Shop Africa: The BHF Shopping Mall

Chances are you've heard of BHF Magazine or been tagged on one of their exquisite photographs of Africa's best and brightest. These days, they're also concerning themselves with e-tail and have recently introduced the BHF Shopping Mall. They've tagged their product range "some of the most exquisite contemporary African made and inspired collectibles in the world all under one roof" and we love the variety. If you're in the market for flamboyant feathery earrings, whipped shea butter or a dress for that special occasion, the BHF Shopping Mall is a good place to begin.

They're fairly new so we're sure there's more to come. As it is, though, they're off to a mighty good start.

Shop here.

- SLiq

Photo courtesy of BHF

Shop Africa: Zed Eye Launches E-Commerce

Screen capture of Zed Eye's E-shop

Early this year, we wondered if 2011 might be The Year of E-commerce where African designers are concerned. Five months later, we can't say we've seen giant leaps, but we're certainly excited to see more and more designers catch on.

Zed Eye debuted their shop portal on June 6 with pieces from their Tribal Romance and Tribal Romance Revisited collections. Shop a colorful variety of classic cuts and print infused looks ranging from harem pants to baby doll dresses, and make it a point to do your bit where supporting African designers is concerned. As we like to say at Shop Liquorice - every day is a good day to Shop Africa, and that includes today.

Select Zed Eye pieces are also available at Agnes and Lola.

- SLiq

Who Wore What: Kadaria Ahmed x Ituen Basi

The May issue of TW Magazine features Kadaria Ahmed, Editor of NEXT Newspapers, decked out in a colourful array of distinctly Ituen Basi accessories. Needless to say, very few designers have the balance of traditional and contemporary down pat like Ituen Basi, whose work ranges from elaborate and intricately detailed frocks to multi-purpose bows.

Kadaria Ahmed won many hearts when she moderated Nigeria's NN24 Vice-Presidential and Presidential debates. She wore Ituen Basi both times, so the choices for her TW cover shouldn't be much of a surprise.

Each piece Kadaria wears is available online courtesy of our friends at My Asho, so your  first or next Ituen Basi purchase is just a few clicks away. Happy shopping here.

- SLiq

TW Photo courtesy of TW Magazine

Photos and descriptions in collage courtesy of My Asho

Collage by Shop Liquorice

This Just In: Bunmi Koko

Yes, yes and yes to e-commerce -- especially of the Bunmi Koko variety. Pieces from their Geisha collection have moved from shop floor to sale section, and their Matriarchy collection is making its way to centre stage. We spy a red dress, tops and fringed leggings, and we expect to see accessories (scarves, etc.) soon. You may recall that Bunmi Koko's Matriarchy collection was inspired by masquerades and girl power -- not the typical route one might expect but refreshing and poignant nonetheless. We can't stop looking at the graphic print tops (above and below). Perfection and a half. Now saving.

Happy shopping.

- SLiq

This Just In: Ohema Ohene Spring/Summer 2011

Ohema Ohene is probably better known for their fresh print-covered kicks, but they've got clothes covered, too. Our favourites this season are two spring essentials: the little white dress and the must-have trench (hello temperamental weather!). Ohema's take on the LWD involves lace and a contrast print peter pan collar, while their belted reversible trench comes in a gorgeous electric blue highlighted contrasted with print and pops of pink, and being reversible, it's like getting two jackets for the price of one -- what's not to love? Get yours here and here. And if you're in London, pop down to their store for more variety: 63 Atlantic road, Brixton, London, SW9 8PU. Remember, every day is a good day to Shop Africa, and that includes today :-)

- SLiq

Buy-It-Now: Lalesso Flats, £30

Summertime - heck, anytime - is a good time to add some extra pep to your step with colourful ballet flats. These pairs from Kenya-based brand, Lalesso, were produced by SOKO Kenya (also responsible for the Asos Africa phenom) and retail for 30 pounds online. Shop here for a variety of colours. 

Would you wear print on your feet?

- SLiq

Shop Liquorice's "Buy-it-Now" series takes our obsession with "Shopping Africa" a little further. Need chic and cheap pieces and not sure where to look? Eager to include Africa on your shopping list but don't have lots to spare? Shop Liquorice's "Buy-it-Now" presents the most fabulous finds on the web, so all you have to do is click and wait for your piece of Africa to make its way to you.

Revamped & Reloaded: Mataano Website

[A silk chiffon romper from Mataano's S/S '11 collection. Available here, courtesy of The W.]

