HOW TO BUILD A LINGERIE CAPSULE WARDROBE

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Looking good gives you a lot of confidence. Having the right lingerie with each outfit gives you an extra dose of confidence. Lingerie wardrobes come in various forms such as loungewear, corporate wear, date night, bridal wear, etc.

A lingerie capsule wardrobe is an intentional collection of necessary lingerie that fits your style, daily wear and are versatile for most of your current outfits.

BENEFITS OF HAVING A LINGERIE CAPSULE COLLECTION

  • You have the right lingerie for each outfit.
  • You save time while dressing up.
  • It boosts your confidence from within knowing your total outfit is well put together.
  • You’ll have a versatile lingerie wardrobe.
  • You don’t have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction while wearing the right lingerie.
  • You’ll have an overall effortless look irrespective of your style.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE SHOPPING FOR A LINGERIE

  • Take into consideration your current wardrobe and essential lingerie for each outfit.
  • Know your measurement for each type of undergarment by measuring yourself or getting someone to help you.
  • Try on your lingerie before any purchase to know if you like the look, color, and feel of the fabric on your skin.  
  • Make sure each bra is well-fitted taking into consideration comfort and no excesses at the top or sides of the bra.
  • Invest in quality undergarments over quantity to have pieces that can’t be easily replaced.

For a capsule lingerie wardrobe, a woman should own between 8 to 10 bras and between 15 to 20 pairs of panties and briefs in various styles and mix. The mix of the lingerie capsule wardrobe should consist of:

  • Bras
  • Panties
  • Shape wear
  • Slips
  • Robes and dressing gowns.

BRAS

Bras are a type of lingerie that serves as a starting point for all types of clothing. It helps you achieve the desired look for your breast whether to increase, or decrease your breast size and add some cleavage when necessary. Always wearing the right bra stops the breast from drooping and keeps it in form and shape.

Types of Bras

Based on a woman’s preference and what’s available in the market, bras come in different forms which form the basis for bra styles. The various forms of bras form a foundation in the selection of the style of bra a woman will wear.

  • Non-Padded Bra: non-padded bras help to show off the natural shape of your breast and ensure your natural breast shape is maintained making you feel comfortable.
  • Padded Bra: as the name implies, padded bras use extra material to make the breast appear fuller.
  • Wired: wired or underwired bras are made from a thin strip of wiring stitched into the fabric of the bra. This thin wiring helps give the breast a well-rounded and voluminous look.
  • Non-Wired Bra: this is the opposite of a wired bra. It doesn’t have any form of wiring but uses advanced seam work to give a more comfortable bra that attains some level of comfort.

Bra Styles

After choosing your preferred form of bra, you move on to pick the appropriate style of bra for your personal style, and wardrobe. Here are some bra styles to consider:

  • Neutral Bras
  • Plunge Bras
  • Multifunctional Bras
  • Strapless Bras
  • Sports Bras

Neutral Bra

Neutral bras often referred to as t-shirts or basic bras come in white, black, and beige depending on your skin tone. They are comfortable, great for regular use, and give a clean look when worn as an undergarment when wearing t-shirts and tops.

Plunge Bras

These kinds of bras are good for outfits with a deep neckline. They are elegant and sexy, ideal for occasions and parties.

Multifunctional Bras

Multifunctional bras are known for their versatility and comfort. They have detachable straps that can be worn in various ways when wearing a halter-top, backless dress making it discrete.

Strapless Bras

Strapless bras a great for tube tops and gowns while giving the desired look and comfort.

Sports Bras

Sports bras are very unique because they provide the adequate amount of comfort and firmness the breast needs while doing your workout. They help keep the breast in place while doing rigorous exercise.

PANTIES

A pair of panties help to stop the outer garment from getting dirty and prevents any embarrassment during any wardrobe malfunction. Panties to be picked should be seamless for most outfits which can come in various styles such as thong, G-string, and full seamless panties. Other panties to be considered are the ones to be used during your monthly period in other to keep the others in good use.

SHAPEWEAR

Investment should be made in good shapewear to help accentuate the body curves for days they’ll be needed. When choosing the appropriate shapewear comfort should be considered as wearing one which is too tight will make you feel uncomfortable and less likely to concentrate wherever you are.

SLIPS

Slips as an undergarment are necessary when wearing lightweight fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, or anything static. It offers extra coverage and provides a smoothing layer underneath your outfit.

