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.

Friday, April 30, 2010

LOVE-ing This Sandal

For all those girls who want more than the just the casual, everyday flip-flop, Ruthie Davis and Fiona Paxton have come together to bring you the Love Sandal. These ornamental sandals give a girl that princess feeling we always long for. Pair them with Hemma's Sena Dress or a pair of our Badi Shorts for the complete royal treatment.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Vogue Africa Concept

Photographer and make-up artist Mario Epanya envisions a day when Vogue Africa is gracing newsstands across the world. In an interview, Epanya said, "...I think having an edition of Vogue Africa will bring into the light, THE AFRICAN CREATIVITY, the world will be amazed by it.... trust me". Well Hemma could not agree with him more! Who would you like to see gracing the pages of Vogue Africa in a Hemma original?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Coco & Breezy

At Hemma, we love innovation, check out two fellow young innovators - CoCo and Breezy specializing in luxe shades and apparel.

Nina Ricci's Gravity Defying shoes

Nina Ricci's 8'in.heels are also taking fashion to new heights!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Shop Hemma at Darling!

Love the Asante blazer in blue or the Sena Dress? Pick up your Hemma original today at Darling located at 1 Horatio Street and 8th Avenue in the West Village. Darling is a beautiful boutique with a gorgeous garden known for its chic and whimsical dresses. Check out at virtual tour of the boutique and shop Hemma now at Darling!

Hemma Hits the Fashion for Heritage Show

The Fashion for Heritage show's designers all had one thing in common - innovation. The show was full of surprises from see-through frocks to cocktail dresses baring metrocard trim. Throughout the night we tweeted our favorite looks on the runway. Follow us on twitter!

Ten Minutes with Cindy & Edna of Hemma

FBE Online Mag for Young Entrepreneurs - Hemma in Essence!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Fashion Lens Forward - Hemma

Running with Heels, Shoes Inspired by NYC Skyline

H.Williams is a hot new shoe line that draws its silhouettes from architecture. The Reuda bootie from her spring 2010 line was inspired by the NYC skyline. Her pumps and bags have been featured in Glamour, Vogue Italia, Vogue Pelle, COLLEZIONI ACCESSORI and others. Check out the 2010 Hemma Collection now inspired by African royalty with a NYC twist.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

LUCKY MAGAZINE - Give Back! Throw Your Support Behind Educating Students in Ghana





















While studying in Ghana, Edna and I volunteered as teachers and Photography Club advisors at La Yahoushua Junior Secondary School in Accra, Ghana. We witnessed the economic hardships faced by young children in Ghana, many of whom worked long hours to assist their families. In Ghana, an estimated 40% of all elementary aged children lack the resources to attend school. The enrollment rates drop even further for secondary aged children, as an alarming 60% of them are unable to afford a basic education. Numerous primary and secondary schools, including La Yahoushua lack basic resources such as restrooms and up-to-date learning materials.

To address this issue, we created The Hemma Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that affords educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged primary and secondary school students in Ghana by providing academic scholarships. The foundation also aims to improve the quality of education by granting financial assistance to underfunded schools. By donated funds for learning materials and after school programs, The Hemma Foundation strives to improve quality of education received by Ghana's youth.

A percentage of every Hemma original sold is donated to The Hemma Foundation. Now the public can directly donate to La Yahoushua through Hemma's official website!

Pick up a copy of LUCKY's Magazine's May issue highlighting Hemma and The Hemma Foundation today!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Stay on Top of Bazaar Magazine's Trends for 2010 with Hemma

BAZAAR magazine recently posted it's 20 TOP TRENDS FOR 2010 online, and it's number one pick was Mixed Prints ! "...This season anything goes," they wrote, "mix and match your most colorful pieces and let your imagination run free." Posted along side their statement was a How-To picture featuring Dries Van Noten's collection, but I would have rather preferred to see Hemma's daringly chic use of kente patterns. Hemma + this trend = Picture Perfect! What Hemma piece would you stylize for this summer's trend?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Lanvin's African Influence

During Paris' fashion week, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz drew upon African styles and textures in order to create a dark fall 2010 collection. "Massive amulets, rough hewn fabrics, muddy hues and tribal feathers" are all symbols of the designer's African influence. However, upon interview Elbaz admitted to never actually visiting the African continent - except virtually. Cindy Gaston and Edna Bissoon of the Hemma line not only visited Africa, but also taught at a school for a period of time before launching their collection! If you enjoyed Elbaz' incorporation of African style into the fall 2010 collection, you should check out Hemma's designs and textures, which are influenced by African royal tradition.


What is it about the tribal inspired aesthetic that has influenced so many designers in the contemporary fashion scene ?

Monday, April 5, 2010

Hemma featured on LUCKY'S BLOG

M for music, Donna for Debut Fashionwear

Madonna recently announced the newest addition to her teen clothing line - sunglasses. What better counterpart to the Dolce&Gabbana collaboration than chic eye wear from the original pop icon herself. Like Hemma's premier in LUCKY magazine, the line will debut in May. The glasses will be sold at D&G stores, as well as in the chain "huts" of the manufacturer, Luxottica. Who knows what could be next on her list. --- Would you wear Madonna's sunglasses to go with your spring outfits?

Friday, April 2, 2010

Donate for HAITI!! Donate for GHANA!!

The Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc. is seeking donations from people to aid victims of disasters and support people in need within and outside of the United States. Currently, they have raised 20 million dollars worth of products for the survivors of the Haiti catastrophe, but are still in search of much more generosity. So donate for HAITI!
The Hemma Foundation is also seeking donations to educate the middle school students at La Yahoushua in Accra, Ghana. Better the lives of victims of HAITI & Better the lives of children in Ghana while your at it! Click the "Donate Now" button on the Charity page of Hemma's official website. As little as $15 can provide the school fees needed to send one child to school for a full year!