Check us out on TV! International TV Network CCTV did a feature on
us with Kweli Media. How cool is that?!
Love, Africa
Beautiful new collection from Duaba Serwa (all images via Ciaafrique)
I love this pullover by Diablotine
And new collection from Jewel by Lisa
Big earrings, big statement
Happy Feet with Beaded Sandals
Big earrings are great for a night out, or for to dress up a super toned
down outfit. Wear with jeans, and a simple top. For color coordination,
if you have on a light colored earring wear dark clothes, and if you have
on dark colored earrings, wear a matching item such as a scarf, bag or
shoe.
Colorful Print
African print is bold and bright! If its in a bag, I like to wear solid
colors that compliment. A black sweater or top would go great with this
purse!
Sandals are a great afro-chic investment! If African print is bold, than
African sandals are a subtle way of conveying your
style. These would go great with a skirt or jeans shorts.
In the wide range of African handcrafts available, it can be difficult to find a good laptop bag. I've tried and tested a few with less than steller results. Que in Kushn pronounced "cushion", owned and operated by South African Greer Valley. Their laptop bags and ipad cases are an Afropolitan mix of African colors, textures and our ubiquitous i-gadgets. Kushn designs reflect a dynamic, colourful, robust and creative contemporary Africa with sleek genuine leather computer accessories. I almost jumped for joy when I found Greer's company online, and had a glimmer of hope that perhaps my laptop could now don an African made bag that wouldn't break. I was curious as to how Kushn got it start, so here's my short Q&A with Greer. Enjoy!
Q: What's the significance and meaning behind the name?
Kushn is short for Cushion. The idea is that we provide covers that cushion valuable items like laptops and ipads. Kushn is also a play on "text speak"
Q: What inspires your designs?
African cities, the colours, smells, textures.... I also love traditional african cloth and love that there is usually a story behind each peice
Q: Where is the workshop?
I work from my home studio, and we employ various leather artisans around Cape Town, South Africa to make the the products
Q: Did you study design or are you self taught?
I studied Architecture at the University of cape town.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
Kushn started in March this year [2011].
Q: What is your vision for the next few years?
I'd like to expand the range to include luggage and accessories and possibly move operations to another african country to experience a new way of making things. I'd also like to do a trip to different african countries to source interesting textiles to include into the range.
Hi sneak-peekers! Afropolitan Shop is almost nearing the big launch! Its been an amazing experience getting the website ready and going out and meeting different designers and checking out different products. I hope that you enjoy your time on the site!
Its been amazing watching the progress on the continent the last few years. After being there for over a year, I was so impressed by the advances. I got to travel to Zambia, made a 15 hour visit of Adis Abbaba, Ethiopia and took a days long drive through a bao-boab filled valley in Tanzania. Wow. I'm back home in my other home California, but man I miss Africa!
I miss the colors, the sounds, the cadence of people's voices, the fruit! Things are looking up for the Continent--no matter what you've been told.