From a young age, fashion has always been a part of Admas’ identity. Her first glimpse of what would eventually drive her passion came in the form of beautiful traditional dresses worn by her mother. This glimpse turned into a full-blown obsession over the years as she started to design dresses for herself, for family weddings, which then expanded to friends and other people. Fast-forward to today, her self-titled fashion line represents parts of Eritrean and Ethiopian culture with a modern twist that are intriguing, beautiful and fun. We had an interesting chat with the head designer Admas, Admas Mahdere to talk about what inspired her into fashion and why it’s important for her to showcase at AFWNY 2013 in July.

ZeN: Let’s start from the beginning, where are you from?
Admas: Both my parents are from Eritrea. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya but grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I now live in the Cayman Islands.

ZeN: What is your background as a fashion designer?
Admas: Growing up in Canada, my mother would bring back traditional materials from Eritrea and Ethiopia for me to create my own designs mainly for family weddings.  Then over the years, I started to do custom designs for family and friends. Although I have no formal training, I continue to learn and evolve as a fashion designer.

ZeN: Tell us about your brand and what you look to do with your brand internationally.  
Admas:  The brand represents parts of Eritrean and Ethiopian culture with a modern twist. The target audience is fashion forward women that are open to exploring different fabrics and designs. I hope to make Admas a cutting edge fashion house that exposes to the world the beauty and intrigue of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

ZeN: What makes your brand unique?
Admas: The combination of the unique fabric and patterns with fashion forward designs make Admas an innovative brand.  Also, the signature weaving found throughout some of the garments is incorporated in eye-catching ways.

ZeN: Would you consider your brand a luxury brand?
Admas: Yes I would!! Part of the definition of luxurious is something that is hard to obtain.  Admas is luxurious because it offers fashion lovers and consumers garments that are unique and not mass produced.

ZeN: What are the materials used for your designs?
Admas: Hand woven silk and cotton.

ZeN: What resources do you think black designers need to move forward in this competitive industry?
Admas: I think all designers need exposure, great products and a well-run production process to move forward in this competitive industry.

ZeN: Why do you want to show in African Fashion Week New York? Why is it important to you?
Admas: New York is always on the cutting edge of fashion and I believe that if I can garner positive feedback here then there’s a good chance that my brand will appeal to other markets.

ZeN: What would you say has been your biggest challenge as a designer?
Admas: The biggest challenges have been experimenting with the fabric through trial and error and even more so the fabric making process. Since Admas uses hand woven silk and cotton fabric only available in Eritrea and Ethiopia, the biggest challenge is ultimately the distance and timely access to fabrics.

ZeN: Tell us about your style, designs, and inspirations?
Admas: I would say with my personal style I look for garments that have a stand out feature whether that’s embroidery, interesting patterns, etc.  It has to have something that makes it stand out or different.  Otherwise, I use accessories to make the outfit pop. This stand out feature translates to my designs; for the most part I like to incorporate my signature weaving in eye catching ways.  I am also very much inspired by other designers.

From top to Bottom: Images from Admas’s 2013 Collection 

ZeN: What is African Fashion to you?
Admas: African fashion is bold and timeless.

ZeN: Name 3 of your favourite things to do?
Admas: Travelling, trying different types of cuisine, and shopping for new things

ZeN: Where can we purchase your items?
Admas: To purchase any of the above looks, please contact admas@admasm.com 

ZeN: What celebrity would you dress if you could?
Admas: I think Rihanna would be a great choice given that she is so fashion forward and always looks amazing.

ZeN: What would you say to the younger generation of designers looking to start a career in fashion?
Admas: Remember that fashion is a business, take calculated risks but always go with your gut.

The Designer, Admas Mahdere

Connect with Admas on Twitter: @AdmasM
Website:  http://admasm.com/

Save the Dates: #AFWNY 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

Photographer: Bernardo Neri of Visioneri

Start you summer by going back in time to the Roaring Twenties with a grand party full of dapper gents and flapper darlings.
Please join us for an exclusive fundraiser at the elegant Griffin, benefiting the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project, with an
hour-long open bar to kick things off! If you help us sell out this event, together we can build a beautiful library in Africa this
summer. Make sure you are dressed the part for this Great Gatsby party and get ready to get swept away with one of the hottest
parties of the year.

