FAÇON ISSUE 13 FALL 2015
THE FASHION REVOLUTION
Buying Fakes?
The impact of fakes on the sneaker culture
Hip-Hop & Africa
The sounds of Hip Hop in Africa
AFRICAN SWAG
For Your Daily Grind
EcoFab
What's Hot in Eco Fashion for Fall
FEATURED CONTENT
Designer Spotlight
Fashion View
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African H
Why is there a huge market for fakes? Is saving a buck worth it?
What makes Tanzanian designer Lilian Danieli tick?
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Hip-Hop has been a big music scene since 2007.
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Editor's Note
Filles • Style Spotlight • Wish List • Obsession
Designer Spotlight
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Fashion View
6/ Our Instagram Favs
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Garçons • Style Spotlight • On the Radar • The Coveted
On the cover: Desmond and Tiger are wearing Nikki Billie Jean Designs.
Editor-in-Chief Janice Susan Wallace Men's Fashion Director Emmanuel Egolum Beauty Director Khalilah Neals Music Editor Alexis Jackson Director of Photography Karen Nutini Men's Fashion Editor Kevin Gray Fashion Contributor Deron Hogan Stylists Keri Henderson, Akinyi Ragwar PR Milan Media Group Fashion/Style Partner Models Inc. Publisher The Fashion Parade P.O. Box 166 Hyattsville MD 20781 P. (301) 887-3094 E. info@faconmagazine.com
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Hip-Hop
All Things Ankara
part of the African . See who's hot.
Boys in the Hood
Africans celebrating Africans wearing the most gorgeous fabrics in the world.
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What does African swag look like in your everyday life?
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42-49/ Beaute • Beauty Spotlight • Beauty Report
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Boys in the Hood
106/ Finale
Culture • 5 Things You Should Know About • Music • People Are Talking About
FACON IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE FASHION PARADE. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE REPURPOSED, REPRODUCED OR REDISTRIBUTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE FASHION PARADE. TO REQUEST PERMISSION, EMAIL INFO@FACONMAGAZINE.COM. TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT © 2011-2015 BELONG TO THE FASHION PARADE.
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EDITOR'S NOTE
JANICE S. WALLACE
Editor-in-Chief
BACK TO AFRICA African fashion is not a fad. It's not a trend, or a this, or a that. It is the pride of Africans around the globe and it's not just for special occasions.
T
he simple life is truly the best life. As I have been delving deep into my own spiritualilty, I have come to terms with the fact that we are all connected. This became very evident after I watched the documentary, The True Cost (available on Netflix). It exposes the impact of fashion on third world factory workers (mostly female and heads of household), their deplorable working conditions, and the impact that our consumption is having on the Earth. I was moved to tears. So much so, that I considered closing the magazine. I felt that we could be part of the problem. Then I realized that we have been doing some good. We just need to expand who and what we put in the spotlight. Going forward, we will not only focus on emerging fashion, but we will also bring you the finest in sustainable, ethical ecofashion. Oh, and, don't believe the hype. There is a wealth of gorgeous apparel, jewelry, shoes, beauty and grooming products by brands
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who believe that it is important to care for their fellow man and the world we live in. Africans have been doing this forever. Working to bring their amazing locally-made fabrics and designs to the world. African fashion was eco before it was fashionable to be eco. African fashion isn't a fad. It's not just relevant because a luxury brand creates a collection using African fabrics. It's real fashion that can be worn in your everyday life. So we explored what that looks like in our cover feature, Boys in the Hood. We also examine Hip-Hop in African culture. How has it affected the African sound? We also take a critical look at counterfeiting and why it seems to be here to stay. As always, if there's something we should know about, email us at submissions@faconmagazine.com. Have a question or comment for me, send an email to editor@faconmagazine. com. Enjoy.
jsw
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OUR INSTAGRAM FAVS
@livluv_culture We heart this streetwear brand. This vest comes in a number of colors including army green.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @FACON_MAGAZINE
@africanmenkillingit Need we say more.
