Angelina Jolie, Gabrielle Union in Ituen Basi Design?

Western designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Gucci, Versace, Christian Lacroix and Marc Jacobs are all names most of us fashion-foward/fashionistas in the West are familiar with. When it comes to African designers, though, we have a much harder time coming up with famous names we all know. As Arise Africa Fashion Week kicks off in about 24hours, we figure we should help guide you with designers we think you ought to know! We've put a celeb slant to it so you can see what Hollywood celeb we think would be a match with our designers!

We kick things off below:

Designer: Ituen Basi

Years in the Business: 20+

Education: London College of Fashion,Theater Arts,University of Ife in Nigeria.

Signature: Use of ankara, cotton and linen fabrics. Tends to cut clothes in a way that drapes loosely on the body. Long and short dresses tend to be whimsical, playful, quirky. Has the flexibility and point of view that is reflected in her designs. She can go from elegant to a very bohemian yet keep things very chic. Very resort feel to her collections.

Location: Nigeria, West Africa

Ladybrille Celebs that would totally look good rocking Ituen Basi: Sexy globe trotters like Angelina Jolie and the very fun, playful yet elegant Gabrielle Union.

How Ituen describes her style: "The Ituen Basi brand is a celebration of individuality and feminism, a stylish combination of timeless elegance with a contemporary twist. Ituen has forged a subtle yet distinct signature inspired by the couturiers of old, as well as her many years of experience in the fashion industry."

Skills: "a blend of exceptional skills in design development, pattern engineering and bespoke tailoring. "

Date of Show at Arise Africa Fashion Week: June 12th, 2009

Ituen's Contact: Tel: (00234) 703 519 44 66
Email: ask@ituenbasi.co.uk

Website:www.ituenbasi.co.uk

Click to buy tickets to Ituen's show at Arise Fashion Week.