It 's time for Africa !

You've seen them crowding the racks at stores and draping the bodies of some of the most well-dressed ladies around. Tribal and African prints were one of the hottest trends this summer and should see them again next year! I decided to get right into the source by attending the second edition of the Africa Fashion week. This event is perfect for those you adopt an ethnic style and enjoy playing with different types of  prints.

London welcomed the second edition of Africa Fashion week London (AFWL), a two-day event with the most talented African designers.

This event was created by Ronke Ademiluyi, who kindly reserved two seats, front row, for my dear husband and I. While chatting with the lovely Ronke, I realised that this humble woman is genuinely determined to celebrate African artistry and African talents.

Before I tell you a lot more about Africa Fashion week, let’s go back to where it all started, in 2003, in the Vibrant City of Cape Town. The Cape Town Fashion week was created by Dr. Precious Moloi, who is now the CEO of Africa Fashion International. Dr. Moloi grew up in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg.

Dr. Precious Moloi, CEO) Africa Fashion International

Driven by the love she has for the African continent and realising that the African designers did not have a platform to showcase their artistry, she decided to create the Cape Town Fashion week which has now become an internationally celebrated Show.

Today, through The Africa Fashion international, she works to help African designers build strong businesses in South Africa and beyond its borders in order to generate economic growth in Africa and support the development of the continent. Dr Moloi’s work to support African designers is a true source of inspiration for emerging organizers all over Africa including Ronke Ademiluyi.

AFWL took place at Spitalfields Market Hall and for you must know, the venue was not big enough to contain the crowd dying to see the show! The AFWL featured more than 50 designers including  award winning designer, Adebayo Jones, House of Farah and MMD Designs, Africanicism, Afrofanatic and Rouch by Ronke; more than 100 models and a quite impressive press coverage considering that it was only the second edition of the show.




The colors, the prints, the movement if the clothes were simply enchanting and met my expectations as these elements have always been part of African Fashion. However, I was agreeably surprised by the choice of the fabrics, and the shapes of some designs which leads me to believe that our dearest designers pay a lot more attention to detail than they have in the past.

Also, some designs were very interesting as the designer found a way to gracefully incorporate African traditional prints into lovely contemporary designs.

Has African fashion finally found a way to impose its "Ce je sais Quoi" in one of most exciting fashion Capitals.... ?! 

 

My only regret was around the venue which was not big enough to welcome the 10 000 people who attended the two- day event. The crowd made it sometimes difficult to appreciate the shows and the pieces of clothing displayed in the hall. On the other hand, this crazy attendance proves the show is getting very popular as well as the interest for African Fashion...The industry is rising, and we love it!

 

 I had so much fun attending this event. There was a great atmosphere and there is nothing more exciting than being part of something that holds such a potential !

I cannot wait to see what Ronke and her team has planned for us next year.

Africa Fashion week, a show full of promises!

Zou bisou bisou

 

Style is about the way you live ...

Style is about what is happening. What do you read, where do you go, what do you talk about, what do you like, dislike, what music do do you like? Style defines and enhances itself over time and maturity.

In my Lifestyle Category, let's "gossip" a bit, shall we  ... :) 

Mad Men

Style is evasion ...

In the Travel, read about my little trips to inspiring places.

Theses places will not necessarily be related to fashion but they, somehow, make you feel good ...

And who will refuse a little bit of evasion?




Style is confidence ...

The knowledge of your inner self is what allows you to build on your self-confidence and what makes you so different from everyone else. You do not need to imitate anybody. Instead, simply be yourself!

In the Portraits Category, read about people with inspiring life paths. People who trust themselves enough to do what they want. People who have the confidence to reveal their personalities in everything they take part in and in any project they undertake.

I heard once, that self-confident people inspire confidence in others...



Maya Angelou & Malcom X

Style is personalized ...

Discovering which accessorise not only goes with our personality, but also with your fashion sense can sometime be difficult.

Accessories are only the expression of your personality. They allow you to play with the codes of fashion and different inspirations. They can also add glamour and beauty to your outfit.

And when you do not wear any, your "Je ne sais Quoi" becomes your only accessory...

Marilyn Monroe

Style is creativity ... 
 

Most of the designers have an ideal woman (or man) in mind when they create their lines. They may like them confident, strong, careless with a little bit of age or elegant and effortlessly chic. For instance, the Chanel woman stands for french elegance. And while the Dior Woman teaches us how to be effortlessly chic, the Valentino woman tells us all about romanticism and femininity...

You know a great designer when you are able recognize his creations instantly: a Chanel tweed or a Valentino red...

                              

The inspirations, the trends, the shapes, the colors may change but the essence of the Style of the designer remains the same. Why?, simply because they understand that being unique means being irreplaceable...Yes, great designers want a "Je ne sais Quoi" too !

Use the trends to enhance your personal style. In other words, be fashion, don't be one of its victims!  It should always start and end with you.

Yes, just like a great designer, your personal style should always remain your only drive...