Kina Klothing: African To A Tee

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Written By: Nani Hapa—Every now and then, I "discover" (I use the term loosely here) something that is so out of this world cool, that all I can say is: DOPE (sorry mama, sometimes a little bit of slang goes a long way in capturing an emotion). That's how I felt when I saw Kina Klothing's t-shirts (www.kinaklothing.com). Kina Klothing is all about "Pan Afrikan, Art, Bongo Flava, Afro Beat, Taarab, Fashion, Poetry, Sankofa, Jazz, Pop-Culture, Fela Kuti , 60s, 70s, 80s Afrika, HipHop, Illustration, Cassette Tapes, Street, Soul, Vinyl Records, Politics, Animation, Disco, Electronic, Basketball, Fun, Zouk, Bolingo, Photography, Soccer, Play, CDs, mp3s, Graphic Design … everyday people." My personal favorite t-shirt is this one featuring Julius Nyerere; not only would I rock this t-shirt in a heartbeat (I can see myself in this t-shirt, a pair of faded jeans and my curls on the loose at a house party dancing to Congolese music), I would probably fall head over heels in love at first sight with any guy who would is aware enough to wear the Nyerere t-shirt:
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(Photo Credits: www.KinaKlothing.com)

Stephanie Okereke Covers MIMI

Written By: Staff Writer—Award winning Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke is looking absolutely fabulous on MIMI's September 2009 issue, which is slated for release next week. The release of MIMI's September issue coincides with Stephanie's release of her new website, www.stephanieokereke.net, and the nationwide release (in Nigeria) of her writing, producing and directing debut Through The Glass. Stephanie opened up to MIMI about her life and how its ups and downs have shaped her to become the accomplished woman that she is today; here's a snippet of what Stephanie had to share with MIMI in her interview:

"Acting is my first love. I will always be an actress. For behind the scenes roles, I will not stop myself either, I just go as the job demands and as my passion leads me. There are so many things I want to learn and master about the industry. I get excited just thinking about it ... [Through The Glass was] my first time writing, producing and directing. It was very tasking and humbling, it absolutely made me appreciate more the people behind the scene. The first thought of it scared the hell out of me, you know, stepping out of one’s comfort zone and also not wanting to fail in all these different tasks, but in general, it was an exceptional experience and certainly more comforting that people loved the movie."

You can read the rest of Stephanie's interview and much more in MIMI's September 2009 issue! Look for an annoucement about the new issue here, or follow MIMI on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Simon Constable's birthday picnic on Primrose Hill

Happy birthday Simon! X

London Street Style...Blue Suede Shoes

London Street Style...Denim Story

The gorgeous Toni and her fab denim jacket. I probably need to write a whole lot more on the versatility of the denim jacket but I am still in Lyon and using a laptop where English spell-check doesn't seem to work. So to spare you the agony of reading a horribly misspelt post (it's been a long time between Spelling Bee's!) I will save it for when I get back to London.


I will say this though- a denim jacket is like a good blazer/jacket: something that will last you for years and is incredibly versatile so it is worth spending a little bit more on to get a great fit, denim fabric and cut. I have a white motorcycle style from Max&Co (circa 2002) and a Betty Jackson pale denim number (circa 2005) which I still adore.

London Street Style...Little Boots

Barbara, from Argentina and her little boots :))

Okay, so not so little but I suspect once Autumn/Winter is in full swing, Barbara's thigh-highs will seem positively ankle-length given the proliferation of ultra long boots appearing in stores and magazines. I don't think they are for everyone (my legs, for example, would look like two overstuffed Saucisson squeezed into acres of leather!) but for those with legs like Barbara's, get out the talcum powder, coathanger and vaseline and pull on 'em boots!


p.s. I am typing this from a hotel room in Lyon, France so posts are going to be a little sketchy over the next few days.

London Street Style...Hippie Luxe

London Street Style...Too Cool For School

Swedish school students, Notting Hill, London

London Street Style....French Rules

Nina

Who lives in Paris but who I photographed in London.

Love her vintage jacket and high waisted jeans...and her perfectly tousled cropped hair.

Impossibly, effortlessly elegant and chic: the French Rules.

p.s. Only one more hour to enter the Paris Eurostar comp! Winner will be announced later this week :)

London Street Style...Diiiiirty Glam

Carlos Rivera, Spanish fashion writer and author of men's style blog, El Sexo debil de la moda, which you can check out here. Carlos oozes style but in a wonderfully fresh, individual and, it has to be said, unnervingly sexy way. Is it the hair, the jewellery, the flash of chest peeking out of his floral shirt??? I don't know but I love it! It's dirty glam :)

I also really like the way Carlos writes on his blog- it's witty and not-too-serious but still fashion informative. For all of us non-Spanish speakers, Carlos has just started writing his posts in English (with the help of his tutor). Here are a few snippets from his latest post entitled "NOW":

"NOW the most fashionable trend is wearing old fashioned clothes, so.......

•Search your wardrobe looking for greatest basics from other times.

• Go to your grandparents house in your holiday break and steal the grandma's must haves, if she was wearing a Louis Vuitton bag it's an extra point for you and your futures looks, remember now is fashionable normal size bags, forgot your maxi, your shoulders are gonna be happier, so Now we're wearing female bags and what's the matter???

• Fall/winter is coming, i don't care! mix and match always Spring and Autumn, it's funnier and more affordable, maybe you can save some money for your oyster.

• How many friends do you have? you should share a bit more, (styling speaking,) ask your best friend for his favourites shoes, if you don't have the same size, it's your problem...

• Now is now, ok, nice...and what about before?, you can repeat a great look, the only one thing to remember; don't take pictures that day, Facebook can be a devil!!!...

• I'm 6'1, so 1.83 more or less, if you're shorter or taller than me you must wear men heels. The height gives you a different point of view.

• Winning colour combinations: firstly dark blue is the new black, since seasons ago, ok, mixed perfectly with black, together and forever. Secondly; acid colours, what's that? forget it for now.

• Prints: Leopard please, also you can wear other animals, polka dots-GYPSY-neo-hippie.

• Now is 70’s 80's and 90's. Three decades that are alive and kicking once again. Future Looks, as well, vampir-e-looks, and also, Barroco...

•You must have in your wardrobe: Black Blazer one button, con K of Kaiser for H&M, be careful if you've got a girlfriend or several, Now the boyfriend's style (by Karl, five years ago...), for her is one of her best trends. White t-shirt cotton and viscose, vintage jewellery, (Gianni is alive, so...VERSACE) finally regular cut and LASER jeans.

• The last thing is: customization yes, but just a touch!, put a ribbon in your favourite necklace, as NOW ribbon trend and black-liner is for the men!!!... "

Carlos is wearing a vintage jacket from the 70's and vintage 70's Bjorn Borg sunglasses (anyone tried his undies?).

p.s. I am starting to think that the Spanish are some of the sexiest people on earth...Lucia the other day, and now Carlos! Is it something in the olive oil?the cava? Hollllllllllllllaaaaaaaa!

From The Archives: Loving Our Flaws

Written By: Wadzanai Mhute—Flaw: a feature that mars the perfection of something, defect, weakness or blemish.

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So you came into this world looking a little less than perfect, what a tragedy. I do not mean to be callous but let's face it, we all have something that we would like to change about ourselves. As irony would have it, we want a little more, where we have less, and we want a little less where we have more. However, in the words of Tom Gunn of Project Runway “make it work Yes I am talking to you. M-A-K-E I-T W-O-R-K!

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Maybe that is a bit too simplistic, after all some insecurities are ingrained from many years of self deprecation and other people's unwarranted observations. Although it has been said time and time again, no one is perfect, and you should take comfort in knowing that.

What distinguishes a secure person from one who is insecure is not beauty, but is the ability to live with flaws. Moving to loving your flaws, well that takes a concerted effort. You should have a realistic understanding of who you are. This means, among other things, recognizing that your body's proportions are what they no matter what your dress size, knowing that you are beautiful no matter what shape your facial features are composed of. Be aware of your good and bad points, know your limitations and know where you need help. Compensate for the areas where you lack by looking within and making a conscious decision to focus on what you can change and accepting what you cannot. In short be self-aware. Then you can be open to consulting others in areas where you need help.

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Frustration and self-loathing may be the result of being unrealistic in seeing the truth.. Acknowledging our flaws and accepting them will make us accept flaws in others because we know that imperfection. abounds in everyone. In the words of Reinhold Niebuhr: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the. difference."

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Loving Our Flaws was originally published in MIMI's January 2007 issue.

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(Photo Credits: Ekaterina Monakhova / iStockphoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

I had a creative epiphany

Last week. I was cooped up in my room for a good seven days and found that chains and neon pink yarn were made for one another.

Arcadia's Bloggers Portrait Night & Mademoiselle Robot

Do check out Laetitia Wajnapel's fashion style blog at:

www.mademoisellerobot.com

London Street Style...Prada Boots

Obsessed with these Prada lug-sole boots since I spotted them on fashion student, Marcella. A wee bit more wearable than the thigh-high numbers featured in the Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 ad campaign, they are practical (you ain't going to slip over on icy pavements in these little numbers) but with a oh-so-sexy edge: that belt hitting just below the knee. They almost look a little bondage influenced :))

And her hat/cap/beanie? from Prada as well.

Petite Street Style...Georgina and Charlotte

THE most adorable little girls I've photographed so far, sisters Georgina (above) and Charlotte (below). They also have a baby brother at home- I can only imagine how gorgeous he would be!

Seriously, shooting these two littlies was a dream- I felt like I was on a Junior magazine shoot (incidentally last year I assisted a photographer shooting a fashion story for Junior- 8 babies in one day :)))) It was so much fun but, crikey, HARD work trying to keep all the babies (and mum's) smiling and happy! I don't think I have ever played so much peek-a-boo in my life!)

Georgina and Charlotte choose all their own clothes and accessories themselves, with only a little help from mum (who, as you can imagine was impeccably dressed as well).

Hmmmm Charlotte, about that denim jacket....I know you love it and everything but maybe I could borrow it...just sometimes....pretty please?

Outfit: dinner at ENVY with the girls

This week, it is restaurantweek and a lot of restaurants offer three course dinners for 25 euro's (instead of a lot more!) I went with my friends to ENVY, especially because of the pretty decor inside, but the food turned out to be really great too!

Blazer: Warehouse via ASOS
Shirt: H&M
Legging: Pieces
Shoes: ASOS

Outfit: stopping sign!!!!

Yesterday I truly felt like a stopping sign. When they saw me in the corner of their eyes they immediatly wanted to look what that bright colour was! Their first thought would have been traffic controller....

Jacket: Zara
Tunic: H&M
Scarf: Pucci
Purse: Balenciaga
Jeanslegging: Pieces

From The Archives: The Spirit Of Rastafarianism

Written By: Ngum Ngafor—Since its inception in the 1930s, Rastafarianism has been at the heart of numerous African liberation struggles. But despite gaining global recognition through the music and activism of reggae legend Bob Marley, it remains the subject of scorn and marginalisation—even by the very people it aimed to emancipate. Best-selling author, educationist and radio presenter, Dr. Sandra Richards tells MIMI why, despite the odds, she is proud to be close to this much-misunderstood way of life.

MIMI: What is the basic philosophy of Rastafarianism?
Dr. Sandra Richards: Rastafarianism, as I understand it, is about African redemption. It’s about a way of living -what they would call a livity, which is to follow the teachings of the prophet, who is Haile Selassie. The fundamental belief system of Rasta is that they are to keep themselves in line with his teachings.

