Hi guys!
Back with part 2 of the Ankara Festival LA.
Here are the rest of the Designers and/or people who showcased on the runway during AnkaraFest Los Angeles.
Here are the rest of the Designers and/or people who showcased on the runway during AnkaraFest Los Angeles.
Enjoy!
The Red Pump Project® is a nonprofit organization raising awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. They empower, educate, and motivate action by boldly driving conversation online and offline around HIV prevention and issues related to sexual and reproductive health. The Red Pump serves as a symbol of empowerment representing the strength and courage of women affected by HIV/AIDS.
Every March, The Red Pump Project asks women across the country to participate in their signature Rock the Red Pump® (#RocktheRedPump) campaign in recognition of National Women and Girls’ HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). The mission of the campaign is to start conversation and to motivate social media-savvy women to use their platforms to talk about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, specifically its effect on women and girls.
In addition, Red Pump also organizes signature events to commemorate the major HIV/AIDS awareness days of the year such as:
- The Rock the Red Fashion Show
- The Red Pump/Red Tie Affair
- Say RED: Cocktails & Conversations
- Cupcakes & Condoms
- Behind the RED Curtains: Monologues on HIV
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| Founders Karyn and Luuvie (I love her blog!) Explaining what their project is about |
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| Love the pink skirt and the yellow/pink toned jumpsuit! |
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| The yellow pants in the middle are awesome |
According to the Facebook page, Edentity means Know Thyself. The designs were very structured, with the use of prints and color. The Edentity woman is very modern, bold and confident. The puffy leaves scream power and the bright colors make you stand out for sure.
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| Designer Nimekaly with her finale model (left) and My favorite look from the collection on the right |
I have featured Christina Lowanga before on my blog during the first edition of the Facet Fashion Show last year. It's exciting to see the growth and success of a designer that you know personally! (She is my niece in the "African" sense lol)
Her collection, like herself, was very bold and screamed trendsetter and Fashion forward! The overall street style chic collection was fresh, fun and trendy. There were also some very bold dresses. But the one thing I really appreciated is the fact she incorporated her country of origin, Congo, in most her designs like for example the shirt with Congo 1960 printed on it, for Congo's independence year were nice touches.
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| The 2 dresses on the left are definitely show stoppers lol and I adore that black crop top |
When asked what inspires her, Christina Lowanga replies by saying:
"Well not actually what but who inspires me: my rock, my MOM! She's always behind me pushing me to be the best that I can be. Also, my close friends for constantly prep talking and motivation me."
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| My 3 favorite looks from the collection! Just amazing oh And Kitoko Means Beautiful in Lingala :-) |
Christina Lowanga new collection is inspired by the African print.
"I fell in love with it the very first time I laid my eyes on it! I dreamed about it every night and couldn't forget about it. And blue being my favorite color, everything tied in! Of course my African and Urban culture had an effect, and honestly I made quite a few designs as I went along the way."
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| I really liked the back of the black dress and the hoodie on the blue dress was a nice surprise |
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| Designer Christina Lowanga sharing a touching moment with her dad as he gives her a bouquet after her show |
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| I really loved it that she got her daughter to open and close her runway show. She rocked the runway! |
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| I would rock each of these male pieces (hides face lol but for real though) |
Evarize by Erica Varize was the closing designer and my favorite of the night. I loved every single piece that hit the runway! Erica's work, as stated on their website:
"intertwines ideas of urban chic with retro bohemian styles, creating bold expressions of the designer's authenticity and sophistication. She is favored for her use of high-quallity domestic jersey knits, as well as exquisite traditional "Ankara" African wax cotton, which she hand picks and purchases from women in Uganda."
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| My absolute favorite pieces from her collection! Just amazing!!! <3 |
"EVarize clothing is designed to be versatile and wearable, able to be dressed down as sexy casual or refined enough to be a conversation piece at an elegant event. Erica's designs are made for all body types, forgiving in the right places and accentuating a woman's better features. Regardless of the occasion, a woman donning EVarize can walk in confidence, knowing the garment she's chosen will be flattering, making her embrace her feminine beauty."
Nothing to add since it is pretty clear ;-)
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| More fabulosity! |
In addition to developing her fashion line, Erica has another passion:
Teaching young people how to sew. For the past 7 years, she has been teaching sewing classes in eight middle and high schools in the Bay area and offering summer camps for young kids ( 4th to 12th grade) for 2 week sessions. During the 2 weeks with Erica, the kids learn sewing basics, fabric sourcing, pattern creation, clothing reconstruction, portfolio building, and at the end of the session, the kids put on a fashion show to display to parents and friends their new creations. How awesome!
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| Designer Erica Varize with her husband after her finale show. Such a cute couple! :-) |
Check out her website Here. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram
There you have it! Make sure you attend AnkaraFest next year so you can experience all the fabulousness yourself :-)
Merci et à très bientôt!
Pictures Captured by: Hiram Saro
There you have it! Make sure you attend AnkaraFest next year so you can experience all the fabulousness yourself :-)
Merci et à très bientôt!
Pictures Captured by: Hiram Saro
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: Ethnikculture
Personal Style Blog: http://ethnikculture.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your constant support!!!
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