Spring Trend Report: Koya Nyangi, Fashion PR and International Sales Representative
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
MAKEUP BY SAMEERA AHMED
LOCATION: TRUE HOLISTIC BOUTIQUE RINO
Jacket and Pants: Brooks, Choker: Adele Dejak, Earrings and Rings: Kipato Unbranded
Name: Koya Nyangi
Occupation: I am a Fashion PR and International Sales Representative for African fashion Brands and Designers. I scout the African continent to bring you the best fashion brands for you to choose from. I act as an intermediary to facilitate positive and rewarding wholesale business relationships between African brands and retailers.
As a boutique owner who is looking to expand their lines with African fashion, the question they ask themselves is where is the starting point? How do I find and connect with them? Where is a resource for me to select brands that fit into the aesthetic of my boutique? By working with my company, I identify and match you with the right brand that fits your style. I take away the hustle that comes with bringing in a new line from a place you are curious about but are unfamiliar with.
Favorite Spring Trend: As I continue to explore and experiment with different styles, I realize that I am not into trends. I am very much into season-less styles.
How would you describe your style: Experimental; my style is a fusion of African influence, vintage style, men’s style, and a lot of experimenting to create something unique and different.
What items will you be wearing on heavy rotation this Spring season and why: Comfortable and stylish clothes that look good on me, but not passing on outfits that we typically consider event looks. I am wearing it all! If COVID has taught me anything is that every day is a show-up day. I feel like now more than ever fashion is playing a huge role in uplifting our moods and I am taking full advantage of it, reaching out for color and tons of prints. When it comes to heavy rotation my chunky loafers and my ankle boots are going to be worn a lot. They are comfy, go with everything, and create a good balance of dress up or down.
What are the three essential wardrobe items that we should be including in our Spring wardrobe?
We should be including new designers, especially ones from Africa! African designers tend to not create with the trends coming out of the west, but they have the most unique looks with fresh aesthetics. So, in a sea of sameness, you get to stand out! One of the brands I am loving right now is Mmuso Maxwell from South Africa, as designers they present a unique vision, a global appeal that refuses to be put into a box.
Looking great may be a good way to feel great, but if those clothes are not comfortable, feeling great is short-lived. We are spending a ton of time at home so comfortable, functional, elevated, and well-designed pieces are key. We tend to feel more dressed up when wearing a dress than other garments, and so choosing a comfortable style of dress makes perfect sense. Think frilly frocks like the one from designer, Taibo Bacar’s, which are stylish and can seamlessly take you from the bedroom, lounging on the couch, zoom calls to a socially distanced lunch with friends. Introduce wide-leg pants that are less constricting, statement tops are a great investment especially when people are only seeing your top half.
Overshirt: Duto Ber, Jewelry: Adele Dejak
Will you be adding any new accessories to your wardrobe for Spring? Absolutely, this season I am in favor of over-the-top jewelry. Our new fashion dressing is “waist-up” so accessories are giving me the doses of style that I need. I rely heavily on my accessories to create fashion.
What accessory designers will you be wearing? I love the Bold and sculptural range of Adele Dejak jewelry. Particularly her Venus Choker. It is a definite conversation starter. They also don’t get in the way of the mask.
Theresia Kyallo also has the best structured, lightweight, bold yet elegant jewelry. Her pieces are also unisex which I think is very fashion-forward.
Kipato Unbranded creates jewelry for everyone. Their design approach is minimalistic, and I love their bracelets, long necklaces, and cuffs.
What African designers will you be wearing for Spring? Tell us more about their lines: I am looking forward to carrying my AIRI bag and dressing up in my Hamaji looks. Both these designers have a slow approach to fashion and are keen on preserving ancient textile traditions and craftsmanship.
Hamaji collections have an eclectic nomadic spirit meet boho traveler feel. This is a luxury ethical bohemian brand. Their collections are made up of natural fibers, botanical dyes, handcrafted, embroidery, and up-cycled collected vintage textiles.
While for AIRI, I love the exuberant colors and the elegance of the bags. The striking designs are a sophisticated spin on the classic basket-style bag. These bags are so special because it takes 1 week to complete one. This is a durable addition to any wardrobe.
These African brands can be found at Common Era, Shop Seventy West, True Boutique and Electric Cherry in Denver.
Schedule a meeting with Koya Here // koya@letmeshowyoudifferent.com // @letmeshowyoudifferent
Photographer: @estherleeleach
Makeup: @makeupbysammy
Location: @kismetandtrueboutique