ALSO FOLLOW US ON
FACEBOOK.COM/FACONMAGAZINE
PINTEREST.COM/FACONMAGAZINE
TWITTER.COM/FACONMAGAZINE
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FIL L ES 8
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
MATT &NAT Matt & Nat have been using sustainable practices since its inception in 1995. For the Canadian brand, not using leather or any other animal-based materials in their designs just felt right. For us, it's very right. Carrie in Gravel, $120. mattandnat.com
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WISH LIST
WHAT JANICE LOVES
NICORA JOHNS
Willow Black, $279 www.mooshoes.com
BOOTIE FEVER
I love a great black bootie. So easy to pair with jeans or your favorite midi skirt.
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K C A L B IS BACK!
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1 - COUNTRY GLAMOUR
Vegan Suede Fringe, $190 www.lulus.com 2 - NOAH VEGAN SHOES
Eleonora blu, $182 www.noah-shop.com 3 - CRI DE COEUR
Cecily, $119 www.veganchic.com 4 - CRI DE COEUR
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Joan, $99 www.veganchic.com 5 - WAL AND PAI
Effie, $425 www.needsupply.com
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NAE
Kurko, $252 nae-vegan.com
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WISH LIST
CAPE CRUSADER Capes and ponchos are the new chic alternative to coats. Just wrap and go.
INDIGENOUS
Notch Stitch Poncho, $174 www.indigenous.com
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ASH AND ROSE
Fleece Cape, $98 www.ashandrose.com
ROSEGAL
Print Dress, $22 rosegal.com
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LAZULI
Black and White Cape www.lazuli.com
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PROJECT
Colorblock Poncho, $106 www.shoptiques.com
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CHARLIE PAIGE
Faux Fur Cape, $43 www.shoptiques.com
s ' r o t i ed e t i r o fav
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LAZULI
Gray and Blue Cape www.lazuli.com
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WISH LIST
vanilia This well-known Dutch brand is a go-to spot for European fashionistas. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, Vanilia seeks to produce beautiful clothes in an ethical way. www.vanilia. com
UNLINED WRAP, $384
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BOUCLE CARDI CLOG, $146
CLARKS GABRIEL CANDY, $112
FLUID DRESS $89
ABRO $259
STEPPED LAYER JACKET, $112
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OBSESSION
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BIGGER IS BETTER Big, bold jewelry is back. Thanks goodness. We were getting bored of the dainty and the tiny.
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1 - MIMCO
Masterpiece Neck, $518 www.mimco.com 2 - ROSALIE MCMILLAN
Java Rock Bangles, $266 www.rosaliemcmillan.com
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3 - STELLA MCCARTNEY
14K Gold Faceted Necklace, $755 www.saks.com 4 - TAGUA
Teardrop Bracelet, $38 www.uncommongoods.com 5 -JENNY WU
Papillo Gray Lace Ring, $90 www.jennywu.com
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OBSESSION
PRINTS CHARMING We are obsessed with prints. Don't shy awy from prints for fall. Just layer your prints with fabulous solids.
VANILIA
Printed Jersey Skirt, $90 www.vanilia.com
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BRAINTREE CLOTHING
Kalamund Print Top, $43 www.braintreeclothing.com
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OBSESSION
IVANA HELSINKI
Dolly Knotted Dress, $250 www.shopethica.com
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1 - VANILIA
Printed Jacket, $125 www.vanilia.com 2 - INDIGO HANDLOOM
Painted Floral Blue, $165 www.indigohandloom.com 3 - INDIGO HANDLOOM
Cascading Dots, $68 www.indigohandloom.com 4 - EXPRESSO
Naris Blouse, $90 www.expresso.nl
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OBSESSION
RUST REVIVAL
Fall's new "it" color epitomizes the richness of the season. Easily pair rust with blacks, camels, browns, and oranges.
