photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
It's the special time of year when talented African designers from around the continent and around the world converge on South Africa for the sexy and stylish visual stimulation that is Africa Fashion Week.
This year, there was definitely no shortage of talent. From Kenya to Uganda, Senegal, Congo and Zimbabwe, the designers showed why Africa is the cradle of fashion. From Ankara prints to basic black and African Java, the only word to describe all the collections is STUNNING!
A few of my favorite collections. 2012 has never looked so chic!
When it comes to sexy Ankara swimwear, Victoria's Secret has got nothing on the Adama Paris Spring/Summer 2012 collection. From the structured one pieces reminiscent of the modern African woman's chic blouses to the delightful two piece bikini's Adama successfully merged African style with cosmopolitan western styles. The collection evokes a fun, flirty and carefree summer day at the beach/pool.
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
Showcasing beautiful African Java and Zimbabwe batik prints, this collection from Zimbabwean born designer Intisaar Mukadam featured flirty, simple and chic bright, bold yellow, purple, pink and blue pieces. The easy to wear separates are a great addition to any spring or summer wardrobe. Whether you pair the colorful tops with structured slacks, skinny jeans or pencil skirts, this versatile collection goes from fun to sophisticated in one easy switch.
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
Following a somewhat lukewarm start in 2009, Ugandan designer Gloria Wavamunno brought her A-game to the runway. From uber thigh-high slits to edgy batik jackets and tops, Wavamunno is carving a new niche in the fashion world. From long flowy skirts and a myriad of dark leather shilhouettes, Wavamunno's ready to wear collection featured exposed zippers, jersey pieces and structured looks. It appears that Wavamunno departed from the usual Africa Fashion Week tribal prints and focused more on chic jersey fabric styles.
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
The Tunisian native and the pioneer of haute couture glamour in Egypt wowed with his chic and unique Arabian night atmosphere. From the bold accessories, including chunky statement necklaces and colorful silk scarves and turbans to the sexy A-line and Kaftan-style dresses and black and white staples, Soucha showed his sophisticated range and talent.
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
Everything about the Tart Spring/Summer 2012 collection screams simple and easy to wear. I am so used to seeing designers show dreamy, comical and over-the-top runway collections that have a 2% chance of runway to real street appeal. We can all breathe a collective sigh of chic relief with Tart's designs. While I am a huge fan of color, I appreciate Tart's appeal to my modern career woman angle. Each and every one of these designs are daily wardrobe staples for the modern woman on the go. Fashion designers know that a burst of color adds a stylish touch to any collection. Tart shows us why less is more with one gorgeous green/black print maxi. Tart understands the female curves and knows how to dress it. With that in mind, this collection is versatile, sexy and contemporary.
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
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