27 Nov 2016

Kwame Koranteng Bespoke Tailoring



Incorporating Ghanaian fabrics & vibrant colours with Western modern tailoring design, Kwame Koranteng Bespoke Tailoring creates gorgeous & unique handmade suits for men and women.




Most of us tend to stick to basic black, white, grey or blue colours and it's a good look, but why not try a colour to your style?

What is your favourite colour? (if it's one of the 4 colours mention above, choose another one)

What colour pop in your mind? Would you wear a suit this colour?

A beautifully tailored suit that fits in with your style, lifestyle and personality will make dressing formally sound more relaxing & fun.




You will look classy, comfortable and approachable, and that, will make you feel good and look good!



Choosing the fabric to measurements, fitting and styling, assembling and completion with accessories, the suit made for the individual at Kwame Koranteng Bespoke Tailoring is firmly rooted in delivery of excellence, class, style and elegance.




More info:
http://www.kwamekoranteng.com


Vanity Afro, 28/11/2016

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and kind. X

30 Sept 2016

Senegalese Fashion Designer Sophie Zinga

Senegalese Fashion Designer Sophie Zinga is all about luxury and sensuality.


Zinga produce a gorgeous collection using highly refined and sophisticated fabrics, hand made Senegalese cloth and semi precious stones. Distinctive, her collections have an unique mix of contemporary and sophistication with a touch of minimalism while still embracing colours and shape. 


She also creates stunning clothing for her boutique using Ankara & printed fabrics.



The Sophie Zinga woman reflect the modern woman who is socially conscious, well travelled and is part of today’s cosmopolitan world.


Follow Sophie Zinga on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sophiezinga/


Vanity Afro, 30/09/2016

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and kind. X

26 Jul 2016

African and Africentric vibes



African Urban vision


It's not just a headwrap. It's a lifestyle.


Dreams of Africa 


Traditional and unique



PhotographerAndrea Sánchez 

Designer jewellery: Rumana Patel

Makeup/Hair & Stylist: Caroline Claude

Model: Yaourou Konaté Lehrmann and Joceline Domingos Mafuta




Vanity Afro, 28/06/2016

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and kind. X

1 Jun 2016

Ashanti Lou couture shoes

Fashionistas lover, shoe-obsessed people and all creative in love with innovative design, feast your eyes with couture shoes, Ashanti Lou.


Shoe designer Louisa Osei was born in London to Ghanaian parents. She discovered her passion for designing footwear at university, where she was a party animal and always needed a unique pair of heels, however couldn't find them. So she decided to make her own. Ashanti Lou shoes are unique, playful and spectacularly flamboyant while still combining quality and comfort. Whether you're are a confident woman who invests in yourself and value personal style or a model/actress who want to stand out when attending fashion parties, Ashanti Lou shoes would add a definite wow factor to every outfit.

These shoes are pure art. A Provocative, wearable art form.



However, some of Ashanti Lou shoes are just too beautiful to ruin them by walking in them; so fashion lover don't necessarily buy a pair to wear them. They are more likely bought to add to their collection.


Whether you look at these shoes as art or want to bring sparkle & uniqueness to your footwear, these shoes will fit the bill perfectly.


A percentage of every sale is donated to charitable cause. It’s a happy thought to know that you are contributing to charities while purchasing a pair of shoes, make you feel good.



More images @Instagram.com/ashantilou


Vanity Afro 01/06/2016

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and be kind. x

21 Apr 2016

Latenda Afro Hair Salon

Finding a reputable hairdresser in London, that you trust, and who has the skill to work with natural afro and multi-textured hair can be your worst nightmare.

Look no further, meet Latenda.

Known for her vision and passion for making people look good and feel fabulous, Latenda specialises in weaves, hair extensions, Afro Caribbean and European hair. She has a valued clientèle and caters for women, men and children. The friendly hairstylist, who has over 20K followers on Instagram, is reliable and has a high level of professionalism. 

She also hosts a YouTube channel where she offer tutorials and hair care routine.

Latenda offers great styles and services at affordable prices.

In addition to that, her creativity and experience styling for photo-shoots makes her much in demand within the fashion and entertainment industries.


Here are some of Latenda images:


Latenda hair salon is located in West London, close to the tube and Westfield shopping centre so this makes a good location.
Secretly tucked away, this minimalistic hair salon is a house conversion where you’ll feel comfortable from the minute you enter.

Q&A with Latenda. 

What has been your biggest achievement so far?
.Doing hair for closing of the Olympic Games
.Doing Cover of Black Beauty Mag
.Doing hair for Screen Nation Award
.Doing Hair Extensions for Him & her television show

What is the best thing about being a hairdresser for you?
Flexible hours, being my own boss, full creativity reign, meeting amazing people.

Describe yourself in three words. Fun, entertaining and innovative

Which celebrity would you love to style and why?
                                              Janelle Monáe because she is fun.
                                              Beyoncé because she has had the same hairstyle for 15 years.

What are your thoughts on black women choosing to wear their hair natural?
I think it’s amazing. There is a certain cuteness and quirkiness that can only be found in natural hairstyles. From ‘fro to twist outs to straight to puffs, the versatility of our natural hair is endless.

For those who want that extra touch of glamour to their look, Latenda do Makeup too! 
This is your time to relax and feel beautiful.