VENUE: The Griffin, 50 Gansevoort Street New York, NY
BUY TICKETS: http://www.hostcommittee.com/event/the-great-gatsby-bash/details
Tickets Online: $25
At the Door: $40
(Online Ticket Sales End 3 Hours Before Start Of Event.)
(Tickets Available Online While Quantities Last.)
21+ Only, Please Drink Responsibly

WHEN: May 23rd, 2013, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Today)
Open Bar: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
CONTACT PERSON: Valarie Husinger

She is an award winning Ghanaian TV presenter, producer, and actress who has worked alongside the very best. Hollywood actors such as Jimmy Jean-Louis, Kimberly Elise, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Yemi Blaq are a few of the top actors Ama K Abebrese has worked with. As a seasoned TV presenter, she has interviewed international celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Neyo, Ziggy Marley, Akon, Rihanna, Idris Elba and George Lucas. Ama K is a Superstar actress and we caught up with her before her trip to America to talk about all things movie. We get to find out what has been her most favourite role so far as an actress and her plans for the future.

ZeN: What inspired you to get into acting?
Ama K: I remember watching movies as a child and being fascinated with how they were made, how real and believable they were. I then started to participate in school plays. I joined various drama groups, so I could explore the field. My passion for acting grew more and more, and I went on to study Drama at GCSE, A Level and Degree Level. I love the performing in general, to be able to create stories and showcase to an audience, I love that process.

ZeN: Has it always been a dream of yours to be an actor?
Ama K: Yes I think so! I was always drawn to performing. My mom told me I used to dance to my family when I was about 3 years old. I don’t remember much, but I remember thinking wanting to be on the silver screen from early on. So I started with the stage, and I am so glad for that because of the discipline I got from from that experience. Acting is great, because as an actor, you get the chance to play so many characters and showcase them to an audience. Their responses to those characters, are often based on the actor’s portrayal, and that in itself is a drive as an actor to do your best.

ZeN: What has been your favourite role so far?
Ama K: Playing the character of ‘Pabi‘ in the award winning movie ‘Sinking Sands‘. My first lead role in a movie, and it also won me my first major award at the 2011 African Academy Movie Awards for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role‘.

ZeN: Have you ever been injured on stage or on the set?
Ama K: Thank God nothing major, once on stage at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, London; I hit my foot on something during a performance. I did not even notice until after the play when I realised my foot was a sore. The great thing about being on stage is the adrenaline. It makes you forget every other thing.

Photographed by Ernest Simons, Styled by Marian Kihogo,
Make up by Donita Boateng and Ama’s hair done by Kavel Hair

ZeN: What do you enjoy most about acting?
Ama K: The whole process, developing a history for the character you are playing, the walk, the talk, their strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes you have to cultivate a whole persona for the character. I like rehearsals, being on stage, being on set, the whole process can be beautiful and also I am so blessed because I get to work with some amazing people and create amazing art with these people.

ZeN: Let’s talk fashion, who are your top African fashion brands?
Ama K: I love African fashion, and there is an amazing movement that is happening at the moment. I admire too many to name them all. A few notable ones I like, are Knafcouture, Virgos Lounge, Maki Oh, Anita Quansah and Sa4a.

ZeN: What do you like the most about African fashion?
Ama K: African fashion is so vast and unique in so many ways. The many continents of Africa provide us with so many styles that are ever evolving and it’s hard to put into one box.

Image Photographed by Fresh Image, Wardrobe by
Mankai Saxon, and Hair by Josh Hair and Beauty

ZeN: What has been your worst fashion moment on the red carpet?
Ama K: Going to a launch event, straight from the office, looking like a school teacher, and upon seeing the carpet, realising I was not dressed the part. It was a daytime event, but still, people were dressed up, and I just looked like I made no effort, which in all fairness, I didn’t….LOL

ZeN: What can we expect next from Ama K?
Ama K: More movies, TV shows and plays; I just pray for God’s guidance through it all.

ZeN: What charities do you support presently? 
Ama K: I am an Ambassador for ‘Safechild Ghana‘, and one of my main responsibilities as an Ambassador is to educate the children on how to stay safe and to teach them that they each have a choice.

Talk to Ama on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Amakonline
Tweet her on Twitter:  @Ama_K_Abebrese
Website: http://www.amakonline.com/

As the weather heats up, we’ll need to change our makeup routine to help it survive all the sweat, heat and humidity. So what’s a girl to do when her face starts to melt under the sun? Our Beauty editor shares some tips that will help you keep your beauty in tact no matter how hot or humid the weather gets. 

