/ CREATIVE WOMEN @ WORK

Styling for FASHION4AFRICA


Styling for FASHION4AFRICA

I was recently approached by Fashion4Africa to styled their upcoming campaign. Fashion4Africa is a project that supports emerging models and Fashion designers of African origin in the UK and Africa through mentoring, training and development projects funded by fundraising events.

For this particular photo shoot, Most statement pieces used as ornaments, headpieces are all Nzingah pieces of jewelry, by the talented Bev Quintal who is an incredible designer. I will elaborate more on her accessories in another post. But for now, all I can say is: her pieces are probably some of the best I have seen. So I really got creative with them here.Styling one as a hat, headpiece, and even a visor. I really appreciate how Anna( the director ) let me get creative but not too much because I can go slighy overboard if left unattended, lol.

Styling for FASHION4AFRICA

Also, while styling for Fashion4Africa, I found out, they advocate for change in the perception ‘African Fashion & Beauty’ with the help of various African Fashion media houses. that contributes to elevating the hopes and aspiration of the young, emerging models and designers of African Origin in the UK and Africa who will also be our future entrepreneurs.

For this shoot, it was all about showcasing the best of these 3 models who won the face of Fashion4Africa competition. I then used a modern and yet traditional take on the Afro-Chic to style them.

Like in the first picture, they scream warrior, feminity, unapologetically powerful and proud of who and what they represent which I always try to portrait in my work. Nonetheless, this wouldn’t have been possible without the great hairstylist and makeup artist and Anna, the director. Shot in a South London photography studio by FemelleStudio.

Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and which one your favorite picture.xoxo

MODELS: Ndey.manneh /Isabelle

photography: FemelleStudio

Makeup: @Makeupbyolga_Uk

Hair: Brenz Hair & Beauty

Styling for FASHION4AFRICA

Styling for FASHION4AFRICAStyling for fashion4africa

Follow:
/ CATEGORIES

A Koba.Siani StyleA Koba.Siani style

Shop the look HERE
A few weeks ago, I blogged about Koba.Siani (Read Here).Whose sweatshirt I also styled here.

Generally because of my Afro hairstyle, I hardly ever wear hats, even when I do find some amazing ones or any other hair ornaments as my hair is just too big for anything.

As part of her designs, she also makes some accessories, but here: a headband.That fitted perfectly and definitely kept my ears warm!

The outside is in African waxprint, the inner lining help to keep warm with fleece. On the backside is an elastic part so the headband can easily adapt to any head shape.And they come in different colors.

Made of 100% wax print cotton, and 100% fleece, the colour distribution of each garment will automatically differ from the piece on the picture.So if you are like me and like unique designs plus quality you will be satisfied. Find out more and purchase yours here: KobaSiani

A Koba.Siani style

A Koba.Siani style

A Koba.Siani style

A Koba.Siani style A Koba.Siani style

A Koba.Siani style

A Koba.Siani style

Follow:
/ CREATIVE WOMEN @ WORK

I was asked to work for the Screen Nation Awards as a general stylist this year, precisely last Sunday. Styling the screen nation awards with Idriss Elba winning on the night. Duties were to overview everything from hairstyling to the makeup of the models. Plus their fashion styling. Using Nzingha accessories, Massassbi skirts, and Angela corsets designs.

styling the screen nation awards

So first for work, I was dressed very casually.Then for the show, I changed into an ensemble of matching silk prints top and skirt I scored from MinkPink and the Jimmy Choo I have literary been killing lately and loaded the outfit in accessories (as usual).

**So feel free to click below and shop the look or similar.

What I have noticed so far in my styling journey is; every time I thought I scored a big gig, an even bigger opportunity came along. I am simply getting used to one challenging task after another and learning along.It also shows me how much perseverance having the right attitude is really the key.And as much as I love and value what I do.Being recognised is always encouraging.

styling the screen nation awards

Models: Fiona and Farah.

So, on the day; I was in charge of 8 girls. With 2, responsible for receiving and greeting the guests and celebrities amount which was: Idriss Alba who won an award, Joanna Jarjue, finalist of this year apprentice who also won an award and so many others.

styling the screen nation awards

With Joanna Jarjue

The Screen Nation Awards was the first and remains the most culturally diverse televised film & TV awards show in Europe and showcases the best black British and international film & TV talent.

