Arise and Shine!

Now that the Fashion Week dust has settled, we’ve decided to spotlight our favorite breakout stars of the week, four African designers who took part in the ARISE magazine fashion show last week.
 
1) Tiffany Amber
Which fashion icon do you dream of dressing and why?
Beyonce, because she has a va-va-voom about her that’s inexplicable!
If you can compare your designs to any other Western designer who would it be and why?
Matthew Williamson, because the Tiffany Amber silhouettes are traditionally flowy. I draw most of my inspiration from cultures, traditions and ethnicity of places where I’ve lived or visited and I have notice the same about Matthew Williamson’s collections over the years, especially in his prints and embellishments.

2) Xuly Bët
What have you always dreamed of doing in New York?
Learn to speak Chinese in Chinatown, eat great food in Brooklyn, attend a James Brown show at the Apollo… And really just vacation! I’m used to going to New York for shows and business. How wonderful it would be to stay here as a tourist…
What would no one guess about you?
I am a huge fan of THE HIVES.
3) Stoned Cherrie
If you can compare your designs to any other Western designer who would it be and why?
I’m not sure who one could compare Stoned Cherrie to as our aesthetic draws mainly from afro-urban culture but I have always loved Prada and Miu Miu’s bold use of colour.
What would no one guess about you?
I like iceskating!
4) Momo
Which fashion icon do you dream of dressing and why?
Audrey Hepburn. Her entirely original look has become a benchmark for modern elegance and an inspiration for my collections as Momo embodies this timeless style. Today, as with almost every other designer, I would love to design for Michelle Obama; she wears her clothes with confidence and I believe we have only begun to see her influence on the fashion industry.
What would no one guess about you?
For as much traveling as I do, even my closest friends would be surprised that I have a great fear of flying.