Africans in the news: Rachel Roy collaborates with Fairwinds

  While Africa has inspired and continues to inspire many designers, Africa seldom benefits directly. It's part of why we created this blog - to highlight designers and entrepreneurs of African descent and to link you with them directly. Those amongst them who manufacture their products in Africa are particular favorites of ours because it's a win-win situation - designed by an African and Made in Africa by Africans! Everybody wins. Last year, we featured Macy's' initiative in Rwanda. Recently, we were especially pleased to read about Rachel Roy's initiative with Fairwinds to produce a collection of handmade accessories in Tanzania and Rwanda and in turn support their local artisans.

We hope this is a trend that catches on as long as the artisans are treated fairly, paid decently, and are given their due recognition.

Read the press release here and shop here.

XO

africans in the news: korto momolu to collaborate with Dillard's

"We are very excited to bring Korto Momolu's collection of jewelry and handbags to Dillard's," said Dillard's Vice President of Merchandising Bill Dillard, III. "It is thrilling to watch a new designer begin her career in such an exciting fashion. Dillard's is truly committed to innovative design and to bringing our customers new and exciting labels. This collection fits perfectly with our fresh approach to style." [read more here]

this is HUGE!!!!! big, big congratulations to her and her team. can't wait to get your hands on a korto momolu original? here's some info. and how to get in on the action online.

have a fantastic week!

xo

africans in the news: Deola Sagoe to show at New York Fashion Week??

for a while, the name on everyone's lips and at the forefront of africa's fashion scene was deola sagoe. curiously, while we've stumbled on a few deola sagoe-centered editorials here and there, the brand has been noticeably absent from all Arise Africa's fashion shows from inception till date. however, according to the NYT article we posted below (see paragraph 16), "the afrocentric tunics...of Deola Sagoe...will be unveiled in New York during fashion week in February."

we absolutely CANNOT wait!!!!!!! THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL and we're very excited to pass this information along :-)

xo

paying attention: the NY Times//designing to an afro beat

[l-r: SUNO NY spring/summer 2009; rodarte spring 2010; na'vi, a character from the movie AVATAR]

in october 2009, we blogged about an article from the New York Times titled "putting african style on the page." once again, the NYT focuses on africa's influence on mainstream culture in a recent piece titled "designing to an afro beat." we're glad africa is slowly but surely getting its due recognition.

read the article here and view its accompanying slideshow, "the in continent", here.

xo

africans in the news: femi kuti gets grammy nomination

massive congrats to femi kuti on his grammy nomination for his album day by day :-) he's nominated in the best contemporary world music album category. listen to 'eh oh', one of our favorite songs from the album below. the entire album is worth listening to:

xo

source

in the news: model launches zimbabwe fashion week

earlier this week, we stumbled on an exciting headline via afripopmag announcing the upcoming arrival of "Zimbabwe's first ever fashion week." Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) is the brainchild of 28-year old international model, Priscilla Chigariro, and is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe.

incidentally, this is the first time on this blog we've mentioned Zimbabwe and fashion in the same sentence. we're anticipating big things at ZWF early next year. stay tuned for details.

more info here and here.

o o o

stay connected with ZFW -

[pictured: priscilla chigariro]

website: zimbabwe fashion week

twitter: zimfashionweek

e-mail: info@zimbabwefashionweek.com

blog

xo

in the news: ozwald boateng on cnn.com

"This is what I love, designing clothes and creating, that is just me. The whole mission for Africa is out of frustration and need. It is just not moving enough. I'm frustrated getting off a plane. I don't want to see open drains, I don't want to see a road that takes 10 years to build, I want to be able to go there and open one of my stores."

- british/ghanaian menswear designer, ozwald boateng.

read more on cnn here.

xo

p.s. watch ozwald boateng on CNN international TODAY @ 18.00 GMT.