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

The Rise and Rise of African Fashion

Last week Selfridges launched a pop-up shop with its edit of some of the best pieces from Lagos Fashion and Design week. It has garnered great interest thus far as top African fashion bloggers such as OneNigerianBoy, HauteFashionAfrica and African Fashion Guide have promoted this first, in bringing Nigerian fashion to mainstream shops in the UK. The pop-up shop, NDANI, will run throughout December featuring dresses by such designers as Lisa Folawiyo of Jewel By Lisa, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Eki Orleans, Odio Mimonet and Tiffany Amber.

After hearing about the collection, I excitedly went down to Selfridges to look at the edit and was wowed by the beauty...not only by the bright colours and design seen in the dresses, but also in the Christmas window which drew interest from passers-by. The collection itself stays true to the African esthetic with the colours, pattern and intricate weaves. My two favourite pieces were the blue dress on display by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi as well as the Pink and Orange Odio Mimonet piece. Although the clothing selections were really well-done, I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed with the accessories paired as they felt like somewhat of an afterthought.

I can only half commend Selfridges for taking the step in bringing Nigerian fashion further to the fore. Currently foreign Nigerian shoppers are amongst the top 10 purchasers of luxury brands in the UK; hence, it is not a surprise that Selfridges have focused on LFDW. Based on research published last year by Citigroup, Nigeria is poised to grow to be one of the world's largest economies in the next 40 years as well as top in terms of economic growth, beating out current powerhouses such as the US, China and India. Hence, if current trends in luxury consumption continue this emerging economy will be a force to be reckoned with.

As many luxury brands have begun to turn their attention to Africa in a bid to expand their markets, I assume that Selfridges is looking to capitalize on this growth as well. I hope that as the increase in affluence continues across the continent over the next few decades, there is a greater focus on new and emerging African fashion and that it does not just begin and end with Nigeria as a money grabbing endeavour. Instead I hope that it is a turning point and is true recognition of the talent that exists.

xx
mefieuk