Spread Love: Gossip Girls//Pride Magazine June 2010

'Tis the summer of all tribal any and everything but amidst the flurry of editorials set to the backdrop of  typically Africa-inspired aesthetics, Pride magazine offers something a little different this June - different because:

i) no one's chasing lions

ii) the setting is fun and believable

iii) it features the work of young, upcoming and of-the-moment designers (shoutout to Zed Eye, Tina Atiemo, Ituen Basi and Afromania by Nkwo)

iv) said designers are actually African (...)

v) there's lots of African Print but it doesn't smack you in the face and give you motion sickness :-)

Here's a glimpse into the world of ultra modern vintage-lovin' "Gossip Girls" who wear pieces from some of Africa's hottest designers like they should be worn: pieces that fit right into our everyday lives, not fanciful tribal costumes that don't always translate easily from editorials into real life -

A bloomin' brilliant effort. For information on the Creative Team behind the shoot and the pieces featured, visit Pride Magazine online.

XO

Who Wore What: Zed Eye's "Tribal Romance" Jacket

[River Island's PR maestro & Stylist Arieta Mujay]

We've kept an eye on Ngozi Pere-Okorotie's Zed Eye since we saw her work in a memorable "Gossip Girl" spread, courtesy of Pride Magazine. We heard some ZE pieces would be on display at a Clothes Show London event a few weeks ago and we requested photos so we could get a closer look at the brand's work. Seems one piece stole the show and became the instant crowd favorite - a colorful African Print jacket with slightly puffed sleeves from Zed Eye's "Tribal Romance" collection. Its simplicity made it quite the versatile piece and several folks found a way to make it their own:

Yes, that's Kelis rocking the same Zed Eye jacket! Turns out Zed Eye's going to be making some of her tour clothes! It's going to be a great summer :-) P.S. That's Zed Eye's head designer Ngozi on the right wearing the same jumpsuit featured in Pride Magazine here.

It's Arieta again! She's totally wearing the heck out of that jacket! Love the entire look. And her hair!

Uber chic with a fedora and oversized clutch. Love the mannequin's Zed Eye pants as well!

Mixing and matching with Zed Eye...and peep the lady in the back as well!

L-R: Ngozi's PA Bumi Thomas and British Fashion Expert and Presenter Caryn Franklin

This jacket sure got around! Zed Eye is definitely one brand to be on the lookout for in the days ahead.

XO

Photos courtesy of Zed Eye

Who Wore What: Shingai Shoniwa in Deenola London//Pride Magazine, August 2010

Shingai Shoniwa. So much energy, so much verve, so much spark. LOVE her on the August cover of Pride magazine - there's something very down to earth, no frills attached about her that we greatly admire. She wears a beautiful "wedding jumpsuit" from the style stables of Deenola - a brand well-worth discovering by two ladies, Ola and Deena. Definitely a match made in heaven.

Want a piece of Deenola? Shop an array of fringed jumpsuits, jackets and more, including Shingai's cover look, here.

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XO

Photos thanks to Deenola London.