Category / Fashion

by Lailes

Embrace Diversity and Empowerment: Discover the Benefits of Melaninated London’s Unique Lingerie

Introduction:

In a world where self-expression and inclusivity are highly valued, finding unique and empowering products becomes essential. Melaninated London, an innovative lingerie brand, offers a vibrant and extraordinary collection that celebrates diversity and cultural heritage. Let’s delve into the exciting benefits that await you when you choose Melaninated London for your lingerie needs.

Unleashing Your Individuality:

Melaninated London brings to the table a stunning range of African and ethnic printed lingerie, a rare gem in the lingerie market. By wearing these colorful and culturally inspired designs, you can express your unique personality and embrace your heritage. Each piece is carefully crafted to make you feel confident, beautiful, and proud of your roots. Melaninated London is not just lingerie; it’s a celebration of your individuality.

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Supporting Black-Owned Businesses:

When you choose Melaninated London, you are making a conscious decision to support a black-owned business. By doing so, you contribute to the growth and empowerment of the community. The brand not only creates exceptional lingerie but also serves as a platform for promoting diversity and equality in the fashion industry. Your purchase becomes a statement of solidarity and support for black entrepreneurs and their invaluable contributions.

Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship:

Melaninated London prioritizes quality and craftsmanship in every aspect of their lingerie. Each piece is meticulously designed and produced to ensure the utmost comfort and durability. The brand works closely with skilled artisans and suppliers who understand the intricacies of African and ethnic prints, resulting in lingerie that is not only visually striking but also made to last. When you invest in Melaninated London’s products, you’re investing in exceptional quality that will make you feel extraordinary.

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A Journey of Self-Love and Body Positivity:

Melaninated London believes in celebrating all body types and sizes. Their inclusive sizing range ensures that every woman can find lingerie that makes her feel confident and beautiful. By wearing Melaninated London’s lingerie, you are embracing self-love and body positivity. The brand encourages you to embrace your curves, your uniqueness, and your inherent beauty. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and recognizing that you deserve lingerie that celebrates your individuality.

A Gateway to Cultural Appreciation:

Melaninated London’s lingerie serves as a gateway to cultural appreciation. Each design is inspired by African and ethnic prints, bringing a touch of cultural richness to your wardrobe. By choosing Melaninated London, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of various cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity. Your lingerie becomes a canvas that showcases the beauty of different traditions and becomes a conversation starter about cultural exchange.

Discover Melaninated London:

Ready to experience the incredible benefits of Melaninated London’s unique lingerie? Visit their website at www.melaninatedlondon.com to explore their vibrant collection and find the perfect piece that resonates with your style and identity. Follow them on Instagram and TikTok (@melaninatedlondon) to join a community of empowered individuals and stay updated on the latest designs, promotions, and inspiring content.

Conclusion:

Melaninated London goes beyond being just a lingerie brand; it’s a symbol of empowerment, inclusivity, and cultural celebration. By choosing their exceptional African and ethnic printed lingerie, you not only embrace your individuality but also support a black-owned business and contribute to the promotion of diversity in the fashion industry. Take the leap and experience the unique benefits that Melaninated London has to offer – a journey of self-love, cultural appreciation, and empowerment awaits you.

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by Lailes

Celebrating Africa Day: Spotlight on Companies operating in Africa and making a positive impact

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Just in case you don’t know, Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union and a celebration of African unity, culture, and achievements. It is a time to reflect on the rich heritage and contributions of African nations. In honor of Africa Day, we wanted to highlight and celebrate the vibrant and diverse black business community in the UK contributing to African economies. However, when we started looking around, we found that there were many contributing back to the continent. I wonder why that is the case? Or maybe I am crap at research and missed them completely. If that is the case then leave a comment to educate me about the companies I have missed.

Instead, here is a list of some businesses that showcase African culture, sell products world wide including Africa. The list also includes Companies based in Africa that are working to solve problems in their home country. Join us as we showcase some remarkable businesses that deserve recognition and support.

  1. Chika’s – Chika’s is a food company that specializes in African-inspired snacks and meals. The company was founded by Chika Russell, who was born in Nigeria and raised in the UK. Chika’s products are made with authentic African ingredients and are sold in major supermarkets across the UK.
  2. Nubian Skin – Nubian Skin is a lingerie and hosiery brand that specializes in products for women of color. The company was founded by Ade Hassan, who was frustrated by the lack of nude-colored undergarments available for women with darker skin tones. Nubian Skin’s products are made in the UK and sold worldwide, including in several African countries.
  3. Afrocenchix – Afrocenchix is a natural hair care company that creates products for Afro and curly hair. The company was founded by Rachael Corson and Joycelyn Mate, who were both frustrated by the lack of natural hair care options available in the UK. Afrocenchix’s products are made in the UK and sold worldwide, including in several African countries.
  1. Kush Films – Kush Films is a film production and distribution company that specializes in African and Caribbean cinema. The company was founded by Marlon Palmer, and it has since expanded to include a range of services, including screenings, events, and educational programs. Kush Films has worked with a number of African filmmakers and has helped to promote African cinema in the UK.
  2. African Market Baskets – African Market Baskets is a UK-based company that offers a range of handwoven baskets and other products made by women’s cooperatives in Africa. The company works directly with the cooperatives to ensure fair trade practices.
  3. Zipline – Zipline is a Rwandan-based company that operates the world’s largest drone delivery network, delivering medical supplies and blood products to healthcare facilities in Rwanda, Ghana, and other countries. The company has plans to expand to other countries in the future
  4. Uzuri K&Y – Uzuri K&Y is a Tanzanian-based company that produces and exports handmade jewelry made from natural African materials, including recycled glass, cow horn, and seeds. The company exports its products to several countries worldwide.
  5. Twiga Foods – Twiga Foods is a Kenyan-based company that connects farmers and vendors to sell fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, to customers in Kenya and beyond. The company exports its products to several countries in East Africa.
  6. Soko – Soko is a Kenyan-based jewelry company that uses sustainable materials in its products. The company ships its products worldwide.
  7. The Leakey Collection – The Leakey Collection is a Kenyan-based company that offers a range of jewelry and home decor made from sustainable materials. The company ships its products worldwide.
  8. Sanaa Gateja – Sanaa Gateja is a Ugandan artist and designer who creates a range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. His products are sold in the UK and other international locations.
  9. Mami Wata – Mami Wata is a UK-based brand that designs and manufactures premium range of apparel, surfboards and accessories in Africa to create jobs and build skills. The company works with designers and artisans in Africa and the diaspora to create its products.
by Lailes

