Lagos Fashion and Design Week: Jewel by Lisa

*Full review to come shortly. Enjoy the photos. Click to enlarge.

- SLiq

Photos: Tunde Adedeji (Unleash Media) for Shop Liquorice

NYFW Spring 2012 - Jewel by Lisa Made in Africa RTW Runway Review

Total looks: 18


When Jewel by Lisa entered the scene in 2005, few could have predicted embellished tiered skirts would usher in one of Africa's most recognized and loved brands. With that love at an all-time high, JBL seems to have taken the liberty to chart new courses - a welcome, fruitful soul-searching indeed - but what does this mean for JBL enthusiasts who may be accustomed to a certain way?

While the JBL label takes its global appeal very seriously, it was surprising to see a first of its kind return to roots for Spring 2012, with vintage photographs (JD Okhai's in particular) and Nigeria in the 60s influencing silhouettes and mood. Think of this new direction as a sampling platter of a modern take on heritage and tradition, taking JBL on a new journey with lace (she tries it on for size, it seems, and it's a perfect fit - more, please), traditional menswear silhouettes common in Western Nigeria, with more than a pit stop in a colonial heritage of safari chic, and an array of custom prints, ranging from the abstract 'dancing women' (a moment of pure genius) to a joyful array of candy colours.

Who Wore What: The NYFW Edition [Jewel by Lisa, Duro Olowu, Suno NY, Virgos Lounge]

We spy with our little eyes quite a few folks wearing pieces from Shop Liquorice favourites (Jewel by Lisa, Duro Olowu, Suno NY and Virgos Lounge) out and about at New York Fashion Week. First up, we have blogger Joy Adaeze in a Jewel by Lisa dress accentuated with a gorgeous array of accessories. We especially like her chunky floral pumps. Read Joy's NYFW highlights here.

We spotted this photo of Essence Magazine's Janelle Hickman flying from one Tumblr to another, and we're not sure if it's from this round of shows or not, but we love to see a Jewel by Lisa piece out and about.

Bethann Hardison chose a floral Duro Olowu dress for the designer's Spring 2012 collection. There's a Duro Olowu dress for everyone, it seems, and Ms. Hardison wears this one well. Couture Lab has a similar piece here. [Photo via thestyleandbeautydoctor]

It's very blink-and miss, but we love how Thelma Golden wears her support for her husband, Duro Olowu. She is pictured at Duro Olowu's S/S '12 show in one of our favourites from Fall 2011 (now available at Barneys). [Photo on right via HauteFashionAfrica]

Shop Africa: Jewel by Lisa available at evesapple.com

In addition to the selection at My Asho, a few Jewel by Lisa pieces from their S/S 2011 Global Minimalism collection are now available at Eve's Apple. Take advantage of their summer clearance (romper above was $396, now $277.20) here.

Be on the lookout for Jewel by Lisa's S/S 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week on September 15, courtesy of Arise Magazine's Made in Africa show.

Happy shopping!

- SLiq

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:

Gone Global: Jewel by Lisa on The Ones To Watch

We love when our seemingly aimless midnight trawls pay off, and the only thing that's better than that is seeing some of our favourites make their way to international appreciation. Seeing this exquisite jersey, print and beaded offering from Jewel by Lisa in an editorial on The Ones To Watch made us as giddy as a kid who's overdosed on liquorice -- yes, that giddy. Shouldn't be too long now before Jewel by Lisa is a major force to reckon with on the international stage. And you don't even need to be clairvoyant to see that. Absolutely adore. Do you?

- SLiq

Who Wore What: Lisa Folawiyo in Jewel by Lisa

Between collections and look books, the most discerning brands have the important job of keeping their fans and customers interested and loyal. We love Jewel by Lisa's most recent approach - Lisa Folawiyo (Creative Director of Jewel by Lisa) packed a case full of JBL pieces for her New York trip and will showcase 10 of them over the next 10 days. For DAY 1 (yesterday), Lisa went to her most recent collection (A/W 2011 - Africa's Definition of Global Luxury) and picked a graphic shirt dress and gilet. We can't not mention the Chanel boots - JBL has always oozed luxury, so it's only fitting to see their pieces alongside the world's finest. In a nutshell? Very chic, very creative modern working woman.

DAY 2

For Day 2, Lisa went to her S/S '11 Global Minimalism collection and chose a gorgeous pleated mini skirt in a custom JBL print paired with a belted Fulster Mac, LNA shirt and gold strappy sandals. A delightful summer day look from head-to-toe. We're inspired!

Which look is your favourite so far? Stay tuned for 8 more looks over the next 8 days!

- SLiq

Photos of Lisa courtesy of Zara Okpara/Jewel by Lisa PR

Sweet Tooth: Print Pants

L-R: Jewel by Lisa, Nasty Gal, Tory Burch
Below: Re'Bahia
 
We're ushering February in with one of our most consistent style cravings over the past few months - tribal/batik/global/african print pants in an array of patterns, colours and textures fit for the new global wanderer.

We love the loose, relaxed vibe of the roomy pant and the looks above and below have caught our eyes and hearts: Jewel by Lisa's embellished printastic piece, Nasty Gal's scrumptious batik pants, Tory Burch's silk pantaloons, and Re'Bahia's intricately embroidered pants. Perfection and a half.

 What are you in the mood for?

XO

Photos:

Jewel by Lisa blog

Nasty Gal (shop here)

Tory Burch (shop here)

Re'Bahia

Who Wore What: Solange in Jewel by Lisa and Boxing Kitten

We stumbled on sneak peeks from the next edition of Fashizblack Magazine, featuring the very cool Solange and some very cool signature pieces from two designers we've featured over and over again - Jewel by Lisa and Boxing Kitten. In the first look (above), Solange wears a pair of embellished Jewel by Lisa shorts similar to a pair we first saw on the Arise Africa Fashion Week runway last year. In the second photo (below), Solange wears a Boxing Kitten piece from the brand's recent Resort 2010 collection. Many of you will recall that Solange loves her some Boxing Kitten so no surprise here! Oh, we hear Poodle Pusher styled this shoot, which makes us all the more eager to see the full spread in its full glory. Stay tuned!

XO

Photos courtesy of Fashizblack and Poodle Pusher.

Spread Love: Jewel by Lisa//Jewel Afrique

It's no secret that we love Jewel by Lisa, and there's nothing quite as thrilling as seeing the sophistication and beauty of her pieces captured in editorials. We stumbled on a "Jewel Afrique" spread shot by Lyndah Wells and simply had to share. From the mandatory bling, to rich variety of embellishments on basic but refreshing shapes, JBL is one brand we'll never tire of. Enjoy :-)

Many, many thanks to Lyndah Wells [lyndahwellsphoto@gmail.com] for graciously sharing these photos with us. If you wish to re-blog these photos, please be sure to link back to us and to properly credit Lyndah. Thanks :-)

XO