#afroklectic

The World Wide Web in recent time has assumed increased importance in the world of fashion with online magazines, blogs, Tumblrs, documenting and following it religiously. From runway shows, to designer showcases and private collections, to street style to fashion editorials, all is readily available at the click of a button. In this regard, Africa and its fashion bloggers and enthusiasts are strongly in the mix. In the past two years or so, we have witnessed a revolution of sorts with a plethora of them springing up, especially now that African fashion is blossoming. For a 360 view on the continent’s booming African fashion industry, look no further than these online destinations…

One Nigerian Boy (Nigeria/U.K.)

This is arguably the shining star of African blogosphere. Previously based in Lagos, Nigeria but now based in London, Terence Sambo of OneNigerianBoy.Com leaves no stone unturned when it comes to arts, fashion and design in Africa and indeed the Afropolitans of the world. What started as a blog is now a full-fledged website that sets the standard when it comes to African fashion. The website’s work has been acknowledged by international publications such as the Guardian UK and Essence Magazine.

www.theonenigerianboy.com

Heritage 1960 (U.S.A)

This is an online retail destination that has in stock a number of African-produced and inspired brands whilst also doubling as an online magazine that offers a ‘curated view of global African fashion, lifestyle and design’ It has also done well on its self imposed mandate of ‘dispelling pre-conceived notions about African fashion, design and creativity’. You can shop top African brands such as Jewel by Lisa, Loza Maleombho.

www.heritage1960.com

Bella Naija (Nigeria)

This is perhaps the most accomplished online destination of African origin and has even had its editor, Uche Eze, featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. The website has won itself the enviable reputation of being the first to break news on the hottest, latest and best in the world of celebrity, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.

www.bellanaija.com

The Fashion Notebook by Nancie Mwai (Kenya)

Editor, Nancie Mwai, is a blogger out of Kenya whose work has been recognized by MTV Style Blog. Her blog is an ode not only to her personal style but is also an eclectic blend of the African fashion and design industry and what pertains in the rest of the world at large. For seasonal trends, what-to-wears, hot-ticket events, she has it covered.

 www.nanciemwai.com

Kenyan Stylista (Kenya)

One can say this is Kenya’s answer to One Nigerian Boy. With a slight bias for men’s fashion and its big players in the African fashion industry, this Tumblr delivers with just as much verve and bite as other online destinations on this list. Its content has serious entertainment value, covering fashion and design and other eye-catching tidbits in Africa and beyond, and is expressed heavily in photos and videos.

www.kenyanstylista.tumblr.com

Marian Kihogo

She has been regarded as “a sole fashion powerhouse that features the latest in fashion and beauty, covering all bases from the catwalk to events” and her knowledge of the industry and matchless style has “placed her in an elite class of fashion aficionados” She has been hailed by and featured in Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar UK, and named one of Vogue’s Favorite Fashion Bloggers.

www.mariankihogo.com

StyleHouseFiles (Nigeria)

Founded in 2010 by Nigerian fashion industry stalwart, Omoyemi Akerele, this is a website that not only offers a serving of the best of fashion, style and beauty but also works towards and supports the growth and development of the African fashion industry. It is dedicated to “discovering emerging designers, to establishing initiatives in support of consumer purchase growth such as ‘BuyNigerian’”

www.stylehousefiles.com

I See A Different You (South Africa)

This is run by a trio collective from Soweto ‘portraying South Africa as they see it’ whilst been stylishly suited and booted. Their Tumblr page is very refreshing, replete with resplendently dressed young men that are young, funky, cool and fresh shot against eye-catching, real-life backgrounds.

www.iseeadifferentyou.tumblr.com

Afroklectic (Ghana)

In the editor, Gillean Opoku’s words “Africa is rich textiles, ancient tapestry woven in renowned villages for hundreds of years, strings and strings of coloured beads, adorned all over the body. Africa is the soulful song of a chosen people within novels, poetry, paint, clothing, jewellery and dance. We are an eclectic cohort of designers, writers, artists, performers and entertainers. We are Africans and this is Afroklectic. A place to educate on what Africa is, pushing aside the tired misconception of what Africa is not.”

www.afroklectic.com

Just Patience (Zimbabwe)  

Patience is a Zimbabwean born blogger who now lives in the US. Hers is a personal blog that highlights her fashion experiences from high-end to high street. When she’s not talking fashion and trends, she touches on interior decoration.

www.justpatience.com

Name, location and what do you do?

Gillean Opoku, Sydney, Australia. I am a visual communicator and the founder of Afroklectic.com. By day I work as a designer for a creative agency and by night I am managing and writing for Afroklectic.com

Why are you a global nomad?

Because I am consumed my Wanderlust.  

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I felt like I needed a platform to promote creativity within my African-Australian community and showcase my work and the work of other African creatives as well as the Diaspora. 

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope Afroklectic.com becomes the creative hub of my community.

How long have you been working on this?

For over 2 years

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That I can write. I have a fear of writing because I don't process words well, so I have always tried to avoid writing by substituting it for visuals. Since I started Afroklectic, I have surprised myself by consistently writing. 

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Moving past the web and becoming an enterprise managing a number of creative projects for the African-Australian community. 

When did you start traveling? How and why did you travel for the first time?

In Australia, when I was around 6. My dad and I went on a road trip with family members to Canberra. That was a big deal for me, because I was moving out of my comfort zone. It was like going into a new world. 

I started traveling overseas when I was 16. My first overseas trip was to Ghana with my Mum and Dad.

In what places have you lived? 

I have always lived in Sydney, but in 2011 I went on exchange for 6 months. Most of my time was spent living in London. 

What languages do you speak?

I speak English mostly and sometimes Akan. 

What's your favorite city so far?

In terms of living, I would have to say Sydney. For holidays, Barcelona.  

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My laptop with my charger. Hopefully there would be free wireless around, and that way I can access the internet, skype, check emails etc. I would also use the computer to access a bible, InDesign, Photoshop and photos. 

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? plane

train or bus? train

walk or bike? both

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local's apartment? Hotel

must have fashion piece when traveling? A large tote bag. Allows me to carry all my essentials on the plane and doubles as my shopping basket whilst on holidays. 

explore/map or tour guide? explore  

Afroklectic is a collective supporting creativity, culture and individualism within the african-australian community and the diaspora

Afroklectic

Being black and creative is a new concept in the small black community in Australia, but things are changing.  Gillean Opoku, who was born and raised in Australia, made a video of young African-Australians about their views of an African creative culture emerging in Australia.  Opoku is also the founder of Afroklectic. Which is a platform to promote creativity within the African-Australia community. Share ideas, communicate to a wider audience that Africa is more than what they see in the media. And to communicate to an audience outside Australia that there are Africans living in Australia.