ACS Kings and Queens

COMING SOON!!! I'M BACK!

2010-02-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

ACS KINGS AND QUEEN'S 2010 IS COMING SOON!!!

I just got back from Joburg Fashion Week, there are so much fresh and innovative fashion designers out there. Its just a shame not more of them are allowed to display at the major events but hey, such is life!!

ACS KINGS AND QUEENS 2010 IS LOOKING STRONG THIS YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING ARE BIDDING TO MAKE THE FINAL 8:

Brunel

Birmingham

Hertfordshire

Kent

Kingston

Loughborough

Luton

Middlesex

Nottingham

Roehampton

Southbank

Sussex

PUBLIC VOTE COMING SOON!!!!

ACS KINGS AND QUEENS - FASHION DESIGNER ROUND WAS HARD!!!

2009-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

ACS KINGS AND QUEENS FASHION DESIGNER AWARD GOES TO....

It has taken me nearly a week to recover from the biggest event of the summer. Both the Haringey Independent and Hackney Gazette had warned me.

Thou shall not lie, first and foremost I would like to apologise to my wife but my eyes could not help but creep. Reminded me of when I was in a field full of daffodils in summer; I have hay fever I could not help but sneeze.

All jokes aside my phone stayed in my pocket and my mouth remained closed. The only time it remained wide open like Shyne on his first day out of jail is when I witnessed the majestic performance of the university entrants.

I struggled to comprehend how 16 random individuals came together to ignite the stage and execute choreographed moves as if they where natural.

My favourite has to be between the 3 ladies (Queen Kingston, Queen Brunel and Queen Roehampton) illustrating that chairs are not for only for sitting on and the four gentleman (King Greenwich, King London Southbank, King Brunel and King Bedfordshire).
But the true highlight of night was the fashion designer round, which was a burst of innovation. I could lament you with adjectives but in all honesty not even the pics can do justice to these creative geniuses (pics in my next blog).

The winner of this exciting round would get to feature 6 pieces in the Untold Production that takes place during London Fashion Week. www.un-told.co.uk
The comp was close but the judges choose OnesCouture and here is a quick recap on their story:

OnesCouture symbolizes creativity, style, originality, and exclusivity. We express ourselves through innovative and unique design creation, and promote a lifestyle which is all about individuality and not being afraid to express ONE'S self.

OnesCouture is a label that showcases and escalates an individual’s unique sense of style through designing, customising and producing distinctive and exclusive garments to meet individual needs, as well as customising we also create original clothing collections for all seasons for a universal audience. CHECK US OUT ON http://www.onesattire.com/

Check Out just why she won:

I had to find out what inspired this masterpiece, including the customized shoes. Mum is rocking them in VIP this Saturday with her friends because on a scale of 1 to 10 Mum gets 10 (anyone who knows how this So Solid lyric ends inbox me on ceo_group@hotmail.co.uk and win a prize).

Any who back to OnesCouture and what inspired their fab design

INSPIRATION FOR CONTESTANTS CLOTHING

Being African-Caribbean is an identity, an unquantifiable part of ONES's individuality so we have played on the masculinity and feminity of strong, powerful youth today in an attempt to portray a our identity as African-Caribbean’s in a more positive light for our up and coming Kings and Queens tomorrow.

My next question was can a sister hook a brother up with some fly threads but for some reason the only thing I saw was palm in my face…

LIFE IS FASHION STATEMENT AND DIDN’T THE 8 AFRICAN CARIBBEAN FASHION DESIGNERS PROVE IT

BREAKING NEWS - The Artist Known As L'AKOT

2009-06-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

It was a sunday evening and thus far I was vibsing to the sounds of Hayley C and Swiss liasing with fashionista's, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, grads, kings and beautiful queens. Yet the most memorable part of the evening was bumping into the talented fashion designer L'Akot. Her originality sandwiched in between her vibrant, picturesque designs leave an imprint on the mind. Her work ethic combine with talent is an evident sign that its only a matter of time before she is on the fashion industries frontline.

Addicted to sweets and born in Uganda, My name is Brenda Akot, I’m 23, I live in Surrey, and I’m a Fashion Designer.

I have a Degree in Fashion Design Technology; Designer Pattern Cutter; Womenswear, from The University of Arts, London.

My label is ‘L’ AKOT’, which means ‘Luck’ in my country of origin, Uganda.

I would describe my art as I would describe my personality; I’m Traditional, with a twist of Avant-Garde. I am Luminous, Unconventional, Meticulous and Attainable. These are the very few words I can use to describe me as a whole.

