• Las Vegas

    Shop African Designs on Kawree.com

    There is a new online destination to check out if you are into unique items to furnish your room, office and life.

    Check out Kawree.com the new online destination for fashion, skincare, and design objects from African Designers.

    KAWREE promotes African creators and designers and showcases their expertise in fashion, beauty, and design objects.
    Here are some of my favorite items!
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    Eva Sonaike: pink Aburi tray with its palm tree design from our best-selling Aburi collection.
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    tala mermaid skirt
    Raffia is a socially conscious clothing company from Ghana. All the handwoven cotton textiles are sourced from indigenous artisans in Northern Ghana (the poorest part of the country) who use centuries-old loom weaving techniques.
    Raffia economically empowers these gifted weavers and, through elegant high end clothing, showcases the beautiful things Ghana’s North has to offer.
  • Asian

    In the Biz: Project Runway Designer Spotlight Angela Sum @byangelasum

    Where are you from/where do you live?
    born in HK, raised in Toronto (moved there at age 8), moved to NYC after uni, moved to LA just 4 months ago.

    If there was a theme song in your life, what would it be?
    –I really don’t have a good answer for this!  ‘Feel this moment’ ft Christina Agu

    What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do?
    –Stay hungry, stay humble.  I think because of my humble beginnings (having to work for a lot), I appreciated every bit of opportunity I got.  I worked hard in everything I did.  I did really well in Waterloo comp and well in the finance-tech world, but I never settled, I didn’t get comfortable.  I still brought lunch almost daily, and I kept my rent cheap.  I wanted to prepare for the day I wouldn’t have a comfortable pay check and might not make income for years.

    What is the key to being successful/to stand out in your industry?
    It’s not one thing.  Talent itself won’t be enough.  I think it helps to be realistic and to be practical.  You need to plan but you also need to be flexible and adaptable–that’s something I’m learning since the corporate world was a lot more clear.  I’m still just starting so, I can’t say I’m successful or stand out enough quite yet to answer this question.

    What is your favorite quote?
    I really like this one I saw recently: Never trade respect for attention!

    Where can people find you online?
    facebook.com/byAngelaSum
    twitter/instagram @byAngelaSum
    angelasum.com –on its way to be re-worked
    After so many years doing fashion as a side hobby, I’m finally starting up my line, so watch out for a new collection on www.angelasum.com.

  • New York

    Shackle with @ITSJEREMYSCOTT @Adidas

    A new Adidas sneaker has sparked outrage, with sneaker fans accusing the brand of promoting racism. The Roundhouse Mid “Handcuff” shoe, created by controversial New York designer Jeremy Scott, features a plastic orange shackle that attaches to each ankle. The $350 sneakers hit stores in August, but Adidas promoted them on their official Facebook page on June 14 with this quote: “Tighten up your style with the JS Roundhouse Mids, dropping in August. Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?” While the brand may be making a cheeky statement about shoe theft, many are equating these binding devices with slavery and prisoners. At press time the “Handcuff” sneaker image has over 36,000 Facebook likes, but many of the comments are angry and disapproving.

    (article reposted from By Joanna Douglas Yahoo Shine)

     

  • Asian,  New York,  Toronto

    NYC loves @Amandalewkee

    NEW YORK, New York (May 18th, 2012) —

    On Friday, May 18th, 8pm AMANDALEWKEE screened a virtual runway at The Tribeca Grand to an intimate private collective of industry professionals and the cultured cool.

    AMANDALEWKEE Fall’12 was inspired by the constructed femininity of the 1940s with the casual effortless attitude of American sports wear. Lew Kee also references to the game of chess, specifically the knight and the modern methodical structure of the game- a game of patience and strategy. The presentation this season was titled THE DESIGN OF THE DESIGNER. “I believe that there is no better representation to a brand than the designer them selves. Ultimately a show is executed to sell what the designer has produced. I want my market to know who I am and share the importance on personal distinction” the designer proclaimed pre-show. This season Lew Kee found her bearings as a designer and strongly feels that what she has created is true to what she believes and represents; Luxury, elegance, and ease.

