accessories Archives

A few of my favourite things: Kenyan design brands

Nairobi this past November was a feast for the eyes, thanks to some of my favourite Kenyan design brands! I participated in several fairs which, gave me the opportunity to check out the great work of my peers.

The photos below were taken at Biz Baz, XmasBoX, Spring Valley Bazaar and the Ichyulu Pop Up at Zen Garden. This list is by no-means exhaustive!

I’m participating in 2 more events this year: a special Christmas evening at Nook Cafe on Thursday (14th December) and Pop-Up & Chill Handmaker’s Market, this Sunday (17th December). Come through to hang out, discover some new brands, and get your last-minute Christmas gifts and treats!

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Project stories: our collaboration with Sandstorm Kenya

December is here and I’m getting all reflective and starting to take stock of this year. One of the most exciting things that happened is my collaboration with luxury bag brand, Sandstorm Kenya.

Today, I thought I’d share a little bit about how the featured designs came to life. Continue reading “Project stories: our collaboration with Sandstorm Kenya”

African style / 1

I have a Pinterest board called ‘African Style’ and finding pictures for it brings me much joy. We are truly a creative and beautiful people! I’ve decided to do a regular round-up of some of my favourites. Here’s number

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Jewellery by Katra Awad: Artist of Love

I recently came across jewellery designer, global nomad and artist of love, Katra Awad.

Born in California, raised in Europe and the Caribbean and of Egyptian and Hispanic roots, I love her perspective on creativity, in the grander scheme of wellness and love:

During one of my travels someone once said to me, “It is our responsibility in life to pursue our talents to the fullest extent & make every second count.”

Continue reading “Jewellery by Katra Awad: Artist of Love”

Buy African: Stitch Sainte Luce Embroidered Fashion and Home Furnishings

I managed to escape my stand at the Women of the World festival marketplace last weekend, to have a look at all the other beautiful crafts on offer. I was particularly mesmerised by one incredibly vibrant table – the photo above represents merely a quarter of the space!

Stitch Sainte Luce produces hand-embroidered belts, bracelets, cushion covers, tablet and e-reader cases, bags, purses, cards and more.

Continue reading “Buy African: Stitch Sainte Luce Embroidered Fashion and Home Furnishings”

Buy African: Statement Necklaces

Accessories are this girl’s best friend. Drawing them, making them (way back in the day), working with people who design them and of course, wearing them! I love a good pair of dramatic earrings but, when it comes to really making a statement, nothing beats a fabulously bold necklace. These are a few on my wishlist (from top): Pichulik; Nyumbani Design; Mikuti; Pichulik; Dannijo; Christie Brown.

Images via the various online shops linked to above.

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Last Week in Pictures: Lines, Stripes and Multi-colour

Glancing at my Instagram feed from the past couple weeks, there’s a common theme emerging: lines, stripes and multi-colour! Here’s how it went down …

Above: this bag is most definitely on my wishlist. Handmade in Kenya, available from Lov’edu.

Colourful cables at Whitechapel tube station.

Tanabata Fukinagashi decorations at the Southbank Centre. Check out the ongoing Festival of Love.

Window grills needn’t be boring! I spotted these art deco ones in Hackney.

I always enjoy seeing how other makers roll so it was a delight to go to the Hackney Downs Studios open studios event last week. Here: suede that Hyun K Shin of Tiny Track turns in to intricate fashion accessories.

This chair is everything! Have a seat at the Wahaca mexican market eating branch in Waterloo.

As I mentioned in a recent post, about resonance across the global south – this bag is reminiscent of the one at the top of this post but, I have a feeling that this one was made across in Latin America … Or could it be from around the Europe/Asia boundary? Spotted at vintage store Blitz London.

Another vintage store find – these woven-back, red-seat chairs at GASP in Liverpool.

What’s been in your line of vision this week?

Come join me on Instagram @lulukitololo.

* For those of you who noticed, yes, “last week” isn’t strictly just last week 🙂
All photos by Lulu Kitololo. Some enhanced with VSCOcam.

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Interview with Accessories Designer, Evie Nix

I met Yvonne Nicholson, the Zambian born UK based designer behind Evie Nix, at the African Market at Old Spitalfields in London. It’s her I have to thank for the fabulous kitenge/ankara/wax print corset that I walked away with that day.

Evie Nix offers unique African print corsets, jewellery and accessories, all handmade with love. I asked Yvonne a few questions about what drives and inspires her work. Continue reading “Interview with Accessories Designer, Evie Nix”

Pins of the Week: Red, White and Pink

One of the things I love most about what I do is that I get to look for, look at and make beautiful images! Here are some that I came across this week. There was definitely a theme emerging – prints, beads and the red, pink and white palette.

Images from top:

Kehinde jacket by Ikire Jones)
Photo by Glen Green; art by Jamilla Okubo – see more of her work on a recent post
Lanterns from Anthropologie; beaded necklace
Retro Lanvin; silk scarf by Sabina Savage

As you know, I ‘collect’ images over on Pinterest. Come and have a look.

Hope you’re having a restful, rejuvenating and creative weekend!

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Photos from The African Market at Old Spitalfields, London

I spent Monday hanging out with Lusungu at the Creativity and Noise and Merkato stall at The African Market Bank Holiday Festival, presented by Open the Gate at Old Spitalfields Market. There was entertainment, food and a variety of African and African-inspired art, design and crafts. I got to chat to some of the designer-makers and creative entrepreneurs – it’s always inspiring to be around other creative people!

Enjoy the photos and do check out these great brands and makers. Prepare your senses for a print and colour explosion!

(Photo above: recycled textile pouches by BURST. Contact: burstlondon [at] gmail [dot] com)

Lusungu with his screenprinted Creativity and Noise t-shirts and Merkato baskets and toys

Happy customer Winkate, rocking her brand new Africrown tank from Creativity and Noise

Woven plastic bags from Senegal, available from Serenity Bags: senebagz [at] gmail [dot] com

Hoodies by Open the Gate

Shoe laces by Open the Gate

Trying on a fabulous corset by Evie Nix (don’t ask about the face!)

More ankara/wax print goodies from Evie Nix, including bangles, cuffs and earrings

Wishlist: this green weekend bag and the yellow Choolips dress, available from Sapellé

Textile recylcing – lavender pouches made from wax print off-cuts. By BURST: burstlondon [at] gmail [dot] com

Beaded bracelets from Sapellé

Loved these shirts, shorts and t-shirts by TYMO

After years of communicating virtually, I finally got to meet fashion designer Fée Uhssi in the flesh!

Dolls by Verona.C

And the lady Verona herself!

Bibs and booties from the House of Loulee

Lucy of House of Loulee. Last Christmas she custom made some beautiful boots for my friend’s 18 month old and a funky sweater for Lusungu.

Story time!

I didn’t catch the name of the last band that performed. Let me know if you did!

All photos by Lulu Kitololo (except the one of Lulu, taken by Yvonne of Evie Nix), with a little love from VSCOcam.

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Related:

Sights at Africa Oyé – a great annual festival in Liverpool. It’s coming up this June!
Presenting Creativity and Noise
Buy African: Fashion on Sapellé
Interview with Daphne Kasambala, CEO of Online Ethical Fashion Store, Sapellé
Interview with Sustainable Fashion on Entrepreneur, Annegret Affolderbach of Choolips

Continue reading “Photos from The African Market at Old Spitalfields, London”