Africa Fashion Week 2011: Day 2 Edit - The Swim Team

ADAMA PARIS - SENEGAL/PARIS

Bright wax print was the name of the game at Adama Paris - from statement poolside/beach wear with angular sleeves, to pretty separates finished off with bows. From the more daring, cutout one pieces were available - an incentive to hit the gym well in advance if ever there was one. We're not sure how practical these are for dipping into the pool, given that they're fashioned from cotton, but if all you're after is flopping on a beach chair with a giant hat and sunglasses, these pieces would make heads turn regardless.

DAX MARTIN - SOUTH AFRICA

Gorgeous, clever custom seashell nylon lycra prints stole the show at Dax Martin - from cool sea blues to deep browns mimicking cowrie sea shell spots. Dyed caftans finished off with silver and gold sequins reminiscent of water and sand continued the sea of tributes to mother nature. Our favourite? The vintage-style pin-up girl separates.  

EKI ORLEANS - NIGERIA/UK

Eki Orleans offered a brilliant peacock fiesta of free, floor-length frocks, minis and bikinis; a glamorous resort-ready wardrobe of fluid silks and beachwear featuring prints from Eki Orleans' earlier collections. We adore the layered dresses, giving off a multi-tone sheer effect and the dramatic trains of two of the longer pieces. The brighter the print, the better for us.

- SLiq

Photos: SDR Photos

Shop Africa: Zed Eye, Eki Orleans, Washington Roberts + Obsidian

2011 is certainly shaping up to be the year of e-commerce after all, with four exciting designers taking the plunge in the last few weeks alone. Look books are great, websites are better, but e-commerce is best. Here's a closer look at our top picks from Zed Eye, Eki Orleans, Washington Roberts, and Obsidian.

Zed Eye caught our eyes with this anything but basic African print dress complete with a feathery shoulder. While Zed Eye has its own e-store and select pieces at Agnes & Lola, several more are now available courtesy of ASOS Marketplace. Find your Zed Eye favourite here.

Eki Orleans knows a thing or two about print and silk and this delightfully layered piece hits all the right notes with close to 60 head-turning flaps. Get yours at Eki Orleans' newest stockist, Independent Boutique (pssttt, it's on sale!). You can also shop Eki Orleans at their e-store and Agnes & Lola.

Washington Roberts won us over with this mini that does the most - in a good way. We spy rooster feathers and form-fitting jacquard and we have a feeling you'll be the best dressed in the room. Shop more Washington Roberts pieces here.

Fresh off Music Meets Runway where Obsidian presented their Dux Femina Facti collection, this dress (and several others) is now available via US Trendy. At once chic and relaxed (peep the scooped back), the colourful frayed bottom had us at hello. See more here.

Which piece is your favourite?

- SLiq

Sweet Tooth: Silky Smooth

[l-r: Duro Olowu, Orleans Designs, Jewel by Lisa]

Our latest Sweet Tooth craving? Silk. This season, patterns are transferred to this new medium, resulting in a slinky vibe infused with all the ingredients that make for instant, understated glamor. Also, while "tribal" motifs are typically printed on cotton, more and more designers are exploring the place where print and silk mesh with magnificent results. Here are our picks up close and personal:

COLLAGE 1

a) Duro Olowu struck gold several years ago with his kimono-style silk printed dresses and the love affair with silk continues. We love this floral maxi-dress and the mixture of vivid print with a more subdued vintage-like print.

b) This scarf from Orleans Designs (*edit* now Eki Orleans) features an Africa-inspired pattern on silk, quite like several of the dresses from this design house. If you're looking for an accessory that pays homage to a vibrant continent or just an accessory that's bound to make things pop, you've come to the right place. [Buy here]

C) Jewel by Lisa is famous for exploring new mediums and elevating African Print from something commonplace to something beyond. This silk top is absolute perfection and the richly embellished neckline just might make us hunt it down.

[l-r: Nasty Gal, Tiffany Amber, Maki Oh]

COLLAGE 2

d) The love affair with silk started with a major crush on basic silk tanks with breast pockets and this tank from Nasty Gal is the perfect encapsulation of our craving. Basic and ultra glam in the same breath and very high on our wish lists this summer. [Buy here]

e) The Tiffany Amber brand has found its way into yet another Sweet Tooth spread with this beauty. The design house collaborated with renowned artist Kolade Oshinowo and printed one of his masterpieces on silk. We recently saw this piece at one of Tiffany Amber's stores in Lagos and were in awe.

f) Leave it to Maki Oh to create a jumpsuit that features African print of the sort that's not quite mainstream just yet. Maki Oh dips into the ancient world of western Nigeria's tie-and-dye/batik procedures with this one, creating a piece that's a perfect fit for the cultured and stylish. [To order, e-mail info@maki-oh.com]

Hope you enjoyed :-) Anyone out there craving silk as much as we are?

XO