ABINA IS GOING .COM!

Dear ladies and gents,

I am so proud to announce to you that ABINA is moving to her very own domain. You will no longer find any of our posts on this site, BUT you can find us on http://www.abinaonline.com. I believe that this is the start of great things. May you be inspired by the African Woman. 😉 

Definitely hot: Public figures who wear African… with swag

It’s a fact: African fashion is becoming more part of the worldwide fashion. At least, international public personalities are wearing African, which includes personalities with African origin and also non-Africans. Take rapper Eve for example, who made an appearance wearing an African printed tunic. The reason for this worldwide expansion is that African fashion, such as Ankara(African wax) and other cultural attire are designed in western styles combined with for example an African head wrap. African fashion has proven to be more versatile especially within the last 5 years. Not to forget, African designers and African collections who are upcoming, such as Mina Evans, Wana Sambo, Boxing Kitten, Christie Brown and more. Discover the looks of international personalities who wear African. 

Under the mag: The first African fashion store in Lithuania

If you thought that African immigrants only reside in large cities of which the countries had colonial relations with Africa, you might want to think again. And if you though that African fashion outside of Africa is only present in London, Paris and New York, you might also want to think again.  We have discovered the only African store in Lithuania, founded by a young Kenyan woman named Kenyan Eskedar T.W and her store is named Matihana. She produced a clothing line made with Ankara that has attracted the Lithuanian media and it’s called Moteris. We get quiet some chills when we consider Lithuania, but ms. Eskedar is making the temperature rise with her slammin’ African line.

Real Talk: Do black people have a good image of Africa?

What do you think of when you hear the name Africa? Most Africans will probably mention words like:  home, family, good weather, good music and all positive things that is to mention about their African countries. The western world is more likely to associate poverty, war, corruption, safaris and so on. And sadly a lot of African descendants are likely to do the same and create the wrong stereotypes. African descendants are African Americans, Afro-Caribbean’s, Afro-Latinos and so on. Unfortunately they are also led by the images of Africa that are projected to western world and it seems to be one of the main reasons why there is much division within black communities.

Fashion must-haves: Timeless items every woman must have

As we know, fashion is continuously changing. Being fashion forward or being fashion trendy (which means you buy all that is to-date), is not a bad thing at all. Yet for some it is hard to upkeep. In the midst of all these changes and new fashion inventions, we wondered: what are the classic fashion pieces that go with anything? We gathered a group of fashionistas to advice even the simplest women on how to keep a timeless look and we fetched some good answers on that one. The following 10 items, you just can’t afford not to have in your closet. 

Chocolate Sensation: Boris Kudjoe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We carefully select our chocolate sensations not just based on their looks and their African heritage, but also on their successes and achievement. It is important that the sensational man in question contributes positively to  society. This time around we could not stop to put our finger on Boris Kudjoe. He is popularly known from the television series Soul Food[http://www.tv.com/shows/soul-food/] and Taylor Perry’s film Madeas family reunion, he is partially Ghanaian and carries a sexiness  that makes us kind of shiver. There is more to where that came from…

Hail to fashion: PLatform shoe with no heel

You might have seen this particular High plateau shoe with no heel. You know, a goat feet look-a-like shoe, but than in a high form. That last one was not to ridicule the appearance of the shoe, but simply to describe it.  Some call it the Night Walker and it made its first appearance about 2 years ago on the Runway. At that time, no normal person could get it through their thick skull to put their feet into that shoe, but 2 years later women actually do. The shoe which was then only available for the price of 1,900Eur and up and it is now available from the price of approximately 50EUR.

A new movement: Growing natural hair

We have written about natural hair before, but this time we wanted to know more about where this wave of women who are going natural, is coming from. Within the last 5 years, a growing group of women around the world are growing their hair natural. These women are taking the transition from having chemically relaxed hair to growing their hair naturally, either by letting it grow or undergoing the ‘Big cut’.

 Natural hair is described as Afro hair which has not been altered by flat irons, chemicals, such as relaxing, perming and straightening. To some Africans and even non-Africans, it is a perfect example of hair which is unmanageable, thick and painful. Yet, more women are embracing their ‘nappy’ hair and going natural. It seems as if African fashion is not the only thing that is taking a worldwide turn.

Like my Baffs: 100% organic Tees made in Africa

What comes to your mind when you think of organic T-shirts that are made in Africa? I can imagine how difficult it is to imagine one, since organic African T-shirts do not have a specific look. The Baffs Company, based in Crawley, United Kingdom can give you a perfect image of an organic T-shirt made in Africa.

The Baffs brand produces 100% organic T-shirts, made in Africa. The cotton of which the T-shirts are made of come from Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADU), based in the Northern part of Uganda. Also, the T-shirts are traded fully under Fair trade.  Never, in the history of T-shirt production has a company taken such a unique approach, whereby the founder is also African. Baffs is taking a conscious step and moving towards a direction that more companies of the western world are heading to. This all makes us interested in knowing the process of this T-shirt line and the challenges of Fair trade production.

Ozwald Boateng goes Soweto

With long anticipation, we’re still waiting on the collection our very own sexy Ghanaian Ozwald Boateng is going to create for women. He has done great by making taylor made suits  for man and he has made such an established name for himself all over the world. But it still ain’t around for women. We can’t complain, because we are 100% sure he’s going to push a collection that will keep also the ladies all fitted. In the meantime, Ozwald Boateng has been busy. His just launched the images of his shoot from his summer/spring collection in Soweto, South Africa and it seems that there are a few clothing for women too. 

