Africa In The News: ASOS to launch ASOS Africa Feb. 21

Last weekend, we were brainstorming new posts [even though we have a backlog of a hundred thousand posts we haven't published yet!] when we found out about a new initiative from online retailer ASOS called ASOS Africa. In connection with SOKO Kenya, ASOS is set to release ASOS Africa  under its new Green Room initiative ["a new online marketplace which brings together and highlights brands that promote people and the planet"]. According to the Green Room blog, the ASOS Africa collection will be produced "in collaboration with artisans and small communities in Kenya and Tanzania."  We've seen a sneak peek of what to expect - there's a mixture of kanga print [which seems to be catching on quite nicely, thanks to brands like Chichia London and Suno], wax print, and some accessories. Here's the full press release...

[click to enlarge or read it here]

...and here are some pieces from the first collection:

They really are very lovely wardrobe staples! However, since they're pretty affordable and accessible, they could very well prove to be a challenge for higher priced out-of-Africa and Africa-inspired brands with similar pieces. That said, ASOS must be commended for bridging the gap between the demand for African print pieces and the less-than-stellar supply structure that sometimes exists.

Excited about ASOS Africa? Why? Why not?

[Blazer - 70 GBP; Shorts - 40 GBP]

See more pieces here and follow the Green Room blog here to stay connected.

XO

Africans in the news: Rachel Roy collaborates with Fairwinds

  While Africa has inspired and continues to inspire many designers, Africa seldom benefits directly. It's part of why we created this blog - to highlight designers and entrepreneurs of African descent and to link you with them directly. Those amongst them who manufacture their products in Africa are particular favorites of ours because it's a win-win situation - designed by an African and Made in Africa by Africans! Everybody wins. Last year, we featured Macy's' initiative in Rwanda. Recently, we were especially pleased to read about Rachel Roy's initiative with Fairwinds to produce a collection of handmade accessories in Tanzania and Rwanda and in turn support their local artisans.

We hope this is a trend that catches on as long as the artisans are treated fairly, paid decently, and are given their due recognition.

Read the press release here and shop here.

XO