The Passage Project

Notes from the Diaspora

This regular section of The Passage Project is the spot to find abbreviated notes on news and events throughout the African Diaspora and beyond.

 

 

Shopping
Everywhere

This morning I added my name to the waiting list on designer Sheila Bridges website for her Harlem Toile de Jouy porcelian plates. The set of six feature different scenes of African-American life on each. I wrote about her hand screened wallpaper in 2008 and am looking forward to getting my hands on these for a future dinner party.

All Eyes on Michelle Obama: The Wardrobe of the First Lady

Image of Michelle Obama and Haitian First Lady Elizabeth Preval courtesy of New York Magazine.

In addition to glorious Michelle Obama fashion blog Mrs. O, New York Magazine has created a 45 page Michelle Obama Look Book tracking both her fashion and footsteps. Here, you'll get a peak at the Jasmin Shokrian skirt she recently wore when she traveled to NYC for to see the Broadway show Memphis or the Narciso Rodriguez dress worn during her meeting with First Lady Ada Papandreou of Greece. 

History Up Close: Printed & Manuscript African Americana Exhibition/Auction at Swann Galleries

 

A page from the papers of Marcus Claudius Marcellus Hammond recording his slaves.

I just returned from a quick visit to Swann Galleries Printed and Manuscript African Americana exhibition. Though I don't plan on bidding on anything at tomorrow's auction (though I would love to if I could), I wanted to catch a glimpse of the historical documents and artwork. I was first introduced to the gallery last year and was excited about a return trip.

The exhibition includes slave sale records, family bibles, vintage photography, as well as the items related to Madame C.J. Walker and Gordon Parks. The artwork of Romare Bearden, Al Hircshfeld, Jacob Lawrence and a number of Civil Rights and WWII-era posters are also included. My favorite of the well preserved WWII-era posters has an image of Abraham Lincoln and reads "This World Cannot Exist Half Slave and Half Free. Buy War Bonds."

Swann's Wyatt Houston Day told me that some of the descendants of the slaves mentioned in the family bible and papers of Marcus Claudius Marcellus Hammond are among those interested in bidding on the items. The collections estimate is $7,000 to $10,000. He went on to tell me that a majority of those bidding are predominately from institutions rather than private collectors.

The items up for auction can be seen on Swann Galleries website. The viewing continues until 6pm tonight and from 10am-noon tomorrow. The auction will begin that afternoon at 1:30pm. 

New York Fashion Week and THISDAY/Arise African Fashion Collective

  

Images courtesy of Style.com and Arise magazine.

In past posts, I've written how Algerian-born designer Yves Saint Laurent routinely included various African looks into his collections, in addition to frequently using models of color on his runways. We've heard for years how African culture has inspired the international fashion industry, but now it's time for some of Africa's top designers to have their say on the world stage. The Friday night line-up at New York City's Fashion Week included THISDAY/Arise magazine's African Fashion Collective in Bryant Park. Featured designers included one of my personal favorites, Malian Lamine Badian Kouyate for Xuly Bet. I own a fantastic fitted piece from the late '90s that I cannot imagine letting go of anytime soon. The show also included South Africa's Nkhensani Manganyi's for Stoned Cherrie and Nigeria's Momo by Fati Asibelua and Folake Folarin Coker's Tiffany Amber. The runway was crowded with fashion-world powerhouses such as Alek Wek, Liya Kebede, Tyson Beckford, Chanel Iman and the legendary Grace Jones.

Lucas Jackson image of Alek Wek in a Stoned Cherrie gown courtesy of The New York Times.

• The featured designers are speaking their minds on all things fashion. From Saturday's The New York Times, Guy Trebay reports, "For Nkhensani Nkosi, the founder of the South African label Stoned Cherrie, African fashion has been signified by “the Big Five and leopard prints” for too long. She was referring, of course, to the checklist (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard) every big game hunter and tourist with a point-and-shoot hopes to bag."

