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

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

in the news: top African Designers to show at NYFW

we can now confirm that Deola Sagoe is scheduled to show at the ARISE Magazine African Collective III next month in New York, as we earlier reported :-) also joining her are South Africa's Black Coffee and Tanzania's Loin Cloth and Ashes. please read the full report here, courtesy of ifashion.


we eagerly anticipate the feb. 13 show! YAY! stay tuned for more updates.

xo