#1: Wear Primer
If you’re going to be in any kind of weather and want your makeup to last, you need to prime your skin using an oil-free primer and set it with a powder. I never leave the house without my Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer… It is light weight on the skin and it leaves makeup looking fresh & colour-true the entire day.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: $36.00
Website: http://www.smashbox.com 

#2: Less is More
I always recommend avoiding heavy layers of makeup in the summer. When it’s hot you really want to keep it light and simple, the last thing you would want is a caked on look. Remember the more you put on, the more you are at risk of it melting off. For most skin types, I would recommend Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm. Not only does it hydrate it also brightens up the skin.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector: $8.99
Website: www.maybelline.com

#3: Stop the Shine
We sometimes can’t help getting a little shine on the T-Zone. When shine occurs during the day, instead of applying more powder, use an oil blotter to get rid of excess shine. Applying more powder on oily face can look cakey which isn’t cute.  The best product  for combating shine is Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing sheets. These work very well for removing oil from your face without messing up your makeup.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: $5.20
Website: www.cleanandclear.com

#4 Water Proof your Lashes
The summer heat calls for waterproof mascara, like Diorshow Waterproof Backstage Mascara. Whether you’re working out, running errands on a scorching-hot day, or taking a dip in the pool, it can withstand the wear and tear without smudging. I’m hooked on this mascara because it doesn’t clump or streak and it also adds definition to my eyelashes, definitely love at first lash.

Diorshow Waterproof Backstage Mascara: $24.50
Website: www.dior.com

Words by Princess Amayo Ironbar

MAZE COUTURE is a UK based African designer whose brand has become synonymous with the finest bespoke kaftans, shirts, trousers, dresses and blazers. The brand is all about creating stunning “one of a kind” outfits made of the finest quality with coordinated embroidery. All bespoke outfits are tailor-made to suit your body shape and height perfectly. According to the designer, Our Maze Couture signature style collection is F.U.T.U.R.I.S.T.I.C and for people who appreciate African couture.  We had a chat with the designer to talk about his journey through the fashion industry and why New York is the most important place to showcase as a designer.

ZeN: Tell us a little bit about where are you from and how your heritage influenced your designs?
Maze Couture: I am a Nigerian and the rich, colourful daring effortless culture influences my designs. Nigerians like good things and looking good is exceptionally important to us and that is something that I love delivering to each and every client because when you look good you feel good that confidence shows.

ZeN: What is your background as a fashion designer?
Maze Couture: I have always been interested in fashion! I used to make my own bow ties at a very young age and loved styling people. I studied Civil Engineering back in Uni and I noticed there were some aspects and elements of the design process within Engineering that I could incorporate into the drawing and pattern cutting of garments. I know Civil Engineering is a more stable career but my passion was not in Civil Engineering so I wanted to focus on my passion and I later worked with couture and product designers. I have also worked for luxury companies such as Montblanc and Christian Dior under the LVMH Moët Hennessy helping him develop his creative style and gain an understanding of luxury garments.

ZeN: What is your brand’s production process? 
Maze Couture: First the pattern is cut out into the desired fabric, shape and style. The embroidery is applied to the parts of the fabric. The embellishment has to be stitched on one by one, it is all hand processed and is all produced in the UK. Each order is handled personally by the creative director to ensure that all our clients get the expert attention and customer service they deserve for a completely bespoke creation. All bespoke outfits are tailor-made to suit your body shape and height perfectly, with our reassurance that the choicest of fabrics are used in the process.

ZeN: What makes your brand innovative?
Maze Couture: I think what makes our brand innovative is the Excellence in our designs. Excellence is reflected through colors, innovative designs, fabric quality and meticulous finishing thereby creating both couture and ready – to – wear garments with impeccable detailing.

ZeN: What makes your brand luxurious?
Maze Couture: Our bespoke designs service (which most of our clients go for) guarantees the creation of a stunning “one of a kind” outfit made exclusively for you, of the finest quality with coordinated embroidery. Embroidery and professional finishing will be used to create a stunning creation with your name written all over it. Maze Couture signature style collection is F.U.T.U.R.I.S.T.I.C!!! With designs inspired from ethnic, native, exotic, cultural and traditional fabrics.

ZeN: What makes your brand sustainable and/or ethical?
Maze Couture: The Maze Couture brand always aims to please so that every client is satisfied. We pride our brand in knowing that every piece is specially made precisely for you and that is what makes us ethical and sustainable … our customer satisfaction!

ZeN: What are the materials used for your designs?
Maze Couture: Ankara” light weight colourful fabric”, Raw silk “Rich, smooth lustrous fabric”, Damask “a reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving Italian Linen: luxurious light weight material“

ZeN: Why do you want to show in New York? Why is it important to you?
Maze Couture: I am eager to show in New York because I believe my brand is unique and will bring the traditional styles with a more modern twist/look and feel. It is very important to me because I love representing my culture in any way I can. I believe you can be traditional but still sexy, sophisticated and classy no matter where you are going. New York is the Mecca of fashion and what better place to show such a diverse crowd what I really have to offer. I’m excited.

