When I first conceived the idea of starting a blog, I thought long and hard about whether or not to include a fashion section that would journal my relationship with style. But then I concluded, better not. My ideal relationship with style would be one where I wake up and all I have to do is shimmy this way and that and have clothes drape over my body in all the right places. I think it’s too much work to think about every outfit and so I don’t. I love dressing for the occasional formal outing and I do like to make an effort when it’s warm out but mostly I wear the first thing I find.

For the longest time, if you were to ask me to describe my style in one word I would've probably told you without hesitation, "non-existent." But now that I have somewhat of a disposable income to spend on clothes(much to the joy of my dear mother), I’ve been shopping a lot more and I’m realizing a pattern-- a style if you will. I have an affinity for linen and yolky mustards and creamy whites and pants that don’t hug too tightly. Beyond the surface though, I think I’m in pursuit of finding a style that somehow lends a voice to the discourse around what it means to be an African who lives a multilayered existence that’s informed by various experiences. Chimamanda Adichie and Yaa Gyasi write about this and Njideka Crosby tries to capture it in her paintings-- the idea of inhabiting multiple spaces simultaneously. What it means to be an African outside of Africa.

I’ve been on a hunt to find fashion brands who’re also trying to answer this question and to my amusement there’s quite a few out there(turns out my idea wasn’t as novel as I thought). Although most of them are exorbitantly priced and not actually owned by Black people, here’s a few I love.

Osei-Duro

This brand is dedicated to working with local Ghanaian artisans to preserve traditional fabric-making techniques. A noble pursuit for sure, especially since the local apparel industry is being crowded out by foreign-owned textile companies. Their clothes certainly capture the effortless vibe that I try to emulate on most days and very much aligns with the loose-fitted boxy-cuts and muted tones that’s become characteristic of many contemporary womenswear brands in the US(think Madewell).

Wanger Ayu

Wanger Ayu is bolder with her love for bright colors and wild textures. She’s also not afraid to experiment with frills and lace and sequins and beads and that is what I love about her! Also maybe this is because her clothes are modeled by women I might actually run into on the street, but it looks to me that the Wanger Ayu girl is not trying to hide the fact that she’s a woman. The brand's aesthetic is extra feminine and for the girl who’s not worried about being judged for wearing a too bright lipstick or wearing platforms in Central Park.

Meena

Another Nigeria-based womenswear brand that I have a massive crush on! The designs are incredibly architectural and minimalistic like I haven't seen elsewhere. Most of the patterns you’ll see here are whimsical and understated and not as festive as typical Ankara prints. Plus, the not-wax fabrics lend themselves to more versatile designs besides the usual kaba and slit. Meena is worn by the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Chimamanda Adichie and Yvonne Nelson-- a fact that assures me I won’t be wearing any of their dresses anytime soon. A girl can dream though.