For more details on the collection you have just seen, contact YEFIKIR on their website or via their social media handles listed below.

Website link: http://yefikirdesign.com/
Tweet the Designer: @yefikirdesign  
Join her Facebook Community:  Fikirte Addis

When we say ‘African models are simply AMAZING‘, we mean THEY ARE SIMPLY AMAZING!! Every day over here at Zen, we get to meet and connect with some of the best models from all over Africa and this week, Our Model of the Week is a model all the way from the Southern part of Africa. Donna Solomons is a 22 year old South African model from Cape Town. Presently signed under Outlaws Management Cape Town, Donna describes herself as a career driven woman who loves modelling and is also passionate about Public Relations. “I am a very ambitious person and love to model” she tells us. “I am an out-spoken lover of life who enjoys reading books by Paulo Coelho, listening to songs by John Legend and Katy Perry and loves the outdoors“. Donna officially started modelling when she was 12 and has so far worked with various international photographers like Wesley Vorster in South Africa, to Yuri Arcurs in Denmark and Jerome Tisne in France. She has also appeared in various high-profile advertising campaigns which include Mr. Price and Edgars, and made the Sports Illustrated SA new model search top 15 last year which is one of South Africa’s top model search competitions. When Donna isn’t modelling, she works as a PR and operations manager at Epic Communications in Cape Town. “I love my job at Epic Communications and it’s a great feeling being able to combine it with my modelling career“. One of Donna’s favourite quotes is from Paulo Coelho ”The great blessing of life is the existence of tomorrows – and having dreams to realize”. Donna is full of energy and is one South African model we see going places.

Photograph by Yuri Arcurs

It’s fair to say that African designers are currently dishing out some of the best designs across the world. From the fashion, to our accessories, African fashion is shining bright all year. When it comes to bag making, Nigerian designer Kunmi Otitoju is in a class of her own. Kunmi is the head designer and founder of Minku - a top quality bag maker that provides leather bags, luggage and gadget cases to clients from over 15 countries across 5 continents. For their Autumn/Winter 2013-14 Collection, Kunmi went for something casual yet fashionable.

According to the designer, Minku was born, out of my ongoing desire to do something with the beautiful aso-oke fabrics I had brought back to Spain from a trip to Lagos. At Minku, we combine aso-oke, damasks and other special fabrics with Spanish-sourced leathers to create bags for men and women that convey a contemporary sub-Saharan aesthetic says Kunmi Otitoju.

In January of this year, the brand took part in the showroom of Barcelona Fashion Week, and it went on to launch its Autumn/Winter 2013 collection in Lagos a month later. Kunmi dreams big for Minku but for now, it is about taking things one bag at a time, a gruelling process of hand-cutting and stitching leather that sometimes takes up to 50 hours to complete. Price range for some of the bags are within 35 euros for small, lined purses to 700 euros for luggage bags.

Minku bags are currently been sold at Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos and online at http://shop.minkudesign.com

Facebook: Minku 
Twitter: @MinkuDesign
Website: http://minkudesign.com/

Award winning Congolese model Lisette Mibo is organizing a fundraising event titled “Passion for Motherland” on the 10th of August 2013 in London. According to Lisette, “The whole idea of the event is to bring together an eclectic mix of live music, poetry and fashion showcase for a deserving charitable cause“. Fashion designers from different backgrounds and cultures have been scheduled to showcase their work throughout the event while raising money for the charity “Save The Congo”- Lisette Mibo serves as its’ “Good-Will Ambassador”.

Passion For Motherland is a platform created to bring like-minded individuals together to celebrate, network and discover new talents in the fields of fashion, music and poetry whilst at the same time raising awareness. All funds from ticket sales will go directly to the charity ‘Save The Congo’.

Save the Congo is a charity campaigning to tackle the four major problems that give rise to killings, raping, uprooting and abuses in Congo. These are the 4Is – Impunity, Insecurity, illicit trade of minerals and institutional failure. For more information on this charity, please visit www.savethecongo.org.uk

As well as entertainment on the night, light refreshments will also be served and guests will be invited to raise even more money through participation at the raffles and auctions that will be taking place throughout this eventful night.

