This Day/Arise Magazine African Fashion Collective 2009 Kicks Off New York Fashion Week!

L-R: Liya Kebede, Nigerian designer Fati Mohammed Asibuela & Alek Wek
Ladybrille reported, first, on the showing of This Day/Arise Magazine at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009. IMG/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week just released the schedule for Fall 2009 and ThisDay/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009 will kick off one week long of fashion shows at Bryant Park with their show on February 13th, 2009. ThisDay will be showing at 7pm at the 'Promenade.'

The Promenade is one of the smaller venues in the Tents at Bryant Park. ThisDay's choice of room is, however, consistent with that of prior emerging/international designers who historically choose the smaller rooms to make their debuts to the USA market.

Right after the African Fashion Collective show will be one of our favorite shows here at Ladybrille, the Academy of Art University Fashion Show. Check out the full schedule below and stay tuned for opportunities to win a ticket to attend New York Fashion Week!

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2009
10 AM THE HEART TRUTH'S RED DRESS COLLECTION 2009
Tent
11 AM YIGAL AZROUËL
Promenade
1 PM DUCKIE BROWN
Salon
2 PM CHARLOTTE RONSON
Promenade
3 PM BCBGMAXAZRIA
Tent
6 PM NICOLE MILLER
Salon
7 PM THIS DAY/ARISE MAGAZINE: AFRICAN FASHION COLLECTIVE 2009
Promenade
8 PM ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Tent
9 PM VENEXIANA
Salon

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2009
10 AM LACOSTE
Tent
11 AM GEORGES CHAKRA
Promenade
1 PM ANDY & DEBB
Salon
2 PM ADAM
Promenade
3 PM BARBIE™ RUNWAY SHOW
Tent
6 PM VERRIER
Salon
7 PM MONARCHY COLLECTION
Promenade

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2009
10 AM LELA ROSE
Salon
11 AM MARA HOFFMAN / NICHOLAS K / SERGIO DAVILA
Promenade
1 PM DKNY
711 Greenwich Street
2 PM HERVÉ LÉGER BY MAX AZRIA
Promenade
3 PM THUY
Salon
3 PM CALVIN KLEIN MEN’S COLLECTION
205 W. 39th Street
4 PM DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Tent
5 PM Y-3
TBA
6 PM AKIKO OGAWA.
Salon
7 PM ERIN FETHERSTON
Promenade
8 PM MISS SIXTY
Tent

MONDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2009
9 AM FARAH ANGSANA
Salon
10 AM CAROLINA HERRERA
Tent
11 AM CARLOS MIELE
Promenade
Noon JILL STUART
TBA
1 PM TRACY REESE
Salon
2 PM DONNA KARAN NEW YORK
711 Greenwich Street
4 PM YEOHLEE
TBA
5 PM TONY COHEN
Salon
5 PM Z ZEGNA
TBA
6 PM TEREXOV
Promenade
7 PM WILLIAM RAST
Tent

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2009
9 AM CYNTHIA STEFFE
Salon
10 AM BADGLEY MISCHKA
Tent
11 AM MATTHEW WILLIAMSON
Promenade
1 PM PAMELLA ROLAND
Salon
2 PM DIESEL BLACK GOLD
Tent
3 PM DENNIS BASSO
Promenade
5 PM CHOCHENG
Salon
6 PM MAX AZRIA
Tent
7 PM TIBI
Promenade
8 PM DOMENICO VACCA
Salon

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2009
9 AM J. MENDEL
Salon
10 AM NANETTE LEPORE
Promenade
11 AM MICHAEL KORS
Tent
Noon RICHARD CHAI
Salon
3 PM 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
Tent
4 PM ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH
Salon
6 PM MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH
Promenade
7 PM ANNA SUI
Tent

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2009
10 AM TOMMY HILFIGER
Tent
11 AM BRIAN REYES
Promenade
1 PM REBECCA TAYLOR
Salon
3 PM PORTS 1961
Promenade
4 PM CALVIN KLEIN WOMEN’S COLLECTION
205 W. 39th Street
5 PM CALVIN KLEIN WOMEN’S COLLECTION
205 W. 39th Street
6 PM CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
Salon
7 PM CUSTO BARCELONA
Promenade
8 PM ZAC POSEN
Tent

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2009
9 AM PROJECT RUNWAY
Tent
10 AM RALPH LAUREN
275 Hudson Street
11 AM RALPH LAUREN
275 Hudson Street
Noon TADASHI SHOJI
Salon

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ENTRY BY INVITATION ONLY. NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The Tent, Promenade and Salon are in the Bryant Park Tents, Sixth Avenue at 41st Street.

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President Bush, A Legacy of Strong Aid to Africa

President George W. Bush recently gave his farewell speech to the nation. The reaction to his speech on social media, television and radio has been most calling him the "lame duck," the "dumbest President ever," etc. While President Bush absolutely gets an F for invading Iraq and leaving a gaping hole in the pocket books of most Americans, when it comes to Africa, he gets a B+ if not A-. President George W. Bush has been good to Africa and arguably, the growth and exodus of African professionals back to the continent has a lot to do with the kinds of trade policies and partnership President Bush instituted during his reign with Africa. We think great minds can agree to, objectively, give credit where credit is due. As such it is only fitting we point out his track record with respect to Africa and let it do the talking.

BUSH'S AFRICA LEGACY/RECORD

First President to meet with twenty five African head of States in the first two years of office.

30% increase in assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa from fiscal year 2001-2003.

Under his administration and support, debt canceled for twenty seven African states.

The first and largest contributor to donate over $500 million to Global HIV/AIDS Fund.

Under his adminstration and support, $34 billion debt cancelled for 27 countries in Africa.

Very relevant to what we do here at Ladybrille, implemented the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade peference program that provides for beneficial tarriff opportunities for imported products from Africa. 90% of products imported from Africa to the USA are duty free. See Ladybrille's interview with the United States Trade Office on AGOA.

Directly responsible for the North-South peace deals in Sudan. Also directly involved in helping facilitate the ending of wars in Sierra Leone and the Congo.

Initiated the USA Malaria initiative that has halved Malaria in fifteen African countries.

The list goes on and might we add that even on a domestic level, he remains the President with the most diverse cabinet, yet. He was the first President to have a Black Secretary of State, Colin Powell. He was also the first President to have a Black woman as the Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice [First Black woman and second African American to hold the position]. His administration was filled with a very diverse staff, from the Chief White House photographer who is a Black man to the current Chef who is a minority woman, among many.

Again, while we agree that the US had no business in Iraq, it doesn't diminish the positive and strong work this President has done for the less fortunate in a place that really matters, Africa.

Resources: Center for Global Development
BBC News, 'Has Bush Been Africa's Best Friend? '[Jan. 16th, 2009]
The Sullivan Foundation, "Bush Record on Africa, Hard to Follow." [Oct. 2007]
President Bush, Africa Policy, White House Website

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Black Lawyers Rock! Inaugural Events to Check Out this Weekend.

Black lawyers rock! No, it's not just because Ladybrille's Nana Danquaah Osafo and Uduak Oduok are Black/African lawyers, although that is a plus [you smile]. It is because two of the most powerful people ready to move into the White House and help take the country and world a different direction are BLACK LAWYERS! Yes, you guessed right! Michelle and Barack Obama.

This weekend, there are lots of inaugural events planned by African and Black organizations in the Washington DC area. Below are some of our picks worth checking out.

The National Bar Association [NBA] is one of the largest and prestigious legal organization for black lawyers. Their inaugural event featuring some of the most impressive group of dignitaries including the Honorable Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Honorable Rodney E. Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Clinton Administration, Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., Harvard Law Professor and Advisor to President-Elect Barack Obama and the Honorable Bob J. Nash, former Assistant to the President and Director of White House Personnel under the Clinton Administration is sold out. HOWEVER, Ladybrille aspiring legal minds and/or practitioners, you can still purchase tickets to the NBA's pre-inaugural events here.

