Nana Afua Antwi: Britain's Top Model

My previous post about Nana was by mere opportunity. I found Nana's profile on Fashions Finest website and decided to write about her on the blog. Now I got the chance to interview her. Are you asking....who is she? Here is a bio about her!!

Nana Afua started modelling when she was scouted at H&M in Central London mid 2009. Same year she started her catwalk experience at La geneve north events working for establish and emerging designers. Nana Afua is one of the few African models to recently grace September/August Issue 2011 of Black hair Magazine which was voted best cover celebrating black beauty in America. She also appread in Pride Magazine as the face of the feature for 'real women' and did editorials for Fabulous Magazine. Nana Afua has walked in London Fashion Week for Matthew Williamson and the face for E'lon Cosmetics in America. She has grace most fashion and lifestyle magazine in the UK and also for American Online Magazine E'lon.

She has appeared in the Barking & Dagenham Post Newspapers six times continuous spread for her work ethic as well as the The Voice (newspaper). Nana Afua is an upcoming fashion designer with the clothing brand 'adopted culture' which was selected for Vogue Fashion's night out September 2011. In record the label is the first ethincal brand to ever grace Savile Row in Sartoria Bar Central London. She won Best Female Model of the year in October 2011 for Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television Awards (BEFFTA Awards).

Hi Nana, from the recent online voting, you have been titled Britain’s Top Model. How did you get into this ranking and how do you feel been No 1?

      Honestly have no idea how I got into the Hottest British Fashion Models ranking it’s been 8weeks and still voted No 1 so that’s a dream come true.

                                                                                                                                                    
Have you always aspired to be a model? Be honest *smiles*

Modelling has been part of me growing up so it’s definitely something I passion to pursue

 If not, what were your ambitions?

My ambitions were to be a Model and a fashion Designer which I am doing now so very pleased with that accomplishment having said that I always thought I would be a lawyer.

Who are your role models in this industry?

My role model in the modelling industry right now will be Tyra Banks the more I watch her I want to be better than her ‘laughs’

Have you ever comprised your principles or values to meet the want of a designer or your agent?

Well they say models don’t have a say in the industry but am kind of a girl that always say my mind. I do respect the job of a designer and an agent but still confident to make my point across if inconvenient.

Which magazines/brands would you like to cover?

American Vogue, Ebony Magazine, Love Magazine

What was going through your mind when you were ripping the runway at AFWL?

Freedom! that’s how I feel whenever I hit the catwalk

What is your highlight(s) of the event (AFWL)

Finale show for Adebayo Jones was fantastic finally got my ‘Yes Dress ‘signed by himself for me to grace on the catwalk

Describe “Adopted Culture”?

Adopted Culture is a clothing brand with an idea of different blend of fabrics to create unique creativity.

Adopted culture was not exhibited or showcased at AFWL. What happened?

Adopted Culture was showcased last year’s AFWL. I don’t rush making loads of collection just to show off. As a designer I study the market and know when to promote my samples

What’s in your handbag?

I love shoulder bags with a little funky twist. I am a big fan of big bags as well

How often do you go for beauty treats?

I must say I’ve never had beauty treats outdoor I do my own beauty treats I don’t like wearing makeup so I like staying natural at most occasion

Congratulations on your TV show!!

Describe your fashion style for your presenting role?

One word CHIC

Care to share some future projects?

  

Probably acting it’s something I feel I was born to do as well it runs in my personality

Advice to aspiring models?

Well just keep doing you not just for attention but as a positive role model

Thank you so much for honouring this interview.

For more about Nana, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/nanatopmodelofcolour.uk 

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

                    Adopted Culture

Favourite High Street Buys

For a great outdoor fashion shoot, all you need are- perfect weather, outfits, company and a big smile. Today's shoot was just that. Saturday's are usually relaxing, but for this fashion editor, it is the perfect time to create fashion forward outfits. Below are images from the shoot with new arrivals at Topshop and H&M. Here is how to create a new look....moving from the natural hair colour to Cha-Cha Rouge. Complimenting a new look with a coral lacy dress and nude heels.

Accessory: Pyramid ring & noddles ear ring both from Topshop
Make-up: KIKO, MAC & Sleek

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Africa Fashion Week London 2012

This look is fashion forward and relaxed. Brogue mixed with Afro-print LS shirt is well styled and matched. *Thumps* up from moi

Perfect colour duo. The lady in purple LS blouse gets it right! Very well done. Love the shoes x

Afro-print jumpsuit is a way to go!

See Eighteen Forever Jumpsuit £30 below. Contact sales 07554173992

Top model @AFWL. She is awesome! Would like to interview her. 

Afro-print jumpsuit with a HOOD! Rock that out! 

Too busy talking.....that's what African ladies do best. They are always catching up with friends even if they live together :)

Two words: Simple and Sassy

If this is not fashion addict best spot, I don't know what to say. I adore the head-wrap, and the oversize bag too. On my wish list! Tried the head-wrap a while back, so difficult to do though! *Thumps* up or down!

