In September, I am going on student exchange to the UK. The location of my University and my residence, is about 30 minutes away from Central London – very convenient. So, I have told myself, that I will make time for regular excursions to London in search of African boutiques. Mind you, I had NO IDEA where to start! I got an email featuring an attachment called ‘The Contemporary African Shopping Guide’ from Catch A Vibe. This is probably the first of its kind which features 13 British and American independent designers selling in boutiques, online or in fashion markets. Editor of Catch A Vibe Alice Gbelia says it is the designers that she wants ‘to champion with this guide. Because they embody the African spirit at its best: inventiveness and also togetherness, with some of them working with local talent to create their designs’. This guide is probably going to give me a push in the right direction when I go to London especially since I really want to check out Ohema Ohene and Kayobi. Thanks to the guide, I have been introduced to Senga K. Design which has funky leather bags with African prints. I must admit I am not a fan of all the brands featured, but that’s a natural response. However, I do think it’s a great initiative. I only hope that as time goes on, it becomes bigger and better.
Click here to download ‘The Contemporary African Shopping Guide’.
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