Whew! What a week!
I mean… I can’t be the only one who hasn’t fully recovered yet right? In truth though, how can I recover when you all did not keep your feet off my neck for an entire week straight?! WOW!
In what is probably the most intense week in Liberian fashion to date since we began our weekly fashion roundups, Liberians around the world showcased not only themselves, but the iconic flag of Liberia all week long. We admit, we had a part to play in all these celebrations around the world with our independence event roundup, however, we really did not know you all would show up and show out for mama Liberia the way you did.
Major fashion highlights from the week of takeover included some great milestones. For starters, the upcoming Monrovia Fashion Week USA unveiled their astounding list of featured Liberian designers, who will grace the runways of the Queens Theatre in Delaware, USA come August 17, 2019. Among the iconic lineup includes, J. Wonyen, by Crystal Wonyen, EveRRything RRogue, by Melody Asherman, Tay Modisch, Comfort Couture, and newcomer, Fanoraine. It will be a lineup you definitely do not want to miss, as Liberian designers invite you into their Afro-future.
On the other hand, our favorite bombshell, or should we say Bombchel, Archel Bernard unveiled the first release from her latest swimwear and dress collection, BAWDY by BOMBCHEL. The collection offers major Koloqua Style vibes, with reversible references to the prints of rural Liberia, as well as names of iconic sites in Liberia, like the fierce Kpatawee Waterfalls. We can’t wait to get our hands and BAWDY, in this BOMBchel collection.
Additionally, Wilhelmina Cooper of Myeonway Designs took over Lagos, Nigeria with some incredible wearable arts for the UBA marketplace showcase. The fashionpreneur unveiled her latest venture into clothing with some t-shirt dresses, beautifully hand-painted by local Liberian artists. In addition to the t-shirts, the designer showcased all her Liberian girl magic with her staple hand-made and hand-painted handbags and accessories we know the people of Nigeria, and everyone who attended will absolutely love! Bravo, Wilhelmina!
And Lastly, but in no way the least, US-based designer, Aryeah Kolubah solidified her fashion business by offering sewing classes to young people in the state of Louisiana. The designer of Aryeah & Co. has shown with this venture that a fashion business does not only have to limit itself to making clothes alone, and we simply must applaud her journey.
The fashion takeover did not stop there, people, as our everyday Liberians and superstars took their spin on the LIB takeover weekend. From photoshoots paying ode to mama Liberia, to outfits styled specifically with her colors in mind. Continue below for the major fashion moments that encapsulates the spirit of LIB Takeover, and shows us why that Liberian Rainy Season reign just won’t let up!
Best LIB Takeover 2019 Fashion Moments
Big Jues
Fashion Designer, Joanna Arku, wearing her brand, Zoe Arku
Restaurateur, Roda Starlet
CEO, The Koloqua Dialogues, Adrienne Tingba, wearing her clothing brand, Young Geh Lappa Suit
Shop Bombchel CEO, Archel Bernard (far right), with her models wearing dresses her latest collection, BAWDY by Bombchel
Queen of the Airways, Grace Hawa Weah, aka, MasterQueen
CEO, ElleFoodie, Rochelle Bannerman
Fashion Designer, Aryeah Kolubah
Fashion Designer, Morrinna Gbessagee, wearing her brand, Rinna’s Clothing
Blogger, Michelle Doe
Influencer, Mattie James
Hair Stylist, Massa Olaiya
Blogger/CEO of Shop Emmalyn Love, Emmalyn, wearing a dress from her online boutique.
Photographer, Elle Yancy
CEO, Myeonway’s Designs, Wilhelmina Cooper, wearing her latest line of T-shirt dresses.
Fitness Enthusiast and Creator of the Charged up Circle, Edwina Wehjla
Singer/Songwriter, Lawdia Kennedy
CEO, EveRRything RRouge, Melody Asherman
CEO, Silhouette Stylez, Josephine
Actress/Comedian, Mary Love
Yoga Teacher, Massa Mamey
Sports Enthusiast, Moritha Alli
Dancer/Choreographer, Cece Tor
Bigger Boys
Real Estate Developer, Bleejay Innis
Rapper, Bucky Raw, wearing Mel Styles
Creator of Cabral Empire Youth Group, Danny Tracks Johnson
CEO, Nyoni Couture, Nyoni
Sneaker Collector, Mbaimba
DJ Versatile
CEO, Yeshua’s Jewelry, Samuel Koimene
Photographer and Stylist, Dalorwar (L) with CEO, Liberian Entertainment Awards, Tarkus Zonen (R)
Singer/Songwriter, Kobazzie
Actor, Frank Artus
Fashion Designer/Stylist, Patmole Cole
Ahmed Abdullai
Painter, Rodney Sikdar
Rapper/Producer, Cypha D’King
Honorable Mentions
President, Republic of Liberia, Dr. George Weah, with wife, First Lady, Republic of Liberia, Madam Clar Weah
The Legendary Miss Celestine, CKA, RL, wearing her own custom-made design
CEO, The Koloqua Dialogues, Adrienne Tingba, with RL
2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Leymah Gbowee
Miss University Africa, Liberia 2018, Courage Shiraz Seh
Vice President, Republic of Liberia, Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor
Model, Arthurlene Attia
Singer/Songwriter, Lortonio
Whew! again! That’s it folks. I am all out of words. See you all next week for a very special edition of our fashion roundup, as we travel away from Liberia and into one of our neighboring West African countries.
Lived this!!!!!!!