Posts tagged “uk”

Diesel+EDUN-A global loudspeaker for a new African economic + creative paradigm @Diesel_UK @studio_africa @twEDUN

Posted on March 6, 2013

“The DIESEL+EDUN collaboration-

A global loudspeaker for the new African economic and creative paradigm”

Looking back to 2012, a common hash tag cited on twitter on several events such as Design Africa was #TradeNotAid, a fashionable slogan in its own right adopted decades ago by the United Nations Conference on Trade Development, but one that still sits true to this day, it’s about companies and designers working with Africa, not for it. Which is why I have been excited and inspired by the Diesel+EDUN collaboration.

Last night was the long awaited Diesel+EDUN collaboration launch party, which was part of a city wide celebration, from Paris to London and Amsterdam to Berlin. The Diesel+EDUN denim collection is born in Africa and inspired by African creativity. Most importantly the collection is sourced and manufactured in Africa with the finest cotton from the continent.

Using raw, untreated denim, the DIESEL+EDUN collection was built around a reinterpretation of the four-pocket jean of the 1970s popular on the streets of South Africa. Malian textile prints are echoed in the denim lining and across the jersey pieces in the collection. Embroidery details reference traditional Zulu weaving patterns, while the dresses feature Kenyan metalwork. Running through the collection are four original symbols designed to reflect the heart of the DIESEL+EDUN collection. In January 2012, DIESEL founder Renzo Rosso and EDUN founders Ali Hewson and Bono travelled to Uganda and Mali, where they shared their love of the continent and toured each other’s programs: DIESEL’s Only The Brave Foundation project in Dioro, Mali and EDUN’s Conservation Cotton Initiative (CCI) in Uganda. The experience encouraged them to join forces to further apparel trade and development in Africa under the name DIESEL+EDUN.

Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and EDUN founders Ali Hewson and Bono have joined forces and produced a collaboration that goes far beyond just fashion. The DIESEL+EDUN collaboration aims to engage a global audience with the passion of its founders to raise awareness of the creative opportunities in Africa and build sustainable trade with the continent through fashion – a global loudspeaker for the new African economic and creative paradigm.

An in-depth experience trip to Africa last season was the catalyst for them to develop a co-branded, co-designed collection; this project is meant to channel and give visibility to Africa’s incredible creativity – in style, in fabric, in craftsmanship and encourage, as I mentioned above: TRADE and not AID.

To bring the spirit of the collection to life, DIESEL+EDUN developed the concept of ‘Studio Africa’, described as virtual loudspeaker for a new generation of creative talents from across the continent. The campaign features nine artists in fashion, film, music, literature, and photography; individuals with both talent and a deep commitment to their respective countries and people. Curated and edited by OKAY AFRICA alongside Africa’s most creative, Studio Africa hosts inspirational, forward thinking creative work originating in or inspired by Africa.

I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU

(I See A Different You are a trio of photographers from Soweto, South Africa with an eye for style and ambition to show their continent in a whole new light.)

[Left]

YANNICK ILUNGA

(Petite Noir is the recording name of South Africa’s Yannick Ilunga who is championing a new musical movement)

[Right]

UVIWE MANGWENI

(Uviwe Mangweni is an endlessly curious photojournalist and copywriter from South Africa documenting hidden stories with sensitivity)

[Left]

ABDELLAH TAIA

(Abdellah Taïa is the first openly gay Moroccan writer and his celebrated books have been translated into several languages)

[Right]

FLAVIANA MATATA

(Flaviana Matata is an international catwalk model who runs a foundation for the education of orphaned girls in her home country of Tanzania)

BALOJI

(Baloji is a fiercely original and acclaimed rapper and producer born in DR Congo and raised in Belgium)

[Left]

LAURENCE CHAUVIN-BUTHAUD

(Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud is a rising menswear designer providing local workers in her birthplace of Côte d’Ivoire with skills and training)

[Right]

SY ALASSANE

(Sy Alassane is an actor and model from Senegal who played the lead in 2011’s Sundance Film Festival official selection Restless City)

TANYA MUSHAYI

(Tanya Mushayi is a talented surface pattern designer, stylist and blogger running her own business in Zimbabwe)

You can follow OK Africa on Tumblr here
http://www.okayafrica.com/

To find out more about the collection follow:

Diesel UK - @Diesel_UK

EDUN- @twEdun

STUDIO AFRICA – @Studio_Africa

Okay Africa- @OKAYAFRICA

“I wear your grandma’s clothes, I look incredible” #thrifting

Posted on February 7, 2013

This is my jam of the week called ‘Thrift Shop’ by Macklemore. I love the song, and you KNOW I love to thrift.

