Tell Me More About African Print

We had the great pleasure of discussing 2011s African print trend with Michel Martin, host of Tell Me More, on NPR (USA National Public Radio) and Robin Givhan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning style writer.

Click here for the full transcript.

African Fashion Cannot Afford To Be Boxed Up!

We had a lovely interview with Belinda Otas, a freelance journalist with various publications including the BBC, CNN, New African, The Atlanta Post and more. Check out the interview below

2011 has seen African fashion gain prominence like never before, from Lagos to London to New York, African designers refuse to make a quiet entrance and the world is waking up to their presence. Dolapo Shobanjo is the co-founder of My Asho, a leading online retail outlet for African designs and designers. In our interview, she talks about why the industry cannot afford to be boxed up in one fabric!

Belinda: What is African fashion?

Dolapo: There is no simple definition of African fashion. There is a big misconception that it is defined by African prints or tribal themes, but that is not necessarily so. Heritage and culture will influence for sure, and it is great to see African designers using their continent for inspiration. However, I would say think of it the same way you think of French fashion and think Parisian chic or New York fashion with its trendy, Sex & the City vibe. African fashion has its own aesthetic which is typified by the African woman who is so diverse and hard to define. Strong and Amazonian yet submissive and respectful. African fashion captures your attention. It is bold, it is colourful, it is elegant, it is international, it is art and it is interesting.

Belinda: How would you describe the current state of the global African fashion industry and do you have any idea what is it worth in monetary terms?

Dolapo: The African fashion industry is worth billions of dollars potentially. I am very sure of it. Looking at it from a supply chain perspective, we have the capacity within Africa to grow and manufacture raw materials such as cotton, design and produce clothes, and distribute them. Within Africa alone we have massive distribution prospects, and when you factor in the international markets, that number just grows even larger.  Also with the huge drive for ethical fashion, we can offer a different model than China or India. We can offer Western designers production opportunities which create jobs within Africa. Look at SUNO New York – they produce out of Kenya using SOKO Kenya – a co-op involving local artisans. More initiatives like SOKO Kenya are what we need in Africa: driving global exports whilst creating fair employment for locals. If we get this right, I have no doubt that the industry could be worth billions in a short space of time.

Belinda: We seem more comfortable wearing traditional African fabrics now than in previous years, at least, that’s what the narrative insinuates in not so many words. Was there ever a time when people were ashamed to wear African designs or clothes made with African fabrics?

Dolapo: I’m sure there are some people who were and still are ashamed to wear African prints or African designs. I can’t really speak for them. I don’t know what their reasons are – maybe they’re embarrassed and don’t want people to connect them toAfrica. I don’t know.  What I do know is what I saw growing up. People would comfortably wear traditional outfits, made from beautiful, rich African fabrics and not even just the prints which are so popular now. In London I’d go shopping with my mother, and she’d get stopped on the street so many times and complimented on her outfits. I don’t know why people would be ashamed. Wear it with pride I say!

Check out the rest of the interview here...

We Love....Clutches by Aimas!

Burgundy Leather Clutch, £50

The rich and dazzling colours of the smooth and silky leather,

the exquisiteness of the finishing and the merging of prints together,

these Aimas clutches are soooo fabulous, they have turned us into troubadors!

 So shop today on my asho and get a 10% discounter!!! 

 Use promo code "AIMAS", and we wish you a merry Christmas!!! 

Green Bow Clutch, £50

Bloom Clutch, £50

Yellow Lace Clutch, £40

Brown Leather Print Wallet, £30

Leather Bow Clutch - £25

To learn more about Aimas and view more products, please click here

Merry Christmas and Happy New year

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year in advance. We have some wonderful and exciting new plans lined up especially for you for 2012 at My Asho.

Happy Holidays and see you soon!