From the very young age of 12, I have always been very ambitious, having the understanding of who I wanted to be in the future. I wanted to be an artist, but didn’t know I would specialise in fashion. I enjoy anything that involves art, whether that is music from N.E.R.D to Funky House, photography, modeling at London Fashion Week or Just Fashion!

I am a creative individual with ‘RAW’ talent waiting for ‘THAT’ opportunity. So watch this space!!

To find out more or to see more of her work, please visit http://www.fashionspace.com/8809526523

L'Akot shall be teaming up with London South Bank ACS King Adam Greaves & Queen Tricia Jules.

April Griffiths

2009-05-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Last but by no means least our final fashion designer is April Griffiths. April to many cultures is the beginning of the year (including the financial year in this one). April is Spring is new life, is beautiful, a breath of fresh air and burst of energy. Does Ms Griffiths embody her first name. A picture says a thousand words

April Griffiths in her own words:

My name is April; I’m a 20 year old Fashion Designer from North London.

My lust for designing blossomed when I was 12. My passion took me to Brooke House College to do art and design for two years and then I ventured to Ravensbourne University for a year to do fashion.

I am currently on my gap year and I specialise in making party dresses for girls. I also make jumpers, cardigans, and t-shirts for both male and female.

My favourite designer would have to be Chanel because the designs are very classy.

My style is bright, loud, in your face, crazy but classy at the same time.

I draw my inspiration from the music that I listen to mainly Funky House, but I like other types of music to.

I love Kanye West, Katy Perry, Lady Ga Ga, and Beyonce, I think their style is HARD!!!!!

In the future I would like to own my own everything from clothes to shoes to cars to bags, trainers EVERYTHING!!!

Love April xx

April Griffiths shall collaborate with Sussex African Caribbean King Fernand Frimpong and Queen Christana Akinremi

Show Love To Show Love

2009-05-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

“Uncle Kwabena, I know them” my little niece Yetunde mentioned repeatedly as she pointed at the heart signs on my leather jacket.

“They came to my school in Black History month.”

So show love to Show Love because they showed love to the industry and now the industry is showing LOVE BACK.

I say this because at a time when negativity sells it is refreshing to see an African Caribbean business that also gives back to their community and encourages people to spread love.

Besides the fact they provide a positive example to the next generation of being a successful business and not forgetting their community, they are also talented designers. Simple yet poignant at times thus it’s no surprise that across the UK you can catch people adorned in Show Love attire.

Who better to tell you about Show Love than Show Love:

Show Love is a unique lifestyle brand, with a strong and innovative focus of London’s fashion conscious culture.

We achieve this through our eco-conscious clothing label, which utilises the timeless feature of the heart to promote its simple philosophy, as well as educational forums and lifestyle social events.

We have been active for the past four years in and around London, marketing our events and strengthening our target market through the development of the clothing brand and lifestyle seminars which aim to detail exactly what London is thinking, feeling as well as how it wishes to be represented.

We have recently established a presence in Miami, Los Angeles and New York in terms of our fashion and plan to take the lifestyle element to these areas.

For More Check Out www.show-love.com

Show Love shall be working with Roehampton ACS King Jean Paul Okafor & Queen Shana St Louis

Saw the team going ard @ Fashion Runway

C. Grand

2009-05-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful sunny sunday that one wishes would never come to an end , I am more than happy to introduce you to C. Grand.

Interesting when you meet people that are humble and down to earth, there is a reason why they do not need to be brass or loud. Reason being is that their character tends to speak volumes.

When she attended our Meet N Greet, I looked at my colleague and we both knew we were in thepresence of a fashionista before she could even introduce herself. Every step that graces the floor personifies fashion and leaves observors curious to see more. From clothes to accessories Madame Grandison does all. In relation to fashion she knows no boundary as they two step to the timeless rhythm of life. One of the few fashion sheppard's that sheep will struggle to follow because in essence their is no dividing Charlene Grandison from her artform.

C. Grand

My ever constant challenging & questioning of dress & Identity inspires, ignites and drives my fascination with fashion. My interest in particular, lies in the way we choose to adorn our selves in order to express who we are, e.g. Hoodies, Leather jackets, suiting material, symbolic fabric prints (tartan/ African).

How we choose to style our selves, can be read like signs that express who you are as a person, revealing or concealing your identity. My concepts and style of designing are the products of experimentations and in depth observations of culture and fashion, which I feel, makes my work unique.

