VLISCO BE YOUR DREAM AWARD 2013

Vlisco celebrates Women’s Month: a tribute and award to West and Central Africa’s inspirational and successful women. The 8th of March 2013 is International Women’s Day. Worldwide women are honoured and shown respect for their immense achievements. Vlisco feels women should remain in the spotlight for longer than just one day and in 2013 we celebrate inspiring women, throughout West and Central Africa, for one whole month.

The Vlisco Women’s Month theme is BE YOUR DREAM: because all the women of Africa have dreams. Dreams of a better place, a great life and the ambition and drive to realize these dreams. Vlisco wants to celebrate successful women who have made their dreams come true and has therefore selected several inspiring women as nominees to win the unique Vlisco Women’s Month BE YOUR DREAM award. You also can become a winner by voting for the women who inspires you the most. Prizes include VIP tickets to the BE YOUR DREAM award night and tailor made Vlisco dresses. The celebrations do not end there. Vlisco aims to support ambitious designers and tailors who have bigger dreams of success but need some support. By sending in a business plan of their dream, they have an opportunity to win funding to make their dream come true.

VLISCO BE YOUR DREAM AWARD 2013 

 One woman’s achievement often inspires another women’s dream. Many women find great inspiration by witnessing others overcome their challenges and live their dreams. Therefore West and Central Africa’s most inspirational woman will be awarded the Vlisco Women’s Month BE YOUR DREAM award. Vlisco selected inspiring women as nominees in Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Niger, Ghana, Nigeria and DRC, to win the unique Vlisco Women’s Month BE YOUR DREAM award. The winner will be elected by the public, and will be revealed during a festive award night & fashion show at the end of March. During the whole month of March, everybody is invited to vote for the candidate that inspired them most at any Vlisco boutique, by SMS or on this website. Please check here to know where and until when you can vote. Voters can win tickets to the award night & fashion show and a tailor made dress of their choice, made in the latest Super-wax fabric.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Alicia Keys styled by 3 African designers

Alicia Keys ignited a pleasant fury within the African Fashion community thanks to her VIBE April/May 2012 cover photo shoot. The Grammy award winning artist wore stunning style pieces from three prominent African designers- Anita Quansah London (Ghana/Nigeria), Tsemaye Binitie (Nigeria) and Christie Brown (Ghana). Alicia wore two stunning handcrafted jewelry neckpieces created by London-based Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion designer Anita Quansah London for her cover feature. Her cover look not only featured the stunning Anita Quansah London jewelry neckpiece but her black leather Tsemaye Binitie Autumn 2011 bomber jacket added to her rocker chic look. Anita, who MBM interviewed last year, expertly incorporated traditional African art with contemporary, modern design.

Not to be outdone, Alicia also donned two popular looks from Ghana’s Christie Brown collection including wax print strand necklace and the fringe necklace. You can purchase two of Alicia’s Christie Brown necklaces on myasho.com. Lastly Alicia wore two jackets from Nigerian fashion designer Tsemaye Binitie’s Autumn 2011 collection.

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Source:MunaLuchiBridal

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ARISE Magazine announces 77 designers for 2012 fashion week

The 2012 edition of the Arise Magazine Fashion Week is almost set to kick off as organizers of the event announce that this year’s edition will feature 77 designers from six continents which include Europe, Africa, the United States, the Caribbean and India. The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week – Lagos 2012 is set to take place between March 6 and 11 which will hold in three tents on the grounds of the 5-Star Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria.

This year’s edition proves to be a considerable improvement on last year’s edition which had 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models, 5 musical acts over a period of three days. The 2012 edition has however been extended by the organizers from three to six days due to the response to the phenomenal awakening the previous edition brought following its huge success. At the 2011 edition, seven designers were given a golden ticket invitation to showcase their designs as part of the Made in Africa by ARISE Magazine Collective at the Avery Fisher Hall, New York. The seven designers include; Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi, Jewel by Lisa, Asibelua, Bunmi Koko, Tsemaye Binitie, Pierre-Antoine Vettorello and KlûK CGDT.