National Congress of Black Women [NCBW] Inaugural: The NCBW has assembled some superb set of events throughout this inauguration weekend and if you will be in the DC, area, you must attend at least one. They tell us there is a ""Just Desserts" Reception and other social events that are designed to maximize your opportunity to connect and celebrate with other professionals, politicians, and celebrities for an engaging peer to peer experience." One of the brains helping to orchestrate this event is Bizunesh Scott, Esq. be sure to let her know the folks at Ladybrille sent you. Visit the site here for the events line up and to purchase your tickets.

Kenya Embassy: The Kenyan Embassy has a line up of some fun activities for the inauguration weekend that is open to ALL Kenyans and Friends of Kenya. For example, on January 20th, 2009 they have an all Boys Choir of Kenya who will perform at the Washington Plaza Hotel in DC. Later, they follow up with a Pan African Inaugural Black-tie Ball in honor of President-elect Barack Obama hosted jointly by the Kenya Embassy Washington DC, the African Diplomatic Corps - DC, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), the African Union Mission in DC, and the African Professionals in DC. Visit Kenya's Embassy site for more details and to purchase your tickets here.

All Africa Inauguration Ball: 'The purpose of All Africa Inauguration Ball is to bring people together in celebrating the historic Election of a son of an African Immigrant, Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America, and to Renew the Spirit of Community which is so fundamental to Africans.' Click here to visit the site for more details.

Africa Inspire Inauguration Ball at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art: Africa Aspire, in conjunction with the Smithsonian National Museum, present this exciting inauguration event that has Michelle and Barack Obama as guests of honor. Click here for details.

Have an absolutely brilliant weekend!

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Brilliant Posts From Our Web Snob Media Partners, 1/16/09

SEXY SET :)) by KATARINA-KAJA


A Few Goody Gumdrops tells you how to own a Rockstar!
Stiletto Jungle investigates House of Harlow by Nicole Richie.
Nina Ricci is suing over the new Twilight perfume-- Allie is Wired explains why.

Bag Bliss chats with handbag designer Monica Botkier
Bag Snob almost likes the Metallic Leather Hobo from Donna Karan.
Beauty Snob- To Master Cleanse... or Not To Master Cleanse?

Coquette spots the new trend of chevron stripes.
Fashion Pulse reveals its top five dress picks for Michelle Obama -- which is your favorite.
KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating Giuseppes on sale.
Quinta Trends shows the Natalia Ceballos collection romantic style

Second City Style: Oh the scandal! Seeing double on the red carpet.
Shopping and Info found Angelina Jolie loves nude as a neutral color for her wardrobe.
From minimizers to maximizers, StyleBakery found the best bras for every body
Stylehive and Confessions of a Shopaholic are giving away a Nokia Supernova 7510 phone and a $300 gift certificate for Paige Premium Denim!

The Beauty Stop explores the Spring 2009 Nars makeup collection.
If you’re in need of a sexy shoe, The Shoe Goddess has some hot new finds from Giuseppe Zanotti for you!
V-Style hunts down the best dressed celebrities at the Golden Globes.

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Patricia Mbela of House of Agano to Show at New York's Africa House

Patrica Mbela was one of Ladybrille's 2008 Top 20 Africans. She shows her designs on January 17th, 2009 at the Africa House. Mbela runs one of the top design houses in Kenya called House of Agano. She received her degree in fashion design in England yet returned to Kenya to build her fashion Empire. Today, in Kenya, she is recognized as one of the key names in its design industry.

Some of Mbela's accomplishments include being one of of nine Kenyan designers out of 1,500 entries to design The Kenyan National Dress.

If you reside in the New York area or will be visiting New York, go out and support this very Ladybrille designer. Ticket cost only $20.00. The time is from 1-4pm and you can purchase your ticket here.

