Earth Couture
With it getting chillier and darker outdoors, it is so tempting to stay in doors curled up in comfy clothes but sometimes comfy can mean 'living' in your favourite PJ’s or tracksuit when the opportunity arises… nothing wrong with that, but if you want to up the style stakes then Earth Couture’s easy-to-wear collections are perfect offering stylish yet comfortable clothes so you can still look good whilst slouching around the house.  

Blending fashion with organic ideals Earth Couture is all about glamorous loungewear with a purpose. The launch of Earth Couture was the fulfillment of a lifelong passion and dream for founder Meleni Bharwani who, as a self confessed ‘organic girl’ since the age of sixteen, sought to combine eco-friendly practices with glamorous designs. Meleni’s passion for fashion came whilst working for the family business designing jewels, born in the United States Virgin Islands Meleni studied at New York University and Central Saint Martins moving to Lagos, Nigeria in 2007 where she opened a mutli-brand designer boutique. The idea for Earth Couture came into fruition whilst she was in Nigeria. Today Earth Couture is a family owned business that uses certified organic cotton to produce comfortable loungewear that radiates a sense of calm in a muted colour palette using natural dyes in soft pinks, taupes, navy blues, and khakis amongst others. For Autumn Winter 2011 Earth Couture teamed up with South African born, British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who brought her renowned design aesthetic to a range of stretchy dresses, leggings and t-shirts to name a few. Not just for staying at home, Earth Coutrue separates are perfect for layering, mixing and matching the colours for a relaxed look outdoors or at the gym.

Positive ethical principles are at the forefront of Earth Couture’s philosophy. Adhering to strict global certification and standards the cotton Earth Couture uses is grown without artificial fertilisers, insecticides or herbicides; and all production processes including spinning, dyeing and manufacture are strictly supervised. Earth Couture works with factories that adhere to fair working conditions, visiting each factory before working with them to ensure that this is the case. In addition to using organic and recycled materials Earth Couture also strives to recycle all unwanted materials that would other wise end up in landfills, and garments are packaged in recycled cardboard, plastic and paper. The Indigo collection is dyed locally in Nigeria and is a way of supporting traditional textile dyeing techniques. Not just about creating clothes Earth Couture is working towards helping to combat malaria and with every purchase made the Earth Couture Charity donates plant based mosquito coils to families who need them in Itako, Lagos Nigeria.

...look good at home without costing the earth

Alber Elbaz for Lanvin/Dessine L'Espoir 
Lanvin, acknowledged as the longest running couture fashion house, recently launched its first ever girls wear collection, called ‘Lanvin Petite’ and to mark the occasion has commissioned a set of four very chic soft dolls. Designed by Elber Albaz, Lanvin's celebrated Creative Director, the beautifully hand-embroidered and hand stitched limited edition dolls were produced by a community of women in Swaziland and will be on sale from November. Lanvin, a fashion house with a rich heritage teamed up with charity Dessine L'Espoir (also known as Designing Hope) to create the pretty little dolls which are dressed in miniature versions of the new 'Lanvin Petite' collection, and said to pay homage to Lanvin’s founder Jeanne Lanvin, who loved designing children’s clothes. Under the helm of the Israeli designer Elber Albaz, renowned for his imagination, luxury and fantasy; Lanvin is one of the world’s sought after fashion collections; who can forget last years ‘stampede’ when Lanvin teamed up with H&M for a collection that promptly sold out! Born in Moroccan Elber Albaz continues Lanvin’s legacy of timeless, feminine clothes made from the finest of fabrics and this aesthetic is translated into the beautiful dresses of the dolls. Lanvin and Dessine L'Espoir have worked together in the past and this latest collaboration is a continuation of the partnership. 

Dessine L'Espoir is an NGO working throughout the African continent, which uses creativity to address the stigma attached to HIV and AIDS. Dessine L'Espoir assists individuals and communities living with HIV/AIDS and the resulting impact by providing support in the form of home-based care, medical, food and shelter and psychological support; as well as running training programmes such as sewing workshops, offering financial assistance and establishing income-generating projects. Dessine L'Espoir's pioneering initiative, called ‘Fashion Designs Hope’ sees collaborations between fashion designers, artists, musicians and other creatives to create objects that are then made by the local communities it supports in Africa; initiatives have been run in Swaziland, South Africa and Burkina Faso to name a few. The group holds many exhibitions and fundraising activities with proceeds going towards the projects it has established and a percentage of each Lanvin doll sold will go to Dessine L'Espoir.

