Africa is bustling with so much excitement and the future for fashion businesses has never looked so brilliant! On April 2nd, 2007, the President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo commissioned the Tinapa Project. The $335 million Tinapa Project managed by the governor of Cross River State Donald Duke [Cross River state is located in the South …
Dame Vivienne Westwood Inspires Fashion’s Future Minds
I spent my weekend meeting and interviewing Famed British Designer Dame Vivienne Westwood. She was honored at the San Francisco Academy of Art University. In attendance was also famed British designer Zandra Rhoades. Westwood was witty, funny, gutsy and very down to heart. Westwood is credited for heralding the punk movement as early as the …
Do African Youths have Buying Power?
How much buying power, if any, do African youths have, in Africa? Are American youths driving African inspired designs by Adidas? Recently, Adidas launched a limited collection of African inspired sports wear and apparel. The launch just adds to the already exciting “I love Africa” trend that has been ongoing. Adidas should be commended for …
It’s the Target Audience Stupid!
Recall when Bill Clinton’s campaign strategist James Carville did an excellent job of imprinting the phrase, “It’s the Economy Stupid?” Bush senior was in serious trouble. It was the economy and despite all subsequent Clinton sexual shannanigans, Americans were happy during the Clinton era with the economy. Where is this going, “It is the target …
Marc Jacobs Knockoff?
“Copy, copy!” is the term some Africans use to refer to those who lack creativity, originality and believe they should steal other people’s work. The “Copy, copy” person and concept is, however, not unique to Africa. Indeed, it is a huge threat to the USA’s national economy. For example, in fashion products alone, the International …