If you have been asleep on the fashion world for the last couple of months you may or may not be aware that recently on the 18th of November, Tunisian born and renowned designer Hervé Léger opened his first boutique in Italy. The brand owned by the BCBG Max Azria group chose Rome, on Via del Babuino, as the location for its new store. Hervé Léger will showcase his well recepted, super feminine collection in 85 square metres  of pure glamour. Decked out with fresh white stucco and elegant lighting, the store will welcome eager crowds ready to bombard the third boutique in  Europe, and the eleventh store in the world.

The brand was originally launched by Léger in Paris in 1985 and following this it became apart of the BCBG  MaxAzria Group in 1998. A re-launch of the brand took place in New York, where it has been hosting catwalk shows since 2007 (including, NYFW 2011).

“When I took over the Herve Leger Fashion house, I had a single idea in mind: Hollywood glamour. I’ve always very much wanted to have a boutique in Rome, the capital of fashion and la dolce vita…Hervé Léger has become a brand that’s a touchstone for the fashion world.”
stated Max Azria to VOGUE Italia.  The brand has catered to the needs of many celebs in the past including Keira Knightely, Kate Winslet, Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendes, Kate Brosworth and Jennifer Lopez.

Checkout Herve Leger’s S/S 2012 Campaign featuring Ethopian Somalian Model, Fatima Siad:

~Amy Iheakanwa

Tags: bcgb, BCGB Max Azria, fashionable via de babuino, Fatima Siad, Herve Leger, herve leger africa, herve leger autumn winter 2007, hervé léger boutique, herve leger in italia, Herve leger Italy, Herve Leger new Boutique store, herve leger website italian, herve legere, herve legere italy, herveleger-italy.com, jlo herve leger, Via del Babuino

Styled by Alexandra Elbim, model Egle Tvirbutaite poses gracefully for a new L’Officiel Paris shoot by Polish fashion photographer Marcin Tyszka. Alexandra successfully pulls off another high end African inspired shoot for February 2012, using garments from the likes of Burberry, Gucci, Kenzo, Marni, Chloe and Pringle of Scotland, to name a few. If you recall from last year, VOGUE Australia also released their own African- inspired edition, with the above designers also making appearances. The clashing prints and fabrics are favourably thrown together with a very contemporary-chic edge, representing the continual rise of African fashion, (and the inspired participants) which doesn’t seem to be ’falling off the map’ any time soon.

Tell us what you think.

Complete spread: www.lofficielmode.com

Amy Iheakanwa

Tags: african culture fashion photographers, african culture fashion photography, african fashion photography, african high fashion, african inspired dress fashion, african inspired fashion, African Inspired Paris L'officiel, african inspired photo shoots, african inspired photoshoot, African inspired shoot, african photo shoot, Alexandra Elbim, alexandra elbim - fashion editor/stylist, alexandra elbim fashion stylist, alexandra elbim fashion week, best fashion photo shoots 2012, burberry fashion shoots, Burberry Prorsum, chloe, Egle Tvirbutaite, fashion inspired by africa, fashion photo shoots 2012, fashion shoot africa, graceful fashion pinterest, graceful fashion shoots, Gucci, haute african inspired photography, high end fall fahion, high end fashion photography, high end fashion shoot, high fashion africa, Kenzo, kenzo africa, kenzo african inspired, kenzo fashion inspiration, L'Officiel Paris 2012, lofficiel shoots, Marcin Tyszka, marcin tyszka february 2013, Marni, marni fashion designer africa, pringle, stile afro moda, vogue australia

YSL menswear creative designer Stefano Pilati

Suave models in leather and suits. Fall fashion perfection! YSL loves it’s clean cut and classic looks when it comes to its menswear collections. The offering for fall 2012 is not only debonair but oozes power and presence, two qualities a gentleman should never leave home without!

