Africa has served as inspiration to the fashion industry for many years, and it doesn’t seem like that will be changing anytime soon. In 2010 Western designers caught African print fever and painted the runways in bold, colorful ensembles. The trend continued in 2011 and 2012. Do African designers mind that Western designers such as Gwen Stefani, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg are gaining recognition for their use of African prints and textures? Some may, but Gareth Cowden is not one of them.

“Yes, we are definitely going through a phase of influencing [and/or] inspiring the world’s bigger fashion houses,” said Cowden. “But it doesn’t offend me that these people get recognition for their designs. These designers have a better platform to be noticed. At the end of the day they are helping African designers [and] designs get noticed.”

Cowden has been in the fashion industry for nearly a decade; however, fashion was not his original career plan. His foray into fashion was purely out of necessity. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, he could not find employment. Consequently, he began working as an assistant to fashion stylists in 2002. Since 2004 he has worked as a freelance fashion stylist and in 2009 he founded BABATUNDE. Babatunde is a Yoruba name that means “the father returns.” Cowden believes that it is the responsibility of men to care for their families and their country.

“Many kids in Africa grow up without fatherly influences in their lives due to various reasons,” Cowden said. “In my opinion, this has an adverse effect on disciplinary and respect issues later in life. [Babatunde] is also a reference to our leaders to father and grow our nations rather than growing their own pockets. All in all, we need more fathers to father and nurture Africa to where we deserve to be.”

Cowden is not as dedicated to fashion as much as he is dedicated to helping others. His brand, which features hats, umbrellas, bowties and clutches, is made completely by hand in South Africa. This is not done simply as a measure of pride for his native country, but to provide employment to those in the textile industry, which is vital to developing countries.

“This is done in an attempt to revive the textile and clothing industries in South Africa,” Cowden said. “These industries are slowly dying in South Africa due to cheap labor in countries like China and India resulting in it being a lot cheaper to import fabric and clothing than to manufacture locally.”

It is not only cheaper to import fabric and clothing to Africa, it is cheaper to import Asian immigrants to Africa as well. In 2002 Ramatex opened a factory in Namibia and promised to hire 8,000 workers. Instead of hiring locally, the company imported 25 percent of the employees from Asia. These employees were paid less than the Namibian employees and, to make matters worse, ended up in debt to the company. Due to their low wages, the Asian employees could not afford to pay back the traveling expenses that the company had fronted. Ten years later, Asian immigrants are steadily being imported into the country to provide cheap labor.

Many manufacturing companies in Asia and other countries are relocating to Africa due to a rise in domestic labor costs. Africa has low labor costs, in addition to duty-free access to American and European markets under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. Cowden realizes the importance of manufacturing in Africa. For this reason, he would never relocate permanently.

“It is very important for me that everything is manufactured in South Africa or Africa,” Cowden said. “This is what makes Babatunde a strong African brand. I would definitely consider relocating temporarily. Travelling is very enlightening and helps with learning and growth, both personally and for the Babatunde brand.”

Also important to Cowden is creating awareness through fashion. He has been able to achieve great success as a designer and has been featured in many acclaimed print and online magazines. The audience he speaks his message to has become slightly larger since singer-songwriter Solange Knowles wore one of his hats during New York Fashion Week 2012.

“Due to popular culture and celebrity culture, exposure and awareness grows when ‘famous’ people wear your brand,” Cowden said. “Celebrities are always being featured in the media, so if they are wearing your products it’s easier for your brand to get noticed.”

Cowden is presently working on expanding the Babatunde brand by including more pieces such as trousers and shorts. For more information regarding Babatunde long onto www.babatundestyles.com.

Image Courtesy of   doigstar1

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The color green has long been delegated as a spring color – shades of green grass, green buds on trees, stems of flowers and so on. In March, green makes its appearance on St. Patrick’s day. Green also makes its appearance during the Christmas season as a partner to its complimentary color, red.

However, expect to see darker shades of green in this fall collection, including forest greens, emeralds, and pea greens. Designers, including Diane von Furstenberg and Alberta Ferretti, have been showcasing greens at fashion weeks around the world.

A forest green jacket can make a statement against the backdrop of a cloudy, rainy, snowy city. Kelly green pants paired with a neutral top can add a splash of color to an otherwise boring outfit. Green can also be paired with red; however, be sure the shades don’t scream “Christmas season.” A burgundy or plum works well.

Women can expect to see spring patterns, such as laces and florals, in the fall, albeit used in different ways. Mixing animals prints will also be seen. However, be careful to use animal prints sparingly – don’t create a whole outfit of animal prints.