DRESSING GOWNS

Dressing gowns are worn as a suitable covering over nightwear when out of bed. It could be worn alone, with nightwear or other clothing.

CARING FOR YOUR LINGERIE

  • It’s best to handwash your lingerie whenever possible but, if you must put them in the washing machine make sure you use a lingerie wash bag so that hooks, buttons, clasps, and other delicate details are kept undamaged.
  • Always use cold water for your lingerie because hot water will shorten the lifespan of the undergarment and spoil its elasticity.
  • Use detergents that are suitable for lingerie because harsh detergents can wear out the fabrics used.
  • Separate colors when washing undergarments although most are not supposed to bleed, separate colored lingerie from white or light colors.
  • Don’t twist or squeeze lingerie with wire as it may damage the form of the lingerie.
  • Lingerie should be stored separately from clothes and in a proper manner for visualization when deciding on what lingerie to wear.

BANKE KUKU THE QUEEN OF COLOUR AND PRINTS

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The world is colorful and beautiful, and as humans, we have a way of translating it into our daily lives. One way we do this is through our outfits. One designer who gets the perfect blend of color and prints with an interesting mix of African and Western Cultures is Banke Kuku ‘’Queen of Color and Prints”.

The creative director of Banke Kuku textiles, the eponymous brand that creates luxurious, stylish, and comfortable lounge and occasion wear was established in 2011 and produces textiles for the fashion and interior industry

In 2014, She won a competition organized by Triumph International underwear manufacturer founded in 1886 in Germany.  One of the world’s most famous trend forecasters Lidewij Edelkoort described Banke Kuku’s prints as an ‘’exquisite piece of art’’.

Creative Director, Banke Kuku- Tribune online

Banke Kuku first started as a textile design brand and later expanded into fashion design. Banke has collaborated with major fashion brands including Burberry, Lisa Folawiyo, Duro Olowu, Selfridges, Swoon, and Jasmine Di Milo. One of her latest collaborations was with Celebrity actress Gabrielle Union.

Gabrielle Union x Banke Kuku

Banke Kuku was born in the 1980s in Lagos and moved to the United Kingdom at age 8. Her love for fashion can be traced back to the age of 5 when she started knitting and she was also inspired by her mother. Her parents recognized her creativity and supported her.

She obtained a diploma in fine arts from Central St. Martin and a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in woven textiles from the College of Art and Design. Queen of color was the name given to her by Jasmine Al fayed the creative director of Jasmine Di Milo due to her perfection in dying fabrics while working for Jasmine Di Milo before Jasmine Di Milo ceased operation.

Her outstanding designs come in unique ways of being able to create a balance between her western and African influence. Also being able to capture moods through patterns, color, and silhouettes.

outfit by Banke Kuku
Outfit by Banke Kuku
Girl’s pyjama set and mini bag by Banke Kuku
Girl’s dress by Banke Kuku
Outfit by Banke Kuku
Pyjama set by Banke Kuku

Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2022 | Fruche

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Fruche made an exquisite return to the Lagos Fashion week 2022 runway with an attractive palette of warm pastel colors, his signature knot detail, asymmetrical cuts, and form-fitting silhouette. The collection also had some raffia details and stand out collars. The show ended with a beautiful live spray paint artistry on one of the dresses by @dricky_ in a loving tribute to the designer’s late father.

websites:

https://lagosfashionweek.ng

www.frucheofficial.com

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Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2022 | KADIJU

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Kadiju opened the onsite runway at the Heineken Lagos fashion week 2022 show with its collection called “004”. It used pleats in some of its designs in various artistic ways on different parts of the garments that looked stylish.

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Watch the KADIJU runway show here

Kadiju runway show at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2022

PAN AFRICAN MUSIC FASHION RUNWAY 2022

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The organizer of Nigeria’s most influential fashion brand, Pan African Fashion Runway has disclosed plans to hold their 8th Annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR) on Dec. 3, 2022, in Lagos.

Their main objective as always is to produce in a safe and secure environment, a first-class event of live music excellence, whilst showcasing Pan African Fashion, established designers, and international runway models. “Our invaluable experience and hindsight gives us the unique privilege to create and deliver an event without compromising on entertainment value.”

This year’s theme is Fashion forward: A call to action for a green and sustainable continent, which empowers and unites young Pan-African creatives.

Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement (GCAA)

In recent years, pioneers and ground breakers who have contributed significantly to the creative industry have been honored by the Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement (GCAA) Award platform.

Some of the past recipients are:

Omotola Jalade Ekehinde (Best Actress AMVCA) global icon and movie legend,

Kunle Afolayan- Legendary film director,

Lanre Da Silva: iconic fashion designer,

Guy Murray-Bruce President: Silverbird Group and more.

The Organizer, Dr. Ngozi Omambala Group MD/CEO NMO Management Limited said that they plan to have their signature contemporary/cultural showpiece experience as usual and that they have also expanded the platform to include Pan African satellite activities in the lead-up to MFR2022 with open days in the Art and Cultural community at iconic venues Museums and Galleries across Lagos.

Designer of Couture, London, Ade Bakare (left); Show Producer, Xa International, Ovo Ogufere; Managing Director/CEO, NmO Management Limited, Dr. Ngozi Omambala; Communications/Advancement Manager, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University, Madonna Iloba and the Chairman, Creative Section, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry/CEO, Visual Collaborative, New York City, Ade Olufeko at a press briefing to announce the 8th edition of the PAN African Music Fashion Runway and Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Award 2002 held in Lagos on Wednesday- guardian.ng

Pan African 8th annual Music Fashion Runway will be streamed Live via our social media Platforms – as was last year’s successful event – which opened the pioneering music and fashion platform to a global virtual international audience of over 10,000 watching live.

This year’s 2022 hybrid edition (fully physical and Virtual) will still embrace their international online fan base as well as physical guests.

Music Fashion Runway #MFR for the second year in succession has selected two Ambassadors: OYINDAMOLA OKUFUYE and MAYOWA ADEDUGBE. Both have risen to walk international runways and are well-deserved winners of  #MFR Model of year Award 2021.  Check out the stunning campaign visual for 8th annual Pan African Music Fashion Runway #MFR and Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Award #GCAA

MFR2022 campaign Visual credit: Phototography: Ofure Ighalo

Designer: Joseph Ejiro.

Models.Oyin and  Mayowa

Location: UK Deputy High Commission residence Lagos, Nigeria

Concept and copyright:  NMO MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Golden Break Through (GBT) Auditions #MFR Model Search 2022 – Youth Empowerment initiative:

The NMO Management #Golden Break Through (GBT) AUDITION platform, is a youth empowerment and social responsibility talent hunt initiative which supports upcoming creative talent.

The GBT #Music Fashion Runway online Model Search 2022

The GBT #Music Fashion Runway online Model Search 2022 as with last year, will select two upcoming models – who will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity- to kick start their modeling careers by walking the #MFR 2022 catwalk.

For more information and entry requirements enter follow on Instagram: @gbtauditions @musicfashionrunway @loudnproudlive1

Host announcement exclusive!

An iconic award-winning veteran broadcaster Brenda Emmanus OBE has been confirmed as host of 8th annual Pan African Music Fashion Runway #MFR 2022 Saturday 3rd December in Lagos, Nigeria to be live-streamed globally.

Legendary award-winning broadcaster Ms. Brenda Emmanus OBE – has a career history spanning over 20 years and is the international face of fashion, arts, culture, and media. Brenda Emmanus OBE made her mark as one of the main presenters of ‘The Clothes Show’ the BBC’s iconic flagship fashion program for 5 years, watched by millions of viewers. Her impressive career history to date spans Television, Journalism, and radio, having interviewed the likes of Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama to name a few. In 2019 Brenda Emmanus – of Afro-Caribbean descent- was awarded OBE from late HRH Queen Elizabeth II of England for her services to broadcasting and diversity and received an honorary Doctorate in 2020. She has a passion for supporting women in business.

Dr. Ngozi Omambala Group MD/CEO NMO Management Limited says

“Brenda Emmanus OBE brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Continent rivaled by none on the planet. NMO Management is honoured and filled with pride to welcome Brenda Emmanus OBE back for second year as host of 8th annual Pan African Music Fashion Runway show 2022. She adds priceless value to an already successful proudly Pan African entertainment platform. Her involvement further opens up the diaspora and its connectivity across UK, Europe, USA and beyond, showcasing Africa to the world.”