Date: 10th August 2013
Address: 17-25 New Inn Yard London, Greater London EC2A 3EA
Time: 6pm-10pm
Tickets: £7 in advance and £10 on the door

For more info, please contact: PassionForMotherLand@gmail.com

Connect with Lisette on Facebook: Lisette Mibo – Model 
Follow her on Twitter: @LISETTEMIBO

Mother of 2, former Big Brother Africa contestant, entrepreneur, radio co-host, actress and MC Abby Plaatjes talks to Zen about all things fabulous. In this exclusive interview, Abby tells us how it feels to be a mother, her love for radio, her best moments from Big Brother Africa and what inspired her to start one of East Africa’s most popular lounge bars “Runway Lounge“.  It truly is an inspirational interview from an inspirational woman.

ZeN: How was the BBA Experience?
Abby: BBA was a unique experience on its own. And looking back now, I can honestly say it was one of the best times of my life. I got to meet an extended family I never thought I would and even more, I got to travel across my Africa and learn endlessly about our culture.

ZeN: What’s the one moment from the show you will never forget?
Abby: There were too many great moments in the original BBA house. Not only for the contestants but also for the production team. We were all learning but one moment that stood out has to be driving to the house on opening night and not knowing what will happen next. The suspense makes you feel alive.

ZeN: How did it feel to have worked alongside actors like Pete Edochie, Desmond Elliot, Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu, Jim Iyke, and Nnenna Okonta?
Abby: Oh my gosh! I truly have been blessed to have worked with some of the Nollywood greats and everyday spent with them was immensely educational. What always got me was how Eucharia and even Uncle Pete used to tell me they are MY fans! Haha….sooo surreal. Jim and Desmond were young back then and so so hot. All the ladies were crazy about them but they were very professional and always gave me good advice on the industry.

ZeN: You have done a bit of TV Presenting. Tell us how that started.
Abby: Television is something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. So when I got the chance I grabbed it with both hands and bells on! After Big Brother Africa, I travelled extensively throughout Africa and abroad. One of my stops was beautiful Tanzania and I was offered to host a lifestyle show called Nirvana on East Africa TV. It was broadcast across 3 countries ‘Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya’. It was a bit daunting because at the time I never spoke the language (Swahili) but the show was broadcast in English. Everything was uphill from there. There was more travel of course but this time to places like lost islands, deserted beaches and ghost towns. It was honestly a magical time in my career. Nirvana went on to snatch the no.1 spot for the best TV show across East Africa.

ZeN: Who are some of the high profile celebrities you have interviewed?
Abby: There have been so many amazing people I’ve been honoured to sit down with and some of them befriend. Some of these include Shaggy who actually called me and offered me a backstage interview for 10 minutes before he went on stage “Something that any musician will tell you they hardly ever do”. I also sat down with comedian Mark Curry and Reggie McFadden, NBA basketballers Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls) and Hasheem Thabeet, the tallest kid in the NBA right now (OKC). Others include, Chaka Khan, Chante Moore, PSquare, British comedian Eddie Kadi, international models Kaone, Flavianna Matata and fashion designers Thula Sindi and David Tlale to name but a few

ZeN: We know you are a proud Mom to 2 wonderful kids. At what point in your career did you decide it was time to settle down?
Abby: Tuari and Nova. I am not sure if I made a decision to say now is the time. But when I had my first born much of my life and life in general changed. My 2 angels are all I live for now. It’s what life is about….being a mother.

ZeN: You started one of East Africa’s most popular lounges “Runway Lounge”. What inspired you to start your own lounge?
Abby: Having travelled so much I got to see and experience many things in my time. One of them being lounges, clubs and bars. I got so drawn into the imaging and design of these establishments and I needed to do one for myself. Also, Tanzania needed an upgrade and I was in the right place at the right time. An inspiration as well for me is my friend/sister Louise Priddy (owner Bacchus Nightclub, Lagos) She showed me the beauty and strength it takes for a woman to make it in this predominantly male industry.

“I’m an extremely social person” says Abby

ZeN: What’s the craziest thing a guest has done before?
Abby: In this industry people are constantly shocking you. Everyday there was something new and interesting so pointing out just one would be really tough….but for sure there were many good memories made ..LOL

ZeN: Tell us about your most recent roles as a Radio Host and show host.
Abby: So 3 years ago, I wanted to learn something new. I now do this every year where I have to learn a new skill every year. In 2010 it was radio. Radio veteran Chris Lugoe approached me in Runway one night saying I should come in for a test. I did and I have been in the studio 5 days a week co hosting the home drive show with him. Once again it’s a magical journey. I have since fallen in love with radio and wouldn’t leave it for the world.

