We did it !

We pulled it off. We did an amazing shoot on Friday. Nina Malone and Saffi Karina were just fab -they rocked! They really brought the dresses to live and looked uber sexy. We created a story about envy. Can't wait to see the shots. 

Gidi Lounge

Thanks Romola, the article looks fab and so does your site http://gidilounge.com/?p=3866

Fashion Shoot

Just received a call yesterday from the factory that they basically messed up one of the dresses. I now need to find someone to finish up one dress in 2 days. The photo shoot is scheduled for Friday, 5th March... arghhh. The joys of organising a fashion shoot. Why did I ever go into fashion?? You've just got to love the ups and downs. 

Bridesmaids Prints

About 2 weeks ago a client approached us saying she would like to have some unique printed fabrics for her bridesmaids. She liked the idea of printing African symbols and patterns onto silk so she ended up choosing a very old traditional symbol, which has special meanings for the couple. We then transformed it into this exquisite design with a modern twist. 

Unfortunately we cannot display the design as the client has specifically asked us not to but if anyone requires prints made up to their specs, do let us know.  You will own the exclusivity. 

Bella Naija

check us out at http://www.bellanaija.com/2010/02/10/contemporary-africa-orleans-designs-springsummer-coco-collection/

Some interesting comments about what is actually considered African print and its true origins. 'African print' may not originate from Africa but it is what we associate with being African. I get my inspiration from the vivid coloured cloths that I grew up being surrounded with. To say my prints are not African purely on the basis that they originated from Indonesia, is like saying Senegalese salsa is not really salsa just because its origins are from Latin America.  

Sneak preview at another print

Photoshoot

My oh my organising a photoshoot can be quite stressful. I have a lovely team in place but now the factory is due to let me down with their delayed timelines. Need to kick ass tomorrow as those garments need to be ready for the photoshoot. 

Visit to the factory

Went to the factory today to check out my collection in the making - looking GOOD. It was manic in there though. Everyone finishing up stuff for Fashion Week. I had a cheeky sneak at some of Jonathan Saunders dresses as well as Jasmine di Milo's. Cool but I think my Autumn Winter 2010/11 collection looks nicer.... I'd say that wouldn't I, LOL !!  

Prints Charming

ASOS AFRICA. Soko, a small production house in Kenya will be creating  the first ASOS Africa Spring/Summer 2010 collection. 

I was really excited to read that African designs are starting to catch the limelight. Check out all the African prints throughout the Spring/Summer collection with the likes of Versace, Matthew Williamsom, Alexander McQueen and many more so say the least. There is definitely room for more designers using bold African prints.

Autumn/Winter Fabrics

Just received the new batch of fabrics for the autumn/winter collection. My initial reaction was hmmm ... they are not as vibrant and playful as the summer fabrics but then I draped them on the dummy and they brought along so much sophistication, that I instantly fell in love. 

I can't wait to take them to the factory and start working on the samples. A sneak preview of one of the fabrics is attached. 

Spring/Summer 2010

Just thought I'd add a few images of our spring/summer collection, so you get a taste of what we are all about.

The autumn/winter 2010 will be out 1st week in March. To see the current spring/summer collection, go to www.orleansdesigns.com

Haute - Fashion Africa

I am a fan of www.fashionafrica.com 

The content and layout of the online magazine is great. There is also a feature on Orleans Designs.