LIBAYA is a soon to be launched online fashion brand, specialised in a variety of high quality women’s tops, born and made in Africa. The brand is currently producing in Accra, Ghana, where founder Nsimba Valene Lontanga has been travelling back and forth to the continent and is constantly connecting with local creatives.
LIBAYA is not just an African brand producing and shipping to a global consumer. There is a strong desire to tell and share local style stories, boost female empowerment and celebrate African elegancy.
Set to open in 2017, LIBAYA focuses on producing a variety of high quality tops that will ease daily style decisions whilst carrying an African story at heart. Think of simple, featherweight blouses with an elegant twist, detail or print such as ruffles, bare shoulders or even an elongated over-cuff sleeve. These non-seasonal tops will be exclusive items available and affordable for style conscious yet strong and successful women in an international market.
The collection is currently being produced in a workshop in Accra, Ghana where local tailors and their craftsmanship as well as the founder’s high involvement play an important role in the creative process.
Taken from a Bantu language mainly spoken in DR Congo – Lingala – ‘libaya’ means a traditionally tailored women’s top. Still, it transcends this single definition as ‘libaya’ holds several powerful messages.
LIBAYA would like to contribute to the fashion development in West and Central Africa and act like an ecosystem by not only working with tailors but also collaborating with industry’s creatives such as models, photographers and stylists within the continent. The creative founder feels that holding a title of ‘fashion made in Africa’, it is important to represent diversity in the fashion industry. LIBAYA focuses on building a fashion community that celebrates the diversity of female beauty by means of highlighting style stories of insightful women through their personal journeys and achievements. The brand hopes that this will encourage and inspire all women to believe and embrace themselves, and use that belief system to fight for their dreams, no matter their backgrounds. LIBAYA links Africa and the West by speaking a language every successful woman understands, which is fashion.
So LIBAYA, welcome you to celebrate this new story with them – inspired by you – through style.
Keep an eye on LIBAYA by following the brand on Instagram (@libaya) or subscribe to their newsletter to stay up to date at www.shop-libaya.com or email them at: contact@shop-libaya.com
Look book images
Model – Georgina Akanlanyabah
Photographer – Amfo Connolly,
Location – Accra.
Nsimba Valene Lontanga – art direction, styling and beauty.
contact her via: www.nsimbavalene.com.
