Couture L'Afrique

No gainsaying the fact I have had a dwell with writer's block since my last brush with the pen. Oftentimes, I have looked for inspiration to jump start my quest for writing. Needless to say, my solace is oriented in no other place than, the Continent of the rising Sun, “Africa” is formidable. My crave to delve into a euphoria that will arouse my insatiable thirst for writing is conceived.

alibaba.com

Africa, a continent more or less known for her troubles than many triumphs is a powerhouse and recipe for aspiring fashion Labels and Designers.
The picture of an African Designer falling off a New York Runway would feel unusual. However, the fact that Africa will be adding Couture to her Resume is an accolade worth embracing. The African Print though not often celebrated, is beginning to brace the global Runway. Kudos to African Designers, faced with the odds of braking new markets, oftentimes find inspiration from the natural  colors of the Continent. Centuries of tradition spiced with oriental and caucasian Twist.
While Ivorian designer Pierre-Antoine Vettorello looked to the Sea for his enthusiastic debut at the New York Fashion Show, Nigerian designer Lanre Da Silva Ajayi archieved a global Profile with her inspirational butterfly Print  and floral Designs.

The African Prints and Couture are not just favorites in African Boutique but, are slowly becoming must haves with Divas, the rich and famous of the Western World. Luxury Parisian Designers like Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Jean Paul Gaultier are trailblazing African Designs and incorporating them into their Couture.
Fashion shows and Runways are gyrating metropolitan african Cities like Lagos and Johannesburg. Though the later is positioning herself as the fashion al la carte of the Continent, we have to acknowledge other vibrant African cities and African diaspora Designers that are tailored to walk the global Runway and clad Mannequins and west closets with the vibrant colors of Africa.

                                         
Howbeit, Africa's finest designers like Clive Rundle, Tiffany Amber, Zizi Cardow, Black Coffee and Deola Sagoe have International acclaim, Clive Rundle is in a class of his own. His designs are not only golden in his native South Africa but, world over.
Deola Sogue, is a household name in the global fashion Industry. Her unique approach to detail and wild distinctive coherence of African Fabric and western Silhouette wallowed her Fans at the New York fashion Show. She bagged herself the unofficial title of the "rebel of African Couture" hence, the realism of an African combination of Ann Demeulemeester and Alexander McQueen.
The African fashion Industry will strive for greater heights. It has the resourses and the know how to stay afloat.
No qualms, Raffia textiles and Beads from the African Continent will soon take the center Stage of the fashion Industry.

             "I have no problem with whatever the next big look is. Just don't try and tell me that only one look is beautiful."  

                                             ~ Alek Wek ~

Soles on Racks

I like a man who can be a real friend, has a good sense of humor, a good pair of shoes and a healthy gold card.

       ~Victoria Beckham


Must work my nerves to make any sense off the above quote. Truth is, the pedigree of a man's elegance is somewhat associated to the soles that adorn his feet. The norms linked to the poetry of a man's shoes, is in the loop with his behavioural pattern. Author and Shoeologist Donna Sazio in her book "Never Trust A Man in Alligator Loafers: What his Shoes Really Say About His True Love Potential" personates a man's aspirations and romantic preferences to his pair of shoes. Sazio's school of thoughts is, how a man wears and handles his shoes is a portrait of his romantic predilection. "A man may wear his heart on his sleeve but his shoes will tell you what condition it’s in!"

www.bossgoo.com

My candid opinion of that doctrine is vivid, outright irreverent to women. However, Sazio's right to freedom of expressions I utterly uphold and cherish.
Shoes however come in different varieties, shapes and forms. (Leather, Skin, Fabric, Scholl, Clogs etc.)
Though the former (kudos to Gucci) is the most distinctive and prominent, the latter has a history that can be traced back to diverse European countries.
The leather Shoe, oftentimes the formal or, what is referred to as the "church shoes" by us church goers is the ultimate favorite. However, with the emergence of skinny jeans, the good old Converse All Star chucks Taylor canvas shoes are becoming more trendy. This has given rise to all sorts of chucks inspired Teenie Shoes ranging from Prada to Dsquared2. However, Paul Smith Musas are my preference.
Lately, boots of all kinds are becoming cool and very trendy for for all seasons. Remember Lenny Kravitz roaming the streets of New York in wedges Boot. The hype with rubber Boots in Europe is sending designers back to drawing boards. This is insanely trendy in winter.

www.yoox.com

Suedes and Loafers, are the all time classics. These all weather Slacks are creeping back to our Racks. The good about these Slackers is, you can use them as casual and smart casuals. Again you have got to give the loafers to Gucci. Gucci has got the best designer Loafers out there. British designer Paul Smith, synonymous with Musas is the master Cobbler of Suede.
This summer will possibly herald various kinds of Flip flops and Sandals. Though the plastic Brazilian Flip flops are cheap options to the high end ones, Sandals are hitting the runways big time. High end designers are embracing Sandals and drowning them out. However, they are cheaper models that look just as good.

