonne had us at the first look.  The stunning black gown which floated down the runway vounced with inparalleld edge and elegance. It was a harbinger of what more was to come. Slinky satin gowns with a flash of sparkle and sophisticated seperates topped with fab fedoras. While there were some misses sprinkled along with these hits – Vonne’s message was clear: glam noir. The audience responded – bursting into applause at turns – bravo.

Viva La Resistance
Tie dye, smudged stripes and solids were the order of the day in VLR’s collection. They used this to craft a series og interesting mixed print cocktail and day dresses. It was refreshing and affirming to see a collection with such focus and clarity in vision. Even better – it was brilliant to see both executed flawlessly.

Bestow Elan
Even from the second row tou could see the defining factor in Bestow Elan – quality fabrics, expert cuts and custom folors. The imaginative silhouettes and shapes were not lost onn the aidience and managed to stand out of the hundreds of designers. Some of our favorite brocade silk two piece with gold foil amd a cool cream belted assymetrical gown with a leather back panel.

Kiki Clothing
She incorporated traditional textiles by using them in interesting shapes like jumpers, rompers and draping dresses. A favorite was0 a sik brocade tiered gown was a stand out for the crowd.  Overall, we loved flourishing touches like blouson sleeves, luxe flowing hemlines, and batik trimmed dresses. This was our first experience with Kiki Clothing and we look forward to seeing more.

Gray
Gray was anything but. Bold mized prints, to die for color palettes abd sophisticated -werable fabric. We loved rhe bright, bold tabfweine cocktail and the light blue clear chiffon paird with orangw shoes.  The trio did well and earned every audible of the applause thet earned!

Nkwo
There was something very fierce and viral about all of the pieces in the nkwow collection. Pwehaps it was the barefoot models or the strong gold cuffs or the full on fringes or metal face masks. Whatever it was – it was fierce _ determined and extremely
The pieces as styled on the stage didn’t pop out – but as separates one could see how infinitely every cardigan, or dress was. It was a privilege to see this collextion and we can’t wait to see more.

(TBD)

The first look – featuring jean jacket with textile pops was so genius, we wondered why we didn’t think of that first. She continued the theme throught out with textules element playing in assymetrical shirts and jeans. It had the most contemporary cool I’ve seen of any collection so far. Standouts are too numerous to mention but the boyfriend denim with textile patches is something we would buy off the runway!

Duaba Serwa

It was luxe and lady like. The girl untended really luxe dresses rhar hir rhe knee and huugged the waist creating shapes rhat are as designer intended: sleek, sophisticated and sulty. Its serwa’s second collection and we look forward to seeing more.

Koke
The leopard mixed with colors, the sequins and tiger print, need we sat more!? However, the most interesting an assymetrucal wrapped dress that resembled wearing a shawl belted.  The latter part of the show, gold piped graphic print sheer gowns was better culminating in a stunning gold sequined gown was remarkable. One standou rhat redeemed it all? A mixed print dress that blended all the wrong prints but – finally – with a bery right effect.

Funlayo Derri
A very sophiticared and euro sensibilyry with long balck sirt with cage elements in a long skirt and in a dress or on a top which felt very fresh.We didn’t love the trousers as a pants – but were huge fans of the gray jumpsuit and silk dresses in yellow and gray.Craftsmanship was supreme. It was easy, breezy, sophisticated abd gorgeous.  We especially loved the black velour dress with cage details.

Vessel by Lois
Sleek, refined, sophisticated that speajs to feminity without shoutubg it. By far one of the most refined collectuons we have seen here. Straight forward, sophiticated without fuss, sequins, glitter or sheer panels.   Extra points for styling elemnts like ankle socks, mubi hars and a bold lip which truly added to the effect. Stand out for us: a tiered balooned fown and olucchi in a srunninf rws xoaras well as a long coat and a blousin coar and a long tuzedor style jacket. Some od the mdoels were clearly undomrtable abour a mid runway stop turn to show off detail on ciat – but it was worth it. The mens tuxedo jumpsuit was remarkable. Another stand out a tuxedo shier sress w and a lurex satin jumpsui. Amazing how she cab stretch a simple theme. The collection was beautiful in its restraint and simplicity. Presented one of the largest collections.

Telfar
True telfar fashion it was a rugged collection filled with rugged jerseys that look loose and eugged. The basket weave detail in sweaters give it a great opportunity to have fun with layers and pops of color which he did to full effect using neons and dusty roses.  Despite how androgynous the collectuin came of – elements like sheer panels over denims and halterneck mesh tanks added a feminine flair.  We loced the halter style hoodies and tanks that embued telfar’s strict, structured style with a playfulness.
Mesh, pyjama stripes, cotton and his signature denim are some of the ways in which this was done.
The styling – hoods and beanies elevated them to a grittier edgier realm.

Okunoren Twins
Just give them an a for dramarics. Even before the collection starts, the duo sent out two white robed models bearing fruit baskets. But the drama ecaporated as the send down a series of classic suites. Well cut and well railored, they were not dusapoinring garments but they did not fulfill on the ethereal promise of the two models nor their stated goal of the “global african.” Instead the most remarkable was a model posing in a wheelchair and a baby in a bycicle.The promise – unfortunately – was greater than the clothing.

Petrouman

Menswear that ups the ante with. Standouts for us? The plaid series which presented the print in sophisticated gray scale. It was a running motif for the whole collection being featured in blazers, trousers and sweaters. We also included a fur trimmed shearling series that struck a fine balance between structured menswear and dramatic elements available in more modern interpretations of menswear. This was the finest menswear we’d witnessed all week. highlighted by the live drums that added the showmanship element.

Jewel by Lisa
True to her name debuted a sparkling collection of pieces – opening with a jeweled, embroidered coat and a series of dresses with peplum sleeves. We loved the lush. Layering of swing coats over dresses – all in the same fabric. Like a lot of designers JBL used sheer panels to highlight certain pieces. Standouts: a cropped silk piece paired over a flouncy, bouncing skirt and a leather blouse trimmed with JBL’s signature print fabric. Our favorite part of the show was seeing Alek Wek gracing the catwalk in a stripped number.

Frank Osodi for Bunor Creazioni
Calling something a prom dress may seem derogotary, but in this case its not meant as such. Osodi’s  collection for Creazioni was full of  silk, organza dresses and Swarovski embellished cocktail numbers. It was nice enough, but in terms of elevating fashion it left a lot to be desired.

Ozwald Boateng