Where are my accessories?

That’s the thought I had when I re-read my last blog. 

Now obviously I realise that your clothes are the main focus of your fashion viewpoint but I truly believe it’s the accessories that pull it all together.  That can make it or break it.

I must be honest, I’ve never really thought about specifically African designed or inspired accessories other than jewellery before. But, as I’m sure you know by now, once I got the idea into my head, I couldn’t rest until I’d found out whether there actually is such a thing as an African accessory. 

I came away definitely more educated and feeling slightly stupid that I’d even doubted it in the first place! I’m constantly amazed by the talent that my beautiful continent has to offer.

Here are some of the names that I came across in my search.  

                 

If you have a strong sense of style (which, as a Fashion Sista, is a must!)  then you’ll love Clutch Culture bags. Designed and hand-made by Zimbabwean Mo Handahu, these bags are definitely for the bold and fashion forward. Each made in a very limited range, the bags are covered in rich cottons, batik prints and wax fabrics. They are fun, flirty and, in my not-so-humble opinion, gorgeous! I imagine owning one of these would be like carrying around a little bit of Africa with you.

The next name I came across was Doreen Mashika.  

Leaving behind a high flying job in financial services in Switzerland, Doreen is know based in Stone Town, Zanzibar where she designs her self-named line of bags, jewellery and shoes.

She describes her style as “Afro Vintage” and once you’ll see her designs you’ll see just how apt that is. I loved the simplicity and “Africanness” of these designs.

Nakai  was the next brand of interest I encountered. It means “be beautiful” in Shona (or be good, or precious little thing depending on who you ask!) and is a collection of hand-crafted jewellery made with semi-precious stones and sterling silver. The label was founded by Zimbabwean Tapiwa Matsinde in 2006 and is, indeed, beautiful. I like its almost quirky nature.

via mimimagazine

Siki de Somalie is a Somalian-Ethiopian jewellery designer for Couture Lab. 

Her designs are amazing (as is the price tag)! I shall say no more.

Take a peek at a sample

I was bowled over by what I came across and that’s just a little taste of what the continent has to offer. Keep checking in with my girls on Facebook or follow them on Twitter (if you’re not already) and they’ll let you know when they have pieces like this (or anything else for that matter) in stock.

Later!