Sometimes people introduce me to others as a fashion blogger.
And although I once wrote that fashion is not for African women I like the creative art of fashion. The way we can express our individuality by what we wear. I love the burst of African fashion on the international scene thanks partly to magazines like ARISE and FAB and plays like Fela! and all the independent African designers (and bloggers) who are stirring things up. Some of whom are featured in the MsAfropolitan boutique, and aiming to have many more this year!
But African fashion is not just tie ‘n’ dye or Ankara inspired clothes. We need to be very clear about not putting boundaries on our creativity. Western designers have been stealing, sorry inspired by, ‘ethnic’ prints and looks for centuries and African designers can also be ‘inspired by’ ethnic western influences. I would love to see an African designer reinvent the classic Coco Chanel for example or a adapt a minimalist Calvin Klein inspired Afropolitan line.
I’m not a fashion blogger, but I do like fashion.
I’m considering getting the Nic*fish jumpsuit I’m wearing in these pictures in lots of different colours and calling that my wardrobe. It’s my favourite piece of clothing right now because it’s so versatile. Every time I put it on I discover a new way to tie it. And like the parloristas say, this cuts time in when you don’t know what to wear.
One of my goals this year is to make an overwhelming majority of my fashion purchases from independent designers. To encourage others to do the same, this week (until 23/01/11) if you quote INDEPENDENT whilst making a purchase in the shop you will receive an additional 5% off the already discounted prices. The nicfish jumpsuit is of course available in many different colours. Happy shopping!
update: For a dose of African fashion, I could not recommend the Shop Liquorice fashion blog enough.
What does fashion mean to you?
for me, fashion is self expression.Its another way i get to express my inner feelings!
And you express them well lady!
lol it is funny how I was just researching african interiors and I was thinking to myself I need to show ppl what I mean when I saw african inspired because I am not necessarily talking about the usual “ankara” when I say it and your pictures are spot on with what I normally think of when I think of Africa (west) as a whole …
earthy tones, rustic stuff, laid back and not too fussy just very natural ….
okay about to read the post now!! But before that I LOVE your pictures!!!
OMG!! We are basically talking about the same thing and I swear I wrote the above before reading your post … also I have a bag which is Chanel inspired its called the coco ankara bag by tiffany amber … I just shot a fashion shoot and the bag made an appearance YAY! I’ll show you soon.
I have a feeling you’ll like if not love what I am currently working on! we seem to share the same aesthetic.
You are totally working the jumpsuit … I might just get one soon!!!
can I steal your pictures above to add to my mood board?? LOL you seriously nailed it!!!
Also I cant understand how you are introduced by some as a fashion blogger!
I would introduce you as an intellectual and influential blogger!!
(pardon my self promotion in this comment LOL)
x
Fashion…hmmm
Well I like to play characters on the daily basis(I think most of us do), rather it be a business woman, sexy kitten, sensual domestic goddess or creative entrepreneur, fashion (clothing) brings the character alive! Just like in theatre or in entertainment industry as a whole, the custom designers or stylists use clothing(fashion) to do the same for our beloved celebrities or actresses/actors
That’s what fashion means to me..it aids me to play my character for the day, lets see who am I channeling today? I think that’ll be a nerdy rockstar today!lol
Thanks for the post…love your articles
x
I Agree… African Fashion is IT!! Love the Jumpsuit on you too:))
I laughed when you said people introduce you as a fashion blogger because you’re definitely not a fashion blogger, but then my immediate second thought is that you have such great style that people just put 2 and 2 together and come up with 7 🙂 I LOVE this jumpsuit on you too! It looks incredible!
Hmmm do you know I’m stumped at the question ‘what does fashion mean to you?’? I never think about fashion and I don’t think I’m particularly stylish but I do love clothes; mainly dresses, so it must mean something to me. How odd that I’ve never ever considered this question before. Well, I will and I’ll get back to you 😛
Great post!!!
a fashion blogger? Really? Those people haven’t been reading the full content of your blog, and the wide range of topics you address.
BTW: The jumpsuit is very cute. You should get one in every color. 🙂
hello big sis!! you are soo stunning in these jumpsuits! i want one! just coming by to show you massive love!i definetly agree, while i love the sudden wave of Ankara lovers in fashion,i think it is a trend that will be milked until the next new thing comes along.. you are right that it goes beyond that, i try to keep my influences rooted in my heart, in my mind, the way i express and carry myself..
as for you being introduced as a fashion blog, i think when you say blog, ppl automatically jump to that you know, but to me this is not a fashion blog, this is an inspiration blog , a creative blog, a thoughtful blog, a lifestyle blog anything but a fashion blog for sure.
keep inspiring and stay wonderful, gonna bug you on email later 🙂
much love and respect!
Buy all the jumpsuits you want my friend! If they are an expression of something permanent in you they will always be in style. As I say fashion is ephemeral but style is everlasting. Anything can work if you make it so, no matter when it was supposedly in fashion! I feel the same way about leggings ha ha ha. And I have them in as many colours and fabrics I can and will not let them go ever again.
I am glad you said “ethnic Western fashion”. Western clothing is seen as the norm and that everything else is ethnic in the same way that their culture is thought of as modern and current and the rest of us are traditional and ancient. Good to point out that depending on your gaze things can be normal or ethnic. I love Duro Oluwo because he interprets Western fashion with an African eye. I aspire to be able to afford his clothing he he he…
You inspire me, lady!
Thank you Joy-Mari 🙂