"Vintage Love" - The Spring/Summer 2012 Collection from Jewel by Lisa

The Jewel by Lisa SS12 collection revisits the past, celebrating fashion from the Nigerian 50s and 60s. It celebrates traditional heritage and culture, but with a twist - embodying key pieces whilst reworking and reinterpreting traditional Nigerian menswear such as the Agbada, the Safari suits, and the Buba & Sokoto into designer Lisa’s idea of a modern womenswear collection. Western and traditional style meet and become one, no labels, no limits, just pure unadultrated style.

And check out E! News anchor Catt Sadler in this dress from the collection

Pieces from the Vintage Collection will be available to purchase from My Asho.com in early 2012.

Item of the Day - Folake Dress

The Folake Dress from TAN by Tiffany Amber

The Folake dress from the TAN by Tiffany Amber collection is elegance at its finest. The stunning print is lovely with an interesting bold colour palette of browns, greens and flashes of lime. Dress up this dress with heels or dress it down with ballet pumps.

The dress is figure flattering to all shapes and sizes and is available to purchase online at myasho.com

New Designer: Washington Roberts

"Fashion is about creating your own style, knowing what works for your body. Finding a few trends that you like that can be incorporated into your own style. When Women look their best so that they also feel their best."

We are pleased to introduce you to Washington Roberts, our newest designer on My Asho. Washington Roberts is a New York based Nigerian designer with an eye for elegant and contemporary pieces. He was greatly influenced at a very young age by his grandmother's skill as a talented seamstress who he cites as a constant influence.

Erika Blouse

'The Washington Roberts Collection is elegant, sophisticated, and modern, striving to make a woman feel beautiful and confident. A WR woman lives her life with impeccable taste and style'.

Sonya & Viktor Dresses

We love the wearability of the pieces which are simple, yet striking, bold yet elegant. The pieces are absolutely staples for in any women's wardrobe and we are very delighted to have Washignton Roberts on My Asho. 

So by all means, go and browse the current collection, click here.

The Weekend at the My Asho Xmas Pop-Up Boutique

The second My Asho Pop-Up Boutique has come and gone and it was great have seen all of you that braved the icy temperatures to come in to browse and buy the wonderful pieces from our extremely talented African designers. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Would you like My Asho to pop up in your neighbourhood? Please let us know by completing this survey here My Asho Pop-up Survey.
 

Chichia London at My Asho XMAS Pop Up Boutique

We are thrilled to have the super talented, London based, East Africa inspired, designer brand Chichia London as part of our line up for the My Asho XMAS Pop Up Boutique.

The Chichia ready to wear range is an amalgamation of both continents and cultures from which the designer was raised. The label’s signature transpires from the artful application of the “Khanga”, a traditional east African cotton printed fabric used by local women as wraps.

We will have the Mkono Twist Dress (pictured above) and much more at the My Asho XMAS Pop Up Boutique this weekend. See you there! x

Gift Idea of the Day - Navy Sun Splash Shawl

We adore this Navy Sun Splash Shawl by Urbanknit - an African twist on the Pashmina

Who do I get this for? This is a unisex item, so looks fab on anyone! My Asho recommends getting it for a family member - siblings, cousins or even your favourite work colleague (hint hint My Asho Team!).

Why should I get this? This is not just any shawl. It is a very special shawl - hand-dyed in West Africa using traditonal adire (tie and dye) motifs. The Navy Splash shawl makes a truly unique gift item as it was specially commissioned and produced in limited runs. It is very unlikely you'd bump into someone with the same shawl.

What extras can I get with this? This item can be beautifully gift wrapped for you at no extra cost. A gift note can be included with your personalised message. It can even be dispatched directly to the gift recipient with a "don't open me until xmas" warning or any message of your choice.

Click here to view and purchase this item

Click here to view all items from Urbanknit

My Asho Xmas Pop-Up Boutique

Following the success of the first pop-up shopping event this summer, My Asho, the UK based online fashion store, which retails leading African designer brands proudly presents our XMAS Pop Up Boutique on the 3^rd and 4^th of December in Notting Hill, London.  

