In The News: Ozwald Boateng to show at LFW, Sept 22, 2010.

[Ozwald Boateng, shot by Tom Stoddart]

For the first time in the brand's history, Ozwald Boateng's eponymous label is set to make an appearance at this year's London Fashion Week! Well-known for his bespoke menswear suits that range from sharp and subdued to dazzling and striking, Ozwald Boateng continues to earn his reputation as one of Savile Row's most prominent faces and brands.

While we can't wait to watch him work his magic on Sept. 22 [his show will be the final catwalk show at LFW!], we hope his Facebook Fan Page and Blog will keep us occupied until then. We're currently ooh-ing and aah-ing over the absolutely stunning photos of his flagship store. Join us?

XO

In The News: Michelle Obama to wear Bunmi Koko

[L-R: Francis Udom <Bunmi's partner>, Bunmi Olaye <of Bunmi Koko, wearing Bunmi Koko> & a guest wearing Bunmi Koko at the Africa Fashion Awards in June. Photo courtesy of Simon Deiner.]

We blog for moments like this. 

We've gone on and on about Bunmi Koko's bright star that just keeps shining brighter and brighter. After a string of successes, they have yet another feather to add to their now very, very feathery cap. They sent a "prospectus of [their] designs to the White House", Michelle Obama took a liking to a particular cream coat and, as you do, sent word to Bunmi Koko that she'd like one. Needless to say, Mrs. O will receive her cream Bunmi Koko coat in time for fall & Bunmi Koko's website may very well crash, amongst other things.

Truly epic, truly extraordinary! We're exceedingly excited for this amazing, amazing brand and can't wait to watch more and more of their brilliance unfold.

XO

Source:

This is London

The Independent

P.S. We wonder, could this coat from Bunmi Koko's Geisha's Reform collection be the cream coat in question? Time will tell.

in the news: ARISE's self-branded events...

[nigerian designer folake folarin-coker of Tiffany Amber at Arise Africa Fashion Week 2009]

***

from ifashion:

"ARISE has ended its title sponsorship of Africa Fashion International's Fashion Week, as the magazine increases its commitment to promoting African fashion through a series of international ARISE-branded events."

learn more about those events here, including news of an African Fashion Collective showing at Paris Fashion Week this March!

xo

in the news: fashion for peace + arise africa fashion week

in the news over the weekend + today:

the new york times has a neat little overview of the recently concluded Fashion for Peace show here, while allafrica.com reports that "African Fashion International (AFI), organisers of the Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban Fashion Weeks, is proud to announce ARISE Africa Fashion Week, a showcase of the continent's leading fashion designers at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, from the 12 to 20 June 2009."

more here!

xo

in the news: malick sidibé

[by malick sidibé, courtesy of google]

we've gushed before about seydou keita's exquisite black and white photographs here. we're very much in love with this delightful trend and mali's malick sidibé's "prints and the revolution" as seen in the New York Times magazine. his focus here is on modern interpretations of ethnic/tribal/chicafrique style (think marc jacobs + d&g a la time magazine) and its new esteemed place amongst young and upcoming. take this look, for instance:



(Aichata Sylla wears an Oscar de la Renta navy-and-white polka-dot blouse. Miu Miu black-and-white skirt. Marc Jacobs sash. Belt from New York Vintage. Miu Miu bag. Cole Haan shoes. Philip Treacy hat. Louis Vuitton earrings.)

(source: ny times magazine)

it's further evidence that the mix-and-match and throw-it-all-together trend is very much in full swing. unfortunately, not many african designers were showcased. once again, only a duro olowu polka dot jacket made the cut:



you know us -- we're all for more african designers getting their fair share of the spotlight. how much longer do we have to wait? or do we have to make things happen ourselves? food for thought.

in the meantime, enjoy the slideshow here.

xo

in the news: h&m opens in JAPAN

...and apparently about 3,000 people were waiting in line.

fashion mecca much?

more here.

anyone up for hittin' up Japan, like, YESTERDAY?

xo