    Focusing on her strongest trait of blending texture, Lew Kee designed a tight and concise collection (10 looks total). From the use of leather, stretch cotton blend, power mesh, wool boucle, cashmere and fox fur, the designer executed jackets, tops, bottoms, and easy to wear dresses. During one of Lew Kee’s short visit to New York the virtual runway has been curated by Yadira Martinez; Grand Life Hotel’s director of social events and promotions. After meeting Lew Kee Wednesday night in Super Linda’s basement lounge the two quickly connected and decided that no time should be wasted and that the film would be a complimentary fit for The Tribeca Grand.

    Screened in the saloon, the virtual runway uses an interactive dual film projection to create a format that interprets a technological presentation. When asked about the choice of this style Lew Kee responded, “Design is innovation. The exciting part of creating is the inception of new realities; where inspiration is developed and evolved. With fashion films on the rise, it was a no brainer to combine the two formats of presentation. With the elevation of digital-aid there are no limits as to how advanced we will evolve as human beings. The limitless possibilities allow for creation. Why not present in a format that encompasses the brand’s enthusiasm for technology and innovation. A presentation that entices the eyes and the mind while creating an open school of thought. It’s viral, it’s portable, it’s direct”.
    A dual screen format allows for flexibility of depth, the Toronto screening was shown in a L shaped format. The Virtual Runway can be viewed from the comfort of a buyer or editor’s desk using two devises (i.e. ipad, iphones, projectors) and simply streaming the film it is as readily available as pressing play.

    AMANDALEWKEE is a high end women’s ready-to-wear lifestyle brand inspired by the versatility of street fashion and the effortless comfort of athletic wear. Focused on a polished, metropolitan, it girl look, the brand has consistently produced a cult like following. Main wardrobe pieces that individualize the brand are: tailored jackets, comfortable fashion separates, and the layering of sheer fabrics. Amanda has worked closely with the entertainment industry, creating signature looks with HBO’s series TRUE BLOOD, and has dressed Miss Piggy, Shenae Grimes, and Keri Hilson to name a few. She has hosted Toronto’s hottest fashion events with the likes of Tommy Ton, Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2, as well as The Misshapes. Publications such as Nylon Magazine, Teen Vogue, i-D Magazine, Flare Magazine, E-Talk, and Fashion Television have recognized Amanda Lew Kee as a promising young Designer to follow.

    On behalf of The Tribeca Grand and AMANDALEWKEE, we would formally like to thank you for your cross border support.
    Contact info@amandalewkee.com for further inquires.
    www.amandalewkee.com

  • WorldWide

    Shoe designing with @shoesofprey

    Find the perfect pair of shoes by designing & customizing it yourself, if you can’t find one you like already! Shoes of Prey has something for all occasions whether it is for your wedding day or if you are looking for something more particular like if you have wide feet.

    This first online shoe company is the first to let you decide what style & color you want. Choose from many different materials, which include soft leather, fish skin, snakeskin, Italian silk and many more.

    Happy shopping – Shoes of Prey Gallery. Let us know if you choose ballet flats or heels!

    ‘Follow’ at @shoesofprey & ‘Like’ them on Facebook!

  • New York,  WorldWide

    Paris-Bombay @CHANEL

    This Just In: Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld, unveiled his newest pre-fall/winter 2012-2013 collections in Paris, France earlier this week. The India-inspired “Paris Bombay Collection” was showcased in Chanel’s Grand Palais home earlier this week, with models strutting items of regal proportion. The line features glamorous dresses and coats of tweed and silk in metal tones and pearl whites, with the occasional pop of color. Not to mention lots and lots of accessories!

    Lagerfeld says he mostly took inspiration from Indian men’s clothing because “they’re easier to wear”.

    Check out these clips of some of my favorite items from the collection! I especially love the elaborate headpieces. AMAZING.





    Watch the entire runway show on YouTube.com