I am wearing one of my favourites today, thrifted denim shirt I copped from a charity shop in Brussels. Paying homage to all my thrifters and thriftettes!

I’m gonna pop some tags

Only got twenty dollars in my pocket

I – I – I’m hunting, looking for a come-up

This is f***ing awesome

I wear your granddad’s clothes

I look incredible

I’m in this big ass coat

From that thrift shop down the road

Unemployed is the new black … regretfully @davidlammy @societyguardian

Posted on December 7, 2012

“All unemployment is equally tragic but women from ethnic minority backgrounds face a greater challenge to enter the labour market than most. Not only do many employers continue to discriminate against women that they worry will leave employment to start a family, they are also victims of on-going prejudice against ethnic minority women in recruitment.

During our investigation we heard from countless women who changed their name or their appearance, either because they thought it would stand them in better stead in looking for a job or, in the worst cases, because prospective employers specifically asked them to do so.

This has massive implications for families and society as a whole – particularly given the large numbers for Black families where the mother is the sole breadwinner and the high poverty rates of Pakistani and Bangladeshi families .” David Lammy, Labour MP

Today, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Race and Community published its report on ethnic minority female unemployment following its inquiry into the issue. Earlier on in the week, the BBC who happened to grab a sneak peek into the report touched upon the fact that despite latest official figures showing a national fall in unemployment, an apparent racial bias against female ethnic minorities in particular is still holding some women back from getting a job.

I am 25 and although not planning to start a family any time soon, I believe that several women orchestrate their career choices based on how and when they see themselves starting a family. From the facts, it would appear that despite encouraging testimonials from the array of women’s metropolitan magazines, on how the modern women can sustain a healthy work life balance, it seems several employers beg to differ. In this report, we see that in addition to being discriminated against their names and accents, it’s startling but unsurprising that potential childcare requirements were seen as a problem for several employers. Bummer!

With 17.7% of Black women and 20.5% of Bangladeshi and Pakistani women looking for work being unemployed compared to only 6.8% of white women, the inquiry found that this gap has remained constant for Black women since the 1980s, and has actually worsened for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women since 2004.

Throughout the report and inquiry it was found that service providers, employers and the Government frequently dealt with women and ethnic minorities as separate entities and undertook little work or data monitoring on these two characteristics combined. This report shows that ethnic minority women – and in particular Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women – have specific needs and a specific experience of the labour market and unemployment.

Although I do recognise that there may be different needs based of cultural experiences, I do not believe that the needs of ethnic minorities in this country should be treated as a special case; but rather a greater push for societal integration needs to take place if the unacceptably high levels of unemployment of these women are to be solved. In my opinion, politician’s, policy makers and employers need to call for more robust intelligence alongside the promotion of societal integration rather than racial side-lining.

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Of all the 24 recommendations in the report, these five I felt should be dealt with most urgently. Let me know your thoughts!

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Recommendation 1: Better information on ethnic minority female unemployment is needed. A government department or non-departmental public body should collect this data and consider publishing a regular report on public sector redundancies broken down by ethnicity

Recommendation 5: The Government should publish an action plan to increase take-up of blank name application forms, with the Government leading the way by piloting its use in at least one of its departments.

Recommendation 6: Professional associations should provide improved guidance offering greater clarity regarding the equivalency between UK and overseas qualifications and experience of employment.

Recommendation 12: Given the larger numbers of older women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds entering the workplace for the first time, Job Centre Plus should be clear on how they are meeting the specific needs of these women, particularly taking into account cultural and language needs.

Recommendation 14: It should be considered whether cultural awareness training is needed for Job Centre Plus advisers in particular areas of the country.

You can download the report here

Marks & Spencer AW12- more pictures from the collection

Posted on May 16, 2012

Yesterday was (of course) Stylist day, where I eagerly await my yellow t-shirt man who dispenses my free weekly pick me up of fashion trends, beauty products and inspirational features. One of the many things I was thrilled to see in this week’s edition was the Marks & Spencer AW12 collection.