In the near future I look forward to seeing my work sold in many different boutique outlets across trendy London, e.g. large stores, like Selfridges or Harrods and smaller trendier shops within Brick lane & Portobello. I also hope to be selling to a wide internet audience from either my own web site, or ASOS.

Eventually I’d like hold fashion shows in during London, Paris and New York’s fashion week, my own boutique shop in west end & countless A-list celebrity endorsement.

Charlene Grandison shall be working with Brunel ACS King Fizzie Fisayo Olajide & Queen Toni Adenle

Kharise Francis and K Kandi Clothing

2009-05-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Kharise Francis permits for her feminine creative nature to try build a bridge which stands timeless, thus is relevant to generations a new and old. When you look at her work in many respects you she a life story. Its dynamic and I personally feel she shows various aspects of her self via her artform therefore making her designs transparent.

She acknowledges that fashion is more than clothes. It is art it is a way of life...

Less from me and more from Kharise in her own words

As an avid fashion lover Kharise Francis has left university to start her own line. Although some believed it wouldn’t be a good move she has since showcased at comedy shows and designed custom made clothing for artists such as black the ripper and has up and coming shows throughout the year. Specialising in womenswear kharise Francis has a holistic approach to fashion and caters to different needs she offers a custom made one off service and has two sections to her label. They are Kharise Francis and K kandi is for the sophisticated and sleek dresser focusing on femininity and glamour. Whilst K Kandi is a mash up of new rave and retro prep for the fashion forward. Her inspiration is taken from the world around her influenced by nature and culture, she has an eclectic view on life and hopes to translate that through her clothing. Check out K KANDI on face book for contact purchase enquiries and updates. There is a waiting list so contact her as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Kharise Francis And K Kandi clothing
Tel: 07827325453

Kharisecross@live.co.uk

Facebook group: K Kandi

Kharise Francis And K Kandi clothing shall working with Bedforshire ACS King Michael Ajih & Queen Amber Nduka

Kimale of DK Darlington

2009-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm back to the fashion designers involved in ACS Kings and Queens 2009

“Mandem flick one, two logos on a t-shirt and call dem themselves, some ting”.

In 2009 only a hermit or would entertain this fallacy...

Does the creativity of African Caribbean male designers’ stop at Brick Lane with Wale Adeyemi and Saville Row with Mr. Boateng? Dabi (Twi for no).

Not as far as Kimale of DK Darlington is concerned. The gentleman has been a baptism of creativity a host of fashion shows and pageants. If you were at London Fashion week earlier in the year then you would why it was a must that we got Kimale involved in ACS Kings and Queens 2009

DK Darlington all work with the same philosophy towards one goal: to bring you quality clothing with the absolute highest standard of unique cuts and designs.

Kimale of DK Darlington shall be working with Hertfordshire ACS King Nas Bana & Queen Raisa Gindi

Ones Couture

2009-05-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

ONES COUTURE was founded in 2004 by Alexander ‘Sketch’ Olayiwola and Jeniene 'JustJen' Scott. It is an innovative lifestyle brand consisting of a modelling agency, events and media team. The fashion label focuses on designing, customising and producing bespoke garments for unique individuals. The aim is to make a difference in the fashion industry- moving away from commercial, mundane fashion through the creation and redevelopment of style!

O As people of the earth we are original in ways we don’t even know how

N So we are here to emphasise the novelty of London culture though our fashion label making a visible sound

E Through striking images but not through negative exclamations, through it may seem challenging

S But that’s cool because our clothes and events say it all you don’t need to bother with the swagger

C Leave that to the conceited including the boring and join our revolutionary movement of creativity

O Don’t be surprised to see us go overboard because we are here to make a statement, it’s an absolute necessity!

United in our visions of individuality, we express each every one of your different personalities,

T It’s plain to see that we take pride in the timeless beauty and funk of our great designs.

U We shall remain undefeated and simply the best in turning heads and changing minds

R Solely by relinquishing the act of conforming to the norms of fashion

E And so by combining the positive energy of each and every London culture is truly our passion!

Written by Belinda Brown (big up Belinda she needs to hook me up with a poem like that)

Former creative writer of Ones Media

Check Out http://www.onescouture.co.uk the site is serious

Their business acumen compliments their talented designs and they plan on being pioneers in UK fashion for decades to come so remember where you saw them 1st!!!

