People always ask about the designer of some of the dresses I wore on my brand material and at a few performances, well they were designed by no other than the sweet spirited Ms Afua Sam of Studio D’Maxsi. Studio D’Maxsi is the notable fashion house owned by Ghanaian Fashion Designer Afua Sam based in Washington DC . Celebrated as an innovative, sophisticated and edgy women’s wear line for the modern woman, STUDIO D’MAXSI makes unique designs for the classy, funky, chic and confident woman.
Studio D’Maxsi’s success journey so far includes having her designs grace Hollywood’s Red Carpet, the BET Honors event, the Grammys, celebrity music videos, TV and documentary appearances, styling various beauty queens, features at national & International fashion shows, multiple awards won, collaborations and much more. Full of gratitude for how far she has come, Afua Sam reflects on how she took a leap of faith traveling from Ghana to America knowing no one on arrival and despite struggles and rejections, her talent and love for fashion withstood the odds and built the strong fashion brand we know as Studio D’Maxsi today.
Afua Sam also founded ‘Operation Prom’, a ‘win a PROM dress’ competition open to deserving academically excellent high school female students.
Afua Sam of Studio D’Maxsi
As a single mother of two, Afua Sam has successfully pulled through balancing motherhood, health, personal struggles while pursuing her passion of fashion. Motivated by her personal story, Afua has over the years embraced social responsibility as a major part of her brand, significantly contributing her talent to support various charity events and causes. Studio D’Maxsi has contributed immensely in developing businesses, personality brands and charity organizations by supporting fundraisers and donating her designs for charities like ‘Fashion For A Cause’, ‘Pink for Africa’, ‘Tigerlily Foundation’, American Breast Cancer Foundation’ and ‘Steps For The Cure’ ; to name a few. Afua Sam herself modeled on the runway for ‘Runway Moms for A Cause’. Giving back remains an important of the vision of the brand.
Tosinger in Studio D’Maxsi original
In the month of June, to celebrate the ten year anniversary, there will be a giveaway to the general public of specially designed fashion items by Studio D’Maxsi with the hashtag #studiodmaxsi10years. More details on social media @dmaxsi. The new and improved website will still be hosted at www.studiodmaxsi.com and it will feature an e-commerce shopping platform for the general public and fashion lovers to shop exclusive non-couture Studio D’Maxsi designs and accessories that are for the everyday woman. Afua Sam is thankful for family, a great team of Photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, models, fashion show producers, nonprofit organizations, the media, fans, PR clients and everyone who believed in the brand over the years.
Tosinger in Studio D’Maxsi original
STUDIO D’MAXSI’s brand of elegant yet edgy collections has gained her a diverse clientele that also includes artists Jamie Foster Brown, Grammy nominated artist Carolyn Malachi, Miss Ghana Universe, Miss China America First Runner Up, Miss Maryland, Miss Black USA DC among others. STUDIO D’MAXSI specializes in Red carpet looks, party dresses, casual chic (men & women), wedding dresses, prom dresses, suits (men & women) and accessories-for all events.
Tosinger and her manager Jumoke, Tosinger in Studio D’Maxsi originalTosinger and Afua Sam
Operation Prom’s Vision
Operation Prom seeks to make the prom night of one very special high school senior a special night to remember. It is the “giving back” vision of Ms. Afua Sam of Studio D’Maxsi. She designs a prom dress for three lucky 12th graders selected for ‘Academic Excellence’ by their one-page essays.
This is a collaborative effort with Ms. Charlene Brown, a Celebrity Hair Stylist, who has been part of the “Glam Team” since Afua started Operation Prom six years ago. Ms. Brown and the Glam Team, also provide hair and makeup for the girls during a scheduled photo shoot before the prom!
