The fascination with the "Dark Continent" has prevailed since the 1880s and the so-called " Scramble for Africa." But despite poverty, famine and civil wars, Africa's natural beauty has always included its people. A number of journalists at international news outlets like CNN , smaller sites like Minna Salami's Ms. Afropolitan and Zandile Blay's African Style Daily are dedicating their time to reminding the world about a face of Africa that's sometimes overlooked.
And new "blogazine" and e-commerce site Heritage1960 is taking a lead in this trend. Site founder Enyinne Owunwanne told ARISE magazine:
"I'm passionate about viewing Africa from a global perspective. Heritage1960 is a celebration of freedom, individuality and style. Everything and everyone on Heritage1960 is connected to Africa in some way. This includes African and diaspora designers; brands that manufacture on the continent; those that have a reputable philanthropic arm giving back to Africa and designers who are inspired by Africa, as well as local market finds. I want to convey the diversity and far-reaching influence of African fashion and get away from the expected wax prints and tribal references because it’s so much more than that."
The site, whose name is derived from the year that 17 African nations gained independence, has a little bit of everything for fashionistas of African descent, or for anyone with a curiosity about African trendsetters. With beautiful photos, international correspondents and an upcoming shopping section, the site seems worthy of a click.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story attributed the quote from Owunwanne to Africa Fashion Week NY. She was originally quoted in ARISE magazine.