We're Back. Hemma Launching Fall 2009

We at Hemma have been preparing for our 2009 launch and with that we've been away for a bit setting the stage for a fabulous experience. Don't worry folks, we are back and here to stay, bringing you all that the Fall collection has to offer. An international twist on the Luxe & Chic style of nyc! Preview a few of our favs to be matched with KENTE this fall! Its all about the boots this Fall, knee high or thigh high for a really dramatic effect.

The trench coat will undoubtedly be a staple for the season. Along with this, don't forget your Military styled jackets & shoulder padded blazers. Structured tops are back in and chic-er than ever. Big bags have been in for a while and aren't going anywhere. The bigger the better. Enjoy all the space ladies!

Let's not forget the one shoulder dresses and tops making a come back too.

Accessorize!

This season is all about being bold, confident and unique...being all of these things, Hemma's timing couldn't be better.

Eva's America's Next Top Model Red Carpet Bday Bash!! INTERVIEW

Check out our interview with Crazy Al @ Eva's America's Next Top Model Red Carpet Bday Bash!!

Hemma On The Red Carpet from CrazyAlCayne on Vimeo.

HEMMA AND THE FIRST ANNUAL GHANA PARADE

Join Hemma this SUNDAY at the first annual Ghana Parade. We will be celebrating the rich history of the country that inspired our line. The Hemma Models will be featuring in the 2009/2010 Collection on our float during the march from 12 - 1:30PM and at the fashion show at 2PM in Crotona Park. The parade begins at 12PM at Crotona Park located at Fulton Avenue and Crotona Park North in the Bronx, NY. See you there!

The New York Times Spotlights Ghana

The New York Times Article explores the great paradox of Ghana where pain & pleasure truly meet.

• The Two Faces of Ghana

• Images: Nobility of Ghana & Royal Ceremonies

Ghana’s Cape Coast

Beauty Tip Tuesday – The Wonders of Vitamin E

We had an amazing July 4th at Robert Moses Beach in Babylon, NY. Finally New Yorkers are seeing amazing weather without “a chance of scattered thunderstorms.” Edna and I were happy to get back some of the tan Ghana left us with, but the sun definitely altered my skin.My skin was left in need for some intense moisture and once I tried Vitamin E oil, I knew I could never go back. It seemed to eliminate the sun damage and left my skin feeling really soft.

Vitamin E has powerful effects on the skin by acting as an antioxidant and protecting it from skin damaging environmental components like UV rays and pollution. If you apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, Vitamin E oil will absorb into the epidermis layer of the skin and protect it from the early stages of UV damage while increasing the effectiveness of any sunscreen used.

It also encourages new cell growth for a speedy recovery of minor sun burn. The oil should be applied to the sunburned areas twice a day until it is healed. It also works great on scars and blemishes as it lightens the damaged skin and finally removes it over time.

By and large the media ignores the connection between topical vitamins creating healthier skin and focuses on camouflaging problems through surgical procedures and make-up. Let’s remember the cheaper, more effective, and natural protective and restorative tools we can use.

Obama travels Through Ghana

Obama in Ghana!

Obama visited Ghana today, the first African country he travels to as President. He spoke to the Ghanaian Parliament and the world, about his Global vision that includes African participation and progress.

Ghana was the first country in Africa to win back its independence from overt colonial control and is one of the most socio-economically stable countries on the continent. Ghana continuously tops the list of African countries that are reducing poverty and improving quality of life through economic growth and a commitment to democracy, a trend that is growing across Africa. To read more about why Obama chose Ghana as his first visit, Check out ONE, a grassroots campaign and advocacy organizaion that's committed to fighting against extreme poverty and preventable disease. Watch OBAMA'S speech!

CHECK OUT THE KENTE BEHIND OBAMA, fab!

Ciaafrique Interviews Hemma

We were recently interviewed about Hemma by Ciaafrique. It was great working with Ciaa and to be featured on such an innovative and cool blog. This blog is special because it highlights fabulous fashions that are inspired in some way by the African continent. Ciaa keeps us up to date with the beauty and style from another part of the world!

Girlfriend Beauty Bag in NYC 6.13.09

On Saturday, Hemma's college associate Loren, and I attended the 2nd annual Girlfriend Beauty Bag in NY

C hosted by Bettina Lee.

This was a wonderful and informative beauty event where expert panelists answered hair, skin and make-up questions for women of all shades! That type of info can be hard to come by and I was so excited to hear about all the great tips that would be just right for me! Guests had everything from makeovers, mini manicures, cocktails, product sampling, massages and acupuncture...What more could a girl ask for.

On top of all of these great treats, I had the pleasure of meeting Antonique Smith, Actress who played Faith in the critically acclaimed film NOTORIUS. She was so sweet and a great woman!

This event was also sponsored by Girlfriends Get-Together created by Bettina. GGT is an inclusive social networking organization for women. It provides structured and supportive opportunities for upwardly mobile, business savvy girlfriends from various ethnicities and professions to empower themselves and learn methods to achieve their life’s goals.

When I found out about this, I immediately wanted to be a part of it because I saw the real need for it. There exists so many men's clubs and groups but not enough circles for women to empower themselves and each other. This is a great org because the women that attend these events are genuinely caring and ambitious so its a great place to find business partners as well as friends!

Bettina, like so many of us modern women, has a ton of great things going on simultaneously like the company she founded, Tinalee Media & Events, Inc. This is a hands-on social media and lifestyle event marketing firm. Focusing on the areas of beauty/wellness, empowerment, entertainment and women’s issues, they understand that successful public relations and events demand a wide-range of responsibilities and talents, boundless energy, quick thinking and even the occasional hand-holding.

Also, check out Guts.Glam.Grace, a great site Bettina set up with great uptodate tips on fashion, health, finance and life in general for the busy, beautiful, 21st century woman.

Now I'm off to put on one of the FAB deep conditioners that I got in my goodie bag! Thanks Bettina!

Hella Dope Kente Sneakers...The time for Kente has arrived!

Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott - Nizza 2 Hi - Fall / Winter 2009

Jeremy Scott has done it again...always edgy, sexy and innovative. He's designed 2 great multiculturally inspired sneakers as part of the Adidas Originals Nizza 2 Hi collection. While one sports a unique Kenta Cloth design across the upper, the other features a world map design, which also complements his African influenced dress collection, Tut TV. They both feature a solid canvas construction, and are sure to sell out as soon as they are released as part of the Fall / Winter 2009 collection.

Let us know what you think?

Drama Desk Awards

We at Hemma admire and support all forms of creativity including drama & theater. We were lucky enough to attend the 54th Annual Drama Desk awards! The awards gala was established in 1949 where critics and journalists writing on theater, give annual awards honoring outstanding work in theater. These awards are unique in that Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway compete in the same categories. The Drama Desk continues to be dedicated to furthering excellence in the theater.

Billy Elliot The Musical Wins 10 Drama Desk Awards to head the list of 2008/ 2009 Drama Desk winners!

If you know any actors, you probably are already well aware that they are a special group of people in their own right. Having so many stars under one roof was incredibly entertaining, whether it was the impromptu breaks into song and dance or the heartfelt insight into the ups and the downs in the life of an actor.

We had the opportunity of meeting some of the celebs including Geoffrey Rush, a prolific actor on and off the big screen in such pieces such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Munich, Elizabeth and much more. Present were such stars as Andre De Sheilds, Jane Fonda, Condola Rashad (a wonderful actress in her own right, daughter of Phylicia Rashad), John Lithgow, Liza Minnelli, and the always fabulous Carson Kressley, to name a few!