The much respected Ava DuVernay of Array Now has acquired the rights to Ghanaian film The Burial of Kojo. Written and produced by Blitz the Ambassador, it stars Ama K.Abebrese, Joseph Otsiman, Mamley Djanmah, Cynthia Dankwa. The costume designer was by @knafcostume. The fantastical film so beautifully shot will be available on Netflix from 31st March.
Style Icon | Joan Didion
The Seventies birthed a lot of icons and one of them is Joan Didion. The author is timeless and has an easy nonchalance that is inimitable. She is known for her sheath dresses, scarves and simplicity. The tie of her scarf, the ease of her jacket, the length of her hair and the print of her granny chic bag. Her style was pared back, unfussy and minimal. She infact became the face of fashion house Celine at 80.
Quote | Dries Van Noten
Choose a print as you would a painting. "It has to speak to you. Don't force yourself. When you don't feel it don't go there." - Dries Van Noten.
What a designer, what a quote.
Trend | Victoriana Renaissance
Image via dazed and confused.
Narrow waists, corseted tops, Michaelangelo type prints, cameo necklaces, elaborate hair, dainty Victoriana shoes. It is all in. Ariana Grande was seen sporting the look. Long has fashion designer Vivienne Westwood championed this look. Designer Dilara Findikoglu at 2018 collection had cherubic references on embroidered corsets. I think this look is here to stay for a while. A bit of a Botteceli revolution.
Current Crushes | Gucci accessories
Not so sure what it is about Gucci but I'm a sucker for all things Gucci. The styling, the accessories, these hair slides and comb. Retailing at over £300 they be great as a family heirloom. Shop it here.
My Style | Repurpose
I think clothes are made for our use. To purpose them as we please. A skirt over trousers? Why not. A menswear jumper on a girl? Off course. Bangles on a ribbon as a necklace as inspired by Dries Van Noten? Sure thing. The more repurposed an outfit, the more interesting it is. I'm on instagram, see me there @marian_kwei.
Press | Haute Fashion Africa
I am a nomad by mind, West African in heritage and born in The Gambia. I am such an enthusiast cof Africa. If it is to do with the creative arts or the artisinal even more so. This is why I'm a fan of sites like Haute Fashion Africa, the premier African fashion directory. It is a wonderful resource, from designer collection reviews to the who's of the industry, it is a site that works so it is a privilege to have my bio on the site. Visit it here.
Collaboration | Zendaya X Tommy Hilfiger
Just when I thought I couldn't take another designer collaboration, Zendaya blew my socks off with her 70s inspired collection for Tommy Hilfiger. Worked on also by stylist to the stars Law Roach, the collection is all boot leg jeans, platforms, psychedelic shirts and Seventies dresses. I've got my eye on the burgundy trench coat.
Object of Affection | Alexander McQueen Boots
The lacing, the pointed steel toe cap, the extreme heel, the fabric, the cut outs all make this a shoe for a lifetime. Obsessing over it now but I've a feeling the obsession over it will never change. More on them here. I'm on instagram and twitter, @marian_kwei.
Trend | Feather Heels
Plumes have taken flight and it is in a shop near you. Runways had feathers, think Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten and more. These mules by Tabitha Simmons would fit the bill quite nicely. Shop them here.
Press | Luviluka Magazine
Featured by the wonderful French magazine Luviluka magazine on my work as a stylist and inspiration.
Magazine | Cynthia Erivo
How wonderful and vibrant is this CR cover with multiple award winning actress Cynthia Erivo. The hair, her outfit, the eyewear all just work.
Inspiration | Misa Hylton
Super stylist, life coach, all around genius at MCM Misa Hylton is such an inspiration. She revolutionary in the careers of many hip hop, RnB and music stars, creating legendary looks for their music videos and red carpet. Be inspired by her quote. With every obstacle there is an opportunity. Find her on instagram @misahylton .
Style Look | Claire Sulmers Slick Woods
Image via @clairesulmers
It's the candy color of their fuzzy outerwear. It is the gappy tooth smile for which Slick Woods has become known for. It is Claire's return to dark hair from her former blonde look. They look expensive and in the words of Kelis they are 'bossy'.
My Style | Ease
I like my clothing easy. And when I say easy I mean a little bit complicated. Textures, colors, cut, all have to please. They have to work in conjunction with each other. This is a bit of a bumblebee look. The yellow and black top, reiterated by the bag. Once upon a time I was a blonde. What I can say is blondes have more fun. Image by Michelle Bobb-Parris.
Day in the life | Costume Designer Lauren Miller at the Baftas 2019
It is always a pleasure to feature people at the top of their game. Costume Designer Lauren Miller has worked with the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson to name a few. She is the costume designer behind TV show Athena. With much more to come from her it was a pleasure to take a peek into her life and what a peek it is. Lauren attended the EE Baftas 2019 awards and documented it for our reading pleasure. Please read on for all the glamour that her night was.
This is the Bafta dress for tonight. All hung up and ready to go. The dress is from the Peace and Love collection at Misguided.
Hair done, lashes applied. Now time to get dressed.
I made it to the red carpet.
All that glitters...
My favourite category won by Sandy Powell for the Favourite.
Night over now time for bed. An early morning start for a script read through. My shoes were from Asos with shoe clips by Lovisa.
I couldn't love Lauren's day more. The prestige of being invited to the Baftas, the glamour of it all and generally being among film and TV peers. Thank you Lauren for sharing your Bafta experience with us. For more on Lauren see her instagram here.
Inspiration | Grammys 2019
There is something powerful and inspiring about women about their business at the top of their game coming together. Love this photo of Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga Alicia Keys, Jada Pinkett and Jennifer Lopez. There is power in numbers.
My Style | Lover
I am an inherent lover of clothes. The textures, their cut, their function, how they move, their prints, the colors etc. I like clothes so much that sometimes wearing a pair of leather shorts over stripe pants just makes sense. What is your relationship with your closet like? See me on instagram @marian_kwei .
Red Carpet Fashion | Lady Gaga Grammys 2019
All about the Celine frock. I don't care about anything else but the dress is stunning. I like the rock star element of her hair being left loose. This was one of the best dressed looks of the night.
Quote | Letitia Wright
"I want to encourage young people. You don't have to be young, you can be any age, but I want to encourage you - anyone going through a hard time... God made you and you're important, there might be some of you here who might be going through a hard time." - Letitia Wright.