Military styled tailoring dominated the collection with extra trimmings of leather and buckle detailing adding a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the collection. This offering will definitely appeal to the wealthy and those that have a taste for the finer things in life. Impeccable colour scheme and fabric selection with the model styled tastefully in slicked back haircuts and freshly groomed faces. Double breasted jackets, fur stoles and metal buckles on the shoes are a few details that gave a classic feel to an otherwise modern-esque collection.

A piece that notably stood out from the rest of the collection is the navy blue sweater with a razor blade motif, that added a somewhat softer edge to the collection.

Image Credits: Style.com

- Andie Okon

Tags: debonair collection paris, debonair fashion, debonair paris collection, debonaire collection paris, Paris, paris fashion week, Paris Fashion Week 2012, stefano pilati suit, YSL, ysl men's fall 2012, ysl men's t shirt fall 2012, ysl mens fashion, Yves Saint Laurent, yves saint laurent men fashion week 2012

Alber Elbaz and his menswear designer, Lucas Ossendrijver

Moroccan Born Alber Elbaz has the attention of fashion audiences worldwide with a fascinating collection menswear fall 2012. Most of our fascination lies with the bright pieces and cinched wait lines. I guess Lanvin is looking to replicate its success with womenswear especially on the red carpet in the past year.

What we love about this collection is the fluidity and consistency in tailoring knowing that fall fashion is all about the suit and jacket. Choosing to depart from the normal of tailored suits for men’s fall fashion, the very classic tailoring and styles served as a foundation for expressive styles infused with dashes of modernity. This may be seen in the emphasised waistlines and exaggerated arms and shoulders. The colour palette is very typical for fall fashion but the designers threw in pink and orange to give the collection a desired edge.

Now, the real question is which of these pieces will make it from the catwalk to the sidewalk?

Image Credits: Style.com

- Andie Okon

Tags: african fashion in paris 2012, Fashion, Lanvin, menswear, Paris, paris collection 2012 mens, paris fashion week, Paris Fashion Week 2012

L’Espace brings a unique product mix and service offering to the fashion-forward customer. With a laidback and fun ambience – L’Espace creates its own shopping universe, allowing customers the convenience of a one-stop shop with fashion design from fresh young talent in fashion and accessories.

On the 18th of December 2011, LPM opened the doors of its multi concept retail store – L’Espace, for the much anticipated private preview. It was an evening of fun, food and networking, with a blend of fashion cognoscenti and serious shoppers who availed themselves of the many goodies on offer.

Contemporary, established and up and coming brands in the fashion and accessories categories, with varying aesthetics and price points means L’Espace offers value like no other. With constant updates, the sheer scale of options gives consumers the opportunity to re-invent themselves and recreate their look as often as they feel like. Trend or style inclined there’s something for the fashionable woman, and the modern man.

Some of the designers (& HauTe Faves) who debuted their capsule collections were:

Akpos Okudu:

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri:

Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Obsidian (Co-Founder of L’Espace):

Motara Thomas of Culture Collection (CuCo):

Sasha Alabi of Eclectic by Sasha:

Other Fashion Friends in the House:

Kikelola Soyode & Femi Ahmed:

Nneka of Nek2U:

Oyindamola Fakeye:

Wonuola Odunsi (Co-Founder of L’Espace):

Apart from Fashion & Accessories, L’espace has other services exclusive to the store such as the Nail Bar (Abuja’s decadent Garru Rafa pedicures), oenological indulgences, pieces for true art lovers, Voluspa candles and scented oils to transform your home or office a scented slice of heaven, and while you are at it raise up your sugar level with delicious frozen yoghurt on the go or naughty sweet treats for you and yours, L’Espace is THE lifestyle haven.

