Dressmaker Elevates Beautiful
With a creative eye for traditional textiles and unexpected color-matching choices, Malacia Anderson boldly goes where few designers dare.
She skips the trendy nude palettes for bright, colorful fabrics that command attention — and people take notice. Anderson designs primarily for women who crave confident colors and loud, African-centered prints. Ankara, a fabric popularized by the West African fashion market, is the recurring theme that weaves her collections together. She sews a majority of her garments to order, creating custom-tailored silhouettes that fit each client like a glove.
“I make things that allow a woman to remember who she is and how beautiful she is,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s memories are vital to her design aesthetic. In 1977, she was far from the master seamstress she would become. She watched intently as her mother hunched over the sewing machine, stitching a dress for her daughter to wear. In the morning when the young girl opened her eyes, there would be a completed dress waiting for her. Anderson was mesmerized by her mother’s resourcefulness and the speed at which she could turn a bundle of fabric into a complete outfit.
That same year, Anderson was enrolled in the 4-H Club in her hometown of Long Island, N.Y. In the 1800s, 4-H was a government-subsidized youth program that functioned as a pipeline to introduce new developments in agriculture research into rural communities through the malleable minds of youth farmers. By the time it reached more urbanized communities like Roosevelt, Long Island, it had developed into a program that fosters youths with vocational and life skills. Given the option to study woodworking, cooking or sewing through the program, the seamstress’s daughter chose sewing. Anderson excelled and continued to sew well into her high school years. After less than three years as a student in the program, she was offered a position as a sewing teacher. The young clothier competed in several New York State fairs with her designs and won during her junior year.
During her senior year, Anderson’s art teacher began taking note of her commitment to sewing and unique design perspective. He encouraged her to apply to the Fashion Institute of Technology at the State University of New York (F.I.T.), which is consistently ranked as one of the top five fashion education institutions in the world. Anderson was confident that her sewing skills would make her stand out in such a competitive environment, but she struggled with sketching. Despite that obstacle, she worked hard to improve her drawing skills and ultimately created a promising portfolio.
“I knew my sewing would overcompensate for my drawing because a lot of designers can draw but they can’t sew,” Anderson said, laughing.
With her technical skills and her teacher’s artistic coaching, Anderson was accepted into F.I.T. As she continued in the program, she noticed that the emphasis on drawing became more pronounced. Still, Anderson’s garments shined, reflecting years of hard work honing her craft. After graduating with an associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, the seamstress set her sights on entrepreneurship, enrolling in the business program at Temple University. Despite moving to Philadelphia to continue her education, Anderson continued to sew, mostly creating clothing for herself and her sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. While competing in step shows with her chapter sorors, she met a tailor from West Philadelphia who was known for making elaborate costumes for stage performances. Anderson worked under his tutelage until she graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration.
LEAP OF FAITH
With degree in hand, Anderson returned to New York to take an administrative job in finance and begin her career as an entrepreneur. She named her business In His Glory Creations and focused on creating custom formal wear for bridal events. Although the money was good, Anderson found the work to be taxing. Sewing began to feel like more of a job than the passion she had loved most of her life. So, she put her sewing machine away to focus on work and regroup.
Years later, Anderson became a customer service representative at Pronovias, a Spanish wedding dress company. While working at Pronovias’ flagship store in Manhattan, Anderson’s co-worker mentioned an online platform for independent creators called Etsy. Perusing others’ online shops reignited dreams of entrepreneurship that she had put on hold. She joined sewing groups and watched other seamstresses launch their own brands before her eyes. Anderson thought, “I can sew as good as them, if not better. Why not me?”
A week before her 47th birthday, Anderson opened her store on the platform and named it Lili’s Creations. Inspired by the sartorial essence of the Harlem Renaissance and her love of feminine silhouettes, the seamstress began designing with herself in mind.
“I really just made what I liked,” Anderson said. “I didn’t think about some random woman out there. I like vintage. I’m a girly girl. I like dresses and skirts.”