I am sure that many of you will admit that Marks & Spencer might not be your go to store for a Friday night outfit, but it’s relied upon by many for smart, reliable and semi-fashionable clothing. However, by the looks of a few of its AW12 collection, M&S have dropped the ‘semi’ and finally jumped on the trend band wagon. The colours for this year and typically autumn inspired, the cuts are boyish, with touches of feminine chic. Overall, this is a collection for fashion conscious power women, and I can’t wait to see it in stores. Five outfits from the collection were featured in Stylist, so courtesy of M&S, here is the rest.

21st Century Remix Autograph Dress £49.50, Belt £25

21st Century Remix M&S Woman Coat £89 Limited Collection Jumper £29.50, Limited Collection Trouser £29.50, Scarf £22.50, Shoes £49.50

Arts & Crafts Limited Collection Jacket £49.50, Limited Collection Jumper £35, M&S Woman Trouser £19.50, Faux Fur Hood, £19.50, Bag £39.50, Footglove Boots £89

Limited Collection Coat £79, Twiggy for M&S Woman Dress £49.50, Necklace £17.50 Ring £7.50, Belt £15, Boots £59

Indigo Coat £79, Indigo Jumper £39.50, M&S Woman Top £27.50, M&S Woman Skirt £25, Belt £15

M&S Woman Coat £89, Hat £19.50, M&S Woman Jumper £35, Indigo Trouser £29.50, Belt £25, Footglove Shoes £39.50

Autograph Top £65, Autograph Trouser £59, Shoes £49.50

M&S Woman Top £35, M&S Woman trouser £35, Necklace £29.50, Belt £15, Bag £25, Rings £25, £12.50, £9.50, Shoes £35

Hat £19.50, Limited Collection Jumper £29.50, Limited Collection Trouser £19.50, Roll Neck £69, Boots £75, Bag £129, Belt £15

Autograph Dress £69, Leather Gloves £35, Boots £75

Autograph Coat £110, M&S Woman Top £35, M&S Woman Trouser £19.50

[6th Feb] Solange Knowles: Today I’m wearing…

Posted on February 6, 2012

“Surprisingly warm day! I’m wearing a Torn by Ronny Kobo minidress and Alaia shoes.

@tornbyronnykobo

@solangeknowles

@britishvogue

http://www.vogue.co.uk/photo-blogs/solange-knowles/solange-knowles—day-6

Lianne La Havas | Forget (Official Video) #NewMusicLondon

Posted on January 21, 2012

Name: Lianne La Havas

Hometown: London

Description: “Nothing like Corinne Bailey Rae or Andreya Triana, but we all have similar hair.”

Favourite artists: Erykah Badu : Laura Marling : Little Dragon : Willy Mason : Ella Fitzgerald : Dizzie Gillespie : Prince : Simon & Garfunkel

Influences: Love, Hate, Jazz, Ganja, Mum, Consciousness, Night-time, Beauty, Dad, Lies

Band influences: Taking my time to perfect the beat, whilst maintaining a great respect for familiar urban and suburban dwellings.

http://www.liannelahavas.com/

“Hidden heroes- The genius of everyday things” London Science Museum 2012

Posted on January 12, 2012

“Hidden heroes- The genius of everyday things”

Exhibition showing at the Science Museum until the 5th June 2012.

Cost:Adults: £6, Conc: £3.50 (students and children), Family (1 Adult, 2 Children): £11, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): £16

Award winning films on the Africa Channel UK this November

Posted on November 6, 2011

November will see The Africa Channel UK run a series of award-winning independent films. Every Saturday at 9pm, the channel will screen a film featuring some of Africa’s most revered actors and directors – films which have been played at the world’s most prestigious film festivals, including Cannes and Venice.

[The Africa Channel UK is a SKY retail partner, available to viewers across the UK and Ireland on Sky 268.]

DARATT

5^th November. Written and directed by Mahamat-Seleh Haroun, and starring Ali Bacha Barkai, Youssouf Djaoro and Aziza Hisseine

Chad, 2006. The government has granted amnesty to all war criminals. 16-year-old Atim is given a revolver by his grandfather so that he may kill the man who killed his father. Atim leaves his village for N’djamena, seeking a man he does not know. He quickly locates him: former war criminal Nassara is now married and settled down as the owner of a small bakery.

