The Fly Girl Guide

Sep 10

Sep 10 The Fly Girl Guide to Africa Fashion Week London

"I mean what else are we gonna do but level up?" - Fabolous

I am writing to you from my hotel room in London where I am covering Africa Fashion Week London. I'm too hype. I literally just leveled up. My life, my mindset, and my happiness are just on a new level. Welcome, to The Fly Girl Guide: The Level Up.

Why did I travel to London to cover Africa Fashion Week London? Because I want to see what's good with fashion from the African Diaspora. I'm so over New York Fashion Week. I don't care what Kendall or Gigi is wearing. The coverage of NYFW is so saturated and unoriginal. What's good with the other models like, Maria Borges, Grace Mahary, Leomie Anderson, and Diandra Forrest? And I will never forget when Who What Wear snapped the worst snapchat story talking about, "look at the Black model and she closed the show." I wrote about that horrible white privilege fiasco here.

I'm just over it. I want to know what real dope fashionistas are wearing and what inspires them. It seems to be a gap within the African fashion market. African style can influence but it doesn't cross over. Currently, you can find dashiki shirts in most stores, I saw them in Rainbow for $14.99 USD but they aren't authentic and African styles don't seem to have a place in the Ready To Wear sector. There must be a way to bridge the gap.

From yesterday's show, I saw designs that one could wear for work, special occasions and chilling. Stranger Things and chill in Emporium Line's sweat suits with Ankara print. Laura Jane served neoprene peplum skirts and capes along with men's bomber jackets and sweatshirts in neoprene fabric. McStell Fashion Gallery for Daviva showcased a stunning printed co-coordinated halter top with wide-legged pants. Nipo Skin for Daviva presented a menswear line that included everything for every man. With precise cuts and the use of leather and cords, the line is well tailored.

Nnooll was my favorite line. It's a brand I can truly see crossover. The line was playful, yet sophisticated. Each garment is ethically handmade in The Gambia.

African fashion is on the come up. There's more to African fashion than a dashiki shirt made popular by Dime Piece clothing brand and Rihanna. I'm seeing a direct need to bridge the gap. I look forward to today's shows before I head to Paris!