Ones Couture shall be working with Kingston ACS King Alemu Jack & Queen Candice Lemonius

Meet The Fashion Designers

2009-05-18T00:41:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK YOU WILL GET TO MEET THE FASHION DESIGNERS WORKING WITH OUR POTENTIAL ACS KINGS AND QUEENS - DAY 1 We start with Linda

LINDA POPAT - The youngest entrant in our event
Linda Popat is beyond her years and eats, sleeps, walks and talks fashion. She is currently a fashion student and works 2 part time jobs, one being at a fashion boutique.

When I initially meet her, I deemed her as being rather shy but then I realised she lets her clothes do the talking. She is allergic to conventional and is looking to push boundaries on Saturday 27^th June 2009.

A few words from Madame Popat:

‘My inspiration in fashion is drawn from being fascinated with fashion shows and magazines like Vogue at a very early age. The elegant clothes worn by the models and designers featured, eventually aspired me to take a serious interest in order to study fashion at College.

My ultimate dream after graduation is to work for a top fashion House or Designer and be creative enough in the process to eventually launch my own label’.

Linda shall be working with Greenwich's ACS King (Fola Orilonishe) and Queen (Daphine Tony)

I had to slip on my dancing shoes after watchin this!!!

2009-05-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Music and fashion go hand in hand hence why I put so much emphasis on looking fresh when I skank

No matter what funky skank one invents it must always repent when in the presence of true dancehall skankers...dancehall for life

Black But Invisible

2009-05-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Black But Invisible campaign is openly challenging the British fashion industry for its failure to use black models within all genres of fashion. We strongly believe the British fashion industry is practicing 'industry apartheid'. extract from http://www.itzcaribbean.com/blackbutinvisible.php

Now you know what Black But Invisible is. Any beginners please note that you cannot mention African Caribbean fashion in the UK without mentioning Sola Oyebade check him out at Fashionista-Sistah.com

In an industry with a history omitting talent based on colour, becoming a model can feel like a big gamble especially if the dealer is handing out shoddy cards. In became a dealer to help provide more level playing field in which talent, beauty and fashion are the true victors.

Productions such as Top Model of Colour breathe an air of self determination into the lungs of the African Caribbean community. Showing the generation that talent alongside business acumen can override any prejudicial hurdle thrown in ones direction.

It is important we take advantage and control our anchor in fashion so that no one can dictate to us how we should present ourselves in the industry.
If you don’t love yourself then who is going to love you so do it your way because no one can do you better than yourself...

Mind The Gap - classic Funmbi material never fails

2009-05-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

I was on the underground today, trying to duck and dive any swine flu, when I heard the driver speak and it reminded me of...

P.s. I have always been proud to be African even when my mum forced me to wear my kente cloth on non uniform day and 4 strip addidaddydas...

Classic Comedy

2009-05-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

I watched the Real McCoy and till this day I believe it is the only comedy show made by black people that truly reflects most aspects of our culture whilst being educational and funny, yet did our community build on it? Do young people get exposed to such positive media vehicles today? How much of it relevant today?

I LOVE FASHION SO YOU KNOW I LOVE MAAME

2009-05-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Just because you are an African Caribbean fashion designer it does not mean you have to be ‘URBAN’...a lesson I took from Maame ‘define yourself and do not be defined’.

Maame Baryeh London truly is a student of her art form because despite graduating from DMU in 2004 she acknowledges that we never stop learning. I had the pleasure of meeting her on a damp Thursday just after the morning conveyor belt of workers had found their cavern. My mind had prepared for 2 long days for which I had conceded that the weekend was distant memoir. Yet after shaking Maame’s hand I was subjected to priceless life lessons on fashion, business and life (of course to Maame there is no separating them). She reinforced my slogan “life is a fashion statement”

A very busy young lady, who has her finger in many fashionable pies. She truly does love fashion but does not see the industry via rose tinted glasses and acknowledges that a vision without an action plan is merely a dream. She is a true example to the next generation who want to break into the industry and we are happy that she will be supplying our gents with some fab attire.

Maame not content with being a respected fashion designer decided that she had to offer ethnic minority designers a platform. This led to London Fashion Week production Untold. Fortunately for us Maame has kindly offered the winning fashion designer in our show shall get to feature in the highly anticipated Untold production.

For more info on Maame and her works make sure you check out

www.un-told.co.uk
www.maamebaryehlondon.com

Info on our fashion designers shall arrive soon

My cousin keeps begging me to hook her up with some Danielle Morgan dresses!!!

2009-05-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry Jess I can't but I can see why you want the hook up, and my inbox is evidence that she is not only one.

Danielle Morgan is kicking down doors for young, up and coming talented African Caribbean designers by showing that with hardwork, determination sprinkled with creativity and business saavy sky is the limit.

