LA DiOSA
LA DiOSA is a London-based jewellery design company that seeks to empower women, by designing signature statement jewellery, featuring colourful chunky gemstones in celebration of modern Goddesses everywhere. LA DiOSA was founded in 2007 by Ugandan-born Natasha Faith, and Semhal Zemikael born to Ethiopian/Eritrean parents; friends who first met whilst studying Philosophy, and now create their gorgeous designs from a showroom in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewellery quarter. A combined interest in fashion, led the duo to exploring the idea of creating and selling their own jewellery. The name' La Diosa', means 'Goddess' in Spanish and as the name of their company pays homage to the influences and place where it all began; Mexico.   

Prior to starting the company the duo travelled the world for a year, visiting and drawing inspiration from far-flung places such as Thailand, Singapore, Tokyo and Malaysia; but it was a six-month stay in Mexico that Natasha and Semhal learnt their trade, spending time with a group of local women who taught them invaluable jewellery-making skills. Upon their return to the UK; and with help and advice from the Prince’s Trust, launched their multi award-winning label. 

LA DiOSA’s handcrafted designs are made with rare and unusual gemstones, and precious metals, taking care to source the materials ethically.  

Rift Valley Leather
From a factory based on the outskirts of Karen, in Kenya, high-quality leather, suede and canvas are expertly crafted into a range of stylish personal and travel accessories. The factory is the home of Rift Valley Leather, a local company that through its products, actively works to promote local handcrafting skills; and takes care to utilise materials, like camel and calf hides, that have been sourced exclusively in the East African region.

The Rift Valley Leather range includes functional and fashionable handbags, totes, purses, briefcases and travel luggage branded with the company's logo as a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship. The company also incorporates recycled materials including; cement bags, inner tubes and tins cans into its designs. Currently seeking ethical trading status, Rift Valley Leather is invested in its local community, offering amongst other initiatives, a continuous training programme to ensure the development of skills amongst its staff; and supports the Red Rhino Orphanage Project.   

Taher Chemirik
Fluid, sculptural pieces formed out of shimmering gold and silver metals are defining characteristics of Algerian designer, Taher Chemirik’s striking jewellery pieces, which include bold, oversized cuffs and giant links that form statement chokers. Hailing from a family of designers, Taher describes his upbringing as ‘unconventional’, and cites his sources of inspiration as being his African roots, Oriental sophistication, modern art, and the antiques he collects in Paris’ famed flea markets; the city he now calls home.

After studying architecture in Algeria, Taher left his home country for Paris where he studied Fine Art. Upon graduation the Designer worked for the Opera de Paris designing costumes and accessories. A desire to learn more about jewellery making saw Taher leave the comfort of another respected design job to become an apprentice at a traditional Parisian jewellery atelier, where he learnt many secrets of the highly-skilled trade. Following his apprenticeship Taher’s work was noticed by Karl Largerfeld, who invited him to collaborate on a project, marking the first of many such collaborations with leading international designers. Handcrafted by Taher himself, every piece produced is stamped with a signature mark to ensure authenticity, and is crafted using precious metals: gold, sterling silver and platinum; and materials such as ebony wood, which are all then set with Tahitian pearls, and gemstones including tourmalines, rubies, emeralds, quartz and chalcedony in an array of vivid colours, with a sprinkling of diamonds added for extra sophistication.

In addition to his own eponymous brand, Taher also designs jewellery, accessories and silverware collections for Parisian Maisons. Taher’s jewellery is also part of the permanent collection at the Musee National des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, and in 2007 the designer was honoured with a listing in Time magazine’s ‘The Design 100’. In another nod to his architectural training Taher Chemirik has recently designed an elegant range of interior furniture, which echoes his sculptural jewellery designs in form and structure and includes a brass screen, and a coffee table made from brass, and topped with sardonyx hard stone.

Azza Fahmy
7000 years of Egyptian culture and tradition embodies the luxury jewellery collections of Egyptian jeweller, Azza Fahmy, whose elegant, statement designs you cannot help but visualise adorning the necks and wrists of Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Like the legendary ancient culture that influences it, Azza Fahmy jewellery is elegant and regal, featuring handcrafted intricate detailing in gold and silver precious metals, and vibrant, shimmering gemstones, that help lend a contemporary edge.

Azza Fahmy began her jewellery career forty years ago when a book on 'classical jewellery during Europe's Middle Ages' compelled her to learn more about jewellery making. Turning away from a career in interior design and further formal studies, Azza chose instead to learn her craft amidst the passageways of Khan El Khalili in Cairo, becoming an apprentice to one of Egypt's most highly skilled master craftsman. This was during the seventies, and in pursuing an apprenticeship; Azza was challenging some of the cultural and socially acceptable expectations of the time. After two years of hands-on training, Azza went on to study more of the theoretical side of jewellery making in London, courtesy of a British Council fellowship, returning to Cairo in the early eighties where she set up her eponymous workshop, Azza Fahmy, assisted by two workers. 