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month Florence Azria, the Shoe Goddess that Keeps Giving One Community at a Time

New York Fashion Week Spring 2009, I received too many invitations to VIP events and parties to count. I was only going to attend less than a handful. Most seasoned journalists who cover New York Fashion Week will tell you that pacing yourself throughout the many shows, parties and celeb gatherings is key otherwise, you quickly burn out. In sifting through the numerous invitations, there was one event I knew I had to attend, the Shoe Goddess event at the Mercedes-Benz VIP Lounge. I was intrigued by the event for several reasons: 1) It was a fellow Web Snob Media Partner who was hosting the event. [Ladybrille's Web Snob Media partners are some of the top online publishers and bloggers with a combined readership base well into the millions]; 2) It was a co-branded event by Shoe Goddess and Mercedes-Benz. I found that pretty clever from a PR and branding perspective; and 3) I wanted to see and meet the intelligent mind and face that knew the importance of branding and was doing just that!

While my curiosity pushed me to attend, I was a bit reserved about the personality I would meet. Would she be some major diva? Snobbish? Needless to say, there are too many of the 'diva' personalities in the fashion and entertainment world. I had to be cautious and plan my exit strategy as I was not necessarily in the mood to accommodate diva drama.

Florence Azria, our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for January 2009, was whom I met. My cautiousness quickly gave way to relaxation as she was full of warmth and friendliness. There was something about her I couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was because she took time to meet and greet many at her event including yours truly. Maybe it was the way she told me in such honesty that she was a fan of Ladybrille and "loved [my] work"; or maybe it was because her aura told me she was one of those that actually cared. In any event I couldn't quite place it. But, I enjoyed the event and definitely, meeting her. In my head, however, I filed my experience as that was a really nice person and event to go to.”I was not planning to do more with it. . . that is until I received an intriguing e-mail with a headline in October of 2008 that read, “A Shoe Fairy To Los Angeles' Youth.”

"Hmmm. . . what an intriguing headline,” I thought as I clicked on it. It was a press release from Azria's public relations representative, Mashariki, informing me about Azria's background and work in South Central Los Angeles, a place still notorious for gang activities. I was impressed. I knew she had to be our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for January 2009.

Azria was born in the South of France but grew up in Paris. Even at such early age, her fashion driven environment influenced her style sense. “It’s really funny. I was five years old when my aunt on my mother’s side bought me a pair of gold sandals, Azria tells me in our telephone interview for this feature."I walked on the rocks with it and the gold started chipping and I cried. You can’t imagine how much I cried,”she laughed.

Azria’s tears, however, did not last long because her father an avid shoe lover indulged her style sense with his collection of assorted shoes. Azria was taking notes. As early as the 70s, Azria’s father was already having famed shoe designers design his shoes. “It comes from my father. Shoes are more than fashion to me. For me it’s a sculpture, tradition, culture, not all of them but many. [I ] use them also for [interior] decorating of my home," she tells me in a hybrid of her Spanish/French/English accent as she responds to my question of why she loved shoes so much?

Her love for shoes would soon turn altruistic, using shoes to help give back to inner city youths. You see, Florence married into a very wealthy Spanish family. Yes, the acclaimed Azria apparel family. Florence Azria is wife to Current/Elliott and Joie owner Serge Azria. For the most part images of the wealthy/elite on television, media culture etc. presents them as persons with superficial lives filled with parties, sex, drugs, ignorance and deep sadness topped with a "everyone else is poor because they are too lazy and not smart enough" attitude. Azria does not fit the stereotype.

A couple of years ago, Azria had some free time on her hands but felt she would rather forgo getting a tan at the pool side in the French Riveria with a nice cocktail drink, to volunteer in her local inner city community. “ A lot of people do not have much and I felt it was important that I give back. So, I went looking for an [opportunity] to give back,” she tells me.

She found the opportunity to give back at 'A Place Called Home' (APCH), a privately-funded organization that keeps kids off the streets in South Central Los Angeles."It’s an aftercare program, basically all the communities coming together," she explains.

"How did you go from giving back in the after care program to a shoe blog?,”I ask. “You know when I started at APCH, I wanted to do a cooking program and every-time I would ask the manager [at the time], he would say, “No! No!," she explains. "Then the manager changed and when I asked can I do my cooking program? He said “okay as long as you pay for everything,”she continued.

