We touched base with design duo, Thei and Didier, from the celebrated streetwear label, Magnets. In this interview, we chatted with the designers about the business of fashion, the future of their brand amidst the pandemic, as well as their advice to upcoming designers. AFI Insider: Has your design and retail processes changed since the … Continue reading Behind The Label: Magents
Sustainable fashion, or eco-fashion as it’s referred to in some circles, is an emerging manufacturing process where clothes, shoes, and accessories are produced in an environmentally and socio economically sustainable manner. With more and more local designers banding together to promote the rise of sustainablefashion on the continent, we’ve decided to share our 3 favourite, … Continue reading ECO-FASHION BRANDS TO WATCH
MAXHOSA Described as the bolder, African version of Missoni, the Maxhosa brand has carved out a unique place in fashion both locally and abroad. It is now well known that Maxhosa’s knitwear inspired garments celebrate the Xhosa rite of passage and have become go-to garments for woke celebrities on the red carpet, includingseveral “Black Panther” … Continue reading 3 DESIGNERS WHO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM THEIR AFRICAN HERITAGE
We reached out to the talented personal shopper, image consultant and stylist to get his expert advice on how to make a statement this Heritage Month. AFI Insider: What are your top 3 tips for creating an impactful look on Heritage Day?. Siyavuya Dondolo: My tips are as follows… Tip 1: Keep things simple. Your … Continue reading Image Consultant and Stylist, Siyavuya Dondolo Shares his Tips for Putting Together the Perfect Heritage Day Outfit
In celebration of Women’s Month, we decided to reach out to the fashion maven, to talk to her about her roleas a woman in fashion, and how she thinks women should show up in the industry. AFI Insider: It’s 2020 and, for the most part, the fashion industry is still very male-dominated. What hasyour experience, … Continue reading WOMEN IN FASHION: ISOKEN OGIEMWONYI
Keep It Tailored On The TopWhen it comes to deciding what you want to wear on the top, we suggest identifying or purchasing pieces that convey professionalism and elegance. Stay away from t-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies. Think structured blazers, ultra-feminine blouses, and tailored shirts. We love the Andiswa Apparel’s St. Unathi blouse, and Moraba … Continue reading 4 KEYS TO LOOKING GOOD ON YOUR NEXT ZOOM CONFERENCE CALL
JACKIE MAY Journalist and Founder of TWYG.com Bio: Jackie May has been working in print and broadcast media for more than 20 years. Her most notable role includes being at the helm of Marie Claire South Africa as its Editor In Chief. Cause: In 2017, May stepped away from traditional media and ventured into the … Continue reading FEMALE FASHION ACTIVISTS WHO ARE CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY & DIVERSITY
Here are the three major trends that have developed mid-pandemic, and will arguably become part ofthe fashion industry’s new normal in the future: ONLINE SHOPPING Although online shopping has been around for years, owing to government-enforced lockdown, online sales have surged. Over the past few months, consumers have become accustomed to shopping online and in … Continue reading INDUSTRY NEWS: HOW THE PANDEMIC IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FASHION
AFI Insider: What was the key motivation for becoming a designer? Marie Kipre: I have always loved fashion, beautiful clothes, and elegant silhouettes. I have also realised that fashion could be a way to represent my culture and my origins to the world. I wanted to be an ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire within the greater, … Continue reading BEHIND THE LABEL: NADREY LAURENT
GAVIN RAJAH – Creative Director of Gavin Rajah Pret-a-Vivre and UN Goodwill Ambassador AFI: Over the course of your 25 years in the industry, what role have women played in your career? Gavin Rajah: Women are at the core of everything I do. Strong women who do not see their femininity as a compromise to … Continue reading Men In Fashion Talk About The Women Who Inspire Their Creativity
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