We believe that websites should be living, breathing entities, not static pages that say 'coming soon' for yonks. Ahem. That said, we really like Mataano's new and improved website: straight to the point, fresh, uncluttered and not unlike the brand in those ways. While their e-store is missing in action (a feature we fondly remember from the first version of the website), you can shop two pieces from their S/S collection online, courtesy of The W -- yes, the hotel chain. Pretty big deal, no? The W has a range called Global Glam, and while a Duro Olowu piece featured in their first collection, the spotlight is now on the Mataano girls.

Enjoy their new website (and recent Arise Magazine Fashion Week collection) here and shop here.

- SLiq

Photo courtesy of The W

Shop Africa: Suno NY Launches E-commerce

Suno NY enthusiasts may have already satisfied their occasional cravings through frontline e-tailers like Barneys and Shopbop, but what could be better than a one-stop Suno e-shop? From the relatively pocket-friendly (prices start at $115 and end at $2,100) to the exquisitely beaded and the all-round postively dizzying print-on-print fest, it won't be too long now until full-on Suno mania re-commences -- then again, when was it ever not in session? Oh, and folks looking into e-commerce may learn a thing or two from them, such as: keep it simple and to the point. Chaos and over-the-topness optional (read: unnecessary). [SHOP SUNO]

- SLiq

*Originally posted yesterday when the Suno NY website officially launched before it was re-launched today, April 5, 2011.

NEW IN: LEM LEM SPRING 2011

Liya Kebede's Lem Lem Spring collection features ponchos, wraps, dresses, skirts and accessories all hand woven in Ethiopia by locals. We love the casual, slouchy mood, Liya's conscious effort to preserve tradition and art, and the global appeal of simultaneously simple and intricate pieces. Discover and shop here.

- SLiq

Shop Africa: Spence

 [Christopher Strong dress, 850 rand; approx 123 USD]

From My Asho's debut in 2009 until now, online fashion destinations for African Fashion have steadily risen in number and popularity. Welcome the latest entrant to the scene, Spence. Based in South Africa but happy to ship worldwide, Spence houses several of South Africa's most popular and creative, including Shop Liquorice favourite, Christopher Strong. Every day's a good day to Shop Africa, so head on over to spence.co.za and see what catches your fancy today.

XO

Shop Africa: Bunmi Koko

We wondered in January if 2011'll be the year e-commerce finally catches on, and the answer is shaping up to be a resounding yes. While select Bunmi Koko pieces have been available online via Zoomp Clothing, Bunmi Koko recently debuted their very own e-store with pieces from their Geisha's Reform collection. We certainly hope it won't be too long until pieces from Matriarchy make their way online. In the meantime, enjoy these images from their Spring/Summer 2011 Matriarchy Campaign (more images here).

Shop Bunmi Koko online:

Zoomp Clothing (ongoing sale, by the way!)

Bunmi Koko E-Shop

XO

First Look: Coming soon to anitaquansah.com

Meet Dion, Obi, Asa, and Lewa -- four exquisite signature pieces from Anita Quansah's pocket-friendly range soon to be debuted in their upcoming e-store. Known for their extraordinary craftsmanship, Anita Quansah pieces don't come cheap -- and understandably so. However, if you've had an Anita Quansah craving and not enough cash, here's a new range of pieces to suit your budget:

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DION, 105 GBP

Features: Antique brass tone plastic wave design disc, glass beads, rhinestone flower details, silver tone chain fringing, safety pins.

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OBI, 110 GBP

Features: Brass tone vintage beads, swarovski crystals, gold plated leaf design with gold charms from India, feather trimming.

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ASA, 100 GBP

Features: Antique brass tone plastic wave disc design, orginal Masai chunky beads from Kenya, brass tone large pendant, rhinestone elephant charm.

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LEWA, 90 GBP

Features: Multi-coloured beads from Masai tribe (Kenya) entwined with silver plated chunky chains with a pendant and silver plated chain fringing.

Anita-mazing, as expected, no? We can't wait for the official launch of their long-awaited e-store. If you're interested in any of the pieces above, please send an e-mail to anitaquansah (at) yahoo (dot) (co) (dot) (uk) or shop Anita Quansah pieces at My Sugarland and Shrimpton Couture.

XO

Photos and item descriptions:

Many thanks to Anita Quansah -- unparalleled customer relations.

SL Trend Watch: 2011 - The Year Of E-Commerce?

[From Nkwo's most recent collection, Happy Lives Here]

We're obsessed with brands that have some sort of e-commerce representation, be it on portals like Etsy and Big Cartel, brands with the "shop" function built into their websites, or brands stocked on sites like My Asho, Agnes and Lola, and Couture Lab. 

2011 has started off on quite a high note, with a number of brands (including Anita Quansah and House of Makeda) announcing plans to launch e-commerce compatible websites in the first quarter of the year. Earlier today, Nkwo - a brand we've long loved and admired at Shop Liquorice - released sneak peeks of the new look book for their Happy Lives Here collection alongside an announcement that their e-store is scheduled for an end of February launch. Already, Nkwo pieces are available at ASOS, My Asho, and Agnes and Lola.