ZeN: Describe your personal style.
Abby: I always stumble at this question because I really don’t think about it that much. I’m a jeans n T-shirt girl. But I loooove dressing up. I don’t religiously follow fashion trends because my style is very individual. I do, however, have a nice little luxury bag collection (my weakness) and as I mature I realise the importance of quality clothing, dressing to suite your body and most importantly being comfortable and especially shoes.

ZeN: Use 5 words to Describe African Fashion.
Abby: 5 words? Only … LOL!! Bold, Daring, Futuristic, Complementing, Adornment

She is a co-host and co-producer to the home drive show on 102.5 Choice FM
alongside Chris Lugoe

ZeN: What’s next for Abby?
Abby: I am always doing something new…always creating. My events company is just picking up and I just got approached to help design a clothing line. I am also trying to work more extensively with radio stations across the continent and also to help kids develop their public speaking skills. When kids have a voice and are not scared to express themselves we will have more insight into what they want. Our children are our future.

ZeN: If you had the chance to go on a reality show or maybe BBA for a 2nd time, would you do it?
Abby: Hahahha not so sure I would go back into the BBA house as a housemate because I am a grown woman now and so much has changed but I would consider doing the amazing grace or something like that. I’m an extremely social person so I will be around {wink …. Laughs}

ZeN: Your top 3 Travel destinations so far and what made them special.
Abby: Oh man there are so many… Rome for its history and especially the food, Ethiopia simply because it’s my spiritual haven, New York because you have a perfect mix of everything especially the shopping… then there’s Croatia, Venice oh i could go on and on.. {LOL}

Would you like to Connect with Abby?? You can NOW – Contact her via her social media handles below

Facebook: Abby Plaatjes
Twitter: @MzzAbby 

Photographs by Gavin Gosbert

Her name is Courtney Gretchen September and her game is photography. Courtney is a professional Graphic designer and freelance photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa. This young woman does not shy away from an adventure which you can tell from her style of photography and through the images I hand picked from her photo portfolio below. Some of the images were done in the studio while the others were outdoor images though all the images look stunning -

She studied at CPUT in Cape Town where she completed her diploma course. She also attended the Frank Joubert Arts Centre in Cape Town and did Art as an extramural activity because of her love and passion for the arts and its many branches of expression. Getting to meet Courtney, I immediately discovered that apart from her love for photography, she also loves painting, drawing and doing arts and crafts.

Some of her best moments so far include shooting for fashion designer Jill Wantenaar’s end of year range, profile shoot for UK comedian Martin Davis, and shooting for various models especially the shoots by the beach. This is one young lady that’s driven and talented and is definitely one African artist contributing positively to our generation.

If you would like to connect with Courtney or Book a Session with her, Contact her via her Social Media handles below

Check out her Facebook page: Courtz Photography & Design
Twitter: @Courtseptember

Words by our South African Contributor, Zenobe Fredericks

Last month, Founder and Chair-person of the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project, Bisila Bokoko was appointed as the Global Ambassador and Strategist to top Spanish spice company Carmencita “Carmencita is one of Spain’s most recognisable brands with its ranges of spices gracing most food shops and also one of best food Spices in the world”. The brand “Carmencita” was named after the eldest daughter of Jesús Navarro Jover, who began his business career in 1920, in Novelda a town located in the province of Alicante, Spain. Carmencita products include herbs and spices, seasonings for paella, pasta, meat, fish, amongst many other, teas and herb teas, powdered desserts, sweeteners and so much more.

Carmencita officially announced the appointment of Bisila Bokoko as their Global ambassador a few days ago and Bisila is excited with the possibilities of opening new markets for the brand.

“I am very happy with my appointment and ready to serve Carmencita. I am hopeful of the possibilities and can’t wait to open new markets for the brand worldwide” says Bisila Bokoko.

About Bisila Bokoko
Bisila is an experienced professional with 14 years experience in building and fostering business relationships between Spain and US – 5 years as the Executive Director of IVEX (Valencia Institure of Export), and 7 years at The Spain-US Chamber of Commerce. She provides boutique consulting services for companies that want to be introduced in the US and in the African market. Her clients are based in mostly Europe but she also consults for some brands in Africa. Bisila is also part of an amazing Advisory board of Empretec (UNCTAD). She is also a brand Ambassador to a few fashion related brands across Europe, North America and Africa.

