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Ready to Get Your #WakandaStyle On? Here Are Five African Women-Owned Brands To Shop

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Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re well aware of the overwhelmingly beautiful sense of Black pride that’s taking over our community following the release of Marvel’s box office hit, “Black Panther.” Besides breaking countless opening weekend records and debuting with over $235M in ticket sales, this film has single handedly created a spirit of Black Pride that I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed in my lifetime. All across social media, women, men, and young children, shared their #WakandaStyle posts as they hit the theaters not once, but two and even three times during the opening weekend to support this mind-shifting film.

Were you one of the thousands and thousands of people who showed up and showed out at the theaters for Black Panther? Are you still trying to figure out how to weave a little bit of Wakandan fly into your wardrobe? Get into this list of five African women-owned brands to shop to get your #WakandaStyle on today:

Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo is a multi-faceted global womenswear and accessories collection. Designer, Lisa Folawiyo perfected the art of wearing Ankara (local West African cloth) through the use of ornate embellishment. By incorporating texture with this culturally established traditional textile, Lisa Folawiyo transformed the textile and created a globally coveted print. This conceptual and global design hybrid has been the key to Lisa Folawiyoʼs success. Fused with its very own African-inspired custom luxury prints, the Lisa Folawiyo collection skillfully delivers contemporary garments. With a strong eye for tailoring and fit, Folawiyo creates feminine and modern silhouettes with nods to traditional African aesthetics.

Cee Cee’s Closet NYC

Cee Cee’s Closet NYC was created by Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo in New York City. Join these ladies in celebrating the beauty of West African prints through their unique accessories. Cee Cee’s Closet NYC’s accessories are designed by Chioma and Uchenna and handmade by artisans in Nigeria. Having accessories made in Nigeria allows Cee Cee’s Closet NYC to have a transformative impact on the lives of their artisan partners.

Mehary Jewel

MeharyJewel is a lifestyle jewelry brand founded by Elsa Mehary, the Creative Director, who developed the brand while working as an Art Director in fast-paced NYC women’s fashion magazines. Being able to merge her love of food, global travel, and style and design was thrilling, but the pace took a toll on her overall health. Through the study of holistic wellness, yoga, and meditation, she was able to rediscover balance. Wanting to bring style and beauty back into the equation she created MeharyJewel focusing on women’s empowerment through self care, adornment, and of course, balance. Her aesthetic incorporates not only beauty, but the importance of empowerment. MeharyJewel is named from her Ethiopian and American heritage.

Sewit Sium Jewelry 

Artisan and educator Sewit Sium has been crafting historically referenced jewelry for over a decade. She is driven by the idea that adornment is not solely a marker of trend or wealth, but also an important educational tool, reflective of history, culture, tradition, and indigenous technologies. Each Sewit Sium piece takes us on a journey through history, while embodying a story that is relevant to our lives today. The line includes powerful amulets and talismans that anchor us in the present moment, only to say “I’m here but my history walks with me.”

Suakoko Betty

Suakoko Betty (pronounced swah-ko-ko) celebrates modern African design by weaving it into daily style. Suakoko Betty offers standout dresses, separates and accessories that feature african prints, fresh colors and effortless style. Owner Charlene Dunbar grew up in a mash-up of Liberian and American cultures and is based in Atlanta.

 

As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.

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