Designers go tribal ga-ga! Featuring Harper's Bazaar.com

Harper's Bazaar.com did a shoes, bags and jewellery trends list from the Spring 2012 runways guide showcasing the most talked about fashion trends of the 2012 season. With winter fast approaching we thought it best to warm up your fashion chops with a round-up of the sizzling accessories featured in the list.

Here's ILA's tribal accessories recap featuring Harper's Bazaar...time to get gaga!

Bottega Veneta

Af-Ccessory of the day: Tribal wedges by Louise Roe

British born television presenter, model, and fashion journalist Louise Roe first really caught our eye as the 'on the fence' civil cast member of reality TV show The Hills.

So when we heard that Miss Roe had a collection launched on Stylist Pick earlier on this year, we just had to check it out.

Stylist Pick feature the latest must-have accessories handpicked by A-list stylists and celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, The Olsen Twins and now Louise Roe.

Imagine our excitement when we saw that her collection included a few of ILA's favourite things...accessories and shoes galore!

And to top it all off, those shoes weren't just any shoes...(they weren't M&S shoes either) they were Tribal Aztec Print wedges. Beauty, print and comfort all rolled up into one!

Best of the bunch ft. Adèle Dejak

We have decided to pay homage to Adèle Dejak whose line is comprised of handmade fashion accessories for the modern, sophisticated and multidimensional woman. Inspired by African shapes, textures and traditional techniques, her cutting-edge pieces sit perfectly between artefact and high fashion statement designs. Sit back and enjoy the best of four collections that she has designed, put into look books and categorised accordingly.

Adèle Dejak - the brains behind the design

SHOE GAME CRAY: Keyshia Cole & Steve Madden

We may have died a little when we saw these cute little print numbers that Keyshia Cole is launching in partnership with Steve Madden. Not only has Keyshia been in the studio preparing to launch her Woman to Woman album, she has also been in the shoe kitchen cooking up a storm...busy lady!

The line is set to have have a festive feel ready for the party season. Rock up anywhere wearing these and you will need no introduction. We have no doubt that if you buy a pair of these bad boys when they are launched in November your shoe game will go from crazy to CRAY!

Af-Ccessory of the day: Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs

Put the fun back into your day with a little help from Craig Jacobs - take a look at our Af-Ccessory of the day:



Origami print fabric neck piece- Fun-does Craig Jacobs

Imagine: Coca Cola Ankara Style!

Earlier on this year, The Coca-Cola company released two new artistic diet coke bottle designs by Jean Paul Gaultier - a homage to his famous perfume bottles.

©Coca Cola 

More recently, JPG teamed up with Daisy Lowe and the latest bottle in the series entitled 'Tattoo' was also unveiled!

Image © Rex Features - The new 'Tattoo' bottle and Model Daisy Lowe
who had the tattoo image projected unto her for the campaign!

This made us wonder...

...what would a Coca Cola bottle look like Ankara Style? 

And so true to ILA form, we came up with a kente print version of our own!

Tadaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Coca Cola in our dreams!

Coca Cola Ankara fizz! Ya like? 

Please note: Coke is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company in the United States since March 27, 1944. This is just our interpretation of our ideal Coca Cola bottle and is in no way intended as an official image of the company. Dear Coca Cola Co. WE LOVE YOU!!! (Please don't sue us! Thanks! :D)

Ankara Boutique: BHF Shopping Mall

BHF is an online magazine and social community which promotes the fashion, art and lifestyle of Africa. 

“WE ARE THIS GENERATION: 

The future, the movement, and the reformers. 

WE ARE MODERN: 

The urbanites, the classics, and the materialists. 

Af-Ccessory of the day: Finetex Creative

These Finetex Creative scarves are amongst the best we've seen yet. Everything's on point even down to the tassels at the end.

Finetex Creative

Sneak Peek: Anita Quansah

We are in absolute AWE of jewellery designer Anita Quansah. 

And so imagine our excitement when Anita posted this image of a work-in-progress neck piece which incorporates African Print: 

Anita Quansah EXCLUSIVE!

Ankara love AMPLIFIED!!!

DIY: Vlisco

Continuing on with the DIY theme, did you know that you can craft your own bomber jacket with premium African fabric and a sewing pattern from Vlisco?!

Oo oo  we'll have the second from the left please!!!

GIVE-AWAY: Tribal Earrings Tutorial

We live in a self-sufficiently sexy, fashionably frugal, 'Do It Yourself' day and age. 

If you're part of the DIY movement, you'll love this tribal earrings tutorial from the beautiful Youtube DIY queen that is 'TheNotoriousKIA'. 