ZeN: What have been your challenges as a designer?
Maze Couture: At first my challenge as a designer was when I first started out and was trying to get my name out there. I didn’t take no for an answer and kept a strong faith throughout because I knew my goal had to be achieved.  As I gain more success and recognition, it doesn’t stop me rather it motivates me to do more.

ZeN: Tell us about your style, designs, and inspirations?
Maze Couture: I love timeless and effortless key statement pieces. Anything can inspire me whether it’s a distinct color, something that catches my eye while walking or driving or even a new trend but adding my own twist to it. My designs are unique, yes there are many dresses, pants, shoes out there in the market but making something your own to where when someone puts it on they know that it is a Maze Couture piece is very fulfilling for me

From Top – Bottom: Designs from Maze Couture’s Latest Collection.

ZeN: What does African Fashion mean to you?
Maze Couture: African fashion to me is a cluster of amazing colors, patterns put together to represent one amazing culture

ZeN: Name three of your favorite things to do?
Maze Couture: Spending quality time with good friends, family, traveling, and designing

ZeN: Where can readers purchase your items?
Maze Couture: http://www.mazecouturefashion.com/ or email: info@mazecouturefashion.com

ZeN: What celebrity would you dress if you could?
Maze Couture: Omotola Jalade-Ekenide and President Barack Obama

ZeN: Any inspirational words for the younger generation of African designers
Maze Couture: There are no limitations in fashion

Designer, Chimaze Okure

Connect with Maze Couture on Twitter: @mazecouture
Join their Facebook Community: Maze Couture (London)
Website:  http://www.mazecouturefashion.com/

It’s Going to be big Folks!! Save the Dates: #AFWNY 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

Catch Kenyan artist Anthony Okello at the One Off Museum/Art Gallery for his solo exhibition titled “Masquerade“. Anthony Okello’s works are classically figurative showing a cast of animal and human forms playing out the local mythology he has collected. His most recent work reveals a shift towards more personal themes.

About the Artist: Anthony Okello is a graduate of Buru Buru Institute of Fine Art. He went on to make art in earnest when he joined the Kuona Trust at its National Museum site. In this exhibition, Okello’s explores the human psychology of disguise and the covering of true identity. He says the ‘masks hide the real intention of the wearer’. For the past five years he has simultaneously been producing works which depict his interpretation of tribal allegory and mythology. Two of the works from this other series already exist in the private collections of Robert Devereux and Robert Loder. Okello has exhibited his work extensively at home as well as in Uganda, France, Holland and India.

Exhibition opens on Sunday 26th May – Runs Until: June 26, 2013
Venue: One Off Museum/Art Gallery
Time: 11am to 5pm.
Location: #16 Rosslyn Lone Tree, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 0722 521870

 Facebook: One Off Gallery

Perfect Population By: KL Allen originally started production in 2011. The fashion label is a couture clothing label that creates a modern day line that fuses elements of 1950′s style, present day trends, and futuristic fashion forwardness. Perfect Population strives to focus on quality and style, creating wearable trends that are chic and fashion forward for the everyday man and woman. For their most recent collection, Allen focused on a strong use of brocade fabric to give the garments texture while pairing the brocade with Sheer panelling and cut outs. The designer stayed true to his signature style with bold cuts and modern yet classic silhouettes. There was added detailing such as furs and leathers. Each design was inspired by a character in Alice In Wonderland and created to be worn in modern day culture.

According to designer, just like our Slogan says ” “The key to a lifestyle of perfect fashion. Where fashion is perfection,” this collection is inspired by Alice in Wonderland and I wanted to create something that would make everyone say WOW .. who is she? The name of KL ALLEN’S 2013/2014 FALL/WINTER collection is called “Vain and Vigilant” and this season’s Perfect Population Woman is a female that knows when she walks into an unfamiliar environment ‘She is a Show Stopper’ (like the lady everyone wants to meet) so her garments must reflect that” says Allen.

Perfect Population By: KL Allen has been worn by notable celebrities such as Grammy Winner and American Idol Star Fantasia Barrino, Reality Star and Supermodel Cynthia Bailey, Gospel Award Winning Group Mary Mary, featured on covers and inside of countless Magazines such as Desirable, Kontrol, My Lifestyle, and Reign Magazine along with being featured on national blogs and National Television Networks such as BET, BRAVO, VH1 and Oxygen. The brand specialize in women’s sportswear, evening gowns, party dresses, men’s sportswear, casual wear and accessories which include sunglasses, handbags and footwear.