Congrats to the winners of 2016’s Operation Prom
BREONNAYOCELIN CRUZFavor Ogu
NAMES OF STUDENT WINNERS
FAVOR OGU
YOCELIN CRUZ
BREONNA
PHOTOGRAPHER// Marcus Bennet
HAIR // Charlene Brown
DESIGNER// Afua Sam of STUDIO D’MAXSI
Excerpt from thr winning essay by FAVOR OGU
My name is Favor Ogechi Ogu and I am a senior at Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus in Washington D.C. I am originally from Nigeria, but was born and raised in the DC metropolitan area. I have two younger sisters who look up to me as a role model and a caring mother who is my biggest support. My mother and my father are separated; I live with my mother. Growing up in a household with just a single mother and two sisters took a mental, physical and financial toll on me. I feel as though I was not exposed to nor had the same doors opened for opportunities compared to those students who have the advantage of living in a two-parent household. Yet, that did not discourage me; I took this as a way to prove myself more, as another obstacles I had to overcome…..
AYISSI NGA Joseph-Marie aka JJ DU STYLE is a fashion designer who creates very chic street wear. The French/Cameroonian designer whose father was a tailor, has decided to follow the footsteps of pioneer Cameroonian fashion designers such as Imane Ayissi and Martial Topolo by creating his own clothing line called ‘WAZAL’ which was launched in 2005.
In 2006, he launched his first designs which are worn by celebrities like SINGUILA, Alpeco, WAYNE BECKFORD, ROMARIC Koffi and Lalcko. His brand “WAZAL” is a blend of “WAZA”, the name of a natural park in the extreme north of Cameroon and the letter “L” which stands for Lion, the Cameroonian symbol of power.
ABOUT WAZAL COUTURE:
WAZAL COUTURE fashion line that expresses innovations, new styles and creativity. Mixing various colors and prints, he adds and blends other materials/fabrics such as pure cotton, denim jean, wax, leather, fur, synthetic to create a blended ambiance. He got his professional training from VANESSA RUIZ fashion school in Paris and he later on specialized in creating tuxedo jackets. The first collection was in 2013 – “Tete fly.”
In 2013, he was part of the guests of the Ambassador of Cameroon to Paris for the exhibition of the feast of the Cameroonian youth and the Fashion Night Lounge at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where he presented his three concepts: WazalRock, fly Tété and Africafutur.
These concepts are based on values that symbolized his career: Daring, Respect and Creation. Wazal’s cuts and designs are impressive, modern and trendy.
His 2015 collection of tuxedo jackets inspired by a Cameroonian slang, “tété” means wealthy (bourgeois) chic.
STUDIO D’MAXSI ANNOUNCES SPRING/SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION
DC based Fashion House STUDIO D’MAXSI launches SS15 line ‘The Royal Collection’
WASHINGTON, DC (February 2015) – STUDIO D’MAXSI announces the launch of her SS15 line the ‘Royal Collection’ which retails exclusively online at http://www.studiodmaxsi.com. The line is inspired by the essence and value of a strong woman. The color theme incorporates a bright golden yellow, beige and purple. A diverse range of fabrics are used including, lace, chiffon, silk and of course African print.
Fashion Designer – Afua Sam Owner of Studio D’Maxsi
Owner of STUDIO D’MAXSI, Afua Sam, award winning fashion designer says of the collection:
“The name of this collection came about last year when there was so many things happening personally that I felt like I won’t be able to design or do what I love anymore. I had the opportunity to have some alone time and one thing was consistent – how being a woman is important. I observed my mom’s strength and how she handles every obstacle or adversity that comes her way. It dawned on me how special women are, we are all ROYALS and that’s how the collection was inspired. I think as women, we need to be more aware of our strength, endurance and dignity”.
The ‘Royal Collection’ features fashion wear with a variety of looks and fabulous unique styling that STUDIO D’MAXSI is known for. They will be available in all sizes, at affordable prices on the website, made to order only.
Studio D’Maxsi was currently recognized and is up for votes for the ‘Fashion Designer of the Year’ by RepYoGrind Awards to give recognition to entrepreneurs who love what they do, have a strong brand and help the future generation achieve their dreams. You can vote for Studio D’Maxsi here . Voting ends March 10, 2015.
With the launch of this new Royal collection, STUDIO D’MAXSI will be working on a couple of new projects and collaborations to reveal her new direction. Clients and fashion industry insiders can check the website at http://www.studiodmaxsi.com for more information and updates.