Revamp your Wardrobe and Save Money: Learn how to Upcycle your Old Clothes with Semsah

Do you have a pile of old clothes taking up space in your wardrobe? Instead of throwing them away or letting them collect dust, why not give them a second life with upcycling? Upcycling is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to revamp your wardrobe while reducing waste. 

What’s that you say, don’t know how or where to start? Don’t worry with help from Semsah, you can learn how to REVIVE, RESTORE, REDEEM, RENEW  and RE-USE old clothes

Semsah provides beginners with sewing tutorials, from mending, upcycling to making your own garments from old clothes. Founded by Sussana Mensah a fashion garment technologist, Semsah supports its sewing community through video, workshops and 1-2-1 coaching, guiding you through the process of becoming an expert

Joining Semsah is a good entry point for beginner sewists or those interested in learning how to sew, want to learn pattern making and want to make use of their old garments. If you want to learn how to upcycle your old clothes then join Semsah now and start your journey to sustainable fashion

Checkout the Semsah fashion on You Tube

For workshops or other services click HERE

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You might be wondering, “Why should I care about upcycling old clothes?” Well, here are the benefits:

Reducing Waste:Upcycling clothes helps reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills.  According to a report by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), around 350,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill in the UK each year. This is equivalent to over 1 billion items of clothing, or 19 items per person.

In America, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans throw away over 10 million tons of clothing every year. By upcycling old clothes, we can reduce this waste and give our clothes a second life.

Saving money: Buying new clothes can be expensive, but upcycling old clothes is a budget-friendly alternative. With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can turn your old clothes into stylish and unique new pieces, without spending a lot of money. Every little helps,especially at a time like this, where everyone’s cost of living has gone up.

Expressing creativity: Upcycling clothes allows you to express your creativity and personal style. By choosing your own fabrics, colours, and designs, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your individual taste.

Improving sustainability: By upcycling clothes, we can reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Producing new clothes requires a lot of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. Upcycling helps reduce this demand and promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Supporting local businesses like Semsah: Many upcycling businesses and independent designers focus on creating unique and sustainable fashion pieces. By supporting these businesses, we can help promote local economies and support sustainable and ethical fashion practices

Similar stories that you might find interested in:

Upcycling for creative re-use

Vegan Skin Care Products Made with You in Mind

Conscious Skin Care: Meet the Founders of Earth to Earth Organics

So now that you know the benefits, let’s get to know Susanna Mensah, the founder of Semsah and her motivation behind starting it.

What is your background and why did you start this business

I have worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years as a fashion garment technologist. I work with buyers and designers to ensure brand vision and quality are maintained throughout the supply chain. This role has taught me that every garment has a story, a person that brings to life what is often disregarded and undervalued.

I created Semsah, as a platform to add value and appreciation for craftsmanship, through Revive – repair, Restore -revamp, Redeem – upcycle, Renew -dressmaking and everything else to prevent clothing going into landfills. 

Where does your passion and drive for this business stem from?

In 2012 I visited my family home in Ghana and saw the sheer volume of second hand clothing, which made me question where it all came from and where it all goes, when not sold.  This was answered in 2014 by BBC documentary  “This World 2014 The Secret Life of Your Clothes”. The documentary highlighted how clothes from charities end up in landfill sites in places like Ghana, when not sold. This impacts the local textile industry. 

This really opened my eyes and realised that as a consumer and worker in the fashion industry, I can’t just sit back and do nothing. 

Are there any innovations in the fashion industry that would help to reduce waste?

3D FASHION – I am currently working on a 3D pattern cutting system that can help reduce the amount of sampling we get through in the business and ensure customers get better fit when they purchase garments. In addition, you can buy the 3D designs as part of your wardrobe and have virtual garments. 

MADE TO MEASURE – There are companies that allow you to customise your design and make it to measure your size. 

RECYCLE FABRICS – H&M has announced that they will build a recycle machine to take back old garments and break down the textile to create new fabrics.  

CIRCULAR FASHION – This is a system where our clothing and personal belongings are produced through a more considered model: where the production of an item and the end of its life are equally as important. This system considers materials and production thoughtfully, emphasising the value of utilising a product right to the end, then going one step further and re-purposing it into something else. The focus is on the longevity and life cycle of our possessions, including designing out waste and pollution. Essentially, the “circular” comes as a response to previous economic and societal models that have been “linear” to date, and harmful on the planet along the way.

What are your future plans for the business?

Building my network of like minded people within my industry to join the mission and create a bigger impact of positive change. I also want to create more tutorials for beginner sewists and continue to provide the support they need to get started. 

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