The latest JBL collection is simply beautiful it featured Fulani earrings sewn onto classic silhouettes, flowing gowns, and cocktail dresses designed in true Jewel by Lisa fashion mixed with fresh vibrant prints that I love.   This season Lisa Folawiyo has extended her signature brand to include a line of shoes which debuted at Lagos Fashion and Design Week

Sidebar:  I am on the prowl for my New Years Eve attire I will be eyeing some JBL designs so let’s just pray that there is a NYC showroom still standing. 

 

 

 

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Photo Credit: Insigna

As the fashion world waits in anticipation of the fashion week shows that are taking place over the next several days, I could only imagine what the last few days and moments are like for the designers themselves.  Lisa Folawiyo, designer of the Nigerian fashion label Jewel By Lisa, allowed cameras to follow her as she prepared to show her Vintage Love collection at last years Arise Magazine presentation. The ad campaigns, press meetings, the mad run for shoes 2 days before the show, watch it all here.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3wCykuM9uw&feature=plcp
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Studied law at Nigeria Law School

Started Jewel by Lisa in 2005, employing two tailors

Jewel by Lisa now has 30 employees

It operates from showrooms in Lagos and New York

It is sold in Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and the US

Lisa Folawiyo, (also known as the jewel of the Nigerian fashion industry), 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 furnishings.

  

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Photo Credit: BBC

“A modern translation of Nigeria in the 60s: using traditional menswear and classic garments or pieces from that era as inspiration to create ultra-feminine pieces for today’s woman. As always you’ll see lots of exquisite hand-embellished ankara pieces (our signature) and of course our custom-made luxurious prints, which have been personalised for our inspiration. We’ve also expanded our accessories line with different types of belts and beaded bags.” – Lisa Folawiyo (JBL)

Jewel by Lisa presented “Vintage Love”; a tribute to ’60s and ’70s Nigerian style. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection included the brands signature use of color and ankara print combinations featured on mod concept dresses, blouses cut like safari jackets, clutch bags and bathing suits. This collection was completely wearable as it featured something for EVERY woman. The silk chiffon swing dress was my favorite.  Check out more of my picks below.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Mark Von Holden

The much anticipated Arise Magazine Made In Africa Presentation at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week took place on Thursday, September 15.  New York City’s most fashionable citizens came out to support and be dazzled by the stunning collections of Tsemaye Binitie, Asibelua, Bunmi Koko, Jewel By Lisa, Lanre DaSilva – Ajayi, Pierre- Antoine Vettorello and Kluk CGDT.  After the show select guests danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Cassidy and a special performance by R Kelly.

Photo Credit: Bella Naija

Arise Magazine is known for bringing the best in African fashion to cities across the globe and in September they return to New York with their highly anticipated “Made in Africa” collective September 15th, 5pm at Avery Fisher Hall.    

 Here’s what Mercedes Benz Fashion Week reps had to say:

“Since the launch of ARISE magazine and our inaugural ARISE show three seasons ago, it has been our mission to bring African culture to a wider global audience. We are proud to be able to give some incredibly talented designers the opportunity to showcase their creations on a global platform, an opportunity they would not hitherto have been afforded.”

Uhmmm, ok…    Below is a list of some of the featured designers that will be showing their S/S 2012 collections. Happy showing! May the seats be filled with stockist/buyers, Edward Enninfuls and Anna Wintours. 

Bunmi Koko

 Kluk CGDT

 

 Tsemaye Binitie

 Jewel By Lisa

 

Pierre-Antoine Vettorello

 

 

 

 
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Photo credits: Antwerp-fashion, HauteFashionAfrica

 

 

“Exhibitions

Sheer intelligence and creativity depicted by some of the designers exhibiting for day two was one of the items served at the weeklong Arise Magazine Fashion Show.

Maki Oh, a young emerging designer had a peaceful tone to her collections from the angelic Grecian sandals and the short white loose dresses to the choice of music and the nude look her models portrayed.

Her artistic approach towards her collection was brilliant.

Other designers that depicted such genius are the Okunoren twins  who literally kept the crowd aloft with excitement at the drama displayed on the stage in which they had two hooded men lead the way as the models displayed their collections and their dramatic pose for the camera as they ended.

Their collections were bespoke; the Moroccan Amine Bendriouich Couture & BS pulled the sunglasses look fairly well with his collection. His use of tuxedo fabric and jersey were exceptional as well as Liberian Korto Momolu (pronounced cut-toe mo-mo-lu) in her carefree-themed collections consisting of flowing gowns with sequined knits and floral patterns.

Buki Akib brought back the Fela era in her collection as the male models paraded in the juju maestro inspired outfits.

The other item being the ability to surprise the throngs that came to watch the show with something totally different from what these fashion thirsty guests would have expected to see. ”  Read more reviews of the show here

Photo Credit: FashizBlack Magazine, 

Review courtesy of ThisDayLive.com:

One of the most anticipated events of the year,  Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2011 in Lagos Nigeria is to take place March 10-13 2011.  52 of the HOTTEST!! Afropolitan designers will be blazing the runway showcasing their latest collections .  Deola Sagoe, Jewel by Lisa, Mimi Plange, Laquan Smith, Mataano….and the list goes on. View the schedule  and also take a peek at the gallery below to view some of the designers. To view all of the designers click here

Jewel by Lisa uses the highest quality Ankara from the Vlisco- Hollandais brand and is frequently mixed with fabrics as wide ranging as taffeta, linen, cotton, chiffon, chantilly lace, and silk. Each Jewel by Lisa garment is handcrafted, and embellished with sequins, swarovski crystals, and beads.  With each embellishment hand sewn carefully onto the fabric, a fully embellished JBL garment on average will take about 120 hours to complete.  

Solange Knowles does is fashionbly loud in the September issue of FashIsBlack magazine. Love this skirt by Boxing Kitten.

Shorts: Jewel by Lisa

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