...all dolled up and resplendent in their finery right down to their 'painted' fingernails the figurines are sure to become collectables. 

Additional Information Sourced From:
www.vogue.co.uk

CrOp by David Peck
David Peck is an American fashion designer whose innovative custom made prints are turned into elegantly, quirky fashion collections. Launched for Spring/Summer 2011, CrOp by David Peck is a collection of some gorgeously feminine dresses, skirts and tops. It was the prints and the inspiration behind them that especially caught my attention; the collection entitled ‘Common Threads’ was based on a collaboration with Houston-based photojournalist Jamie Leigh Collier, whose photographs taken in different locations around Uganda were then translated by David into stunning custom fabrics used to make up the collection. Placed side by side you can immediately see the evocative quality the photographs bring to the clothes. I’ve fallen in love with the different variations of the beautifully printed Bridgette dress.

Based on collaborations with other creative individuals who share in the common goal of giving back, CrOp stands for ‘Creative Opportunities’ and David aims to develop a community of artists who can work together to devise new opportunities. As a designer who has made a commitment to sustainable design practices the CrOp collection is made using 100% organic and certified fairtrade fabrics. David’s signature custom made prints use methods that have minimal impact on the environment and 10% of every CrOp collection goes towards a charity related to the inspiration behind each collection produced.

Trained as a fashion designer in Paris, David went onto launch his eponymous collection in the city in 2006, moving to New York in 2008 where he launched Untitled 11:11, and has now moved to Houston where he launching CrOp by David Peck in 2010. Mixing Parisian elegance with American practicality, the influence of David’s time spent honing his skills in some of Paris’s most famous luxury fashion houses is evident in the quality and luxury that go into his designs.

...evocative prints that carry stories within their imprints

Isossy Children
Whether prim and proper or cute and stylish, Isossy Children caters to the needs of today’s fashion forward children with a beautifully designed contemporary collection of designer clothing for girls aged 2-10 years, that aims to transcend cultural differences. Isossy Children’s founder Amanda Rabor’s first venture into designing children’s clothing was in 1994 when she started Culture Kidz with the help of a Princes Trust grant. Amanda left the world of children's fashion to raise her son; eventually establishing Isossy Children 15 years later in 2009.

Taking inspiration from African and Asian textile prints; Isossy Children embraces global influences, reflecting the world we live in today and the fabrics used are selected for their suitability to a child’s active lifestyle. Vibrant colours and richly patterned prints are translated into a collection including; party and day dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, tops and jackets, in cuts that are flattering and age appropriate. Many of the print styles are available as limited edition to keep things fresh and maintain a level of exclusivity. Collections come in classic and trendsetting styles ensuring that most tastes and occasions are catered for.

The African prints contrasted with plain complimentary colour fabrics are all 100% cotton, as too are the linings. The Asian influences appear in pretty party dresses, where brightly coloured 100% silk is enhanced with beaded trimmings to make them extra special.

…celebrating diversity, Isossy Children is perfect for global princesses everywhere

Additional details:
For further information and to purchase visit: www.isossychildren.com

Mantsho
The previous post mentioned the collaboration between Beloved Beadwork and Mantsho who made a welcome return to the South African Fashion Week catwalk following a hiatus that creator and designer Palesa Mokubung attributes to a lack of inspiration; using the time instead to recharge and learn about the business side of fashion. Palesa describes this period as ‘scary’ and going through the same thing myself I am acutely aware of how she feels; it takes a lot to down tools on something that in a way is an extension, an expression of you.

Passionate about fashion from a young age Palesa honed her design skills at renowned fashion house Stoned Cherrie rising to become the company’s top designer before leaving to form her own company Mantsho which translates as ‘Brutally Black’ in 2004. The success of her initial collections provided the opportunity to showcase her designs internationally including having her designs as part of the Daimler Contemporary Art exhibition in Berlin and at the Annual Fashion Forward International Thessaloniki show in Greece.

Noted for being one of South Africa’s highly innovative fashion forward designers; Mantsho fuses genre's like punk, avant-garde and Afro chic into creations sought after by some of the region’s most stylish women.

…all at once feminine, bold and edgy; Mantsho is ‘Afro-space-Age’ chic as defined by one fashion journalist 

GloRia WavaMunno
The GloRia WavaMunno brand is a true reflection of British-Ugandan fashion designer GloRia WavaMunno’s love and passion for individuality, sensuality and culture; defining threads that weave continuously throughout each collection she creates.

