Bag Encounter

Sorry for not blogging much lately. I finally found a new apartment in Brooklyn and I am now in the midst of packing and moving. On top of that I had to go for one week to a convention in Florida - so I really did not get much blogging done.

But now I am back and while running some errands in Fort Greene, I stumbled over this print bag. I have already lots of bags and I constantly tell myself to stop buying more. So I texted a picture to my sister and asked her for her opinion. She said "go for it" so now this handmade bag from Ghana by the label Gladberry's is mine. How do u like it? You can shop these bags here.

Creative Energy: Konstellation Klan

Photos by Tarryn Hatchett

A friend send me the link to an interview on mtv.com with this group of hipsters from Johannesburg. The Konstellation Klan is creating most of their outfits and only accept people in their team, who have style and personality.  
To me the pictures feel like a South African, 80ies Hip-Hop, Vintage mix. Konstellation Klan comes across like a younger, more urban version of the Smarteez, a group of friends that were recognized as Joburg's most stylish subculture. 

How do you like their style?

mtv interview: Soweto Swagger
t: http://konstellation-klan.tumblr.com/
t: https://twitter.com/K_Klan_SA
f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Konstellation-Klan

It's a Print Print Print Summer!

I was surfing around the Topshop website today and saw that one of their featured lookbooks was called "Safari". Well, I think the name is very uninspired and cliché for a print-driven collection, but the clothes are actually quite cool. As most of the items are also kind of affordable, I decided to share it with you guys. 

I already had the print leaf jumpsuit in the shopping basket, but then didn't go for it. It is cool but I am not sure if it will also look that great on me. I probably have to go to Soho in the next days and try it on in their store. "It's a Print, Print, Print Summer" (using melody from Bananarama Song "Cruel Summer")

How do you like it? Anything that catches your eye? 

Prints of the Week: Duaba Serwa

Duaba Serwa, Ghana, just presented her latest collection. It is fabu, like everything that Nelly Hagan-Aboagye, the designer behind the Duaba Serwa label, has created so far. Her latest designs mix more muted colors with some brighter highlights and of course: beads.

In an interview I did with her some time back, she states: "My story is about bold effortless beauty and I pride myself in the construction of luxurious style lines that cater to the woman who prefers understatements to flamboyant extravagance." You can read the full interview here.

Which pieces are your favorites?

Find out more:

f: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DUABA-SERWA

p: clients can call +233262101656 

e: duaba.serwa@gmail.com

Della goes Urban Outfitters

Della, the Los Angeles based fashion label, did it again. After landing their Apple gig and selling their African print cases for iPads and Mac Books directly in Apple stores, they now just announced a cooperation with Urban Outfitters. The self claimed "woman-owned and woman-run" business is producing their designs in a Community in Ghana. I really love their designs and I am happy for their success. This is a great showcase how small, sustainable labels with great products can go far and get recognized. I am already excited to see what Della is planning next.

Find out more:
shop: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban
w:http://www.dellala.com/
f: https://www.facebook.com/Dellalosangeles

Prints of the Week: Taibo Bacar

Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar recently presented his new Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Bacar was named "Best Emerging Designer" at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa and is an admirer of Valentino's creations. 

I like the cohesiveness of his collection that was inspired by his latest trip to Rome. I am usually not so much into orange, but the color combination with the blue and green works beautifully. I could totally see myself in the first two dresses - sooo elegant and stylish. Because I had wanted to share his designs for some time now, I also added pics from his 2012 collection - aren't the green dress and the short jacket and bustier adorable? 

Find out more:

w: http://www.taibobacar.com/

t: https://twitter.com/TAIBOBACAR
f: https://www.facebook.com/designertaibobacar

Fresh and Cheeky: Design for Love

Nigerian label Design for Love (DFL) just introduced its new summer collection: SISI JEJE. The designs are supposed to be "elegant without too much fuss". I think they are fun! The pictures look as if a group of girlfriends got together for a fashion shoot. Don't you just love that? My favorite pieces are the first dress and the two black dresses with small print applications.

What are your thoughts?

Find out more:
http://www.designforlove.com.ng/
https://www.facebook.com/dflclutchbags

Prints of the Week: Sindiso Khumalo SS13

I adore the designs of South African designer Sindiso Khumalo. Her collection is so sophisticated! Her prints and colors look fresh, fun and elegant. The gold sleeves on the black and white print top are a great highlight. I would love to wear every single piece - minus the shorts! You can read the interview I did with Sindiso here: "Inspired and Confident". What is your favorite piece?

Find out more:

w: http://sindisokhumalo.com/index.php

f: https://www.facebook.com/sindisokhumalowomenswear

Fashion Forecast: Blue Sky with Clouds

Pic from here

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Pic from here

I just had to do this! After seeing the third cloud/sky print I wanted to see what else is out there. It seems like the first collections already hit the runway in 2012 - but the sky continues to inspire some designers this year, too. 

Am I a fan? Not really. Personally, I think that clouds combined with the color blue belong to babies and I cannot imagine ever wearing this print. However, the pants from Michael Kors that Solange is rocking are somewhat cool.

What do you think - how do you like the fashion in the sky print? 
Is this something for you?