Nigerian Nostalgia & African Hair Styles

I stumbled across Pop’Africana through the wonderful rabbit hole that is Instagram. 50 clicks later, I was on their Facebook page, thumbing through vintage imagery of African hair styles from the The Africana Book of Style: Vol I.

Many of the designs were new to me, and all were breathtaking in the most complicated and intricate of ways. Much of the imagery appears to fall under the category, Nigerian Nostalgia, which showcases the lifestyle and customs of African women throughout history.

Much of the book was shot by JD Okhai Ojeikere, a Nigerian photographer born in 1930, and known for his work with unique hair styles. The the modern imagery is by Namsa Leuba, a younger photographer whose work focuses on African Identity through Western eyes.

To learn more about Pop’Africana as well as Oroma Elewa, the Founder and Editor, check out her interview with IntotheGloss. She discusses her desire to share, spread and curate innovative fashion from Africa throughout the globe.

May 29, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

The Born Free Campaign

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While thumbing through instagram last night, I came across this wonderful campaign and collection. Has anyone else heard of Born Free? Im sure many of you have…as it’s overtaken the homepage of Shopbop and is a fashion collaboration of epic proportions.

Wangechi Mutu, a celebrated Kenyan-born, NYC based artist, has shared several of her prints with fashion industry greats, including Celine, Prada, Lem Lem, DKNY, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, Isabel Marant and more, to create a mother/child collection and awareness campaign.

This mission is a private-sector led initiative with one goal: to end transmission of HIV from mothers to children by the end of 2015. Born Free invests in people, time and business acumen to significantly accelerate the pace toward elimination in African countries most affected by this issue. To learn more, click here and snap up the pieces you love, before they’re gone!

April 24, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Merging Dutch & African Printmaking

A coworker recently turned me onto the Vlisco Textile Company. Interesting, colorful, unexpected patterns, right? Operating since 1846, you’d assume the designs were made in Africa, not the case. Vlisco is a Dutch company that’s been collaborating within the African fashion landscape – particularly within northern and central Africa since it’s early inception. The fabric undergoes an authentic wax process which is common to Dutch design and originates from batik techniques.

Every few months there’s a collaboration that focuses on an African cause. The fundraiser highlighted above supports the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation. New fabric lines and select ‘one-off’ pieces were created by some of Ghana’s most prominent fashion labels today, such as Pistis, Rowvon, Ameyo Designs, House of Eccentric, Mina Evans & Poqua Poqu.

November 8, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Masks: The Art of Identity

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Our identities are dictated by daily routine. Whether we’re playing around with makeup and creating abstract stories or focusing on history through an introspective lens, the concept of duality shines bright when we think of a mask’s role.

Jamaican born, Miami-raised Paul Anthony Smith draws inspiration from Jamacian culture and the African diaspora. Smith gives a nod to these traditional masks while simultaneously commenting on hierarchy and identity. By covering his characters with a unique glittery “picotage” technique and deliberate obscuration, he levels the playing field. His subjects are virtually invisible to the general public. Click here for event info.

Queen Mask | Kuba Mask | Paraguay Wooden Masks | African Wooden Masks

Zieher Smith: 516 W. 20th St. New York, NY 10011

April 4, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: African Kimonos

Our collective fascination with culture crossing is nothing new, though every now and then it’s important to sit up and take note of new projects. Serge Mouangue is an artist worthy of this attention, as proven by his Wafrica collection, a breathtaking cultural shakeup. This styled photoshoot combines the strength of bold and bright African textiles with the grace of the traditional Japanese Kimono. Strength and grace. Two contrasts united in women. “They may appear different on the surface but they do share some cultural similarities. Both societies are very tribal and have a respect for hierarchy and an appreciation of the power of silence,” says Mouangue when asked about the theme of this project. “And then there are the differences. In Japan there is no improvisation. Here, improvisation can mean trouble, shame, difficulties. But in Africa, it means life, renewal, health and spirit.”

Coverage by: Emily Gup

April 22, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Nigerian Nostalgia & African Hair Styles

The Born Free Campaign

Merging Dutch & African Printmaking

Masks: The Art of Identity

Fashion: African Kimonos

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.On Instagram.

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.