MANDLA IS BACK!

From a place called nowhere...

 

The hiatus has been far too long and I apologise for the empty but necassary space as I attended to other pressing projects and had a long re-think about what I wanted Mandla to be, do and accomplish.

I initially started Mandla - The Power of style as a way for me to explore high fashion off the beaten track, and highlight the vast cultural inspiration that often feeds mainstream collections. As an enthusiatic and empowered newbie to blogging, I have buzzed with creative possibilities and would have willingly combusted with as many as I could, but I didn't want my blog to just focus on commercial luxury that is not obtainable to everyone or bore you with my personal style - you may not even care! 

However, I know that style is more diverse than the empirical fashion houses of Paris, London, Milan and New York. 

With new economies emerging and the globalisation of many cultures, I hope to discover and share style that has impact and the power to shape a variety of tastes.

The new Mandla will have regular weekly features:

Power Trip...come fly with me!

4 Pillars of Style...who and what is holding their own?

Power Source...unique places of reference in Mandla's little black book.

Pieces of Me...just me...

MANDLA No.10: The Power of Style is....nailing a bargain!

J. Crew Vs New Look

I know, I know, it's not a fair match but when it comes to the battle of the statement necklace, all is fair in love and budget. Besides, it's not how much you spend, it's what  you get for your money.

Both J. Crew and New Look have a loyal following of customers that swarm their jewellery racks, and this afternoon I executed a perfect low flying swoop on this fun and glamourous bubble necklace from New Look on sale for £3!! 

I'm looking forward to teaming this with anything I can get away with: black midi dress, grey tee, crisp fitted shirt... endless possibilities...

Necklace from New Look

New Look are fantastic for delivering on-the-minute high fashion for those on a budget at reduced and full price.

Now, let me just say, I LOVE J.Crew! When I lived in New York, J. Crew's Madison Ave store was right outside my office building and quickly became my reward, therapy and fitness centre - fitness because strong-arming their sale rack should be an olympic event!

However, as I clicked onto their site at random this evening to search for something else, I stumbled on an almost identical item for £127!

Bubble Necklace

J. Crew produce stunning pieces and whether you can afford the non-sale items or you're restricted to a budget, they're worth checking out because they often have items to suit all wallets.

MANDLA No.9: BE YOUR OWN SHOE DESIGNER!

Upper Street  - Customise your own shoes!

Who knew? WHO knew?!! Everybody except me, that's who!!

Those of you that call yourselves my friends and associates, can just forget it! Nobody told me about Upper Street an online shoe boutique where you can satisfy your burning need for the perfect strut by designing your own shoes, then placing an order to have them handmade. Just.For.YOU!

The company was set up by Katy Chandler and Julia Grinham who clearly have a passion for shoes and giving a girl exactly what she wants.
Take a look at the Upper Street story in the video below.

I had a field day on the design portal, click here and here to see what I plan to strut!

I'd love to see the what the creative fashion stepper in you designs, so please do leave a comment with a link to your design and tell me what inspired you...

MANDLA No.8: STYLE AFRICA EXHIBITION

This exhibition was first installed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London when I was living in New York and I was gutted to miss it. So of course, I was delighted when I saw that it is now installed at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham where I'm currently staying, and it was a colourful departure from the torrential rain on the day I visited.

The exhibition provides an overview of the printing and weaving styles used in African textiles as well as the distinctions between certain regions and tribes.

African style is particularly topical with tribal prints being one of the biggest summer trends (not for the first time), global fashion houses such as Burberry featuring the prints in their collection and labels like Stella Jean and Jewel By Lisa are gaining prominence with modern, coveted collections.

Enter Style Africa

Central exhibit

Nigerian printed

Nigerian printed

Luxury woven

Skirt & Jacket

 Style Africa is showing until 2nd September 2012 and while you're there, check out the restrospective celebrating 50 years of Jamaican Independence  Jamaica 50 - a good time to go while the Jamaican Olympic Team are based in Birmingham for London 2012!

