Demur Magazine September 16 Fashion Week Edition

Free Soul – Fashion Week Edition

September 2016

CONTENTS

05 - F£$K IT And Move On. 07 - DEMUR Exhibitions 10 - Music Events 17 - DEMUR Bangers 18 - Demur At Africa Fashion Week London 22 - Ibiza Fashion Festival London 25 - Free Soul 38 34 - Nolcha Shows 36 - Nolcha Show Designers 38 - East Africa Trade Investment Hub Designers At Nolcha Shows

Contributors

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Demur Magazine

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Noreen Chada - Editor

Yvonne Gymafi- Content Editor Kay Samuel- Features Editor Nicole Samoto – Social Editor Stella Dzingai – Contributing Writer D'zynmax - Layout Design Visit us at: www.demur.co Facebook: DemurMagazine Twitter: DemurMagazine Instagram: DemurMagazine TV:www.youtube.com/DemurMagazine Email: info@demur.co Demur Magazine is a FREE magazine distributed in London. You can also access Demur from your tablet.

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05

F£$K IT And Move On.

In life and in your work, things are bound to go wrong and you will be tempted to think, “F£%k it, I don’t have to put up with this”. No one likes defeat. As Creatives, our talent is our gift to the world and when it’s not taking us to where we want to go, we have the tendency to walk away and give up. We show you how to say, “F£$K IT”, in the best way possible and press on towards your goals.

Figure out why you started in the first place.

Everyone has a reason for doing what they do. Whether you yourself are aware of it or not. Your reason for starting what you are doing now, is your drive. If you give up now, that reason will haunt you and make you feel miserable, until you decide to do something about it.

Undo the stress Sometimes you need to walk away from the situation, to get a better perspective. It’s alright to take a break from your work. You can go away, watch a movie, take a walk or even go on holiday. Whatever you need to do, to undo the stress and cool off, do it. You will find inspiration and perhaps new ideas to bring back to your work and improve and sometimes even solve the issue that is stressing you.

Control yourself

Knock Knock, who is there?

We all react differently to different situations. However, sometimes we let our emotions get the better of us. If you can’t control your emotions, your emotions will control you. When you are defeated, you sure will feel deflated and if you nurture your emotions, they will tell you to give up so that you will not have to feel like this again. Of course that sounds like a good idea, why put yourself through something that hurts you. But, remember all feelings temporary, ignore negative thoughts and press on. You alone what can control what your mind thinks about.

Before we knock on anyone’s door, we must have some idea of what we are going to say or know the purpose of our visit.

Before you go back to your work, now that your emotions are in check, plan out what you are going to do next, before you knock on the next door. How are you going to move forward from this? What lesson have you learnt from your temporary defeat?

Instigate the new plan immediately.

As soon as you have figured out the next move, there is nothing to wait for. You struck the iron whilst it’s still hot. Begin to put your new plan to action now and do it with zeal.

Try to remember your awesomeness Just because no one tells you how great you are, it does not mean you are not great. Defeat shows that we are human, not that we are weak or useless. Every day when you wake up, tell yourself how great you are. It’s not arrogance. You have to believe in yourself and your work before you expect anyone else to.

Look out for our Weekly W.O.W (Words of Wisdom) every Wednesday on our Facebook Page: Facebook.com/DemurMagazine.

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Demur Art Collectives Underdog Gallery is pleased to host ‘NEO’, a new Solo show from London based artist The Krah. Inspiration for the new series comes from the old masters with a contemporary twist.

“I started graffiti in the streets and on the trains back in the 90’s, when graffiti wasn’t considered ‘art’. A lot of things have changed since then. The evolution of graffiti is street-art: moving from just getting ‘UP’ in the streets using spray paint, to amplifying the youth voice with any material available (paste ups, street sculptures, mosaics, paint rollers, ect...)”

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The Krah Artist. As a subculture, it’s the biggest art movement ever - bigger than the impressionists, cubists or any other as every city in the world has street-art. There is a visual orgy of art in streets of London and other cities now. This series draws on that phenomenal - the love and desire for more street-art, everywhere - and the key figures of the movement in a cheeky and more meaningful-than-youthink type of way.

