Fashion
British Vogue features Kel Vincent – Africa’s Style God
When Ghana-based stylist Kelvin Vincent discovered the #VogueChallenge, he pressed pause on posting a magazine cover.
The creative, who also runs a contemporary sustainable fashion brand called ANKV, is “not someone who likes to jump on trends,” he tells British Vogue. But, when he found out that editor-in-chief Edward Enninful was curating his favourite submissions, Vincent did a volte face. “It took me all night,” he says of placing the Vogue logo on his portrait of Grace Naa Ayorkor Quaye wearing a voluminous red dress by Yartel.
“I felt I wouldn’t stand a chance, because [at that time] there were about 50,000 #VogueChallenge posts. I did it anyway, and the rest is history.”
Vincent’s striking cover image is part of a wider fashion editorial, entitled The Fierce Muslim. Shot during Ramadan, Vincent “wanted to create fierce fashionable images that Muslim women can relate to,” he explains. “I wanted to tell them to stand firm on what they want, despite the racism, extremism, Islamophobia, and the popular stereotyping of Arab women as weak and voiceless.”
“I know women go through a lot of discrimination worldwide but I’ve actually seen it with my own eyes in Africa,” Vincent continues. “It hurts.” A staunch activist and feminist – “I always talk about unspoken cultural biases and norms every chance I get” – the creative director describes his #VogueChallenge entry as “a political move”. “I don’t know how I can change the world, but I know people enjoy creativity, so I’m going to change the mindset of people with creativity one day at a time.”
It took Vincent a week to curate the fashion for the editorial, and four days to shoot the project. Finding the right shade of red for the model’s dress was crucial because, Vincent explains, “red signifies anger and rage, courage and strength, passion and romance” – the myriad emotions he wanted to encapsulate in the pictures. The location, too, proved tricky. “We wanted to shoot at a mosque to capture the Muslim culture, but we were not allowed to for religious reasons,” shares Vincent. “I had to go back to the drawing board four times before we finally achieved what we wanted.” The energy of his collaborators – photographer Duke Tetteh-Quarshie and make-up artist Valerie Lawson – meant “magic” eventually happened on set.
Raising up fellow artists is central to Vincent’s work. “African creatives have really shown that we can own a piece of the pie, but we’re still looked at as one-dimensional,” he opines. “People are not exposed to many opportunities. I know how that feels. It feels like there’s no hope. So when I see a fellow creative doing the best they can and not being acknowledged, why would I not want to lift them up? When I rise, I don’t rise alone. It’s Africa I’m putting on the fashion map.”
pulse.com
Fashion
Block Heels: Perfect blend of style, comfort, versatility
Footwear trends have evolved over the years, and one of the most practical yet stylish options for women is the block heel.
This versatile shoe blends elegance with comfort, making it a preferred choice for corporate settings, churches, and social gatherings.
Unlike stilettos, block heels offer stability, making them easy to walk in.
Corporate fashion
Traditionally, corporate fashion often included wedge heels or classic pumps.
However, the fashion landscape has shifted to embrace block heels as a stylish and practical alternative.
These heels provide a broader surface area, distributing body weight evenly and reducing strain on the feet.
As a result, many workplaces have accepted block heels as part of formal attire, allowing employees to wear them comfortably throughout the workday.
Versatility
Block heels are not limited to corporate settings. Many women pair them with their church outfits, showcasing various designs and colours.
Available in shades like pink, purple, blue, yellow, silver, gold, and black, these heels complement different looks, whether for a religious gathering, lectures, presentations, or parties. Top brands such as Pretty Little Thing, Walmart, Fashion Nova, Amazon, DSW, and Macy’s offer a wide range of block heels catering to different budgets.
Why Block Heels?
Compared to stilettos or kitten heels, block heels provide better balance, making them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced wearers alike.
Short block heels, in particular, are recommended for those new to wearing heels, as they offer comfort and ease of movement.
Tips for Walking in Block Heels
1. Practice regularly – Consistent practice will help improve your balance and confidence.
2. Step heel to toe – Walk naturally by placing your heel down first, followed by your toe.
3. Take small steps – Walking slowly in small steps ensures better control and stability.
4. Lean back slightly – This helps maintain an upright posture and prevents unnecessary pressure on the feet.
5. Follow an imaginary straight line – Visualising a straight path can enhance walking precision.
6. Ensure a proper fit – Wearing well-fitted block heels enhances comfort and reduces foot fatigue.
Block heels are special shoes with thick heels that make walking easy. If you are new to wearing heels, start with short block heels.
They have become a staple in women’s fashion, providing the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and versatility.
By following simple walking techniques, anyone can confidently step out in block heels and enjoy both fashion and function.
By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim
Fashion
Kente styles on display
Colourful kente designs were on display at the investiture of President John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang.
While many attendees looked spectacular, others looked exceptional in how they rock the kente.
It projected the pride and superiority of the local texture to the international community as guest dressed resplendently in various designs.
Here are some of the impressive designs on display.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