MFR2022 THEME SONG

A feel-good anthem called ‘AMAKA’ by SQIU  courtesy NMO Music Inc. and LoudNProudLive to add to your playlists because music is a Universal language and a fundamental aspect of the #MFR platform.

NB: Live stream platforms and social media handles to watch #MFR Saturday 3rd December at #7 PM

#MFR Social media Platforms: Live Streaming event: 7 pm

Please follow and subscribe for regular updates:

YOUTUBE: nmomanagementandpr

INSTAGRAM:

@musicfashionrunway

@loudnproudlive1

@gbtauditions

@nmo_music

FACEBOOK:

Loudnproudlive

NMO Music inc.

Music Fashion Runway

GBT Auditions

Ngozi Omambala

Regular updates:

TWITTER:

@loudnproudlive

@gbtauditions

@caramelchicng

Website: www.loudnproudlive.com

Email: nmomanagementandpr@gmail.com

Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2022|Algueye Dakar

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Immediately this show started you could feel the African strength depicted in each piece in a luxurious way. The name of the collection ‘’Return to Earth’’ as described by the designer was Inspired by the manipulation technique of aPuzzle. The “Return to earth” collection is an invitation to return to sources and nature in African materials such as loin and warm colors that reflect light, sun, earth, green, and nature. The outfits presented dazzled the Nigerian audience and all fashion lovers. Made in Africa and African chic is valued in all its splendor.

Algueye Dakar Spring Summer 2023 at Heineken Lagos Fashion Week.
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HEINEKEN LAGOS FASHION WEEK (LFW) 26th-30th October 2022

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Lagos fashion week (LFW) which focuses on Collaboration, Co-creation, and community started on the 26th of October with the Press Cocktail held at Art Hotel Lagos. It also has several lines up of activities such as daily retail therapy with Zinkata which stocks authentic meticulous African fashion brands.

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LFW is hosting a swap shop with Global fashion exchange from the 27th to the 29th of October where people can exchange or sell clothing especially preloved ones thereby supporting sustainability.

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Mr. Patrick Duffy @ LFW Swapshop

The Runway presentations this year are digital and physical, this year sees an increase in the number of offsite shows that some brands believe relate to or express their brand more. This event is reconvening fashion enthusiasts, designers, consumers, and fashion buyers from around the globe.

This year’s Business series is a collaboration between LFW and Crossboundary an investment firm that opens up capital for sustainable growth and huge returns in underserved markets that have fewer goods or services available to them. This will be carried out with a panel of experts in their various fields to talk to various stakeholders about financing the African Fashion industry.

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Guests at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2022 Press cocktail Dinner- Bellanaijastyle

Green access is a collaboration between LFW and Style House Files is a talent discovery platform and sustainable fashion accelerator program. Green Access nurtures young designers and steers the redelivery of resource efficiency, longevity, recyclability, and biodegradability as its basis for fashion design and production. Green Access was launched in 2018 to focus on the fashion industry by reconstructing their business models and taking up a more ethically, environmentally, socially, and deliberate form of production.

Green Access has been philanthropically sponsored since 2015 by BESTSELLER Foundation (BSF). After months of rigorous training this year Green Access finalists Themba Paulo Shezi, Lu Adesola, Kwaku Kyere, Adaora Soludo, Sipho Lushaba, Peter Acha, Essrhir Scheherazade,Nneji Akunne, Peter Oshobor, and Akoth Otieno will showcase their work on the runway.

For more information go to:-  https://lagosfashionweek.ng/

5 STRONG SUSTAINABLE AFRICAN FASHION BRANDS

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Sustainable fashion simply put is when brands, consumers, and other stakeholders in the fashion industry take into consideration the whole ecosystem and their social environment when producing and consuming fashion.

This awareness starts from the production of raw materials used in making clothing and accessories to fashion brands using such materials in producing their garment while taking into consideration the lifespan of the garment and how the consumer will dispose of it.

 Sustainable fashion is important for the preservation of our planet and social equality. Here are some sustainable fashion brands in Africa:

NKWO

Nkwo is one of the leaders in sustainable fashion in Nigeria and its ethics is based on the preservation of the environment and its natural resources.  The brand’s focal point is on scaling down on waste, using cotton produced in Nigeria, end-of-the-line fabrics, and repurposed denim to make limited edition pieces.