Stud-tastic!

ILA Challenge: Think you can do better? Why not make your own pair in ankara or a fabric of your choice and let us know how it goes because we're giving away 10 pairs of stud components to 10 UK readers absolutely free!

All you have to do is tweet (copy 'n' paste): 

@iloveankarablog make me stud-tastic! #tribalearrings

So, what are you waiting for? On your marks...get set...go, Go, GO!!!

Af-Ccessory of the day: Prada

Ok ok so we've gone a little bag crazy recently, but we cried a little when we saw this special edition tribal pattern Prada bag and just couldn't keep it to ourselves!

Ankara at London Fashion Week: Peter Pilotto

Now we know we're all about accessories...but what are accessories without the fly garms to match?! 

That's why we couldn't resist a little fashion digress after we saw today's Peter Pilotto Spring / Summer 2013 show for London Fashion Week.

ILA: Snap Back Into Action

We all love having that fresh cut, pristine locks and bouncy curls but sometimes, a laid back simple snap back hat does the trick. If worn correctly it can say "Hey! I'm having a laid back day, but at at any point now I can snap back into action!"

Mos Def dons a snap back for GQ magazine

Clutch this: Tribal-style

We were gutted to find out that the infamous Angela Simmons 'Bee Clutch' and Virgo's lounge other tribal clutch were out of stock.

Out of stock #SadTimes

However we're SO sprung on the Art-Deco beaded style of these lovelies that we went on the prowl to find the next best thing and thought we'd share them with you. 

ILA Celeb Files: Angela Simmons

True to form, budding fashionista Angela Simmons has been spotted out and and about looking ultra fab at New York Fashion Week.

New York Fashion week SHEEK!

Af-Ccessory of the day: Sass & Bide

Part of the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative we mentioned last week is the Australian fashion house Sass & Bide.

Sass & Bide's 'Heading North' shopper and 'On your marks' clutch bags

Ankara's Secret: Aya Morrison & Adama Paris

Lights on lights off...never be too afraid to show what you have, every girl has a secret just make yours an ankara-secret!

Don't limit the colour to just what people can see, even in the bedroom colourful secrets are needed to keep things hot and spicy.

Ann Summers says "shh keep it a secret"

ILA TIP: Instead of wearing the same old black matching bra and pants when choosing lingerie and saucy intimates, colours and prints can create illusions, enhancing and complimenting

Af-Ccessory of the day: Manaka Handmade

Presenting a unique and creative punky twist on 
af-ccessories...the Ankara ear plug from Manaka. 

Ear plugs are used in stretched ear lobes - a body piercing technique where a healed piercing is deliberately expanded - and we've never seen ear plugs like this before.

Fashion gives back: Ethical Fashion Project - Vivienne Westwood

Fashion's night out events have been occurring worldwide in advance of London Fashion Week - one of the most anticipated weeks on the fashion calender.

However, what many people who are waiting for LFW to start don't know is that a select number of high fashion designers will be flying out to East Africa straight after the London Fashion week shows, for the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative.

One of those designers is Vivienne Westwood.

Inspired by the colour and embroidery of African Fabrics and solely made of recycled parts, this drawstring duffel bag is from this season's Vivienne Westwood Ethical Africa collection:



The aztec triangle pattern is also found in this tote version of the bag:

The Iconic British designer developed the collection alongside the International Trade Centre (a combination of  the World Trade Organisation and United Nations) in order to produce and source sustainable accessories that give back to Africa. 

The Ethical Fashion Africa project aims to encourage women of the project's host country Kenya, to develop an interest in fashion using and sourcing recycled materials in an ethical way.

Vivienne Westwood's new Red label collection will be shown at London Fashion week on Saturday 16th September at 2pm in SW1.

Tribal Treasures: Nordstrom and Asos

Ankara, or the use of it, is well known in the fashion industry as 'Tribal', and featured within the 'Afrocentric' trend which was predicted in advance by Vogue for Spring/Summer 2012. 

"Ethnic prints, raffia work and tribal sketched
abound in this season's Afrocentroc trend" - Vogue

Even as we approach London Fashion week and the launch of various new Spring/Summer collections for next year, there's no doubt that the Tribal theme is still going strong.

And whether a Tribal piece features Ankara or not, it most definitely encapsulates the colour and vibrancy of African print.

We came across these Tribal finds on Nordstrom, and Asos:

Cara Couture Necklace

The multi strand effect is quite common in textile jewellery but this Cara Couture Tribal Multi Strand necklace beautifully incorporates golden chains as part of the design...

Cara Couture Belt

...whilst the beading in this belt is quite reminiscent of colourful Cameroonian beads.