THIS PAGE STELEN
Sannah Shirtdress, $98 www.needsupply.com OPPOSITE PAGE 1 - FREE PEOPLE
Immortalia, $278 www.freepeople.com 2 - VANILIA
Buitenjas Fur, $225 www.vanilia.com 3 - HEI HEI
Vegan Leather Bomber $188 www.anthropologie.com 4 - REFORMATION
Rosetta Dress, $218 www.thereformation.com
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GAR ÇON S 28
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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
GNOSTIC JUNGLE
Celebrate African fashion everyday. Not just as a fad. Integrate the fabrics from the Motherland into your daily swag. Camden Mids, $135, www.nubianheuman.com
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ON THE RADAR
COOL STUFF EMMANUEL & KEVIN LIKE WWYF
Oversized African Dashiki $32 marketplace.asos.com
GOT SWAG?
BACK TO AFRICA Show your love for the Continent with these cool tees and shirts. Up your casual game.
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2 1 - TRIBAL LIFE
African Proverb Tee, $34 marketplace.asos.com
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2 - TRIBAL LIFE
Gold African Print Sweatshirt $52 marketplace.asos.com 3 - KAYOBI CLOTHING
Make Fufu Not War Tee, $20 www.kayobiclothing.com 4 -CONTINENT CLOTHING
Allagi Trousers, $37 www.continentclothing.com
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THE COVETED
THE PROPER COAT
Sustainable options for when the weather gets cold. Make sure you get it right.
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1 -NAU
Trenchant Jacket, $545 www.nau.com
2 - FRENN
Omni Gray Coat, $524 www.modavanti.com
3 - MARGARET HOWELL
Sheepskin Car Coat, $49 www.margarethowell. com
4 - LA PAZ
Camel Coat, $357 www.lapaz.pt
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CADET
Admiral Coat $994 www.cadetusa.com
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ikiré jones Ikiré Jones is the collaboration of designer/ afrobeat musician/attorney Walé Oyéjidé, and musician/bespoke tailor Sam Hubler. Together they make great music. www.ikirejones.com
MOBOLAJI OVERCOAT, $800
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OLUFEMI TUNIC, $195
THE PROCESSION SCARF, $265
BALOTELLI SHIRT, $195
THE ALABI SPORT COAT, $450
THE KÈHINDÉ, $450
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THE COVETED
PO-ZU SHOES
Sequoia Black, $268 www.po-zu.com
BOOT CAMP
Fly boots from trekking across the universe.
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1 - VAN LIER
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Hoge Veterschoe, $186 www.vanlier.com 2 - BOURGEOIS BOHEME
Edward Boot, $208 www.modavanti.com 3 - OPIFICIO V
V22, $300 www.modavanti.com 4 - FEIT
Hand Sewn Hiker, $700 www.feitdirect.com
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
7 questions for
LILIAN DANIELI, NASHONA
Tanzanian designer, Lilian Danieli, is the creative mind behind NASHONA. Danieli brings the fabrics from her homeland to life with her modern designs and silhouettes. We spoke with the designer to see what makes her tick. www.nashona.com 1.
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Why did you become a designer? I decided that I wanted to be a designer because I love fashion and I also wanted to start a business that would give back to the community. Where do you go for inspiration for your designs? The first source of inspiration for me is the Word of God, then nature, and then my African roots. What’s been the hardest lesson that you’ve about the fashion business? The hardest lesson that I've learned is that you must be steadfast and focused. You must believe in yourself. Which famous person would you like to see in your designs and why? I would love to see Michelle Obama wearing one of my designs. She is so gorgeous and fashionable. She would look great in NASHONA. Describe your personal style. Who are your favorite designers? I would say that my style is classy creative. My favorite designer is Elie Tahari. Who are your style icons? Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama are my style icons. What are the three things that you cannot live without? The three things that I cannot live without are Jesus, my family, and my iPhone.
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FASHION VIEW
WHAT DERON SAID
What's So Bad About Fakes?