Watch the Stimulating L’Espace Commercial below:

L’Espace is now open everyday to the public from 10am – 8PM at 19 Olosa Street, off Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tags: african eclectic clothes, african eclectic dresses, akpos numarasi, akpos okudu, Beverly Naya, cuco collection, cuco collections, Culture Collective, Ebuka, Eclectic by Sasha, eclectic by sashe, eclectic sasha, eclecticism and africa fashion, ecleticbysasha, Ejiro AMos Tafiri, Femi Ahmed, Kikelola Soyode, L'Espace, Le Petit Marche, Lynxxx, motara fashion, Motara Thomas, Nek2u, nek2u blog, Nneka, obsidian, Oreka Godis, oyinda fakeye twitter, Oyindamola Fakeye, Rhecks, Sasha Alabi, Wonulola Odunsi, wonuola odunsi, www.akpos okudu.com

Seems like the Mina Evans label has found its solid footing in the wonderful world of African fashion with its newest collection, Terra Firma.

And the designer most certainly has a love for yellow and we don’t mind that at all, seeing as yellow is flattering and definitely attracts light in all the right places.

The selection of pieces is cohesive with minimal detail and the cuts, colours and fabrics doing all the talking. Here’s a collection that personifies the creative direction, growth and self-assuredness of the Mina Evans label.

Following the successful launch of the “Jewels & Tulle” collection, luxury fashion brand Mina Evans is back with a Spring/Summer collection to kick start the New Year. Dubbed “Terra Firma” a Latin word meaning “firm or solid ground”, the collection intricately incorporates the tie dye technique creating a luxurious marble effect accentuated with beads imported from the Czech Republic.

The collection is inspired by the Earth with dominant base tones of orange, beige, mustard and brown. Splashes of teal and white are added for softness through the use of raw silks and chiffons. Pieces in the collection include elegant form fitting dresses and separates with impeccable detailing using handpicked embellishments; a signature of the brand. The collection has been carefully designed to ensure a beautiful marriage of elegance and simplicity without compromising on style and glamour; another signature of Mina Evans.

“Terra Firma” marks another milestone for the luxury brand which is steadily building a reputation as a brand to be reckoned with within the African fashion milieu.

Mina Evans-Anfom, creative director and founder of the brand states “we have worked very hard; from intricately tie dyeing on luxury cotton to achieve our desired colour tones, to handpicking embellishments that add another dimension to our pieces. With “Terra Firma”, we wanted to be influenced by natural Earth and also wanted to show that we are solidly building our foundation.”

The collection will certainly appeal to women who ooze elegance and glamour but yet are not afraid to be simple and stylish.

Backstage Shoot:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-gXr_NUx4k&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

Contact info:

Website: www.minaevansonline.com

Twitter: @mina_evans

Email: info@minaevansonline.com

Marketing and Press Enquiries: modemaisonpr@gmail.com

- Andie Okon

Tags: African fashion, Mina Evans, Terra Firma

If there’s actually anything more exciting than spotting trends and watching designers cough out collection after collection every season. It’s their Fashion ADvertising Campaigns.

Shot with you in mind, Fashion Houses dare to make lasting impressions that will sell to you covering all your favourite glossies & billboards, some getting better by the year, while some just show more skin.

Eitherway they serve for great Brand representation of the labels story and mood for the season.

Here are some of the latest Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Campaigns from some of our favourite Fashion Houses of African Descent (Check back, weekly monthly and seasonally as this will be updated as new ones are released.)

Balmain:

Designer: French-Born African, Olivier Rousteing

Model: Anja Rubik

Photographed by: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Gavin Rajah:

Designer: South Africa’s Gavin Rajah

Model: Jessica At Max Models SA

Photographed by: Jesse Leigh Elford

Herve Leger:

Designer: Tunisian Born Max Azria of the BCBG Max Azria Group

Model: Somalian/Ethiopian Fatima Siad (Remember her from America’s Next Top Model? She recently featured in Maatano’s Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook & is also “One to watch in 2012, HauTe List”

Photographed by: Camilla Akrans

Lanvin:

Designer: Morroco Born Alber Elbaz

Model: Aymeline Valade, Marte Mei van Haaster, Aaron Vernon and Angus Lowe.