Azza is inspired by traditional Egyptian jewellery, and during the early years of her workshop began to explore the culture and history of Islamic design, combining her findings with a love of architecture seen in sleek sculptural forms, resulting in a distinctive signature style that has awarded Azza an international reputation as the leading jewellery designer in North Africa and the Middle Eastern region. Poetry is another of Azza's passions, and led to the sought-after Azza Fahmy signature 'Culture Collection', which sees meaningful and inspirational verses traditional poems, rendered in elegant calligraphy and inscribed into bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and key chains.  

The connection between culture and the designs produced at Azza Fahmy is very much at the heart of the business, and has seen Azza become a cultural ambassador for country, earning Azza the title; 'First lady of cultural jewellery'. This role has seen Azza travel extensively, sharing her insight and creations in more than two hundred international exhibitions. To day Azza Fahmy, employs over 170 people in roles that include handcrafting, designing and marketing.

...jewellery fit for a queen

Solomon Appollo
Whilst browsing the online fashion accessories site Boticca, I came across a feature on London based luxury handbag and fashion accessories label, Solomon Appollo who have a gorgeous, colourful range of ‘hard to choose one’ clutch bags. Designed by Ozie Amadi, a graphic designer turned fashion accessories designer who was born and raised in East London; Solomon Appollo is all about cute and convenient stylishness. Solomon Appollo combines Ozie’s European upbringing and her Nigerian culture and heritage, factors, which are a major influence on her design aesthetic. Citing her mother and her aunts as particular influences, as she accompanied them on fabric buying trips and trips to the seamstress, Ozie also recalls childhood memories where her heritage would be expressed through music, fashion and food, brightly coloured fabrics and patterns, intricate embroidery and elaborate headwear. Ozie also draws inspiration from London’s vibrant multicultural society. However, it was a bad experience with a bag that led Ozie to explore the possibilities of designing her own range, and saw a return to University to gain the skills she needed to achieve her dream. In addition to retraining, Ozie spent two years developing the designs and travelling around Europe, sourcing suppliers for her production needs.

The name Solomon Appollo is rather unique and has been in Ozie’s family for nearly two decades, having previously been owned by her brother who had an urban streetwear label, which he closed in 1998. Ozie decided to claimed the name, giving it a new lease of life. The Solomon Appollo range includes mini satchels and cute envelop clutches, made with high quality leathers, soft suede’s and pony skin, complemented with fabrics like Kente, Ankara and the ever-popular wax cloth, which is used either on the handbag’s outer or as colourful lining in the inner. Shiny hardware in the form chain straps, clasps and playful detailing like the tassels seen on the Temple Pillar clutch bags complete the look.

Maji Umbrellas
Living in the UK with its unpredictable weather, it goes without saying having an umbrella is a necessity and it is easy to through many in quick succession in the course of a year, hoping each new purchase will serve its purpose of keeping you dry and be not blown away when confronted with a bit of wind. Inevitably there are many styles to choose from, and the latest entry in the market is Maji Umbrellas whose ethos is to create sturdy, stylish umbrellas that do more than just keep you dry.

Maji Umbrellas was founded by Canadian/Somali model and activist, Ubah Hassan, and Dr Eric Dessner; and was the response to a need to find a way to fund sustainable solutions to the problems of water supply affecting the Horn of Africa, and other parts of the world stricken by drought. Maji means water in Swahili, and sales of Maji Umbrellas help towards providing sources of clean water to affected communities throughout the region. Through a partnership with Oxfam America, purchasing a Maji umbrella results in a day's clean water supply to 20 people. The impact of access to clean water and supply is a personal one for Ubah, who left a war torn Somalia at the age of seven with her family, and acutely remembers the challenges they faced in getting water and knows firsthand what it is like to be thirsty.

Featuring a windproof locking system, easy grip wooden handle, black wooden shaft, push button opening and a stylish two-tone display, there are currently two styles to choose from; the Moonshade umbrella whose silver black colours were chosen to represent the brilliant, silver glow of the moon on clear night in the Saharan sky; and the Blue Sahara umbrella which features a navy blue exterior and a golden interior chosen to highlight the importance of water in arid, desert environments.

Okapi
May/June this year saw South African luxury concept boutique, Merchants on Long pop up in London at The Shop at Bluebird. I was away during that time and just missed it, however those who visited were treated to some of the African continent's established and emerging fashion brands including: Lalesso, SAWA, MaxHosa by Laduma, Bantu and Okapi. Okapi is a luxury handbag line produced in South Africa by Hanneli Rupert, the founder of Merchants on Long.

