#@onenigerianboy

[kenyanstylista]

Complete Fashion: TOP AFRICAN FASHION BLOGS

The World Wide Web in recent time has assumed increased importance in the world of fashion with online magazines, blogs, Tumblrs, documenting and following it religiously. From runway shows, to designer showcases and private collections, to street style to fashion editorials, all is readily available at the click of a button. In this regard, Africa and its fashion bloggers and enthusiasts are strongly in the mix. In the past two years or so, we have witnessed a revolution of sorts with a plethora of them springing up, especially now that African fashion is blossoming. For a 360 view on the continent’s booming African fashion industry, look no further than these online destinations…

One Nigerian Boy (Nigeria/U.K.)

This is arguably the shining star of African blogosphere. Previously based in Lagos, Nigeria but now based in London, Terence Sambo of OneNigerianBoy.Com leaves no stone unturned when it comes to arts, fashion and design in Africa and indeed the Afropolitans of the world. What started as a blog is now a full-fledged website that sets the standard when it comes to African fashion. The website’s work has been acknowledged by international publications such as the Guardian UK and Essence Magazine.

www.theonenigerianboy.com

Heritage 1960 (U.S.A)

This is an online retail destination that has in stock a number of African-produced and inspired brands whilst also doubling as an online magazine that offers a ‘curated view of global African fashion, lifestyle and design’ It has also done well on its self imposed mandate of ‘dispelling pre-conceived notions about African fashion, design and creativity’. You can shop top African brands such as Jewel by Lisa, Loza Maleombho.

www.heritage1960.com

Bella Naija (Nigeria)

This is perhaps the most accomplished online destination of African origin and has even had its editor, Uche Eze, featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. The website has won itself the enviable reputation of being the first to break news on the hottest, latest and best in the world of celebrity, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.

www.bellanaija.com

The Fashion Notebook by Nancie Mwai (Kenya)

Editor, Nancie Mwai, is a blogger out of Kenya whose work has been recognized by MTV Style Blog. Her blog is an ode not only to her personal style but is also an eclectic blend of the African fashion and design industry and what pertains in the rest of the world at large. For seasonal trends, what-to-wears, hot-ticket events, she has it covered.

 www.nanciemwai.com

Kenyan Stylista (Kenya)

One can say this is Kenya’s answer to One Nigerian Boy. With a slight bias for men’s fashion and its big players in the African fashion industry, this Tumblr delivers with just as much verve and bite as other online destinations on this list. Its content has serious entertainment value, covering fashion and design and other eye-catching tidbits in Africa and beyond, and is expressed heavily in photos and videos.

www.kenyanstylista.tumblr.com

Marian Kihogo

She has been regarded as “a sole fashion powerhouse that features the latest in fashion and beauty, covering all bases from the catwalk to events” and her knowledge of the industry and matchless style has “placed her in an elite class of fashion aficionados” She has been hailed by and featured in Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar UK, and named one of Vogue’s Favorite Fashion Bloggers.

www.mariankihogo.com

StyleHouseFiles (Nigeria)

Founded in 2010 by Nigerian fashion industry stalwart, Omoyemi Akerele, this is a website that not only offers a serving of the best of fashion, style and beauty but also works towards and supports the growth and development of the African fashion industry. It is dedicated to “discovering emerging designers, to establishing initiatives in support of consumer purchase growth such as ‘BuyNigerian’”

www.stylehousefiles.com

I See A Different You (South Africa)

This is run by a trio collective from Soweto ‘portraying South Africa as they see it’ whilst been stylishly suited and booted. Their Tumblr page is very refreshing, replete with resplendently dressed young men that are young, funky, cool and fresh shot against eye-catching, real-life backgrounds.

www.iseeadifferentyou.tumblr.com

Afroklectic (Ghana)

In the editor, Gillean Opoku’s words “Africa is rich textiles, ancient tapestry woven in renowned villages for hundreds of years, strings and strings of coloured beads, adorned all over the body. Africa is the soulful song of a chosen people within novels, poetry, paint, clothing, jewellery and dance. We are an eclectic cohort of designers, writers, artists, performers and entertainers. We are Africans and this is Afroklectic. A place to educate on what Africa is, pushing aside the tired misconception of what Africa is not.”