MANDLA No.7: FASHIONS OWN ROSE GARDEN

Despite the gloom of the wet British weather, I decided to brighten up my accessories haul with one of my favourite colours, that I can also transition into autumn and winter - rose gold!

Years ago, rose gold used to be considered the poor and unfashionable cousin amongst the precious metals but over the last couple of years, its popularity has made it a favourite for established and emerging accessories designers, PLUS it suits every skin-tone, warming and complementing from the palest to the darkest!

A current obsession - my growing rose collection!

Believe me when I say that I hunted everywhere for an iphone case that would cover the whole device and not just the casing, so imagine my utter joy when I found one by chance in a Michael Kors store, that was not only functional but in rose gold AND on sale!!

Michael Kors have a wide range of iphone cases that carry cards and money and look like envelope clutches and in python skin.

Also well known is their oversize rose gold and jewllery which can be purchased online.

 

The ombre necklace and grey studded belt from H&M don't just look nice but I'm actually enjoying wearing these two items singularly and together and I'm going to team them with berry hues for the autumn and winter to keep me glowing!

Another H&M bargain is the white bangle with the toggle chain fastening and the Folli Follie earrings can be worn as drops or shortened with the mini heart looped up!

Also try ASOS, Net-A-Porter and Ted Baker uses rose gold as a feature compliment on some of the handbags and purses.

MANDLA No.6: 5 REASONS TO STYLE IT OUT IN VANCOUVER

I didn't realise I needed a vacation until my friend invited me to join her on a trip to Vancouver. It wasn't a place that was on my list to visit but the clean and friendly city proved to be a tonic and  now it's at the top of my list as a place to live!

No. 1: The weather can be very British but Vancouver is 4 cities in one – business metropolis, suburbia, island/seaside splendour and beautiful looming mountains, all providing you with an opportunity to utilise layers and be a style chameleon!

The first few days of the trip were wet and a little chilly so layers it was but, I was determind to keep it bright and cheery in true vacation style. The electric blue leather bag from Zara was a birthday gift from my Mum, scarf is from New Look and the  trench is Ben de Lisi

No. 2: Home-grown Canadian stores and labels, I found that "laid back" is the main style theme with rock chic and American preppie being sighted everywhere but indie labels offer a welcome diversity to the mainstream chains and a few of them originate in Vancouver: 

• Aritzia            Bedo

• Dace          Lark 

No. 3: Get you’re outdoors groove on! I’m not usually an outdoors type-o-gal but I did manage to cycle along the sea wall, with the city on my left and the water and mountains to my right!

 

More downtown than up a mountain but I still managed 4 hrs on a bike in 4 inch Kurt Geiger  wedges, a Banana Republic blazer with Dorothy Perkins skinnies!! 

No. 4: Meet the islanders – Granville Island’s huge indoor market and artisan stores make it a fashion, crafts and gourmet haven, like combining London’s Portobello and Borough markets!

Check out the The Net Loft opposite the Public Market housing indie retailers of local and foreign designers and crafts.

 Pretty glasses by Ted Jolda

  

Jo Ludwig's sparkly Glitter Bowls.

 




  

Dresses by Dream Apparel and Articles for People  for those that like to remain stylishly undefined

Ten Thousand Villages for the sheer array of ethnic crafts and accessories from sustainable businesses around the globe

No. 5: Trendy Gastown -  I loved strolling through the regenerated industrial district now populated with boutiques, bars and restaurants

Indulge in leather goods and accessories brand m0851 



 

 


Curated fashion boutique Shop Ishara stocks the neon Rebecca Minkoff Mac bag  - perfect for Summer ’12 but will lead nicely for Autumn ’12 too!

No. 6: It’s a great place to dress up or down for dinner and cocktails!