The designers chosen to be a part of this year’s event include:
NIGERIA AND (NIGERIA/UK)
HOUSE of DIVAS, House of Farrah, House of Nwocha, ICONIC INVANITY, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Eki Orleans, Frank Osodi, Funlayo Déri, Davida, CLAN, Be-Grey , Bridget Awosika , Buki Akib, Jewel by Lisa , Lanre Da Silva Ajayi , Mai Atafo , Maki-Oh , Meena , NKWO, Odio Mimonet , Okunoren Twins, Re Bahia, Sunny Rose, Tiffany Amber, Tsemaye Binitie, U.Mi-1, Virgos Lounge, Viv La Resistance , William Okpo.

OTHER COUNTRIES
CHICHIA (UK/Tanzania), Christie Brown (Ghana), David David London (UK), Duaba Serwa (Ghana), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Gloria Wavamuno (Uganda), Imane Ayissi (France/Cameroon), Jacob Kimmie (UK/South Africa), Kastle Designs & Treasure Chest (USA/Ghana), Kaveke (Kenya/UK), Kevan Hall (USA), Kezia Frederick (UK/St.Lucia), Kiki Clothing (Ghana), Kinabuti (Italy), Klûk-CGDT (South Africa), Koke (Botswana/India), Korto Momolu (USA/Liberia), LaQuan Smith (USA), Laurenceairline (France/Ivory Coast), Loza Maléomsho (USA/Ivory Coast), Madam Wokie’s Couture (Sierra Leone), Mataano (USA/Somalia), Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania), Osman (UK), Paul Hervé ELISABETH (Martinique), Poisa (Kenya), Sandra Kennedy (Jamaica), Sandra Muendane (Mozambique/Portugal), Taibo Bacar (Mozambique), the Vessel. By Lois (USA/Jamaica), Timo Welland (USA/South Africa), and Zekaryas Solomon (Eritrea/UK). Adama-Paris (Senegal/France), Amine Bendriouich Couture and BS (Germany/Morocco), Amrapali (India), Angelo Van Mol (Belgium/Ghana), Bestow Elan (UK/Ghana).
Nduka Obaigbena, the founder of the ARISE Magazine says:
“There has been a surge of interest from around the world including major UK and American brands this year, following our successful inaugural event last year, which is why we have decided to give even more designers an opportunity to participate. The world has recognized that Nigeria has much to offer in the way of vibrancy and extraordinary talent in abundance making it the cultural capital of Africa. Once more we are proud to be associated with nurturing new designers from the vast continent – and continuing our support of those who are more well-known in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.”

The finale of the show will host the magnificent ARISE Magazine Fashion Awards. The very best designers picked at the awards will be invited to participate in the annual ARISE Magazine Fashion Gala at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week in September 2012. The show will be produced by New York-based producer, Kevin Krier & Associates and UK-based Inca Productions.

It must be noted that ARISE MAGAZINE was launched in 2008 and is Africa’s first global style and culture title. Also, there had been a successful run of three seasons (in 2009, 2010 and 2011) of the ARISE AFRICA FASHION COLLECTIVES at New York Fashion Week's Bryant Park, New York, and the triumphant sponsorship of the inaugural ARISE AFRICA FASHION WEEK at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2009.

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SILENT EMPIRE - Ankara by VLisco

Behold the hidden secrets of the new Vlisco fabric collection named Silent Empire. The drama of a frozen opera with a touch of blossoming wit reveals spiritual ambiguity. A restrained yet ceremonious composition of graphic shapes further emphasises a sense of a serene stratification. The fabric design of the silent empire collection feature daring graphic patterns, toned down by a colour palette of muted earth tones.