E
verything. Have you ever seen these shoes? If you’re like most folks who work a normal 9 to 5 or just concerned with more substantive issues than bird embroidered sneakers, you’ve probably never seen these. If you’re a hardcore sneaker fiend like myself, however, you’d know exactly what these these are. What do you notice? These shoes have sort of a retro-style build and a large “swoosh” on the shoe. These are the Nike Skateboard (SB) Dunk designed by streetwear design maven, Jeff Staple. He’s also known as the pigeon dunk. The Pigeon Dunk helped spearhead a period of growth in business and culture for the sports brand, Nike. The Pigeon Dunk helped fuel what’s known as the Sneakerhead Phenomenon. Are you scratching your head trying to figure how this is significant? When the Pigeon Dunk was released in 2005 at Staple’s Reed Space boutique in New York, there was a line of hopeful customers that stretched for blocks. Purposefully, there were only 150 pairs sold worldwide. The demand for the shoe spiked its resale value by almost one-hundred percent. With a suggested retail value of just over $100 USD, the Pigeon Dunk now sells for more than $5000 USD on the resale market. Since then, Nike has collaborated with a number of design houses like Staple Design and released hundreds of limited edition kicks, capitalizing on the low supply and high demand model. This model has created an enigma in the sneaker culture where there is perpetual demand for these scarce products which forces resale values to amounts easily over one thousand dollars. Other brands like adidas and Asics have tapped into the strategy as well, collaborating with style staples like Kanye West. West made a major contribution to adidas with his Yeezy shoe line, and Ronnie
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Fieg, who brought Asics back to relevance with his luxury iterations of their classic running shoes. The demand for these shoes greatly surpasses the supply. Ridiculous resale values have made these products unattainable for many consumers. This has forced consumers to look elsewhere for their kick fix. Many consumers are turning to fake kicks, or counterfeit products, in hopes of capturing the look for a lot less. Counterfeiting or “wearing fakes” is highly frowned upon in sneaker and streetwear culture. But with counterfeiters becoming more cunning than ever, it’s getting a lot harder to tell the difference. In this Youtube video, a sneaker fan compares real kicks to fakes Can you tell the difference? Probably not. At first glance, these kicks basically look the same. No longer can a consumer easily discern a product’s authenticity. Counterfeiters have become more savvy using technology, social media, and communicating directly with consumers. Their counterfeits are becoming more viable options for consumers looking for decent quality at a lower price point. In a 2010 interview with The New York Times, Peter Koehl, Nike’s former global brand counsel, shed some light on how massive counter operations have grown. “Counting the number of counterfeits being sold is nearly impossible,” Koehl said. The counterfeit industry is estimated to bring in over $600 billion globally per year. While some consumers turn to counterfeits as a low price alternative, others look to counterfeits as a means of keeping money out of the corporate structure. No matter what the reason, purchasing counterfeit goods is criminal and unethical. U.S. Laws prohibit the sale and purchase of counterfeit good. But the risk is worth it for some. Many times, funds raised by counterfeit goods also support illicit organized networks. Some counterfeit traffickers also deal in illegal drugs and arms trading. Senior sports brand executives say that their sales are not drastically impacted by the sale of counterfeit products, but having to restructure agreements with factory owners who support counterfeiting efforts can be a major hurdle in business. But forget the hundreds of millions of dollars lost in revenue or on intellectual property cases. The bigger issue that we tend to miss is the real human factor—the factory workers. In many cases, factory workers are making less than
Making the Ethical Choice
living wages from both the corporations they make authentic products for and the counterfeiters they make variants for. Overall, the demand for counterfeit goods keeps the need for production alive. Counterfeit goods will only go away when the demand goes away. If you’re looking to avoid contributing to the demand that drives counterfeiting or divest from unethical corporate production all-together, look to the newcomers. Here are two startups to turn to for great performance, style and ethical production:
For Performance - Brand Black www.brandblack.com
For Style - Filling Pieces www.fillingpieces.com
Brand Black is an athletic apparel start-up that is looking not to challenge star brands like Nike and Under Armour but make a mark amongst a generation of social consumers. With a campaign under the moniker, Futurelegend, Brand Black has aligned with subculture sports legends like Jamal Crawford and Desean Jackson. Brand Black has built a cult following with slick, clean social media campaigns and a fresh new take on sports apparel that is produced ethically.
Filling Pieces is an up and coming luxury footwear brand who provides consumers an alternative luxury look at a price point below the likes of your favorite Italian design house. Now handmade in Portugal after moving from a Chinese factory, Filling Pieces builds on the heritage of luxury craftsmanship of the Mediterranean and has dedicated itself to the ethical production of its products and fair wages.
