This is Me: Kate Bomz

The second installment of THIS IS ME, celebrating faboulous, motivated stylish stunning sexy and all together beautiful curvy women!

Introducing Kate Bomz..stunning sexy and chic..



1.give me 3 words to describe your personal style?

Quirky, Afropolitan and Vintage.




2. what are your influences?

My influences really i would wholeheartedly have to say my family first and foremost, I go through photo archives like lookbooks. I am a lover of the yester years like i aforementioned vintage, i love vintage fashion! My late grandmother and Mother are actually quite the fashion afficionados, my grandmother being quirky fun but yet demure, She's mainly influenced me with all the lovely accouterments she would have in collection. My mother has always been pretty much classic with great simple taste, classic ferragamo flats, uniform of linen outfits for the hot African sun and so forth. I actually remember my mother making me carry a louis vuitton backpack back in highschool and everyone laughed at me.....yes of course all that has changed since LV has NOW become a household name. My mother was good for those...linen checked shorts with lining, sigh Mother dear! I will let you know i've rebelled all of my mothers influence, though i've kept the pearls.

If it's style icon wise, it would have to be Jacqueline Kennedy, Bianca Jagger, Edie Sedgwick, Grace Kelly, Prince, Grace Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, Donna Summers, Mobutu (do not judge me) and Tanzania's own Bi Kidude.




3. Tell me about your African roots, and how this has influenced your style.

I am first and foremost a proud African, and a Tanzanian, born and raised in the coastal town of Dar-es-Salaam. Being on the coast of the Indian ocean, you are exposed to so many cultures as it is a melting pot. I actually refer to Kiswahili as the Cosmopolitan language of Africa, with heavy arabic derivatives and borrowing from Portuguese, German, Hindi and so forth, then you add the magic of Bantu and their you have it. i actually spend a lot of time exploring the Swahili coast fashions with pictures from the early 1900s to present, riveting. I also love how innovative Africans, i track fashion subcultures that exist on the continent for instance the Sapeurs of the Congo, and Smarteez of Soweto, along with that, i am often very much fasicnated with the Fashion state of style our African leaders were at towards the decolonization era golden years 50's and beyond. Boy, we have always been fly! I attribute my whole being to the fact i am African, how else would i have taste?! ; )





4 Do you have any favourite designers? who and y


Well for right now....I really really really love these up and coming African designers
SUNO NYC- of Kenyan Origin. For the simple fact they use vintage khanga pieces..so divine....it just speaks to my inner being!
Loin Cloth and Ashes by Anisa Mpungwe- Not to be biased but this is the best Tanzanian Designer out there right now, she is playful, thoughtful, smart and mega talented!
Chichia London- By another promising Tanzanian designer Christine Mhando who also uses the Khanga to create her ecclectic and quirky flirty dresses! i also love Mara Hoffman!

Also as of the last few days i have been obsessing over Maki-Oh (who i have to thank Oroma, editor of POP Africana for putting me onto her), whose garments evidently show you that every detail went thorough an intense creative thought process, it's definitely art! I also heart a lot of Mary Meyers work

I really have an unquenchable thirst for African creative talent, and that is what feeds and keeps me going. But if i were to namedrop some European counter parts hmmm it would have to be....hmmm... YSL, Chanel, Emilio Pucci !




5. Any style tips for plus size beauties?

Hmmmm....Go for it! whatever it is you've put together in your mind, but please do dress appropriately to compliment your figure. I would be lying if i said i had experience with this question, i just do and wear what i feel and want to wear.





6. have you ever faced any obstacles being a plus size woman, and if so how did you overcome them?

Hahaahaha people under estimating my athleticism (well back then), how i overcame them, I surpassed their expectations over and beyond. Or People just seem to think I have a low self esteem, like nooo i am perfectly fine in my mind body and soul. Also being curvy, you just learn to turn off all the lascivious comments that are ushered towards you, whether you are walking in the grocery store or down the street, I really wonder what goes thru the opposite sex's mind, oh wait...they don't think..Duh! Eureka : )

One thing, i find hard to do is shop, i am too small for the plus size stores and too big for the "normal" stores, whats the inbetween? forces me to get creative and do what i can with what i can and make it WORK! "Mekitdowatitdo!"





7. Tell me about how you stay so comfortable in you fuller figure?

You Know, i don't picture myself another way.....and people actually lecture me when i utter " I have to loose weight" they make it like i signed a contract to stay the way i am, which i am fine with..I just think i need to get in shape...you know...that's all.


8.how do you define a beautiful woman?

To be quite honest: Intelligent, self assured, bold, well-rounded and wise woman...now that there, is one beautiful lady!



9. your words of wisdom for blog readers?