With the firm intention of killing him, Atim gets closer to Nassara under the guise of looking for work, and is hired as an apprentice baker. Intrigued by Atim’s attitude toward him, Nassara takes him under his wing and teaches him the secrets of making bread. Over the weeks, a strange relationship evolves between the two. Despite his disgust, Atim seems to recognise in Nassara the father figure he has always needed, while Nassara sees the teenager as a potential son.

Rhianna (feat. Calvin Harris) “We Found Love” Official music video

Posted on October 20, 2011

Why am I not surprised that Melina Moutsoukas was the creative mind behind Rihanna’s new video ‘We found love’, featuring Calvin Harris. The song is the lead single to her upcoming album ‘Talk that talk’ scheduled for release on November 18th.

With regard to the video’s content, Rihanna posted a message on her twitter account writing “I really can’t stop thinking about this video we just shot! EASILY the BEST video I’ve done thus far!” Rihanna further elaborated upon the concept of the video, saying

“We’ve never done a video like this before. This is probably one of the deepest videos I’ve ever done … its all about love and love being like a drug, you definitely get that from this.”

I love the concept, it’s cinematic and I am a sucker for a story line and character development. At first I was skeptical about it reflecting heavily on the upsides of drug use but as the story evolved it was a portrayal of both the good and bad, the ups and downs. Furthermore, at the end of the video, she left the situation, and overall I felt that that reflected well as one of the last images of the video.It was almost like the 2000 film requiem of a dream, directed by Darren Aronofsky; only a female protagonist. The lack of a clear happy ending brought the reality of drug, sexy, drink and love addiction to life.

The male love interest in the video is model and former boxer Dudley O’Shaughnessy. His caramel complexion against his bleach blonde hair, immediately make me think “Chris Brown“, and I wonder whether that was a deliberate play on their past abusive relationship. The video for “We Found Love” premiered on the website Whosay.com on yesterday, and I am posting it here today, for you to enjoy.

IT’S A POWER ISSUE: Alek Wek on the cover of this week’s Stylist Magazine @stylistmagazine

Posted on September 13, 2011

Stylist Magazine pulled a double whammy on me today, bigger, glossy and a black model on the cover? I could see the asian gentleman who distributes the magazine outside my office, ready for his usual 5 o’clock ‘grabber’. Since I heard Alek Wek was on the cover, I was approaching him with a fierce hunger in my eyes, that he practically threw it at me to avoid being eaten or at best attacked! lol.

What can I say…it’s a passion for fashion!

This is the magazines Autumn/Winter edition 2011 and it is evident that Stylist is going from strength to strength. After reading this weeks edition and it’s sarcastic and very funny feature from Tanya Gold on ‘Dictators make terrible fashion choices‘; it was a reminder of why I fell in love with Stylist Magazine in the first place.

“Fashion has always been affiliated with to mood and personality. Consciously and subconsciously we use our clothing, hair and makeup to express facets of who we really are. And while some of us do this discreetly, others shout it as loud as possible. This seasons trends cleverly do both overt fetish pieces sit alongside subtle sculptured tailoring but they combine to create one mood: Power.

This issue, our biggest to date, explores the evolution of fashion and its influence on society; how designers and artists work with fashion to express themselves, and how one inspiring super model. Alek Wek, uses her fashion power to inspire others. The insiders we’ve spoken to this issue all confirm one thing; without fashion, self expression, the UK economy and to some extent, society would fail to thrive. Now that really is powerful”

STYLIST MAGAZINE- Editors note, Lisa Smosarski

My look today #cosychic

Posted on September 11, 2011

Anyone that knows me, knows that I do not go anywhere on a Sunday. With the exception of church, I am dedicated to staying indoors and spending Sunday with myself, WordPress, Twitter, a good book and a cup of tea. #MeTime

This Sunday, I broke the rules and went off to London Bridge for the So|Fraische promo photoshoot, since it was still a Sunday I kept my look casual, and was determined to wear leggings from the get go; however, I did add a blazer and pumps for some formality. The shoot was interesting but in all honestly I would have rather stayed at home. Will be blogging about the photoshoot later this week….O_o

*Check out my new key necklace I bought on Saturday. I love it :-)

I am getting better with the whole eyelash extensions thing, I think it only took me 20 minutes as opposed to nearly 45 from the first time I tried. I have moved from the Boots £5 lashes to No.7 £7.50. A little extra but still reasonable, plus the lashes and glue are of much better quality.

