Introducing Boxing Kitten

Designer Maya Lake in one of her dresses.

In keeping with the African and vintage-inspired theme, I thought I should highlight designer, Maya Lake who is the brain-child behind Boxing Kitten. You may recognize her designs from Beyonce and Alicia Key's upcoming video "Put It In A Love Song" and Rihanna's video for "Rude Boy." Other celebrity fans include Fatima Robinson, Solange Knowles, Fergie and Erykah Badu. I love the uniqueness their pieces but be prepared to pay between $50 - $270. You can view the entire line at www.boxingkitten.com.

ASOS Launches Africa Line

ASOS AFRICA Printed Tie Waist Shorts, $68.38

ASOS AFRICA Printed Jumpsuit, $128.21

My favorite U.K. online store for about 9 yrs now recently launched an African inspired line. I've been shopping at ASOS since it was pretty basic but I love how they've evolved over the years and become a force to be reckoned with. This latest line mixes ethnic prints and vivid colors with contemporary shapes. Now I must admit, you could probably get and African relative to buy the fabric pretty cheap and have these styles made for half the price, but if you don't have that "African connection" then ASOS is ideal for you. Click here to see the full collection.

Zac Posen for Target

On April 25th, Target's Go International will start selling it's latest one-of-a-kind offerings from acclaimed young designer Zac Posen. If you recognise the model in the above pictures it's Ms. Golden Globe '10 herself, Mavis Spencer (Alfre Woodard's daughter). It's being reported that she's Zac Posen's latest muse and I can see why judging from these gorgeous floral prints that look like they were made just for her. To view a sneak peak of his upcoming collection, click here.

Miss Tina is Ready to Take Over the World!

Beyonce and her mom are poised to take over the world one industry at a time. Now that Beyonce has conquered the worlds of music, Hollywood and high-street fashion via House of Dereon, now Miss Tina has set her sights on monopolizing the over 40's fashion market. Available exclusively through HSN, here is what the shopping work has to say about the "designer"...

"Innovative design and cutting-edge styling have established Tina Knowles as one of America’s premier fashion designers.

Worn by Destiny’s Child and daughters Beyoncé, Solange and Kelly Rowland, her designs have figure-flattering flair and amazing attention to detail.

The new, exclusive Miss Tina collection is a blend of great fashion, contemporary styling, and the perfect accessories – all with a touch of couture."

Visit www.misstina.com to browse through some of her clothes online. Also, the video below shows Tina Knowles giving one of her target customers a makeover. What do you think?

Rachel by Rachel Roy

You may of first been "introduced" to Rachel Roy through her husband, Roc-a-Fella co-founder Damon Dash, but these days her name has become synonymous with emerging fashion. The young, high profile New York designer has come a long way. Over the last couple of years her label has expanded and now offers a more affordable line appropriately titled, "Rachel, Rachel Roy." The likes of Joy Bryant, Padmi Lakshmi and even Michelle Obama wear her designs (probably from her original line Rachel Roy New York). But despite her star being on the rise, she's still a dedicated mother of two who hasn't lost sight of what's important. Posted below is "Behind the Lens" - the three part video series filmed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Douglas Keeve. In it Rachel Roy reflects on her past, present and future and there are plenty of cute scenes with her adorable daughters, Ava (9) and Tallulah Ruth (1). After you've checked out the videos visit www.rachelroy.com to view photos of her new and more economically friendly fashion line.

Designer Rachel Roy launches her new more affordable line, "Rachel".

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

DVB: The Victoria Beckham Collection

Everyone's favorite Spice Girl has officially made her mark on the fashion world. While she was always one to watch on the red carpet and had previously collaborated on collections with other established fashion labels, now the icon has stepped out on her own. The Victoria Beckham Collection debuted with just a modest 10 dresses at New York Fashion week in January of this year. Available in sizes 2 - 10, the collection featured only form-fitting looks that paid an obvious tribute to one of Victoria's favorite designers, Roland Mouret. The collection received positive reviews and the fashion diva is back with twenty-three brand new looks for Fall. Check them out here or see below for six of my favorite looks. To learn more about Victoria's line visit www.victoriabeckhamcollection.com. U.S residents can find her clothes at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, naturally. U.K folks should visit Selfridges & Co and Harrods. As you've probably guessed, these items are not cheap. Expect to pay between $900 - $5000. However, you will not be disappointed. These dresses are finely crafted and will excentuate your most flattering attributes. Men may not be able to take their eyes off you... you have been warned.
Above and below are six looks from The Victoria Beckham Collection's latest line.

Introducing Born as a Raggamuffin...