Join them on Facebook: Perfect Population 
Tweet Perfect Population on Twitter: @PerfectPopular
Website: http://www.theperfectpopulation.com/

On Monday, May 9th, the Pikolinos Maasai Collection was presented at El Corte Ingles of Castellana by the Ambassador for the Maasai Project, Olivia Palermo, the leader of the Maasai Community, William Kikanae and Global Ambassador and Strategist for Pikolinos, Bisila Bokoko. Also in attendance was Juan Manuel Peran, Vice President of Pikolinos and founder of ADCAM Rosa Escandell. The Pikolinos Maasai project is developed through ADCAM, the Association for Development, Alternative Trade and Microcredit Association www.adcam.es and Pikolinos, one of the most important international footwear firms, with a presence in more than 60 countries www.pikolinos.com/maasai.

Global Ambassador and Strategist for Pikolinos, Bisila Bokoko
with Olivia Palermo at the presentation in Madrid

Through this project, more than 1,600 Maasai women hand embroider the leather of the shoes and bags, shipped from Spain. Once decorated, the leather returns to Spain so that the shoe can be finished. Thanks to the Maasai Project, the women of this community have gained a salary, for the first time, something that was reserved exclusively for the men, as in other places in Africa. But what is most important is that the work that they do allows them to maintain their culture and their way of life (the Maasai tribe is declared in danger of extinction by the United Nations). The result is that more than 1,600 families have a stable source of income that permits them to have access to basic benefits such as food or medicine.

Leader of the Maasai Community, William Kikanae with Olivia Palermo

In addition, and thanks to the interaction of other individuals, this allows for the construction of a school for more than 100 children in the African savannah. With this fourth collection of sandals in the Maasai design, Pikolinos takes another step in its vision of Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrating its interests in collaborating with the neediest as well as being pioneers in the pursuit of the development of fair trade. In addition, the full proceeds from the sale of these shoes are intended for development projects in the Maasai Mara.

More information about the Project: www.pikolinos.com/maasai
Facebook: PIKOLINOS 
Twitter: @MaasaiProject

All pieces in the M.A.F. Couture editorial are available for purchase. Kindly inbox us at info@zenmagazineafrica.com if you would like to purchase any of the items.

Credit for Images (Contents)
Mearg Tareke – Photography by Monica True | Hair Stylist: Darrell Thompson |Make Up Artist: Liz Wegrzyn
M.A.F. Couture – Photography by Remon van den Kommer | Stylist: Tammy van Bommel | Make up Artist: Melanie Wortman | Hair Stylist: Eldridge Mullenhof
Aloye Adede – Credit to Eyola
Ice Prince – Credit to 360nobs.com
Fashion Envie by Beau Monde Society – Photography by Oye Diran for Arista imagery | Makeup by Moshoodat Sanni | Hairstyling by Kathy Clarke Louis
David Tlale – Credit to David Tlale
Giuseppe Zanotti – Credit to Giuseppe Zanotti

Join M.A.F. Couture’s Facebook Page: M.A.F.Couture 
Follow the brand on Twitter: @mafcouture

Angela Nakisozi is a 19 year old Ugandan fashion model based in the United Kingdom. Her passion for modelling started in 2010 when one of her friends a fashion graduate asked her to model in her final collection at the end of year fashion show. She was so excited and also terrified at the same time because she had never been on any runway before and the fear of tripping on stage is one thing every new model dreads. After having a successful walk on the runway, the whole experience itself became a catalyst that motivated Angela to pursue modelling professionally.

Even though she is still particularly new in the modelling scene over in the UK, she has worked with a few fashion designers including Jessica Mae, Roxy Sue and top photographers like Dominic Thurmer, and Delroy Stanford Photography, has been featured in campaigns with House of Oshae and Forever Iconic, walked the runways of House of Fraser fashion show in 2012 and 2013, walked at the UG/UK convention in 2012, and worked with IFE projects in the Walthamstow graduate summer fashion show where she had the privilege to work alongside Miss Uganda 2011 winner Empress Shakira. Her next modelling task will be the runways of Rip the Runway UK Fashion show, “At the moment, I am looking forward to the Rip the Runway UK fashion show as I have been selected to model at the show.” The Rip the Runway UK will be holding on the 9th of June, 2013 and Angela can’t wait to get on the runway to show the world what she is made of. “I am very easy to work with, very professional, love what I do, and I am totally willing to travel anywhere including overseas to model“.

Photography by Dominic Thurmer