Model Discovery - Alima Lily Niangado

 

I don't know when or how my interest -- really my... obsession, with models with colour started but I know it started with the ones originating from South Sudan [mostly].

But... enough about South Sudan. Today we embrace yet another African face on the ramp -- we happened to have discovered some time ago.

Alima Lily Niangado (aged 22) was born and raised in Bamako, Mali. She first sparked into the modeling scene when she was only 16 years old. She later moved to Tunis, Tunisia to acquire her Bachelor in Finance degree where she also walked the ramp at the first edition of Design & Model Fashion Show 2010 and  Tunis Fashion Week 2010.

 The 6"2 tall striking beauty then moved in 2011 to London -one of the fashion capitals to pursue her dreams on the ramp. She did the Beauty & Hair Afro Show 2012 and a photo shoot with photographer -- Andrea.

 

 



Although she hasn't much under her belt [magazine cover wise and campaigns]. It is safe to say she is truly on her way there. Slowly but surely reaching for her dreams. Lily is now back in Bamako, Mali and will be moving back to London in September to continue her mission of becoming the next top model.



Vogue Icône - Jerry Moeng

 

 Most sartorialists have solidified their status in the fashion world as trendsetters with impeccable taste and a killer wardrobe -- so when I spotted the colourful Jerry Moeng on the streets, I had to know more about this style siren; following our little word intercourse which I hope you enjoy.

LK: Please tell us, who is Jerry Moeng?

JM: Well, I'm Letlhogonolo Jerry Moeng 22 years of age from Lenasia, South of Johannesburg.  A Media & Journalism graduate. I love Fashion, Photography and Theatre. I'm quiet yet loud, also a real joker, expressive, bohemian, in a nut shell I just enjoy the finer things in life... And My Smile Is My Best Signature.

LK: How would you describe your Style and who inspires you?

JM: I don't even know how to describe my style, I just mix everything together, from vintage-to- designer wear-to-retro. I am just a hippie who is inspired by Coco and Breezy Dotson[The Eye-Wear designer twins].

LK:What exactly makes you love Fashion?

JM: Fashion allows me to express myself, I make Fashion Statements without saying a word. And my sense of style has opened a lot of doors for me. That's what clothes do for me.  Fashion is my life

LK: And when did you first realize your love for it[fashion]?

JM: I found my love for fashion when I started high school because my mom started giving me money to shop for myself. So I had to be very creative, always trying to set myself apart. I didn't want to dress like anyone else. Like I'm doing now. You get?
LK: Ha ha yeah I get you. What's your favourite thing to wear?

JM: My favourite things to wear are drop-crotch pants and head gears, I've lost count of how many caps and hats I've collected.
LK: Would you say where you come from inspires how you dress?

JM: I doesn't, at all. My hood is just dull and not inspiring. I'm just known as that weird, tall colourful kid. But I know in a few years time my style will be normal to them *He then laughs*

LK: Where do you mostly shop your clothes?

JM:  Vintage stores in the city (JHB CBD) And I love shops like Markham, YDE, Jay Jays And Toxic Candy. They always have dope and affordable gear there because I don't like spending a fortune to look good!
LK: What's playing on your iPod/phone?

JM: There is a lot that is playing on my phone, but I'm hooked on Zonke and The Muffinz.

LK: Does the music you listen to contribute to your style?
JM: Hell yeah it does, music and fashion are insync. I listen to all sorts of genres, Just like my style, I fuse everything together. I'm just a fashion & music chameleon, Its just about creativity and self expression.
LK: Where do you like to hang out often?

JM: I like Braamfontein. There is such a young, enthusiastic vibe there, I love that kind of space.

Philosophie Vestimentaire - Xavier T. Morwe

The innovation and creativity of my friends has always intrigued me. Evidence abounds that Hip-Hop will forever reign in street culture especially with people like A$AP Rocky in the scene. I took some time and had word intercourse with one "Prince de Bohême" I've been keeping an eye on for quite a while. The way he plays around with his outfits is near life's worth. This is only the genesis.

LS: Please give us a brief bio about your self?

XM: Names is Xavier Thapelo Morwe. I'm a Tswana 22 year old guy from the Northern Cape in a city called Kimberly, South Africa. I'm a Diesel Mechanic in the army by profession. Believe it or not.

LS: What baffles me is your sense of style. Especially for someone who is in the army.  When did you discover your love for style?

XM:  Back in primary school I used to watch Yizo Yizo 1. There was a character there called Chester. He brought out the sense of style in me. The shirts hats glasses that he wore were just out of this world for me.

LS: Please explain to us. What exactly does "fashion" mean to you?

XM: Expressing myself. Through clothing. Trying to tell my autobiography through my sense of style. That's what fashion means to me.

LS: How would you describe your style and how does the environment surrounding you contribute to it?

XM: Diverse. Thing is I cant stick to one certain genre of style. As I get inspired by the local old timer, people like you. Even people at work.

