Alma Mater Lookbook

New Lookbook guys!

I released my last two lookbooks, “Top Button” and “Palm Wine and Teacups” back in 2014, so it’s been a while!

As always, Friday Born’s Collections are all about mixing contemporary with traditional, and this time I was inspired by recently graduating from uni, and hence named it ‘Alma Mater’.

The collection has a really preppy feel, with some direct collegiate references, such as the ‘est 1957’ jersey and the kente pinafore. I also loved the fabrics I sourced, in particular, the Great-Britain-themed kente in blue, red and white.

Double E studios, once again, smashed the photography and editing, and really helped to get my theme across with the set. My models, Raquel Okine, Seyi Onuga and Peter Essien slayed in front of the camera and my make-up artist, Eileen Ceokorie made them look perfect.

I really hope you guys like the lookbook! All the items are available for purchase here.

Afua x

My sound crush – Do It Right by Anne-Marie

Love this song and video by Anne-Marie!

You might recognise her as the vocals on Wretch 32’s “alright with me”. I’m expecting massive things from her this year!!

With love as always, Afua x

Invaluable.com’s African American Fine Art Auction

I was recently contacted by Invaluable.com, the world’s premier online auction marketplace, about their upcoming African American Fine Art Fair, taking place on December 15th at 14.30 EST.

“We will be streaming the African-American Fine Art event with Swann Auction Galleries live on Invaluable.com. The event will include 150 lots of unique and stunning historical pieces. This auction offers exceptional artworks from the Harlem Renaissance to the contemporary period. Artists like Elizabeth Catlett, James A. Porter, and Norman Lewis have pieces included in the auction.”

Some of the art is amazing and I’m more than happy to help spread the word! Have a sneak peek at what they have to offer below

My Sound Crush – Monster by Jacob Banks

I’m so ashamed – just realised that I haven’t posted a sound crush for a whole year!

So here we go…
I’ve been a fan of Jacob Banks for years and I was really excited to see him back with this powerful video off of his EP, ‘the Paradox’.

With Love, Afua x

Dr Afua

I’m finally a doctor!!
Medical school has been, without a doubt, the craziest and longest journey!

I started at Imperial College School of Medicine in 2009. An 18 year old girl from a small town in Hampshire suddenly in Central London at one of the world’s best universities. I remember struggling a lot in first year, feeling really overwhelmed by the workload and frustrated that I couldn’t understand the tube map.

The following six years were FULL of ups and downs and so many moments when I wondered why I even wanted to be a doctor. But by God’s grace, I’m here!

I finished finals at the end of March and then went travelling in the Caribbean and America (blog post to follow!). About a week into my travels, I got the email informing me that I passed all my exams and was officially a doctor.

What followed was a number of celebrations (we basically stretched it out as much as we could haha)…

Doctor’s Day:

Affirmation Day:

Final Year Dinner (back in January):

And finally, graduation!!

So I guess, here’s to the rest of my life as Dr Friday Born!

The Black British Business Awards

So earlier this year I was selected as a finalist for the Black British Business Awards.

This year has been so crazy;  I’ve received so much love and support from so many different people and organisations. The Black British Business Awards are all about celebrating the success of black people in Britain across various industries in business.

I was nominated for my work with Friday Born Designs in the Retail and Consumer: Rising Star category. I didn’t win in the end but I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, being nominated was more than enough – I didn’t even expect to be chosen as a finalist!

The event was actually perfect. It was so well organised, and there was such a great atmosphere – everyone was genuinely interested in what their fellow attendees had achieved and their future goals. All in all, I left feeling super inspired and so privileged to have been included in this movement!

Be sure to check out the BBBA website

 

Friday Born’s 2015 Donation

If by any chance this is your first time on my blog or you’ve never heard of Friday Born Designs before, in a nutshell, this is what it’s all about:
I design African inspired clothes, accessories and costumes and donate the profits made to charities in Ghana. You can read the story of how it all started here and see what happened last year here.

2015 is Friday Born’s fourth year of donating, can’t believe how quickly it’s gone!  This year, I donated to my usual orphanage – Bless the Child International Home – and also visited Akropong School for the Blind. Founded in 1945, the School is the first of its kind in South Saharan Africa. It now accommodates over 400 children and adults, covering the general school curriculum but also vocational studies for those who have completed the general certificate of education.

Going to Ghana to donate Friday Born’s profits are always amazing experiences for me, but meeting the adults at the School for the Blind this year was particularly inspiring. They are a mixture of people who were born blind and those who became blind in later life, and they are all striving to make the most of their lives, working really hard to learn the skills they need to support themselves and their families. The deputy headmaster of the school himself is blind and he is so passionate about the school.

 

I donated a mixture of food, household and personal care items to both charities, have a look at the donation video below.

As always, I have to say a massive massive thank you to everyone who supports Friday Born Designs by buying items, spreading the word, liking instagram posts – everything! It’s only because of you I can do any of this!

With love as always,

Afua x

 

Future of Ghana 2015 Top 30 Under 30

Still can’t believe this if I’m honest but I’ve been chosen as one of Future of Ghana’s Top 30 Under 30!

“The publication showcases and celebrates excellence by recognising the exceptional talent of Ghana’s Top 30 Under 30 Pioneers leading in industries globally.

The publication is endorsed by prominent business leaders & government, highlighting inspirational role models and showcasing outstanding thought leaders and organisations. The publication transcends stereotypes, highlighting the unsung contributions future leaders and organisations are making to the Ghanaian and global economies.”

The Voice Newspaper also published an excellent article on the project.

It’s such an honour to be selected for this, have a read of the publication by clicking the picture below and please do support what the founders of the publication are doing, it’s truly amazing!

My Sound Crush – Adore You by Nao

It’s been a while, right!?

I heard Nao on DJ Target’s Homegrown show on BBC 1xtra this Sunday, and I immediately had to question what my ears had been doing without this girl! Her five-track EP, So Good is ridiculously strong.

Below is my favourite track, Adore You. Have a listen and check out the other tracks on her soundcloud page – https://soundcloud.com/thisnao

With Love, Afua x

Artsy and 1: 54 Contemporary African Art Fair

I recently received an email inviting me to access London’s Contemporary African Art Fair online. I was really excited to hear about it, and as expected, there are some really phenomenal pieces in the fair. Click here to browse the artwork and read the official press release below.

Artsy and 1:54, the Contemporary African Art Fair, are pleased to announce their partnership in bringing the fair—Europe’s leading international fair dedicated to contemporary African art, now in its second year in London—online to a global audience. Artsy, the premier online resource for browsing the world’s most influential art fairs offers collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the fair, collect works from exhibiting galleries, and access exclusive editorial content including ‘Insider Picks’ on Artsy.net or the Artsyapp for iPhone.

This year, 1:54  has doubled in size, taking over both the East and West Wings of Somerset House in London. It will once again provide an unparalleled showcase of the world’s finest Contemporary African Art from 16 to 19 October 2014 . The fair is accompanied by a critical conversations series comprising of lectures, artist talks, film screenings and panel discussions presented by international curators, artists and leading experts in the field.

I challenged myself to choose three favourite pieces. As hard as it was, here they are!

Lakin Ogunbanwo, Untitled (Flowers II)

Gary Stephens, Precious

Wayne Barker, Mademoiselle

The fair is open from today until October 19th in Somerset House, London. Click here to visit the fair’s facebook page.