A month after releasing her inaugural collection, she got her first sale. Anderson began looking at her day job as a means to an end instead of her means of income. During the day, the seamstress would clock hours to save money and at night she’d make dresses to order. She’d pack her beautiful Ankara skirts and dresses in garment bags and travel around New York to vend at events. As she plugged into her customer base, primarily Black women, orders started pouring in. Anderson soon realized she would likely have to leave her full-time job to keep up with her rapidly expanding business.
In January 2016, Anderson achieved her goal of quitting her day job to work for herself full-time. She continues to be successful, operating every aspect of the business solo. She contributes the success of her business to her faith in God, an unwavering commitment to mastering her craft and the privilege of being in a position to take advantage of tech-based entrepreneurship.
“Don’t let the no’s or the slow times be considered a failure. Those are the times you allow God to stretch you,” Anderson said. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Anderson mentions her strong support system — which includes her mother, who often helps out on large orders — and how instrumental it has been to her brand’s success.
“Being an entrepreneur will teach you that you … need a good support system, a mentor,” Anderson said.Read more at:QueenieAu | formal wear sydney
The new face of David Jones
As much as I hated the thought of moving to another country I knew that this was what's best for me and my family's future. This was the first time I was ever forced to see the bigger picture. As much as I don't want to leave behind the life I had known I, I knew that Kenya didn't have much to offer me and my family.
At age six I received what at the time I thought was the worst yet also the best news, that my family and I got approved to move to Australia.
This process was done by my auntie and my older sister who had moved to Australia before me. I was thrilled when I heard that I was going to be seeing my sister who I haven't seen in years. Due to living in different city with my auntie I didn't get to see my older sister much and that made me really sad and every time she would come to visit I never wanted her to leave. I'd cry and beg her to stay on every visit because it was really fun to have someone to play with. Some girls would bully me because I didn't have my older sister around to stick up for me all the time so whenever she came to visit I'd tell her who bullied me and she would go and confront then and all the girls would be scared and not bully me until she left again.
After civil war broke out in South Sudan my family fled, and during this time my mother was pregnant with me and I was born on the way to Kenya. On 25 December, 1999 I was born and some days later my family safely made it to a refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya. This is where my family settled down and started a new life.
My mother was working hard non-stop to put food on the table especially for my older sister and I. She made sure that we had clothes to wear and shoes on our feet. This was 10 times better been living in South Sudan, but making a living was not easy. You had to work really hard for survival.
After a few years of living in Kakuma my auntie and her brothers, along with my older sister moved to Nairobi to start the process of getting our visa’s to move to Australia which would take up to two years.
I really wanted to go to school like all the other kids, I begged my mum all the time and with much sadness in her voice she would tell me that "I wish I could baby" and at some point I started to accept the fact that it's wasn’t because my mum didn't want me to get an education but it was because we just didn't have enough money for it, which really sucked but those were the circumstances.
One day we finally got the good news and a few days later got the worst news of my life. My family and I lost a really special family member. This really took a toll on my family especially my mother and myself. Due to this we extended our departure date to a few months later.
After some months, the big day finally came that we were leaving Nairobi and the life we had there to move to Australia to start a much better new life. I was really sad about leaving my friends and family, I was scared of the thought of having to start a new life from scratch but at the same time I was excited to see what life was going to be like in Australia.
During the trip to Australia I can't stop wondering about everything. When we landed in Adelaide I took a deep breath in and told myself this is it, this my new home now as I was stepping out of the plane. We were greeted by many family members that I was excited to see but the person I was most excited to see was my older sister and auntie.
When I saw my sister I dropped everything I was holding and ran to her crying and she did exactly the same thing I gave her the biggest hug, and we both whispered to each other that we are finally together for good.
When we finally got home from the airport and we were having dinner, I asked if I could please say something for everyone to hear. I said “thank you mum for bringing me to Australia for a better life, I promise you I'm going to getting my education and make you proud of me”.