Photographed By: Steven Meisel

Yves Saint Laurent:

Late Designer/Founder: Algerian Born Yves Saint Laurent

Model: Mariacarla Boscono

Photographed by: David Sims

…

Tags: ad campaigns for sa fashion week, African fashion, african fashion campaign, Anja Rubik, Balmain, balmain ad campaign, balmain ad campaigns, balmain advertising, balmain campaign 2012, Camilla Akrans, campaign balmain 2007 ad, David Sims, fashion campaigns 2012, Fatima Siad, Gavin Rajah, HauTe List, Herve Leger, Inez Van Lamsweerde, Jesse Leigh Elford, Jessica, Lanvin, lanvin campaign 2012, lanvin campaign camilla akrans, Mariacarla Boscono, Mataano, Max Azria, Max Models, Olivier Rousteing, spring 2012 campaign, spring/summer 2012 campaign, Spring/Summer Campaign, Vinoodh Matadin, YSL, Yves Saint Laurent

It’s that time of the year, almost better than Christmas when the best in Film, Music, Fashion and the likes all come together to get acknowledged for their works – Awards seasons!

Yesterday was its debut, with The Golden Globe Award; an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign. The annual formal ceremony and dinner at which the awards are presented is a major part of the film industry’s awards season, which culminates each year with the Academy Awards (Woohoo!).

As much as we’d like to get into details of who won what, and what film was nominated  – we really are just concerned with one thing, and that’s the FASHION. Even better the African Influenced ones, and it we keep spotting on the Red Carpet, we keep wishing the numbers increase, and we believe they will!

This year was fun, and even better as we had a winner don a “Super Cool” Designer.

And without further ado, here are our Golden Globes 2012 Fashion Highlights:

Emily Deschanel is BCBG Max Azria:

Emma Stone in Lanvin:

Natalie Portman in Lanvin:

Golden Globe Winner for Best Actor in a Mini-Series or TV Movie for his role in “Luther.” Idris Elba in Ozwald Boateng:

So dashing!

Congratulations to all the winners & nominees. To find out more about The Golden Globes visit www.GoldenGlobes.org

Tags: BCBG Max Azria, bcbg max azria drapery, bcbg max azria fashion trends report, bcbg s/s 2013 pic, Emily Deschanel, emily deschanel by bcbg, Emma Stone, Golden Globes, Idris Elba, idris elba ozwald boateng, Lanvin, Natalie Portman, Ozwald Boatend, Ozwald Boateng, ozwald boateng 2012, www.lanvin.com, www.lanvin.gr, wwwlanvin.com

In the light of all that is brewing within the shores of our beloved country Nigeria, HFA deemed it necessary to say a thing or two about what’s going…

Oh you don’t know? Or haven’t heard? Oh my! We are talking about the removal of fuel subsidies, the price hikes and the best bit, the resistance of the masses: Occupy Nigeria!

We would like to see ourselves as not just people in fashion but also believers of fashion with a conscience. We won’t sit and stare and fold our arms in despair over the turmoil in Nigeria. We are proud to say we are a team consisting of a number of Nigerian concerned with the situation in the country and want what’s best for Nigeria as faithful compatriots.

Many believe fashion to be fickle, lacking depth and relevance when it comes to matters of the state and the economy. You may wonder from what angle HFA is looking at the unrest in Nigeria? Well we see opportunity, an opportunity for change. Changing our mindsets, saying no to corruption and lawlessness, believing in the best and no less and taking advantage of what our country is blessed with.

The dependence on crude and other petroleum resources is rather appalling and it is no surprise that the removal of subsidies has sparked such outrage across the country. Fuel is a necessity but one can’t help but feel that the federal government is flexing ‘subsidising muscles’ and feeling so powerful because of how heavily dependent we are on petroleum resources. Sometimes certain measures are necessary to stabilise an economy. The removal of subsidies could have been introduced gradually rather waking up on New Year’s Day to a price hike of over 200%. Of course hyperinflation kicks in and has a ripple effect on the entire economy. Throw in millions of disgruntled citizens for good measure, and what we is an embarrassingly hot mess!