• WWD gave top honor's top to Tifanny Amber. "While some looks were more literal than others, Nigerian Folake Akindele’s Tiffany Amber line was the most successful, displaying the best balance of fashion and tradition with elegantly simple classic shapes, rendered in beautiful fabrics with intricate beading."

• The show was sponsored by Nigeria's THISDAY Media Group and Arise magazine. Arise debuted in October 2008 and focuses the art, fashion, music and politics coming from the African continent. From AllAfrica.com: THISDAY Newspaper group, according to the organizers, is one of the largest newspaper groups in Africa. The organizers added that the Arise magazine will use the opportunity of the event to celebrate the best out of Africa, from fashion to business. "Arise wagazine will be producing a spectacular fashion show, presenting some of the best African fashion designers."

  Style.com referred to Arise as possibly,  "Nigeria’s answer to Interview magazine."

• Edith Honan from Reuters reported on the opportunities this show might bring for the four featured designers: The designers said they are holding out hope that first lady Michelle Obama, who graces the March cover of Vogue and is celebrated in the fashion world, will take notice as well.

  "It's up to us to take advantage of the opportunity," said Obaigbena. "After all, at least we have provided some genes to the American presidency so there should be more interest. It is an opportunity for Africans to show the world how strong they can be."

• If you would like to see the designs on the runway for yourself, Telegraph.co.uk's coverage includes a wonderful video that wraps up the African Fashion Collective's Bryant Park show.

Notes From the Diaspora, 2/13: Fair Trade Flowers for your Valentine; War Child Presents Heroes; Miles & Coltrane at Jazz at Lincoln Center

This regular section of The Passage Project is the spot to find abbreviated notes on news and events throughout the African Diaspora and beyond.

Flower/Shopping
Worldwide

 
Image courtesy of Fair Trade Certified Flowers. 

How does fair trade for Valentine's Day sound to you? Well, I love the idea and am trying to spread the love. To send fair trade flowers for the big day, visit the website of Fair Trade Certified Flowers. Their site will tell you where to by them in your area. You'll be surprised to learn how easy it is to do some fair trade shopping in your neighborhood. Their clients include FTD, Whole Foods, 1-800 Flowers and Sam's Club.

Music
Worldwide

 

The benefit album War Child presents Heroes is coming soon to an iPod near you. War Child is an organization that works with children who are victims of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Uganda. The album includes music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, U2, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie as well as newer artists such as TV on the Radio, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Peaches, Estelle, Duffy and Scissor Sisters. The album will be released internationally February 16th.

Jazz at Lincoln Center logo courtesy of their website.

Music
New York City

Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Miles and Coltrane through February 14. The program marks the 50th anniversary of the albums Kind of Blue and Giant Steps. Jimmy Cobb, who performed on both albums, Take 6, saxophonists Ted Nash, Walter Blanding and Sherman Irby will be performing original and new arrangements. Performances will feature a pre-concert lecture beginning at 7pm in the Irene Diamond Education Center.

Andre 3000's Clothing Line Benjamin Bixby at Barney's

Benjamin Bixby images courtesy of hypebeast.com.

While doing some shopping last week at in NYC, I spotted Andre Benjamin's, OutKast's Andre 3000, new line Benjamin Bixby at Barney's. I first read about the label in The New York Times last fall and loved what I saw so I was a thrilled to see the line up close and personal. I've always been a fan of the prep look when a dash of funk has been added. Finding inspiration in the fashions of 1930s era football players, Benjamin pulls off his looks with shawl collared cardigans, smart oxford shirts and accessories including unique bow ties with adjustable straps.

What I also love about this label is that there appears to a great deal of care and thought put into the designs. Benjamin Bixby is much more than a celebrity label. Here's to great success and, hopefully, a line for women.

Designer Sheila Bridges and Harlem Toile de Jouy

I'm a bit behind in posting this, but better late than never.



Harlem Toile de Jouy by Sheila Bridges courtesy of Studioprintworks.

 
Harlem Toile featured in O at Home.