The branding of artists, bombarding the streets with instantly recognisable work, is a technique of self-advertising that has learned from the logo-ridden corporate world.

Street-art logos are products of a capitalistic society, and an aspect of what it takes to participate in one. This series explores these issues in a comical way. “I am exploring the link between street artist iconography and advertising; I am showing it by using straightto-the-point explicit graphics”.

Parody is a backbone to both pop and street-art, people are interested in art that has recognisable imagery from everyday life that they can relate to,experience in new ways and talk to each other about. Creating advertising characters, industry icons and product personalities are nothing new, it was very big in America starting from back in the 1940s - but, it’s new for artists and not advertisers to do. Most of the artists in my series remix pop icons, iconic photography, cartoons, advertising and merchandising mascots in ironic ways. This series poses the artists’ characters, icons and logos in a similarly ironic way.

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Demur Exhibitions

“The Mothering Blackness”: An Evening of Art, Advocacy and Performance

Friday 9th September 2016 Time: 18:30pm Entrance: £3.00 Venue: Autograph ABP , Rivington Place, London, EC2A 3BA Various artists and scholars will gather together to explore representation and visibility of the cultural body. The exhibition will be based on the body image of a black woman. Nana Adusei-Poku, Fatuma Khaireh, NIC Kay and Jennifer Allen aka Quilla Constance will explore and challenge pre-conceived notions and fixed readings potential of the ‘cultural’ body. The performances will be followed by a Q&A session.

Gallery Talk: Daniele Tamagni and James Barnor Saturday 10th September Time: 15:00pm Entrance: Free Venue: October Gallery - 24 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AL

Photographers James Barnor and Daniele Tamagni, will sit down for a discussion of their works to be exhibited at an upcoming exhibition.

James who was born in Ghana, started off his career by setting up a studio featuring different works for the public to stop by and view.

James developed his career whilst working for two different publications in Ghana, before reaching out to the world. Italian born Daniele trained as an art historian before jetting off to see the world and photograph colourful fashion subcultures.

Naked Boys Reading: The Moribund

Thursday 29th September Time: 19:30pm Entrance: £6.00 Venue: Ace Miranda’s Hotel Bar Exactly what it says on the tin, come and see naked boys reading out aloud. The professional term is literary salon ladies, when it comes to explaining to your other half where you are heading. The exhibition will host some of the Naked Boys’ star boys and girls to give us special readings of gothic tales. Gifts will be handed out on the night to celebrate the group’s 4th birthday.

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Music Events Annie Afrilu –EP Release Date: 16th September Time: 21:00pm – till late Entrance: Email to join the guest list - guestlist@annieafrilu.com Venue: Notting Hill Arts Club, 21 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ Annie Afrilu has officially set a release date for her debut EP “The In Crowd”. The 4 song EP will be released on 16th September 2016. To celebrate the release of her anticipated EP, Annie will be performing with her live at Notting Hill Arts Club. Make sure you don’t miss out, there will be gifts handed out on the night.

Busk The Box Date: Every Sunday Time: 13:00pm Entrance: Free Venue: Boxpark, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London, E1 6GY Every Sunday, head on down to Boxpark and enjoy a variety of open mic performances from unsigned artists. If you are an artist yourself, you can audition by submitting a selfie on Instagram with the tag #BUSKTHEBOX @Boxpark @ AcousticLiveUK. For your comfort, there are lounge chairs and refreshments available for purchase from the food outlets at Boxpark.

Music College Open Day Date: 3rd September Time 13:00pm – 16:00pm Entrance: Free Venue: London Centre Of Contemporary Music - 50-52 Union Street, London, SE1 1TD Ever thought about getting a degree in music? Well, if you are still in the thinking stage, London College of Creative Media are hosting an open day for their music courses.On the day you will hear from current students and tutors who also work in the music industry. There are many courses on offer to suit different lifestyles and abilities. From part time- weekend/evening courses or summer courses, the world is your oyster.

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Demur

Bangers

Dua Lipa to dominate 2017 as well Dua Lipa has certainly been busy this year.

We recently saw her perform her single “Hotter Than Hell”, on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and she did us Brits proud!