Malene Birger peach Fiducia dress to The Waterfront Cafe, a top seafood hotspot

Rose gold accessories around the neck and to cinch in the waist both from H&M

Dressing down for Sunday night Jazz at the Pourhouse.

Mandla No: 5 THE POWER OF THE SUMMER SALE!

 

SEE IT, WANT, IT BUY IT - SUMMER FASHION UP TO 50% OFF!! 

Net-A-Porter the definitive online designer store has a sale on! Think Jil Sander, Chole, Gucci, Prabal Gurung with up to 50% off - go forth and click!

Issa Printed Silk Kimono Maxi Dress

Julien MacDonald Origami Silk-satin Dress

All Saints Spitalfields is one label that I have enjoy wearing to the MAX! 

It brings out my urban edge when my other Gemini twin revolts against my girly and feminine side and the deconstructed nature of the garments always keep the observer guessing...

 "...Leather-wearing in the summertime!" I always remember that line from the movie, Waiting to Exhale, which was supposed to be a stinging put-down but hey, leather in the sumer is so HOT, when done RIGHT!

All Saints Maisie Leather Dress

Ethereal and sexy, glide across the resort or downtown in this stunning, All Saints maxi!

All Saints Ombre Maxi Dress

No sale hunt would be properly executed without stopping by H&M and ASOS! Keep your budget in check and stay on top with of-the-minute trends.

Combine two of the biggest trends and wear it well in this floral peplum dress from ASOS

ASOS Peplum Dress in Darling Buds print

Sheer, sexy and feminine from H&M...

H&M Sheer Floral Blouse

I purchased this H&M dress on my recent trip to Vancouver, I hadn't spotted it in any of the UK stores so I snapped it up at half price!

H&M Straight dress with neon sequins

MANDLA No.4: POWER IN MOTION

Sir Paul Smith in China

Sir Paul Smith, the Nottingham born designer whose brand already has an established presence in Asia and the Middle East, is to re-enter the Chinese market by opening a flag-ship store in Shanghai with at least another 20 stores to follow across the country.

With a predicted annual growth of around 20%, the Chinese consumer market is providing a means for much needed profits increase for luxury brands that have been hard-hit by the tightening of purse strings in the North American and Euro-zone markets. 

Sir Paul Smith and his signature rainbow woodgrain! (Image via:Sunday Times)

Carine Roitfeld

Carine Roitfeld’s highly anticipated return to fashion publishing has been slated for this September with the first issue of her new editorial project which will be an independent fashion magazine titled: CR Fashion Book.

Published bi-annually and subscriptions available for digital and print versions, we can look forward to fashion features that will also highlight those behind the scenes in the fashion industry.

Go to the website now to reserve your digital or print copy: CRFashionBook.com

The former editor of Vogue Paris and Chanel stylist has recently curated the first catwalk fashion show at the 65^th Cannes Film Festival annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala, which raised millions through auctions. The show, held on 24^th May, featured all-black pieces from Chanel, Lanvin, Dior and Christopher Kane with top models including Karolina Kurkova and Lindsey Wixson. 
Take a look at the red carpet: Amfar Cinema Against AIDS Gala: Red Carpet

Carine Roitfeld via Sartorialist

  

Jimmy Choo

One of my favourite shoe brands – Jimmy Choo has stacked up their social media presence by launching Choo 24:7 Stylemakers, a new global street style blog that engages the brands consumers by allowing them to upload photos of themselves wearing the company’s styles. The images featured will be both amateur and professional content with fashion photographer Eddie Newton setting the standard for professionals and the global ambassadors.

Readers can click on blog photos and the site will lead them to the online store! Choo 24:7 Stylemakers 

Below are my Jimmy's - a sexy black python slingback with a gold patent platform!

Chloe Green

Chloe Green the daughter of retail billionaire Sir Phillip Green, recently launched her new shoe line CJG (Chloe Jade Green).