Above and below are designs from the "Born as a Raggamuffin" line

Welcome to the world of "Born as a Raggamuffin" - an avant-garde eco friendly label for those individuals who do not readily conform to the rules of society and prefer to follow their own path and individual style. Designers Zebi Williams and Wendy Del Orbe, from Jamaica and el barrio de Santo respectively, create all of their pieces out of recycled T-shirts and consider themselves to be an artistic brand for the creative and the creators. Their pieces have attitude, sex appeal and cultural substance. Founded on the principles of social and environmental responsibility, "Born as a Raggamuffin" is leading the way for the more conscious designer. Visit www.bornasaraggamuffin.com to check out videos from their fashion show, read their blog, learn about upcoming events and of course buy their clothes.

Couture with Heart

Serena Williams' design for Stuart Weitzman.

Joy Bryant, Jada Pinkett and Janet Jackson also designed a pair for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Who knew Hollywood had such untapped fashion talent? Stuart Weitzman annually asks some of the hottest celebrities to design shoes for the Stuart Weitzman Annual Celebrity Shoe Auction. It’s an online auction, so anyone can bid! September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Stuart Weitzman is doing its part to attract publicity in order to raise money to support ovarian cancer research. The celebrity designers include Serena Williams, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Joy Bryant, Eva Longoria Parker, Janet Jackson, and Jessica Alba. The shoes also come with an autographed glossy photo of the star. Head to Stuart Weitzman's special site to start bidding - prices start at a mere $200!

Nadia Nour

Designers from Nadia Nour's Fall 2008: Modern Rustic Americana
What do you get when you cross a philosphy major with a innovator with a penchant for fashion? The answer is a Nadia Nour. A designer who creates flattering apparel that fits flawlessly and is constructed using all natural and select organic textiles. Nour's clothes are born of more than just a love of fashion. The Fall 2008 collection is called "Modern Rustic Americana" and is filled with bold colors, unique shapes and luxe fabrics. Created for women who defy trends, Nadia Nour apparel is designed to inspire a sense of self-assurance and vitality in the women who wear them. If anything stands out to you (and something should) you can find out where to buy her clothes here. Be sure to check out her other collections while you're on the site, they'll inspire you to step-up style quotient!

Bernos.Org

Above & Below: Models wearing the Bernos range of t-shirts available at www.bernos.org.

Now that summer is in full swing I never seem to have enough tees. If you're anything like me, even your t-shirts have to make a fashion statement. Enter Bernos. Bernos is an innovative clothing company that creates high-quality, eye-catching t-shirts featuring African themes. The word "Bernos" is taken from an Amharic word referring to a one-piece cloak. The heavy wool “bernoose” was standard dress for Arabs who immigrated to North Africa and many in Northwest Africa wear variations of the original design today.

I believe the Bernos founders all hail from Ethopia, hence the African-influenced designs. On average, t-shirts cost just $20. Visit www.bernos.org to browse their full range of t-shirts for women and men.

The Uptown Emerging Designers Market

Launched on May 17th, 2008 by Enyinne Owunwanne and Michelle Gittens, the Uptwon Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is Harlem’s newest fashion retail destination featuring a variety of cutting-edge designers of apparel and accessories. The aim is to periodically hold market days where keen-eyed fashionistas can scour the exclusive clothing on offer and meet the vendors who created them. According to their site, UEDM's mission is to…

• Underscore the importance of the UEDM as a vehicle for bringing fresh styles and new designers to the public's attention.
• Provide a profitable marketplace and tools/resources necessary (including fashion business workshops and an online community for designers, stylists, models, etc.) for emerging designers to build and expose their product.
• Position the UEDM as an essential resource for Harlem's economic development and provide additional exposure to Harlem based businesses.
• Establish the UEDM as a tourist destination and a must-see attraction for lovers of cutting-edge fashion, affordable styles and affordable accessories.

Every major city should aspire to hold events like this. We need more opportunities for emerging designers to get noticed. I especially love that one of their missions it to raise Harlem’s economic portfolio and exposure to the world. Visit www.uptownedm.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn about their next event. Thanks to Johanna for informing me about this site. :)
Latoya Henry of Memory Lane by Toya and Idyllic4U (Karen Brown) & Metal (Nkrumah Jennings).

Nit Ra Sit & Denise Beckford and necklaces from Mifflin 5.

I Like His Style!: Gavin Douglas

Gavin Douglas and a model at his Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection during London Fashion Week.

How many young designers can debut a collection in 2006 and by 2007 say that they’ve won a prestigious fashion award, secured a deal to sell their collection in U.K.’s most exclusive department store Harrods and have Tom Ford (savior of Gucci) take them out for a drink? Meet Gavin Davis, the U.K. designer who can claim all of the above. He’s clearly on the come up! With professional qualifications and training in the fashion and textile industry, Douglas is a dynamic, young designer who carefully researches, designs and crafts each individual piece of clothing, ensuring its uniqueness and quality.

In September 2006 Gavin Douglas won first place in the prestigious Fashion Fringe 2006 designer awards in London, England. As part of the award, Gavin won business, legal and technical support and development grants from the Centre for Fashion Enterprise and ultimately showcased his 2007 Spring/Summer collection at London’s Fashion Week.

Among his many achievements to date, his most notable are winning the Young Avant-Garde Designer of the Year award in 2004, showing in Caribbean Fashion Week 2005, Barbados Fashion Week 2006, Paris Fashion Week in October 2006, Brooklyn Fashion Week New York, taking part in the Black British Style Exhibition event and of course, getting Tom Ford to buy him a drink after Mr. Ford helped seal his fate as a judge for the Fashion Fringe award in 2006. I’m particularly proud of this designer because a.) he’s from Birmingham, U.K. where I spent most of my childhood and b.) his clothes are the epitome of eclectic chic.

Douglas doesn’t have a site up at the moment but you can view his latest collection here and see below for an interview with the designer. His line is currently available at Harrods and www.yoox.com.

Introducing Cynirje: Culture by Design

What’s better than a talented designer, who aside from promoting herself, helps uplift other designers from 3rd world countries around the globe? Meet Nakia Fisher. As well as creating handmade jewelry inspired by African Adinkra Symbols, she also showcases handmade home decor products by fair trade artisans from Lima, Peru; Divine chocolate from Ghana; and luxurious textiles from Zambia. Nakia says of her mission:

“Through fair trade organizations and direct contact with artisans around the world, it has been a blessing to have the ability to promote social and economic justice for people in developing regions by marketing their handicrafts in a just and direct manner.”

As well as being socially conscious, Nakia designs striking earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from amethyst, prehite and onyx. She also paints the artwork on soy candles available on her site. Cynirje will soon have cruelty free leather Adinkra journals and stationary from India. For now head to www.cynirje.com to browse through the variety of high quality jewelry, pottery, wine charms, candles, textiles and chocolates, all of which are waiting for you to buy them and make your home a cultural melting pot of style!
1. Jade Bassari, $40; 2. Kasani I, $80; 3. Kotu, $30; 4. Adinkra Charm Bracelet, $75; 5. Krobo, $30; 6. Kassena II, $70; 7. Karo, $65; 8. Masai, $30; 9. Tiger Eye Bassari, $40, www.cynirje.com

Left to right: Floral I, $95; Blossom III, $70; Siphon I, $100; Aurole I, $90, www.cynirje.com

Celebrate Fashion & Diversity…

Unity always trumps division and in the true spirit of solidarity CatchTheDesigner.com aims to uplift up-and-coming designers of Black, Asian and Latino descent. Sponsored by music mogul Russell Simmons, Macys and Pepsi, readers can visit the site to get regular updates on their favorite minority labels. Russell himself has a blog which he updates monthly. I think it’s a fantastic idea to have a one-stop venue for emerging talent. The designer profiles, interviews and event photos can’t be found anywhere else and the best part is if you’re a struggling designer/model yourself, there are listings of networking events and educational programs that will interest you. The Asian and Latino sections haven’t been launched yet but you can start your obsession with the site here at the Black designer corner.

Another Day, Another Empire to Build…

…that’s the mantra Iman lives by. As if running a worldwide cosmetics line and penning books that sell millions wasn’t enough, the 52-year-old wife and mother recently launched her own fashion line called “IMAN Global Chic.” Inspired by her glamorous adventures around the world and her personal collection of unique pieces, the line aims to provide everyday women with eye-catching accessories. According to Iman a woman is “never fully dressed without an accessory.” And with nothing in her line costing more than $130, no woman has an excuse for not rocking a little bling! The line is available exclusively on HSN.com so click here to start shopping. See Iman talk about her new creations in the video below.

Left to right: Amber-Inspired Bold Bangle Duo, $59.95; Ribbed Vintage-Inspired Cuff, $59.95; Florentine Proposal Ring, $54.95; Venetian-Style 7-1/4” Faceted Bracelet, $49.95 all available on www.hsn.com

Left to right: City Tote Signature Handbag in Black Patent, $124.95; Vintage-inspired Evening Bag in Zebra, $69.95; Hollywood Envelope Clutch in Black, $59.95; City Tote Signature Handbag in Caramel all available on www.hsn.com

Introducing Ally Marie…

Allyson Leak, the designer and founder of Ally Marie.
Left to right: 1805 Pocket Book Necklace; Antique-inspired Brooches; Crystal Moon Earrings

Left to right: Charm Earrings; Little Woman Earrings; Bamboo Necklace; Antique Earrings

Ever heard of the saying “wearable art”? Ally Marie Couture Jewelry embodies just that! Spear headed by up-and-coming designer Allyson Leak, Ally Marie’s pieces have all the charm of vintage jewelry but none of the pretension. If you like your accessories subtle yet unique, contemporary yet mature this line is perfect for you. Ally Marie is for the woman who values that one perfect piece that can take her from a day at the office to a night on the town. Key features of the line include the 1805 Pocket Book Necklace – a 14k gold purse with a string of brass chains; and the Pearl Necklace – a mix of antique sterling silver beads, freshwater pearls and a sterling chain along the back. Allyson makes all her pieces by hand. She says of her work, “Fashionistas, if it’s quality you’re looking for, be assured that every creation is handmade to perfection. Divas, if its exclusivity you crave, hit me up for an Ally Marie one-of-a-kind!” With that said there's nothing left to do but visit www.allymarie.com.