Heheheheehe check out http://www.facebook.com/l/3b48dfkcY2srskEmBYofqqSdFTA;katebomz.tumblr.com! ; ) how's that for some bold self promotion : ) Blog readers, read a real news article in between blogposts...and stay away from the very annoying celebrity/tabloidish blogs..can't stand those!.thats all! hahaahahaaha..



10. 3 things you love about your figure

Teikooooooooo, I have such a hard time talking about myself..okay wide hips, thick legs and small waist! ; ) coca cola anybody? : )

Hope u love her as much as i do....stay blessed x Teiko ;-)

Nothing is Impossible x

Birthdays are always a good time to reflect, so on my birthday blog post i wanted to share a cause i believed in, Rights to Rights founded by the inspirational Catherine Hagan...Nothing is impossible....stay inspired, and thank you for the birthday wishes, God bless u all x Teiko






1. What is the Right to Rights Foundation all about?


Right to Rights Foundation is a Non profit Organization based and registered in Ghana, West Africa with the main aim of ensuring that the less fortunate in the country are given the opportunity to enjoy their basic human rights as outlined by the United Nations universal declaration of human rights.




2. Why did you begin the Right to Rights Foundation


I started Right To Rights Foundation in 2007 after I returned from a class trip from Chennai, India. On the trip we worked with Professor Swaminathan who is known as the Gandhi of our time – we worked with different Women Self Help groups to help them apply for microcredit loans, building curriculum for children that couldn’t afford to go to school etc.
When I returned to Tokyo ( where I attended university) I decided it was time for me to do something similar to what Professor Swaminathan does but to help the less fortunate in Ghana.





3. What are the main ideals and motivation of Right to rights foundation?


The Right To Rights Foundation team and I have been fortunate to accomplish what we have due to the opportunities we were given mostly because of our education. It is so sad to me sometimes to see people in Ghana who are so smart, but due to lack of opportunity to achieve their dreams are stuck in places where they shouldn't be.

Personally, I try to imagine what these people would be if they were put in my position and given the opportunities that I have had. This is the main driving force - obviously doing this kind of work doesn't benefit us monetarily, but the feeling we get from helping those we can is way more valuable.




4. You just celebrated your 3 year anniversary. Tell me about some of your accomplishments and setbacks if any in the last 3 years.


Wow, the accomplishments are a lot.


Well we are a registered foundation in Ghana, West Africa. We have partnered with great foundations including FIDA Ghana Chapter, FAWE Ghana, Compound Foundation etc. We have awesome celebrity supporters including Rhian Benson, Bre Scullark, Wale, Mario Winans etc. We were able to raise money for 15 girls from Nsaba Diaspora Senior High School in Nsawam, Ghana to continue going to school and so much more. I don't think we have had any major setbacks - things might not always go how we plan them to, but they always give rise to a new opportunity so we don't give those things much thought.




5. Tell me about the “Impossible is Nothing Campaign” and how it began.


Impossible is Nothing is part of Right to Right foundation’s Self esteem for girls campaign. This is a campaign in which girls in Ghana are encouraged to pursue the different careers they are interested in by various Ghanaian women who are making a difference in the different work they do. These women send motivational videos to the girls in Ghana explaining the obstacles they had had to overcome etc. to show that Impossible is Nothing.

The Self Esteem – Impossible is Nothing campaign came about when Right to Rights Foundation visited Nsaba Diaspora Senior high school, an all girls high school in Nsawam , Ghana. Most of the girls at this school seemed to think the best they could do (career wise) was nursing , they weren't looking beyond nursing. I think Nursing is great, but it definitely isn't for everyone and we want to show this with our Impossible is Nothing project.


6. Who benefits the most from Right to Rights Foundation?


Three years ago ( when the foundation was started) I would have answered this question by saying the least fortunate in Ghana benefit most, but now as time has gone on and Right to Rights has grown I think EVERYONE benefits from the foundation. There is no doubt that we definitely focus more attention on the ones who are less fortunate than us and therefore cannot cater to themselves fully. However with projects like the Self esteem / Impossible is Nothing , everyone benefits - as I like to say, you can never get too much good advise and I believe this is what these projects do , especially the Impossible is Nothing videos.



7. You have a range of talented, successful and inspiring people on board. Do you think having role models directly on board is an important part of Right to Rights Foundation?


Definitely, the main Right To Rights foundation team ( our core staff) is quite young, I started Right To Rights foundation when I was only 22 years old so we really took the direction of the people that know about the Non Profit world, fortunately for us, these people believed that our dream was a legitimate one and stood by us. As time went on and we grew up, we learned what to expect with Non profits etc, but we still utilize the genius minds we have behind us.