Born in London and raised in London and Kampala, GloRia founded her eponymous label in 2009 shortly after graduating from university and debuted her first collection, ‘Love’ in the same year; as well as making her first catwalk appearance showcasing at South African Fashion Week followed by London Fashion Week a year later.

GloRia can trace her interest in fashion back to a very young age and today inspiration for her collections is drawn from definitive fashion era’s such as vintage 1950’s and 60’s glamour see in her flirty prom dresses right through to the chic and funk of the 1980’s in shoulder pads and graphic t-shirts; mixing it all up with colourful African Kitenge prints gathered from across the African continent. 

Set on playing her part in redefining the African fashion industry, GloRia’s signature style of authentic fabrics, sharp tailoring, sensual designs and individuality go into creating edgy collections that are the platforms to proclaim her passions and inspirations. GloRia’s designs are sexy with rebellious overtones and sees items like T-shirt’s emblazoned with bold prints and slogans paired with elegantly cut blazers; a nod to her time spent interning at Ozwald Boatang; a place GloRia credits with not only honing her skills in fabric cutting, garment construction and tailoring, but also the place where she got to explore the nature of becoming an entrepreneur.

With collections that are getting edgier with each season, GloRia WavaMunno is cementing her place amongst a new pioneering generation of African designers; blending culture and chic, luxury and function, whimsy and reality to create clothes that are all at once, romantic, eccentric and truly modern.  

...GloRia WavaMunno is funky and fresh

Bantu
It was so cold last night one would think we were in the middle of winter! I had rather high hopes for the British summer given the glorious start we had; however lately it’s been a bit hit and miss leaving me to look forward to a holiday in the sun instead. This brings the dilemma of what to wear and trying to pack light, something I’m still trying to master, especially when the ‘just in case I need it’ thought reigns supreme. When it comes to swimwear, Bantu’s chic and colourful pieces would definitely make their way in.

American/Ethiopian Yodit Ecklund founded Bantu, which means ‘gateway’ in Wolof (Senegal’s native language), with a mission to ‘introduce the world to African beach culture’ with a line of vibrant beachwear and accessories in striking African prints and using an all-African manufacturing process. Tapping into the vibrant beach culture that exists across the continent from Dakar to Zanzibar; Casablanca to Cape Town, Bantu as the name suggests desires to be a gateway to this exciting world raising awareness and contributing to change across the continent. Yodit hopes that more consumers will begin to demand finished products from Africa, rather than simply seeing the export of the raw materials.

…so time to kick back and glam it up around the pool or on the beach in Africhic style!

Casely-Hayford
A few weeks ago I engaged in a lively debate with some family members; we were discussing Zimbabwean businesses and what it takes to establish lasting legacies known all over the world for quality, service and craftsmanship; that not only the business but the country as a whole could be proud of; a debate that can easily extend to African businesses across the continent. Lasting legacies are something you see all the time with British heritage brands like Burberry and Mulberry, the former dating back over a hundred years, and the French couture houses. I'm not saying legacies in Africa don't exist, quite the opposite in that some go back thousands of years; the difference I think is that they have tended to be verbal passed down the generations through storytelling, and physical through the passing down of skills; the danger with this is that should a generation lose interest that legacy then ceases and some of the 'story' gets lost along the way. However in today’s digital age recording and maintaining legacies for future generations has become somewhat easier. Back to my debate, things got heated but in the process raised some interesting questions/issues that I am still continuing to mull over, and for what ever reason the British Menswear label Casely-Hayford keeps springing to mind as a fine example of a legacy in motion.

Casely-Hayford was formed in 2007 when fashion designer/tailor Joe Casely-Hayford teamed up with his son Charlie, to create a line of menswear based on the philosophy that all men possess a degree of anarchy within their character; anarchy in the sense of independence rather than a total disregard for the rules, and the brand reflects this through their designs which fuse a carefree spirit with the meticulous tradition of classic men’s tailoring. The first Casely-Hayford collection launched in Spring/Summer 2009. Founded on two simple phrases ‘English Sartorialism’ and ‘British Anarchy’, Casely-Hayford is at once unconventional and classic British; and although a pioneering British brand, the label can trace its roots back to Ghana. Joe Casely-Hayford was named after his grandfather, J. E. Casely-Hayford; an eminent Ghanaian lawyer and Statesmen whose novel ‘Ethiopia Unbound’ written in 1911 was said to have greatly influenced Pan-African politics and the leading civil rights activists of the time. The careers may be different but the pioneering spirit cannot be denied.

Casely-Hayford’s philosophy is also one of craftsmanship, present at every stage of the design and production process utilised through the skills of Master craftsmen. Savile Row tailoring methods are employed drawing on the heritage of the institution. Throughout his career Joe Casely-Hayford has always sought to combine innovation with tradition and since the early eighties has designed men and women’s wear collections through an eponymous fashion label and dressed some of the biggest bands in the world. Joe became the first designer to design for TopShop in 1993 and has also been involved in the educational side of the fashion industry. For three years, 2005-2008, Joe was the Creative Director of Gieves and Hawkes; a Savile Row house with a 200-year history; and was instrumental in repositioning the brand for the 21st century. More recently Joe has created an exclusive collection for John Lewis UK entitled, Joe Casely-Hayford for John Lewis. Following in his father’s footsteps Charlie Casely-Hayford started out by making his mark on the London creative scene through stints at places like i-D magazine and Creative Review, but it was during his late teens when he got to undertake an intensive apprenticeship at his father’s studio, learning the craft and what goes into building a brand that the groundwork for the beings of a unique father and son legacy was laid. Together through their mix of sportswear and tailoring Casely-Hayford is leading the way in modern British style.

...The Casely-Hayford man exudes understated-elegance and quiet confidence, with a very quirky dose of free-spiritedness


Additional information sourced from: www.iqons.com

Lalesso
Implementing a strategy of focussing solely on producing perennially summer collections combined with visually compelling imagery has worked to instill Kenyan-based fashion label Lalesso firmly in the minds of those seeking beautiful yet relaxed summer and holiday wear. I have lost count of the number of Lalesso dresses and skirts that have floated towards me in recent years when walking the streets of London.

Recognisable by the distinctive Khanga prints used, Lalesso is increasingly making its mark on summer/resort wear seasons across the globe. I love the clothes but have to say that the photoshoots have captivated my imagination, I just want to pack a bag and go on holiday now and it doesn't help that I've spent the past week planning a getaway for my parents, having to look at some enticing beach destinations. Lalesso have got the mood just right!

Co-designers Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser, set up Lalesso after a holiday to Lamu Island of the coast of North Kenya, inspired by the vibrant and pattern rich East African 'khanga' fabrics, also known as 'lesso' hence the company name. The design duo sought to turn the colourful fabrics into some gorgeous, effortlessly stylish clothing that captures the carefree spirit of summer. A natural design aesthetic, raw talent and the resources available in Kenya also provided inspiration, influencaing the decision to set up the business there. Lalesso works with Kenyan artisans incorporating their creative talents on many aspects of their designs from elements such as: swing tickets, beading and buttons. Bringing much needed jobs and investment to the area, Olivia and Alice were instrumental in establishing the ethical production factory SOKO (whom I have previously profiled, responsible for manufacturing not only all of Lalesso's garments, but those of other international designers too.

A pioneering ethical fashion and lifestyle brand that is a regular on Africa's premier catwalks, Lalesso is committed to uplifting communities through providing employment and fair wages; and minimising it's impact on the environment. Lalesso is currently one of the first zero carbon fashion brands in the world today.

...so in their own words 'visit the shop and Lalesso yourself for the summer'!    

Pyromaniac by mp
The legendary unpredictability of the British weather calls for the need to be prepared at all times when venturing outdoors and gives rise to a spring/summer staple; the trench coat, a wardrobe must-have in classic beige but mix it up with some colourful options for head turning style. Fusing timeless and with a touch of African glamour and designed to give a flattering chic silhouette, Pyromaniac by mp have a couple of bold, graphic print knee length trench’s that would look good whether dressed up or down.

Hailing from Yaoundé, Cameroon, the driving force behind Pryomaniac is designer and stylist Michèle P who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. This is after a time spent in Paris learning her craft and honing her skills at various ‘maisons de couture’ around the city. Living in three continents combined with various travels and her upbringing has shaped Michèle P's designs; her mother is a well-known and locally acclaimed fashion designer in Cameroon influencing her love for clothes.

Michèle P’s debut collection entitled ‘Be Wear’ envisions a daring, fiery woman who embraces her femininity and was inspired by the classic 50’s pin-up look characterised by defined busts and cinched in waists, all brought up to-date with striking prints, embellishment and fabric combinations such as cotton, leather and silk. I was enamored by the simple style and colourful print of the dress below, cute and perfect for summer; and as an added touch you can choose your hemline length from the playful mini to elegant just below the knee.

…I do love trench coats - they make me feel empowered, sexy and stylish... I guess its because I always think they give a polished, often mysterious look to the wear