I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.

          ~Imelda Marcos

Machos in Kilts

Ever tried walking in someone else's shoes, prospects are you might not be able to carry on comfortably, save you are  Lenny Kravitz. The trendy Rocker strolls the New York Street wearing a leather pant tucked in a Rick Owen black knee high Wedge Boots. I applaud his courage. Like or hate it, were it not for the courageous visionary fashion sense of Lenny, one would rather drown in the caprice of the fashion world going bizarrely nuts.

www.fashionobsessed.com

You may say the fashion world is grasping at straws, but this should rather not come as an awe in this ever evolving world. The fashion industry is revolutionizing and reinventing itself. If a woman can parade herself in a boyfriend shirt and bowler hat, the need for men devising trends that would feminize their ego should not be called to question.

Designers are jilting the fashion gender divide to portray the feminine debacle concealed in the male chauvinistic character. Male fashion trends are becoming less macho. The Scottish Kilts are no longer trends associated to the Celtic Nations but, are evolving to influence the male trends of our time. Men now portray trends that are skirt cultivated and blouse inspired.
Often times, men that parade themselves in female influenced trends are seen as Pariahs. However, this aura of feminine culture is bracing male Mannequin on our high street shops. The male society oozes with ego hence, the daring desire to spice it up with a touch of femininity.

www.style.com/

Floral inspired designs, checks and colors synonymous with women are flocking the runways like locust. This is evident in D&G 2011 Spring and Summer Collection. Back in the day, a man dare not clad rare feminine colors like pink and lavender. Male taboo colors are becoming very trendy. White is the new black, and men are up and about in daring bright colors

Tote clutching men are not just hitting the runways but, are becoming evident sightings on work places and very macho dominated bousousie environments.
High Heels and extroverts associated with hype artists like Price Rogers Nelson (Prince) and Terrence Trent D'Arby are trends to look out for.  

"The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on bough, some of which go and others come"

         ~ Dante Alighieri

www.style.com/

Hole in my Wallet

My previous blogs concentrated on the coolest trends and stuffs that are making it on the run way. However, just a handful of us can afford the luxuries of the cool trends. Staying trendy comes with a price tag. Seldom times, the coolest trends are above our means.

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination."

           ~Oscar Wilde


However, for Folks, with holes in their wallet, there are many smart options to beat the high Street prices. You can stay trendy without paying off the roof. That way, you wear designer labels for less. Some would brand me a dreamer to make such assumption. It's called "smart shopping". All you need in this jet age is a broadband and a browser.
For Shopaholics like me, finding a place to feed my passion and ever growing insatiable quest to stay finely dressed could be gruesome.

yoox.com

As an online Junkie, constantly combing the web for cheap offers "YOOX.COM" is my premium solace. Yoox, an Italian designer online outlet store is the alakat of all online shopping experience. "Yoox" features designs from all major brands and label like Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Custume National etc.
"Yoox" is starched and loaded with varieties from previous and currency Season. The best thing about yoox is the price tag. You can get 50% or more off the recommend retail price.
The ability to shop from the convenience and comfort of your home can't be underestimated hence, "YOOX" is only an Internet browse away. http://www.yoox.com/home.asp?tskay=0C8AA578

For those of us so opportuned to live in London, Ireland or Berlin, "T.K.maxx" is sure your best bet for shopping. The best brands are displayed on the black or Gold Label section. You have to devote a lot of time and energy to shop in TKMaxx. It's sometimes a gamble to shop in T.K.maxx. You have to make frequent visits to be sure of finding something. There is no gainsaying the fact that T.K.maxx is one of the best shops in Europe to buy designer and trendy Cloths for less. T.J.maxx is the states is however not as promising as it's namesake in Europe. No offense to my American audience. TKMaxx offers last seasons designs with a graceful 70%  or more discount from the recommended retail price. Note that not all "TKMaxx" offers the Black or Gold Labels. T.K.maxx also has an online store but the best experience would be to visit one of the high street stores. http://www.tkmaxx.com/

