ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE III: LOIN CLOTH AND ASHES [NYFW WINTER 2010]

LOIN CLOTH AND ASHES (TANZANIA)

[The designer, Anisa Mapungwe]

[The moodboard for her "Elsewhere" collection, as first seen here]

[The Loin Cloth and Ashes logo, transformed into origami birds and printed on several pieces]

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ABOUT THE SHOW:

Tanzania's Anisa Mapungwe's [Loin Cloth and Ashes] "Elsewhere" collection showed a remarkable range of pieces [pants, skirts, jackets, dresses] with modern silhouettes, culminating in an accessible, wearable collection. There seemed to be an overarching focus on a relaxed vibe, as reflected in free, breathable, fluid silk pieces devoid of rigidity but defined by a variety of shapes, lengths, details [origami played a refreshing role] and the use of layering. The color palette consisted of metallics, black, and browns as well as touches of gold and silver in contrast with basic sheer pieces. Complementing the collection was her new jewelry line, Jungle by L.C.A, featuring electric blue statement necklaces and a belt bearing the L.C.A logo, as well  as earrings almost shaped like the African continent. We also noticed a refreshing take on branding - Anisa had a mesh of her logo and origami birds printed on several pieces. Here's a closer look at her pieces [click "continue reading" below to see the entire post]:

a. Loose, laidback urban glamor, featuring harem pants. Notice the motif printed on the first top and the belt that bears the L.C.A. logo.

Countdown to the Arise Magazine African Collective III: 3 days to go!

[Tanzanian designer Anisa Mpungwe of Loin Cloth and Ashes]

We were snooping around trying to bring you the inside scoop of what to expect from Anisa Mpungwe's Loin Cloth and Ashes show @ NYFW this Saturday when we stumbled on her moodboard:

o o o

Let's see what we can make it of it:

- A subdued palette of browns and taupes with a dash of gray

- A touch of black to keep things edgy

- An emphasis on texture [knits, perhaps?]

- Defined, structured shapes [a la corsets, helped by belting]

- Vintage femininity and romance rooted in modernity

o o o

We'll know if we were right or wrong on Saturday :-)

What do you make of the moodboard?

Oh, before we forget, we also stumbled on the official invite to the event:

Nice and simple! But more than that, we know several people who would kill to have one in their hands right now, lol. Anyway, hope these little "inside scoops" make you as happy and excited as they make us :-)

XO

in the news: top African Designers to show at NYFW

we can now confirm that Deola Sagoe is scheduled to show at the ARISE Magazine African Collective III next month in New York, as we earlier reported :-) also joining her are South Africa's Black Coffee and Tanzania's Loin Cloth and Ashes. please read the full report here, courtesy of ifashion.


we eagerly anticipate the feb. 13 show! YAY! stay tuned for more updates.

xo

spotlight: chichia london by christine mhando

once in a while, a designer comes along that makes us sit up and pay attention. we're a bit jaded by the many, MANY fashion labels that creep up daily (western and african alike) and find that if our faithful, trusty tailor can imitate your entire collection for a HUGE fraction of the cost, we'd much likely give her our money. no offense -- we just won't pay up for anything that's not original or interesting or fairly reasonably-priced. which is why we celebrate brands such as zebra, akpos okudu, and now, chichia london. her new collection is every print and bead-lover's dream AND her prices won't make you keel over or sell your soul. chichia london is a celebration of color, ultra femme pieces, and simple but charming embellishments for the everyday on-the-go lady who makes you ask, "where did you get that?"

o o o

more info on the chichia london brand here. while she's practically sold out @ thelookboutique, we hope she'll send new stock their way soon.

xo

ShopAfrica: thelookboutique.com

[black and white dress by samantha cole, available here]

we stumbled on this neat little site by accident and found some stunning pieces from african designers including emmy collins, samantha cole, and chichia london. as always, we encourage you to ShopAfrica if/when you can...or at least spread the word. please and thank you :-)

click the links above to explore each designer and many more.

xo

ARISE AFRICA FASHION WEEK: DAY 3 - - MUSTAFA HASSANALI (TANZANIA)

for us, the beauty of mustafa hassalani's collection was the clever incorporation of african print as accessories (belting, print-lined umbrellas) and his fluid, draped dresses that dripped effortless, timeless glamor. his collection also featured several one-handed pieces that capture the spirit of many spring/summer '09 collections as well basic print dresses, skirts, and pants that are fast becoming ubiquitous at Arise Africa Fashion Week. all in all, a remarkable designer with an admirable range of pieces.

see the entire collection via our flickr page here.

xo