Over the years guests, winners and presenters have included: Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Spike Lee, Idris Elba, Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Moira Stuart, Amma Asante, Naomie Harris, Angela Griffin, Angellica Bell, Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx, David Oyelewo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Harewood, Sophie Okonedo, Jamelia, Alicia Dixon and Noel Clarke to name but a few.

styling the screen nation awards

Idriss Elba receiving his award

styling the screen nation awards

With Presenter and personality Kelechi Okafor.

styling the screen nation awards

With Vicky Ngari Wilson.

Inline image

With Bev Quintai, creator of Nzingha accessories

styling the screen nation awards

Follow:
/ CREATIVE WOMEN @ WORK

Hot Right Now: Koba.Siani

As much as I like a good high street find or to indulge in my favorite high-end brands, another design sector I can’t stop praising is the up and coming designers. Because of the amount of work and dedication they put into delivering the best to their clients.

I recently discovered Koba Siani who is a new Stuttgart, Germany based Afrochic/ Streetwear brand. I was lucky enough to be sent some pieces to style.Among which was, this wax lipstick sweatshirt( Styled below), a headband and the Ankara skirt.

Without further ado, I can reveal that as my lovely reader you receive 10% off the whole shop, Koba.Siani, just use the code CECILIA10 at the checkout.Thank me later when you receive your item 🙂

Hot right now : Koba.Siani

What I really liked the most, was the personal touches from the moment I received my package. All clothing, delicately wrapped in soft white paper and the quality of the items themselves made of 100% organic cotton. I was really impressed by the make and finishing, of the sweatshirt, fitting as if it was made to measure(very happy Cece here!).Thus By far, the comfiest and most stylish I own at the moment.

Additionally, I wanted to find out more about the designer herself and her journey, knowing how challenging the fashion industry can be and what inspired to start Koba Siani.

Jumper available Here

Hot right now : Koba.Siani

Cece: How long has the brand been out? 

Birgit.Siani: I founded Koba.Siani in November 2017, so it is just the beginning of my journey! Since summer 2017 my little daughter also goes to the kindergarten half day, so my mornings are to prepare everything for the online shop.

-What inspired you to start the brand and what have been the challenges so far?

I studied fashion design and I worked as a fashion designer in the industry for different companies for 7 years. I have always loved bold colors and prints. Then I got to know my husband in 2004 who brought me back some wax prints sent by my brother-in-law from Cameroon. One of which I used for my graduation collection. Since, Koba.Siani was born. Though I concentrated on my family, I also knew that having a business of my own would be the next step I call it my 3rd baby 😉

Hot right now : Koba.Siani

-What inspired your designs/Collections?

I take my inspiration from the latest fashion trends, online or in magazines. Then I mix it up with African wax prints. I always scan any fashion inspiration with the question in my mind: “can I do this in wax print”? Another big inspiration for me is materials and fabrics. I love going through fabric stores, touch the fabrics, look at all the colors and combine them. Then ideas come very easily.

-What is the future of KobaSiani?

First I want to get known by my customers. So much of marketing work is my plan for 2018!
Then I would like to enlarge my collection. More exciting styles for my customers! For the next season, there will be wax print swimwear, for example. At the moment I’m working on an African dirndl (Bavarian dress). which is really a big trend in Germany! And I could see myself doing some exclusive evening wear one day too.
My dream is to produce in Cameroon one day.
Hot right now : Koba.Siani

-What main fabrics or quality do you use and why?

With quality being very important to me, the main fabric used is African wax-print, of course! I LOVE prints and colors. I prefer the 100 % cotton.  For quality check, I always pre-wash them. In general, if possible, I use organic cotton. fabrics with high natural fiber content are my favorite. But again, this always depends on the fabric/ garment price and also the design as it can all get quite pricey. For example, if  The chiffon part of my top is in polyester , silk would be much too expensive! Or the bikinis will be in polyamide/elasthan as nobody wants a cotton bikini :-). With every garment, I do a wearing and a washing test before it gets a part of the Koba.Siani collection.

Another Bonus about Koba.Siani : she offers products which are very specific. For example, you can choose out of a big print range, and she will make alternations that suits your respective measurements. whether you are too short or too tall, Koba.Siani got you coved And all items are “made in Germany”.

More designs here: KOBA.SIANI.COM   
Hot right now : Koba.Siani

Follow: