Look of the day: Thandie Newton vs Alicia Keys

Who has the best style according to you?
Thandie Newton in Jewel by Lisa (left) Alicia Keys in Stella McCartney at the MTV Europe Music Awards?

Tiss'Ame collection n.3

The third collection of Tiss'Ame is out. We spotted this designer a few months ago and don't regret adding it to our afro designers list.

The new collection includes clutches, trench coats and an incredible variety of bright blazers with touches of african designs and fabrics. Wear them at work or on a night out to look classy in seconds.

View the full collection on Facebook.

Look of the day: Solange Knowles

Bright yellow bag, animal print shoes, brown top 'à pois' and blue skirt. That was a risky mix but Solange pulled it out surprisingly well. And for once, we get see her real hair, blown out, without extensions.

Also read: Celebrity Hairstyle, Solange Knowles.

Shopping idea of the week: the afro stroller

Stroller, 74 euros.
More designs on AfricanPulse The Shop

Trend: The LWD

Forget the LBD (Little Black Dress), what you need is a little white dress. Synonym of innocence and purity, the white dress also reminds us that we are in the hot season. It's not always easy to wear white during the day, especially in the city, but it's a color that makes you stand out at night.

Flashy neons and strong colours are in at the moment so if you want wear white but stay the trendy, think about using accessories: shoes, jewelery, hair bands...

Trend: the front headwrap

Solange Knwoles; a fashionista

Front headwrapping is one of this summer's top black hair trend. Celebrities like Eva Marcille and Estelle have recently been spotted wearing front headwraps at several events. 

The headwrap was originally a non-verbal communication tool in the traditional African societies informing about the  age, status and wealth of the woman wearing it. Today, headwraps are more a practical tool. They allow you to stay presentable at all times and take a break from styling your hair. They are indeed listed as a protective style. 

Actress Eva Marcille, designer Asakeoge, singer Estelle are all wearing headwraps this summer

Learn the art of headwrapping

If are in London, England on 22 July and want to learn the art of African headwrapping, take a free course with top headwrap artist Dee McCalla. Sample fabrics will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own. This workshop is for all hair types.

African headwrapping workshop
Saturday 22 July 2012, 10:30am
Southbank centre, London
FREE - you will need to book tickets here


Front headwrap tutorial:

Summer shopping

Jigsaw tailoring blazer 129€; George Italian Leather Glitter Strap Sandals, £14; Jigsaw Leopard Print Pump, £149; Mango Step Hem Skirt, £34.99; Blue Crystal Shoulder Bag, €284

Black model of the week: Arlenis Sosa

At the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 show, face shot and in NYC, July 2012

Naomi Campbell, Iman and Tyra can retire in peace, a new breed of black models is on the way among which Arlenis Sosa. Arlenis is the first ever black model to represent Lancôme. She was born on 7 May 1989 in Montecristi (Dominican Republic) and later moved to New York where she was spotted. She's been a model since 2008 and has appeared of Vogue, Vogue Italia, Teen Vogue, Interview, Harper's Bazaar. She's also a favorite of designer Oscar de la Renta.

Look of the day: Leila Lopes or Salli Richardson-Whitfield?

Who had the best red carpet outfit? Angolan Leila Lopes who was crowned Miss Universe 2011 and originating or actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield who made appearances in I am Legend or CSI Miami. Vote and see what others said...

Designer of the week: Sika Designs

Sika Designs, Labyrinth collection

The SS 2012 collection of SIKA DESIGNS is available online.


Sika Designs was founded by Phyllis Taylor, born in the UK from Ghanian parents. Earlier this year, She opened a shop in Accra, Ghana. It will be the exclusive distributor of Sika Designs. 


Sika Designs work closely with local manufacturers and traders to give back to the Ghanean community. All Sika garments are sourced in Ghana. View the collection and shop online: sikadesigns.co.uk.

Trend: Sorbet Jeans

Sorbet Jeans are a must-have this season. They're available in virtually every color and will instantly make your outfit look trendier. Flip the bottom and wear them with a breezy shirt, a blazer, patent shoes and/or metallic jewellery.

Look of the day: Tracee Ellis Ross or Garcelle Beauvais?

One summer, two styles. Tracee Ellis Ross wore a colorful scarf jumpsuit by Kirnat Zabete with a criss-cross back at the American Black Film Festival opening on 22 June. She accessorized it with animal print pumps, large hoop earrings and a black clutch.

Garcelle Beauvais knows that shorts are in this summer. She went for a very classic style with white bermuda shorts, a v-neck t-shirt and a bright pink jacket to add a touch of colour to the outfit.

Best look: 2012 MTV movie awards

Who had the best look on the 2012 MTV Movie Awards red carpet? Vote now!

JUNE launch a new collection

JUNE recently launched a brand new collection. We hand picked our favorite items to help you brighten up your wardrobe this summer. All pieces available on the online store:www.store.juneshop.net/

1. Double-sided smoking jacket, 100 euros
2. Green combi-shorts, 80 euros
3. Pink combi-shorts, 80 euros

Coup de coeur: Sandals, Zara

Zara woven thong sandals, 59.99 - Get them here

It's beach time babe part 2 - Know your body shape

In the second part of our ethnic shopping guide for ethnic beach (view part 1), we will focus on your body shape. It's important to know what type of cut will enhance your natural features.

Designer ADAMA recently got in the spotlight  at the Miss Black France contest with a collection  of colorful bikinis and swimsuits for every taste and body shapes. We love the number of options available in her AFROBIKINI collection. Which one will you pick?

If you are...

Pear shaped - opt for two pieces with fancy bottoms to balance your figure (n.3 & 7)
Sporty - prefer bandeau tops (n.1, 2 and 6)
Petite - wearing tie-side bikinis will make your legs look longer (n.4)
Small/medium bust - you can go for cropped swimsuits (n.5)

More Afrobikinis at www.adama-paris.com.
Photos by: Mario Epanya
Models: Miss Black France 2012 contestants

On the catwalk:

It's beach time babe!

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising and the birds are singing. You're probably thinking about escaping to the sea side for a well deserved break in the next few weeks. But do you know what you'll wear?

The ethnic trend is definitely in this summer and there are plenty of options for you to bring it to the beach. How do you do it? Think bright colours, animal prints, stripes, ethnic prints and bold wegdes. Here's the first article of our two-part shopping guide to help you build the perfect ethnic beach look:

1. Orange bikini, Mara Hoffman 

2. Striped bikini, French Connection, £40

3. Aztec print playsuit, Topshop , £26

4. Animal print bikini bottoms, Paul Smith, £55

5. Black/white geo print wedges, ASOS, £48

6.Leather and straw bag, Topshop, £45

7. 'Africas' earrings, Peaceimages Jewelry, $42

Look out for It's beach time babe! (part 2)...

5 ultimate pieces for afro power dressing

Ever wanted to wear african designs at work but not quite sure how? Well good news, the key to power dressing is to be professional but remain feminine. What better option than colourful african prints and accessories?

We spotted two designers who revisited five key pieces of a woman's power dressing wardrobe: ASAKEOGE for the outfits and AFRICAN PULSE for the accessories.

1. The pencil skirt - a basic that every woman should have in her corporate wardrobe. Geometric African print pencil skirt by ASAKEOGE, £15.

2. The cropped jacket to 'suit up' in less than 10 seconds on top of basic black top and trousers. ASAKEOGE floral print cropped jacket, £15.

3. The slim fit pants when you don't feel like wearing a skirt. Because they're so colourful, pair them with a simple white or dark shirt. African print slim Pants by ASAKEOGE, £45.

4 & 5. Bold accessories will instantly add a feminine touch to all your outfit. AYÔ long necklace made with coral crystals, flat beads and Akan gold weight, 90 euros. FULANI earrings in golden metal made in Mali, 25 euros.

http://asakeoge.bigcartel.com/
http://africanpulse.eu/_shop/

Asos Africa Spring/Summer 2012 collection

Asos.com launched its new ASOS Africa 2012 collection earlier this month. The combination of african patterns and western cuts makes it a very unique and cutting-edge line.

It comprises 20 items ranging from £25 to £75. ASOS made sure to incorporate this summer's top trends: ethnic prints and neon colours, just like Kim Kardashian in her Tribeca summer jumpsuit. 

Expect Geo, Kanga, Mombasan and zebra prints, neon stripes and even beaded giraffes. If you're not afraid to have all eyes on you, the bright colours and original shapes of this collection are for you.

ASOS Africa is an ethical brand. The collection is produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, a clothing production workshop, allowing Kenyan underprivileged communities to establish sustainable business through local craftsmanship.

Go to ASOS Africa

Dress, Mombasan print, £45

Dresses, Geo Kitenge (left) and Giraffe print (right), £50

Burberry Alligator clutch

An item for your dream shopping list. Burberry Prorsum Alligator clutch; £1,995.

Go to the Burberry website.