In the new Vlisco Delicate Shades fabric collection, design plays a starring role, even more so than usual. Vlisco has reviewed its own craftsmanship, rediscovering its uniqueness and creativity, and experiencing its drawing technique in a completely different light. This technique makes it possible to create two designs in one, uncovering a double layer with a subtle transparency effect. A number of designs take on a different appearance when viewed from the left or right, resulting in infinite ways to wear it. A range of bold blue shades and overpowering earthy tones are highlighted by bright accents of yellow and pink. The colourful graphic designs play with your mind, transforming into three-dimensional illustrations with outlined shadows, as the elusive waves of colour appear to set the illustrated woman into motion, seemingly revived in your imagination. Explore your own creativity and enjoy the ultimate Vlisco designs as part of the Delicate Shades fashion & accessories collection, available in Vlisco Boutiques as of November 2011.

Shimmering radiance creates a vision of pure richness, drawing full attention to a mysterious woman wandering in the night. Gracefully flowing fabrics weave an enigmatic story, determined to uncover where her journey is taking her. Strutting through the dim setting of the colonnade as it merges with a twinkling glow, the diamond-inspired designs take on an almost tangible shine and add the perfect touch of glamour, as she continues towards her destination, where she divinely takes the stage. An overwhelming sense of heroism seizes her the moment she becomes the center of attention on stage, silhouetted by spotlights illuminating her sophisticated attire of dreamy designs.

We’ve seen big name brands such as Louis Vuitton dabble into afrocentric couture. Burberry, another big brand has joined the tribal wagon with its 2012 resort collection which borrows heavily from the ‘african’ print or ‘ankara fabrics to create an eclectic mix of exciting yet functional pieces.

Go figure! A graphic statement of outspoken silhouettes exemplifies the new ‘Dazzling Graphics’ fabric collection from Vlisco. In-focus outlines and an edgy sharpness create a trompe l’oeil effect of movement. Distinct forms bedazzle the mind and set a psychedelic mood. Overwhelming, vivid colours further emphasize the interplay of black and white, creating a shock in design. Dazzling curves combine with psychedelic circles and an abundance of block shapes, together transforming into new shapes.

Vlisco drew her inspiration from her own rich heritage in creating the new fabric collection ‘Nouvelle Histoire’. In the collection, iconic Vlisco designs are rediscovered and redefined into new narratives, resulting in illustrative memoirs with a twist. The unmistakable Vlisco sense of sophistication is enhanced by the use of familiar colours. ‘Nouvelle Histoire’ consists of modern-day collector’s items from Vlisco’s own Golden Age, a genuine treat for true fashionistas.

Once upon a time, Vlisco created a mysterious new fabric collection called ‘Gallery of Poems’. Dreams wander, floating into your own fairyland. Step into a new world and view the designs as objects of inspiration. Some designs will magically transform into a piece of art, adding a romantic touch to the poetic drama, while others illustrate a surrealistic passing of time. The decorative collection is intensified by a flamboyant colour palette. ‘Gallery of Poems’ makes you feel like a fairytale beauty.

Boris Kojoe in movie ‘Resident Evil’

Idris Elba in movie ‘Takers’

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Communications and Broadcasting Major, Fifi Soumah, 22, beat 31 other contestants to win the Miss Africa USA 2010 beauty pageant in Maryland. She is a Guinean Muslim and also winner of the Miss Guinea USA crown. Soumah’s victory comes at a time when the country is debating an issue that relates to Muslims all over the United States; the Ground zero mosque. African Vibes sat with the Beauty Queen to discuss her win, her thoughts on ground zero mosque and her inspiration.

Fifi Soumah crowned by Past Queen Teizue Gayflor next to Miss Cameroon USA 2009, Danielle Fochive

Congratulations on your win. It is no easy feat to compete against 300 applicants to be selected as one of 32 delegates and to make it all the way to the top as the winner of a very competitive pageant as the Miss Africa USA. What do you think made you stand out during this competition?

Miss Africa USA 2010 Delegates awaiting the announcement of the new Queen.