The U.S is a heaven for outlet malls. The best renowned is the outlet Mail in New Jersey. The European fashion tourist travel to the US to splash out on trendy European labels that are less affordable in Europe. Having visited a lot of outlet malls in Texas, the best in my opinion is the "San Marcos premium outlet." a huge outlet campus in a predominant university town close to Austin.

outlet-the-mall.com

Though there are some scattered outlet shops in Europe, the most promising is the ones in Florence, Tuscany. While Florence boost different outlet stores offering designs from very known Italian label, "THE MALL," Via Europa 8, 50060 Leccio Reggello, Firenze, Italia is the most extensive outlet in the area. I have visited this outlet, and confirm that, though this outlets prides itself with varieties of brands, there are also bus tours to take you to other outlets like Prada and Dolce and Gabanna outlets around the Reggello area.
However, the best shopping experience is to walk into a high end store and buy something on sale.

"Buying something on sale is a very special feeling.  In fact, the less I pay for something, the more it is worth to me.  I have a dress that I paid so little for that I am afraid to wear it.  I could spill something on it, and then how would I replace it for that amount of money?"

          ~Rita Rudner

In the Closet

"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.  A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world."

         ~Ada Louise Huxtable

Means out with clumsy Coats and Jackets that add bulk to our clothing and in with the new. Though folks on the runway tend to herald the trends our summer might follow, our style is a professed insight of our fashion artistry and uniqueness.

www.yoox.com

Just like summer brings to harvest the loveliest flowers of our time, we profess our style and fashion sense like peacocks. Elegance, beauty, color are all essence of who we are.
Summer affords us the opportunity and exotic freedom to explore our stylistic visionary act, we should however, be wary hence, this is the Season our profound fashion sense is most vulnerable.

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different"

          ~Coco Chanel

Bright colors are synanymous with Summer. Bright colors portray purity and are best to depite our skin tone. However, a good combination of  bright and dark colors can profess our dress sense. Our ability to ardorn colors beautifully well makes us unique and outstanding. Combine wisely. Bright top with a dark pant and vice versa. Lavender is the color to look out for this summer

www.yoox.com

Summer trends are t-shirts, tanks, polos etc. V necks T-shirts (thanks to Simon Cowell) are becoming very trendy. They are best to feature your new shinny jewelry. Tattooed, logo and emblem ridden t-shirts are significant pictures on the runway. The loose, oversized Polo shirts synanymous with "Ralph Lauren" are replaced by slick tight fitting polos with Italian logos. The modern day designer has redefined what a Polo shirt should look and feel like.

Denim short sleeve shirts are in big time. They come pre washed in indigos with vintage adornment. Be wary of too much denim though.

www.yoox.com

White is the new black, flirt with other colors. Be bold and brave. Be sure to adorn your wardrobes with rare color denims this summer. You are sure to stand out. The good old indigo denim is always classic and timeless, but ain't nothing as good as a rare color denim sitting on a fine summer Paul Smith "Musa" sneaker.

Don't put away yet, your well tailored waist Coats for some summer evenings are mild.

Summer is the best time to show off jewelry and acerssories. Remember to combine wisely and not tend to overdo them.

To cap it all, you can never go wrong with Sandals and flip-flops. Again, choose the right colors and go with the ones that best adorn your feet. Bear in mind comfort is the key.
Picture yourself underneath the canopy of a trendy bar on a hot summer aftenoon. Happy Summer

"Fashion is not something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening"

          ~Coco Chanel

Perls on Lapels

Jewellery or Jewelry are personal adornments in form of necklaces, rings, brackets, brooches etc. They are made of natural gemstones, precious metal or shells. The original Jewelries were made from natural materials like bones, animal tooth, woods, shells etc.
The word Jewelry can be traced to an ancient french ("jouel") and Latin ("jocale") words meaning plaything.
Often times they depite our culture, religion, tradition, wealth, and believes. Jewelries are as old as man kind.

"In both business and personal life, I've always found that travel inspires me more than anything else I do. Evidence of the languages, cultures, scenery, food, and design sensibilities that I discover all over the world can be found in every piece of my jewelry." 

 ~Ivanka Trump

matterart.wordpress.com

Brooches and pin ups though, synonymous with women are becoming big hits with men. Brooches are not only cropping up on runways but, are fast becoming a cliche of gay and lesbian Chauvinism in fashion cosmopolitan cities like London and New York.

"Our regular items draw bigger business for us. This year we think brooches will sell well."