The careful use of bright blue and lime green touches bring the designs to life. Foreign influences show themselves in the intricate layering of details in the patterns, adding a touch of playfulness

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N’kya Designs launches in Ghana

N’kya Designs has launched itself in Ghana through the showcasing of two collections; Bedazzled and Dawn. Bedazzled is an existing collection which has been brought over from London and updated to fit the new surroundings. It will feature boldreds, blues and yellows as well as embellishments for maximum impact. Dawn is an entirely new collection, symbolizing a new phase or rebirth of N’kya Designs. Lace detailing is key to most pieces as well as the signature combination of wax print fabrics with other textures.

Sheila Boateng is the designer and businesswoman behind N’kya Designs. She launched the brand in 2007 in London but has always sourced materials from Ghana and now has finally made a permanent move back to the continent she loves and knows. The event was a private showing which took place at the Obuasi Suite of the Labadi Beach Hotel with lots of guests in attendance; There was a poetry reading to start the show off which was later followed by a live
performance by Songstress Bertha whiles the models sauntered down the catwalk wearing pieces from the Dawn collection. Selected pieces from both collections were auctioned off with the highest bid of the night 1000 Ghana Cedis on a chiffon top and African wax print skirt with lace ruffles down the center. There was also the sale of 4 dresses by an anonymous guest of the event and these were given to 4 lucky ladies that graced the stage to dance Azonto (a new ghanaian dance). This definitely made the night very entertaining!

Models on the night were provided by Spice Model Agency, Ghana, with makeup by Nana Yaa Pokua Berko. Photography on the night was by Casare among others. The event was sponsored by Orient Express Enterprise, Vidal Enterprise and FashionMist. N’kya Designs has erupted on to Accra’s fashion scene and is ready to blow people away.

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Vlisco launches:‘Delicate Shades’

In the new Vlisco Delicate Shades fabric collection, design plays a starring role, even more so than usual. Vlisco has reviewed its own craftsmanship, rediscovering its uniqueness and creativity, and experiencing its drawing technique in a completely different light.

This technique makes it possible to create two designs in one, uncovering a double layer with a subtle transparency effect. A number of designs take on a different appearance when viewed from the left or right, resulting in infinite ways to wear it. A range of bold blue shades and overpowering earthy tones are highlighted by bright accents of yellow and pink.

The colourful graphic designs play with your mind, transforming into three-dimensional illustrations with outlined shadows, as the elusive waves of colour appear to set the illustrated woman into motion, seemingly revived in your imagination. Explore your own creativity and enjoy the ultimate Vlisco designs as part of the Delicate Shades fashion & accessories collection, available in Vlisco Boutiques as of November 2011.

Vlisco's got the best ankara styles.

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Toju Foyeh and HVS by Bukola Are showcase a unique collection to rave reviews at 320 Studio

HVS and, Toju Foyeh celebrate a successful showcase at their private collection preview event during Fashion Week New York

Emerging designers Toju Foyeh and HVS by Bukola Are celebrated a successful preview of their Spring /Summer 2012 collection on September 16 at 320 Studio, 320 West 37th St 14th Floor, NY, NY 10018 7 pm. Fashion enthusiasts, editors and notable designers showed support to both designers at this first duo collaboration. The event also highlighted two budding designers that were a part of the show with their handbags; O’eclat and Jidz. The synergy with these fourdesigners worked perfectly to make for an engaging show.


“Toju Foyeh’s eponymous label is a prime example of an international line poised to hit it big time…”- Cora and Chloe, A-linefashion.com

Toju Foyeh opened the show with one America’s Next Top Model’s most memorable model Aminat Ayinde in a red evening gown. Season 4 winner of America’s Next Top Model Naima Mora was Toju’s headline model for the evening. Toju Foyeh unveiled 15 pieces for her new Sp

ring/Summer collection. They were bold, evocative, conservative yet revealing; the pieces highlighted her signature cocktail and evening dresses that are sexy, ambitious and elegant with the use of lace, silk, chiffon and damask.