That night before going to sleep I made a promise to myself that I was going to get my education not just for my mum but also for me. I promised that I was going to make something out of myself; something really good that would make people proud of me especially my mother. And that is exactly what I have done.
Although I didn't exactly know what I would do with my life at the time considering I was just seven-years-old, I was just going to take one step at a time. I started my new life in Australia by going to school and working hard.
I started with English school and after graduating I went to my first proper primary school. I immediately fell in love with learning; I loved school so much that I hated the weekend because I just wanted to be at school every day.
As I got older I realised that I had a passion for fashion. I grew up watching the Victoria's Secret show and looking up to people like Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks etc. I said I want to be like them, I wanted to walk the runway like them.
My first experience with modelling was at age 13, walking a little runway show for my auntie to showcase her designs. The minute I stepped onto the stage it was like I had just been shot by something I automatically fell in love with and just knew that, this is what I wanted to do.
When I told my mum I wanted to model she was not very thrilled as I was young and she just wanted me to just focus on school and I remember telling her I'm going to be able to do both.
This is what I did. I set myself some goals to achieve. I worked really hard and was 100% dedicated and one thing I never did was give up no matter how tough things got.
The past few years I've been doing my high school full time and recently travelling with modelling and am about to graduate year 12 in a few months.
So many people doubted me, a lot of people said that I couldn't do it, they said I was not capable of doing both at once. But instead of allowing them to bring me down I used these people as my biggest source of motivation.
I love proving people wrong and that's what I told myself I was going to do and that's exactly what I have done. Not only have I made my family proud but I’ve also made my South Sudanese people proud and it is the greatest feeling in the world.
With everything that's happening within my community and all the negativity on the news it makes me happy know that what I am doing is being recognised and spoken about positively.
One of my proudest moments was when I did an interview on Channel 7 News, this was the first time I felt there was something positive said about South Sudanese people, after months of regular negatively on the news.
Working with an iconic Australian brand like David Jones is also a really big achievement for me. I’m really proud of the spring summer campaign that I shot for them.
My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. She is the most hard-working independent woman I have ever known. I can proudly and truthfully say that I am the hard-working young lady I am today because of my mother.
She taught me to always have faith and never lose hope. She taught that nothing is just handed to you and you have to work hard for it. She showed me what dedication and determination looks like. She showed me what making life changing sacrifices for something you truly love and believe in looks like.
When I was younger I always said I want to be exactly just like my mother. I wanted to do everything that she did and now actually do feel like a mini version of her. And I wish that my future daughters look up to the same way I looked up to my mum as a little girl.
I am truly proud of all I have accomplished so far and I'm just going to continue working hard towards achieving my dreams, goals and ambitions.Read more at:www.queenieau.com | formal dresses adelaide
It's a cover up
It's the situation every bride-to-be dreads - waking up the day of her wedding, looking in the mirror to be greeted by a giant spot.
Regardless of whether you are planning to walk down the aisle or strut to the dance floor, a pimple can prove problematic in any situation. But don't despair, as we spoke to one of the U.K.'s leading bridal make-up and hair experts, Bumblebee Bridal's Michelle Lacey, about how to cover up a spot in order to avoid ruining your big day.
- Help, I've woken up with a huge spot the day before my big event!
Firstly, calm down - stress doesn't help. Next, Michelle recommends using tea tree oil as it's a fantastic spot killer. Using a cotton bud, gently dab some pure tea tree oil directly onto the top of the pimple and watch it go down. If you haven't got any tea tree oil to hand, Sudocrem is another fantastic option.
- What products can I use to hide the spot on the day?
Michelle recommends priming the skin first, using a green primer to help reduce redness.
"For very bad spots, you can conceal first and then use a setting spray such as Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray or NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, to set the concealer", Michelle told Cover Media. "Follow with your foundation and then conceal again if required. Finish with powder and a bit more setting spray." She also suggested going heavier on the eyes or using a statement lip to help draw people's eyes away from the blemish.