Once Bitten…

Cute items from Sarah Jessica Parker’s line Bitten
Accessories from the Bitten line

H&M, Forever 21 and Old Navy need to be concerned. Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker is the real deal. With no item costing more than twenty dollars, it is quite possible to buy your entire spring wardrobe for less than $200! Now we have to be realistic here. Don’t expect a pair of $20, oops I mean $19.98 pair of jeans to rival the pair of Miss Sixty’s you have folded in your closet. That said, I think there are some great pieces that can act as “wardrobe fillers” – you know those tops that you can wear under a jacket and it looks cute. Above and below I picked some of the items that stood out on the Bitten site plus Sarah’s key looks of the season. You can click here to see what SJP has to say about her inspirations. What do you think about the line thus far? Do the clothes fit seamlessly into your wardrobe? Or do they look like they’d fall about after one wash?!

Sarah Jessica Parker’s key looks for the season

Pretty, Prints, Perfect!

Above: The "Deep Purple" bag by Lylou Handbags.
Fun, funky, and thoroughly functional, LyLou bags are the must have accessory for the modern woman. Whether you are a fashionista on parade, a mom on the go, a career woman on the rise, or simply the girl-next-door, there's a LyLou bag made especially for you and your unique lifestyle!

Always constructed of the finest, most durable fabrics in patterns ranging from country chic to retro mod and everything in between, the classic design and sturdy form of a LyLou bag make for an accessory that will be with you for a lifetime.

Comfortable enough to sling over your shoulder for an afternoon hike, stylish enough to accompany you on a night on the town, and classy enough to tote to the office, a LyLou bag just might be the most functional fashionable investment you ever make! For more information on how you can own a LyLou bag,visit www.lyloudesign.com.

I Like His Style!: Edwing D’Angelo

Designer Edwing D’Angelo hard at work!

Looks from D’Angelo’s much talked about Spring 2008 runway show.

I only feature designers on this site that I really believe have an amazing future in fashion, so it’s been a while since my last “I Like Her Style!” (or in this case “His Style”) feature. Thank goodness for Edwing D’Angelo, the Columbian born designer making waves in the fashion industry.

The oldest of five children, D’Angelo first came onto the scene in 2002. In less than six years in the industry he has dressed celebrities such as Vivica A. Fox, Lil Kim, Paula Garces, Nelly, Sean Paul and the legendary Patti Labelle. If that doesn’t convince you then maybe the fact that his classic garments influenced with South American flavor were featured in the hit movie “The Devil Wears Prada” (look out for the yellow, floral dress that Daniel Sunjata’s character shows to the notorious editor of ‘Runway.’)

D’Angelo, who comes from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, always had a love and longing for fashion. In an effort to express his creative talent, D’Angelo, who worked fulltime at an immigration law firm, moonlighted as a stylist on various photo shoots and assisted with wardrobe on numerous video shoots and produced countless pageants. It wasn’t until he designed a prom dress for his younger sister that D’Angelo began to realize his destiny. The gown was such a big hit amongst his sister’s friends that he ended up making 32 in total. In 2002 he opened up his first boutique.

Edwing D’Angelo’s gallery-like showroom embodies an air of classic minimalism infused with a refined Latin flair located in the heart of SoHo. He currently has three collections under his belt. “Karaz By Edwing D’Angelo”’ is his vibrant ready to wear day and office wear. “Edwing D’Angelo Couture,” which contains details to perfection, is his one of a kind evening wear and “Edwing D’Angelo Bridal” is his sensual wedding gown collection. All three lines are masterfully crafted and tailored made. See the video footage below of Edwing D'Angelo on BET J.

Introducing Liucia…

Above: The Limited Edition “O Bag.”

Liucia.com is a luxury shopping site where East meets West. The owner, Alycia, spent several years traveling in Japan where she met designer N. Takeda. The pair decided to team up and bring us westerners the best in Asian-inspired fashion. Everything from clothing, shoes and accessories are available, but by far their best-selling item is the “O Bag” (pictured above and below). See the post below for a special giveaway. You won’t want to miss out.
Above: More images of the Limited Edition “O Bag.”