In the New York Times last Friday, filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa presented an op-Doc on black women’s decision to embrace their naturally kinky hair, rather then use chemical straighteners. I think non black women could all use a little return to naturalness in their hair styling in particular in the USA. I remember going to graduate school years ago (ouch in the early 80’s) in Arizona and I was stunned to see women showing up at a 7am class with their hair coiffed into long smooth wavy curls. Today women ( white, black etc )  line up to get their hair straightened in beauty salons! What’s so wrong with our hair anyway? I actually love it when my hair guess curly with the humidity . The weather determines my hairstyle  for the day!

Last week was fashion week in Lagos, the host of the Arise Africa Fashion Show where seventy seven African designers were represented. Well established and internationally known African designers were present such as  Ozwald Boateng, Tiffany Amber, Lozo Maleombho, Gavin Rajah, to name a few. The show was inaugurated in Cape Town in 2009 and was a big success this year despite the two day delay caused by the lack of electricity. Very glamorous they all say! There was lots of color, lace, transparent fabrics and sleek, sexy black designs. The look is international but with a very clear African sensibility in terms of patterned fabric, use of color, and traditional references.  If you want to see  more images check out Fashionista .Some people are born with style no matter the circumstances: Here is an elderly Turkana man strolling in the desert North of Kenya.