Steve Madden

Having been in the footwear game for more than two decades, Steve Madden has incorporated Tribal weave into this 'Pammy-M' pump, which reminds us a lot of the traditional woven kente cloth.

Betsey Johnson

An even bigger veteren in the field of footwear Betsey Johnson's label B.J. Vines has been around since 1978. These 'Barrot' pumps present an aztec/tribal fusion.

Asos Wedges

Our favourite on the Tribal treasures list have to be these ASOS HUNT Super High Leather Wedges with Egyptian Print. As wedges, they're very likely to be comfortable, those straps  will support your ankles and better still...these shoes are currently on sale (click the link below)!!!

More Tribal Treasures to come!

Shop:

Cara Couture on Nordstrom
Steve Madden Pammy-M pump
Betsey Johnson
ASOS HUNT Super High Leather Wedges

BOYZ 2 MEN Af-Ccessory of the day: African print Nike's

You can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he wears #fact
And we're not just talking about the shoe size!

We appreciate footwear that tells a story, and that's why we love these vintage style, African print Nike's we found in the Netherlands based concept store 'Lock and Load'.

"...part of the Nike and Liberty Of London collaboration. The sneaker features suede throughout the upper and Liberty’s Lotus Jazz print on the Nike Swoosh, lace lids, sock lining, heel tab, and lower portion of the side panel. A volt tongue tab houses the Nike branding. The outsole completes the shoes’ overall vintage look...so if y’all wanna rock something the person beside you doesn’t have, then these are a great sneaker to invest in."

What would these trainers tell you about a man?

BOYZ 2 MEN: Man About Town

Men are sometimes left out when it comes to recommendations on fashion. We love our stylish brothers worldwide which is why ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the BOYZ 2 MEN edition. Our weekend of posts dedicated to men!

MAN about TOWN

From a presidential timepiece to a crisp ironed shirt, to the hems of a tailored suit - fashion often separates the boys from the men. The length and detail on a unique swarve tie, a delicately placed pure silk cravat, the silhouette hug of trouser suspenders to the intimate selection of hand picked cotton socks. Whatever the case may be, attention to detail is what makes a MAN about TOWN. 

Check out our favourite men about town:

Clockwise from top left:
Diddy, George Clooney, Jamie Foxx, Kanye, Idris Elba and Trey Songz

ILA TIP: Real men wear pink! Pairing a nice pink blazer with a paisley print tie or cravat gives an everyday outfit a different twist and keeps your look interesting and fresh.

Clockwise from top left: 
Scott Disick, Terrence J, Jamie Foxx, Kanye, Tyson Beckford

If going for a more casual yet formal approach a pink shirt paired with cream fitted suit pants gives that 'I mean business yet I'm ready to walk on the beach in the South of France' look ;)

Man about town in pink by iloveankara featuring Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo Ralph lauren
$135 - liberty.co.uk

Alexander McQueen Wool Trousers
mrporter.com

Noah's crew compliment the pink trend with ankara, by accessoring a plain mens t-shirt with African print pockets:

ILA’s MAN about TOWN Challenge: Try a new accessory everyday for a week, and not just any accessory...an Af-ccessory.

This trilby from Babatunde Gerry could be a great way to kick start your challenge! 

As featured in Vogue Italia

Also check out these interesting pieces by the House Of Tayo:

Don't say we don't help....happy accessorising!

Diary of a print-a-holic

With Af-ccessories (African Print accessories), the possibilities are endless. From earrings, to necklaces, to bangles to notebooks...
Yes, notebooks!

We think that Tribal notebook's are an essential for all Afro-nista's. Where else to represent print than at school, uni, college or work.

Take note:

Ankara draped Lovely Notebooks 

These notebooks are just lovely!

As featured on BET and in Stylist Magazine London

Carissa of Lovely Notebooks with London
MP Chuka Umunna

A selection from Eva Sonaike

So many beautiful prints to choose from!

Asakeoge - as seen at Africa Fashion Week London

Asakeoge notebooks and shopper
- currently free with all orders over £40 from Asakeoge!!!

The Wastebasket African Notebook

Notice the Ankara symbols on this one

Tribal notebooks from Darkroom London

Colour blocking and tribal print all on one
fashionable notebook - genius!

All notebooks should look like these! Don't you agree?

And if you're already happily productive with your current notebook, why not check out these African Print notebook covers from Lanyap Studios:

Happy writing!

Image sources and links

Shop:
Lovely Notebooks

Eva Sonaike

Asakeoge

TheWasteBasket

Darkroom London

Lanyap Studios