          ~Ginger Reading

Leading brooch designer, Lanvin is taking brooch designing for "his" and "hers" to the next level. Lanvin is credited for the return of brooches on runways with his stunning and unique designs that are not just vintage but, bear the touch and look of a modern working man.
The famous Gothic brooches by late Alexander McQueen, has attracted rock stars and punks alike. These Gothic trends are also eminent in the designs of Mcqueen suceessor, Sarah Burton
Lately, the trend with male political Bourgeoisie, is to adorn the tricolour pins on their Lapels. However, the trendy him tend to wear over sized Brooches as a fashion statement to profess his Style

polyvore.com

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles." 

 ~Sonja Henie

Rings have become the fashion statement of our times. Our fingers are our mildest touch and deserve all sorts of adornment. My fingers feel naked without a ring. "His" rings, though not yet as profound and unique as "Hers",Belgian designer, Maison Martin Margiela is revolotionizing male rings with his eccentric and unique ring designs

Brass rings are making their journey back into the trends of today. They come bulky and thin. There is no gainsaying the fact that two finger rings are the way forward. Though my all time favourites, two fingers rings are rare and, the best I have seen are from Maison Martin Margiela.
The beauty of a decent ring adorning a well kept finger can never be under rated. They mirror our unique preferences and style.
Having overcome my writer's block, I'll be concluding with this beautiful quote form "Office With No Windows"

oki-ni.com

saksfifthavenue.com

"The jeweler allows me to wear the sapphire blue lake on my finger, the emerald green leaves around my neck, and take the citrine sunset with me wherever I go.  Jewelry has become my daytime link to nature in an office with no windows.  And if I have to work late, there's nothing like diamond stars and a pearl full moon against an onyx night sky. "

          ~Astrid Alauda,

Accessorized Man

Accessories are add-ons that we need to complement our Closets. They vary from bands, cuff links, brooches, rings, necklaces, watches, ties, wallets, sun glasses, hats, bags etc. They add a touch of class and colour to our Style. They define our cultures and often times religion.

Some accessories are more prominent and distinctive than others. Women are very particular about accessories. The most distinctive pattern of a woman's Style is her bag. The variables come in different shape and form. Lately, the trend is tilting towards different Collections. Traces of this trend are trickling down to the male folks.

"men who care passionately for women attach themselves at least as much to the temple and to the accessories of the cult as to their goddess herself"

              -- Marguerite Yourcenar--

Accessories are most addictive Collectibles of our Wardrobes. Male fashion Victims are accessorizing like never before. The trendy Man accessorize everything from bags to bangles. An adage goes that, the  personality of a man is best portrayed by his watch, wallet or shoes. While the Professional Man is particular about his Tie and cuff Links, the Casual Man embraces other Variants.

www.jacobtime.com/

The Watch on a man's wrist defines his taste. Seldom, men wear their watches on the right wrist to portray their style and conviction. However, big label Chronograph Watches are favorites to catch the attention and admiration of a Clientele.

Ties are no man's best friend. Knotting a Tie can be a man's nightmare. We love to hate them but, they adorn our Wardrobes. The bulky silk Tie has played out it's time. The modern day man is stepping up his game with "Narrow Ties". Knit Ties, my all time favorites are becoming the hype of our time.

www.ralphlauren.com

Scarfs are no longer a female only trend. Those who mourned the demise of the Mufflers, found some kind of solace in Scarfs. Our sympathy with the Palestinian cause made the trade mark "Arafat Scarf" a trendy phenomenon. Scarf wearing among men is fast becoming the trend of the 90s, You bet we will yet again see the rebirth of Mufflers.

The next big thing to creep into male trend will be Brooches. Lately, the trend with male political Bourgeoisies, is to adorn the tricolour pins on their Lapels. However, the trendy him tend to wear over sized Brooches as a fashion statement to profess his Style. Designers are yet to adopt this trend though. Over Sized male vintage Brooches are hard come by. You can't find them in high End Shops, your best bet will be Flea Markets or Second hand Vintage Shops.

Bowler Hats are accessories you won't be bidding farewell. Bowler Hats are big time. They transcend across all ages and genders.  Don't expect to find Bowler Hats only in your grandpa's Closet. You will not only find them on the teenage boy planning his first date, and on the shaved shiny bald head of some IT Professional in an airport lounge but also, on the hip bohemian Chick in a Kreuzberg Cafe in Berlin.

Bags are becoming a male Companion like never before. Though men from our gay communities are credited with over sized distressed Bags, the trend is spreading like wild fire amongst men. While over sized Bags are synonymous with the Sohos of London and Manhattan, it's fast becoming a boomerang for our credit cards and creating hole in our pockets. Over sized Bags will define the new Man of the jet set age.

In the words of Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel

"It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure"