AUTHENTIC PRINTS: ONE FASHION BRAND AT A TIME

With the influx of "cheap" prints on the Ghanaian markets, it is common to see most brands and consumers opt for those prints to save cost whiles sidelining textile brands like GTP, Woodin, Printex among others.


I keep asking myself "Do these textile companies stand a chance against these cheap Chinese fabrics?"

Because not only are these prints cheaper, some are actually imitations of authentic print designs.

It is however commendable to see that a local fashion brand , LOVE ANKARA, chooses to only work with authentic prints.
The brand is making a strong statement by their stance and deserve to be appreciated and supported.











 

I am sure if other brands follow suit , we will be able to reduce if not completely eliminate these cheap prints.

To curb this menace on our markets is going to take great effort and time . But all hope is not lost, the honours lies upon us as consumers and fashion brands to pick a side. To only use authentic prints , not just those by big companies but also those by small scale local textile manufacturers.

We all need to make an extra effort however we can to make these cheap and imitated prints unattractive.
With brands like LOVE ANKARA, I believe we can achieve this earlier than we think, ONE FASHION BRAND AT A TIME.

Let's keep the conversation going.
What's your take on this topic?

 

Photo Credit: LOVE ANKARA

MY CURRENT OBSESSION: LOVE ANKARA FLATS

 

Hello Loves, I hope May did not take you by surprise as it did me. We are going to be alright nonetheless :-).

Everyone who knows me, knows I love sneakers (Tomboy problems lol) and the only thing I fantasize about all year would be swimwear (a contradiction maybe).

Now let's talk about my current obsession, shall we?
I'm not a ballerina kind of girl but Natives by Love Ankara got me all excited about flats, from their Eco-friendly and stylish packaging to how easy it is to put your flats in your purse or clutch. 

I love that the flats are so lightweight and comfortable, and they sure flatter my feet.
After several washes, the print does not fade and the packaging makes it ideal as a gift.

A worthy obsession if you asked me, I "heart" my flats and I "heart" the colour.


 The Native flats are made from premium leather and authentic limited edition African prints( Woodin and GTP), they are foldable and machine and hand washable. The in-soles are soft and prioritize comfort. Natives are hand-made in Ghana and available in sizes 38 to 44, delivery available both in Ghana and across the world on order and pre-order.
 

A Little information about the Love Ankara Brand;

" Love Ankara is about re-defining what authentic African fabric is. Our brand is a retail, fashion and decor brand that seeks to promote authentic African prints, empower women and preserve our local textile industries. Love Ankara fabrics, shoes and accessories are worn by powerful, outspoken, daring empowered women the world over...Women who are not afraid to be authentic, to be true to who they are! Love Ankara is our creative way of depicting our distinct cultures and personalities by showcasing our rich heritage through prints, fashion and decor. In Africa, fabric and prints are more than just cloth; it’s at the core of who we are as Africans, expressive, creative, confident; a colourful and authentic empire that carries an inextinguishable spirit...a joie de vivre! This is what makes us quintessentially African and by telling our story, we hope you'll come to love our brand and tell the world about it."

CONTACT DETAILS:

Whatsapp: +233 244 746597
Online Store : loveankara.storefoundry.com
Facebook: Love Ankara
Instagram: love_ankara
Email : shop@loveankara.com

 

IMAGE DETAILS

Makeup : Dab_and_blend (Instagram)
Photography : thebluedee (Instagram)

CASUAL CHIC DAYS

There are days when the mood calls for a more laid back style, casual with a bit of spice.
I call them the "eat your cake and have it" days.

You are thinking of comfort but not exactly!
You want to look good but you're not ready to dig out pieces and mix and match etc.

On such days you can bet on a blazer, or some cool accessories or heels to bail you out.

This Woodin FUSION Pret-a-porter shorts and top combination is a trendy casual pair.
The colourful and neutral print mix makes it interesting enough to be noticed yet not over the top.


This piece was fun to style because the print made sure I could get away with no accessories :-) . I opted for an ankle strap heel instead to elevate the look a bit more and make it appropriate for a party or a semi- formal function. 

And again this outfit is available in different prints and sizes in Woodin shops. 
You can also find other shorts and top combinations , some with sleeves and designs that will suit your style and personality. 

Don't forget to tag me in your Pret-a-porter outfit photos. 

THE LOOK

Shorts and Top - Woodin FUSION Pret-a-porter

Heels - From my closet

Make Up and Hair - afroface.mua(IG)

Photography - Team 1000 words

VLISCO INVITES CUSTOMERS TO PARTAKE IN 170TH CELEBRATIONS WITH SHOP WINDOW ACTIVATION

As part of celebrations marking its 170th Anniversary, Vlisco has unveiled a shop window activation at its flagship boutique at the Accra Mall. This activation box has been designed in the likeness of Vlisco’s V Inspired, magazine, and it encourages participants to become high fashion cover models and pose for pictures.

The face of the 170th Anniversary campaign for Ghana, Anita Erskine, was among the first to try out this new installation along with television personality Kokui Selormey, actress Marie Humbert and afro jazz songstress Adomaa.

The window activation also comes with a special promotion where participants who take a picture in the installation and post to social media with the hashtag #Vlisco170Years, stand a chance to win a Vlisco prize. This interactive feature will be in the store until December and everyone is welcome to participate.