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

10 Hot New Bags

One of the most important accessory in your wardrobe is your handbag. They are visual art with delightful patterns to the female arm. We need them all day, everyday. Bags are important accessories because they express our personality and protect our personal belongings wherever we go. The mistake we make is owing too many, therefore loosing the purpose of styling them. It is advisable that you invest in unique styles and colours that can be wearable differently without loosing the edge of your style. We often think that we don't have to wear the same things twice. The question is....why not?

Bags have evolved considerable over the years. They are constantly on the extremes; oversize bags for weekend getaways or the gym and the really small clutches that your perfume cannot fit into. The picture below depicts variety of styles and colours for different occasions. I particularly adore "Kate Spade New York Clutch Bag £223.10 (top right). It is unique, stylish and definitely worth every penny. I would style it with a lacy purple dress, black stiletto and gold jewelleries. Yep....colour YORK it ladies!

From top left: New look multi-coloured clutch bag £15.99, Black snakeskin £16.99, Kate Spade New York "brushstroke" £223.10 Nordstrom.

From below left: Sara 3 in 1 block £25 Boohoo, Ellie Saab grid box clutch £747- Boutique 1

These bags are handy for work and evening outings with the girls. Adding colour to your fall season fashion is amazing as it brightens your outfit creating the right attention. The bright green bag from Ralph Lauren is an A-list choice. Get shopping ladies.

Don't forget to like the FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eighteen-Forever/353084814708768?ref=hl

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Uber Africa Collective

Just take a look at images from designers at Uber Africa during Africa Fashion Week on Saturday at Spitafields market.

Is red the new season colour?

This is an epitome of style! What do you think?

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Get ready for AFWL 2012

With the Olympic frenzy on the high, athletes are not my major concern. Africa Fashion Week London is my only concern, and this year has claimed to be a HIT with top fashion couture designers casting their spells on it already. The event will be held at Spitafields market in Piccadilly on the 3rd-4th of August. I was at the event last year as a guest, I was totally blown away by the number of people that attended. It was absolutely magnificent. This year, I've been granted full access to the show......yay! It feels amazing to be an official press pass holder at AFWL because I finally feel like I'm been recognised for my work. I cannot wait to connect and interview lots of amazing people, and of course take pictures.....click! click!

If you are interested in coming and meeting with me, you can get free tickets here;
http://africafashionweeklondon.com/africafashionweek/free-show/

After getting your tickets, you naturally ask yourself  "what should I wear? The answer is simple, I have created some simple as well as dramatic outfits to inspire your styling. I would recommend an African print or bright colour just like the first one below, which is from my own collection. Dress to stand out so you can be approached for pictures :) The organisers' expect nothing less than 10,000 guests....mwahhh. You REALLY want to stand out!

See you there xoxo

Flare skirt £30
Crop top £20
To purchase, contact Sales;
Email: salimatkah@yahoo.com or
Mobile: 07886985688

This outfit is from "Ladylike Collection" (click this tab above for more pieces in the collection)

Please do not copy this images without my permission. Thanks

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Africa Fashion Guide At Bread & Butter Berlin 2012

From the 4th to 6th July 2012 took place one of the biggest sports and street tradeshows in Europe if not the world – the infamous ‘Bread and Butter’ (BBB) tradeshow. Founded in 2001, and this year titled ‘THE ROCK’ Bread and Butter now houses around 600 of these fashion exhibitors. It presently takes place at the historical venue which is the Berlin-Tempelhof Airport and all I can say is that this event is DOPE! (even if my flight back to London got cancelled…tut tut Easyjet…)

Firstly I would recommend visiting BBB in the summer show as Berlin can be biting cold at times in the winter Jan shows, and can be very warm in the summer July shows, secondly book ahead and register ahead in time so you don’t have to go through the huge queueing system to register once you arrive; thirdly book ahead of time your flights and your hotel as you can imagine thousands of people are hitting Berlin during this season and even Easyjet can take advantage of this time and extensively overcharge you for a near 2 hour flight into Berlin from London…the next show lands in Berlin from January 2013 so you have been pre-warned.

Another…the 2nd to last point to note is to wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Airport Berln Tempelhof is a huge airport and spans a 1.2km quadrant so if you are like me and once you get to one end and realise y ou need to meet a company at another end then flat comfy shoes are the way to go as you WILL be walking lots and for hours too. AND the final point is to bring plenty of business cards – come stacked up…even myself, I ran out of my Africa Fashion Guide bcards as I tend to network with everyone I meet.

My very short trip was brief and my focus on this trip varied but I did want to being to you the Africa focused fashion streetstyle that I came across at the trade events I visited which on this occassion were Bread and Butter and also Bright Tradeshow too.

See below for the streetfashions I spotted who were repping African threads.

Author: Jacqueline Shaw

Photo credit: Africa Fashion Guide 

Website: www.africafashionguide.com