So we were delighted when Danielle agreed to supply clothes for 1 round as well as attend our event and ???? (all we be revealed soon, lol)

DM's Spring/Summer '09 Collection is called “Phenomenal Woman”

It is inspired by the Phenomenal working women who works hard, plays hard and looks good!

The Oversized frills and sleeves are a reflection of the wearer’s bold personality and confidence to wear whatever she pleases.

The phrase that encompasses the Danielle Morgan line is “look good, feel great!”

To check out more of her fab work visit

www.daniellemorgan.co.uk

ACS KINGS AND QUEENS FASHION DESIGNERS COMING SOON!!!!

2009-05-08T01:53:00.000-07:00

COMING SOON WE SHALL INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR TALENTED FASHION DESIGNERS AND WHY WE FEEL ITS IMPORTANT THAT WE PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR TALENTED AFRICAN CARIBBEAN DESIGNERS.

Remember where you heard of them 1st, the talented and creative fashion designers that are participating in ACS Kings and Queens 2009

**Ones Couture - Kingston**

**D.K. Darlington - Herts**

**Precious - Southbank**

**Linda Popat - Greenwich**

**Show Love - Roehampton**

**Charlene Grandison - Brunel**

**Kharise Francis – Bedfordshire**

**April Griffiths – Sussex**

Rehearsals were SERIOUS!!!!! Kanye workout plan

2009-05-08T01:40:00.000-07:00

Mahogany Models choreographers Mel and Taneka showed why they are on top of their game. June 27th is not a date to missed

THANKS TO ALL THE ENTRANTS FOR COMING DOWN, PUTTING IN HARD WORK AND INFORMING FOLK WHY THEY ARE ACS KINGS AND QUEENS

A Regal Night Not To Be Missed Brunel ACS PROM!!!

2009-05-08T01:31:00.000-07:00

Its that tux time of the year. A must for the uni memoirs...

BRUNEL ACS PROM------ WHAT A NIGHT ------26TH MAY 2009

l would like to take this opportunity to say we did do a lot this year and we could not have done it without your support and participation so THANK YOU!

Well in order to celebrate the end of Our ACS road and the beginning of another we present BRUNEL ACS PROM!

This is a Black Tie event taking place at THE PARK INN HOTEL, Heathrow from 7:30pm - 2:00am!

Tickets are £30 for members and £35 for Non-members!
TICKETS INCLUDE:
.TRANSPORT (THERE AND BACK)
.3 COURSE MEAL
.ENTERTAINMENT

This evening promises to be one of ELEGENCE SOPHISTICATION and EXCELLENCE ...it is also at the Prom that next year's Committee will be announced so come out and support!!! !

There will be live entertainment from ( Artist- brunel home grown and mainstream artist, Comedians, prizes for best dressed male and female) a three course meal and awards and prizes handed out!

. BEST DRESSED AWARDS
. BRUNEL ACS KING AND QUEEN ON THE NIGHT WILL
ALSO BE PRESENTED
. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
. LIVE COMEDY
. LIVE BAND
. LIVE PA'S

DONT MISS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For Tickets Contact Francesca 07960429102

My Promo Video - Thank you Jointsight for this one

2009-05-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

Stay posted to our page for our video diaries or alternatively hop on youtube.com/acskingsandqueens shout out to Charles and Kirst & Charles

'Runway' Fashion Show @ Roehampton university, Monteofire Hall TOMORROW

2009-04-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Raising funds for ACLT this event is a must

Some of the UK's finest up and coming designers shall be their including Show Love, who is participating in ACS Kings and Queens

You know we shall be there so you know what vibes we are bringing

If your a diva, fashionista, fashion junkie then you'll LOVE....

2009-04-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Caught up with soulful Nadine, picked some great tips from Adele and found some great shoes to buy for my for my sisters 21st without breaking my purse all thanks to Fashionista Sistah.

If your a fashionista, fashion junkie, model, stylist, make up artist or just want to keep up with up High Street trends then I strongly recommend http://www.fashionista-sistah.com/

ACS Kings and Queens Promo Video

2009-04-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Catch a quick snippnet of our university entrants, designers and guests that attended our 'Meet and Greet'

For more info on our entrants and designers watch this space

Designers from the African Caribbean community to watch out for

**Ones Couture - Kingston**

**D.K. Darlington - Herts**

**Precious - Southbank**

**Linda Popat - Greenwich**

**Show Love - Roehampton**

**Charlene Grandison - Brunel**

**Kharise Francis – Bedfordshire**

**April Griffiths – Sussex**