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BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT
Pearluster Eyeshadow in Amethyst $14, WWW.ALIMAPURE.COM
Alima Pure is a 100 percent pure mineral pigment makeup line started by makeup artist, Kate O'Brien.
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BEAUTY REPORT
WHAT KHALILAH LOVES THE COLORS OF BEAUTY There are so many amazing beauty brands on the market. In our world of consumers who have a multitude of ethnicities with varying shades of pigment, how does the industry keep up? Not to mention the growing conscious need for healthy and environmentally-friendly beauty products—those that are vegan, eco-friendly, and good for your body. How many of these brands have founders of color? Who has made it their mission to create products for a diverse clientele of African, African-American, Latin, and even Indian ethnicity? Well, look no further. As I kickoff my first report as the new Beauty Editor, I shine the spotlight on six fantastic beauty brands that are created by women (or men of color), for diverse ethnicities and/or have a focus on saving the planet.
great subscription box
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curlBox www.curlbox.com
Curlbox is the answer for women of color who have natural and curly hair or for women who are starting their natural hair journey. The first of it's kind, curlBox founder Myleik Teele has taken the hassle out of your product search with a $20 monthly subscription box that includes 5-7 samples of products from some of the best brands on the market.
HEALTHY LIPS LIP GLOSS, $19
FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION, $39
MAGIC WAND MASCARA, $16
Lamik
www.lamik-beauty.com Founder Kim Roxie was inspired to create her brand after a close friend developed some health issues that was attributed to ingredients found in lipgloss. Lamik, which is a clever acronym for "love and makeup in kind", is the first eco-chic makeup line with the empowering philosophy that "beauty is revealed, not applied". Lamik is a full cosmetics line which also includes vegan brushes, lashes, and facial care. Best of all, their packaging is biodegradable. Lamik shows that you can be both conscious and beautiful. FALL 2015 |FAÇON MAGAZINE
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BEAUTY REPORT
LIPSTICK IN RGE20, $23
MONO EYESHADOW IN OAP07M, $21
FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION, $43.50
black|Up Cosmetics www.blackupcosmetics.com
Founded in 1999 by an African makeup artist, black|Up Cosmetics is the first upscale makeup line specifically for black and mixed skins. With a wide range of the perfect eye shadow, lipstick and blush shades in luscious formulations, you will definitely find products you will love. The foundations are formulated with deeper honey and golden tones. This creates a wider range of options for women with mixed and deeper skin tones.
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BOSS LADY, $12
CHASE ME, $12
Ginger + Liz Colour Collection www.gingerandliz.com
Using their experience in the beauty and fashion industries, as well as in marketing, friends Ginger Johnson and Liz Pickett set out to create healthy, cream-based nail lacquers that are vegan-friendly and toxic-free. Ginger + Liz nail lacquers come in a range of classic and trendy shades such as Boss Lady (fire engine red) and Chase Me (electric blue) and are 5 free and created without formaldehyde, toluene, resin, DBP, or camphor.
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BEAUTY REPORT
KAHINA ANTIOXIDANT MASK, $62
LUMENE BLUEBERRY VOLUME MASCARA, $9.99
LATHER LICORICE EYE TREATMENT, $12
NUXE FONDANT SHOWER GEL, $15 BRIGEO BE GENTLE, BE KIND SHAMPOO, $19
doobop
KIMBLE BEAUTY BRAZILIAN NUT/ACAI BERRY CONDITIONING MASK, $12.99
NUXE GOLDEN SHIMMER, $58
www.doobop.com
Beauty brand, doobop is an innovative online shopping experience with a curated selection of products that work for diverse skintones and hair textures. It elevates the beauty shopping experience by exposing you to a broad range of hair, skin, and makeup brands that you actually can use. doobop carries such brands as Caudalie, phytospecific, Karamel & Brown, RMS Beauty, and Damone Roberts.
