FASHION FRIDAY: AFWLA 2013

THE CROWD RIGHT BEFORE SHOWTIME

As you know, I am a lover of fashion. Not only is it truly my passion, but it is my obsession. That's why I am so grateful to be able to attend the fashion events I go to, and sometimes have the privilege to participate in. Of all of the amazing shows I go to, Africa Fashion Week L.A.,is still the one closest to my heart. It was the first event that TDB ever attended, and was where we met so many amazing people that we've profiled on the blog, had a pleasure of working with on different projects, and have become friends with. So many amazing things have happened to TDB, and it all started with AFWLA.

TDB'S ASHA AND DIVA

I loved everything about this year's fashion week. From the location, this year's show was held at 525 DTLA, an art gallery where Chris Brown's work is featured....yes, that Chris Brown; to the designers, 2 African Girls and Tina Summers slayed, and I want/need everything from those collections; to the music, the deejay played a good mix of African and American music that kept the crowd hyped.  

FRONT ROW FABULOUSNESS

I'd been waiting for this show all year long, and I'm so glad that it didn't disappoint. Normally, I'd post pics of the actual collections, but I was so impressed with the looks of the attendees, that I wanted to give them some love. Of course I died for the collections  as well, and you can check out all the designers  on our YouTube page.

FASHION FRIDAY: NYFW FALL/WINTER 2013

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has officially wrapped-up, so I thought I'd share some of my fave looks. I chose these pieces because they had a touch of African flair, whether with the choice of prints or the lovely model rocking the look.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

J. CREW

LELA ROSE

SUNO

COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA

FASHION FRIDAY: CAIRO FASHION WEEK

There are a few things we expect to see at fashion week: a catwalk, models, fancy clothes, designers, fashion editors, bloggers, and amazing after-parties. So, it was a breath of fresh air when I heard about Cairo Fashion Week. The goal of CFW, which kicks off today, is to be the bridge between different brands and labels in the industry; it is a week long event aimed to bring local designers, retailers, buyers, fashion houses and the general public together.

FASHION FRIDAY: FASHION FOR A CAUSE

FEED 12 Classics, a collaboration between TOMS and FEED

Of course we're all familiar with the great contributions fashion labels TOMS and FEED have made to help those in need, especially in Africa. However, they aren't the only ones doing their part. There are some other notable brands who are using their label as a platform to help others:

Ethiopian Model/Actress Liya Kebede founded Lemlem, which not only preserves traditional Ethipoian weaving but also gives job stability to the local weavers whose livelihood was threatened when there was no longer demand for their goods. LemLem creates beautiful hand-made scarves, clothing and home goods.

SATURDAY WRAP-UP: CONGO FASHION WEEK

Last weekend, for the first time in history, Kinshasa held it's first ever fashion week. For the inaugural two day event, twelve local Congolese designers debuted the latest fashions and trends of the season. At the end of Congo Fashion Week, guests were treated to a delightful performance by one of Africa's greatest artists, Papa Wemba. To see more photos from the show click here  and here .

FASHION FRIDAY: NYFW

Arise Magazine’s 5th annual runway show was a great way to kick off Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week. The show was entitled “African Icons” and took place at the Lincoln Center, considered to be the world’s most prestigious runway. It was definitely the perfect stage to showcase some of the best that Africa has to offer in fashion. Among the talented designers were: Nigerians Tiffany Amber and Maki Oh; British-Nigerian Tsemaye Binite; South African Gavin Rajah, and British-Ghanaian Ozwald Boateng OBE.