Nene Yaya: A Legacy of Luxury with a Soul
Marième Gaye remembers the first time she saw her sister, Nene, cradle a handbag the way one might hold something precious—a delicate heirloom, a piece of history wrapped in fine leather. Even as children, Nene had a discerning eye. While others indulged in fleeting trends, she believed in permanence. “A great handbag,” she often said, […]
Beyond the Rack: Africa’s Concept Stores Changing the Game
Aby Concept Store. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Across Africa, a quiet revolution is unfolding—not just in the hum of sewing machines or the flash of runway lights, but in the intimate, electric spaces where fashion finds its heartbeat. Concept stores like Lagos’ Alára, a glass-walled masterpiece refracting the city’s energy into art, or Kigali’s House of […]
Kimathi Mafafo’s Art Weaves Stories of Womanhood, Healing, and Identity
There is a certain mystique attached to artists who draw inspiration from pain. It places them in a different realm—allowing them to tap into a deeper creative source and forge an intimate connection with those who experience their work. This holds true for Kimathi Mafafo, the South African multidisciplinary artist whose medium of choice is […]
Paul Roger Tanonkou’s Zenam: A Cameroonian Vision at Milan Fashion Week
At Milan Fashion Week, Paul Roger Tanonkou unveiled Identité Plurielle, a collection that transcends clothing and speaks to the complex layers of identity. Through his brand, Zenam, the Cameroonian designer tells a deeply personal yet universally resonant story—one that fuses the rich heritage of his Bamiléké origins with the influences of French colonialism, the elegance […]
The Legacy of Shea Butter: A Ritual, A Remedy, A Revolution
“Shea butter is my go-to. It’s nature’s ultimate moisturizer—pure, simple, and effective.” — Lupita Nyong’o In the ever-expanding world of beauty and self-care, few ingredients have the legacy and sheer efficacy of shea butter. Extracted from the nuts of the West African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), this rich, buttery elixir has been the cornerstone of […]
Bruin Feskens on Capturing Contrast, Crafting Stories, and Finding Beauty in Silence
Every tool we encounter serves a purpose in what we create as artists. In Bruin Fesken’s case, his use of light birthed a fascinating product that sparked our unique appreciation for the purity and crispness of black-and-white, with the contrast and exuberant experience of a stand-alone bold accent color. We experience the focus and characteristics […]
Meet Kwabena Ofe: The Ghanaian Textile Maverick Redefining Art and Identity
Kwabena Ofe Amponsah Gideon is a 23-year-old Ghanaian textile artist who began his creative journey as a fashion model before transitioning into the world of art particularly in the craft of rug making. Using sack linen as his canvas, he combines traditional techniques like batik and tie-dye with contemporary wool work to create pieces that […]
Guzangs’ Valentine’s Gift Guide: Chic Jewelry, Stylish Sets & Must-Have Love Tokens
There is no disputing that February 14th is upon us— and behind the closely unfolding backdrop of Valentine’s day is so much to anticipate— the love professions, the renewal of vows, and certainly the gifts. And speaking of gifts, there is a need to stick to what is already conventional, think the bouquet, the necklace […]
New Year, New Style: Redefining Bold Fashion for 2025
The New Year is here, and it’s time to embrace a wardrobe that exudes fearless energy, individuality, and a love for the art of fashion. Step into 2025 with bold silhouettes, daring textures, and reimagined classics that make every moment your runway. Power dressing gets a sleek upgrade this season with refined tailoring and bold […]
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 […]