NYFW Spring 2012 - Mataano RTW Runway Review

Spring 2012 for design duo Mataano is a positively vibrant affair requiring a bold line-up of colours with a relaxed 'girls just want to have fun' vibe running through each piece. A loud explosion of citrusy tangerine happened beside a gorgeous hibiscus print, while a more restrained garden print flowered freely against a deep green backdrop. Fabric ranged from soft denim to breathable cottons, jersey and chiffon.

                        

The Mataano girls are masters of simplicity, so there wasn't anything in the way of ground breaking tailoring or extravagant silhouettes - instead, styles ranged from easy minis to punchy maxis, rompers, and shorts. Cropped bustiers contributed to the carefree vibe and layered ruffle skirts all but screamed luau. Thoughtful details such as the floppy sleeves on a romper and the zig zag neckline on a simple dresses lent charm to the whole affair, while a cool blue ran through the collection, softening the pattern play, espadrilles kept the looks firmly grounded, and accessories by Peppercotton added hints of sparkle.

Revamped & Reloaded: Mataano Website

[A silk chiffon romper from Mataano's S/S '11 collection. Available here, courtesy of The W.]

We believe that websites should be living, breathing entities, not static pages that say 'coming soon' for yonks. Ahem. That said, we really like Mataano's new and improved website: straight to the point, fresh, uncluttered and not unlike the brand in those ways. While their e-store is missing in action (a feature we fondly remember from the first version of the website), you can shop two pieces from their S/S collection online, courtesy of The W -- yes, the hotel chain. Pretty big deal, no? The W has a range called Global Glam, and while a Duro Olowu piece featured in their first collection, the spotlight is now on the Mataano girls.

Enjoy their new website (and recent Arise Magazine Fashion Week collection) here and shop here.

- SLiq

Photo courtesy of The W

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

Cover Girls: Ubah Hassan//Arise Magazine Feb. 2010; Agbani Darego//Genevieve Magazine Feb. 2010

We haven't seen much from Arise Magazine's camp since their Oct. 2009 edition with Alicia Keys on the cover. Issue #8 is their "Crowning Glory" edition and features a stunning YBF chic with a luxurious, to-die-for mane and lots of attitude. There's something very "old school glamor" about her that we adore and this is definitely one of our favorite Arise covers yet. Can any of our readers identify her? [*Edit* Many thanks to Tiffany of beautyestdiverse for identifying her as Somali model Ubah Hassan!]

Contact the folks at myasho.com about getting a copy.

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[Scanned by ShopLiquorice. Agbani Darego wears an Ere Dappa embellished dress.]

The very stunning Agbani Darego [the first Black African winner of Miss World - she won in 2001] is this month's Genevieve Magazine's cover girl. While Agbani's beauty shines through, we can't help but think Genevieve's 7th Anniversary Edition could've had more bells and whistles. Alas, we'll have to make do. This month's Genevieve also features 4 brands that are on the on and up and several pieces have us in lust. Want a preview? Here you go:

[Model wears the Papillon-Jaune by Kiki Kamanu. Image courtesy of Chicnicity LLC]

Click here for details on how to purchase the e-version of Genevieve.

XO