SLiq TV: Arise Magazine African Collective III

We've brought you photos and detailed information from the Arise Magazine African Collective III show. Here's a video round-up of some of the highlights:

Which collection is your favorite?

Please stay tuned for more updates throughout the day.

XO

ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE III: LOIN CLOTH AND ASHES [NYFW WINTER 2010]

LOIN CLOTH AND ASHES (TANZANIA)

[The designer, Anisa Mapungwe]

[The moodboard for her "Elsewhere" collection, as first seen here]

[The Loin Cloth and Ashes logo, transformed into origami birds and printed on several pieces]

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ABOUT THE SHOW:

Tanzania's Anisa Mapungwe's [Loin Cloth and Ashes] "Elsewhere" collection showed a remarkable range of pieces [pants, skirts, jackets, dresses] with modern silhouettes, culminating in an accessible, wearable collection. There seemed to be an overarching focus on a relaxed vibe, as reflected in free, breathable, fluid silk pieces devoid of rigidity but defined by a variety of shapes, lengths, details [origami played a refreshing role] and the use of layering. The color palette consisted of metallics, black, and browns as well as touches of gold and silver in contrast with basic sheer pieces. Complementing the collection was her new jewelry line, Jungle by L.C.A, featuring electric blue statement necklaces and a belt bearing the L.C.A logo, as well  as earrings almost shaped like the African continent. We also noticed a refreshing take on branding - Anisa had a mesh of her logo and origami birds printed on several pieces. Here's a closer look at her pieces [click "continue reading" below to see the entire post]:

a. Loose, laidback urban glamor, featuring harem pants. Notice the motif printed on the first top and the belt that bears the L.C.A. logo.

b. Focus on dresses - featuring origami and sheer details, a striped dress, and a layered metallic look.

c. Separates: Skirts and blouses with gorgeous details. The first is sheer with origami detailing, while the other two are fluid tops with the L.C.A. logo printed on them.

d. Jackets: A flared printed metallic maxi skirt is coupled with a draped jacket; a jacket with sharp shoulders and a prominent zip is paired with leggings.

e. THE BLACK DRESSES - one maxi dress and one cocktail piece featuring origami detailing

XO

FINAL THOUGHTS: A clearly well-thought out collection worth being commended for including a wide range of pieces and exciting details. However, while some pieces stood out, some shapes and silhouettes seemed rather familiar and were not as improved upon as one might like. In any case, Loin Cloth and Ashes remains one our list of brands to watch. We've seen photos from her other collections and she's clearly fiercely talented.

Source: Coutorture

ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE III: BLACK COFFEE [NYFW WINTER 2010]

BLACK COFFEE (SOUTH AFRICA)

ABOUT THE SHOW:

"Counterpoint is a body of work that consciously re-engineers the aesthetic convention and function of the coat. The powdery romanticism of the palette and the unassuming comfort of the textiles find a counterpoint in the segmented construction of these inspired garments." [Black Coffee]

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Black Coffee [run by South Africa's Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen]  put on quite the show at the Arise Collective yesterday, albeit somewhat of an incomplete show. Themed "Counterpoint" [i.e. to emphasize by contrast], the focus was on outerwear and featured cocoon-like long jackets brought to life through spectacular pleats, ruffles, and layers, and held in place with simple hooks for utility sake. There seemed to be a transition also - from the fairly basic to the more structured, resulting in a full circle bloom of craft and layers. The color palette was kept muted and featured grays, powder blues, and peaches with a touch of taupe and brown. For Black Coffee, the era of the statement coat is well upon us and requires minimal fuss - a simple dress, vintage pumps and gloves, and oversize Africa-inspired earrings should do just fine for the 21st century woman who appreciates a dose of glamor every now and again. Here are the pieces up close and personal [click "continue reading" below to see the entire post]:

a. A transition from cocoon shapes to more structured pieces

b. Suede coats

c. Powder blue - playing with draping and looser fits

d. Soft peach and almost pink - a replication of two looks from section a. above, done in the most gorgeous colors.

f. A touch of gray

CLOSING THOUGHTS: While we understand that their overriding mission was to re-invent the coat and while there are a number of coats we covet for their play on shape and design, we have to say we feel a little robbed of the opportunity to see Black Coffee's mastery of range. After all is said and done, though, Black Coffee put on a cohesive, brilliantly-executed and commendable show.

XO

Source: Getty Images

ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE III: DEOLA SAGOE (PHOTOS)

DEOLA SAGOE (NIGERIA)

[PLEASE ENJOY THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW WHILE WE WORK ON PUTTING OUR NOTES UP IN A FEW HOURS. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE PHOTOS, COURTESY OF OUR FRIENDS AT DEOLA SAGOE.]

XO

Source: Coutorture

Countdown to the Arise Magazine African Collective III: 3 days to go!

[Tanzanian designer Anisa Mpungwe of Loin Cloth and Ashes]

We were snooping around trying to bring you the inside scoop of what to expect from Anisa Mpungwe's Loin Cloth and Ashes show @ NYFW this Saturday when we stumbled on her moodboard:

o o o

Let's see what we can make it of it:

- A subdued palette of browns and taupes with a dash of gray

- A touch of black to keep things edgy

- An emphasis on texture [knits, perhaps?]

- Defined, structured shapes [a la corsets, helped by belting]

- Vintage femininity and romance rooted in modernity

o o o

We'll know if we were right or wrong on Saturday :-)

What do you make of the moodboard?

Oh, before we forget, we also stumbled on the official invite to the event:

Nice and simple! But more than that, we know several people who would kill to have one in their hands right now, lol. Anyway, hope these little "inside scoops" make you as happy and excited as they make us :-)

XO