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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MO SAÏQUE steps into a new season

Africa Fashion Week New York was lucky enough to have MO SAÏQUE as one of their shoe sponsors. For all those who got to see these stunning shoes were immediately taken by their timelessness and elegance. We are excited to report that Afua Dabanka, the designer of Ghanian decent who is behind these gorgeous creations has finally come out with a new Fall/Winter collection called “AYA IN YOU.”

The collection was inspired by the concept of a Cosmopolitan Woman who lives a modern lifestyle filled with day to day activities from luncheon’s with friends, high powered business meetings and soirée gala’s by night. As always the sole of each shoe is imprinted with the

AYA fern, encapsulating the essence and symbolic meaning of endurance, perseverance, &

resourcefulness with another signature collection. This season’s collection is filled with a palette of brogue greens, vintage wine’s, gold and bronze which were chosen to remind us of the crisp autumn strolls through the park, while ebony black and smoky grey suede captures alluring and mysterious nights.

Source: AFWNY

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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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Walking Visual Masterpieces From The John Ashford Collection at Africa Fashion Week New York

Adirée, producers of Africa Fashion Week New York, is pleased to announce that The John Ashford Collection will showcase throughout the three days of runway. AFWNY is set to take place July 14th, 15th, and 16th in New York City’s Financial District in the Broad Street Ballroom.

Created by visual artist, John Ashford, The John Ashford Collection consists of handmade shoes. Because each shoe is done by hand, no two shoes are made exactly the same. Ashford’s designs will tie together AFWNY’s varying designers, each with their distinct aesthetic.

AFWNY includes runway shows hosting 21+ designers from various countries in Africa and those of the African Diaspora, exhibitions, and industry networking events. Opening designer Korto Momolu and designers like Washington Roberts, Saint Wobil, AAMAA Couture, Bill Witherspoon and others will showcase. Sponsors include PopDrum, Mo-Saique, AveYou, Makari de Suisse, John Ashford, Renarda Joy, and Avaloni Studios. AFWNY is an invite only event” however press and media can register here. Buyers may send an email to rsvp@adiree.com to secure seating.

About John Ashford

John Ashford is a visual artist, teacher and painter. Ashford has traveled to many countries around the world including Africa, Japan, England, France, Switzerland, and Germany. He uses inspiration gained from travels in creating pieces for his collection.

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West African Designer To Create A Fashion Nation

AAMAA A LA MODE to present at Africa Fashion Week New York 2011 produced by Adirée in New York City’s Financial District. AFWNY is set to take place on July 14^th, 15^th and 16^th at the Broad Street Ballroom in New York City’s financial district.

Inspired by globalization, AAMAA A LA MODE intends to bring nations together through fashion, inspired by designs from different countries to create a global nation. The company uses high-end materials, mainly African cotton wax prints, directly printed and sourced in Ghana, Africa.

“Fusion, Integration, Merging”-Mobereola

Designer Toyosi Mobereola creates collections that are based on the fusion of traditional and contemporary African fabrics to create a unique Afro-centric feel.

AFWNY includes runway shows hosting 21+ designers from various countries in Africa and those of the African Diaspora, exhibitions, and industry networking events. Opening designer Korto Momolu and designers like Washington Roberts, Saint Wobil, AAMAA Couture, Bill Witherspoon and others will showcase.

About Toyosi Mobereola

Mobereola is a Nigerian born designer currently based in London, UK. She graduated with a degree in International Relations and has a strong interest in politics. Moberola established AAMAA A LA MODE in 2009. The name “AAMAA” was made up of the initials of Moberola’s husband and children.

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Boxing Kitten unveils the 2011 Fall/Winter Collection

Boxing Kitten has always pushed the boundaries of fashion and drawn inspiration from vintage themes. The fashion found in her Fall/Winter 2011 Lookbook is no different. Its vibrant West African inspired Ankara fabrics paired with vintage silhouettes pay homage to a time long gone, but remain relevant with its sheer blouses and unique flair.