On offer will be a great selection of Menswear, Childrenswear, Women’s clothing and accessories, and Homeware from designers including TAN by Tiffany Amber, Christie Brown Ghana, Jewel by Lisa, Urbanknit, Chichia London, Kiki Clothing, Isossy children, Aimas and more.

The boutique is situated in the heart of Notting Hill, and will offer stylish party dresses and clutches for the festive season, cosy home and dining furnishings as well as newly available menswear labels all at affordable prices. 

The event is a great opportunity to view in-person the detailed craftsmanship, vibrancy and boldness of items typically sold via MyAsho.com. The pop-up shop will be available for a limited time only and collections will be available while stocks last with prices ranging from £5-£90.

Join us at the My Asho XMAS Pop-Up Boutique

When:  Saturday 3^rd December 2011: 10am - 6pm

            Sunday 4^th December 2011: 10am – 6pm

Where:  47 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, W11 3HG, London, United Kingdom

The New Look My Asho Website

Our revamped website is finally live! 

We have been working very hard over the past few months to provide you with a cleaner, easier to navigate website with more product categories and new products added daily. Below are some of our new additions:

- Menswear range including clothing, accessories and shoes

- Couture range which will be specially made luxury products by high-end African designers

- New products added daily by designers: so you have more to shop from

- Better search parameters: you can now refine your searches by price and size for a faster and customised shopping experience

- More streamlined checkout process: immediate order confirmation and notification of dispatched items

- Tracking orders: you can now track all your orders online via our website

- Improved customer service: with dedicated customer care representatives


If you have any questions about our new website, please contact us here
If you would like to leave us feedback, please do so here

Gorgeous bags by Jezreel Designs

We are in total bag heaven!

These divine clutches are the brainchild of UK based designer Abiola Egbeyemi. This passionate and very adventurous young lady travels around West Africa, sourcing leather and print fabrics from tradesmen she meets along the way. Using these materials, she finalises the designs for her bags, ands works with highly talented local craftsmen to produce the finished products - which we absolutely love!

Check out more of her designs here

My Asho in Marie Claire November 2011

My Asho is delighted to be featured in the latest edition of Marie Claire magazine. The Ituen Basi Oghogo bangles come as a set of 6 skinny bangles wrapped in a mix of African fabrics. Available at www.myasho.com

Coming Soon!

Thank you for all your feedback, suggestions, questions and most of all support of My Asho so far.

The new My Asho website is nearly here! With greater interactivity, fresh new designers as well as the continued support of our established designers, we will have even more fabulous accessories, clothing, jewellery and much more to chose from - we are sure you are going to love it!

In addition, we will also be providing faster and cheaper shipping and even more dedicated customer service representatives to make your shopping experience all the more enjoyable.

Here is a little sneak preview of what the new home of My Asho will look like.

We will keep you posted!

'My Asho' brings African fashion to global market

If you missed it the first time, here is another chance to see when CNN dropped by at the My Asho pop-up Boutique.

New Changes for My Asho

My Asho is proud to announce some new changes coming soon.

 Since our launch in June 2009, our small team has dedicated itself to showcasing and making available select pieces from Africa's top designers. Your feedback has been very encouraging and constructive and we have mixed it all together to come up with some changes which we hope you will like.

1. More products - we will be working even more closely with our designers bringing you more of their pieces as they are created. This means you don't have to wait for seasonal collections to be released, new pieces will be released to the My Asho on a more regular basis.
2. More designers - we will be adding more African designer brands to our Site. This allows us to offer a wider product range and also a wider range of clothing sizes. So, if you are a designer, please do contact us for information on how you can get your products on My Asho.
3. Faster dispatch dates - Currently there is a waiting period of up to 4 weeks for certain items. My Asho will be reducing this date and hopes to get specially customised products to you at most within 2 weeks. Other items should be dispatched immediately.
4. Even better customer service - we are a small and very busy team, but we always want to provide excellent and personalised customer care. Every order is special to us, and for that reason we will be introducing dedicated customer care representatives who you can contact to assist for help with tracking your orders, payment or delivery issues and managing exchanges or returns.

