Model Watch: Nyasha Matonhodze for Louis Vuitton A/W 2011

[Photos courtesy of Nyasha Matonhodze's portfolio]

The past few seasons have seen some (but nowhere near enough) diversity on and off runways amidst recurring observations that fashion simply isn't inclusive enough. While one luxury fashion house gets flack for its lack of minority representation (*coughs* Chanel *coughs*), another (Louis Vuitton) toes a path less travelled and uses six of fashion's freshest faces for its F/W campaign, including a name that's probably bound for meteoric rise from now on: 16-year-old Zimbabwe-born Nyasha Matonhodze, the 2009 winner of the UK Elite Model Look competition.

[Nyasha Matonhodze for Louis Vuitton A/W 2011]

Gloved and decked out in luxury from head-to-toe, the juxtaposition of youth and old world glamour is both believable and refreshing -- perhaps this'll give other luxury brands the guts to 'go minority'? Or perhaps not. Time will tell. In recent times, we've see Joan Smalls for Gucci, Ataui Deng for Kenzo and now Nyasha Matonhodze for Louis Vuitton -- who would you love to see grace a major campaign next? Our money's on Ajak Deng, who happens to be one of Nyasha's model BFFs. 

Big, big congratulations to Nyasha on this incredible milestone! 16 years old, (probably) the first African girl to feature in a Louis Vuitton campaign and a #prettybigdeal.

Learn more about Nyasha:

Interview with NY Mag

Nyasha's model profile [NY Mag]

Northampton sixteen-year-old becomes new face of Louis Vuitton [Telegraph]

- SLiq

Photos courtesy of:

The Fashion Spot

Elite Model London

Look Book: Deola Sagoe F/W 2011 [Ori Oke]

Twenty-two years after the brand's inception in 1989, there's still a thread of inborn elegance and heritage that runs through Deola Sagoe's collections - Deola Sagoe is one of those few, rare brands that invoke a certain aura, mood and feeling, and a very certain, definite longing. The fashion house's Ori Oke F/W '11 collection look book is yet another stunning glimpse into the feverishly glamourous, highly coveted world of one of Africa's most creative, celebrated and consistent brands.

FIRST LOOK: Bunmi Koko Bridal

There are moments and there are moments -- that split second when we laid our eyes on the first looks from Bunmi Koko's new bridal range, especially with the backdrop of the day's breathtaking grand royal wedding, has turned us into piles of mush and desire. We're always beside ourselves when it comes to beauty and everything about these looks is exquisite and everything but ordinary.

Bunmi Olaye and Francis Udom have always had big dreams for their Bunmi Koko label, approaching it as more of a lifestyle brand than a ready-to-wear line alone. With their expansion into bridal territory, evening wear and men's accessories, their dreams are certainly taking shape, and we're charmed by them, to say the least.

Are Bunmi Koko's pieces making you reconsider your go-to designer for your wedding dress?

- SLiq

Photos:

Bunmi Koko