Africa does Africa BEST!

The Sad Reality

Africa is finally on the map, the world's sitting up and taking notice of what we can actually offer... even the fashion industry. The sad reality is, that there are still some stereo-types around Africa and though the biggest fashion houses in the world want to represent us, they know nothing about us. As an actor, you do research on the character you want to portray, shouldn't the same be done if you're going to boldly state your collection has African influence?

Here's how Africa is perceived by one of the biggest brands in the world... You need to see this and read the comments.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends/2012-spring-summer/afrocentric/gallery

That's as African as we get, right? Zebra print... seriously??

Tshilz: If this is not... like I don't know what's going on. Did he have a deadline to meet? I wouldn't wear this, this is lazy designing. Totally agree, he didn't do any research and relied on ignorance. If I was wearing that, I would JUMP into the bushes to hide! Safari IS NOT African, it's a tourist aspect of Africa_ doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Africa's social make-up.

Yello Mello: This was cute once upon a time, when the Lion King first came out but time's have changed and ignorance is no longer an excuse. We exalt the colour pallet but there is sooo much depth in terms of colour, pattern and material that could have been exploited.

... Burberry has dedicated their entire Spring/Summer 2012 collection to African influence, what do you think?

Yellow Mello: I actually like the wedges, I would definitely invest in them. you can never go wrong with beads and i love that the entire shoe is made of 'authentic' reed-material, it's absolutely stunning.

Definite props on the bags, I would rock that! It's couture with an African flare, one can be sophisticated without losing cultural importance. It's an elite more structured version of the tog bag_ sort of reminds me of a woven basket.  

Tshilz: I love the patterns, the sort of woven basket feel on accessories. Accessories = AMAZEBALLS!

 So, do we give them a pat on the back or bring them to Africa to experience our style first-hand?

We thought we should show there are two sides to a coin... Afrocentric Couture.

 Yello Mello: I am sooo at home with the outfit on the left. It's elegant, it's gorgeous, draws attentions but in a sophisticated chic manner. There's absolutely an ere of simple beauty, you are not trying 'too-hard' with this number.

Tshilz: I think this absolutely capturers, no, embodies  Afrocentricism. It's form (cut) is amazing, it's what every modern woman would want but still undeniably cultural_ it's colour, it's print. i think the designer transformed the female form into a bird(maybe a peacock) graceful, stately and only found on this continent. the materiality is absolutely narrative, it makes your eye want to folow the print down but accentuates her body. I'm literally drooling, I WANT IT!

... you can find the rest of this collection on http://africanvibes.com/wordpressnew/2011/11/15/%e2%80%98delicate-shades%e2%80%99-illustrating-colors-%e2%80%93-vlisco%e2%80%99s-fourth-fabric-collection-of-2011/

I guess the conclusion here truly speaks for itself, Africa does Africa best, it is about time we educate the rest of the world on the actual potential Africa has. Why are we not pushing our own brand?

Get Your TWALA.TWALA On

Do You Dare...

As young Fashionistas, we are ALWAYS excited to see one of our own taking her first steps into the limelight. Model turned designer, Tawela Twala, is showing us how fabulous African print can be. With an exquisite modern edge, her clothing is not only a salute to Africa but a definite "Hello" to a woman's figure. Don't believe us? Take a look for yourselves...

On that "DND, I'm FIERCE & I'm busy" tip

Tshilz: The patterns are Zambian inspired. Where else can you find a battle of pattern, colour & texture and come out with an aesthetically pleasing silhouette? Afrocentric is alive & well people! Truly inspired by the people who make it, wear and have deep-rooted sense of self.

Afrocentric: "Emphasizing or promoting emphasis on African culture and the contributions of Africans to the development of Western civilisation".

If we are going to suffer the stresses of Varsity Life, let's do it in style! Bold silhouettes, bold colours and rich in heritage, tell us, who DARES question these bloggers (Tshilz & Mello) that African Fashion has no place in our modern world! Sitting pretty on Jammie steps, there's an undoubtedly symbotic relationship between the rich history of the University of Cape Town, architecture and the loud roar of African consciousness at play.
Keep your eyes open for leather skirts, shorts & pants -Twala.Twala designer featuring in her Spring collection.    

Being a Snob, is SOOO in this season! Afrocentricism is more than a style, it's actually a lifestyle from clothes, to hair to accessories to the type of food on your plate. So experiment, play with it_ it obviously works!







