The amount of talent that is cropping up these days, and young talent, especially among people of African descent is amazing. In a world of stodgy designers with massive studios, and 5^th avenue flagship stores, the generation aged 15 to 25 are the underdogs, making their designs reality with $15 sewing machines in the cramped spaces of their bedrooms and dorms, and now they’re ready to take over. Expect to see the fashion you know and love reinvented in wild ways to create a new kind of ‘street-meets-class-and-couture’ following. Young African designers are about to inject new life into the old guard, and it’s about time too. Forget the ‘Three Cs’…  their couture is the kind you can wear to the club in Lagos or Paris, and pretty much everywhere else that you want to be the envy and inspiration of all present.

And it’s not just designers that are taking the world by storm. Generation C (nicknamed C for Content because this generation is so driven to produce the media and products that it consumes) is dominating just about everything in the fashion industry. Models, publishers, editors, photographers, stylists, PR people, MCs, agents, enablers and assistants, you name it, some young fly African is doing it. I like to call them YFEs : Young Fashion Entrepreneurs - See a few faces you should look out for:

Model: Honorine Uwera, born in 1987.

Quirky Vintage Designers: Avant Gaudy.

(Vincent Choi; 23, Deborah & Jessica Umunnabuike; 23 & 21)

Stylist; Eniololade Dawodu, 23.

True, Africa has traditionally never gotten the recognition it duly deserves for inspiring some of the world’s greatest designers and being a source for exquisite and exotic fashion, but all that is about to become a thing of the past. A revolution is beginning; a new fashion order has been established, and WE are at the centre of it. More young people are taking the initiative to solve the problems that they face today, whether that problem is where to get the perfect vintage dress (the quirky vintage line Avant Gaudy is owned by two Nigerians) or one-of-a-kind shoes for a red carpet event. Move over people, the beautiful ones have just been born. 

To end on a sweeter note, the Feature of this week who is currently the main picture of FashionAfrica.com this week; Samata Angel is the poster child of YFE! Check her out HERE, or click the “BIG” picture on the homepage.

- Lotanna Odunze.

Hello all, Lotanna is our first intern to write a blog for the site, and it’s only fitting the blog gets featured today - HER BIRTHDAY!!! - Wadami.

Let’s get right to it, spring is right by the corner. Lotanna’s 2008 spring picks are:

HAIR:

- There’s nothing sexier than locks grown out of your own head. How many times has a great make out session been ruined by a guy running his hands through his girl’s hair only for his fingers to get caught in the thread that holds her weave together? The Au Naturel look is back in a big way.

- What’s HauTe (Afro):

. Close second (Long relaxed) -  

Day to Night dress:

- Whether it’s shopping, meeting friends for al fresco lunch, or a perhaps-not-so-casual date with the one you adore, the Day to Night Dress will see you through with style. A staple for busy women who can’t always rush home to change. A fresh dab of your favourite fragrance, and voila! You’re good to go. Pull a stylish jacket over it for daytime seriousness. Ditch the cover up for night-time glam.  

The “IT” Bag:

- A girl has got to have a bag, but more importantly, a girl should have an ‘IT’ bag. The IT bag transcends the mere functionality of transporting your necessary items  as you run around on your undoubtedly hectic schedule to elevate the carrier to iconic status.

- What’s HauTe (E4MA bags):

. Close Second -

Cocktail Rings:

- Baubles big and small are welcome this season, and the more you have the merrier you should be. Cocktail rings are elegant in a naughty way, and add a sophisticated touch a young professional woman. If you’re older they’re also a great way to feel flirty and young again without going overboard.

- What’s HauTe (TigerTem Cocktail Ring):

 Close Second -

…there you have it. Your easy staple for spring to keep you looking stylish in 2008. 

- Lotanna Igwe-Odunze

Blog - Sugabelly.

Side hustle: Check out my Tshirts - Barcelagos.

P.S: Have no clue what happened to the pictures, but once it’s figured out, it will be fixed! In the meantime please enjoy yourself on the site, and come back!!

To get information on how to get the look or styles featured in this blog, please visit HERE, and inquire.