Chipo Stylin' the City: The Rise & Rise of African Fashion

Last night the world's foremost fashionistas were presented with the best of African fashion at New York Fashion Week (one day I will be there!). The designers included Jewel By Lisa, who hails from Nigeria; the Arise Africa Fashion Week Designer of the Year, Tiffany Amber, also from Nigeria; The South African David Tlale, who is raising the levels of haute couture back home; and Eric Raisina from Madagascar.

I was impressed by the collection. I think the African designers brought something more conceptual and high fashion to the New York stage. It has only begun, but what I have seen of the shows so far is more wearable fashion. This is not a bad thing, but fashion should be vibrant, way out there, it should subvert what we know to be stylish. Of course when the bigger designers show, it will get more interesting, and hey American taste is not exactly the same as London, Milan or Paris, so it won't get all-out crazy.

I'm glad the Arise African Fashion Collective exists. It is an important platform to show that there are interesting ideas coming out of Africa and that we can play a legitimate role on the International Fashion scene. It seems it was a succes, not to mention the number of top models who walked the show this time. I likes. Do you? Here are some pictures & the video is on the sidebar under See For Yourself. Enjoy & Stay fabulous! xxx

Jewel by Lisa (http://www.jewelbylisa.com/ )

Sesilee Lopez is quickly rising up the fashion ladder. She's fierce.

Freja Beha Erichsen

This is my favourite of the Jewel looks

Tiffanny Amber (http://www.tiffanyamberng.com/- please look at this site. It really shows the designers progression & her online store is coming soon!)

This is the only one that really appeals to me. I can imagine it on the red carpet on Cate Blanchett.

Coco Rocha with her new raven hair

David Tlale (http://www.davidtlale.co.za/). What I like about these pieces is the complex simplicity. The looks are wearable but you can not deny the complicated tailoring and fine details.

Girly with a little edge. I find this piece really beautiful.