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

First Look: Momo Spring/Summer 2011

After a year of silence from one of Nigeria's most notable brands (last we saw from them was at Arise L'Afrique-A-Porter last March, and they were noticeably absent from the recently concluded Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos), Momo returns with a Spring/Summer 2011 collection as rich in colour, variety and tradition as it is striking and memorable. Momo has always celebrated femininity in their silhouettes, and has always understood what a plausible take on "Africa meets contemporary" might be, so it's no surprise that underlying mood seeps through and sets the direction of this collection. Momo's words offer greater insight:

The backdrop of Momo's Spring/Summer 2011 collection is a graphic black and white canvas explored in plain silks and brocades. Blends of bold, colourful prints add contrast to the stark canvas. Striking prints include the opulent tie-dye on silk gazar, each panel made individually by hand, bringing a popular street technique to the couture level. Additional highlights include a blue and yellow print in silk satin, based on ancient batik techniques developed by the Dutch specifically for the African market, and a batik-like floral print. These pieces add rich, colourful elements to the collection.

A re-working of traditional motifs and techniques has been a strong focus of several Africa-inspired brands (including Lola Faturoti, Eki Orleans, Jewel by Lisa, and Maki Oh) and seems to be one of the most favoured ways to keep the conversation Africa-centred and fresh. Has Momo managed to achieve that and yet not be stifled or restricted by it? Yes -- and with the most gorgeous results.

More photos to come.

XO

Sneak Peek: Lola Faturoti Fall/Winter 2010

 

If, like us, you've been wondering what Lola Faturoti's up to for Fall/Winter 2011, wonder no more. Any moment now, their "Ethnic Modernism" collection (styled by the uber talented Ope Majek) of strong graphic signature prints and pleats'll be unleashed on the webternets - but Shop Liquorice readers don't need to wait until then. We've dug up much of what to expect from you and, needless to say, we're itching for the grand unveil. Enjoy:

Watch the Betsy dress (above) in motion here:

The entire F/W 2011 Lola Faturoti collection:

XO

Photos:

White Noise Showroom

Who Wore What: Solange in Jewel by Lisa and Boxing Kitten

We stumbled on sneak peeks from the next edition of Fashizblack Magazine, featuring the very cool Solange and some very cool signature pieces from two designers we've featured over and over again - Jewel by Lisa and Boxing Kitten. In the first look (above), Solange wears a pair of embellished Jewel by Lisa shorts similar to a pair we first saw on the Arise Africa Fashion Week runway last year. In the second photo (below), Solange wears a Boxing Kitten piece from the brand's recent Resort 2010 collection. Many of you will recall that Solange loves her some Boxing Kitten so no surprise here! Oh, we hear Poodle Pusher styled this shoot, which makes us all the more eager to see the full spread in its full glory. Stay tuned!

XO

Photos courtesy of Fashizblack and Poodle Pusher.

Sneak Peek: Chichia London Fall 2010

Au Courant Daily recently posted an exclusive sneak preview of Chichia London's Fall/Winter 2010 collection, Insomnia. Many of you are probably already familiar with Christine Mhando's (head designer of Chichia London) soft spot for kanga print but what's most fascinating about her work is her ability to re-invent and modernize a staple print season after season, making it a highly sought-after must-buy. If the preview is anything to go by, we're going to be exceedingly broke come Fall 2010, but with kanga print and the possibility of a collection chock-full of dazzling embellishments, we're not sure there's anything to complain about.

Truly can't wait to see the magnificence that is Chichia London unfold! More images as soon as we have them.

XO