Few shoe brands can claim to be at the forefront of fashion culture like Vans. You can raid any closet at random and expect to see a pair of Vans because of their versatility. The shoes are effortless across all seasons and can be easily styled with any outfit. However, more than just a pair…
Recently scientists sounded the alarm on Earth’s rising temperatures. With global temperatures expected to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world is on track to breach a critical warming threshold in the next five years. Global temperatures have soared in recent years, as the planet continues to burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and…
Kenya has a lot to offer to the African fashion landscape. The emergence of gifted designers who have rooted their brands in sustainability while not compromising on quality and style has put the country at the forefront. Katush is one of the brands leading the way in ushering in a new era in Kenya’s textile industry….
Before Europeans hopped on boats, Côte d’Ivoire was a centre of trade. The commercial centre attracted different ethnic groups from all over the Saharan belt. The Akan people from Ghana migrated to Côte d’Ivoire and settled to form the Baoule Kingdom. They became known for their intricate and refined art. They adorned themselves with gold,…
In the North, September is a huge moment in the fashion calendar. It acts as a kind of fashion new year, with all brands releasing their Spring/Summer lines in advance for the year to come. For our local calendar, the Spring/Summer collections are released in April. For South Africa, a country which takes the full…
There is nothing that captures fashion as well as a film. Films like The Devil Wears Prada, Cruella, and Phantom Thread, are all examples of when fashion becomes a character within a film. To see a garment come alive under the perfect lighting, worn by a picturesque model with the right music playing in the…
Ghana holds an almost mythical status in most of our imaginations — carried evenly by those who have visited, those who frequent it, and those who dream of it. The country seems to represent a fanciful vision. This vision is perhaps born out of the optimism that followed its position as the first nation to…
Lagos, Nigeria is a global hotspot and its music, art, fashion, blooming BMX, and skating culture have influenced the growth of streetwear brands. Streetwear in Nigeria is entirely different from worldwide streetwear clothing. It represents the creative vibrancy and vitality that exists in the country. Severe Nature is one of the most prominent streetwear brands…
It is not a requirement of artistry for the artist to bring themselves and their life experiences into their work. To believe so would be to discredit the many talented artists who act more so as documentarians, holding up a mirror to their consumers, rather than presenting a self-portrait. This is especially true in the case…
Timeless. Minimalist. Sculptural. These are some of the many adjectives that can be associated with Hamethop. Established in 2015 by Tsakani Mashaba, the brand specializes in creating artisanal handbags and womenswear using ethically sourced leather for their bags and recycled fabrics. Their designs take inspiration from African art, architecture, and traditions to produce outstanding works…
The past few weeks in the world of fashion have demonstrated that as much as art imitates life, fashion imitates nature. Two of those weeks were Paris Couture Week and New York Fashion Week, where fashion houses debuted their Spring Couture and Fall/Winter 2023 lines respectively. Although the fashion calendar has long been structured the…
After finishing her degree in Jewellery Design and Silversmithing in 2001, Ami Doshi Shah was determined to venture into the world and make art. At 21 years old, she went to India for six months where she was immersed in the culture of jewellery makers and manufacturers. Though the desire to express her creativity continued…
