I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but there is a new online store, OSISIAfrica.com, which hosts a unique collection of African-inspired fashion! They have a variety of items available from clothing to accessories, all linking you to the profiles of the original creators as well! In fact, I'm enjoying my Yoruba wax-dyed scarf by Busayo, which is sold in their store. I had a chance to chat with the founders (Harvard University students) so continue reading to learn all about OSISIAfrica.com!
What was the inspiration behind OSISI?
We created OSISI because we wanted to make African-inspired fashion accessible to everyone.As lovers of African-inspired fashion, we spent a lot of time visiting African-inspired fashion websites to browse lookbooks and pictures. We realized, though, that we could not purchase any items because many of the websites do not have online stores. In the rare instance that we did find a store, the items were usually pretty expensive or difficult to incorporate into everyday outfits. To target this problem, we decided to create an online hub for African-inspired fashion, where customers could purchase affordable and easy-to-wear pieces. Thus, OSISI was born.
Meaning of the word "OSISI"Osisi means "tree" in Igbo, a Nigerian language. The "tree" is representative of OSISI's ethos. OSISI is about reaching back to our roots -- many of OSISI's pieces are inspired by our designers' home countries. OSISI is also trying to branch out - we want to reach anyone and everyone interested in African-inspired fashion. We're attempting to bring African-inspired designs to the forefront.How do you find designers to feature on your site?We reached out to some designers, whose work we learned of through word of mouth, the blogosphere, and African fashion shows. Many of our designers also contacted us through our website, and we were happy to hear from them! We're always eager to explore opportunities with new and innovative designers. What has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far in starting this new venture? The most rewarding experience has been working with our 14 talented designers. They come from 10 different countries, and from all walks of life (check out their bios on our site!). We are very inspired by their dedication to their art form. Not only do our designers make beautiful pieces, but they are also knowledgeable and excited about African-inspired fashion and the market for their designs. Working with them has been a great learning experience for us. Is there anything else you would like to share with our Natural Chica readers? Check out OSISI - our colorful handmade designs will add some spice to your wardrobe!
Also, if you want an item that is not currently available in your size, let us know and we will have it custom-made for you (please allow at least a week for production of custom-made items).
Finally, don’t forget to Like us on Facebook for some great spring deals, and the chance to win giveaway items!Contact Info
Disclaimer: The scarf was provided by OSISIAfrica.com with no obligation for a positive review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review.