FASHIONISTA! (3) - SOLANGE KNOWLES

I think it's about time we stopped making reference to this Miss Knowles as just Beyonce's little sister. She is a vibrant, expressive and very unique character of her own a needs to be recognised as more that just another celebrities sister! The old Solange in my opinion had a very commercial and predictable fashion sense, but this new and reformed woman shes grown to become means she always surprises with her outfit debuts, and the afrocentric style she embraces makes her a fashionista worth my time! She never fails to impress and definately owns everything she wears! As much as we love her sister Beyonce, you can't deny that Solange has the upper hand in the fashion department! Ooh...brace yourself for what your about to see below!

Chunky knits worn the right way!

You can't flaw this one!

Plain cami, splash of colour and simple accessories- you be the judge!

Yellow-on-yellow suit- looks great!

Statement blouse and a maxi skirt with a slit to die for!

Bold prints-daring!

Same print, different colours - I want that blazer!

Tribal prints - so on trend!

Effortless drapping!

Hello Miss Sunshine!

The pants! The blazer! The hair!

Makes you want those braids doesn't it?!

Maxi skirt and a sexy bustier- looks brilliant!

FASHIONISTA! (2) - SHINGAI SHONIWA

Now, if the group 'The Noisettes' rings a bell, then you should definately know who this gorgoeus woman is! As the lead singer of the band, Shingai Shoniwa, of Zimbabwean descent, has alot on her plate but still manages to look fabulous on any given occassion! Her vibrant fashion sense paired up with her ever exciting afro hair dos make her a quirky, colourful and fun fashionista. Not only is her style interesting to follow, she has also been described as “the most natural, charismatic frontwoman in British music today, an acrobatic showgirl-cum-disco diva’’ by Time Online. 

Pink has never looked better in my opinion!

Coloured metallics- gorgeous paired with black!

Twice with the pink!

Ankle length pencil dress- so sophisticated!

Now this is how you wear a trench coat!

Royal blue is such a complintary colour in her skin tone!

Risk worth taking with that skirt!

Fashion-forward LBD! (Little Black Dress for those of you unfamiliar with the acronym.)

Now these are statement pants!

This is a woman not afraid of trying anything and everything!

FASHIONISTA! (1) - VV BROWN

Clean-cut tailoring!

Kaleidoscope effect print and butterfly stripes-daring!

For those of you who do not know Miss Brown, born Vanessa Brown, well then now you do! She's the gorgeous British singer,song writer and model behind songs 'Shark in The Water' (which I love!), 'Crying Blood' and 'Leave!' amongst others. Now, as you can see this songstress does have her own trademark retro fringe, which sets her apart from others - and isn't that what style is all about?! How many of us would ever think to walk around with a rolled up, flat top fringe-do as an everyday look?!

VV is on trend with dogtooth! She has a whole rail full of it!

Detailed shift dress!

Peep-toe, heeled brogues!

Yes darling! It's called Royal Blue!

QUOTE-TO-NOTE! (3)

''Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn." Gore Vidal

MAASAI-ESQUE!

(Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Collection 2012)

Being Kenyan, there is no way I couldn't identify with these bold bursts of checkered red and blue fabrics. Even as I'm writing this insightful post I'm being kept warm by an authentic Maasai shuka; nothing more than a large, rectangular, textured cloth that oozes ethnic culture! Now, a few clever birds, namely fashion designer Louis Vuitton, took it upon himself to re-invent the trademark Maasai patterns into more commercial, practical and wearable designs and garments. I couldn't be more thrilled to see such a cultural fabric pattern, that I immediately identify with, recieve global recognition in the fashion industry; gives me even more reason to brag about my nationality! However....

...not making note of the negative connotations surrounding this fashion phenomenon would be ignoring some of the inevitable controversy that comes with it. Louis Vuitton now basically owns a piece of Kenya’s cultural history through its branding of our Maasai shuka as part of its fashion collection. Personally my reservations come from wondering whether or not Maasai culture is being exploited and robbed of something which is truly authentic and exclusively their own. Are we witnessing the Westernization of an ethnic, African print and to what extent are the Maasai tribe of Kenya benefiting from this fashion phenomenon, if they are at all?...Food for thought!

(Maasai Tribe)

SNOOP DOGGY 'DOGTOOTH'!

(Alexander McQueen design!)

Okay, okay...you've read this blog post title and thought, "how cheesy!" You can't blame me for trying though. At the end of the day the fashionable trend on topic is referred to as 'dogtooth' or  'houndstooth', so why not use the above alliteration?! Moving on to more important matters!

Dogtooth is the broken, uneven checkered pattern that's making a comeback into this seasons 'to-have-list'. With summer being long gone, we are all looking for garments that not only feel heavier but look heavier as well and yup, you guessed it, dogtooth is the pattern and fabric doing just that. The fabric comes with a texture that is complimentary, giving clothes a bold, structured and sophisticated look. What makes it even more lovable is that you can find it patterned in different sizes and shades/colours, incorporated in a variety of garments and accessories; dresses, coats, short, skirts,socks, shoes, hats, purses, scarfs, pants. I could be here all day listing them. So whatever your pick you will find it in dogtooth and you can gladly check it of your 'to-have-list' this season.

(Maria Cornejo Collection)

Salvatore Ferragamo Autumn/Winter Collection 2011)

Lady Gaga wearing an outfit from Salvatore Ferregamo's Autumn/Winter Collection 2011. Bang on trend! Her head to toe ensemble was definately inspired by the designer as Gaga added her own saucer shaped hat and bizzare sunglasses to complete her look. Kudos to her for going the extra mile!

I can't possible talk about this eye-catching, two-tone trend without making reference to eclectic fashion designer Alexander McQueen! His couture interpretations of how dogtooth can be incorporated into high fashion designs are truely commendable. One of the many noted fashion designers that can translate crazy into cool!

(Alexander McQueen)