www.afroklectic.com

Just Patience (Zimbabwe)  

Patience is a Zimbabwean born blogger who now lives in the US. Hers is a personal blog that highlights her fashion experiences from high-end to high street. When she’s not talking fashion and trends, she touches on interior decoration.

www.justpatience.com

- See more at: http://www.cfmagazineonline.com/blogs/9-top-african-fashion-bloggers#sthash.aP1aYOH7.dpuf

[kenyanstylista]

Courtesy of ONENIGERIANBOY

Taryor Gabriels Bespoke is an eponymous fashion label founded by Adeyeye Adetayo, a male designer whose style veers refreshingly toward an endearing masculine elegance. While TGB has clothed several top personalities within and outside the entertainment industry, including P-Square, 2Face, Iyanya, Don Jazzy, Teju Babyface, AY, Uti, etc this is however its debut collection to the public.

Photo Shoot Credit:

Designer: Taryor Gabriels

Photography: Bayo Lawson

Art Director/Stylist: Oluwatosin Ogundadegbe

Models: Victor Kwen, Sunday Balogun, Ikechukwu Ogbonna

_______________________________________________________________

TARYOR GABRIELS BESPOKE CLOTHING

60 Jubril Martin Street, Off Alhaji Masha Street, Surulere,

www.taryorgabriels.com

[email protected]

Facebook: Taryor Gabriels Bespoke

Twitter: @TGbespoke

Appointments Only: 08034299025, 07041430222

[kenyanstylista]

Proudly Nigerian, iPad and Laptop Skins

Just when you thought there was a drought on artistic stuff coming out of Nigeria, Studio of Mode responds with these uber cool laptop and ipad skins. Word has it that the brand would be launching Iphones skins too and I’m excited about it. Clearly this is a Niche market in Nigeria and they stand a very good chance of establishing themselves as Niche leaders before other jump in and try to claim a share of the market. The link to their Facebook page is at the bottom of this post. To buy or for further info, click HERE.

Facebook Page

@studioofmode

[poisa]

Backstage Photos at AMFW Courtesy of OneNigerianBoy

[kenyanstylista]

Soko Stingo, the African fashion market with a difference

Street markets used to be known primarily as places to buy and sell life’s essentials, but I  recently came across an article about a street market with a difference. It’s called Soko Stingo (which means style market in Swahili), it’s a pop-up fashion market, and according to its financial director, Adebayo Oke-lawal, it is the first creative market that does not have the goal of selling. The aim is to provide a place for designers and entrepreneurs to network, a platform that helps them get to the next level, and vehicle for improving fashion trade between the countries involved . “It's about building a relationship that brings people together all over Africa, from Botswana to Dakar", he said. The concept was developed by five entrepreneurs (Adebayo Oke- Lawal of the brand Orange Culture, Bubu Ogisi of iamISOGO, Terence Sambo of One Nigerian Boy, Ifeanyi Dike and Makida Moka) as a creative business venture, and the first edition took place in Accra, Ghana, last October, attracting more than 300 designers, entrepreneurs and socialites. Brands on display that day included Zali, Sleek, Orange Culture, Wana Sambo, design for love (DSL), Diva Delicious and Cool Beans. Because the emphasis is on things besides selling, prices are kept low – at least lower than you’d expect for one-off designer clothing and cosmetics. Same goes for the food on sale (designers and entrepreneurs have to eat, too). And though all prices are kept low, a percentage of profits go to African charities.  Wana Sambo The success of the first edition was a vindication of the idea, so a second edition was held in December. And from now on the market will be held every 3 months, interchangeably in Accra, Lagos, Freetown and Abidjan. For more information, you can reach one of the organisers at [phone], [phone], [phone] or  [phone] Email: [email protected]

[kenyanstylista]

Woolen Mills spring/summer collection

Traversing the globe for inspiration, designer Mark McNairy has produced this bright African-inspired print as part of Woolrich Woolen Mills spring/summer collection. Combining the bold design with Woolen Mills fabled quality of construction, the shirt is a stand-out piece from the prolific American designer. Made from thick premium cotton, the shirt is a regular-fitting design. It features a preppy button-down collar, a buttoned pocket on the left breast and has a deep, curved hemline.

[kenyanstylista]

Some Pics of Poisa Backstage at AMFW 2012