Culture: My Outing to the Liberia National Museum

 This past Monday was a rainy, and due to the fact that I did not have much work to do I decided to treat myself to a cultural experience. After two years of living in Liberia it was unfortunate that I had never visited the Liberia National Museum. I did not know what I was missing! The museum was filled with so much history and culture with displays of both "Americo" and "Native" Liberian artifacts. My tour guide Lamie was so informative and funny. I'm a sucker for art and culture so it was a great beginng to the week. (Pictured above is the fist ever made Liberian flag)

A replica of the Lone Star. One of the ships that brought the freed American slaves to Liberia.

 

A Proclamation re-written by former President William V.S. Tubman providing women the right to vote

 

A photograph of a typical house of Americo Liberians in the mid 1800's

Photographs taken in the 1960's of Liberians in the rural areas

Bullets covering the streets of post-war Monrovia

 

An ancient fertility statue

 

Paintings by local Liberians

Zutin: Piso Collection

I recently attended the opening of Piso Collection. You might remember the name from the Couture on the Blue Fashion Show post from April of this year. The collection is designed by Liberian Returnee Chara Itoka Cooper (pictured with me above), and specializes in the use of "Liberian Country Cloth". The event really enjoyable and show cased some awesome items as well as free wine and snacks :o). You can find Piso Collection on 6th Street (Seaside) in the "Al Brown Compound". Click Piso Collection for more info!

 My ever-stylish buddy Ma Hawa

Monrovia Street Style Photos

So, it seems becoming a contributor to Africa Fashion Guide has it's fair share of perks. The founder Jacqueline Shaw self-published the above pictured book Fashion Africa in the summer of 2011, and is in the process of releasing another book this year. Guess who has been asked to contribute her "Monrovia Street Style Photos" to the new book to represent Liberia? That would be ME!!! Words can't express how excited I am about this opportunity.

"Monrovia Street Style Photos" are a new addition to the blog and will be showcasing stylish young Monrovia City locals .See the pictures below that have been selected! AMPED!

Archel Benard, 23

Fashion Blogger- It's Archel

Fabolia “FK” Kamara, 31

Insurance Executive

 

Leslie Frankfort, 21

Student

Luigi Gibson, 26

Bar Owner- Volume Bar at Krystal Oceanview Hotel

Toushi Itoka, 20 Something

Governance Commission Professional

Myra S. Dorley, 22

Fashion Designer- Myrik on Carey St.

Lone Starlette: Barkue Tubman

I recently read an article in a Liberian Newsletter I receive called "Living in Liberia" that featured entertainment extraordinaire and buddy Barkue Tubman a.k.a "Miss Boss Lady". While living in the States due to the civil war, Barkue worked in Artist Management in Manhattan, NY where she worked with artist such as Outkast, Next, and Montell Jordan. Since moving back to Liberia five years ago she has been making major headway in PR, event planning, and entertainment. Her true passion lies in empowering the Liberian youth through her project AAW Peace. The Lone Starlette was interviewed by BET.com this past May. Click here to read.

Coral and Pink

This was worn on date night at Tides Bar a couple of weeks ago. While in the States this past March I saw this coral colored bag in three different Aldo Stores and decided to cop since I felt like it was stalking me ;O). It is super cute and has an additional strap that allows me to wear it on my shoulder when need be. I paired it with gray skinny cords and pink platforms. Sorry for the poor quality of the pic. My Nikon got ruined on a recent trip to the beach by a FREAK WAVE. RIP to my Cool Pix Camera. Sigh...

Top, Pants, and Cuff- Forever 21

Bag and Earrings- Aldo

Shoes- Steve Madden via Marazetti Trunk Show

My First Africa Fashion Guide Feature!

Hello Loves. Ok so, I am estatic right now! I have been chosen as the Liberia Contributor for African Fashion Guide. For those of you who are not familiar they are an online social enterprise promoting sustainability within Africa's fashion and textile industry. I am uber excited about this opportunity because I am truly able to shine light on the Liberian Fashion Industry and show the World that we are a contender in the fashion game. My first article featured Sorayah Laurice Fashion House on Camp Johnson Rd. Every month I will be sending in at least two articles as well as some Street Style Photos, so look out there is more to come. Check out the article here !