We are also lucky enough to have some celebrity supporters that believe in our cause , this definitely helps us especially with fundraising projects. Fortunately or unfortunately, we live in a world that even if a cause is good on its own, it seems better and more credible when there is Celebrity support.




8. How do they (role models) impact on local communities?


So far, Bre Scullark from America's next top model has been kind enough to answer questions people might have about life in general, accomplishing ones dreams, modeling etc. We are also working very closely with Ne-yo's foundation, Compound Foundation - don't want to give away too much information on that yet, but it will be towards education.



9. Tell me about the rights to rights involvement in the project in Haiti
and the Caribbean


Even though Right To Rights Foundation is a Ghana based Foundation aimed at helping the least fortunate in Ghana, we couldn't stand aside and watch what was going on in Ghana. We donated the little donations that we received in the month of January to Wclef Jean's foundation www.yele.org. We also worked closely with one of the friends of Right to Rights foundation Anedie ( who is from Haiti) to spread the word about volunteering, donating etc.



10. What are your long term goals for Right to Rights foundation ?


Right to Rights foundation hopes to promote all the basic Human Rights. We have started with Education - we hope to go on to Health, food, freedom etc. We really just want to make a priority what many people take for granted - once we see that we have made a difference in the lives of people, we will know that we have made a difference.



11. Finally, how do we find out more and get involved?

To get involved you can check out our website www.righttorightsfoundation.orgor our fan page on facebook Right to Rights Foundation. They can also email me directly at catherine@righttorightsfoundation.org

xxx

im aging like fine wine.... complex and a little fruity

i decided to write up on age, last week my friend asked when my birthday was, and i snapped back at him proclaiming, "im happy and blessed and at least i have food and shelter..." urmm he was like ok then Teiko! but i realised i had to check myself, i mean i never thought i was so sensitive about my age?...i have friends who snap and say its rude to ask... and i hear really serious statements like.. "i cant believe i'm getting old"... "where did all the time go".... "at least you still look young" "i should be married by now"... slightly sad statements concerning the aging process...

i once read an article on how the traditional mid life crisis which occurs in your 40's has now shifted to a quarter life crisis where people in their 20's are facing internal struggles, debt clouding their dreams, thinking that ideal career would drop into their lap (often does not work that way) and being confronted with some bitter reality checks concerning friends... partners... and the truth about life not being one big party...

..Guess what? time waits for no one ....embrace life and its challenges which will inevitably arise at any age! Here are some older models i love... ive told myself that im going to celebrate gettin older - im way too blessed to be stressed!!! Enjoy!

1) Corduala Reyer

ive blogged about Corduala before, i really do think she is stunning, sexy and stylish...







Twiggy

British bombshell..still Iconic!






Iman


More beautiful with time...if gettin older looks this good, im all for it!







Teiko x forever 21 x ;-)

Charlene Amankwah: Africa Fashion Week New York 2010

African Fashion Week is the latest buzz in and around fashion circuits, held in New York this July, it promised to give us the crème de la crème of African inspired designs the most talented the continent has to offer, with over 21 designers from Africa and the diaspora this is one not to miss..Major of New York City Michael Bloomberg will be opening the event and I couldn't pass by the opportunity to interview the shows youngest designer Charlene Amankwah.




The beautiful Ms Amankwah herself.

1. How long have you been a fashion designer?

Literally all my life just not professionally. Designed lots of my own clothes and even custom designed garments I bought from the shops. But I've been professionally designing for almost two years.





2. What motivated to create your own collection?


It was what I was destined to do dreamt about it forever and did lots of sketches. One day, my dad and I had an argument about my supposed loss of interest in fashion and not long after that, I registered the company ;)




3. What is the name of your label?

Charlene Amankwah





4. Tell me about how you got involved with the Right2Rights foundation?

Right to rights foundation...can I just say how amazingly inspiring that organisation is? It just makes you want to do more with your life for the girls back home. They need successful role models and right to rights gives them that and more. So back to the question, I went to primary school with Lady May (the founder) so that's the link. Lol. When she told me about it, I thought it was a fabulous idea and I'm happy to do whatever I can to support right to rights foundation.

5. How are the preparations going for ny, how many pieces are u showing?

I'm showing 20 pieces.



6. "Nothing is impossible"what does this phrase mean to you


It means exactly what it says. You can do all things especially when there's a will, as they say where there's a will there's a way. And above all, with God all things are possible. Without God, I would have never gotten to this point. And I believe with him I will get farther.




7. Has being involved with r2r altered your perceptions in any way? if so why


Not really. I have always been a fan of giving back in whichever way you can. But what right to rights has done has created the avenue for me to give back to the people my story as inspiration. Like I said, if I can do it, anyone can do it

8 Can you offer advice for budding designers?

Go for it. Its not easy but with determination, God and support from those who matter, anything can be done. Don't let anyone tell u u can't be a designer. You can if you want to.