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KENYAN COFFEE BODY SCRUB, $55
HYDRATING FACE OIL WITH KOLA NUT, $49
FIRMING FACE GEL CREAM WITH BAOBAB COMPLEX, $55
nyakio www.nyakio.com
nyakio is a collection of luxurious and beautiful skin and body products for all skin types and ethnicities. The founder, Nyakio Greico, a first generation Kenyan born in the U.S., created products which are inspired by family beauty secrets. Greico has the desire to have the elegance and sophistication of Africa represented in an industry that often overlooks the works of this vast continent.
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5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Art: Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty
AMERICANART.SI.EDU
OCTOBER 23, 2015 - MARCH 20, 2016
This exhibition is the first retrospective of Penn’s work in nearly twenty years. It features work from all stages of Penn’s career.
Music: Okwonga
OKWONGA
RING THE BELLS.
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/OKWONGA
Food: Food Film Fest
Books: Fixing Fashion MICHAEL LAVERGNE WWW.FIXINGFASHION.COM
Fixing Fashion provides an up-close look at the past, present and future challenges of the global apparel trade and the deep social, political and environmental impacts which continue under the industry.
Events: Fashion Fights Poverty Celebrates 10 Years NOVEMBER 13, 2015 WWW.FASHIONFIGHTSPOVERTY.COM
The nonprofit has been fighting to alleviate poverty and promoting sustainable fashion for a decade. Celebrate with them.
CHARLESTON, SC
NOVEMBER 11-13, 2015
WWW.FOODFILMFESTIVAL. COM
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MUSIC CHECK OUT THESE ARTISTS
MC SOLAAR
YUGEN BLAKROK
IAPETUSRECORDS.BANDCAMP.COM
CHAZZ LE HIPPIE
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/CHAZZ-LE-HIPPIE
GIGI LAMAYNE
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/GIGI_LAMAYNE
NADIA NAKAI
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/NADIA-NAKAI
MISSY RBK
WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/MISSY-RBK
WHAT ALEXIS HEARD
RAE SREMMURD
WWW.RAESREMMURD.COM
TK/ROMASIDE ENTERTAINMENT
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ROMASIDE
JEAN GRAE
WWW,SOUNDCLOUD.COM/JEAN-GRAE
Hip-Hop in Africa? Oui! C'est Bon
I
n the ‘80s, Hip-Hop spread across the U.S. like wildfire. But at the time it was spreading across America, it was also making its way across other continents, most importantly, Africa. The first hip-hop artists were originally from Senegal. Senegal spawned international acts such as MC Solaar, who we first got to hear on Jazzmatazz with Young Guru on the track, “Le Bien, Le Mal” (the Good, The Bad, in French). It’s
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not a surprise that Hip-Hop quickly became popular in Africa. The heavy bass drums, syncopated hi hats, and rhyming lyrics are not strangers to the Motherland. You can hear and feel tribal Africa throughout most hiphop tracks. With the onset of Okay Player starting OkayAfrica and MTV with MTV Jams Africa, it is clear that there is a strong hip-hop movement permeating music on a global scale. There has also
been a shift in American hiphop artists. More and more, these artists are choosing Africa as their locations for their video shoots. The new, young duo, Rae Sremmurd chose to shoot their breakout video, “This Could Be Us”, in South Africa. They even started the video with dialog explaining their choice, “It’s beautiful and I gotta go.” Africa has been the backdrop for countless hip-hop artists including Ludacris, Rick Ross, and Talib Kweli.