MIMI: Haile Selassie didn’t actually found Rastafarianism. Some say he was even surprised by it. What exactly was it about Selassie’s thinking that drew Rastafarians towards him?
SR: I think the prime thing about Haile Selassie is his lineage. He came from a particular royal line and that’s one of the fundamental things. He also showed that to have livity is not about being poor in any way. It’s about having abundance; that was demonstrated in the way he was with his family and in what he promoted. So, yes, I too understand that he didn’t found Rastafarianism. However the movement came out of a belief system which was held up by how he lived and demonstrated self-determination. It’s not too far from the teachings of the Rt Hon Marcus Mosiah Garvey in actual fact.

MIMI: Tell me more about the influence of Marcus Garvey on Rastafarians.
SR: Marcus Mosiah Garvey talked about ‘race first’ – having pride in one’s ancestry and recognising that Africans have a right, as anyone else to look towards themselves in terms of self-determination, taking pride (in themselves) and having businesses and all that comes with being self-determining. So the philosophies and the teachings of Marcus Garvey are in complete keeping with Rasta livity because it is about self-determination and holding fast to race and spirituality without apology.

MIMI: But with multiculturalism currency in a globalised climate, the idea of ‘race first’ seems rather unsettling - even divisive!
SR: The truth of the matter is that people are going to be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, up until a movement such as Rastafari, the people that have always been uncomfortable have been African people and it seems rather unjust that the only people who should ever be this way are Africans. So if other people feel ill at ease when a nation decides to take pride in themselves, then that really is an issue for them. Everybody has a right to be proud of their ancestry. To be African is not a mistake.

MIMI: Rasta’s African focus is very clear but is it a religion or a movement?
SR: I don’t actually subscribe to dividing anything. I think that Rastafari is more than a religion. It is a spiritual way of being. A religion is quite divisive and seeks to pocket people. Rasta is not defined simply by the way you look or the way you dress or where you go. Rasta is a vibration. It’s far more encompassing than notions of religion. Rasta is very clearly a movement; it’s about the opposite of stagnation. It’s entirely about elevation and so Rastafari will ensure that even if it causes some difficulty, they will push forward that which they know elevates. It is a way of being, which encompasses peace, love, truth and balance. These are also the tenets of a (Egyptian) spiritual principle called Ma’at. One could also say to be Rasta is political.

To read the rest of this article, which was originally published in MIMI's November 2007 issue, click here.

(Photo Credits: © Paco Romero Photography / iStockPhoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Grungy Girls

Diggin' the Rodarte Leggings, but whatever happened to strong women? why so many emaciated little girls?

I Adore Aya!

Written By: Nani Hapa—I may be well into my twenties, but that doesn't mean that I still don't have a special place in my heart for a good girly soap opera of a story, and Aya written by Marguerite Abouet (who was born and raised in the Ivory Coast) and illustrated by Clément Oubrerie doesn't disappoint.

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Aya tells the story of the studious and clear-sighted nineteen-year-old Aya, her easygoing friends Adjoua and Bintou, and their colorful relatives and neighbors who live in the Ivory Coast in the 1970s. It's a breezy and wryly funny account of the simple pleasures and private troubles of everyday life in Yop City. Filled with universal stories about love, life, family and friendship, Aya is the book I wish I had to read when I was in my teens ... instead I read Sweet Valley High and The Baby-Sitters Club (nothing wrong with that).

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Besides sharing beautiful stories and illustrations, the Aya book series also offers a peek into Ivorian (and more generally Africa) culture, complete with recipes, glossaries, and wardrobe instructions for turning one’s pagne (a brightly colored fabric) into a skirt, headwrap or baby carrier.

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If you can get over the fact that it is illustrated (first, it would be going too far to call it a comic book, it's really a graphic novel ... ahem; second, how many times can you support a story about a black female animated protagonist?), I highly recommend this fun and entertaining read! And bonus points—if you know a female African teen, this is a fun book to read with her (I know I'm definitely the coolest of the older female cousins for sharing this book with my younger cousins ;)).

