VOGUE ITALIA - BLACK | MODELS MOMENTS | KIARA KABUKURU

Kiara Kabukuru is one of my favorite models over the years.  I haven't seen much of her recently but she continues to be an important part of the industry.  Ugandan born model didn't think she could be a model because she isn't as tall as most runway models.  Listen as she talks about what she loves about New Yorkers and how they express themselves through fashion.  She also shares her personal style and how her career as a model began and grew unexpectedly.

VOGUE ITALIA - BLACK | MODELS MOMENTS | IMAN

Legendary Supermodel Iman is now an Icon in the fashion industry.  Listen in as she speaks about her early days as a model and the incident that inspired her to start her successful cosmetics line.

VOGUE ITALIA - BLACK | MODELS MOMENTS | ALEK WEK

Vogue Italia interviews model Alek Wek in her neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn NY.

CULTURE & FASHION | Bethann Hardison Talks Diversity in Fashion

Bethann Hardison sat down with the reporters on Arise TV to discuss her ongoing initiative to promote diversity in the fashion industry.  The former fashion model recognizes the way many women of colour are often shut out of some high profile companies when it comes to fashion shows and major advertising.

Read more about the initiative at www.balanceddiversity.com

Naomi Campbell, Bethann Hardison and Iman make their appearance on Good Morning America in early September.  The two supermodels are big supporters of the coalition headed by Hardison to promote diversity in the fashion industry.

STYLE | CULTURE | Ghana Fashion & Design Week

Models posing with the logo of Moet & Chandon, one of the prime sponsors of Ghana Fashion & Design Week.

The second annual Ghana Fashion & Design Week kicks off today.  After a successful launch last year, it is now one of Ghana's most anticipated fashion events of the year.  Showcasing a host of designers from Africa as well as the African diaspora, the shows promise to present the best in style, creativity and represent what's in store for Africa's future in fashion.  Familiar designers from last year returning include 1981, Sarah Duah and Jil Boutique.  Some new labels join the lineup including House of Marie, Tuedor and Wright, Vonne Couture and Tap Designs.

Model wearing Sarah Duah from her 2012 collection at Ghana Fashion & Design Week 2012.

Sarah Duah from Germany who showed her first collection last year, continues to push the boundaries of creativity with her new collection.  Last year everyone remembered her collection completely inspired by hair.  It had attendees talking for weeks after the event.  Hers was one of the most unique and memorable.  She was recently touted as one to watch in Vogue UK and is known in the fashion circles as being quite avante-garde.  Her collection this season is inspired by the idea that everyone carries their own personal package.  It should be an interesting display.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SARAH DUAH TALK ABOUT HER COLLECTION LAST YEAR.

Jil Boutique

If there is any designer who pays homage to her Ghanaian roots it has to be Adoley Addo of Jil Boutique.  She always uses African prints particularly the woven kente cloth in her work.  Her ability to fuse it into a modern and contemporary design is what makes her work stand out.  The use of kente in bold bright colours is a strong element throughout.

House of Marie. (Photo: Ghanafashiondesignweek.com)

House of Marie's use of colour and texture while still infusing the culture of Africa are what make this International label interesting.  Joan Ibuzo is the head designer and she brings together a mix of culture with a modern appeal by using lace, tie-dye, chiffon and even leather into her collection.

GFDW promises to stay true to its vision to provide a platform for Ethical Fashion under the name Ethika.  Della La, Tash'Ornee, Fashion Rising Collection and Tuedor and Wright are all part of this initiative to promote sustainable and ethical fashion practices in Africa. 

One exciting addition this year is an opportunity for new fashion graduates to have this international platform of exposure to present their collections.  The Emerging talent presentation will feature the work of up and coming designers who are part of the first group of graduates from Radford University's Fashion Design program.  This is a representation and clear indicator of Ghana's future in the fashion business.  As the school grows and fosters new talent it will only serve to drive more development in Ghana's fashion industry as well as further solidify Africa's stronghold in fashion.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR'S EVENT

For more information and ticket information visit www.ghanafashionweek.com

STYLE | CULTURE | NORTH AFRICA CLASHING WITH JAPAN?

Designers always talk about the references and influences in their collections. But this was quite interesting to me because it was being described as a clash between North Africa and Japan. Quite a contrast of culture and style aesthetics if you really consider that combination. It was quite grim, in my opinion, that a car crash was the centre of attention for the runway show, but every artist has their own creativity in how they want to present their work. The pieces actually were quite interesting in the way the two cultures were mixed together in the design, draping and details of each piece. Take a look at the video and see what you think about the spring 2014 collection for Givenchy.

STYLE | STREET STYLE SHOES AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

If there is one thing that you can count on at Paris Fashion Week, it's the unique sense of style of everyone on the streets. It doesn't matter if it's the famous socialite or the young teenager strolling by, Paris seems to bring out some of the best in fashion. Take a look at this video filled with shoes spotted on the feet of fashion goers during Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2014 collections.