Proud to be African Clothing is a London based retailer  that has had a whirlwind of a year.  From their inception in  December 2010 to being publicly traded in July 2011, the company has been nominated for an award at the Black Business Awards, has collaborated with many artists, actors, and other notable people, and has gained recognition and grown tremendously in the past year.

The company offers casual wear for men, women, and children and works to promote an increasingly positive image of the African community.  In celebration of the success they’ve had in their first year, the company is offering a 15% discount on their website with this code LEWI15 until January 9, 2012.

Syl Anim’s fashion is known for her bold colors and brilliant hand-embroidered designs.  The Cameroonian designer that showed at Africa Fashion Week New York 2011 has experimented with a sandal line, but more prominently is known for her runway fashion which is deeply inspired by her African roots.

Her edgy designs and cultural chic fashions have wowed fans all over the world while we watch this budding designer gain more notoriety and grow into a powerhouse of African design.

Photo Credit: Avaloni Studios

Dabanga Jewelry and Adiree would like to thank everyone who participated in the Mozambique Luxe Giveaway, and it is time to announce the winners:

@sadiaseymour

@arochel52

Congratulations!

To collect your prizes you must email pr@adiree.com with your full name, the address where you would like your prizes to be mailed to, and your phone number. You only have 24 hours to claim your prizes so you must act fast!  Enjoy your new luxury African jewelry, and don’t forget to tweet us and let us know how much you love your new jewels from Dabanga Jewelry and Adiree PR!

#MozambiqueLuxeWinners

Sarfo of Styles captures the essence and beauty of Ghana in every piece he puts his name on.  The design house which showed their fashion at Africa Fashion Week New York 2011 has been the official line for the Miss Universe Ghana Pageant, and most recently was featured in the December 2011 edition of Front Row Monthly along with a few other AFWNY 2011 designers.

His vibrant designs embody everyday couture and pay homage to the designer’s Ghanian roots.  The wax print fabrics used beautifully hug every curve of a woman’s body and leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of not only those of Ghanian decent, but on everyone who comes across Sarfo of Styles.

Photo Credit: Avaloni Studios

Political statements on T-shirts are no new practice.  From Diddy’s “Vote or Die” campaign to Obama’s “Change” slogan, but Zimbabwe is showing us something many were not expecting.  Robert Mugabe, the tyrannical leader of Zimbabwe is attempting to reach out to his younger, more fashion forward voters and is putting his name on a clothing line in conjunction with The House of Gushungo.  The 87-year-old dictator’s signature will be used as a logo for everything from formal wear to winter accessories. I just hope he doesn’t try to cross over into pop music next.

Source: Vogue Italia

Front Row Monthly is turning up the heat this December and bringing in some hot African designs.  The online based magazine which offers not only insights into the fashion world, but columns on travel, art, politics, and other important world happenings featured AFWNY Director Ms. Disu and a few AFWNY 2011 designers in their most recent issue.  Designs by Sarfo of Styles, Kozby World, Korto Momolu, Washington Roberts, and Darryl Jagga graced the pages of the magazine and brought the African heat.  Take a look at our feature spread and feel free to browse through the other unique and insightful articles the magazine has to offer at the link above.

Source: Front Row Monthly

AFWNY 2010 designer, Megan Isaacs, of South African decent was recently featured in Forbes Magazine.  Isaacs first gained experience working with world renowned jewelry designers including Me & Ro in New York City, and now has seen her designs features in Elle Magazine and worn on Gossip Girl.  Adiree, the parent company of AFWNY reached out to Forbes seeing the perfect opportunity to place a former designer and helped to gain this excellent press exposure.  Adiree CEO, Adiat Disu has “coined” her brand as culturally luxurious and creative.

Between the earthy, handcrafted 14 karat gold platelets, intricate design, and rustic brass lies African luxury, given to us by Mozambique Jewelry Designer Dabanga Santos. Bring out your four leaf clovers and say a quick prayer -amen. Now enter the giveaway which ends December 20, 2011 by doing the following:

Fashion is all about taking what you have an making it uniquely you.  Design by U jewelry designer, Fatima Samad, has known that from a young age when she began to adorn herself with interesting and always unique pieces.

The inspiration for the line comes from rich, artistic environments and combines Eastern and Western African culture to create something beautiful and unique for everyone.  Her fresh and modern interpretations stood out on the runway of AFWNY 2011 while her models were adorned in simple black clothes to let the jewelry take center stage.  There is no better way to express your individuality that with a piece of jewelry from Design by U.

Mary-Ann Kaikai is the head designer behind the fashion house Madam Wokie’s Couture.  Her exclusive yet stylish fashions hit the runways at AFWNY 2011 and since then have been gracing other high fashion runways around the world.  In just two years, Madam Wokie has become well know in the Sierra Leonean community- both home and abroad.  The secrets to her success may lie in the namesake of her line.  The designer thought it would be fitting to pay homage to her great-grandmother, Madam Wokie Massaquoi, who was a beautiful, strong, and always stylish woman, much like the women that wear Mary-Ann’s clothing today.  The original Madam Wokie was presented a crown by the Queen of England in 1961 and to this date, the location of the crown remains a well guarded family secret.  While we may not know the secrets of Madam Wokie’s crown, or the secrets to her success, we know the fashion that comes from her is chic, stylish, and classic, just as Madam Wokie would have intended. 126 garth

Photo Credit: Sweet Sierra Leone