The designer behind Boxing Kitten is Maya Amina Lake, a self-taught New Yorker who has always been fascinated with African culture, even making it her major in college.

The vintage inspiration behind boxing kitten celebrates the spirit and lives of women who have come before, and the playfulness and vibrancy of each piece captures the women of today and the future.

Boxing Kitten - Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

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Adirée Showroom & Molton Brown London Launch Africa Fashion Week Designers

Hello AFL 's (African Fashion Lovers)

Showroom Adirée and the London based luxury bath & body brand Molton Brown have united for a great event at their Soho flagship location to feature the designs of Africa Fashion Week designers.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 7 PM - 9 PM at 128 Spring St. New York, NY (Soho)

A NIGHT OF BATH & BODY PAMPERING. FUN. FASHION . LUXURY
RSVP with PR@ADIREE.COM

Win A Molton Brown Pampering Gift Set & Front Row invite to Africa Fashion Week | New York

Click to see the list of designers.

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Dazzling Graphics: Mix & Match Ankara

Create your unique outfit by combining designs with specially selected uni-coloured fabrics!

The overwhelming effect of the vivid colours of the ‘Dazzling Graphics’ fabric collection is enhanced by the combination of Vlisco’s new uni-coloured fabrics. The colours have been specially selected to seamlessly match the designs. The unis are launched to offer inspiration and numerous possibilities for creating a dazzling outfit.

Visit www.vlisco.com for more details.

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KACHI DESIGNS Set to Showcase In Lagos, NIGERIA!!!

Ankara-inspired KACHI DESIGNS stands true to what she wants to become, a BRAND.

KACHI DESIGNS has been moving swiftly as she grabs for the household name in the frenzy fashion industry. She has showcased show-stopping pieces at the Amobi Okoye Foundation Gala, NASA, and the annual Houston IFEST in early May just to name a few! With the Houston IFEST under her belt, she will be showcasing across seas in Lagos, Nigeria for the 2011 “Night of Elegant Fashion”, a platform set to expose beauty of African designs. The show will be held at the Mission Centre Onikan Lagos on May 28th, 2011.

In the midst of losing her entire fall collection to a blazing fire in April, Chichi has stood with grace and poise. As she plans to travel to the fashion capital of Nigeria, she is bringing out the long gowns and chic dresses for the outspoken and daring. Rest assured, her pieces will carry meaning and every stitch will come with her inspiration streamlining the carefulness of determination!

Kachi conjures up the animated and fun-loving side of every woman. Her eclectic collections of contemporary and vintage-inspired apparel and accessories imbue life through African culture. She treats silhouettes as canvases to be filled with kaleidoscopic patterns and colors—transforming fashion into art. Her brand is primarily anchored in representing the versatility of ankara— a 100% cotton fabric, patterned to perfection and popularized by West Africans. You’ll find that Kachi Designs are multi-faceted and whether ready-to-wear, or custom-made, Kachi pieces bring life and sophistication to any wardrobe.

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DAZZLING GRAPHICS: COLOURFUL BLACK & WHITE

VLISCO MAY 2011 COLLECTION

Go figure! A graphic statement of outspoken silhouettes exemplifies the new ‘Dazzling Graphics’ fabric collection from Vlisco. In-focus outlines and an edgy sharpness create a trompe l’oeil effect of movement. Distinct forms bedazzle the mind and set a psychedelic mood.

Overwhelming, vivid colours further emphasize the interplay of black and white, creating a shock in design. Dazzling curves combine with psychedelic circles and an abundance of block shapes, together transforming into new shapes.

The Vlisco strategy is aimed at enabling well-to-do African women to experience the brand in all her facets and to maintain the leading position, not only in the area of design, but also in terms of total brand orientation.

Developments take place at neck-breaking speed in Africa and Vlisco aspires to inspire and gain the loyalty of younger generations as well. Innovation is therefore an essential element within the company. In keeping with this, a new collection is launched every quarter, featuring a specific theme in which international trends in a variety of areas are translated into distinctive Vlisco designs.

