DESIGNERS OF COLOR: HEMMA

THE CHOCOLATE FASHION BLOG ON HEMMA!

Trendy Africa Features Hemma

SECRETISTA: HEMMA BRINGS ME BACK TO MY ROOTS

Check out the Hemma feature on Secretista

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: HEMMA | SEVENTH SQUARE

Kente Redefined: Two American Designers Give Kente a “Hemma Collection” Treatment

Check out the Hemma Feature on LadyBrille Mag

You are Cordially Invited to the Launch of Hemma

Check out the Hemma Feature on Runway New York!

Check out the Hemma Feature on Runway New York!

Hemma Interview on Avenue Pink Radio

CHECK OUT AVENUE PINK'S YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR SHOW, 47 MINUTES IN IS THE FEATURE ON HEMMA!

Behind the Scenes of The First Annual Ghana Parade

The First Annual Ghana Parade was all about making it work for Hemma. The parade took place at Crotona Park in the Bronx, NY. We booked several great models, created a Hemma banner, and instead of a conventional float, decided to use a convertible. Although we planned every aspect of the event, it became clear the day of the parade that it would be all about making it work!

The morning of the parade, we realized that the convertible we requested for our float was sold out. We continually phoned every car rental company in New York City only to find that the only car available without a top was a pick-up truck! We were still frantically calling companies and floatless two hours before the event when a friend generously extended their zip car rental service.

With one hour to spare, we rushed to the rental location in Brooklyn and drove the convertible to the parade line-up in the Bronx. We met the models at the site, and quickly began prepping them for the march. We were one model short! My friend who was assisting us during the parade graciously decided to be one of the models.

At the parade, we got a chance to meet one of the chiefs of Ghana. We also had an impromptu photoshoot in the park while waiting to present our clothing on stage. By the end of the parade, we were exhausted and extremely thankful to all of the friends who helped us to make the parade a Hemma success!

Spike Lee & Hemma

So many reasons why NYC is addictive...great people, wild books & awesome events for those with non -top energy.

• Meeting Spike Lee last Wednesday night was a highlight for me after living in Brooklyn my entire life & attending highschool right across from 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks. With too many awe inspiring films such as Do the Right Thing, Bamboozled, Malcolm X & Crooklyn...his genius & discipline are obvious. Check out his long list of films!

• Spike was having a book signing for his newest co-authored work at Taschen, a trendy bookstore in Soho, originally a comic store started in Germany in 1980 by an 18 yr old, now an edgy art, design & architecture book boutique. Showing that the young are the pulse of society and the innovators of civilization. Taschen is home to many acclaimed pieces such as Helmut Newton's compilation of photographic splendor & eye grabbing pieces like The Big Penis Book. Spike's book Design for Obama. Posters for Change: A Grassroots Anthology, is a must have coffee table conversation starter.

• This was not to mention great for networking, where I met an array of interesting folks from media, fine arts, marketing and on. You never know who you might meet and how you can help each other grow..Cin and I love to meet great people and I can't wait to go to the next hot spot tomorrow night!

Out and About in Hemma - New York Spring 2010 Fashion Week

Who can stand not love fashion week for its high-paced nature with fashion full of risks and innovation? Carefully planned and executed art in the form of apparel makes it one of my favorite times of the year. Hemma had to join in on the festivities during New York Spring 2010 Fashion week. One of the most memorable events was Bergdorf Fashion's Night Out hosted at the flagship store on 5th Avenue and 58th Street.

We enjoyed it all: from the intriguing mayhem created by Victoria Beckham and the Olsen Twins to meeting the star of one of my nighttime guilty pleasures while studying for the LSATs, Heroes.

There was an amazing exhibit on the upper floor displaying a slew of the most provocative Vogue spreads in history pushing the limits of what readers considered beautiful.

There is only one fix for getting over fashion week: Critiquing the collections while anxiously awaiting next season...

Click here for full Spring 2010 New York, London, Milan & Paris fashion week coverage!

Oscar De La Renta & his African Inspirations

Oscar De La Renta created this look for his Spring 2009 collection and it's a great example of the huge African inspiration that's been hitting the catwalk for the last year. Is it Obama? Is it the natural progression of things? or has African couture just reached its tipping point...maybe all three from the looks of what celebs and the masses are beginning to fall in love with. Either way, the continent is a beautiful source of inspiration with much much more to offer....and Hemma will be on the forefront bringing it to you!

Obama & the Nobel Peace Prize: What do you think?

Obama was recently given the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

There has been expected controversy over this decision and no matter what your position, the fact that people are talking is a wonderful move away from apathy and towards thoughtful conscientious progress.

Obama seems to agree that this momentous act should not be taken as a pat on the back but as "a call to action." There is much work to be done, not just by Barack but by every individul who plays a part in creating the society that we live in today.

What you think?

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