 LS: What are your 5 favourite items in your closet?

XM:  1.My fresh J's. 2. Levi Strauss Denim jacket 3. Green anti-fit jean 4. Nike shirts 5. Camouflage shorts. I wear it everyday in the morning.

LS:  Who is[are] your favourite designer[s]?

XM:  Local is lekker papa [I support local sir]. Ephraim Molingoana thats my n*gga right there.

 LS: And where do you often shop your clothes.

XM:  There's this other Muslim store in Church Street opposite Chicken Lickin. I forgot the name. I sometimes buy on the streets, Sport Scene. Markham, Marabastad. Basically everywhere I don't have a specific store. Where ever I see something I like I get it.

LS:  What's playing on your BlackBerry?

XM: I'm a huge hip hop fanatic. From Ace Hood, Future, 2 Chain... the works

LS: What magazines do you usually read?

XM: I like GQ, The Source & XXL.

LS:  Any advice you'd like to give to men who also would like to be just as stylish?

XM:  Do you. F*ck what they say. Being unique should be a need as we are born as unique beings . Dress the way you want to and stay true to that. Watch as the followers do what they usually do. Follow your own trend.

Vogue Icône - Kwabena Sardokie [Exclusive Interview]

In my line of work, i come across plenty of fabulous dressers, it doesn't really take more than a closetful of the latest Balmains and Louboutins to be a style icon. A friend of mine from Ghana, Kwabena Sardokie affects the way other men dress daily. You may love him or hate him, but you can't ignore his sense of sartorial—not in these getups. We managed to have some orgasm filled verbal intercourse the other day: here's how it went.

Loago Skinne: Give us a brief bio about yourself.

Kwabena Sardokie: I am Gideon Richmond Sarkodie but prefer being called Kwabena Sarkodie. Born in Takwah in the Western Region of Ghana but hails from Nkoranza-Nkwabeng in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. I'm in my early 20's and an undergrad at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I'm introvert-ish but friendly though. I love to sing, read, draw, swim and watch movies. And most of all I love Fashion.

LS: How would you describe “Fashion” in your own perspective?

KS: Fashion is the core of man's social and emotional make up and lifestyle. I love style and I think style is a matter of how you wear “Fashion”. Like Bill Blass says “Style is a matter of instincts”.

 

LS: Talking about style, how would you describe your style and where do you get inspiration from when choosing what to wear?

K.S: I'm always drawn to what to wear based on my mood (which swings all the time), the environment and of course not forgetting my instincts too. I do not know specifically how to describe my style; people most often do it for me. Sometimes I go Western-Vintage, Afro-Vintage and Modern etc. Whatever goes down well with me, I take.

LS: When did you first realize your love for Fashion?

KS: Growing up, the love for Fashion has always been there but my love for “real” Fashion was realized somewhere in 2008 when I was waiting to go to University. Out of boredom, I started putting clothes together, certain old clothes of mine and taking photos. Then I started drawing them out and looking at how they would look if styled differently. There and then that spark in fashion got ignited.

LS: What’s your favourite thing to wear in your closet?

KS: Seriously I have no favourite item in my closet, i just put on the nearest clothing and that’s it. Hahaha!

LS: Where do you often shop your clothes?

KS: I do shop at Adum most of the time, and Kumasi Central Market yeah.

LS: If you could work on an international fashion related project with anyone in the industry who would it be? 

KS: I would work with Oswald Boateng. I like his tailoring and the twists he adds to his designs.

LS: What kind of music do you listen to? And do you think it somehow contributes to your sense of style?

KS: I listen to quite a variety of music. If only it has good vibe and I can groove along, I am good to go. Music is supposed to make you feel something so as to inspire. I could just listen to a certain song and go deep in thought thinking of what to wear.

LS: What's your favorite Fashion magazine?

KS: I love GQ

LS: What's your favorite Fashion trend and your least favorite this season?

KS: Prints are my favourite trend and least favourite would be drop crotch pants.

LS: Any advice you'd like to give to men who also want to be just as stylish?

KS: Stay true to your aesthetic, know what looks good on your frame and what doesn't, trends could be overrated.

Rainy Day, Boots & Benzes - Dr Martens

Dr. Martens is a British footwear brand, which also makes a range of accessories – shoe care products, clothing, luggage, etc. In addition to Dr. Martens, they are known as Doctor Martens, Doc Martens, Docs or DMs.

Dr. Martens were invented in the 1945 by a couple of Germans- Dr. Martens and Funck (engineer). Apparently Marten had a skiing accident injuring his foot. To make things easier whilst it healed, he and an engineering friend Dr. Funck set about developing a shoe with an air cushioned sole- one that would be comfy yet durable. Funck suggested selling these shoes to others, as they had sold well to around Germany.