ABOUT STUDIO D’MAXSI
Celebrated as an innovative, sophisticated and edgy women’s wear line for the modern woman; STUDIO D’MAXSI is a fashion design house owned by Afua Sam. STUDIO D’MAXSI is known for her unique, classy and chic couture designs. STUDIO D’MAXSI has featured in various fashion shows and in 2014 won two prestigious awards namely the ‘High Fashion Designer Award’ at Fashion Awards DMV and the ‘Design Challenge Winner’ at the American Breast Cancer Foundation MD. Runway show features include Maryland Fashion Week, DC Fashion Week, Crystal Couture, Runway Moms for a Cause and various charitable fashion events. STUDIO D’MAXSI was cast in the 2014 DC fashion documentary ‘The Politics of Fashion: DC Unboxed’. Afua Sam also founded ‘Operation Prom’, a ‘win a PROM dress’ competition open to deserving academically excellent, high school female students (coming up soon is Operation Prom 2015 in the DMV) STUDIO D’MAXSI’s diverse clientele include Jamie Foster Brown, Grammy nominated artist Carolyn Malachi, guests of BET Honors Awards event, Miss Ghana Universe, Miss China America First Runner Up, Miss Maryland, Miss Black USA DC among others.
Attolle Clothiers, an Afrocentric bespoke ladies fashion line was founded in 2002 by Bookey Itoandon – an Attorney who followed her passion for Fashion. Her love for fashion, sketching and fabric selection led her to follow a career in fashion.
In 2004, she relocated from Nigeria to United States to raise her family and further her education; and by August 2011 she re-birthed Attollé Clothiers in Houston Texas USA.
Bookey Itoandon
Over the years, her collections have featured contemporary ready-to-wear pieces with select bespoke outfits crafted primarily from printed cotton wax popularly known as African Wax Print or Ankara Wax Print. In 2010, she showcased at the Goonstyle fashion show in Houston Texas. The collection received a great review and she was invited back in 2011 and 2012. She also participated in the NAMC show in 2012.
Her collection was featured for the first time in 2012 at the AFWNY (African Fashion Week New York). The Attollé collection received an outstanding review that led to an invitation for her to showcase for the second time in 2013. Celeb personalities like Sarah TD Jakes have also been seen wearing her collection.
Bookey has become consistent with her vision to make every woman look elegant regardless of color, size and shape as she continues to develop bold and stunning pieces for all.
Attolle Clothiers is currently running a special holiday sale till Dec 31st available on their website at http://www.attolleclothiers.com/
Here are a few of Attolle Clothier’s lovely designs
And here I am in one of her jumpsuit designs 😉 during Afrodreamfest 2014
One of the African Designers that I truly admire their work, South African David Tlale represented (as usual), beautifully at the New York Fashion Week with his stunning collection.
His Spring/Summer 15 collection unveiled cohesive looks of affluent prints and patented burgundy-red off set with bold, pure white. In Tlale’s words this spring collection aims to “[give]women back their power and [equip] them with a strong and confident sense of allure, without losing their essence and femininity.” – (via okayfrica)
David Tlale Presents S/S 15 with Tyson Beckford At Mercedes-Benz NYFW –
And here are some of my favorite picks below.
David Tlale – New York Fashion Week – Fall/ Winter 14 — Photography: Yuko Torihara –
David Tlale – New York Fashion Week – Fall/ Winter 14 — Photography: Yuko Torihara –
F/W 14 Elementary Metropolis collection
About David Tlale
Tlale launched his brand in 2003, winning the title of “Elle New Talent in South Africa” shortly after. In 2009 he was presented the award for “Designer of the Year” at Africa Fashion Week by international super model Alek Wek. This recognition allowed the brand to debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Spring/Summer 2010.