London Street Style...Spanish Eyes

The gorgeous Spanish Lucia (she was born in Malaga) who now lives in London. You can check out her blog Sietezapatos here.

p.s. loving everyone's entries for the Eurostar tickets competition! I had tears in my eyes when I was reading some of them (I am a sook, I know :)) and I am discovering more and more "secret squirell" things I would like to do in Paris on my next visit. Keep 'em rolling in!

London Street Style...The Boy About Town

The Boy About Town: it's all about the hair....and the glasses!

London Street Style...The Teen Factor

Sam (above- why did I not notice that he was being attacked by a stray strand of vine when I was taking the photo?!) and Louis (below).


Both have just finished their A levels and Louis is hoping to study photography at uni :)

p.s. it was Louis's hat- I just thought it looked kinda cute on Sam too!

September Issue Preview: Returning To Africa To Find A Spouse

Written By: Staff Writer—Finding a spouse in this age of online dating and open relationships is much like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Add to that, the likelihood of finding a spouse who shares your African heritage, and the odds stack up even more against your finding that special someone. Given these discouraging odds, an increasing number of African immigrants living abroad are looking to their home countries to find spouses who they believe are more likely to share their values.

Charles*, a 30-something Tanzanian engineer living in the United States, explains, "I am a traditional man who was looking for a wife who shared my values. I dated women here [in America] but was unimpressed; I found that most Tanzanian women were Tanzanian in name only. They were looking for a man who was a ‘total package’—at the time I was a student who was working my way up; I couldn’t offer the world to them at the time, but I knew it was only a matter of time before I was established." Frustrated with his dating experiences in America, Charles spent a month in Tanzania, looking for a woman to become his wife. With the assistance of his extended family and childhood friends, Charles found a woman he was happy to marry after a six month long distance courtship. As unusual as Charles’s courtship rituals seem, Charles is not alone. Fatima, a Somali mother of two twenty-something sons who are studying in America, openly discourages her sons from getting attached to girls who have not been raised in Somalia. "I tell them that they can date who they want, but it can never be serious. When they are ready to marry, I will take them home [to Somalia] to find their wives.

Read the rest of this article when MIMI's September 2009 issue is published! In the meantime, let us know your thoughts about going back to your home country to find a spouse by leaving a comment below.

MIMI Related Articles: In Defense Of My Childless Marriage; Would You Marry You?

(Photo Credits: © Bryan Creely Dreamstime) (Models Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Personalizing MIMI's Blogspot

Written By: Staff Writer—Moving forward, MIMI will identify the author of each entry on our blog, just like this entry, which has been drafted by a "staff writer." Our hope is to bring you more of what you've come to expect from the blog—current and fresh news, as well as mix things up with some opinion pieces about what is happening in Africa and the Diaspora. If you would like to share your opinion on MIMI's blogspot, send an email to mimimagazineonline[at]gmail.com.

Bronx Princess, A Ghanaian Coming Of Age Story

Bronx Princess follows headstrong 17-year-old Rocky's journey as she leaves behind her mother in New York City to reunite with her father, a chief in Ghana. Set during the tumultuous summer between high-school and college, Bronx Princess tells Rocky's coming-of-age story. By confronting her immigrant parents' ideas of adulthood, Rocky reconciles her African heritage with her dream of independence.

Bronx Princess Trailer from Yoni Brook on Vimeo.

Bronx Princess is also behind an outreach campaign to improve access to educational resources for urban youth and bridge the educational divide in immigrant families. The goal is to remove the obstacles that immigrant and low-income youth face when seeking post-secondary education. To learn more, visit www.bronxprincess.com.

Kokoo Girl

Check out Ugandan-born singer Jaqee's album cover for Kokoo Girl, her fourth studio release. This is definitely a new look for Jaqee; love her ever-evolving style. Expect to see more of Jaqee's evolving style in MIMI's upcoming September 2009 issue. In the meantime, if you'd like to read a past interview of Jaqee, take a look at How Black Is Your Heart: Jaqee from MIMI's October 2006 and you can always visit her official website www.jaqee.com.