“Being Sierra Leonean is such a flex” “Being Sierra Leonean is such a flex” The above quote, tweeted innocently by young Sierra Leonean, @keziat, on the 15th of March 2020, has been the most iconic tweet on Sierra Leone Twitter (#SaloneTwitter) in 2020. No one knew at the time that it would influence the slogan behind a Nike campaign championing unique…
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A few months I spoke about the fashion phenomenon that is Kenneth Ize and the fact that he was among the finalists for the LVMH prize in 2019, well now I am back again to speak about this incredible man and how he has made history yet again at Paris Fashion Week by being one of several African fashion designers…
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The recent Xenophobic attacks in South Africa against nationals from other African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and much more inspired this BIDHAAR and CHECKOUT AFRICA T-Shirt design competition. So, you may be wondering what is Xenophobia? It means “extreme hatred, dislike or fear of foreigners, their customs, religions, or anything that is seemingly strange”. The word which was…
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Africa Fashion Week London 2019 Africa Fashion Week London 2019The largest annual African fashion event in Europe, Africa Fashion Week London, is back forSeason 9!Again at the prestigious Freemasons’ Hall, AFWL will host two full days of catwalk shows and exhibition shopping floors in the beautiful venue. Over 100 designers fly in from different parts of the globe every August…
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For decades, if not centuries African fashion has been the root of inspiration for numerous Western brands and fashion trends. I mean it’s pretty evident considering the topic of cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation on African fashion has been a hot subject for the last couple of years now. When you take a look at African fashion over the years,…
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Showcasing Africa through statement Jewelry Crowned Miss Scuba Kenya, Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge is a young east African visionary on a mission. She aims to create and sustain social impact in sub-Saharan Africa through her enterprise Kaleidoscope Beauty (KB). Supporting her along the way is her little sister, Teta Thuku-Benzinge, who acts as company director. Kaleidoscope Beauty is a brand showcasing the…
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THE ORIGINS OF THE “LEGEND OF WAZAL” The legend of Wazal is the brainchild of stylist, Joseph Marie Ayissi Nga. Born in YaoundĂ©, Cameroon in 1984, Joseph’s inspiration for sartorial art came from his artist father. After discovering a young Joseph’s talents, his father encouraged him. He taught him technique, discipline, and passed on a passion for creation. Although amazed…
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The philanthropic jewellery brand, Kaleidoscope Beauty, just released its summer collection on April 22nd exclusively on www.kaleidoscopebeauty.co.uk Kaleidoscope Beauty (KB) is a brand showcasing the beauty of Africa through contemporary, hand-crafted, statement jewellery in the form of chokers, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, earrings and occasionally some seasonal specials. The e-commerce business, launched online in December 2018 via the company website www.kaleidoscopebeauty.co.uk…
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Cameroon is the latest country to promote self-acceptance through fashion, unveiling a fashion for non-able bodied people titled Acess 2019. The brainchild of a Cameroonian women’s empowerment organisation in the country’s capital of YaoundĂ©, this show, which is a first of its kind features 16 models living with disability but are proud to walk down the catwalk in garments made…
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