Under the mag: An Afro-kini by Adama Paris

Have you ever ran into a swimsuit which has Ankara incorporated in it and you’re like: I want this?! If your answer is no, than I can end that for you by today. Adama Paris swimming line has a collection of separates and singles that can make you go prepping in the gym for summer. Adama Paris is a clothing and accessory brand based in Paris, France and the brand is just phenomenal. The founder, miss Adama Amanda Ndiaye is Senegalese, but born in Kinshasa in the then called Zaire. She debuted her newest collection of Afrobikinis at a fashion shoot for a French pageant called Miss Black France. Adama Paris was also part of the Arise fashion week this year.  

A contribution to an eco-friendly world: Africa Fashion week goes green

Africa is most affected by the environmental pollution of the western world. As the western world is taking more actions to prevent environmental pollution especially in the last 10 years, so have two African fashion events, which took place last year, contributed to this cause. These events are The Nigeria Fashion Week (NFW) 2011 and the Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) 2011.

The African Woman of the year award: question mark.

We are quiet late with this news, but that’s all right. Still we rejoice with our leading lady, Justina Mutale, who won the African woman of the year awards 2012 on 22 February. It is such a delight to see an Africa woman doing what she does at best. Zimbabwean Justina Mutale is the founder of Positive Runway, which is an initiation focused to raise awareness to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. She was the only nominee who received two awards. Her foundation Positive runway received the ‘Service to Community’ award.

Another Chocolate Sensation: Richard Blackwood

Seriously, this chocolate sensation is something else. I saw this man on this British show called This Morning.  in which he did an interview together with Joycelyn Jee Esien. I tell you this guy be Chocolate Sensation all the way. Richard Blackwood is our chocolate sensation, not because he is that fine, but he is a UK based comedian, rapper, actor, DJ and TV-host. This means a fine black man who is working his way up to the top.

Held by the neck: Domestic violence victim Chika Ike

Domestic violence is an issue that plays a role in every country. In some countries, that role is more alarming than in others. Africans in general are not unfamiliar with domestic violence. There might be a probability that 8 out of 10 African women have dealt with domestic violence in their lives ever. African men can’t always keep their hands to themselves, I guess. Not to forget that it’s not always women who are victims of domestic violence. But it hardly happens that an African man takes beating from a woman, let’s be honest. The fact that African homes have dealt with domestic violence so much makes me wonder. Is it regarded as normal? Do people regard it as a phase within every relationship? According to reliable sources, Nigerian actress Chika Ike suffered some serious beatings during her marriage. Is this an example of a sad story African women choose to remain in.

Real Talk: Marriage is an African must-have, you can’t excape

You might be familiar with this question: “So when are you getting married?” The question never gets old, especially not within the African communities. The tone of the question gets more intense as you get older and as you remain single. Some can experience the question as a pressure from the older generation and someone’s answer might be: Mom, I am not getting married at all. Come to think of it, that answer is probably the worst answer you can give an African parent. African movies also paint the picture of marriage being the ultimate goal into everyone’s life. To me this is an interesting matter, which leads me to the question: Why is marriage so important to Africans and how important is this to us in the Diasporas? I ran into an interesting article on African Holocaust, which goes into the subject of Africans and marriage.

Get your sparkly nail art!

If you haven’t spotted it by now, this will bring fabulous nail art under your radar. The last two years brought colorful nails in the spotlight, now fashion is taking it a little bit further with Nail art. Zebra, golden and/or sparkly, whether it’s Minx or just a funky print, they are fabulous at the moment. Think of it, we called it Ghetto years back. One tip: get your nail art! Below are various places where they are available.

Slave Cake takes the Day

Doesn’t the picture above display a horror and a mockery of black people? I mean, look at the face of the cake and the fact that is resembles an African slave. Sweden’s minister of Culture, Adelsohn Liljeroth, took a slice of this cake shaped in the form of a naked black woman, while a real head(underneath the cake), was crying in ‘pains’. I tell you, the black communities have not taken this cake matter lightly. Also, the creator of this cake Makode Linde, is black! The minister is facing calls to step down, the Association for African Swedes demanded the resignation of this minister and the museum where the event took place was threatened with bomb threats. Watch the video and tell me if the black community is reacting too extreme.

Fab from way Back: Braids, Braids, Braids

Braids have always been a part of our African culture. Think of it, there is probably no way where you can come from a trip to the Motherland without having done the good corn rolls or the twisted braids that have a length to your behind. That’s when everyone who has not seen you in a while can see that you are back from the Motherland. A trending topic is that the braids are back to the mainstream! It has been a while since the video I got five on it by Luniz was produced, which had them dancers wearing the long braids or the Salt n Pepa videos from the 90’s. Plus it has been a while since we have seen Brandy with them tiny braids. When we see it now in the popular videos, it’s back in the mainstream. Now it has.

Under the mag: Aya Morrison’s swimwear and bags

To me, there are not too many accessories designers who incorporate African fabrics and make quality accessories. With that I mean good technique, good finishing touches and a great variety of style. Some of these accessories I have run into didn’t have IT. But this one did! Aya Morrisson is a New York based accessory line which incorporates African prints. The accessory line is specialized in bags, purses and swimwear. That’s right swimwear. The style and the diversity of the collection makes ABINA fall in love. Status now: I have got to have an Aya Morisson bag.