 [From Zed Eye's Tribal Romance S/S 2011 collection]

The folks at Agnes and Lola also announced an exciting line-up for Spring, including pieces from London-based brand, Zed Eye. This is a first for the rising brand and plans are already underway for an exclusive "shop" portal on zedeye.com.

We can barely contain our joy. Will 2011 be the year e-commerce takes off? The year we - and the rest of the world - can finally support several of Africa's finest brands online? It just might be.

XO

Who Wore What: Liya Kebede in LemLem

Liya Kebede at A Tribute To The Models Of Versailles wearing Lem Lem Poncho

The first thing that probably comes to mind when one thinks about Liya Kebede is super model - and perhaps all-round super woman comes a very close second. Following a trip back home to Ethiopia in 2007, Liya founded Lem Lem - a label of ethically-produced pieces that keep the tradition of weaving alive in Ethiopia:

Supermodel / actress and World Health Organisation's Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving...[Lem Lem]

The Handmade Process

Today, Lem Lem's handmade goodness has made its way all over the world and is stocked in several stores and online at Barneys, J.Crew, Les Nouvelles, Lem Lem and Net-a-Porter (coming soon).

Lem Lem's Kalkidan Poncho

At Shop Liquorice, there's a special place in our hearts reserved for brands than not only reference Africa in their work and produce their pieces in Africa, but also brands that preserve traditions and cultures unique to the continent. We're excited about Lem Lem -- are you?

XO

Photos courtesy of:

YBF

Lem Lem

Shop Africa: Aya Morrison belts

2010 saw several designers diversifying their offerings to include accessories. Can't afford the $1,000+ dress? Try the pocket-friendly necklace. Or in Aya Morrison's case, these staple skinny belts are a good place to start. $35 (or less if you take advantage of their ongoing promotion) for a piece you'll wear over and over again? Not bad at all. Shop here.

==

Happy new year from all of us at Shop Liquorice! Please stay tuned all-year round for more exciting updates from Africa's budding - and blooming! - fashion scene & thank you for your encouraging support last year :-)

XO

Etsy Love: Orese's African Print Earrings

Love these cute-as-a-button African Print covered button earrings from Etsy seller Orese. Get yours here for $7 or buy 3 and get 1 free!

XO

Who Wore What: Vanessa Mdee @ the MTV Mamas

Great to see Tanzanian MTV VJ Vanessa Mdee wearing one of Tanzania's finest exports, Chichia London, at the MTV MAMAs. Vanessa wears a custom majesty dress from Chichia London's Insomnia Luxe collection. Love it? Buy it here from Agnes and Lola.

XO

Photo on the left courtesy of Twitter (@MTVbaseAfrica)

Love: Above Most's "If found..." Tee

Coolest. Tee. Ever. If you're prepping for a long haul flight to Lagos this winter, how's this for a perfect tongue-in-cheek statement? Heck, we'd wear this all day everyday. Assorted colours available here.

XO

Made in Africa: Nicole Miller + Cocoki, Rwanda

Nicole Miller's collaboration with Rwanda-based co-op, Cocoki

***

Several buzz words pop up when Africa and Fashion are mentioned in the same sentence. Everything from tribal to global to ethnic and nomad. More recently, we've noticed fair trade, eco-friendly and co-ops pop up every now again. Case in point: earlier this year, it was Rachel Roy and Fairwinds. Then our spotlight moved to Diane Von Furstenberg and Vital Voices. Catherine Malandrino too stocked pieces from South Africa based Monkeybiz Bead Project. Now, we turn the spotlight to Nicole Miller's collaboration with Indego Africa, featuring vibrant bangles made by a Rwanda-based women's co-op, Cocoki. Not only does this collaboration promote the "Made in Africa" movement, economic empowerment and cross-border trade, it's also a brilliant platform to take the work of talented women in a little corner of Africa that much closer to the mainstream. We love.

Get your set of 3 bangles here for $25.

XO

Shop Africa: The MyAsho Christmas 2010 Gift Guide!

Ever thought "African Fashion" was too way out of budget for you to support the movement? Well, here's something to make you reconsider! Our friends at MyAsho have created the most fabulous gift guides for the holiday season, featuring 4 packages at different price points! What's more, with each package, you save at least 15% on the cost of buying items individually! Gift yourself and gift your families and friends this season. If you're going to shop 'till you drop, you might as well Shop Africa @ MyAsho! Click each photo for more details on each package. Happy Holidays :-)

Enjoy!

XO