Beauty Surpasses Prejudice - Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims, youngest of the three daughters, was born in Oxford Mississippi, the USA in March 30th, 1948.  She grew up in a single parent home after her father left at a very young age.  It is said, because of her unusual height,  Naomi did not have it easy growing up as she was constantly teased by other children.  Little did anyone know, that the features they thought were odd, was the very thing together with her constant determination, which paved the way for her amazing career in the world of beauty and fashion.

Before the Iman's, Alek Wek's, Tayra Banks, and Naomi Campbell, there was Naomi Sims.  The first African American who paved the way for the rest of the brown ladies in the world of fashion models.  I can just but imagine how difficult it was back in the 20th century to have a breakthrough in a mainstream Fashion Industry which was, back then predominantly a "white affair".
"When she decided to become a model, however, her early encounters with the agencies were not encouraging; all turned her down, some taking the trouble to explain that her skin was too dark.  Deciding to bypass the agencies altogether, she went directly to fashion photographers - a tactic that paid off when Gosta Peterson, a photographer for The New York Times, agreed to do a shoot for the cover of the newspaper's August fashion supplement"
With her determination, she achieved worldwide recognition.  Naomi's shots appeared in prestigious fashion magazines in the late '60s, one of them being the "Life" magazine cover of October 1969. Kudos to her!

"As the designer, Halston told The New York Times in 1974; Naomi was the first.  She was the great ambassador for all black people.  She broke down all the social barriers"

As much as I hate thinking that race could be a factor, the reality is, this case was an issue. Therefore it is our obligation to acknowledge and appreciate people like her and many others who went through mental, and in some cases physical war, to make a statement for themselves and others.  We appreciate them all a great deal! 
I choose to pay a  tribute to a great woman who made it to the top,  Naomi Sims.  She sadly passed away in Newark New Jersey, on August 1st, 2009 of breast cancer, she was 61, but she had achieved her dream.
 Read more http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/5978858/Naomi-Sims.html

There goes young Naomi!!

Impressed only by her beauty, Peterson offered his help and her photos became part of the history!

Source
http://fashionandoutfits.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/top-7-african-american-super-models.html

http://www.ciaovogue.com/2011/02/june-1972-us-vogue.html
http://mylittleboudoir.com/2012/02/05/supermodel-sunday-naomi-sims/
http://blackandbeautiful.fr/blog/en/2014/03/21/black-beauty-fashion-naomi-sims-first-black-supermodel/

Swahili Chic SS14 Lookbook

S/S 14 Lukbook: Order you favourite look now & allow up to 19 days for delivery. 

For more information contact on: info@annaluks.com

also check Annaluks.com for S/S 15 Resort coming soon.....

 

The Flare Of Purple

Hello there!   

Meet Tunga.  On this first illustration, Tunga is illustrating for us the top half (bustier) of the Purple flare trousers. This bustier is hand woven with lime green cotton cords.  Tunga had a great pleasure to illustrate for us on the top three illustrations.  

This garment is one of a 8 piece Colour Explosion 2010 collection, inspired by Japanese rope bondage.  

2010 Purple Flashback

Illustration media: Drawing & pantone pens.

Back woven bodice

As a stylist,  I sometimes enjoy reflecting on previous collection pieces.  I chose to take a closer look into this piece.  I must admit, this is one of my favorite piece,  not only because Tunga has carried it so beautifully in  these three illustrations, but because of its style and vibrancy.   A timeless piece that remains fashionable and stylish, depending on how you style it.

I had a specific shade of purple in mind.  To get the exact colour, I decided to get a natural silk/cotton fabric and dye it to my  taste.  love it! 

 View the rest of  Colour Explosion collection at www.annaluks.com

Shows

 Graduate Show May 2010

Who would have thought........the scrunched up jacket accessorized the trousers well!!!

Fashion4Africa December 2010

Look Book shoot 

Photo: Rob Shepherd

Press

Black Hair Magazine July 2011 Edition

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Flashback Story Boards

Colour, Print, Texture & Shape

(Researched Projects)

I would like to share with you what inspired me on these selected collections. 

Swahili Flavour/ Street Luks Collections (Native/Nature)

Sisal yarn, silk yarns, Khanga, Silk Jersey, linens and cottons

 Eye Collection

Design inspired by (Japanese Rope Bondage/ Print by birds eye)

Cottons, silk jersey, ropes, cords, digital printed and accessories

Motif-birds eye section

The 'Lil' White Dress 

Architecture inspired  from Guggenheim museum, Metropolitan University UK

Fabrics: Cotton drill cosset dress, little bag

Happy New Year to all!

2014 NEW YEAR GREETINGS

 WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2014

 FROM ANNA-QUA-ANA!

I would like to also say thank you to all my faithful followers and those of you who stop by,  you all mean a lot to me.  Thank you!

Funky Shoes!

For the love of vintage!!   
Here's a little something for some of you out there.  
Be inspired!!!
"I should add that you can happily mix modern day high street with authentic vintage attire, in order to achieve a look that is head-and-shoulders above the rest". 

 

Source:

http://catwalkthreads.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/from-hem-to-heels-fashion-1968/