ARISE: Promise of Africa Collective Spring/Summer 2010

Any fan of fashion can attest to the increasing prevalence and influence of African culture and fashion into mainstream fashion. With that being said, it's no surprise that the ARISE: Promise of Africa Collective show on September 11, 2009 was jam packed with press, buyers, stylists, celebrities including Dame Dash, Amerie, Keri Hilson, and June Ambrose, and anyone else who could squeeze themselves into show!

ARISE is the first global magazine dedicated to achievements in African fashion, music culture and polity. In that effort, starting in February 2009, ARISE holds an African fashion collective show at New York Fashion Week, showcasing collections from four leading African designers. The Spring/Summer 2010 show featured lines from Jewel by Lisa, Tiffany Amber, Eric Raisina, and David Tlale.

Jewel by Lisa is the brainchild of Nigerian designer, Lisa Folawiyo. She creates modern and relative pieces by combining high-end Ankara fabrics with taffeta, chiffon, lace and other typical Western fabrics. Many of her garments are hand-embellished with beads, sequins, and Swarovski crystals. The combination of African and European ideas of fashion creates aesthetically pleasing pieces that are interesting combinations of patterns and textures.

Tiffany Amber was the second line featured in the show. By Nigerian designer, Folake Folarin-Coker, Tiffany Amber is known for its beautiful fabrication, classic shapes and intricate beading. This line definitely leans more towards classic African shapes, with long flowy gowns in vibrant colors. Tiffany Amber has already made its stamp in Nigeria, having four stand alone stores.

Next up was Madagascan-born Eric Raisina with his line full of bold brights and daring textural effects. Holding a Master's in Textile and Fashion design, it's no surprise that Raisina's use of fabrics is distinctive and innovative. His famous and highly coveted "silk fur" creates a great fringe effect without being overpowering and garish.

Closing out the show, and duly so, was native South African David Tlale. Winner of the ARISE Fashion Award for Best Designer 2009, it was no surprise that every single piece that Tlale sent down the runway made the crowd erupt into applause. David gave ultra-feminine pieces as well as two male looks in luxurious fabrics pleated, beaded and sequined to complement the bold structural components prevalent throughout the line.

The ARISE show was a refreshing reminder of the role that Africa is playing in fashion, and these four designers aptly displayed that African fashions are relevant and important to the mainstream!