As diverse as the landscape is, so are the people and their cultures and subculture. One kind of Hip-Hop that is popular in the Senegal is called Mbalax. It’s a combination of Hip-Hop and Pop music that is performed in French, their national language. Hip-Hop is also prevalent in Namibia, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo and even the tiny country of Malawi. One of the biggest producers from Zambia, TK, is known as the
Dr. Dre of Zambia. He mixes traditional African music with mostly Pop and Hip-Hop. He wows his audiences with his eclectic fusion. In addition to cranking the hits, he also uses his influence to support up-and-coming producers and musicians in Zambia and throughout the Continent. Ladies! What about the Ladies? Just like hip-hop legends Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Roxanne Shante, female emcees are assuming their rightful places in African Hip-Hop. The female emcees with the most visibility are Yugen Blakrok, known for an alternative hip-hop sound, Chazz Le Hippie, rookie to the South African Rap game, Gigi Lamayne, Nadia Nakai, and Missy RBK, who channels Lil' Kim circa the ‘90s. Sadly, these artists have the same struggle as their American counterparts who are trying to make it in the male-dominated hip-hop industry. Luckily for music lovers, these strong lyricists keep the fight going. Another dope emcee, Jean Grae, has been blazing the American hiphop scene for many years. Born in Capetown, South Africa, Grae has worked with producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder. 9th Wonder has his own collective between the U..S and Africa called the Jamla Records. Jamla Records is an independent record label that has some of the most talented Hip-Hop and R&B artists on the rise. The African hip-hop scene is alive and well. For over fifteen years, HipHop has moved across cultural lines, countless languages, and has been mixed with native African music. You can always tell when you hear the drums that this is going to be a hiphop track with African roots.
YUGEN BLAKROK
CHAZZ LE HIPPIE
JEAN GRAE
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PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT
ALL THINGS ANKARA
All Things Ankara is a fashion blog that showcases Ankara print fashions from all over the world. It's the brainchild of fashion designer, Nicolette Orji, best known for her Nikki Billie Jean Designs. The blog has quickly become the number one destination for putting the diversity in Ankara print fashion on full blast. Over the last few years, All Things Ankara gained its popularity on Instagram (with currently 23,000+ followers) and in April 2014 an official online blog was launched. Enter, the second cycle of All Things Ankara Fashion Week. This late summer event was a one day production with three events designed to support the African fashion designers and merchants who use these incredible fabrics in their designs. It is also one of the largest productions of its kind on the East Coast (U.S.A.) and around the world. All Things Ankara Fashion Week 2015 featured: • An Ankara marketplace with a diverse array of exhibitors, vendors, and African-inspired small business owners. • The Ankara Fashion Show showcased their latest luxurious, colorful and vibrant Ankara print designs from a group of talented designers. There were designs for all shapes, sizes, genders and age groups. • The official launch of LOFA Magazine and the Kente Brothers took place that night. LOFA Magazine, also known as Love of Fashion in Africa Magazine, showcases the world of African fashion and beauty from all over the Continent. The Kente Brothers are a talented brotherhood and creative group comprised of individuals from all over the world with different cultures and backgrounds. The crowd was entertained by local musicians G Suave Da Poet, Manny Wellz, O-Slice, Pardon C, Diallo Brutherz, Abdel, Obiãs, LOE and Smart Deey. The All Things Ankara Fashion Week 2015 Designers included: House of LOFA Magazine (HOLM), ProdigieClothing, Mitindo Nite, Sultry Glamazon, Ankara Streets by Jess, SL Fashion Design, Shakara New York, OhemaaCloset, African Allure, Nikki Billie Jean and LAVIEbyCK. For more information on All Things Ankara, visit their blog at: www.allthingsankara.com 54
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ALL THINGS ANKARA #BTS
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN NUTINI
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boys in the hood The vibrand colors and patterns of African fashion easily blend into the foreground in the life of the everyday guy to sport wherever he may go.
PHOTOGRAPHY: KAREN NUTINI FASHION EDITOR: JANICE WALLACE 70
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credits FASHION DIRECTOR Janice Wallace
PAGES 58-71 PANTS: Nikki Billie Jean
PHOTOGRAPHER Karen Nutini
PAGES 72-79 PANTS: Timmy Ajulo
MODELS INC. MODELS Desmond Tiger
PAGES 80-85 SHIRTS: Timmy Ajulo
BRANDS Nikki Billie Jean www.nikkibilliejean.com Timmy Ajulo www.timmyajulo.com Ethnicity Brand www.ethnicitybrand.com
PAGES 86-93 SUITS: Nikki Billie Jean NECKLACES: Ethnicity Brand BRACELETS: Artesian Artifacts Special Thanks to: Shagga Ethiopian Restaurant www.shaggarestaurant.com
Artesian Artifacts www.artesianartifacts.com
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FINALE
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