Mercedes-Benz – eBelandi

A&F: Designer spotlight on “Loin Cloth & Ashes”

Published on June 3, 2014June 3, 2014 by eBelandiLeave a comment

This week, the spotlight is on Loin, Cloth and Ashes, the brand by Anisa Mpungwe. Her design are very modern, not exactly what you will expect to be “African” but again Africa is a continent with a multitude of cultures and tastes. However, you get the see the Ankara prints, the love of color, the form-fitting designs, use of sandy neutrals, and the colorful accessories.

The brand is fairly new as Anisa opened her first store in 2012 at the age of 28 years but she is motivated and we will certainly hear more from her. Some of my favorites from her line below, and the Sissi File further down.

All images credit to: loinclothandashes.com

The Sissi African Designer File

The Brand: Loin, Cloth and Ashes

The IT Factor: Very modern cuts and bright colors, edgy comfort for the “independent” women 🙂

The Inspiration: “Dare to be different”. Anisa takes her inspiration from music, art, mood swings ( 🙂 ), color, shape, Africa.

The Designer Behind the Brand: Anisa Malembo Mpungwe

Notable Awards: WON 2008 Elle New Talent Competition (in association with a Mr. Price) and became first Black female to do so

Website: LoinClothandAshes

Sissi’s Notes: Anisa is emerging, again an inspirational enterprising woman and it is great to see. She was invited to present her design at a Mercedes Benz show, so she is definitely moving up. I am not wowed by her clothes yet but I love the fluidity in movement they inspire. Am definitely smitten by her accessories 🙂 Looking forward to seeing more from her brand!

A&F: Designer spotlight on Duaba Serwa

Published on May 21, 2014 by eBelandiLeave a comment

My latest designer crush is on Duaba Serwa. Oh, how much in love I am 🙂 🙂

As usual, I was looking for the eBelandi’s designer of the week and came across a nice write-up by Afrobougee on the designer behind the brand, Nelly Hagan Aboagye. I am inspired by those enterprising women who turned their interest for fashion into a concrete business despite already being successful in their career. In the case of Nelly, she went from a trained surgeon nurse to an emerging designer.

My weekly spotlight below, all images credit to duabaserwa, Google Images and GhanaGossip.net

The Brand: Duaba Serwa

The IT Factor: Interesting use of geometric figures and colors, understated at times, vibrant, simple lines, comfortable style

The Inspiration: “Luxurious and Bold Effortless Beauty”. Per

The Main Designer: Nelly Hagan Aboagye

Notable Awards: WON African Fusion Designer of the Year at the GUBA (Ghana UK Based Achievements) 2013 Awards, 2013 Glitz Africa Fashion Award for Couture Designer of the Year 2013. NOMINATED for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013 Awards Designer of the Year

Website: DuabaSerwa

Sissi’s Notes: The simplicity of her cuts mixed with very bright colors and geometric shapes is definitely refreshing. Sad that the items cannot be purchased online yet (pre-order at $0 ?? ) but I am definitely following her progress! Again, she is pretty inspiring. Below an excerpt from an interview:

“Duaba Serwa, is simple sophistication. I prefer understatements to extravagance and believe there is beauty in simplicity. This is what you see, in every piece I make,” Nelly says. “I have always been against the idea of angel investors and believe in growing my business organically. Every item purchased for my work is drawn from money that has been re-invested into the business from my own funds, which are generated from sales,” she says.

What do you think of Duaba Serwa? Please share!

Style Watch: Spring from Runway at MBNYFW

Published on March 19, 2014 by eBelandiLeave a comment

Some looks I will be trying to replicate:

Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 8.17.06 AM Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 8.16.19 AM Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 8.15.41 AM PHOTO © PETER STIGTER FILENAME IS DESIGNER NAME SPRING/SUMMER 2011

NYFW Fall Winter 2014: J.Crew

Published on February 12, 2014February 14, 2014 by eBelandi1 Comment

New York Fashion Week is underway for Fall Winter 2014 presentation…when we are about to get to Spring 2014! In any case, I am not particularly impressed by the offerings at J.Crew, main items to catch my attention are the pencil and knee-length wool shorts (nicely mixed with deep burgundy!).

However, I am really excited about the shoes!! Particularly, the blue pumps above and the fancy strappy ones below:

Speaking of shoes, am looking forward to the Spring collection at J.Crew…shoes look promising per below. Also, waiting on the lime dress with front slit…lime green for spring? Check!