FEATURED DESIGNERS
Tori Famuyiwa
Tori Famuyiwa has over 14 years experience as a designer, stylist, visual merchandiser and show production. He worked as the creative director for American Eagle and then Victoria’s Secret before venturing out on his own to create Toriola Custom Designs. Famuyiwa creates fashion inspired by memories of his surroundings growing up in West Africa.
Loza Maléombho
After graduating with an Animation Degree at the University of the Arts of Philadelphia Loza Maléombho moved to New York City where she studied under the wings of designers Jill Stuarts, Yigal Azrouel and Cynthia Rowley. In 2009 she launched Loza Maléombho, a women’s ready to wear clothing line based in New York; the clothing line offers modern and culturally eclectic designs to a young and socially conscious woman.
Azede Jean Pierre
Haitian born Azede Jean Pierre has been featured on Vogue Italia online, been recognized by Plyvore.com as one of their top 5 designers to watch, and the N.B.A.F. awarded her the M. Jack Anderson Emerging Talent award. Known for her romantic, feminine aesthetic and superb attention to detail she created masterpieces with each collection.
Darius Wobil
A New York magazine once called him “a fashion storm to watch for”. Darius Wobil’s eclectic charm and metropolitan sensibility help make his designs the epitome of modern New York and European style. Though he initially received his attention for his wild colors and unpredictably short hems, Since its launch in 2000, Wobil’s stylish collections have been consistently featured in fashion magazines, and the designer himself garnered numerous accolades.
Catherine Malandrino
Catherine Malandrino blends the romance and elegance of Paris with the energy of Manhattan. As a French designer in New York, Catherine has a universal appeal. She channels her energy into poetic designs that encourage women to express their personality. With unique craftsmanship, color palette, and innovative draping skills Catherine Malandrino delivers a chic, feminine, and recognizable silhouette.
Loin Cloth and Ashes
Truly an Afropolitan designer Anisa Mpungwe was born in Tanzania and currently resides in South Africa. She is the founder and head designer of Loin Cloth and Ashes a modern, label that focuses on dresses “for that woman who dares to be different, who wants to look smart and casual (or both) but with a kick of quirk,”. View more from this designer at www.loinclothandashes.com
Abigail Betz
Victor Glemaud
“This Haitian born New York based designer has made his name with bold knitwear and his latest crop, all bright colors, popping patterns, and super soft weaves is an antidote to everyday fall sweaters .” – Esquire Magazine Visit http://www.glemaud.com/ to view his latest collection.
Eric Raisina
Eric Raisina is essentially a designer of three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa. This combination makes his fashion unique and universal. Always interested in experimenting with designs, it was chance that took him from his hometown in Madagascar to Paris to study design at the Ecole Duperré.” As a designer he has devoted himself to developing new colors, textures and silk weaving patterns, the raffia from Madagascar, one of Eric’s signature products, is regarded as the “African Lace” and his famous “silk fur” has become a much sought after fabric. Haute Textures are what Eric Raisina is all about it is no wonder that he has been called upon to create unique textures for Parisian fashion houses including Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Christian Lacroix.
Lois Samuel
The Jamaican born fashion designer, author (A Glow in the Dark, Jamaica Through My Eyes), and photographer began her career as a model appearing in ad campaigns for Banana Republic, CK One, and Eileen Fisher before starting her label The Vessel by Lois.
Black Coffee
Designer Jacques Van Der Watts of the South African label Black Coffee poses with Danica Lepen. Ms. Lepen once designed for the label, she is now freelancing as an independent stylist and design consultant.
Coco and Breezy, the 19 year old identical twins from Minneapolis, moved to NYC with nothing but their unique style, faith and a dream. They soon exploded onto the urban fashion scene with their funky, fresh, line of shades and accessories. Their eyewear infuses Punk Rock and futuristic qualities that can take your look to another level (out of this world). You may have seen your favorite celebs including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ashanti, Amber Rose, Dawn (Dirty Money), or Ciara rocking their shades. View some looks from their new line “20/20 Eyewear” on the accessories page.
JEWEL BY LISA
In 2005 Lisa Folawiyo and her team of expert craftsmen stormed onto the Nigerian fashion scene with Jewel by Lisa (JBL) . In less than five years Lisa has perfected the art of wearing Ankara, being the first to embellish the fabric with sequins, swarovski crystals, beads and the like, and turning Jewel by Lisa into a coveted luxury label. Starting out with Ankara skirts, the label has now expanded into ranges of dresses, skirts, tops, jewelled accessories, and soft furnishings.
Jewel by Lisa has grown with a strong clientele. The label has begun to have a say in global fashion, and continues to make a solid mark in the industry developing a cult following and creatively promoting Ankara – turning it into pieces of desire. JBL’s goal is to cater to the Nigerian market, creating one-of-a kind luxury pieces while establishing itself as an international label.
The brain behind Jewel by Lisa, Lisa Folawiyo prepares to launch three new additions to the existing label: Pretty Precious (for children), J by Lisa (fashionable clothing for the masses) and Jewel by Lisa PRIVÉ, private-luxury line.
CHRIS AIRE
Nigerian Jeweler Chris Aire, creates some of the most coveted jewelry designs. He made history when he was the first jeweler to put on a show during New York’s fashion week showcasing jewelry as fashion. His company holds the patent on Red Gold and it was the first to introduce diamond decorated dog tags to commerce. His clients, Halle Berry, Oprah, Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, Eva Mendes, Adrien Brody, Jamie Foxx, 50 Cent, Nelly, Clint Eastwood, Will Smith, and many others….. In his words: “We have always prided ourselves in using conflict free diamonds. It is important that we are socially responsible and that you ask your jeweler about the source of their diamonds.”
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