Another trend this fall is the color red – on lips. Pair a red lip with a nude eye. Try wearing a red lip with a green pant and a neutral top. Or go the other way, and pair a smoky eye with a nude lip.

For men, varsity sportswear is going to take center of attention. Letterman’s jackets from high school and varsity cardigans will be seen. Horizontal stripes, herringbone sport coats, and tweed jackets will be popular patterns and textures. Cuffed pants will be trendy this fall, so socks will be on display — Time to bring out your most colorful, crazy socks, men!

For both sexes, bright colors will be popular. Oscar de la Renta, Chloe, and Calvin Klein brought color blocking on their dresses, shoes, and bags. Aside from rich greens for any article of clothing, shades of red, blue, and yellow will be popular denim colors. Cobalt blues, mustard yellows, and even purples will be fun additions to an otherwise drab fall or winter wardrobe.

Hats are also in for men and women – the popular straw fedoras from the summer will be updated for fall with thicker (warmer) materials, such as wool and velvet. Women will also see cloche hats.

One suggestion to pull any of these trends is to focus on one or two items. Instead of creating an entire outfit made of bright colors, pair something bright with something neutral. Don’t forget that shoes and accessories can be bright additions to any outfit, while pants and shirts can be neutrals. Try a patterned shirt and neutral pant, or the other way around.

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The third annual Fashion’s Night Out took place on Thursday, September 8 in New York City. The evening brought jam packed fashion events to retail locations all around Manhattan. 2011’s Fashion Night Out was bigger than previous years, making it a celebrated highlight for the fashion industry.

More than 1000 stores around New York City participated in Fashion’s Night Out, which kicked off the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Not only was New York City a participant, but so were over 250 other cities across the United States. Created by Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour, Fashion’s Night Out has become an international sensation with countries around the world partaking in the event as well.

Retailers all across New York City stayed open later than usual for fashionistas to enjoy extended hours of shopping. Special events were seen throughout Manhattan. Celebrity appearances were a main highlight of the event. Located in the Meatpacking District, the grand opening of a new Intermix store welcomed Bravo’s reality TV star Rachel Zoe.

 The fashion stylist visited the boutique store to celebrate its opening. Those who wanted to shop in the famous Billionaire Boys Club on West Broadway were able to catch a glimpse of musically talented Pharrell Williams. The popular musician made an appearance at the store by working behind the cash register.

Daniel Radcliffe, widely known for his performance as Harry Potter in the movie series, arrived at Jeffrey New York for a guest appearance and had a meet and greet with people shopping in the store.

If Daniel Radcliffe wasn’t enough to entertain teeny boppers, throngs of excited teenagers gathered at Dolce & Gabbana to see international pop sensation Justin Bieber as he was also in attendance for Fashion’s Night Out.

Musical performances from the world’s most talented singers were also a large part of the evening. British singer Estelle performed at Diane von Furstenburg, while Queens rapper Nicki Minaj, a fashionistas herself, attended the launching of Yves Saint Lauren’s new Cabas Chyc handbag.

Lovers of the Jonas Brother’s lined up at Saks Fifth Avenue as musician Joe Jonas attended an event at the large New York City store. Not far from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s on 34^th Street welcomed Kelly Rowland, who sang some of her solo songs.

For those who wanted to see hip hop superstar Drake, he was at Versace’s boutique on 5^th Avenue, mixing behind the DJ booth, giving shoppers energizing music as they browed through the store. Musicians were spread out across Manhattan for the special fashion occasion and made a strong presence during Fashion’s Night Out.

Along with a strong celebrity presence throughout the evening, retailers across the city also hosted unique and entertaining special events. Magnolia Bakery, famously introduced by the fashion forward HBO series “Sex and the City” made specialty fashion cupcakes for the occasion. Cupcakes were decorated with stylish purses and shoes.

All the money raised from the sales of these cupcakes was sent directly to New York City AIDs Fund in the Community Trust. The downtown location of Bloomingdale’s had a performance by Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of Billy Joel, as well as an opportunity to personalize underwear with rhinestones.

Fashion’s Night Out was a great alternative for fashion lovers across New York City who wanted to experience the events and excitement of Fashion Week.

Although attending fashion shows at the annual Fashion Week requires tickets, Fashion’s Night Out gave everyone a chance to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities, sample finger foods, and sip on drinks as retailers across the city provided upbeat music, performances, and a trendy atmosphere to enjoy fashion.

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