The shoes which are aimed at the high-street market will be recognisable by their bright green sole, similar to “red bottom” Louboutins. The debut range features towering platform, stiletto and wedge styles with a price point of £80 - £210 and are available in Topshop.

CJG Shoes

CJG Louisa cage heels

Mandla No. 3: Acid Jazz - The neon fashion blast!

Neon is reminiscent of a teenage trend from the mid 80's that re-emerged for the 90's acid rave scene but, if you feel that the current candy and citrus colours are too much of an electric shock for some of you grown up fashionistas, then rest assured that if it was cool back in the day, then acid hues are HOT right now!
For Spring 2012 you may be looking to fizz it up whilst maintaining a sophisticated edge - you can and you should! The current neon trend has been reinvented with playful and tasteful perspectives, from complete colour-block ensembles to statement accessories, the acid brights won't burn any holes in your style power.

Christopher Kane via Grazia Daily

These are my favourite pieces for instant zest!

The king of sexy animal print, Roberto Cavalli does neon luxe with a python belt w.neon crystals at Net-a-porter  I LOVE this belt, this will transition smoothly into Autumn 2012!

Image via Net-a-porter

Step up to the future in these Pierre Hardy Patent and neoprene sandals

Image via Net-a-porter

If you're thinking of complimenting the Pierre Hardy sandals, then add a slightly sheer white top to a dark pencil skirt and wear this sexy candy coloured Mimi Holliday by Damaris Kamikaze silk-chiffon plunge bra bra underneath for effect!

ASOS  has an abundance of budget-friendly dazzle for your neon fix and this statement dress in green will take you from day to night Rare high-neck scuba dress

Image via ASOS

I grew up with a Rasta vibe and that's why I'm feeling these acid Erikson Beamon Colour Me Crazy silver-plated Swarovski crystal earrings

Image via Net-a-porter

If you're feeling extra bold, then Diane Von Furstenberg does grown-up neon and classic femininity with sequins!! A short mini or cropped skinnys will set this off perfectly - Mara Asymmetric sequined silk top

Mandla No. 2: Tribal Village, Urban Jungle

The cold, grey and wet UK weather has left me craving the vibrancy and hotness of a tropical climate. However, what I crave even more is the exoticism of Lagos, Jo'burg, Nairobi and Accra from the catwalk to MY wardrobe!
 

Image: Enjoythekiss

 Tribal / ethnic themes have become a consistent feature in the Spring / Summer collections of recent years.
For many followers of the fashion tribe, the delivery of exotic colours and prints provides a seasonal departure from the wintery, muted tones but, for many global tribes, the palettes, drapes, pleats and structured silhouettes are a way of everyday life and not just a seasonal trend.

So called African print is leading the ethnic charge, which provides a spotlight for established and
emerging designers on the continent but, mainstream appreciation would be better served by acknowledging the regional and tribal disparities of the prints and textures between countries.

There are tons to explore and this is a (small) selection of my favourite ranges.

JEWEL BY LISA

Nigeria's leading designer already has a select Hollywood following and her current collection explores geometric & digital patterns in pleated and draped silhouettes.

Images via Jewel by Lisa

BURBERRY PRORSUM

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 lends more to accented statements than commitment to the trend. 

That said, the accents are strong with some pieces likely to become iconic of the within the mainstream trend.

Images: Burberry

ASOS & RIVER ISLAND

 The UK High Street remains true to it's shopping roots with notable, on-trend pieces and if you're looking for budget friendly prices, then take a look in-store or online. River Island will ship outside of the UK, and ASOS Africa was my favourite go to when I first moved to NYC and was trying to find my shopping feet! 

ASOS AFRICA

 This week, ASOS Africa launched their fifth collection produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, who provides
sustainable business for local craftsmen.

Image: ASOS

RIVER ISLAND

Tie-dye Kaftan; Image: River Island

Coral, tribal platform heels; Images: River Island

Beaded Holdall; Images: River Island