“It was challenging planning a show in a different country to a different audience. I put my heart into this collection and I can genuinely say, I enjoyed the entire process. I worked with an exceptional team, everyone was very professional and it made all the difference in the world. I sincerely had a great time, and was humbled by the reviews immediately following t

he show.”-Head Designer of Toju Foyeh, Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku

The Toju Foyeh spring collection can be p

urchased exclusively online at www.tojufoyeh.com beginning October 31, 2011, offering well-tailored one of a kind dresses for the modern jet setting fashionista. Whether it is a cocktail party, a red carpet or gala event, Toju Foyeh has a dress to suit every woman’s glamorous occasion, a recent nominee of the Side View Magazine Style Awards for Best New Designer, Toju is fast becoming one of the most refreshing young fashion designers to emerge from West Africa.

HVS by Bukola Are closed the show with pieces that were girly chic, contemporary, edgy and still African inspired. Bukola Are is gracefully becoming a brand known for its simple sophistication with pops of color that inspire the fashionista herself and any onlooker. HVS unveiled 15

pieces of it’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection. A guest described the pieces as Retro African, yet contemporary that is fitting of this generation. Bukola Are’s collection was electric, visually engaging and edgy. Sponsored by Glitzy Lips make up, All HVS Models stepped on the catwalk with colorful and glitzy lips that put nothing but attention on the clothes.

The Collection highlighted fabrics that ranged from satin lame, ankara, sequence and silk. HVS in the past 3 years is fast becoming a brand that key industry professionals are paying very close attention. The contemporary yet colorful appeal of, Bukola's designs are what has made her an emerging brand to recon with. Her daring hemlines, plunging necklines, and the use of sequences characterize her women's wear.

“…Bukola is making major moves in the fashion industry, … for her celebrated HVS brand, which is a bevy of high end couture, intermixed with urban chic, inspired by her life and world travels... Young, beautiful, resilient, and driven, Bukola Are is the epitome of style and precision.”- E

bonyé Jackson, Fashion Editor, Iconography Magazine

HVS by Bukola Are’s designs style up the modern day fashionista in top quality fashion with a flair for the classics. HVS by Bukola Are is a nominee for the Sideview Magazine Style Award for Best New designer. Already in stores in New York and Canada, HVS has officially aligned her brand as a force to be reckoned with. It is contemporary, yet African and very Chic.

“Being able to return to New York Fashion Week , was a huge blessing. I am humbled by the feedback on the HVS S/S 2012 collection so far. Pieces have been pulled already for editorials and orders are coming in already. I am taking it all in.”- Bukola Are, Head Designer, HVS

For more information on HVS by Bukola Are, please visit HVS online at www.houseofversatilestyles.com.

Toju Foyeh and HVS by Bukola Are would like to give a special thanks to all the event guests media and sponsors; Glityz Lips, Fola Photography, O’eclat, and Jidz. It was a successful event.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE RUNWAY PHOTOS

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Rising Star, West African fashion designer, Toju Foyeh debuts her spring 2012 collection during Fashion Week New York

New York Fashion week is here, and rising star designer Toju Foyeh is unveiling her new collection for the first time in North America during New York Fashion Week. She will be debuting the new collection with budding designer HVS by Bukola Are (House of Versatile Style) during New York Fashion Week at 320 Studio, 320 West 37th St 14th Floor, NY, NY 10018 7 pm. Her stunning new collection for Spring/Summer 2012; highlights her signature cocktail and evening dresses that are bold, sexy and elegant.

The spring collection is dramatic, bold and ambitious with the use of lace, silk, chiffon and enduring damask. The collection offers classic yet trendy romantic dresses that allow for easy fittings and flattering cuts for the ideal cocktail dress, or evening gowns that look and feel luxurious to any woman. The Toju Foyeh spring collection can be purchased exclusively online at www.tojufoyeh.com beginning October 31, 2011, offering well tailored one of a kind fashion for the modern jet setting fashionista.