The excitement continues for Dua as a release date has been announced for her debut album. The self titled album will be released on 10th February. In the meantime you can catch Dua as she tours the UK, US and Europe. We have no doubt 2017 will be another exhilarating year for the young lass.

Prinze George introduce us to Illiterate Synth Pop Prinze George have been working to perfect their debut album since February 2015. In between touring with the likes of Alvert Hammond Jr and Little Boots, the group made stops to their studio in Minneapolis to record “Illiterate Synth Pop” with Evan Bakke (Prince, Fraea, Soul Asylum).

Kenny Grimm (production/instrumental), Naomi Almquist (vocals) and Isabelle De Leon (drums), make up Prinze George.

Prinze George who are based out in Maryland came together in 2013 and since then have quickly exploded onto the Indie scene.

“Illiterate Synth Pop is a panorama of the people we grew up with and the places we’ve travelled to with them; both inside and outside of our home. Coming of age, Love, loneliness, and feeling stuck are frequent themes. This collection of songs is a great reflection of who we are,” explains Naomi. The album is out now!

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Demur At Africa Fashion Week London We were delighted to be invited as media partners for Africa Fashion Week London, after the huge success of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. In our excitement we caught up with some of the designers attending the show.

Jenni Dezigns A few words about your brand Classic, quirky, children’s clothing made out of African print for every occasion. Established in 2015,Jenni Dezigns is a mother-daughter duo; Jenny the designer and Sam the mother, we are making sure the world gets to see Jenny’s amazing craft. Our brand shares a passion of allowing children to be children & with this the freedom to dress like children. To tell our unique story, each collection is given its very own African name.

How would you describe your target consumer, what are their hobbies, lifestyle etc?

Our current range is aimed at girls aged 2-7 years, where every day is an occasion to get dressed up for. The SS16 collection includes practical every day clothes and party wear. All made to the highest quality to ensure comfort and durability for active children. Our target customers include mum’s, grannies (and other close family members) who like to treat the young princesses in their lives - making sure they are dressed in bespoke, beautiful clothing.

What does it mean to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London for you and your brand?

We are excited about the vibrant, rich heritage of Africa Print and its increased profile in international fashion, makes this event the perfect platform to introduce our brand. This is also gives us an opportunity to showcase a local South African print – ShweShwe, which we have been working with. This label is Jenny’s dream. To be able to do this with her is a privilege and great fun!

How can we keep up to date with you after AFWL? Tw i t t e r. c o m / j e n n i d e z i g n s 1 Instagram.com/jennidezigns

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Laura Jane Fashion A few words about your brand Our Mission is to create clothes that are fearfully and wonderfully made, inspired by Psalms 139:14. Our aim is to make beautiful items that people will be proud to wear. Laura Jane Fashion design transformable garments that enhance the wearers experience, we think beyond the norm and outside of the box to create clothing that isn’t always, as it seems.

With our designs each customer is a designer in their own right, we want our customers to be empowered to wear our garments as they choose.

How would you describe your target consumer, what are their hobbies, lifestyle etc?

Our target customers are young men and women between the ages of 18-30, who live in the UK but have some sort of African/Caribbean heritage. We want to provide our customers with clothing that reflect their dual heritage, pulling influences from both the western world and traditional Ankara prints.

What does it mean to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London for you and your brand?

It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but it means a whole lot to me to be showcasing at AFWL! This will be my first ever catwalk show which is always something special for a designer. I can’t think of a better, more fitting place to showcase my designs than at AFWL. This is a huge opportunity for any designer and I am more than excited!

How can we keep up to date with you after AFWL? Website - laurajanefashion.co.uk Facebook.com/laurajanefashion Instagram @lillaurajane Youtube - youtube.com/c/laurajanefashion

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Sherene Melinda A few words about your brand SHERENE MELINDA is a London-based designer handbag brand with a unique, South African inspired style. Our current collection of contemporary handbags each feature authentic, vibrant, springbok hair-on-hide and the finest quality leathers both inside and out.

How would you describe your target consumer, what are their hobbies, lifestyle etc?