If you have any questions about our changes, please do contact us. If you have any suggestions about ways in which we could improve, please do leave us feedback.

My Asho Pop-Up Boutique: Second Chance

Did you miss out on The My Asho Pop-Up Boutique experience?

Did you get home and wish you had bought that funky jumpsuit or cool tee?

Well here's a fantastic chance to get your hands on pieces exclusive to the Pop-Up shop still at the fantastic prices that were available on the day.

Available for a limited time only.

My Asho Pop-Up Market

Happy Shopping!

My Asho Pop-Up Boutique

Independent Designer's Sale

Urbanknit, a My Asho accessory designer, is teaming up with Bena Clothing, Esska Shoes, Labour of Love and Sonya Kashmiri for a day of retail therapy. Come join us and get some great deals on Urbanknit clutches, totes, pouches and more.

Please save the date and drop by on the day. Prizes to be won as well as great discounts on offer.

Date: 23rd July, 2011
Time: 11am to 5pm
Where: The Johnston Room, St Mary's Church, Upper Street, Islington, N1 2TX.

Nearest Tube: Angel station on Northern line (7mins walk); Highbury & Islington station on Victoria line (7mins walk)

This is a one day event, so make sure you don't miss it. See you there!

Make Up Masterclass

Ever looked at magazines and wondered how models and celebrities get their make up just right? Ever been so wrapped up in daily chores that you never seem to get enough time to fuss over yourself? Ever wanted to try out new make-up techniques but weren't sure quite how to start?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, then the ShoMya Make Up Masterclass is the ideal place to start!

Join the My Asho Beauty Editor in a 2 hour class designed to empower women with the skills and knowledge they need to turn their looks up a notch or even develop a career in the beauty industry. She will be revealing tips and tricks used by experts in the beauty industry including:

1. EYEBROWS
Transform your face through well defined eyebrows.

2. SKIN PREP
Battling oily/dry or combination skin? You will learn how to prep your skin. It is essential to get your skin ready before applying your makeup. You will be advised on product selection. Learn tricks to help your foundation stay put!

3. FLAWLESS BASE

Struggling to hide any imperfections/blemishes? You will be taught how to create a perfect base using concealers, foundations and powders. Flaws? What flaws?!

4. EYES

Learn fundamental eye design techniques. Acquire expert application techniques that will leave you with the confidence to create day time/night time looks. Understand natural looks, smoky eyes and colour blending.

5. CHEEKS

The art of contouring! Watch your self transform through the magic of contouring and highlighting. Learn step by step techniques to sculpt your cheeks and manipulate the contours of your face.

6. LIPS - Pucker up and let your pout speak volumes.

DATE
Sunday, July 31st 2011

TIME
14.30hrs - 16.30hrs

VENUE
The Holiday Inn, Brent Cross , London, UK

MY ASHO DISCOUNTED PRICE
£70

Places are limited and filling up fast. To sign up or for further details, please contact us here.

Click here to learn more about ShoMya

Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2011

In partnership with MTN and The British Council, Style House Files brings you the first Lagos Fashion and Design Week in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event aims to showcase barriers and position itself as a business of fashion and design event targeted at showcasing the best of the fashion and design industry, drive the Nigerian fashion economy and ultimately uplift its profile within the industry.