Face of Vlisco's 170th anniversary, Anita Erskine

Actress Marie Humbert

Ghanaian Jazz Songstress Adoma

TV Personality Kokui Selormey

Human Mannequins

YOUR GO-TO AFRICAN PRINT TOP

The easiest way to spice up any look is to throw in some colour.

And what better way to look colourful than with an African Print.
In Ghana, Fridays have become an African print day as most workers have the 'Friday Wear" dress code. Whereas some establishments have branded print clothes , most companies allow for employees to look stylish and work-appropriate in any African print outfit of their choice.

My top today is a real bargain.
Retailing at 66 Cedis , this Woodin FUSION top is simple yet stylish.
You can take it to work, go on a date or even hang out with your girls and still look fab.


It comes in so many different prints which will definitely leave you spoiled for choice. I love this colour on my skin. :-)

Walk into any Woodin shop and see some more designs from their Ready-to-Wear collection.

I styled mine with black jeans and white sneakers , which is how I would wear it to my meetings and for a hangout. 

As usual I did no accessories. Forgive me guys, fashion week is just around the corner and I promise to do better. Thank you so much for reading.


How would you wear yours?

THE LOOK

Top - Woodin FUSION Prêt-à-porter

Jeans and Sneakers- From my closet

Make Up and Hair - Afroface.mua (IG)

Photography - Team 1000 Words

PRINT PALAZZO JUMPSUIT

Nothing beats an effortlessly chic look and this halter palazzo jumpsuit got me feeling exactly that way.

This extremely flattering 70’s style is one of the pieces recently outdoored by Woodin for their FUSION Collection.

Woodin is part of the Vlisco group, and has over the last 30 years risen to be a favourite for both the young and old through their creativity and dynamic designs.

Woodin has proven to be a truly African brand as their fabrics reflect Africa's rich culture and art.

The FUSION Collection features a limited edition ready-to-wear outfits that are trendy and affordable.

The coolest thing about FUSION for me is that the fabrics are made exclusively for the collection and are not sold on the market. Awesome right ?

I got to style four pieces from FUSION, this is the first one and I can't wait to show you the other three.

What do you think about wide-legged jumpsuits though?

Would you wear them?

I kept this look really simple and chic , it didn't  need much accessories as the outfit is a statement on its own( and also because I don't do a lot of jewelry).

A nice earring and a clutch should complete this look.

Let me know what you think about this look :-)

THE LOOK

Jumpsuit - FUSION Prêt-à-porter

Shoes - Kardashian kollection

Make up and Hair - Afroface.mua(IG)

Photography - Team 1000 words

5 FACTS ABOUT VLISCO PRET-A-COUTURE AND HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SERVICE

Vlisco over the years has been known as a brand that doesn’t compromise on quality. With their unique designs and creativity, they have succeeded in creating a brand that is original and respected worldwide.

Growing up in Ghana, our parents (mothers especially) wore their “Holland” (Vlisco) clothes only to special events. It was obvious it was a special type of fabric, an original that our mothers were proud to own. But today, Vlisco is making it more accessible for everyday wear.

Have you heard about Vlisco’s Pret-A-Couture (PAC) Fashion?

This is an in-house tailoring service introduced by Vlisco, where your favourite Vlisco fabric is made into a custom outfit of the utmost quality by Vlisco’s design and tailoring team.

Exciting right?

Here are 5 facts about the Vlisco Pret-A-Couture;

1.   What you see is what you get.

Ever picked a style at your tailor’s and went back for a fitting only to find a completely different outfit has been made? You don’t have to worry about that with Pret-A-Couture.

There are about 29 mix and match styles to choose from and your outfit will be exactly how you want it.

 2.   No need to worry about time.

There will be no need to make a fuss about whether your outfit will be ready on time or not.

It takes approximately 2 weeks or 14 days from choosing your style, fabric and taking your measurement to receive your beautiful and well made outfit. No excuses given.

 3.  Expert Tailors at your service

Vlisco’s in-house tailors receive training and coaching which allows them to create high quality, truly original fashion. Every garment is made with care and love to guarantee Vlisco’s quality standards. And even better, these tailors are trained to assist you choose the right style for your body type. Haven’t we all been lied to about how a particular style was going to look great on us, only to end up disappointed? Well those days are over!

 4.   It is as easy as A, B, C

All you need to do is walk into the Vlisco Boutique at the Accra Mall, with your favourite Vlisco fabric or select a fabric from the store, Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10am and 6pm.

Select a style and be measured by a tailor in store.

Return for a fitting and after a few adjustments (if required), you take home your custom-made Vlisco garment.

Viola! No stress. Life is simple, isn’t it?

5.   Satisfaction Guaranteed

Who else loves to hear those words? Nothing beats getting exactly what you wanted or you asked for and even better. The outfits are made with luxury finishing and trimmings. You get to turn heads and look stunning the Vlisco way.

Now to get the most out of the service, please take note of the following;

• It is advised that you try on sample outfits of the various styles to ensure it will suit your body and matches your vision.
• Prices range from Ghs 180 to Ghs 305 depending on your chosen style (excludes  fabric)
• Tailors are in store Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 6pm.

It’ll take 14 days after taking your measurement for your outfit to be ready.  However for 100 Ghs or more you can enjoy Vlisco’s Express Service that will ensure you receive your outfit within a week.

That is all for today.

Making beautiful outfits got a lot easier and I can’t wait to hear your feedbacK after you try out Vlisco’s Pret-A-Couture. To find out more and to see the full range of styles available, visit http://v-inspired.vlisco.com/pret-a-couture/