Motivated by the desire to give everyone the opportunity to express him or herself through fashion, we have combined a universal use of colour and trend, suitable for those leading a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

We have just released our latest collection, which includes the brand’s first unisex bag and is an important milestone in our aim to create fashion that reflects the inner vibrancy of every individual. With a growing international appeal and demand from overseas customers, we have scheduled our first US-based trade show for early next year.

What does it mean to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London for you and your brand?

This is the second time we are exhibiting at AFWL after a successful debut last year, where we won the prize for the best looking stand. We also showcased on the catwalk, where our combination of vibrant colours, distinctive collection and beating drums left a long-lasting impact that brought a rush of visitors to our stand for the remainder of the show.

The appearance of male model Emeka was particularly special, as he elegantly balanced three tote bags on his arm whilst he strutted down the runway, keeping the attention of the entire audience (see photo).

AFWL gave us the opportunity to meet likeminded people from various backgrounds and share inspiration with other designers. The event plays an important role of representing African-inspired fashion in an ever-growing and busy London fashion scene and showcasing at this event has certainly helped to grow the exposure of our brand.

How can we keep up to date with you after AFWL? You can follow us on social media @sherenemelinda - we have an active blog on our e-commerce website www.sherenemelinda.co.uk where you can stay up-to-date with all the latest news from our brand, including where to find us.

Africa Fashion Week London will take place on 9th & 10th September at West Hall, Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX

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Ibiza Fashion Festival London After the success of the first ever Ibiza Fashion Festival on the Balearic island of Ibiza, Karen Windle and her team have decided to bring the festiveness to our hometown, London. Ahead of the event we managed to get a few words from the brands showing at IFF London.

Bossa Nova Bikini What does Ibiza mean for you?

I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and I am of Spanish descent. Since I was a little girl, I used to go Spain, and the first time I went to Ibiza was about 6 years ago. It was love at first sight. I enjoyed it so much that in 2012, I went to live over there for 6 months. I know that island like the back of my hand. I met some really good people who have become friends.

How can we keep up to How would you describe date with you after Ibiza the collection you will be showing at this year’s Ibiza Fashion Festival?

I’m based in Amsterdam, but I go to Lon- Fashion Festival London? don quite often. Let me know a date in The collection is inspired by the real advance and we organise something. Brazilian Summer, Rio Style. The designs are trendy, simple and not fussy.

Beth Richardson What does Ibiza mean for you?

Ibiza is a beautiful island with such a unique fashion culture. There are bohemian hippies, glamorous pool parties and hardcore ravers. I want my collection to reflect all these elements. So you wear Beth Richardson in the day or to party in throughout the night.

How would you describe the collection you will be showing at this year’s Ibiza Fashion Festival London?

My collection for London will be the first plus-sized pieces I have made. They will reflect more of a glamorous look and will use classic corsetry techniques to give a strong silhouette. Shape, structure and colour layering will be the focal points of this collection.

How can we keep up to date with you after Ibiza Fashion Festival?

I will be working on a number of projects after the London show. An ongoing collaborative project with Blue Jam Productions and YouTube channel Machinima will be one to keep an eye on (especially if you are a fan of the Mad Max films, and tanks). I’ll also be starting at the London College of Fashion to produce a graduate collection which will be out next summer. All can be followed on my Instagram: @BethRichardsonFashion.

Tiger Striped Crop Top and Bikini Bottoms.

Photography: Krish Photography Make Up Artist: Simone Myers

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Fashion Sistas What does Ibiza mean for you?

IBIZA means to me: Idyllic, beach , inspiring, zen ambience

How would you describe the collection you will be showing at this year’s Ibiza Fashion Festival London?

The 3 piece collection from FashionSistas we will be showing, is the best of our ‘Black to the Wilderness’ designs that are inspired by the wild containing rich colours like black, gold & green hues. This collection has been created for the strong, untamed lady who likes to make a dramatic entrance when she walks into the room. She is rich in life which is represented by the gold, dark as in she can stand up for herself and the greens represent her living green - eating the seeds of the earth living a environmentally friendly life.

The bikinis are bespoke and each one has been upcycled and is very unique.