I must admit that all 32 delegates who made it to the finals were very beautiful and talented. It was the little things that made me stand out, such as my stage presence, eye contact, smile, involving my entire audience in everything I said or did on stage, and my confidence. I stayed focused the entire journey of the competition. It was a fun journey with the ladies…we had many laughs.

What was it like right before you were announced the winner?

Wow…I had a lot of different emotions going on inside of me. I was however, mostly nervous, yet expecting, while trying to stay calm and confident.

You did impress the judges. Now that you have risen to the top and earned the crown, what will you like to accomplish with your new role?

Fifi Soumah and Miss Africa USA Founder, Lady Kate Njeuma

I will like to continue my platform of raising awareness of the ills of practices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which cause several adverse effects to the health of a growing young female who is a victim of such practices. I hope to continue pushing for change and for the eradication of such practices in Guinea and other parts of the world. I will also be actively carrying out activities to educate especially the girl child in underserved communities in Guinea. My activities will range from supplying school supplies and a comfortable learning environment. I will also work with the non-profit organizations here in the US and in Guinea serving the community.  I will be traveling to Guinea to work on my projects on the ground.  I also plan bridge the gap between Africa and the US by encouraging and organizing trips to Africa and promoting cultural exchange.   While I remain a fulltime student, I will be every involved in serving my community.

As a young woman rising to the top, how do you think you can empower other women?

African Women of today are fast becoming a part of the African society, and not just passive listeners and women who solely take instructions and are pushed around. While they remain respectful, they are strong, beautiful, smart and very talented. Who would have ever thought many years ago that an African country will one day have a woman as President? I see today’s African woman as one who does not wait to see change, but is part of making the change.

As a 22 year old, my stories may not be many, but as a strong African woman living in America from Guinea, my stories are vast. I have faced many challenges in life but never once did I give up. I always set my goals and work towards accomplishing them each time. I ask that every woman should give herself a purpose in life, be a voice in your community, stay true and dedicated and never fall short of what you believe, even when others tell you that you can’t…because you can!

Your win as Miss Africa USA 2010 comes around a time when the United States is engaged in a heavy debate about building a Mosque close to where September 11^th attacks happened. There are those who say it is an insensitive move and others who argue that it is the constitutional right of the Muslims to build a Mosque there. As a Muslim, what are your thoughts on this debate?

As a Muslim and a good citizen I agree with the construction of the Mosque at ground zero. The United States of America is built on freedom and this includes religious freedom therefore all citizens have the right to practice their religion. We all need to be sensitive towards the families of the victims of 9/11, it was a huge loss  for the United States of America and also for all religions.  This sensitivity shouldn’t be used to go against our constitution. Terrorists are not Muslims because in Islam no one has the right to kill innocent people, so all Muslims shouldn’t have to suffer because of the actions of terrorists. Not letting this project happen in America will give victory to the terrorists.

4 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT BEAUTY QUEEN FIFI SOUMAH

Her Inspiration: My Mother inspires me. She has taught me so much and provided me with the tools to navigate through life. She believes in me and supports my projects and dreams. Her never ending promise of love for me continuous to flow. She is everything I want to be. Mama, you are my number one fan!

Her Favorite Books: The “Qu’ran” because to me God is first in everything. My second favorite book is By Agatha Christie “And then there were none” and the third is about my vampire lover Edward (laugh)”Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer.

Her Favorite Guinean Dish: My favorite Guinean dish is “konkweh”, which is made out of smoked fish cooked with palm oil. Yummy!!!

What she loves about Guinea: The food and hospitality of the Guinean people.

What she will change about Guinea: I will give a voice to the younger generation and the women. I believe we stand to have a better Guinea and Africa as a whole with new ideas from the youths as legislators and with our mothers taking their managerial skills from the homes into other sectors of the country.

Vlisco takes colour to a higher level, bringing it to life with the new ‘Reflet de Lumière’ fabric collection. The collection elucidates the disparity between silhouettes and movement with a colourful blurring effect. The designs create a surreal sense of structural forms, an illusion of architectural dimensions. This sensation is enhanced by the visual effect of morphing created by the interaction between shadows and the aura of coloured lights, merging to produce a graphical collection of unique fabrics.