9. Aside for being a fashion designer, you are also a student, tell me about that and how you manage to successfully combine the two?


University is stressful but at the same time its fun. I think for me because they are two different things, its easier for me to do both. I study law which is great and I study two languages that I absolutely love. I love the variety: law, languages, fashion... Its exciting and I'm focused and determined to succeed in all these areas so I do and with God I will continue to.



10. Where can we see more of your collection!

Come to my show in new york or my show in london on the 17th of july. Otherwise, visit www.charleneamankwah.co.uk



I'm ending with a quote from founder and producer of AFWNY Adiat Disu

“Charlene Amankwah proves that talent is unrelated to age. This young designer of 20 is making waves on the fashion scene by creating timeless high fashion collections”

Nothing is impossible

x

Teiko

Swim x

Its July, my birthday month! which means despite the disappointing football result last night, (Well done Ghana, you did me proud!!) its all things bright and wonderful from here on NOW!!! July has traditionally been vacation month, US Edition of Glamour Magazine recently featured a spread featuring plus size model Crystal Renn and alongside Alessandra Ambrosio, and Brooklyn Decker...








Behind the scenes...










Here are some of the pieces i found, hopefully givin you some insight into the types of shapes and cuts that flatter your figure and flaunt your curves! i also picked up some tips online which i hope prove useful!



1 If you’re small busted look for halter or bikini top swimsuits in lighter colors. And a plus size underwire swimsuit can help your bust by giving extra lift.




2 If you’re large busted you need support. Get strong straps that are wide rather than narrow as narrow straps will dig into your shoulders. Try a wrap or a surplice top.



3 If you’re a triangle shape get a swimsuit with a narrow belt and perhaps a wrap front. Go for wide shoulder straps.




4 If you have a long torso try a short tankini so that some of your belly shows to minimize the effect of your longer torso.




5 If you have short legs look for a style where the top of the legs is high up on your thighs to expose as much leg as possible.



6 If you have a belly that is larger than you would like try vertical stripes




7. If you have a wider waist avoid high neck suits and look for suits with a low cut curved neckline.





8 If you have broader shoulders use wide straps and designs which focus the appeal lower down, with perhaps great colors on a skirt bottom to give the illusion of wider hips.



now all you need is a beach! ;-) ....excuse the fact that most of the models are not plus size, but u get the drift im sure ...



Enjoy x love Teiko x

football and fashion!

just gettin over my weekend, first of all loads of football... clearly ive been supporting England and Ghana throughout the world cup season, almost going into cardiac arrest, screaming at the tv screen! i almost forgot the range of emotions one can go through in a 90 min game of football...

well ...go Ghana, ahh my Blackstars! 2-1 against the USA...it was also my husbands birthday this weekend so yeah Ghana winning was icing on the cake..;-)The following day i went to go church,to thank God clearly, and pray for England!..oh 4-1 u know, not even 1-0......i still love u England, if ur going to do something (like lose) mightaswell do it well right.>?..;-0 ...

I also got the last day of the Clothes Show at Earls Court, was really cool,here are some of the highlights...






amazing fashion shows which represented some of the worlds major fashion capitals...Paris, London, Tokoyo, New York...




I caught up with designers from the Untold fashion collective...






lovin the earrings....Mary Ononokpono piece ...



www.monokocouture.com



Adore the yellow bag.. macthes my shoes...www.ndamus.com





Ola and shoe designer Dionne Gooding, who also has shoe parties! sounds like fun! www.dionnegooding.com





Z of Zed Eye www.zedeye.com, google zed eye..lovely pieces...



Lanyero http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=137946344351 copy and paste for her facebook group!



Bumi Thomas in Zed Eye, lovin the skirt!






Make me beautiful...Make Up Artist Misha @ Sleek made me over, eyes and lips are big this season!




Before....



After...




Young Free and Jingle...Amazing pieces...



The fabs founders!



www.youngfreeandjingle.com





bumped into my cousin! very nice surprise!



Finally met fashion stylist Lauraine Bailey in person, love the headpiece!



Ethical Fashion Forum www.ethicalfashionforum.com




In the green is Henrietta Ludgate, winner of the ethical fashion forum and has an amazing studio in the Scottish Highlands. Using tweed, organic fleece and recycled cotton she is defo keeping fashion ethical and sustainable.

www.henriettaludgate.com



Tara Smith...great personality, caught up with her and got a wonderful goody bag full of treats...






Hangin out in an Zed Eye clothing!





Vintage Manhatten Jewels... 1of my favourite spots of the day!





overall a good weekend, ...fashion, football, who says the two cant go hand in hand?

x Teiko