Bellafricana published in Clothings, Fashion

Afro-­European Fashion Brand Ayo Van Elmar

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]  AYO VAN ELMAR (AVE) is a fast emerging brand that was launched in May 2011 and  has indeed grown in leaps and bounds. [/dropcap]

AVE’s style can be described as Afro-European fusion fashion that is inspired by the creative director’s cross-cultural experience. Ayo van Elmar is one of a kind, its strengths are rooted in exploring the beauty of afrocentric fabrics and creating exquisite styles for the one who is liberal, who is cosmopolitan, who is open-minded and the one who believes that elegance knows no bounds.

For the soul that embraces going beyond borders to add a fine touch of difference to their wardrobe. Ayo van Elmar has successfully showcased colletions at the Nigeria, Vienna and London fashion week. Ayo van Elmar was also contracted to design the wardrobe for the TV shows; Nigeria’s Got Talent (2012) and Glo X-Factor West Africa (2013).

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Bellafricana published in African Food

Cooking The Nigerian Ogbonu Soup

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Here you’ll find cooking tips, hints, and suggestions to make life easier in the kitchen. Check out the  cooker tips and tricks that we’ve collected. Plus, you will find in-depth how-to articles, and more! Today we will be talking about how to prepare delicious Ogbonu soup. [/dropcap]

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Bellafricana published in Arts & Crafts, Fashion, Hats, Jewelry

Minku Design's New Collection

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Minku is a Nigerian maker of quality goods established in 2011 and specializing in leather bags for men and women. [/dropcap]

Three years on, Minku continues to define a fresh sub-Saharan aesthetic through its subtle use of cultural elements and artisan approach to contemporary bagmaking.

Minku founder Kunmi was on a computer science research and consultancy path when she discovered her intense enjoyment of designing and creating everyday items.

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Bellafricana published in Textiles

Kuba Cloth From Congo

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]Kuba cloth is a hand-woven cloth made from the fib of Raphia Vinifera palm leaves. Kuba people of the Congo first hand cut, and then weave the strips of leaf to make pieces of fabric, often called raffia cloth.[/dropcap]

There are several different sub groups of the Kuba people. Each group has different and unique ways to make the fabric. Some make it thicker, longer, shorter, or with different patches. Each patch is symbolic and many times a piece has many different meanings.

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Bellafricana published in African Wedding

A Typical Yoruba Wedding Attire

Bride and Groom Attire

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] In a typical Yoruba marriage, Aso-Oke is fabric of choice. It is the Yoruba ceremonial cloth. It is considered the pinnacle of all fabrics for Yoruba people on occasions like weddings, birthdays, celebrations of life of deceased parents, chieftaincy title ceremonies, and any other important commemorations.[/dropcap]

This Aso-Oke is hand woven with special thread that has been soaked in home-made dye. That was before this age of new technology. The three main colours of Aso-Oke fabrics are:

  • Al’aari: rich maroon
  • Etu: navy blue
  • Sanyan: very light brown with strips of cream

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Bellafricana published in Life Style

Nigeria: Home Away From Home by Brian Botts

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]I’m an American and I love the United States of America. I’m proud of where I was born and raised. But this post isn’t going to be about that. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places throughout the world. I have fond memories of so many people I’ve met and so many instances I’ve been a part of.[/dropcap]

Nigeria isn’t just a place I’ve traveled to. This has become a home away from home to me. I lived there off and on for many years and it is a Country that I not only care about, but a place where I want to see it’s potential reached. And I have committed myself to being a part of that solution in the years to come. Continue reading

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Bellafricana published in Exhibitions, Fashion

Bellafricana's Nigeria Independence Day Exhibition

bellafricana 1[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]Bellafricana celebrated Nigeria @54 by hosting an exhibition at Labule Restaurant on the 1st of October, 2014. Despite the heavy rain fall on the day, the exhibition was a success. [/dropcap]

Various African products were displayed for sale; Adire table mat and coaster set, ankara apron and gloves set, kente bags, kente slippers, African men and women wears, ankara cushions and many more. Here are some pictures from the exhibition;

 
 
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Bellafricana published in Textiles

Mud Cloth From Mali

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Mud cloth is a traditional woven cloth from Bamana people of Mali with rich hues ranging from rich black, brown, mustard, red or green (although other colors are sometimes found), with sections of the cloth composing of individual motifs such as fish bones, little stars or hunters.[/dropcap]

Mudcloth in Africa dates as far back as the 12th century AD. The symbols and shape arrangement on the mudcloth reveals a variety of different secrets. A person’s social status, occupation and character can all be represented in a piece of mudcloth. Each piece of mudcloth has its own unique story to tell.

In fact, in the most recent Star Wars Film, “The Clone Wars”, Anakin was wearing a Mud cloth vest while he was dressed as a refugee traveling with Padme when they were returning to Naboo.Continue reading

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