- What can I do to avoid caking over the spot?
"Priming the area well and layering are important," Michelle advised. "Don't rush to cover the spot with a thick layer of concealer as it will just end up going cakey."
She recommends following her steps above, while also perhaps using a concealer usually meant for around the eyes, as they sit softer on the skin.
"I love the NYX Professional Makeup Concealer Wand and Maybelline's Eraser Eye," the beauty expert added. "Using a sponge to dab on the product can also work well, or use your finger to work the product into the affected area before finishing with a light powder."Read more at:bridesmaid dresses
Fashion and lifestyle creatives gear up for SYM awards
The magazine is hosting its first ever lifestyle and fashion awards on 2 September where some of Namibia's less celebrated creatives will walk away with awards for outstanding work in their respective sectors.
As soon as the nominee list was released earlier this week, nominees took to social media to campaign and garner votes that will hopefully earn them accolades at the awards show.
One of the nominees in the 'Favourite Female Model' Category, Varaakuani Hambira, said that the recognition that comes from being nominated for the award is a milestone that she hopes will open more doors for her.
“I hope people will take me more seriously as a model and that this opens more doors for me. I'm also hoping that people vote and participate in these awards because it's the first time that Namibia is having something like this,” she said.
Hambira is nominated alongside Meriam Kaxuxwena and Lorna Mabuku as well as Prisca Nghipandwa.
“All the models I'm nominated with are doing amazing things and I'm proud to be nominated alongside them,” Hambira quipped.
Another nominee, Aubrey TJ, who is up for a 'Favourite Stylist' award, said that the awards show is important for an industry where many young people don't see themselves working full time.
“It opens ways for other people to take styling as a full time career seriously and not just something you do as a hobby. I live off this myself and I style people for a living so I want others to know that it's possible,” he said.
The nomination, he said, means a lot to him personally and for others in the same line of work who have been working very hard without recognition. “For me as a stylist, the SYM awards means that after we've been working so hard, there is finally recognition that we exist and that we are doing big things too.”
“Congratulations to all the nominees as we count down to the first ever Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards,” said founder Helena Ngaifiwa, who promised that the event will feature “the biggest red carpet” and “nothing short of glitz and glamour”.Read more at:formal dresses adelaide
Consumers opting for apparel subscription services
Apparel consumers are subscribing to a new way of shopping and apparel subscription services like Stitch Fix, Trunk Club and Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe are examples of the new shopping channel in the evolving $217.6 billion US apparel market, says a recent report. Subscription services are an up-and-coming opportunity, particularly in the fashion industry.
The apparel market’s evolution is evidenced by the fact that both Amazon and the apparel subscription service, Stitch Fix, were among the top 10 retailers last year in terms of online apparel wallet share, according to the NPD Group’s online receipt mining service, Checkout TrackingSM E-commerce.
In a recent survey, consumers told NPD about their interactions with and awareness of subscription box services. While only 15 per cent of consumers have ordered subscription boxes, another 14 per cent have not yet ordered them but plan to, and 35 per cent do not even know what these services are.
The subscription method of shopping for apparel is still in its infancy, but its consumer reach is expanding. Stitch Fix, Trunk Club, and Le Tote subscription membership grew to nearly 5 per cent of online shoppers, and their average annual spend per purchase increased 5 per cent to $170, according to NPD’s Checkout Tracking E-commerce information. The Stitch Fix subscriber gave one-third of their online apparel wallet to Stitch Fix. Trunk Club subscribers gave 40 per cent of their online apparel wallet to Trunk Club.
“We have entered a new world of retail where the traditional leaders are faced with unconventional channel competition, and subscription services are the newest player,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. “Consumers are more critical about the purchases they make today and no longer purchase just for the sake of purchasing. The personalised approach of subscription services complements the shift toward more prioritised spending.”
