– Ankhre –
“It’s not about clothes, it’s about identity” Ankkre, the French clothing label, is the brainchild of designer Loic Jumet who found inspiration in the streets of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire. Ankhre blends urban style with African prints to create original attire for men, women and children. Fabrics are sourced in Africa and all the garments are made by local tailors. Ankhre is selling in the UK for the very first time!
– BezemyMailan –
BezemyMailan’s gorgeous creations reflect their multi-ethnic heritage: one designer is Franco-Vietnamese, the other is of Russian and Togolese origins. Their eclectic and innovative dresses, tops and skirts are created using traditional crafts and techniques of Asia and Africa. BezemyMailan have styled film star Vincent Cassel, soul singer Ayo and internationally-acclaimed band Les Nubians. More about Bezemymailan
– Chichia London –
Chichia was established in 2007 by Tanzania-born, London-based designer Christine Mhando. Her collections consist of an eclectic range of dresses and separates in modern, wearable shapes and styles made unique by clever use of eye-catching prints, embellishment, intricate detailing, a mix of natural fabrics and a succulent colour palette. Chichia’s signature is the khanga, which is a traditional east-african cotton printed fabric used by women as wraps.
More about Chichia London
– Danielle Morgan –
Danielle Morgan, very creative as a child, decided to tap into her passion and venture into fashion in 2002. Fast forward to 2009 and Danielle Morgan is at the head of two labels: Nubian Roots is inspired by African culture while the second label, which bears the designers’ name, is more contemporary. Danielle Morgan has been featured in BHF, Oh Yes and Black Hair and Beauty magazines.
More about Nubian Roots Couture // More about Danielle Morgan
– Fosuism –
Fosuism is a line of exclusive handmade leather corset belts and bags designed by Nana Fosu, embellished with Swarovski crystals and made in London and Ghana, West Africa. Nana is a professional stylist with more than 7 years of experience behind her. Her belts and corsets will cinch your waist and give your outfit the perfect finish.
More about Fosuism
– Kosibah Creations –
Kosibah Creations was established in London in 1991 by award-winning designer Yemi Osunkoya. Kosibah Creations specialise in contemporary and elegant couture bridal, evening and formal daywear using luxurious fabrics and sumptuous embellishments. Yemi’s signature style is the use of corsetry to create shapes that flatter. Wear any of Yemi’s designs and you’re assured to be the belle of the ball!
– Kweku Clothing –
Kweku Clothing is the brainchild of Ghana-born Kweku Quagraine His collection of funky and cheeky t-shirts and hoodies is influenced by by his love for funk, soul and dance music. Kweku has recently exposed his creations at Margin, the premier London tradeshow for new talent and fresh brands.
– Lalesso –
Lalesso was launched in Kenya in 2005 by Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser after a trip to the remote island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya. The traditional attire of the islanders, made out of lesso is the inspiration behind the birth of the brand Lalesso. The clothes are made in Kenya, using socially responsible methods of manufacturing. Lalesso took part in Cape Town Fashion Week in June 2009 and their gorgeous creations have been featured in Vogue.
More about Lalesso
– Oops Fashion –
Oops! is a small, independent fashion label set up by Emily Bosence in 2008. All pieces are designed and hand made in the Oops! Studio in Brighton, UK. Whilst priding itself on offering wearable and flattering garments, Oops! is quirky, sexy and firece. Oops! combines traditional tweeds and jerseys with bright African prints and vintage fabrics. Each piece is designed to be multifunctional, so you can guarantee there will be more to it than meets the eye!
More about Oops
– Simone Williams –
Sensual, modern, feminine, beautiful, only a few of the words used to describe the Simone Williams collection. Ranging from cutting edge denim street wear to sophisticated evening wear the Simone Williams collection has something to suit every discerning and fashionable woman. Simone Williams’ celebrity clients include actress Helen McCroy (Harry Potter, Casanova), model Rachel Ritfield, and singer Lisa Maffia (formerly of So Solid Crew.)
– YouMeWe –
All the garments in the versatile YouMeWe collection are designed and made by Chantelle Koning. With outlets in London (Spitafields, Brixton), Rotterdam, Greece and Italy, YouMeWe is fast becoming the brand of choice for fashion-forward women looking to brighten up their wardrobes with vibrant, colourful dresses, wraps, blouses and sarongs. The future looks equally bright for YouMeWe, with a store opening end of this year in Johannesburg.
– 50Fifty Clothing –
50Fifty started in 2004, when four friends of diverse ethnic backgrounds decided to do something to reclaim the Union Flag and St George’s Flag from the far right. One of the friends, half Jamaican, half British, wanted a design that reflected his dual identity so they developed the United Kingdom of Jamaican design. As he said, “I am half and half, 50 50… ” The brand was born. More about 50Ffty Clothing
Accessories
– Aiyda –
Former Management Consultant Raku Sile quit her job and founded Aiyda out of love for her native country, Ethiopia. Best known for its long distance runners and extreme poverty, Ethiopia is also a land rich in culture, arts and craftsmanship. Aiyda brings you leather bags, silks carves and wraps, as well as silver jewellery, all handmade in Ethiopia.
– Atelier 26 –
Paris-based label Atelier 26 is the brainchild of Salimata Diallo, a West African pattern cutter who also works for renowned clothing label Antik Batik. Salimata works with traditional African prints, mixing them with silk, leather or denim to create unique totes and bags. Atelier 20 also produce one-of-a-kind purses and hair bands in kente cloth. Atelier 26 creations will be up for sale exclusively during MOTIFS Sample Sale!
– Ka Ima B.joux –
Adopted from an early age, Ka Ima reconnected with her West Indian roots after a trip to Karukera (Guadeloupe) in 2005. The experience allowed her to release her creativity and a year later, Ka Ima B.Joux was born. Borrowing from African symbols, Ka Ima jewels are big, bold and yet extremely refined. More than jewels, they are adornments which will empower any woman wearing them. More about Kaima Bijoux
– Nakai –
Founded in 2006, Nakai, meaning be beautiful, is an eclectic collection of stylish, handcrafted jewellery. Simple yet sophisticated, Nakai fuses modern inspiration with African influences that draw on nature and the rich cultural heritage from designer Tapiwa’s childhood growing up in Zimbabwe. Nakai also boasts and exquisite line of bridal jewellery.
