Hemma creates fresh, elegant collections using authentic hand-woven Kente, a textile rich in African royal tradition. Kente began to flourish in West Africa in the 17th century and still remains prominent representing social prestige, luxury, and cultural sophistication. Each garment is uniquely handmade from intricately hand-woven Kente imported from Ghana. By incorporating the same techniques used to dress Ghanaian nobility for centuries, Hemma allows each client to exude royalty. By investing in quality pieces that last a lifetime, the lives of Ghanaian school children are also impacted. A percentage of all proceeds will be donated to a West African middle school where the designers instructed classes.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

BK Fashion Week(end)

After attending the BK Fashion Week(end) Saturday and Sunday show, I couldn't help but notice the common trend that has been hitting the pages of Vogue and Elle: colorful vibrant hues and designs that have strong traditional cultural references. Countless designers are drawing inspiration from Asian and African culture in their collections this season.

The House of Osun displayed this trend during the show featuring hand painted designs inspired by the Yoruba deity of all that is beautiful, sensual, and womanly.

We had a great time viewing other designer's take on fashion inspired by a culture's traditions. Our collection embraces the rich royal tradition of Ghana.

Kente cloth has a long history in Ghana dating back centuries ago to Chief Oti Akenten's reign. At that time, the caravan trade routes of the Sahara were flourishing with the exchange of goods that included dyed silks from the East. The fabric made such an impression on Chief Akenten that he moved to develop the Kente band weaving system. Currently, the technique is extremely specialized and there are countless designs weaved into the cloth with diverging meanings.

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