“There is a great deal of room to grow within the subscription model, and the competitive field will continue to expand as online retailers develop subscription services and options for auto-replenishment of fashion basics,” added Cohen. “This kind of innovation, delivering personalisation and convenience, will continue to change the face of retail for fashion.”Read more at:long formal dresses
Kangana Ranaut’s sari look reminds us of Indira Gandhi
Kangana Ranaut has a long-standing love affair with saris. She is probably the only actress in Bollywood – other than Vidya Balan – to be seen rocking the six-yard wonder on many occasions, whether it’s at a promotional event or simply at the airport. The self-taught fashionista made quite an impact during the promotions of Rangoonwhere she gave us a few back-to-back looks, while teaching us how to carry georgette, cotton and sheer saris like a pro. We also remember the beautiful Sabyasachi designshe wore during her visit to Varanasi for Manikarnika promotions.
Now, this champion of fashion trends is back at giving us another memorable look in a military green sari from Fabindia. We love how she channelised old world charm like a pro and it just reminded us of Indira Gandhi’s fashion sensibilities. The beautiful cotton sari with a dark olive green and dull gold border, which she paired with a collarbone-grazing neckline and three-quarter sleeves, is a classic which can be worn by women across all age groups.
Her choice of footwear is kind of unusual and something we would have never expected but she carried the black brogues well with the Indian look. We also like her messy hairdo with a simple low ponytail, minimal make-up and her soft pink pout. Edgy and modern at the same time.
However, on the same day, she gave us another interesting look at the airport in a beautiful, high-neck, white lace jumper from Burberry and fitted pants.
She was seen carrying a pink Burberry trench coat in her arms and we would have liked to see her wearing it but if left to our imagination, she must have definitely looked good in it.
We are really impressed with her travel style diary. What about you? Is her style quotient inspiring enough? Let us know in the comments below.Read more at:queenieau.com | cheap formal dresses
Here are 5 Things You Should Keep In Mind When Dating A Fashionista
So your girl’s hair is always set, her clothes always look beautiful and trendy and her makeup is on point. Is this how your girl is most of the times? Well by now we are sure you might have realized that you are dating a woman who is an absolute fashion lover. She is not the kinds to pick any random clothes when she is out shopping. A fashionista also ensures that even her man is dressed to the nines. No wonder you fell in love with her right? The way she puts in much thoughts and effort to look is so fascinating. However, there is more to a fashionista than just this. And these are things that every man must know about. So for your better understanding, here are the 5 most important things that you should know about dating a fashionista.
Intimate her about dates well in advance
If you are dating a fashion lover , this is one fact about her that you should know and accept gracefully. If you have plans of going out, whether it is a date or just a simple walk, tell her in advance. If the plan includes stepping out of home, your girl needs to get dressed. Do not even dare asking why, because fashion lovers just need reasons to get dressed and if you do not tell her in advance, consider your plan to be cancelled.
Every single day is a special day
Every single day for a fashion lover is a special day. They want to look good every day. Whether you are going for a late night movie or just a house party, they will still get dressed up.
Shopping is what she lives for
A fashion lover just needs excuses to shop. Every time there is an occasion,she will shop and you dare not stop her. She is sad, happy or stressed, only shopping can make her feel better. You being her guy have no option but to deal with it. In fact she will even insist you to shop so that even your wardrobe is updated.
She is addicted to social media
So she is dressed up each time she goes out and she obviously would love to put it up on social media. It can get a tad annoying but most fashion lovers are addicted to social media. Either to upload pictures or to take fashion inspiration from around. They just love being connected to fashion.
She will take a long time to get ready and you cannot complain
So we told you how you will find your fashion lover girl getting dressed up irrespective of whether there is an occasion or not. Now another fact is that she will take some time to get ready. She has to ensure her hair is done right, her make up is on point and she will also try out a few outfits before she finalizes one. Deal with it men!
So gentlemen, these are the 5 things that you need to keep in mind if your girl loves fashion. Be prepared for a makeover yourself, because she makes the fashion decisions.Read more at:QueenieAu | bridesmaid dresses online
