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

Africa-Inspired: Masai-style "Sobat" necklace by Noir Jewelry

The wave of Afromania has inspired many-an-artist this season - from print pillows to the celebration of a prominent African on Broadway. Jewelry has also taken on a very "tribal" or "ethnic" aesthetic, incorporating the beauty of several countries on the world's most fascinating continent. Recently, we spotted colorful seed beads - reminiscent of Masai-style neck wear in all their splendour and majesty - forming the the crux of a stunning necklace by Noir Jewelry. So far, Kelis and Solange have been charmed, and we're not too far behind:

So, so gorgeous! We certainly love to see Africa inspire beyond the shores of Africa and we greatly admire the beauty of this piece. We want!

Get yours here.

XO

Photos:

Kelis

Necklace

Solange

Model

Love: Fulani Necklace by Muso Masiri

We've blogged about Fulani Earrings before but etsy seller Muso Masiri has taken the conversation a step further with this beautiful bronze necklace. A unique statement piece for $35? Not bad.

Be sure to visit Muso Masiri's etsy store to see - and buy! - an assortment of Africa-inspired necklaces and earrings.

XO

Event//Lagos: Tebazile @ Jewel by Lisa

If you're in Lagos this weekend, you're cordially invited to the unveiling of Tebazile's Fall/Winter 2010 collection, "Bibs and Fringes." According to Elizabeth Dankaro, the owner/designer of the brand, "Tebazile's style stems from a combination of colour and textures of traditional West African and European motifs which add a hint of playfulness..."

Be sure to swing by if you can!

[Elizabeth Dankaro]

See more of her pieces here.

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CONNECT WITH TEBAZILE:

Web: Tebazile

Blog

Facebook: Tebazile Jewelry

Twitter: shop tebazile

XO

Photo of Elizabeth courtesy of here.

Made In Africa: DVF Spring 2010

The Made in Africa trend continues. Diane Von Furstenberg - woman extraodinaire and advocate of women worldwide - featured African-made accessories in her Spring 2010 collection in collaboration with Vital Voices (VV). VV (of which DVF is a prominent member) exists to celebrate, support and empower "extraordinary" women worldwide. 

The telephone wire bracelets featured above were made by Zulu artisans in South Africa, while the beaded necklace was created by a Kenyan artisan and activist Rebecca Lolosoli, herself a woman's woman. She is the founder of Umoja Uaso Women's Organization, "a safe haven for women and girls fleeing abuse" and "a training center for those seeking to promote human rights, economic empowerment, and the preservation of indigenous arts and crafts." The video below on her life and work is a must-see:

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What a woman! Very nicely done, DVF, Vital Voices and all the fabulous women involved in this project.

To purchase the telephone wire bracelets above or similar options:

DVF

Gifts With Humanity

Overstock

To purchase the necklace and other gorgeous pieces from the Umoja women:

Umoja Beaded Jewelry

XO

Sources:

Vital Voices

Style.com (Photo)

Love: The Textured Mask Bangle by Siki de Somalie

We're absolutely in love with this stunning bangle by Somali/French jewelry designer, Siki de Somalie. Where to begin! Between the bold African masks and the textured brass cuff, we're smitten by the beauty of this piece. At $1,129, it's quite the investment piece but even the price can't make us shake it off our minds. 

You like?

XO

spotlight: korto momolu's statement necklaces

we're biiiiig suckers for statement necklaces, so it was with copious amounts of joy that we looked through korto momolu's e-store and found some of the most beautiful necklaces...of all-time!

about the collection//in korto's words:

"I use a lot of African beads as well as a lot of things made out of resin because my necklaces tend to be chunky and bulky, so I try to use materials that are not as heavy as using the actual stones and metals. A lot of glass beads. Some of the beads are from Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. I love texture, there’s a lot of texture, my variation of textures, in all the pieces. I love turquoise. I also used feathers in some of the designs, I’ve always loved feathers and there are many different variations of feather earrings, so I thought “How can I make mine different?” I like the chains and the feathers. It has a soft and a hard feel to it. They’re made out of silver." [source]

to purchase, visit korto momolu's e-store, where she also has tees and purses for sale.

xo

love: the egyptian statement ring

love this poignant tribute to ancient egypt. statement rings don't come much more fascinating than this adjustable conversation piece. get yours here.

xo