Ilkhe du Toit on Material-First Design and the Journey of Salt
Image credit: Liezl Zwarts. Ilkhe du Toit’s collection Salt begins with a contradiction. The designer grew up on a sheep farm in South Africa where her family exported wool to European mills, surrounded by raw fiber that would eventually become garments. Yet the connection between the two felt invisible. “I didn’t understand how wool became […]
A Homecoming for Culture and Creativity: Gabriel Moses Brings All Day I Dream About Sports to Dakar
Dakar woke to an air of excitement on December 13, 2023, as the Dakar Court International Film Festival prepared to showcase a milestone moment: the premiere of Gabriel Moses’ short film, All Day I Dream About Sports. The project, brought to life in collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Adidas, was not just a film but […]
Asheri Masse’s Lady by Ash Redefines Sustainable Luxury with Effortless Simplicity
In a world dominated by fast fashion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Asheri Masse, the founder and creative director of Lady by Ash—one of Africa’s emerging slow-fashion brands committed to environmental sustainability. Our conversation delved into the brand’s journey, exploring how creativity and vision intersect with a conscious consumerism business model. Despite the […]
Guzangs Holiday Gift Guide:Thoughtful Pieces for Every Style Lover
This holiday season, Guzangs presents a curated selection of luxurious, statement-making gifts from African designers. Perfect for the style-savvy and sustainably minded, these pieces go beyond accessories—they’re wearable art. From a regal cape to a bold Western hat and an elegant scarf, each item inspires confidence, celebrates African craftsmanship, and adds a touch of […]
The 15th Dakar Biennale: A Journey of Awakening and Transformation
Dakar wakes early, the air warm and thick with the rhythm of its people, its streets alive with the thrum of conversation and possibility. This city, a cultural crossroads where past and future meet, has always known how to tell its story. And this November, as the 15th Dakar Biennale unfolded, it spoke louder than […]
Don Estelle: Redefining Storytelling Through Costume Design
Zambian costume designer Estelle Don Banda is gaining recognition in the film world, most notably for her work on the critically acclaimed On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. Recently shortlisted for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) in the Costume Designer category, Estelle’s talent lies in her ability to weave cultural authenticity into compelling storytelling. “Costumes […]
Emerging Designers from Senegal and Across Africa Take the Stage in Dakar.
On Thursday, December 6, 2024, the Emerging Designers Showcase, Part II at the Pullman Dakar Teranga gathered a remarkable group of talent from Senegal and across Africa. The evening was not just about fashion, but a powerful declaration of Africa’s creative energy, where tradition met innovation. The designers presented collections that told stories of resilience, […]
Young Designers Shine at Dakar Fashion Week 2024
On Thursday, December 5, the Turkish Embassy played host to the first part of the highly anticipated Young Designers Showcase at Dakar Fashion Week 2024. The evening was a celebration of raw talent and bold vision, as five emerging designers made their runway debuts, unveiling collections that were not only a testament to African creativity […]
Dakar Fashion Week 2024: Where African Creativity Meets Global Glamour
Dakar Fashion Week 2024 kicked off in grand style at the Turkish Embassy in Dakar, an elegant venue that set the stage for a celebration of African creativity and global collaboration. The embassy’s sophisticated setting offered a perfect backdrop as designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts gathered to honor the artistry and innovation that defines African […]
Kohl Through the Ages: A Heritage of Beauty Meets Modern Black Friday Savings
Kohl: a single product with centuries of beauty, mystery, and cultural significance. For centuries, kohl has been more than a cosmetic. It is a symbol of heritage, identity, and cultural pride, transcending borders and generations. From its origins in ancient Africa to its widespread use across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond, kohl remains […]