Fun Fact: Everybody involved in this photoshoot, from the models, to the photographers, dare we say it_ even the bloggers are in the Engineering & Built Environment Faculty. Brains and Beauty?! Who run the world... GIRLS!





Taking a break from being glamorous... There's no such thing hehe ;)

We don't know about you, but these outfits are mesmerizing and they are within reach... Literally ON CAMPUS! Our dear designer is doing Architecture at the University of Cape Town and she can make you any time-piece you're missing in your closet; EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU! Digging in your Gogo's closet is encouraged

Take a look at her other creations on http://twalatwala.tumblr.com/

Photographer: KITI

All Things Tribal

What comes to mind when you think of Afrocentric?

For us, it all boils down to expression! Our history, our culture, our passion as Africans. Let's address it right now_ if you were born on this continent, YOU ARE AFRICAN despite the colour of your skin, language and family heritage. If you know what "pap" is, you are definitely African! Growing up in Western culture, our roots have suffered but, through fashion have been reborn & morphed into something spectacular. As young African women we've grown accustom to leaving traditional clothing to the elders, that may not be the case anymore...

We took it to the streets...

Yello Mello: How STUNNING is this?? Very chic, embodies Africa in ALL the colours (skin included) ;-) Absolutely breathtaking! This is my favourite!


Who wouldn't pick her up looking like this??



Tshilz: I'm really loving this beaded vest, which takes about a week to make, depending on the style or beads selected, anyway who wouldn't want to wear an R800 vest? What really gets me about these pieces is their versatility; it's a day to evening accent. Statement pieces are always a MUST, it's amazing how one piece can change an outfit.  The Ndebele Choker is a nice touch and what's great is it accentuates your neck. Four stars from me!  

Yello Mello: Had to NEGOTIATE with my mother for those gold pieces, but this is definitely where they were meant to be, completing the look. In Afrocentric chic, gold statement pieces will never lead you astray.

Tshilz: Nthabiseng (model to the far left) just proves that one wouldn't pick up on the androgynous tendencies of this vest, which is Nigerian Buba cut and TshiVenda in accents.

This Nigerian inspired ensemble has no urban limit with original-coloured Timberlands, leggings and golden statement jewellery... from Mello's mom's jewellery box.

Afrocentric is an embodiment of culture & history, it's never wrong to mix & match different cultures, nations or heritages. Our models prove that timelessly. 

Give yourselves a pat on the back, we're part of a country that's truly internalised each other's cultures & takes part in each other's beliefs. Rainbow nation... need we say more? And what better canvas than fashion.

... and the crowd's response was insane! All cultural boundaries ceased to exist.

These outfits were definite head-turners and somehow re-ignited an African pride amongst people going about their business. People of all races were commenting and asking 'Where can I get these outfits?' Most of the items were designed by
Jessica Mbangeni and funny enough the rest we found whilst rummaging through our mothers' wardrobes (Tip of the Day: GO THROUGH MOM's WARDROBE_ Gold mine, we tell you!). Looking good and being an individual doesn't have to be expensive or over the top, keep an eye out for things that intice your inner-fashionista!

So what's the symbolism behind all these colours and pieces? We researched this topic seeing as neither of us are Ndebele and this is what we found. Each colour has a specific meaning and can be read like a book if the colour codes are understood. The actual colours and their meanings can be found on:
http://arthistoryalex.tripod.com/Africa/AfricanHut/Ndebele/

HISTORY LESSON 101

A married Ndebele woman's dresscode is all in all the most fascinating thing i've read in ages. In the past, it was tradition for a man to kidnap a woman and take her to his home to be presented as his wife. Because majority of the marriages were not mutual agreements, the new mother-in-law would put Itzila (rings) around the legs and neck of the woman. The rings around her legs were made to slow her down in case she tried to run away and the rings around her neck, restrict her head movement. Upon agreement, lobola was paid to the woman's parents, a goat is slaughtered and a leather apron, called Intjogolo, is made from its skin. it declares to her ancestors that she is no longer part of the family and has settled into a new family. A blanket is worn by a married woman to conceal her body from everyone but her husband. Designs are specific to a family & it's the woman's responsibility to decorate the household in the family's colours and patterns.

Phew, we got more than we bargained for, these beautiful accessories have history which just makes us appreciate them more. Next time you pick up a traditional accessory, discover it's rich history & wear it with pride.

                                            Designer: Jessica Mbangeni