Our first video to tell you a little bit more about the Mefie journey and some of the artisans that we work with...we hope you enjoy!
Also follow us on:
Facebook.com/mefieuk
Twitter.com/@mefieuk or
Instagram/mefiieuk
For more stories, updates or discounts!!!
Showing posts with label BGKI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BGKI. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Friday, 11 January 2013
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
Both of the above are by Andrea Iyamah
Dress by Kaela Kay
Dress by Zeena Kay
Brenda's Blog - canneverbeaskinnybish.blogspot.com
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
Both of the above are by Andrea Iyamah
Dress by Kaela Kay
Dress by Zeena Kay
Brenda's Blog - canneverbeaskinnybish.blogspot.com
 |
| www.mefie.co.uk |
Thursday, 13 December 2012
A Day Late and a Dollar Short but my bags have finally arrived
Over the past few months since launching mefieuk, there have been a few issues/hiccups which have arisen along the way and as this journey continues I want to share them as well. For this post I want to look at 3 issues which have arisen for me in starting a business abroad.
1. Whether to have seasonal options which keep with the colour palate that is prevalent in UK seasonal dress;
2. The cultural differences in dealing with an overseas provider and;
3. Consistency of goods.
Over the years as I have been following African fashion, I have read about the dilemma of many fashion designers emerging from the continent as to whether to have seasonal collections which reflect the 4 seasons which exist in much of Europe and North America or to stick to the bright colours and attire used in a year-round warm climate. As a company that is creating goods to be sold primarily in Europe and North America, (...and anywhere else there is uptake...I am not choosy) I decided to reflect the seasons and as such the newest handbags which are about to be listed on the website, feature warmer colours and deeper tones which will still add interest to any outfit but also fit nicely with the colour palates that are prevalent throughout the winter season.
Some of you may be scratching your heads as to why it has taken so long for me to bring the new stock out and all I can really say is that the hiccups of a new business have definitely had an impact. Thus far I have found that supplier timeline management and consistency have lead to my delays. Many of my deadlines were not hit hence, shipments were late and on and on it goes. I have to say that this is a steep learning curve but I am still passionate about this journey! When I began, one of the tenets of the business was to celebrate the craftsman and artisans in Ghana and the skill that is there. My intention is still the same but as always there have been stumbling blocks along the way. Some have suggested that it is better to manufacture in China or the UK but I am adamant that my perseverence will pay off...I want to be about something more than the norm and I want this business to reflect it too..so the fight continues...
Anyhow below are some of my favorite looks with the new bags! Let me know yours!!! All will be available on www.mefie.co.uk, StlyesAfrik and there will be a promotion on Chictopia
Enjoy!
xx
mefieuk
1. Whether to have seasonal options which keep with the colour palate that is prevalent in UK seasonal dress;
2. The cultural differences in dealing with an overseas provider and;
3. Consistency of goods.
Over the years as I have been following African fashion, I have read about the dilemma of many fashion designers emerging from the continent as to whether to have seasonal collections which reflect the 4 seasons which exist in much of Europe and North America or to stick to the bright colours and attire used in a year-round warm climate. As a company that is creating goods to be sold primarily in Europe and North America, (...and anywhere else there is uptake...I am not choosy) I decided to reflect the seasons and as such the newest handbags which are about to be listed on the website, feature warmer colours and deeper tones which will still add interest to any outfit but also fit nicely with the colour palates that are prevalent throughout the winter season.
Some of you may be scratching your heads as to why it has taken so long for me to bring the new stock out and all I can really say is that the hiccups of a new business have definitely had an impact. Thus far I have found that supplier timeline management and consistency have lead to my delays. Many of my deadlines were not hit hence, shipments were late and on and on it goes. I have to say that this is a steep learning curve but I am still passionate about this journey! When I began, one of the tenets of the business was to celebrate the craftsman and artisans in Ghana and the skill that is there. My intention is still the same but as always there have been stumbling blocks along the way. Some have suggested that it is better to manufacture in China or the UK but I am adamant that my perseverence will pay off...I want to be about something more than the norm and I want this business to reflect it too..so the fight continues...
Anyhow below are some of my favorite looks with the new bags! Let me know yours!!! All will be available on www.mefie.co.uk, StlyesAfrik and there will be a promotion on Chictopia
Enjoy!
xx
mefieuk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)