From red carpets to editorials, campaigns and music videos, Africans who are talented in the art of dressing are bringing the fire, and we at SPICE are watching.
Below is just 5 of the names you should also know by now – the top stylists responsible for the sheer slayage going on in fashion around the World…
1. Pholoso Selebogo
Antwerp-based South African, Pholoso Selebogo is a force to be reckoned with in the style stakes, being one of the hottest stylists in the game right now.
Born in Kroostad, Ms Selebogo has worked for many international magazines and top industry names, from shooting with Lee Wei Swee and Frederick Heyman, to being able to name Hugo by Hugo Boss as her first paid job.
Known as a a bit of a style maverick in the industry, churning out rebelliously cool looks that are both fun and experimental, the talent often goes beyond the duty of dressing models, to dressing sets too, leaving her stamp on every inch of the frame during her shoots.
Here she is, being a total bae in an Alessandra Rich gown and H&M earrings. You might not see her face in this shot but be sure you don’t forget her name.
2. Memsor Kamarake
Next up is Sierra Leone’s top stylist, New York-based Memsor Kamarake who’s both well-travelled and experienced in the art of dressing others, having lived in Moscow and London, and earning stripes as the former fashion director and stylist of Vibe Magazine.
These days, Mr Kamarake remains a key player in the NY fashion scene, even being named as one of ‘50 most Stylish New Yorkers’ by Stylecaster.com, and landing the role of stylist for The Wendy Williams Show.
We love this dude’s way around a wardrobe, respect the fact he took Ms Williams’ style from “brash” (his word) to bold, and how he strived to put young African models and designers out there via his numerous, most-marvelled editorials.
3. Poodle Pusher by the Offodile Sisters
Do you know of Nigerian, stylish sisters, Ogo and Chichi Offodile? No? But you know their work: Solange Knowles’ wardrobe.
The NY-based pair may hail from a background in technology and IT, but their calling was clearly in styling, with their gifts in matching, clashing and creating utterly moorish looks for Ms Knowles and others resulting in a network of stars and a career they built from scratch.
Though the Offodiles’ work with Ms Knowles has been well-noted, her’s is not the only body they’re making look brilliant, with the sisters’ eclectic work also spied on newsstands and billboards as well as red carpets – all from behind the name of their styling brand, Poodle Pusher. Get to know it.
4. Bubu Ogisi
The only Nigeria-based Nigerian stylist who is also a designer, Bubu Ogisi is not only known for crafting some of the most stylish celebrities in the country, but she is also known as the creative force behind the youthful fashion label, iamISIGO.
The young, fun and smart Bubu, who was recently credited with rebranding international singer Asa via style, has worked and kept the likes of Eku Edewor, Rita Dominic and Lola Rae on top of their game, with her talent set to take her fashion brand skyward also.
Whether she’s dressing you in her own creation or pulling something from a rail, it’s clear one needs a bit of Bubu Ogisi in their life.
5. Ugo Mozie
Yet another Nigerian talent on our list, stylist and part time designer, Ugo Mozie is a name of note, having an impressive roster of stars in his portfolio.
From Chris Brown to Kelly Rowland and his work with Justin Beiber, Mozie’s name is as much in the mouths of red carpet stars as it is in the pages of Nylon, Paper, Tatler and Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, but he can also spot his work on screen, having worked the wardrobe department in Sex and the City 2.
Inspired by his home country Nigeria, Mozie’s hard work has resulted in adventured in design, owning a clothing line called Aston Mozie, which he creative directs alongside his friend Quinn Aston, as well as The Kill which he co-designs with Chris Brown’s ex, Karrueche Tran, and his recent accessories line with Frank Wilder.
Future’s looking bright for Mr Mozie and we think we’ll be seeing more of his work yet.
Any other African stylists you think we missed? Why not watch SPICE Most: Top 20 Creative Directors & Fashion Stylists You Should Know at 6.30pm tonight on DSTV channel 192 for our full count down, or catch the repeat on Sunday at 2pm?
Tune in or tell us who’d land on your list of African stylists online @SPICETVAFRICA.
Image source: Poodlepusher.com, Fashionbombdaily.com, www.louizavick.com, chobastyle.com
