We caught up wih the designers of 54 Kingdoms, Kwaku A. Awuah and Nana Poku.  Read what they had to say in response to our SIMPLY7

1. What inspired you to go into the fashion industry? How did you get started?

Nana: Fashion has steadily become a fascination converted to an obsession of mine. Overtime I sincerely came to admire the idea of fashion being a sign of expression. I didn’t go to school for fashion, but what I did have was a notion of what was missing in what I was wearing. I strongly believe fashion should literately be a physical representation not only of your thoughts or how you feel, but also your culture and ethnic identity that stays abreast with changing times.

Kwaku: I have always been into fashion. Did I ever think of having my own line? No, but when Imet Nana, the idea of creating pieces that addressed the problem of cultural disassociation made perfect sense to me. I was in the music environment when we met; I played a significant role in the marketing and promotional efforts for a few local artists. I explained my capabilities to him, my business intentions and my admiration for community outreach initiatives.  Then in early 2008, he called me and asked, “If I was ready?” I said yes, and now here we are with the 54 Kingdoms brand.

2. Name one celebrity dead or alive that you would like to see wearing 54 Kingdoms.

We don’t know if you would call him a celebrity, but definitely Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was the first president of Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) after the country gained its independence from the British on March 6, 1957. It was Dr. Nkrumah’s idea to unify the countries in Africa, and at 54 Kingdoms, we are all about unifying the countries in the African Diaspora using fashion as a vehicle. Another person is Marcus Garvey, and then we have to mention W.E.B DuBois, and others. There are so many great people who would appreciate the 54 Kingdoms brand today.

3. Who do you design for? What type of woman/man wears 54 Kingdoms?

Well, we actually design to empower, educate and motivate.   We design for  everyone who believes in and has ties to the African Ancestry, those that admire the Pan-African culture, and anyone who needs diversity in their closet. 

Stoned Cherrie is currently one of the hottest South African labels, it  is “an African lifestyle brand that is expressive of urban culture in South Africa. The brand was started in an effort to represent afro-urban culture by creating a platform for self expression.” It’s bold yet feminine.  Stylish yet wearable. Old, new and futuristic simultaneously,  it is a amass of pleasantly creative contradictions.  

Stoned Cherrie recently partnered with Fochini to create The Love Movement, an affordable and easily accessible clothing line that consist of signature t-shirts, dresses and other accessories.  However, the label is still primarily only sold in Johannesburg, and Cape Town so if your looking for designs like the ones featured below you better start racking up on your frequent flyer miles.  Here are some designs from the Spring Summer 2011 collection

Still looking for something for him?  Victor Glemaud’s latest collection may be the answer.  Noted  by Esquire Magazine as a “game changer in defining American sportswear,”  Glemaud’s mix of colors, patterns, and cashmere  are sure to please.  The collection also includes Mackintosh-made quilted field jackets and oxford cloth shirts in collaboration with Gitman Brothers.  Where to buy: Shop at Odin in New York, or Revolve in Los Angeles

Photo: Dan Lecca

Wealthy minds continue to speak dreams into existence.  Faith and fashion go hand in hand for the the Billionaire PA, whose vision is to inspire over one billion people to speak their dreams into existence, the Billionaire PA began creating his clothing line Wealthy Minds Clothing with that vision in mind.  The clothing line consists of graphic tees with quotes from The Billionaie PA’s  inspirational book printed on them.  His most popular tees, “Damn a recession I’m in a succession,” and “God’s on my team who’s on yours?” have sold over 5,000 units worldwide in only three months without any distribution but with plenty of faith. Very impressive for the 27 year old entrepreneur.  There are also plans to expand the brand to include sneakers, the idea; to help you walk with purpose.  Purchase items from Wealthy Minds Clothing at http://www.wealthymindsclothing.com/