SLiq Talks: The J Label

News of a more affordable offshoot from the Jewel by Lisa brand reached us through Twitter about a week ago, and once the euphoria simmered down (not really), we immediately wanted to know everything and anything about it. In this interview with the Jewel by Lisa team, Shop Liquorice brings you an inside look into the world of The J Label - Nigeria's newest, most exciting affordable ready-to-wear line:

First Look: Coming soon to anitaquansah.com

Meet Dion, Obi, Asa, and Lewa -- four exquisite signature pieces from Anita Quansah's pocket-friendly range soon to be debuted in their upcoming e-store. Known for their extraordinary craftsmanship, Anita Quansah pieces don't come cheap -- and understandably so. However, if you've had an Anita Quansah craving and not enough cash, here's a new range of pieces to suit your budget:

Sweet Tooth: Red hot

Lately, we've been seeing red and so have some of our favourite African designers. For this themed collage, we bring you our top picks from Anita Quansah, Sunny Rose by Maureen Okogwu, Bunmi Koko and Eyola. Granted, they come with hefty price tags, but since when did fashion equal affordable? Dream a little...

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a) Opulence, Anita Quansah-style. Her recent trip to the motherland inspired her use of African beads, swarowski crystals and vintage bits and pieces in a new collection that expands the concept of "tribal chic". Luxurious, stunning, Anita-mazing. [POR - info (at) anitaquansah (dot) com; see snippets of the new collection here.]

b) Feathery, fun, bold -- what's not to love? This evening clutch from Sunny Rose is delightful. [835 GBP, Couture Lab, see here.]

c) We literally gasped when we saw this one. More than enough to dazzle, wow and possibly cause a small conniption. Nicely done, Eyola. [1125 GBP, see here.]

d) You'll remember this piece from Bunmi Koko's Matriarchy collection. Strong, structured shoulders, silk, tie-dye -- the perfect statement piece. [POR - sales (at) bunmikoko (dot) com]

e) Yes to tassels, yes to Eyola. Always. [475 GBP, see here.]

XO

Spotlight: Anita Quansah//Fall/Winter 2010-2011

Anita Quansah's jewels are simply extraordinary. Perhaps "simply" puts it a little lightly, for there's nothing simple or commonplace about her work - it's usually a stunning labyrinth of influences, reclaimed vintage pieces and contemporary materials and the golden Anita Quansah touch. In fact, we've caught ourselves gasping more than once and her Flickr Page is permanently bookmarked for our viewing pleasure.

The piece above from Anita Quansah's Autumn/Winter 2010-11 collection tells a tale of piling on findings from a global adventure. In the designer's words, "think modern masai princess strolling down the streets of New York, India, London or even Japan." A global nomad inspired by a mix of influences, including Africa? Perfection.

See the entire collection here & lots more here.

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Shop Anita Quansah online:

Shrimpton Couture

Sugarland

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XO