You can find information about Carmencita at: www.carmencita.com
ON Twitter: @Carmencitaspice
and ON Facebook: Carmencita 

Note for Editors: Later today 14th June 2013, Bisila will be giving the closing remarks at the 2013 DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD at the United Nations Building, Conference Room 3 in New York and will be attending The Adirée and Pikolinos Pop-Up Shop Event in New York. To schedule an interview with Bisila Bokoko, please contact: Arinze Nwokolo at arinze@zenmagazineafrica.com

African fashion week New York 2013 is only a few weeks away and already we can’t get enough of the fashion and beauty on display from Africa’s brightest designers. One of the designers we have grown to love is Kenyan designer, stylist, performing artist and author, Liz Ogumbo. Recently, Liz Ogumbo-Regisford partnered with Saris For Good Karma - a new direction to bring ethical fashion to a whole new level through a chic red-carpet look and feel, inspired, designed and produced in Africa by Africa. While creating room to flirt with the non-conventional approach to modern-day-2-day style, the Rekebisha Collection by Liz Ogumbo oozes out an inner confidence from within. We caught up with the designer to talk about her journey as a designer, the challenges African designers face in such a competitive industry and why it’s important to her to showcase her collection in New York.

According to the designer, I believe less is more when you ooze confidence, hence I have minimized fuss and accented the beauty of our individuality as beautiful women TODAY. My philosophy through what we wear is that every day should be celebrated as an opportunity to make our mark.

ZeN: Where are you from and how has this influenced your designs?
Liz: I am from Kenya, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, hence the collaboration with SFGK, a Durban-based organization. I believe I am definitely grounded in my Kenyan roots, heritage and culture and therefore you will see some influences from East Africa such as the leso dominating through the collection. In this “Rekebisha collection”, I flirt with Saris, lesos, kitenge, raffia and a few other fabrics to come up with an interesting collage of what I perceive as new age style!

ZeN: Name 3 of your favourite things to do?
Liz: Fine dining and wining, Holidaying in the South Coast of Mombasa or Thailand’s warm seas, and following everything about music and fashion

ZeN: What is African Fashion to you?
Liz: Any style inspired by Africa from our fabrics, to weaving techniques that bring fabrics such as kikoi to life, grass weaving, our amazing beads and the beadwork that comes with it

ZeN: Where can we purchase your items?
Liz: You can purchase my garments on 36Boutiques.com OR on our website (Website details Below)

ZeN: What celebrity would you dress if you could?
Liz: The goddesses out there….. {LOL} Is Iman anywhere around? If I could dress Iman that would be magical.

ZeN: What has been your challenges as a designer?
Liz: Production and manufacturing are by far my biggest challenges, however because of the passion I have for fashion, I push on and put in my best every day to keep things going.

ZeN: Why do you want to show in New York? Why is it important to you?
Liz: It’s important to penetrate into different markets to sustain and enhance brand growth. Africa Fashion Week NYC is a new market for me and my partner “Saris For Good Karma.” We therefore look forward to making the experience a success. We look forward to attracting new buyers and making our mark out there through a MAJOR retail presence in New York.

ZeN: What materials did you use for this collection?
Liz: We used Saris, Lesos also known as Kanga (or khanga) and Kitenge African wax print

ZeN: What makes your brand sustainable and/or ethical?
Liz: “Rekebisha by Liz Ogumbo for SFGK” is a collaboration with “Saris for Good Karma.’ Indian women all over South Africa are continuously donating their old saris to Saris for Good Karma and so far, over 2,000 Saris have been donated since 2010. Founded by Kanchana Moodliar, the projects aim is to teach underprivileged women how to sew using the saris as raw material, hence giving them a chance to acquire a skill they can use to earn an income. It also aims to teach them how to run their own small business/home industry and since the fabric is the most expensive part in the whole garment creation, the saris donated minimizes the cost. Often the women leave the project skilled enough to join the manufacturing industry workforce or independently work within their community examples include hemming, sewing uniforms, yoga bags, shirts, and other garments. SFGK supports women in starting their own small home industry by subsidizing their purchase of a domestic sewing and offering them saris to sew whenever they require

ZeN: What makes you the designer and/or your brand innovative?
Liz: The ability to keep introducing fresh cuts/designs constantly into the market on a day-2-day basis for all age groups, personalities, and skin tones. We spend a lot of time consulting with women to help enhance/elevate their energy and image; the basics around how to “feel good because you look good”. We also encourage women to send their garments to us when they gain/lose weight for an eco-friendly face-lift through recycling of the garments, bringing in a new touch that looks and feels even better that before.

