Mefieuk: African Fashion in the T- dot O and the Skinny Bi*sh

So it has been about two weeks since I arrived in Toronto and I have finally had the opportunity to meet with a fashion blogger. I met with the lovely Brenda, writer of 'Can Never be a Skinny Bi*sh.' We spent a great evening where we ate, we chatted, and I soaked up the insights and experiences of a girl 'in the fashion know' in TO.

After my meeting with Brenda there are a few things that really are apparent...what I now know for sure is that the internet truly has made the world a smaller place! As we discussed our favourite African-inspired designers there were so many commonalities in the brands that we liked from around the globe. Although I am never surprised about the reach of established brands in the marketplace, it was surprising that there was an awareness of the smaller UK brands. Based on Brenda's experience as well as my own it is apparent that as the number of African Fashion and design blogs, websites and magazines continues to grow, it provides greater outlets for those who want to consume the goods to interact and find the african-inspired designs that we desire regardless of where they are sold worldwide.

My other discovery was that there are a few new fashion designers creating waves with their african-inspired designs. In Toronto, young, up-and-coming designers have developed a following both in Canada and abroad, yet, the recognition of their work still remains largely within the 'black/african/caribbean community. The one question which remains to be answered is whether new labels have neglected the mainstream and have not targetted the Canadian fashion magazines etc or whether Canadian fashion has continued to ignore this growing trend. As brands such as Zeena Kay, Andrea Iyamah and Kaela Kay continue to develop it will be interesting to see whether they will break into the mainstream here, in Canada.

As the demand for African brands continues to grow I suspect that there will be a growing want to discover new talent in our own backyard...yet, we shall see what the next few years brings.

Below is an edit of my favourite looks from some of the up-and-coming Canadian designers and some of the great looks featured on the Skinny Bish blog.

PS - To Brenda - It was lovely meeting you again! Thank you for your time and your insight! And from one fashionista to another...lovin your vibe and can't wait to see you in our mefie satchel!

xx mefie uk