The label aims to utilize old and modern technology to maintain a sustainable form of craftsmanship through research and study with innovative techniques. From placing priority on waste reduction, it has led to the invention of a new African fabric called DAKALA CLOTH. The cloth draws inspiration from the lives of the people who roam the great plains of the African deserts.

In September this year, the Creative Director of NKWO; won the Bicester collection Award for ‘Emerging Designer” at the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italian (CNMI) sustainable fashion Award 2022 .

This global event seeks to recognize brands making a conscious effort to better the environment and people. For this award, Nkwo and thirteen other recipients of the CNMI prizes were given a reproduction of the Venere Degli Stracci- an iconic piece of 20th-century art that was repurposed into a 3D-printed plastic.

Earlier in September, NKWO was featured on the Nasdaq billboard alongside ten female pioneers advancing the fashion industry change for the Conscious Fashion Campaign which increased awareness of leading women in the fashion industry toward a more accountable and responsible future.

Website:- https://www.nkwo.design

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NKWO holding Venere Degli Stracci for the Bicester collection Award for ‘Emerging Designer” CNMI sustainable fashion Award 2022- Nkwo_official
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MARGAUX WONG

Margaux wong founded by Margaux Rusita is a responsible luxury jewelry brand that uses sustainable materials sourced locally to make its jewelry, it partners with local artisans to preserve the local craft and reduces waste by using Amazonian low-waste technique combined with East African values in its production process to produce opulent jewelry.

Website:- https://www.margauxwong.com/

LEAF CHOKER- MARGAUX WONG

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Studio oneeightynine is a sustainable fashion brand that was co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah. The brand produces African-inspired clothing and it uses hand batik, kente weaving, and plant-based dye when working with local artisans in Accra, Ghana. Studio oneeightynine has worked with LVMH and Net a Porter, the brand also partners with the United Nations ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative, NYU School of Business. It has also won the prestigious CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative for Sustainability.

Website:- https://studiooneeightynine.com/

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STUDIO 189 Spring Summer 2023- Vogue

ALLEDJO

Alledjo is a sustainable menswear fashion brand founded by Kassim Lassissi which uses local artisans in manufacturing and incorporating the diversity of the world into its garments. The brand expresses people on the move, preservation of culture, and deep respect for ethics.

Website:- https://www.alledjo.com/

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REFORM STUDIO

Hazem and HenRiad are co-founders of Reform Studio a re-purposeful sustainable brand based in Egypt. Reform Studio has upcycled discarded plastic bags and invented a new product called plastex. It uses local artisans to produce its Bags, shoes, furniture, and furniture accessories.

Website:- https://reformstudio.net/

Bags, Shoe, Furniture, and Pillows made from upcycled discarded plastic bags- Reform Studio

SOLEREBELS

The Ethiopian-based sustainable footwear brand founded by Tilahun Alemu produces the world’s finest handmade footwear with exquisite craftsmanship and upcycled materials. Solerebels has been recognized as the world’s first World Fair Trade Federation (WFTO) and Fair Trade-certified company.

Website: https://www.solerebels.com/

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5 COMPELLING REASONS TO ATTEND FASHION WEEK.

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Fashion week sets the trend for the next season and allows us to know what to expect in stores and gives an idea of how people will interpret it. It’s fashion month in Africa and as the fashion industry gets together to put on an amazing show for us, here are some reasons why you should attend:

ESCAPISM

Fashion shows are a work of art hence, the popular saying ‘’Fashion is Art’’. A lot of people use fashion as a form of escapism or fantasy. Attending one will allow you to connect to the designer’s world who, most times tries to review present happenings or play with your imagination to envision the future. Other times the designer takes you back in time and tries to connect the past, present, and future in a captivating manner. In this escapism, the brain is thrilled and relieves every moment in a matter of minutes with the feeling of attainability.

The Andrea Iyamah Spring-Summer ’22 Collection seeks to embrace the journey to a triumph.
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The 1970s collection by Banke Kuku- Bellanaija

NETWORKING

You’ll definitely meet interesting people when attending a fashion show no matter what position you are in the industry whether you have a career in fashion or you’re a fashion consumer. Networking when done effectively will add to your network base and can give room for collaboration or give more insight into the fashion industry. It increases your customer base, helps with the exchange of ideas, builds strong relationships, helps propel careers, increases sales due to more exposure, etc.