Toju Foyeh launched her first full collection in 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria at the notable Arise Fashion Week and Music Meets Runway 2011 in Lagos, Nigeria and has since gained notoriety as a young fresh designer to look out for in Africa. The collection has been worn by a few West African celebrities including - R & B artist Tiwa Savage, Chidynma, Waje Seyi Shay, Oreka Godis, Vonne Vixen, International presenters Dolapo Oni and Eku Edewor with studio 53 extra. Toju Foyeh has also been featured in Bellanaija, Thisday Newspaper in June 2011, where she used the company’s newspapers to design 2 dresses that made the cover story, Genevieve magazine (Anniversary Issue February 2011), Wow magazine cover featuring Tiwa Savage, (January 2011), FAB magazine U.K, West Africa and more

“The inspiration for this collection is truly from the core of who I am, and I could only imagine launching it in one of the Worlds fashion capitals; New York city. I can absolutely picture my collection on any woman who truly appreciates fashion and its classic glamour.”- Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku, Designer Toju Foyeh

Whether it is a cocktail party, a red carpet or gala event, Toju Foyeh has a dress to suit every woman’s glamorous occasion, and is one of the most refreshing young fashion designers to emerge from West Africa. The Toju Foyeh spring collection debuting during New York fashion Week is sponsored in part by Jidz, Fola Photography and Celebrity Chitt. Toju Foyeh is now represented by international fashion pr company ICY Public Relations.

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Ouch dazzles at the African Fashion Week in London

Nigeria's foremost fashion retail brand, OUCH COUTURE has showcased its new collection of Urban street Wear at the just concluded African Fashion Week London (AFWL). The Creative Director of the fashion range Uche Nnaji joined fifty other designers from across the world to exhibit Africa-inspired collections.

The AFWL provided the opportunity for the ace designer to unveil his new collection of Urban Street Wear, '234' which pays fashion homage to Nigeria's international dialling code. The designer stole the night as his collection opened to an excited reception from guests including an interview with fashion bible Vogue. In the full glare of summer, it was the perfect time for the designer's fabulous splash of bright colours and comfy polo's stole the night; wowing the audience with his fresh mix of trendy sophistication and comfort.

"OUCH has been all about expansion this way, and deepening the sense of this brand as both a part of the Nigerian lifestyle and as an authentic African ambassador," Nnaji said. "This is another step in that direction and we are excited about it."

The OUCH brand was launched in 2007, as an exclusive menswear range operating from Maryland Lagos State, and has expanded to include outlets all over Lagos, it can also be found in stores around the country. In 2010, the designer showcased his Platinum Collection range at one of fashion's biggest platforms, the New York Fashion Week. His latest collection of Urban street
wear, the '234' range comprises mainly of Polo's and T-shirts, the designer also replicates the cosmopolitan appeal of the I love New York Tshirts with his I Love Lagos and I Love 9ja T-shirts.

The premiere of the AFWL which took place at the Gibson Hall, Bishopsgate in London from the 5 to 6 August, has been praised as the biggest platform ever dedicated to African inspired fashion in Europe. The two day event was graced by over 4700 visitors.

Photo credit: Des Richards Freelance Fashion Photographer. Photo and
Digital Art Productions.

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Trésor Brillant: Mystifying Brilliance

Shimmering radiance creates a vision of pure richness, drawing full attention to a mysterious woman wandering in the night. Gracefully flowing fabrics weave an enigmatic story, determined to uncover where her journey is taking her.

Strutting through the dim setting of the colonnade as it merges with a twinkling glow, the diamond-inspired designs take on an almost tangible shine and add the perfect touch of glamour, as she continues towards her destination, where she divinely takes the stage. An overwhelming sense of heroism seizes her the moment she becomes the centre of attention on stage, silhouetted by spotlights illuminating her sophisticated attire of dreamy designs.

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