Seems like the Nigerian government, after robbing its citizens blind and many of us being a part of this ‘broad daylight robbery’ (contracts, tax evasion, goodwill, windfalls anyone?), is broke! If only we were not so subservient to this ‘black gold’, government spending could have been minimised in many other ways. But no! We have to suffer! Alternative industries exist that can generate just as much income for the country and its people.

Nigeria has cotton, textiles and labour in its abundance so why haven’t they been maximised? Just last year, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria announced that manufacturing’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP dropped from 4.21% to 4.1% and the average manufacturing capacity utilisation decreased from 47% in 2009 to 45% in 2010. What proportion of these meager figures is raked in my clothing and textiles?! Why do we not have a thriving retail fashion industry? Millions are out of employment and manufacturing is an industry that can reduce the unemployment gap. In a system that works, Nigeria’s economy would be thriving in manufacturing for fashion retailers rather than giving birth to one fashion designer after the other. We are not knocking anyone passion/hustle, but one must admit it is mostly out of frustration from unemployment or not being skilfully employed that many have chosen to explore their more creative and ‘non-status quo’ talents.

So while it is encouraging to see the country’s economy diversifying and now embracing the service industry, it should not be to the detriment of other industries like agriculture and manufacturing. The people have lost faith in the economy producing jobs and have taken to maximising their own skills as entrepreneurs that make enough money to just about get by. Even our indigenous designers sometimes source for their prints and fabrics in other African countries and the rest of the world.

You may ask, what’s the point of this article and how is it relevant to the OccupyNigeria movement and the general state of things? One needs to be conscious, aware and well informed when taking a stand amidst these protests. Don’t just occupy your streets and cry of N65 fuel, occupy your minds, and choose to do things the right way. We are ‘occupying’ not just because we want fuel prices to go back to N65 (unlikely as even this price is not cheap enough for a country that produces crude), but because we want a functional system, free of corruption, a governing system that is truly for the people and most importantly a Nigeria where we can live in peace and unity.

#OccupyNigeria!

-Andie Okon

Tags: African fashion, agi, change, corruption, employment, Fashion, fuel, fuel subsidy, HauTe topic, inflation, inflation and fasion, manufacturing, Nigeria, occupy, OccupyNigeria, petroleum, subsidise, unemployment

Do you want to see one of your creations worn on one of the most famous red carpets in the world? Can you work with any fabrics to design a beautiful dress? Can you rework a vintage dress and turn it into something else? Do you think sustainable fashion can ever be truly glamorous? If your answer is yes to any of these questions then this is for you!

For the third year running, Suzy Amis Cameron is accepting entries for her “Red Carpet Green Dress Contest.” These past few weeks Red Carpet Green Dress has been featured on InStyle UK, Vogue UK, Self Magazine, Fashion United, Ecorazzi, Radio 1 Xtra and Instyle US!

This year’s winner will have their dress worn on the red carpet of the 84th Academy Awards (February 26th) by a “surprise actress.” They will also receive hands-on guidance for an industry expert, all the sustainable materials they need to construct the gown, roundtrip airfare, three-nights hotel, and various meets-and-greets. Suzy will also provide a guided tour of her MUSE school – considered one of the most environmentally-friendly education centers ever created.

The contest closing date is 20th January 2012 so you have a few more days to get your entries in! They are accepting sketches and/or photographs.

To participate, visit www.RedCarpetGreenDress.com to fill the FORM NOW!

Last year Ghanaian British Designer WON & Became the Global Campaign Director for the Red Carpet Green Dress . . . Lets keep the streak, shall we?!

Tags: ghana fashion week, Oscars, Red Carpet Green Dress., Samata Angel, Suzy Amis Cameron