Over the 11 years since Tlale launched his brand, South Africa native David Tlale has showcased his inimitable designs at all the premium fashion week platforms and etched his mark as a favorite on the South African and African fashion landscapes. Renowned for his undeniable knack for showmanship and elaborate designs, Tlale’s work is both daring and elegant—a brand that defies convention and a brand that impenitently employs unpredictable use and understanding of fabric, color and texture. David Tlale has taken his work around the world, and partnered with a number of influential brands in South Africa. In 2009, he was awarded Fashion Designer of the year at the Africa Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, and later made his debut at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week with a collection entitled “Cultural Intimacy.” It was in early 2011, for the Autumn/Winter Collection at Jo’burg Fashion Week, David Tlale presented his quintessential “Made In The City” Collection in celebration of the 92 years of Nelson Mandela’s life, Tlale sent 92 models down the ramp on what was deemed the longest ramp in the history of South African fashion: the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg. Tlale since his debut on catwalks, has been a ambassador for the “Change-4-Ever Campaign”, an initiative that aims to alleviate poverty in Southern Africa.
David Tlale has enjoyed outstanding exposure on both local and International catwalks, but his label goes beyond just fashion. The proudest moment for Tlale was being The First South African Fashion designer to show case Solo at the Mercedes Benz Fashion week New York in September 2012. For more visit http://www.davidtlale.com/the-brand.html
***Speaking of South Africa, a friend needs your support to sponsor her on her mission to SA via Dramatic Need. Dramatic Need’s core mission is to bring the creative arts to underprivileged children in the poorest parts of South Africa and Rwanda. If you are like me, any thing that has to do with the creative arts, giving back and Africa pulls my heartstrings..
Yasmin Joseph – Scriptwriter, Theatre and Drama Teacher, London UK
Yasmin says —
I have been chosen as a volunteer to teach drama in rural Free State, South Africa, for a month spanning from October to late November.Dramatic Need is an amazing charity, devoted to enforcing the arts as a form of creative outlet for children in economically deprived African communities… something that I am very passionate about.After graduating last year with a degree in English and Drama, and feeling like my skills weren’t being fully utilized/valued here, I figured it’d be a good idea to go somewhere else and make myself useful!
Entries for the South African edition of ELLE Magazine 2014 ELLE Rising Star Design Award are now open. Entries opened on 14 July 2014 and the entry form can be downloaded from www.elle.co.za. The last date for submitting entries is 11 August 2014. The good news: The competition is not limited to South Africa but continent wide. ELLE in association with clothing retailer Mr Price are searching for Africa’s most promising Fashion Designer. Previous winners include David Tlale, Anisa Mpungwe and most recently Nicholas Coutts. So if you dream of a career in fashion, launching your own label and to be mentored by ELLE and Mr Price, this is for you.
Nicholas Coutts. Nick Coutts on shoot for ELLE Magazine’s July ‘Fresh Produce’ shoot. The ELLE Rising Star 2014 Award winner will spend two weeks with the ELLE fashion team too.David Tlale
The 2014 ELLE Rising Star Design Award in association with Mr Price is presented by African Fashion International (AFI) and the search will culminate at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa 2014 where the finalists will show their designs and the the winner will be announced. ELLE and Mr Price are passionate about nurturing talent and giving Africa’s young designers the tools and the platform to grow.
Nick Coutts on shoot for ELLE Magazine’s July ‘Fresh Produce’ shoot. The ELLE Rising Star 2014 Award winner will spend two weeks with the ELLE fashion team too.
For more info – #RisingStarAfrica2014 @mrpfashion @ellemagazinesa @afi_sa on Twitter and visit www.elle.co.za
It gives me joy to write about Africans in the Diaspora who are talented and getting the well deserved attention for their excellent creative works. Multiple award winning and highly sought after Ghanaian fashion designer, Afua Sam is one on the spotlight in the fashion industry. The founder and brain behind STUDIO D’MAXSI, one of the fastest growing fashion houses based in Washington, DC. Unique, innovative, and edgy STUDIO D’MAXSI, creates masterpieces for the chic, bold and funky modern woman. Born to a family of six, remarkably self-taught Afua draws her creative artistic inspiration from her late father who was a touring musician and her rich Ghanaian culture. Having come from a poor and humble background, Afua’s journey in fashion and design started in Ghana, West Africa and continued after she relocated to the USA. Despite hardships and personal life challenges she faced growing up and also later in life , fashion designing was the only thing that kept her going.