How can we keep up to date with you after Ibiza Fashion Festival?

To find out more about FashionSistas find us on: Instagram @fashionsistasuk Photography: Krish Photography Model: Rebecca Perry

Photography: Florian Ko Model: Irene Shebeko

Ibiza Fashion Festival will take place on 17th September at Grosvenor Place Hotel in London.

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Bodysuit - J’aisse Boutique

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Bodysuit - J’aisse Boutique

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Bodysuit: Lia Aram , Shirt - Levis

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Outfit: Andrea Szanto

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Bodysuit & Jacket Koton

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Vest: Paula Milea Boots : Mihaela Glavan, Bodysuit: Koton

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Top: Lia Aram Lingerie: J’aisse Boutique

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Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Outfit: Koton

Free Soul Photography: Bogdan Teodorov Art Director: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Make Up Artist: Corina Tudor Model: Irina Stefan – Max1 Models Dress Lia Aram

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Nolcha Shows We return to Nolcha for another season and it just seems to be getting better and better. Along with previous designers, Nolcha have managed to recruit some new designers coming from different parts of the globe. We caught up with head poncho, Kerry Bannigan to find out more about this season’s Nolcha Shows.

What we can expect from you and the Nolcha gang this season?

The Nolcha Shows Spring/Summer 2017 will see the return of ACID NYC and Rohitava Banerjee to our runway and we welcome international based newcomers, Jody Bell and Olivia B to the Ones to Watch showcase.

Accessory designers will showcase in the Media Fashion Lounge. Among those designers will be returning brands Michelle Pajak-Reynolds, Taylord Blu and El Voyage; with Oysby, Dela Eva, Riley Versa, Marshelly’s Jewelry and James Carleton as new brands to our roster.

Returning Official Sponsors include NeoGrid for Fashion and Citibank.

What qualities does a designer need to show before reaching the Nolcha stage?

We offer different showcase levels to suit the varying life cycles of a growing independent fashion designer. The Ones to Watch runway is desirable for newly launched or capsule collections; the Main Runway is suitable for brands who have been in business for a succession of seasons with fuller collections and the Individual Runway is for designers with larger or multiple collections and a dedicated following.

With all brands, the curation team take into consideration the designers’ stage of business, manufacturing, stockists and continued selling ability, business development and press.

What are some of the high and low points of putting on such a big show?

There are much more high points to our work; the creativity, the collaboration and the final production is a fantastic feeling to see all of the different hours from everybody come together to unveil the latest collection. The lows, like with any live event, is usually the stress of the client and reassuring them that everything will be as their envisioned for their collection launch – whether this is first time or seasonal.

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What is it going to be like for you 24 hours before the first show and 24 hours after the last show?

Prior to the show the team are focused on attendance, seating charts, ensuring the clients are pre-prepped on everything, any last minute fittings and press briefings. The countdown, this entails all the elements required for the show production from hair, makeup, models, rehearsals and viewing (again) final brand looks. After the show, a lot of time is spent on following up with attendees, specifically press for coverage of the runway shows, collection and celebrities.

The Nolcha Shows are a leading award winning event, held during New York Fashion Week, for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. www.nolchashows.com. Nolcha will take place between 12th -15th September.

(Left to Right) Kerry’s business partner Arthur Mandel, Christina Milian and Kerry Bannigan.

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Nolcha Show Designers OYSBY (Own Your Style, Be Yourself) - Luxury handbag and footwear brand.

Your brand is fairly new, what are some of the skills you feel an independent designer should have to progress in the business of fashion?

I think the most important skill any entrepreneur needs is an understanding of the finance and business management.

Creativity comes naturally to most designers but learning the figures generally seems daunting to most. If you can’t master your figures, find someone to teach you how to do this or pay someone competent to do it. Be very careful not to end up with people that claim to be helping you when in actual fact, they are just enriching themselves. That’s why it’s usually ideal to have a business partner that complements your skills .I’ve learnt that fashion is a very tricky venture, so one must also learn to differentiate substance from mere glitz in order to be able to manage your finances and brand strategies better.

Riley Versa –A line of bags created with the idea that one bag really can have it all.

