Last night, I was honored to attend and sit at the ARISE: Promise of Africa Collective S/S 2010 show at Bryant Park, a showcase of 4 top designers from the Mother Land. This event was sponsored by ARISE magazine, Africa's global style & culture magazine from Thisday Publications that celebrates accomplished Africans in fashion, music, culture, and business. The synergy in that room was invigorating and the excitement of this years show was contagious. The buzz was that Tyson Beckford was walking the show and everyone was wondering if there would be a surprised guest to out do last years appearance by fashion icon, Grace Jones. Although, there was no Grace the show was equally comparable to the fervor in that tent...LOVED IT!!!...Oh, and Tyson did make it!;-)
Above are a few of my perspective shots on the runway that evening (had a hard time capturing what I wanted...sorry ya'll) of the first designer, Jewel by Lisa. With a heavy dissonance of color off-set with batik-inspired prints this Nigerian designer's collection screamed AFRICA...lol. Although, I am not much of a fan of this collection, I will give it to her for her "Afro-Chic in the City" take on spring fashion and her signature hand-beaded work of sequins and Swarovski crystals. It's for the effervescent, off-beat, whimsical gal who doesn't mind throwing us off with a touch of sophistication. ;-)
LadyYvette's pick...I can see myself wearing this with a thick braided belt or belt by Sara Aphrodite and some HUGE gold hoop earrings.
Also, from Nigeria, Tiffany Amber graced the catwalk with her amazingly sexy collection! I felt her collection was fit for a Lady who see's herself as a Queen..picture it: it's a warm, sun-filled afternoon and the trees of your orchard whisper how beautiful you look standing off the balcony of your chateau...hehehe. It's because you are wearing flowing art - literally. The recurring print seen in her collection was inspired by a painting by the Nigerian artist Kolade Oshinowo - how clever! The vibrant colors , metallic weaves, silk fabric and woven details makes for a Diva-lious collection that I have definitely seen before. Don't get me wrong, though this was my favorite designer out of the four. ;-)
Next was the Madagascan-born Eric Raisina Haute Texture who scorched us with his HOTT like fiyah S/S 2010 debut with adorable Chanel Iman opening the show. Master of textiles, Raisin heated it up with avante-garde fabric techniques like his infamous "silk fur"and wild vivid colors. For me, though, I thought some of the dresses made the models look bigger than what they are because of the different textures and the look of certain pieces looked cheap & sloppy...but that's just my opinion. Take a look for ya' self...
And Last, South African award-winning designer, David Tlale showed his more muted collection - I think they thought they were saving the best for last. It was definitely the more refined, luxe, and polished of the four designers, to me. Compared to Jewel by Lisa, I think his collection was more "chic" and more wearable for a New York City socialite.
All in all, this 20 minute show was a treat for me to see and I appreciated every minute! This cleary was a great representation of what Africa has to offer in terms of fashion and I am PROUD!All straightforward shots are courtesy of image.net
in LOVE,
Lady Yvette
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