Ozwald Boateng’s ‘I Love Soweto’ Shoot

British Ghanaian designer and bespoke tailor, Ozwald Boateng has long been a trailblazer in the world of fashion. As the youngest, and first black tailor to have a shop on London’s revered Savile Row, Boateng has redefined the way we see the suit. His ultra chic tailoring, as often seen on the red carpet, is not only impeccably stylish, his suits are said to “enhance the personality of the wearer”. The ‘I Love Soweto’ shoot for his SS ’12 collection proves his ability to create looks that are at once refined, whilst being packed with personality. The collection to my eye appears to incorporate influences from the English gentleman and colonial attire to 1930′s Hollywood and the ever dapper Congolese sapeurs. Overall, the collection and the shoot are a reaction to Western fashion’s current take on African style. Of this Boateng says;

“From the beginning I have always wanted to shoot this collection in Africa, and the ‘I Love Soweto’ shoot captured what I was trying to do so beautifully. Spring/Summer 2012 essentially represents a European take on an African aesthetic, and my African heritage coupled with the setting of Soweto really gave the concept it’s authenticity”. – Ozwald Boateng

Sources: Ozwald Boateng & Afroklectic.com

Asa – Preacher Man (Live)

This performance by (one of my faves), Asa is over a year old now, but it still feels fresh and relevant. Check out her beautiful rendition of her classic song, Preacher Man.

Source: Balcony TV London

Adrien Sauvage’s ‘Dress Easy’ AW ’12 Collection

British Ghanaian designer, Adrien Sauvage’s newest collection is a beautiful mish-mash of contemporary styles, seamlessly tied together with slim fitting silhouettes, exquisite detailing and a muted colour palate. Dashes of his cultural heritage are added through gorgeous tailoring and Ghanaian printed fabric in key pieces.

Source: http://www.shadders.net

SMOD – Ça Chante

Good morning, Afrika! Happy Monday!

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – Rise

Fela’s legacy lives on…

M-E-S-A Street Art in the Western Sahara

Stunning murals by street artist, M-E-S-A in the Western Sahara.

The Sahara, under hard conditions of life, living in the so called ‘desert of the deserts’ a land that has no end, where time doesn’t exist. This mystic culture, full of magic is in a political conflict whose solution isn’t appropriate for many countries, including mine. The old Saharawi’s villages that are found in the Moroccan occupied Western Sahara, have been and continue today being victims of crimes against humanity. [They] are separated from the liberated Sahara by ‘the wall of shame’ (a military wall), defended with large military forces on the front line, and protected with millions of land mines by the liberated part. [They] say that art crosses borders. After seeing the reality, I am proud to contribute my little grain of sand, transmitting a message of peace and freedom. – M-E-S-A

Source: http://www.africandigitalart.com/2012/04/infinito/

We Love Tart Clothing

I think I know why I love Tart Clothing so much. It’s the simple silhouettes, together with its quirky play on shape that I love. I adore the hues and the youthful energy of the current collection (pictured above), and the simple jersey knits just look so comfortable and easy to wear. AND (yes, there’s another and), their collections are “Proudly South African” and all locally produced. A winner all round then.

http://www.tartclothing.co.za/

Death Metal Angola

An interesting documentary on Angola’s death metal sub-culture, directed by Jeremy Xido.

Illume Sessions: Nneka (In Her Own Words)

Perhaps a wee bitty late, but better late than never. The wonderful Illume Creative Studio have put together a fascinating documentary on Nneka, and her East African tour earlier this year, which took her from Kigali in the West to the ever beautiful Zanzibar in the East. Check it out!

http://illume-cs.com/

Adèle Dejak to Launch New Rogo Collection

For those who are based in Nairobi or nearby, you are some lucky, lucky people. Adèle Dejak will, on the 5th of May officially unveil her newest collection – Rogo – at the annual Tribal Chic fashion show. Excitingly for people like me however, the collection will be available online via Dejak’s new online store in the very near future.

The Rogo collection its self, inspired by long-standing ambassadors of the Dejak’s brand, is effortlessly stylish, bold yet perfectly formed. Its statement making pieces are highly covetable, and reflect the designer’s personal heritage – from West to East Africa, via Europe. What’s really interesting though is how Dejak’s work reinterprets the way in which traditional African artistry can be utilised.

The stunning Rogo collection incorporates a gorgeous mixture of materials, including recycled aluminium, recycled brass, recycled denim, leather, horn, mouth-watering Kuba cloth and wax print fabric to die for. All of which have been beautifully crafted by skilled Kenyan artisans and expert crafts people from across East Africa to produce stand out accessories that can take you from day to night.

For further info, or to subscribe to the Adèle Dejak mailing list, visit http://www.adeledejak.com/blog/2012/04/a-marriage-of-style-and-substance-adele-dejaks-new-collection-the-rogo-collection/