I've long been a fan of the romantic look of toile and designer Sheila Bridges created a new twist on the look with her "Harlem Toile" line of wallpaper and bedding. Bridges on her work: "Harlem Toile de Jouy tells a rich yet satirical story about African American life through the often distorted lens of the media. I designed it to remind people of many of the stereotypes that have historically been and continue to be associated with African Americans living in rural parts of the country as well as urban areas like Harlem."  The wallpaper line comes to life in different colors including Yellow, Dove, Vanilla, Turquoise, Pistachio and Cherry. and is part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

Harlem Toile featured in Ebony Magazine.

The Harlem-based designer decorated the uptown offices of former President Bill Clinton. Her other big name clients include P.Diddy, novelist Tom Clancey, and Princeton and Columbia University. Additionally, she has made appearances on NBC's Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show and HDTV and her work has also been featured in Elle Decor, The New York Times, Ebony, Domino, Martha Stewart Living, O at Home, Essence and Travel and Leisure. Her design firm, Sheila Bridges Design, Inc., was founded in 1994.

Harlem Toile bedding will becoming out soon in new colors: red and white, and black and white.

Shop Morocco in New York

Photo Courtesy of the website for Indigo Arts

I am now in Maui for my friend Beth's wedding and had a great time on Monday in NYC searching for the perfect gift: a Moroccan tea set. I was in Morocco in 2002 and instantly fell in love with their tea which seemed to be available just about everywhere. Served in small, colorful tea glasses with intricate patterns and poured from a relatively small silver teapot, the mint tea is a sweet and gratifying thrill. I visited the following three stores that specialize in goods from Morocco:

Sheherazade
121 Orchard Street, off of Delancy
212.539.1771

This gorgeous Lower East Side spot is where I bought my wedding gift. I cannot say enough I how much I love this store. It sells items mostly from Morocco, but also Syria, Egypt, Turkey, and Central Asia. Everything is displayed beautifully with furniture, pillows, shoes and accessories in the front room of the store and the back room has their rugs and a variety of poof chairs. The teapots and tea glasses are in the middle of the store and there were plenty of colors and patterns to choose from. I was told that more are expected in April when another shipment will be coming in from Morocco.

The store has been profiled in magazines such as Elle Decor, Domino and Vogue. The man who was working made the experience really easy and made me look forward to my next visit (which will probably be when I return from my trip to buy a tea set for myself).

Imports from Marrakesh
Chelsea Market
88 10th Avenue, between 18th St. and 19th St.
212.675.9700

Before I went, I learned that this is often the go to place for the sets of photographers and filmmakers. They have a large selection of elaborate light fixtures and decorative tiles, but when I was there they were out of teapots and were low on tea glasses. The man working inside was not very helpful or friendly and barely looked up from his computer.
 

I am forgetting the name of the third store but it was also very nice, though I wish they had more space so it would be easier for them to display their items. Located on 7th St. between 1st and 2nd, the shore has a large assortment of glasses and tea pots. The man working was also extremely helpful with a great laid-back style. When I get back from my trip I will look at their business card and post their contact info.

Fair Trade Shopping in San Francisco

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco and fell in love with their museum store. Not only do they have an extensive book collection including exhibition catalogues, but they also carry a great deal of Fair Trade merchandise. I bought a hand-painted horn bracelet and matching rings, all “recycled art” from the Fair Trade organization Green Giraffe. The animal-print themed jewelry was created by a community work project located in Kenya. Many of Green Giraffe’s artists use non-traditional materials such as tin cans, plastic bottles or bags, and wire, in addition to other materials typically used in jewelry making.

The employee working at the museum store told me that they try to buy only Fair Trade merchandise so they can directly support the artists. In addition to unique selection of jewelry, MoAD’s Museum Store sells handmade quilts made with intensely colored African fabrics, products for the home, children’s toys and books, a large collection of world music and much more.

For those looking for a socially conscience shopping experience, check out this exceptional store. MoAD is located in San Francisco at 685 Mission Street and the museum store is located on the first floor. They are planning to launch a store website in the near future. Call (415) 318-7143 for more information. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.