#Tip- Use liquid eyeliner across the top of your lashes before application and after to better disguise where the false lashes start; it just makes it look more natural.

H&M @ Selfridges – THE BUZZ | Women’s fashion – Styloko.com

Posted on August 27, 2011

I am very excited about the new H&M in Selfridges London, and I will be off this afternoon to check it out myself :-D, here are some of the pictures from the fab store from Styloko.com.

I love the mannequins and the navy blue heels in the second picture.

H&M @ Selfridges – THE BUZZ | Women’s fashion – Styloko.com.

Bristol, Banksy, Bonkers and Brian Sewell

Posted on August 25, 2011

In Bristol, (reputed home of Banksy) the city council is planning to let the public vote before murals on buildings, walls and fences are scrubbed clean or painted over. If citizens decide they like it, the work will remain.

The move comes as the “Banksy v Bristol Museum” exhibition in the city closed today having attracted more than 300,000 visitors since June. Queues for admission were up to six hours long over the Bank Holiday weekend.

As part of its formal street-art policy “to seek to define and support the display of public art”, the council is pledging “where people tell us that murals or artworks make a positive contribution to the local environment, and where the property owner has raised no objection” the graffiti will not be removed.

Predictably, fine-art aficionados loathe the idea. “The two words ‘graffiti’ and ‘art’ should never be put together,” said the art critic Brian Sewell. He added the council were “bonkers”. “The public doesn’t know good from bad.” Personally, I like it, and in moderation it adds character to the already vibrant city. Stuff Brian Sewell!

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London Vintage Festival: in pictures

Posted on August 15, 2011

It was unfortunate I was unable to attend the Wayne Hemingway Vintage festival which came to the Southbank Centre in London, earlier this month. From all the reviews and great pictures, the festival brought style, crafts and some impressive dance moves to the capital. With stalls selling fashion, music and art from the 1920s onwards and a make-do-and-mend mentality, visitors browsed for bargains and wallowed in nostalgia. I would have loved to grab some vintage cat eye glasses…*sigh* maybe next year. Below are some pics courtesy of Guardian.co.uk.

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In pictures: Africa Fashion Week London @africafwl

Posted on August 11, 2011

Last Saturday I attended the first Africa Fashion Week London Event, an annual fashion week for African inspired fashion from all over the world, held in Gibson hall, city of London. The two day event received over 4700 visitors who turned up to see over 50 African inspired designers, showcasing their latest collections.

There were three runway shows throughout the day followed by an evening Gala, I was there for the first two shows, as my time there was short, but sweet. Overall, I considered it an extremely successful and well coordinated, plus full of festivity, African culture, style and music which mixed the right about of both African and western culture.

I wish AFWL the best of luck and look forward to AFWL 2012. Below are some pictures from the wonderful designs and designers on and off the catwalk x

1^st Show

Maureen Amooti (UK/Uganda)

Ozora (UK/Nigeria)

Adopted Culture (UK/Ghana)

Ann Rose (UK/Ghana)

Adaora’s House (UK/Kenya)

Jezreel Designs (UK/Nigeria)

2^nd Show

JB Afrique (UK/Ghana)

Anita Quansah London (UK/Ghana)

Maze Couture (UK/Nigeria)

Vaishali Morjaria Creations (Kenya)

J by Jak (Nigeria)

1979 (Nigeria)

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Posts tagged “uk”

Posted on March 6, 2013

“The DIESEL+EDUN collaboration-

A global loudspeaker for the new African economic and creative paradigm”

I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU

YANNICK ILUNGA

UVIWE MANGWENI

ABDELLAH TAIA

FLAVIANA MATATA

BALOJI

LAURENCE CHAUVIN-BUTHAUD

SY ALASSANE

TANYA MUSHAYI

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Posted on February 7, 2013

I’m gonna pop some tags

Only got twenty dollars in my pocket

I – I – I’m hunting, looking for a come-up

This is f***ing awesome

I wear your granddad’s clothes

I look incredible

I’m in this big ass coat

From that thrift shop down the road

Spread the word:

Like this:

Posted on December 7, 2012

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