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LPM "March Madness"

In the spirit of March Madness, we at Le Petit Marche have decided to serve you the opportunity to have an unbridled shopping experience!

This Sunday, the GET Arena will be home to the blissful bedlam that will be the March edition of the LPM market. Nothing beats going on a shopping rampage to shut down the month!!!

Here are a few of the vendors to expect this weekend:

Prima Rouge - The Prima Rouge Sample Collection is a modification of our first collection and it features pieces that are more colourful, architectural, and edgy. This collection is a limited edition inspired by the power of self expression through fashion.

Shoe Haven - At Shoe Haven, we pride ourselves in selling comfortable, elegant shoes for every kind of woman. Our shoes are sourced mainly from Milan, Italy but we go further afield to other parts of the world for the best quality shoes at an affordable price.

Fashion for Life - Clothing is a fresh spin on your timeless classics. The clothing line is exclusively couture, featuring fabrics and materials that in themselves carry a beautiful longevity and design. Fashion for life also has a commercial men’s line which embodies the afro centric classics, featuring the most exquisite embroidery ever un-imaginable.

Cam Cam Sweets - Confectionary. UK and Retro sweets (Haribo, Swizzels, Wham Bars, Sherbet, etc) sold in a variety of selection packs of 150g, &500g ranging from N800 - N2,000.

JJ Arts and Crafts of Africa - Paintings, fabric bags, fabric belts and accessories, clay and fabric dolls, brass, ethnic clothing & beach towels, beach bags, wooden butterflies, baskets, beads and other ethnic products from Nigeria and many other African countries.

Republic of Foreigner - ROF is a women’s apparel brand established with the aim of bringing out the spirit of freedom in all the ladies out there! Inspired by vintage dresses, fairies & pixies, beat poets, endless summers of love, and film, the creators developed a brand based on fun, love, and freedom! "We're like hippies just spreading the love!” ROF offers a wide selection of desirables--modern & vintage inspired clothing and accessories derived from the global fashion sphere. All of the brand's fabrics are carefully handpicked, taking into mind style, wearability, and quality.

Grace Diva - Clothes, bags, shoes and accessories

Kikcot Nigeria - We stock ladies casual and trendy clothes. Our clothing ranges from jumpsuits to maxi dresses, heels to flats, jewellery to handbags, jeggins to treggings and everything in between. Did we forget to mention our bargain prices!

Little Luxuries - At Little Luxuries, our range of hand crafted earrings, necklaces & bracelets are made using semi-precious stones, crystals, silver and gold-filled findings sourced from around the world.

Sweet As Candy - Confectionary, candy, nuts, cookies, dried fruits, gluten, dairy and sugar-free products, toys and party systems for dispensing candy.

Maternity Mums – Clothes for the chic and expectant mother!

Poise Fashions - Shoes, accessories, purses, shoe and bag boxes, hair accessories, belts.

Home Essentials - We sell a wide range of home products such as vases, flowers, candles, figurines. We sell both wholesale and retail and we make souvenirs for birthdays, weddings, etc.

UrbanKnit - Fashion accessories: handbags, clutches, pouches

Virtue By Focuswear – A wide selection of high quality tee shirts, cardigans, polos, shirts, blazers, and y-neck shirts.

Ours by Juliada - Organic Hair and Skin products and Hair accessories.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri – EAT is an emerging fashion brand on the Nigerian fashion scene. They pride themselves in the production of wearable clothing and accessories inspired by the vibrant, fun loving, joie de vivre culture of the Lagos people and the cultural diversity of its populace which spans the globe. Creativity and excellent craftsmanship is their watchword. EAT pieces include casual, formal and evening dresses, tops, skirts, pants, kaftans, boubous and laptop bags for ladies and for men, traditional tunic and pants (buba and sokoto) and biker jackets.

NS1463 – Young, urban apparel brand.

So hurry down to the GET Arena this Sunday the 27th, from 12pm – 7pm. Come and enjoy the last Sunday of the month with great STALLS… great MUSIC… great PEOPLE… and Great FOOD!!!

See you this weekend!!!

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