In 1958, Bill Grigg's spotted an ad in Shoe Record by Martens and Funck. They were looking for overseas companies to produce their unique sole. The Grigg family then acquired global rights to use the air cushioned sole.(Bet they are counting their dollars and thanking the beer god for that decision!). So their factory in Wollaston-Northamptonshire (England) started making the boots and shoes as we know today. The first boot was produced on the 1st April 1960, hence it's name, the1460. "Airwair- with Bouncing Soles" comes from a doddle Bill Grigg had made.

The emergence of the skinhead movement saw the first adoption by a British subculture of Dr. Martens boot. In 1968/69 skinheads wore concealed steel toe caps. Steel caps were often polished or painted white, though they were classed as offensive weapons so Dr. Martens soon banished these other styles.

The 8 eyelet Air Wear brown was by far the most popular with the laces drawn through the heel tag and the trousers high enough to reveal it. Black Dr. Martens virtually were never worn until well into 1969/70. It became a fad in early 1970 and brown boots were often dyed black. As the year went on Dr Martens developed many other styles but the 8 hole and 11 hole seemed to be the most popular with Skins preferring the ox-blood and cherry red versions.

My Friend in Tambov, Russia. Galaletsang Mosweu Rocking her DM's

Now you can't say you haven't found a proper shoe for the rain, get your DM's on homies :-D

Summer Must Haves - Shopping Guide

Out of my little spare time of which i didn't want to go to waste i decided to go on a little shopping guide for my Fashion Beings all in the name of style. If you are looking for something light-hearted, fun and easy to wear this summer, here's a place to go. This store is like a little heaven on earth & you sure can find anything & everything for the summer. I just love it :D

Thread Skinne Styling - Mateke Brand Mark, Look Book

Founder & Editor also Head Stylist Loago Skinne styles a Look Book of MTK Mateke Brand Mark by Head Designer Fatima Mekgwe for the collection Galactic Rock Candy - Spring/Summer 2013.

To make orders contact Fatima Cell: +267 75536215 Email: mtk.b.mark@gmail.com Models: Kwame Acheampong & Nature Inger, Photography: Uyapo Ketogetswe of Haus of Kings

Solange Knowles - ELLE SA Cover November 2012

I have never kept it a secret that im totally inspired by Singer turned Model/Stylist/DJ Solange Knowles, just as anticipated she doing major on the fashion industry and i continue to feed on the soul of her style. The ELLE team made the month of November complete for be as though it had started already by doing such a great job of putting Miss Knowles on the cover.

The “Losing You” singer is captured on the November 2012 cover sporting bold colors and eye-catching prints, a combination that she iss known (and loved) for. The bright yellow background and Solange’s enviable curly hair add to the cover’s overall awesomeness–don’t you agree?

Solange told Hummington Post during New York Fashion Week last month that the shoot would feature outfits created by South African fashion designers, and she didn’t disappoint. For the cover image, which was shot by Justin Polkey and styled by ELLE fashion editor Asanda Sizani, Solange is wearing a sleeveless satin top by Tart, high-waisted shorts by Loin Cloth & Ashes and two wrists full of extra large rope bracelets by Pichulik.

And here is the magazine’s press release:

ELLE SA’S NOVEMBER COVER A HIT WITH THE HUFFINGTON POST

The Huffington Post has named ELLE magazine Solange Knowles cover their favourite magazine cover this year. The Pulitzer-winning US news website has singled out ELLE SA’s November cover featuring Knowles in a sleeveless satin top by Tart, high-waisted shorts by Loin Cloth & Ashes and rope bracelets by Pichulik.The cover shoot, by Cape Town photographer Justin Polkey, was produced by the ELLE fashion team headed up by fashion director Poppy Evans.
The decision to bring Knowles to South Africa for a cover featuring local designs was made after entrants in an ELLE reader style feature named the US singer-songwriter as their style icon. A cover line describes the singer as ‘fashion’s new It-girl’, a title they fully endorse, writes Julee Wilson of The Huffington Post.
Wilson adds: ‘The “Losing You” singer is captured on the November 2012 cover sporting bold colours and eye-catching prints, a combination that she is known (and loved) for. The bright yellow background and Solange’s enviable curly hair add to the cover’s overall awesomeness.’
ELLE editor Jackie Burger described the Solange Knowles shoot as ‘a moment beyond our wildest dreams’, saying the team had ‘taken a “what if” and turned it into an “if you can dream it, you can do it” reality.’
Of the acknowledgement from The Huffington Post, Burger commented: ‘It puts the seal on what is turning out to be a very special year for ELLE.’
Social media networks went into overdrive at the end of August when word leaked that Solange Knowles had arrived in Cape Town for an ELLE cover shoot. Knowles spent several days with the ELLE team in Cape Town, where she was later joined by her mother, Tina. Members of the ELLE fashion team were invited to feature in the video for Knowles’s song ‘Losing You’ shot in Cape Town the following weekend. The video, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the cover shoot, can be viewed on elle.co.za.