trend watch: statement tees

'tis the era of statement everything; from bling bling necklaces to oversize purses to over-the-top platform pumps, statement-making has never been more common. but don't take 'common' to mean boring -- far from it! in fact, the new crop of statement pieces - the statement tee - and the multiple possible interpretations keep us lustin'. here are some of our favorites (click photos for info. on how/where to purchase):

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reneeq//price on request

connect with reneeq:

e-mail: info@reneeq.com

facebook group

website

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red valentino//$225

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syl anim//price on request

connect with syl anim:

facebook

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dark victorian ruffle tee//$49

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d'zyn couture//price on request

connect with d'zyn couture - call 080 3703 6326 (abuja, nigeria)

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zippered eyelash tank by michael brambila//$15

...and that's all, folks! which one's your favorite?

xo

buzz: vogue africa?

ever wondered if Vogue'll ever cast its net over Africa? perhaps it will, perhaps it won't. in any case, cameroonian photographer mario epanya isn't content with speculation - he's gone ahead and shot his own "vogue africa" covers in the hope of making conde nast pay attention. in fact, as the buzz around the famed september issue reaches fever pitch, mario has taken it upon himself to create vogue africa's version of the september issue, which we eagerly anticipate. this is a splendid idea and a worthy movement - one which we're prepared to support relentlessly. in the meantime, a number of africa-centered publications exist that are well worth the trees they're printed on. so while we hope Vogue sits up and pays attention, we're content with the Arise Magazines of this world that are already setting the bar very high...

support the Vogue Africa movement here...

xo

p.s. the regal, half-naked african woman look gets very tiring very quickly. africa is too rich and diverse for this to become a stereotype. just a thought directed at no one in particular :-)

newsflash: fashion for peace

fashion isn't just about wearable art and eagerly awaited spring and fall collections; it's also becoming the life force of several charity shows in africa geared towards alleviating social ills. last year, the 'catwalk the world - fashion for food' show took place in lagos, nigeria. here's a quick recap:

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[designs by cameroon's imane ayissi]

last month, the focus shifted to kenya where "scores of top African designers and models held a show in Nairobi National Park at the weekend to raise money for victims of Kenya's post-election violence and show a different face to their continent". this is very inspiring on many levels. it's heart-warming to see designers showcase work that we're convinced is deserving of a wider audience, and it's also great to see several of them come together for such a worthy cause. we hope this is one trend that doesn't get old or tired and we hope to see many more young, talented africans taking the initiative to better our beautiful continent.

read more here
see more of the showcased designs here

xo