Pay for everything she did. Remember all those highly prized traditional ‘sculptures’ that are her designer shoes? Azria began to part away with some of those highly priced possession of hers by selling them on ebay so she could raise money for her cooking seminar for the kids at APCH. She sold Marnis, Alaias, Louboutins, Manolos and much more. The buyers on e-bay loved it! But, that was still not the push to start her blog. “You know Tina from Bag Snob?,” she asks me [Tina Craig is also another top online publisher who is part of Ladybrille's Web Snob Media partners]. “Yeah,”I replied. She says,“She came to my house and she was like why don’t you start a blog. I was like, “a blog? What is that?”

Azria had a language barrier as she did not speak English very well. “My English was awful.” Nevertheless, she started her blog. The blog took off, advertisers poured in and today the Shoe Goddess is the famous go to spot and a respected authority on shoes worldwide. She tells me, in a humble tone, “You know I never thought about such outcome." Adding, "but sometimes in life, you have a desire and you just do it even if it seems crazy.”

I can’t help but notice how she plays it down. So I say, “Florence you kind of play it down a little bit. I saw you in action at the VIP lounge in New York fashion week,” I say in a tone that says "don't even act like you are not the savvy business woman that you are." “Well, that was Mashariki’s idea,” she responds in a serious tone referring to her publicist. I burst out laughing."Well then, Mashariki thank you for that," I say. "Maybe I should be [interviewing] Mashariki.” She joins me laughing.

Azria’s Shoe Goddess, today, serves as more than a blog as it is now the #1 site filled with so many shoe goodies and resources for shoe lovers. “I’d like to see the site become a place to discover young talented shoe designers in the future. I don’t want any payment or anything. I want all the funds I get from there to go to my charity [APCH],”she tells me in response to my question on where she sees the direction of Shoe Goddess in the next five years.

"My ultimate goal is to open a business center for teenage moms. A lot of these kids when they get pregnant, they think their lives are over and they don’t get an education.”

Azria currently teaches weekly cooking and health classes and funds computers for the APCH. As she part ways with me on the phone, she tells me about a project she has been a part of for a while, "The Cinderella Project." The Cinderella project is a yearly charitable drive in LA where LA’s industry professionals [stylists, designers and fashion experts] collaborate to donate clothing, accessories and shoes to high-school girls who otherwise can’t afford the apparel to attend their senior prom. She invites me to participate in it and I tell her "of course" but I can't help but think, "very typical of a woman determined to give back, one community at a time."

Article by Uduak Oduok

Visit Florence Azria's Shoe Goddess at www.theshoegoddess.com.

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This Day/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009 to Show at New York Fashion Week

L-R: Liya Kebede, Nigerian designer Fati Mohammed Asibuela & Alek Wek

To dispel rumors that Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009 would not be taking place in light of the economic recession, IMG sent out a press release yesterday with Fern Mallis, President of IMG, saying the following:

“We are very proud and supportive of all the designers who continue to understand the power of the runway, the effectiveness of producing a first-class, top notch show is the best marketing tool a designer has in this climate, and we look forward to working closely with each designer to maximize this opportunity,”

In addition, the company released its list of participating designers for Fall 2009 and behold, Nigeria's ThisDay Newspaper the folks responsible for the 'Africa Rising Music Festival and Fashion Show' in Nigeria, London and USA, will be debuting the "the African Fashion Collective 2009." The debut is an effort to amplify the work of African designers on the continent and also Arise Magazine, a new fashion magazine launched by ThisDay newspaper late last year.

Where credit is due, we give one. We are indeed quite pleased. The platform and timing is perfect for African fashion designers as a new President with an African heritage enters into office; and of course over 100,000 fashion forward descend on New York City [national and international fashion buyers and press included] to see and purchase the latest fashions. We say kudos to Nduka Obaigbena for helping put African fashion on the map, in a big way.

New York Fashion Week Fall 2009 takes place on February 13th-20th, 2009.We will bring you the schedule soon! You heard it first on LADYBRILLE.com.

"Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off with the 7th edition of The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009 and is followed by Yigal Azrou?l, Duckie Brown, Charlotte Ronson, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nicole Miller, This Day/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, ADAM, Barbie Runway Show™, Verrier, Monarchy, Lela Rose, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Sergio Davila, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Akiko Ogawa., Erin Fetherston, Miss Sixty, Farah Angsana, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Tony Cohen, Terexov, William Rast, Cynthia Steffe, Badgley Mischka, Matthew Williamson, Pamella Roland, Diesel Black Gold, Dennis Basso, Cho Cheng, MAX AZRIA, Tibi, J. Mendel, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Tommy Hilfiger, Brian Reyes, Rebecca Taylor, Ports 1961, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Project Runway and Tadashi Shoji. DKNY, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Y-3, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Z Zegna, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection and Ralph Lauren are associate members on the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week calendar with shows off-site."

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West Africa Next Top Model Now Scouting in London and New York

For Immediate Release

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL WILL SCOUT FOR MODELS IN LONDON ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 2009 AND IN NEW YORK CITY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 2009

NEW YORK, NY January 13, 2009 – The West Africa’s Next Top Model show scheduled to begin production in Africa in March 2009 is scouting for models in London and New York City. Scouting for London will be on Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at The Amadeus, 50 Shirland Rd Little Venice London W9 2JA from 8a to3p. Scouting for New York City will be on Jan 24, 2009 at the 28th Street Studio, 34 W. 28 Street NY, NY 10001- 5th Floor from 9a to 5p. Applicants must be of West African heritage to qualify.

This show will be produced by StatsMedia Group an international production company owned by Tope Esan and Martin Fayomi. StatsMedia is the only company granted the exclusive rights from CBS Paramount International Television to produce this reality show in Africa.

With the initial start up being in West Africa, the format will be produced every season by region on the African continent with. True Love West Africa is the media partner and official magazine for West African’s Next Top Model. The winner will receive a lucrative international modeling contract, a cover of True Love magazine and numerous endorsement deals from various companies in the fashion industry nationally and internationally.

WEST AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is a format of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL®, which is produced by 10x10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions. Executive Producers are Tyra Banks, Ken Mok and Daniel Soiseth. The dramality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. ANTM is licensed in over 100 countries. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are sold internationally by CBS Paramount International Television.

This version of Next Top Model will not only highlight the models of West African decent but the continent of Africa for its tourist attractions, cultures, values and its booming 21st century economy.

Contact Details
For more information about Sponsorship & Advertising on West African’s Next Top Model, please contact Executive Producer Tope Esan e-mail tope@wafntm.com. For all other inquiries on the show please contact ICY Public Relations at 305.940.0067 and Bola Atta (Bolaatta@gmail.com)

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Ladybrille African Fashion News #54

1. BEYOND BLACK &WHITE
2. Africa Israel to sell 51 pct of Tel Aviv tower
3. The Fashion Industry and the need for a council
4. UK mogul helps SA young entrepreneurs
5. Joburg Fashion Week is coming
6. Trying to break into designing industry
7. Mzansi Madame loves: Taking handmade bags one step further
8. Africa House - Art and Decors - First Couture Fashion Show with ...
9. The ReDress Consultancy - South Africa: South Africa Lifts Chinese ...

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Holding Hands, Is it UnAfrican?

Public displays of affection [PDAs] is something we are quite used to in the West.In fact one key PDA is holding hands in public.When a couple holds hands, it is a clear statement to the world that as to each of them,they are off the market. For the man holding the woman, it symbolizes affection, protection and tenderness.Yet, when it comes to the continent of Africa, it is rare that such public display is shown.

How many times have you seen a couple while in Africa kiss, hold hands or even hug in public? As African cities across the continent become more urban and cosmpolitan, is it now okay to hold hands? For our Ladybrille readers traveling back and forth to Africa's metropolitan cities, have you noticed young couples showing any PDAs, especially holding hands in public? Is holding hands in public still an 'unAfrican' way to behave?

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