Get in touch with Latenda via www.latenda-hair.co.uk .


Vanity Afro, 21/04/2016

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and kind. X

18 Mar 2016

Beautiful & Creative Street Art by Vinie Graffitti.




French artist, Vinie Graffiti is an extraordinarily talented inspirational street artist. She creates incredible works of street art combined with Mother Nature, bringing out the beauty of the urban landscape. She has successfully made the transition from the street to fine art gallery. 


The wonder of street art is to be found in the fact that it always appears spontaneously, draws the attention of the local population and at the same time sends a message to the world.
Vinie street art works is naturally magnificent. I think street art is a good way to raise awareness about the importance of nature in the urban space. What are your thoughts?









Enter the fascinating world of Vinie, visit www.viniegraffiti.com

Be happy, do the best you can, be good and be kind. x



10 Feb 2016

Q&A: Vincent Osborne. Reception at The Speakers House.

On the 14th January 2016, the Black British Classical Foundation (BBCF) held an evening reception at the House of Commons hosted by his chairman, Vincent Osborne, to celebrate the work and forthcoming BBCF 2016 season.

                                             
We were indulge in the experience of NYETIMBER English Sparkling Wine and were also served MINUS 33, a pretty special spirit, accompanied by a tempting array of delicious cheeses produced in the English county of Yorkshire.  


Being a perfect host, Vincent entertained his guests with his warm laughter, distinctive voice and charming demeanour. 


We were greatly impressed by the quality of speakers and the sheer finesse of the performances of the opera singers.
 


The Event Photographer was Kojo Oteng-Sarpong.


1. Tell us about yourself.
Vincent Osborne was born with the entrepreneur's blood in his veins.
Earlier in life, Vincent was the creator of the first Black Soap Opera – “Brothers and Sisters” on BBC2. He is also responsible for co-writing 2 musicals and he is currently writing a TV drama comedy.
In the 1980's,Vincent moved to Brixton with his young family just after the riots. For him, that was the opportunity to fulfil his ambition and he created and owned the award-winning Caribbean food restaurant,The Brixtonian, and a rum shop.
After focusing on the food industry, Vincent’s lifetime passion for opera and classical music inspired him to set up the Black British Classical Foundation (BBCF).


2. What is the Black British Classical Foundation aims?
For many years Vincent has been involved with the development and financial support of young black opera singers through platform performances involvement in the Covent Garden Festival and annual tour of the Caribbean Island promoting Black British Classical performers and their music.
The BBCF aims to promote and support Black and Asian Communities on the operatic and classical stage across the UK and throughout the Commonwealth. 


3. We understand you have devoted much of your work with the development and financial support of young black opera singers through platform performances. Which artists would you recommend that we listen to first in order to get a feel for this music?
The names to look out for are Nadine Benjamin. Ronald Samm, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Grace Nyandoro, Anna Anandarajah and Peter Brathwaite.


4. What is the most challenging aspect of being a black classical singer and trying to gain the respect from mainstream media?
The biggest problem for the young BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) singer, is simply opportunity to show their God-given talent!

                                                            
5. When did blacks people first develop a presence in opera?
The first black opera singer who made a name for herself was Marian Anderson.
A wonderful lady who was not only committed to being an opera singer but was very involved within the equality struggle which still goes on today. One of her most memorable performance was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial due to her being Black.


6. Do you feel like the opera is portrayed as an art form mostly associated with white elite audiences and performers?
Yes, but like most things in Great Britain it is all about Class.
What is not often considered is that the class structure is constantly being challenged and changes.
New groups take up the middle ground and so the arts have different colours added to the tapestry.
If this was to be applauded and supported by those at the top, then the British Cultural Scene would be the best in the world and show others the way forward and best practice. 


7. Do we need more black and multi-ethnic opera’s singer positive role models to attract younger generations?
Yes.

8. If you could be someone from history for a day, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King!
King’s speech is arguably the greatest speech in history.
I would like to make the one speech to galvanize the world that music and the making of music can change lives and that it is a right that all children must be given the opportunity to explore.


9. What does the upcoming year look like for the Black British Classical Foundation?
We have a challenging but most exciting year ahead for the Black British Classical Foundation. This season we will present from small recitals to a large three day outdoor music festival, in doing so achieving our aims of taking Opera to new audiences and venues.
Our major project, however is a biannual competition, “The Voice of Black Opera” for BAME singers from the British Commonwealth.
This competition, supported by the Royal Opera House & Wigmore Hall, has the potential to change the lives of the winners. The previous winner was Elizabeth Llewellyn from Jamaica who has gone on to sing a number of prestigious roles including the lead role, Mimi, in La Bohème with the English National Opera.
I know that you are aware of the powerful influence of and the need for positive role models in our society. They act as enablers for the next generation to say, “Yes, I can do that!” whether it is in sport, science, or the arts… and with your help we can tackle a challenge that has yet to be overcome. We face a situation in the Arts where ethnic minorities are under-represented in the field of Opera.


For more information about Black British Classical Foundation, Partnership and Sponsorship programme, or if you would like to become a member and receive updates about performances, events and opportunities please contact BBCF at bbcfa@asapcomms.co.uk


Image  Kojo Oteng-Sarpong




 



Q&A by Vanity Afro on 10/02/2016.




 Be happy, do the best you can, be good and be kind. x