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Guests at Lagos fashion week- Lagos fashion week

HANGOUT

Fashion week is another event you’ll want to attend and try asides from the regular events you are used to. If you haven’t attended one, it will be nice to give it a try as research done on first-timers at fashion week shows that they are fascinated by it and fall in love with it right away.

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Industry Experts hanging out- BellaNaija
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FASHION TRENDS

Attending fashion week keeps you abreast with the latest trends in the fashion industry, technology, manufacturing, textiles, fashion consumption, etc. Even if you aren’t in the fashion industry it’ll give you different ideas on how to update your wardrobe.

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Top Runway Trends 2021- Thisdaystyle

SUPPORT

Most people have brands they adore or are directly connected to through designers, fashion houses, or collaboration. Attending their event at the fashion week gives them much-needed support and helps them know you admire and appreciate their work and that they are satisfying your fashion needs.

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Guests at the South Africa Fashion Week 2022- eonline

Whether you are a regular at fashion shows or you plan on attending for the first time, what do you think are the benefits of attending fashion week, and which one will you be attending?

AAKS- EXQUISITE ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE RAFFIA HANDBAGS

The AAKS brand is one of great craftsmanship and beauty, owning one or more of its handbags makes you feel like you were a part of the design and production process. This can be seen in the perfect combination of; an old Ghanaian weaving technique that is done by women in Ghana, use of raffia, behind the scene process, interplay of bright African colors, unconventional style, smooth texture, ethical production, and the promotion of sustainable consumption.

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AAKS which is located in Ghana, West Africa, was founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi in 2014. It is a luxury brand that seeks to preserve a particular art of weaving synonymous with the Northern part of Ghana. AAKS’s success can be linked to the identification of a gap in the market by Akosua for colorful handcrafted raffia bags combined with its ethical and sustainable production. The brand takes us through the production process of how the raffia is sourced and dyed and the ancient skillful technique known only by the local artisan into different contemporary shapes, completed with linen lining and some leather details.

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Aberima Carrying dyed straw for bag production- Culture Trip

Each bag produced is unique and can take up to two weeks to produce. AAKS has done so many collaborations which includes a recent collaboration with J.CREW, were each bag has the weaver’s name on the swing tag. In addition to its luxurious handbags, AAKS produces beautiful raffia woven lamps holders an initiative that is done with refugees in Burkina Faso which provides a noble and impartial job for them. It also produces multifunctional baskets with the same aesthetic as the handbags.

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OORO OAK BAG- AAKS
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BAW POT WAVY TWO-TONE BAG- AAKS
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MULTIFUNCTIONAL BASKET- AAKS

AKOSUA AFRIYIE-KUMI- AAKS FOUNDER

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi the brain behind AAKS, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fashion from Kingston University London. From her early childhood, she had a passion for art which her parents identified and encouraged her to study even though arts as a profession was not appreciated. She has interned and worked with a lot of brands such as William Tempest, Peter Pilotto, and Mathew Williamson.

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AKOSUA AFRIYIE-KUMI- FOUNDER OF AAKS

The building of AAKS wasn’t straightforward as she didn’t want to spend a lot of time looking for a job after graduation and foreigners had to work more to get recognized in London.  Her mum on a short visit advised her to move back to Ghana to realize her dream of exploring art and design to make luxurious products with the sourcing of products, and local skills she had always loved as a child while growing up in Ghana.

She traveled far and wide in Ghana before discovering a group of artisans whom she envisioned could bring her design ideas to life. There was a language barrier between them and their art was dying because people at that time didn’t place much value on the art of weaving. She started with three women and the number has grown since inception due to the impact of their craft in the World.

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AAKS WEAVING PROCESS- 54KIBO

She has received several awards and recognition for the job she is doing. She was an Honoree at the Reconnect Ghana Spotlight in 2014, one of the three finalists of Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa in 2015, an Honoree at the Future Awards Fashion and Design Prize Ghana in 2018 and in 2019 she was a nominee at the Fashions Finest Africa, Bag designer of the Year. The AAKS brand has been featured in CNN, Elle, Business of Fashion, Africa Forbes woman, Harper Bazaar, Fashion Revolution, The Times, etc. AAKS has been able to revive a generational skill that was declining and also satisfy its consumers with its beautiful, ethical and sustainable raffia products.  

AAKS is stocked in major stores worldwide and online.

Shop at: https://www.aaksonline.com/