Afua Sam – Fashion Designer (Studio D’Maxsi)
STUDIO D’MAXSI ‘s first collection was in 2007 for DC Fashion week; numerous fashion shows followed, charity based ones like Fashion Fight Poverty, Steps To The Cure, Fashion Fusion, Fashion For World Peace, others like the New York African Fashion Week, Golden Scissors Awards Show, among numerous others and recently ‘Runway For Moms’ just to name a few.
Here I am in one of her designs – 🙂
Tosinger in Dress by Studio D’Maxsi, Photo by Lola Scott
The ‘Fashion Designer of the Year’ ( 2nd Annual African Awards USA) award winner is also passionate about giving back and empowering young women through her Foundation – Operation Prom. ‘Operation Prom’ is a competition open to academically excellent high school female students who will get a custom made prom dress. Her clientele include Jamie Foster Brown, Grammy nominated Artist Carolyn Malachi, Glynn Jackson of the Golden Scissors Awards Show, Abiodun Koya Opera Singer, Miss Ghana Universe , Miss China America First Runner Up, Miss Maryland, Miss Black USA DC among others . For more info on STUDIO D’MAXSI, visit http://www.studiodmaxsi.com/
Adorable kids strutting in Studio D’Maxsi
Afua says “My message through my fashion brand is “Be As Bold As You Can Be But Very Chic And Sexy At The Same Time” Afua believes her life’s story is a perfect example of what can happen when one is not afraid to go after their dreams no matter how poor or disadvantaged they may be. She believes “you don’t have to be rich to help anybody. As long as you have a voice and a will, you can have an impact on someone’s life. You don’t have to be somebody’ in order to make a difference”
Directed and Written by Elaine Mensah of SVELTE LLC, ‘The Politics of Fashion: DC UNBOXED’ is DC’s first ever fashion documentary, a film that takes you on a journey from the perception of DC fashion by the outside world, through its evolution in retail, style, and business, to the debate about whether or not DC fashion is heading towards a true industry or is just a fashionable city. It opens in AMC Theaters in Friendship Heights, DC on June 3, 2014. For more information, visit http://thepoliticsoffashion.com/
The Politics of Fashion: DC UNBOXED hosts other nationally recognized cast, including Pulitzer winning fashion writer & critic Robin Givhan, runway coach extraordinaire Miss J Alexander, Washiontonian Magazine fashion editor Kate Bennett, Gilt City DC senior curator Marissa Schneider, Bloomingdale’s Operating Vice President & GM Susan Cannaday and many more. See the full cast list on IMDb.
Ikiré Jones is a Menswear company that marries African aesthetics with Neapolitan tailoring. Conceived in Nigeria, made in Brooklyn & Philadelphia, USA by Wale Oyejide one of Esquire Magazine‘s “Best Dressed Real Men in America”.
The Designer
Born and raised in Nigeria, and like many West Africans, traveled back and forth to the United States and other parts of the world while growing up. Also an Afrobeat musician, an attorney and a menswear designer. No formal fashion training. Inspired by images of people who look at ease and comfortable with who they are. He says in an OkayAfrica 2013 interview
“I am personally not aware of any brand that has combined high-end Italian construction and African elements, and presented them with the sort of inspired-narratives that I have”
He collaborates with bespoke tailor Samuel Hubler.
Wale Oyejide. Photography by David Evan McDowell
In an era where caricatures parade the streets like Emperors in New Clothes, we pride ourselves on offering a new perspective through an old lens; a new dialect for an old tongue; an irreverent approach that twists the portrait askew while paying homage to the most classic of canvases—the suit.Our suiting is fully canvassed, and made to order upon request. Our accessories are thoroughly labored-over, both in their design conception and hand-rolled creation. Flying in the face of a prevailing custom where accessories are a meaningless after-thought, each of our squares/scarves tells a story which carries the wearer, and all who bear witness, to another place and time. – Ikire Jones
Here are a few of the latest Ikiré Jones SS 14 collection tagged ‘The Untold Renaissance‘
“I hesitate to speak as an authority on “African fashion.” I don’t consider what I do exclusively African, or made exclusively for an African audience. Though my work is inspired by my African heritage, there is no doubt that my garments are of Western origins. For me, the label is much less important than the content and quality of the art being made” – Wale Oyejide of Ikiré Jones
TOSINGER'S BLOG 