GUINNESS Meets The Elegant Persons of the Congo

Super cool messaging, non? 

Read The Guardian's take on how this brand messaging speaks to style and the spirit of individualism against all odds... all within this working class African (Congolese) context. Les Sapeurs de Congo continue to fascinate and inspire people like me all over the world, and their growing recognition is warming to see. 

Great job with this one GUINNESS.

VOGUE Accessory Presents "African Visions"

Headwraps, layered accessories, and a riot of African print and colour are the reason for this VOGUE Accessory Magazine editorial. 

Photographs by Lucia Giacani, Styling by Enrica Ponzellini for VOGUE Accessories.

See "VOGUE's Accessory Guide for Spring 2014" here.

Ugandan Aamito Is Crowned First Ever "Africa's Next Top Model"

A few brief hours ago in the land of reality tv, spunky Ugandan model contestant Aamito S. Lagum was named the first ever Africa's Next Top Model. Her outspoken attitude and consistency in winning challenges week after week paid off. Aamito wins US 50,000 and a modelling contract with DNA Model Management. Of course now we expect great things, and we'll be watching to see how this new star's potential unfolds.

Aamito's open letter of gratitude published on her social media reads:

I AM AFRICA'S FRIST EVER NEXT TOP MODEL!!!! This is a surreal moment in my life and career.
I would firstly like to thank God, for allowing this path in this journey that I have committedly begun. I would like to thank, super host Oluchi for having paid me any attention.
Josie Borain and Remi Adetiba, I will not disappoint you thank you all so much..
My family and friends we have done it! it couldnt have been possible without you all. thank you.
Africa but first ,my beautiful country Uganda who have put all their trust in me ,encouraged and supported me from day 1 ,thank you.
Beautiful Africa and even more beautiful people from around the world ,that have all shown me nothing but love ,I am extremely humbled and overwhelmed by the tremendous and mind blowing support you beauties have shown me over the past 10 weeks..
My fellow contestants, you were all great and together we have formed a sisterhood of ANTM Africa cycle1 cast.
All 11 of you taught me a lot and I definitely carry a part of each of you in me, I wish you all endless success.
To the ATMN team, thank you, thank you , thank you.
And there you have it, the throne is yours Uganda,lets together keep it shining bright.
faithfully yours, 

Aamito.

Watch re-runs of the finale show filmed in New York City on AfricaMagic Entertainment (MNET) throughout the week. Also watch my stint as a guest judge on the show here.

Lupita Nyongo for Miu Miu Spring 2014

Image courtesy of The Huffington Post

And she does it again. The now famous breakout Kenyan actress of "12 Years a Slave" Lupita Nyongo lands a starring role in Italian label Miu Mui's Spring 2014 campaign. She features alongside other Hollywood ingenues including Elle Fanning, Elizabeth Olsen, and Bella Heathcote.

I just watched Steve's McQueen's abolitionist movie "12 Years a Slave" this week, and true to warnings, it was neither easy on the eye nor on the soul. Lupita's performance (which has launched her into an unprecedented and meteoric rise in the acting and now fashion worlds) is pretty epic, and we are of course routing for Best Supporting Actress wins for her as award season begins (she's nominated for a Golden Globe which happens this Sunday).  I mean, how many times have I written about Lupita on this blog?... We're definitely drinking this girl's Koolaid.

See and read more about the Miu Miu Spring 2014 campaign here.

Kenyan Stylist Zedekiah Lukoe Makes Moves in L.A.

My buddy and Blackbird Designer and Stylist Zedekiah Lukoe will officially be dressing Hollywood star Michael K. Williams for the Black History is American History project on the BET network. You'll recognize Williams from shows such as The Wire and Boardwalk Empire.

Michael K Williams (left) with Zedekiah Lukoe (right)

I am exceedingly proud of Zeddy for the inroads he is making in the fashion industry State-side. His keen sense of bespoke men's tailoring, attention to detail, and that old-fashioned sensibility of dressing really well at all times, makes this Kenyan export one to watch out for in coming seasons. Blackbird menswear (founded by Zedekiah and business partner Sidney Owino) has already earned critical acclaim on local and American runways and was one of the first Kenyan menswear labels to usher in well-tailored blazers in African prints and textures.

MKW

The proof is in the pudding. Zeddy lives his craft.

MKW dressed by Zedekiah Lukoe

Catch BET's Black History is American History in February.

Coming Soon.

This Makes Me Very Happy (For Obvious Reasons)

Tinie Tempah & David Gandy sit together at the Topman design show in London. Image courtesy of The Daily Mail.

The classic simplicity of menswear is what's going to excite me most about this year I think. A little goes a long way in masculine styling, yet the results are considerable. Let's all take note.

Style Stars: MAFIKIZOLO

South African kwaito-pop group MAFIKIZOLO graced us at the Blankets & Wine music festival over the weekend. The colour and vibrancy of their clothes and of their spirit is what's making them such hit-makers in Africa.

Mafikizolo

Theo Kgosinkwe

Nhlanhla Nciza

All images courtesy of Quaint Photography, see more Blankets & Wine images here.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the epicness that is MAFIKIZOLO, get familiar with their two latest hit singles, Khona and Happiness.









@MafikizoloSA

How lucky are we? Marek, Nhlanhla, me, Theo, and Chimano.

Holiday Snaps

HAPPY 2014 darlings! The holidays were SUPERB and EPIC. I went to my family's country house around Christmas, then to the coast (Nyali Beach & Galu Beach, Mombasa) over New Year. Here's a taste of what went down.

Our room with a view at Coconut Village, Galu Beach.

B. Akerlund: She Styled Beyonce's Visual Album & Her Vybe Is Real

Image courtesy of The New York Times

“It’s not that serious,” she said of her styling work. “At the end of the day, it’s just a music video, or it’s just a photo shoot, or it’s just a movie. It’s not going to change the world.”

                               

                                                                                              - B. Akerlund, The New York Times

Read the story here.