This will consist of

• catwalk shows featuring new season collections from the best talents in the fashion industry;
• design led exhibitions featuring fashion products and accessories, textiles, furniture design, photography, art installations and architecture;
• seminars and workshops that will facilitate knowledge transfer, information exchange and networking opportunities across board

Another exciting aspect are the LFDW 2011 Awards. The categories are:

• MTN British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year (YCE Fashion Sector)
• MTN British Council Young Designer of the Year
• MTN Model of the Year
  

To find out more about the upcoming events, click www.lagosfashionanddesignweek.com

Item of the Day

The Nkundu Necklace by Lalesso is My Asho's item of the day. It was ethically handmade in Kenya using gorgeous tiny red glass maasai beads.

The chain is 110cm long which means it comes down to your belly button. You can alter the length by fastening it at different positions at your back.
Get this necklace and other Lalesso items today at 25% off using promo code NKUNDU. Click here to shop Lalesso

Afropolitans at the V&A

On 24 June the V&A presents Friday Late: Afropolitans, a free evening of music, workshops and performance celebrating African photography, fashion, and style. The evening will host the first UK show by South African house musician Spoek Mathambo and band. Mathambo will perform a live set of his own brand of ‘Township Tech’ in the V&A’s John Madejski Garden.

Friday Late: Afropolitans will take its cue from the current V&A exhibition Figures and Fictions: Contemporary South African Photography. It will explore how Africans living across the world view themselves and their visual culture.

Visitors can enjoy photographs and video projections by South African photographer Chris Saunders and soak up the atmosphere in a north African-style salon especially created by Morroccan designer Hassan Hajjaj. Ghanaian photographer Sal Idriss will have a Malick Sidibé-esque photographic studio where visitors can have their portraits taken and textile designer Emamoke Ukeleghe will run a workshop to design Dutch wax print inspired carves to take away.

Further highlights include a guided tour through the display of David Goldblatt photographs Lifetimes: Under Apartheid, a special installation of contemporary African fashion by Minna Salami of MsAfropolitan blog with stylist Ola Shobowale as creative director; and an interactive installation by South African designers Heidi Chisholm and Sharon Lombard. There will also be panel discussions, film screenings and contemporary African house and electro music courtesy of DJ Vamanos from London’s Secousse Sound System.

My Asho will have a selection on clothes from its AW11 collections on display so please be sure to visit. It is sure to be an AMAZING night out!

For more about Friday Late at the Victoria and Albert Museum, please click here.

Get The Look: Summer on The Beach

Here are some ideas for your summer holiday shopping. Nice simple but bright pieces that you can add to your holiday packing list.

Perfect for lounging by the beach or swimming pool or just for taking it easy, always with a splash of colour.

We love Africa!!!

My Asho is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the talent of African designers based throughout the world. We are true lovers of Africa - the fashion, the culture, the music the food, the people...everything!!! And we just love love LOVE that these guys feel the same way. Put on your dancing shoes and check out their blog here

Vive L'Afrique!

Happy Birthday My Asho !!

My Asho is 2 years old today. We are very excited and blessed to be celebrating our 2nd anniversary. On behalf of ourselves and all our wonderful designers, we would like to say a very big thank you to all those who have continued to visit and shop with us over the past two years. Your patronage is truly appreciated and we look forward to bringing you even more fabulous fashion finds from talented African designers.

To mark this special day, please enjoy a birthday treat for 25% off ALL clothing for the ENTIRE month of June! Just use the promotional code MYASHOISTWO at checkout. Happy shopping!

Item of the Day

The Leather Bow Clutch by Aimas is the perfect accessory for Summer.

Leather Bow Clutch by Aimas

Get 20% off this clutch and other items by Aimas using promo code AIMAS11 during checkout. Offer ends 31st May 2011.

Just out- Taé

The Efe dress from the new EMOTAN collection by Taé

Get the Look for Less

The Lola Top by Coccolily (£139/$225) vs the Ruby Mesh Top by Marc Jacobs (£1740/$2816).

Lola Top by Coccolily

Ruby Mesh Top by Marc Jacobs

Wear with high-waisted shorts or denim jeans. Alternatively, for the perfect summer look, team the Lola top with the Seraphina Skirt by Tiffany Amber.