Launched in 2012, Okapi is named after the Central African Antelope; a solitary, elusive creature once believed to be mythical, and is often referred to as the 'African Unicorn'. This air of mystery and the thrill of discovery is what defines the Okapi brand. Placing an emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship, Okapi produces handcrafted handbag and accessories collections made with leathers including suede and ostrich, and come in evocatively named colours like cocoa and cognac. Okapi's creations also feature detailing like 18 carat gold hardware and Springbok horns for a unique touch. I, however was taken with the combination of traditional basket weaving in vivid colours and red ostrich leather to create a gorgeously stylish pouch bag; just the thing for the weekend chic.  
 

Savannah Chic
We may be entering Autumn here in the Northern Hemisphere, but you can still hold onto the summer feeling with Savannah Chic's range of contemporary jewellery, including some vibrant bracelets from the company's 'Summer Love' collection, which sees colourful Kikoy's woven into necklaces and bracelets that conjure up the carefree spirit of Summer.

Predominately handmade in partnership with carefully selected artisans and workshops in Kenya, Savannah Chic's jewellery collections are contemporary and colourful; ranging from bold brights and fresh delicate pastels to the warm earth tones of nature incorporated in elegantly shaped horn pieces that are inlaid with thin brass strips, updating a classic style; coloured recycled glass that is interspersed with handmade brass charms for feminine charm; whilst playful ceramic beads add a pop of colour to brass bangles and rings. Bringing together the past and the present, rare beads such as Don Don Sole are used, as well as the ancient art of lost wax casting to make brass pendants; and wooden medallions featuring intricate patterns pay homage to cultures gone by.

Based in Kenya and Switzerland, Savannah Chic was founded in 2009 by Charu and Shruti Patel, a mother and daughter team, who joined forces to create a company that would help bring about positive and sustainable change in their native Kenya. Shruti had spent eight years working in international development, and although she found working to make a difference fulfilling, she acknowledges that she rarely saw the difference that was being made on the ground. Savannah Chic was founded on the principles of fair trade, adhering to the ten standards for fair trade organistions that were set out by the World Fair Trade Organistion (WFTO), these include transparency and accountability; payment of a a fair price; safe and healthy working conditions; creating opportunities; and better environmental practices. As part of their efforts, Savannah Chic also provides mentoring schemes for the artists and groups they work with.

Koshie O
Compact and colourful; New York-based fashion label Koshie O's range of messenger bags make for perfect weekend accessories. Just the right size for all your essentials, the Lady Splash Messenger Bag is made with a patchwork of bold and vibrant Ankara prints on the front flap, which is accessorised with a gold metal plated chain and logo detailing. Complementary plain canvas fabric on the back and straps provides contrast and leather detailing on the sides completes the design.

Koshie O was founded in 2010 by Ghanaian/Lebanese designer, Nina Baksmaty who was raised in Ghana, and now divides her time between New York and Ghana. Nina's mother, is a well-known Ghanaian designer and it is from her that Nina's passion for fashion design grew. Spending much time in her mother's shop and accompanying her on buying trips and attending fashion shows, Nina was immersed in the world of fashion design, gaining first-hand experience in the evolution process of creating clothes; and eventually going on to create her own label; Koshie O. Through Koshie O Nina seeks to combine African themes and design aesthetics with contemporary influences; and sources high quality fabrics from around the world for her designs, which are produced by tailors, dressmakers and artisans in Ghana.

Additional details:
Lady Splash Messenger Bags priced at: USD$60/£72
For further information about Koshie O and to purcahse visit: www.koshieo.com
Bags also available to purchase from Yoox: www.yoox.com 

Universal Fashion Ethiopia
Seeking a way to combine the three main passions in her life; the human spirit, fashion and social responsibility led medical doctor, Dr Amy Demissew, to set up Universal Fashion Ethiopia, a company which produces a range of personal and interior furnishings that are hand-woven in Ethiopia. Amy sees fashion a universal theme in this world, noting that different culture have their own fashion identity uniting people, Amy who was born and raised in Ethiopia, now resides in the Netherlands; and remembers as a child designing and wearing her own creations. Amy sees fashion a universal theme in this world, noting that different culture have their own fashion identity uniting people. Through Universal Fashion Ethiopia Amy pays homage to the people and culture of Ethiopia, drawing inspiration from the diversity and long history of weaving in the country which is seen in the beautifully woven collection of luxuriously soft scarves, for men and women that are available in a range of colours ranging from bright to subtle and the ideal accessory for any season. The company also produces elegant cushions, table runners and curtains.   

Amy's work in psychiatry has enabled her to study the human spirit closely observing that no matter how different we may appear at the core we have a common natural spirit of wanting to be happy whatever we do, and a desire to experience the meaning of life; a need that can be filled through serving others. Acknowledging the feeling of goodness that comes with helping others, Amy also believes in the need to teach others to help themselves as a way of creating a sustainable future, and by setting up Universal Fashion Ethiopia Amy hopes to contribute to the development of Ethiopian society by providing jobs, a good working environment and fair pay. The company also finances micro credit opportunities to help those the company works with to achieve their dreams of setting up a small business and providing for their families in a responsible way rather than simply relying on handouts.