A few words to describe the collection that you will be showing at Nolcha this season.

Versatile, unique, fun and edgy! Riley Versa bags are the ultimate fashion accessory: they enable women to express themselves with the season’s hottest trends and have fun doing it! Women can select a cover according to their mood - from Blushing Beauty (rose quartz pink) to Wild Thing (blue crocodile) we have you “covered.”

TaylordBlu - A brand that is on a mission to redefine how men dress.

You say you want to contribute to the fashion world in a similar way Ralph Lauren has. What is your plan of execution?

Our plan of execution has always been to change people’s perception (men in particular) of fashion. Our philosophy is simple…We are committed to redefining how men dress. We hope to accomplish this one man at a time. We have been fortunate enough to have been able to collaborate with one of the industry’s most sought after stylist, Jen Abrams. Her brand (JenAbramsStyle), speaks for itself. She has worked with some of the world’s best athletes from the NFL to Major league Baseball, models, and musicians just to name a few. Her reputation precedes her in every respect, and the TaylordBlu brand has been fortunate enough to be in her company.

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Dela Eva – A luxury handbag and accessories from budding designers Ninja Evangelista.

What are you going to be doing to celebrate and reward yourself after showing your collection at Nolcha?

Being part of the Nolcha Shows and the opportunity to showcase during New York Fashion Week is already the best reward for our hard work and a huge accomplishment for us.

We will use this fantastic opportunity at Nolcha in York to further promote and build our brand and will keep up the momentum to gain new opportunities within the industry.

Michele Pajak-Reynolds - Michelle Pajak Reynolds is on a mission to dress us up in her jewellery of armour, so that we too can change the world.

We know you are a big fan of Wonder Woman. Which celebrity dead or alive would you choose to be your Wonder Woman muse and why?

As a child I was a big fan of the Wonder Woman TV series with actress Lynda Carter. Wonder Woman’s jewellery, especially her bracelets gave her super powers and inspired me to become a jeweller. I consider any woman who is confident in pursuing her passions and encouraging other to do the same to be a Wonder Woman. There are many women, celebrity and not, around the world that fit that description and all of them are sources of inspiration.

Marshellys’ - From a part time business to a full service accessory line, Sherlly Ontiveros has built up a business that has attracted attention and praise from some of the industry’s top designers.

What sort of process do you go through when designing a collection?

New designs come to me on a daily basis. They come from simply observing everything around me. I sketch much more than I produce. It then goes to be traditionally hand manufactured at my father’s company. After the casting process, the pieces are then high polished for a finish that accentuates the classic lines and shapes to create a sense of movement in the jewellery.

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East Africa Trade Investment Hub Designers At Nolcha Shows

Aprelleduany is an emerging luxury brand that encourages others to use their gifts and experiences to pursue their life’s dream.

If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be and why?

If I could dress any celebrity, I would love to work with strong women who are passionate about their work and equally passionate about changing the world. This would include influencers such as Oprah, Alicia Keys, BeyoncĂŠ, and Mo Abudu.

Mafi is a high fashion clothing and accessories brand that has traditional soul, ethically made and create a collection that has different separates which can give a woman a choice to mix and match and create her own personal style.

Mahlet Afework started her career at 16 as a model and musician, while simultaneously studying Nursing. She left school and quit modelling to follow her passion and become a professional fashion.

I AM I aims to create artisinal jewellery that is design conscious, whimsical and statement, incorporating materials sourced in Kenya with a contemporary edge I am extremely honoured to have the opportunity to present at the Nolcha Shows, which continues to be an exceptional platform for emerging designers from around the world.

designer. Mafi has since gained critical acclaim for her cutting-edge designs; winning the 2012 Origin Africa’s design award, showcasing her work at African Fashion Week New York 2012, and winning the 2010 Designer of the Year award from Alliance Ethio-Française at European Fashion Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Sammy Handmade offer up hand woven feather weight scarves, tunics and hand tie-dyed Ethiopian highland sheep nappa leather accessories.

The brand’s philosophy is to preserve long history of hand craft skills and create items that appeal to the global market. To work with artisans, create employment and use natural and eco-friendly materials to make beautiful, luxury products.

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