Hot Summer, Hot Afro-Centric Attire

Summer is almost here officially, but for many parts of the US, the heat is already burning. Like, seriously, it was over 90 degrees a few days ago and ridiculously humid.  Stay cool and look hot, here are some low budget tips that'll give anyone that high fashion look.

First, I'll start with this video I found on BattaBox, which is one of my favorite Nigerian websites co-directed by honorary Nigerian and former CNN report Christian Purefoy. It's how to make an Ankara fabric (Dutch wax) top. These girls are a bit silly and video is kind of long, but it delivers.



Many African fabric stores in the United States carry this fabric and it's pretty well priced. There are places online, but I think you might get a better deal in the store. This top could be paired with shorts over a bathing suit (can you say "pool party?"). Plus, you can be creative and discover many other ways to tie it.

For men, it can also be easy to get some African flair without digging deep in your wallet. This is a little tougher than for the girls, but it's doable, I promise. One place to look for inspiration is from South Africa designer, Stiaan Louw, who gives a modern approach to menswear by fusing several African cultures and modern trends to create a unique and sophisticated men's look. His prices might be out of this world for some, but a lot of similar pieces can be found at stores like H & M and Topman. Both of them also have a lot of men's jewelry from leather and beads that can give an African vibe when paired with a simple well fitted tee and a pair of shorts. Really, the trick is to be simple and clean with your clothing (mainly solid colors and bold patterns) and pair with interesting accessories. That keeps you modern, cool and Afro-centric.

You know what to wear and how to dress, so just do it!

Africa on New York's Runway

Over a week ago was the fabulous (yes, I did use that word) Africa Fashion Week in New York. This annual event was directed and created by Nigerian-born fashion entrepreneur and owner of the fashion agency Adiree, Adiat Disu. Hopefully, by the end of the week I will have a review of this fashion presentation, from a guest blogger. Meanwhile, I'm going to do two things: feature one of the designers that were present and put in my commentary (of course).

The designer I would like to feature (which had one of the few, if not the only, line for males) is South African Stiaan Louw. My favorite attribute about his clothing is you can see the influences of traditional attire from various cultures across the continent, yet it has a modern and forward vibe. I can see a bit of Nigeria, and a bit a of Egypt and of bit of Sudan and of course South Africa in many of the pieces. The colors are brilliantly muted, giving the lyrical drapery of the garments sense of masculinity. Finally, it LACKS prints, which seem to be the standard when one thinks of African clothing. The pictured outfit is one I'm considering for inspiration for my style (it's from Joburg Fashion Week 2011).

What do I think about Africa Fashion Week in New York? Well, I think it is brilliant. It is one of the BEST ways to bring the talent of Africa to the Western world (especially the United States, since the views of Africa are still very narrow/one-sided). Having a taste of Africa in your own country ends the excuse: "Oh, I can't learn about Africa because it is too far/I don't have the money/I don't have the time." There are things that relate to each person in this nation that have a taste of Africa in it. If you like spicy food, go to a West African restaurant. If you love fashion, go to Africa Fashion Week. If you like to dance, go a to community center and see if they offer an African dance class. If you're in business, check out the stock markets in Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, any African nation. If you're bored and online, Google or Wikipedia an African nation (or even read some of the posts on my blog). Whatever it is you like to do, it's in Africa, just like it is in the United States, South Korea, the UK - anywhere. You just have to open your mind and get out of your damn box (yes, I said it). Stop making excuses and do it!