Liz Ogumbo’s ethical collection “REKEBISHA” will be showcasing under the brand “Liz Ogumbo for SFGK” at AFWNY 2013 in July.

Connect with Liz on Facebook: Liz Ogumbo – KenSoul
Follow her on Twitter: @LizOgumbo
For more info, Visit her Website:  http://www.lizogumbo.com/

Save the Dates Friends: Africa Fashion Week New York 2013 Runway Show will be from July 18th, 19th, and 20th 
Location: New York Financial district at 41 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004

Visit www.afwny.com or www.adiree.com for more information!!

Follow hastags on Twitter: #AfricanFashion | #AfricanDesigner | #Fashion | #AFWNY| #Zenmagazine for more information. 

Meet Nikia Phoenix, an African American fashion model born and raised in the southern part of United States of America. Nikia was first discovered by Greg Altermann of Alternative Apparel in 2005. “We struck up a conversation about vintage t-shirts, and by the end of it he was asking me to model for his company,” she says. “Even with a hat pulled down over my face, he saw my potential. Who knew that one chance meeting would lead to my face in campaigns, billboards and commercials.” Nikia started her career as a television news producer before becoming a model. “Although I started my career as a news producer, I now say that modelling is my profession” says Nikia who has worked with some of the world’s most valuable brands including Target, Jeep, Coca Cola, Smirnoff, Alternative Apparel and Wrangler Jeans. She has also been featured on the Tyra Banks Show as well as in top fashion magazines like Glamour Magazine, Black Hair UK and Essence Magazine. When Nikia isn’t busy modelling, she writes and handles her blog called Model Liberation where she shares helpful fashion industry advice while promoting natural beauty and self love, “When I am not modelling, I love to blog and you can read some of my entries on Model Liberation,” she says. “I also contribute to a natural hair blog for women of color called K Is For Kinky.” What makes Nikia a charming and amazing model are her freckles on her face and even though we know many people who have freckles don’t necessary like their freckles, Nikia loves her look and has embraced her freckles. “Being a freckled-faced, natural-haired girl isn’t easy. I’ve always felt different. Because of faith, I’ve been able to embrace who I am and prosper. God created me this way for a reason, and every day I thank Him for that.” says Nikia Phoenix who has been able to see the beauty in her freckles. Nikia is a model who inspires us!! There is nothing more attractive than a woman with a distinctive profile, who rocks! No matter how you look on the outside, what matters is how you feel on the inside. Embrace your flaws, embrace the skin you are in and love every moment of it.

Photographer: Jenn Hoffman 
Makeup: Leslie Rodriguez
Digital Post Production: Eric Brockob Design

The arrival of summer is all about showing some skin and embracing new colours and patterns from your favourite African designers. We have got a lot of love for Bestow Elan “the 2011 BEFFTA Award – winning women’s wear label“. Recently, the brand released its Spring/Summer 2013 collection titled ‘Summer Memoirs‘

According to the designer, the inspiration behind the collection is that feeling of summer that stays in your memory… Something that’s kept sacred and makes you smile the moment it pops into your head… we’ve all been there! Bestow Elan’s 2013 Summer Memoirs collection aims to put you in that state.

The designer behind this label Erzumah Ackerson draws her inspiration from both classic and vintage desings, as well as influences from her Ghanaian heritage – which in turn allows her to create garments that are often described as timeless, feminine and chic. Bestow Elan’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collection is a collection worth stalking this month because it’s a great example of what summer fashion is all about – fun, chic, and colour!

For more information on Bestow Elan, Click any of the below details (Website, Twitter or Facebook)

Website: www.bestowelan.com
Twitter: @BestowElan
Facebook: BestowElan

Photo Credits
Model: Merci Saidi
Photographs by Veronika Papadopoulou
Make-Up Artist: Teresa Reynolds
Shoes: Finsk At Soboye Boutique
Jewellery: Joansu