BN Style: Stories of Near – A Cultural Tale of Ghanaian Fashion by Congolese Creative Nsimba Valene Lontanga

Congolese designer, trend forecaster and stylist, Nsimba Valene Lontanga who also refers to herself as a cultural storyteller, launched the first trend studio centred within the African fashion landscape — named Stories of Near, together with my creative partner Zinzi de Brouwer. Here’s what she told us,

At Stories of Near we produce trend books to challenge the global perspectives on fashion in Africa, we create and curate new sartorial stories that are going to influence the future of fashion globally, and unveil new insights and opportunities within the African fashion landscape and consumer markets. We offer a database of pioneers who are making a social impact and contributing to the future of fashion in Africa. A platform in which we aim to bridge opportunities for collaborations between different stakeholders.

Fashion in Africa has always been more diverse and richer than how it is presented in the global media. It is now that individuals are utilising social media to inspire the world, that being ‘African’ doesn’t limit one to a specific way of dressing or creating. We travelled to Accra and captured a new wave of ready to wear designers that are changing the perception on daily wear in Ghana.

See the Photos

Photography: Ofoe Amegavie | @ofoesaysit
Model: Leana Efia Apenteng | @efiaghmodel
Styling and Art direction: Nsimba Valene Lontanga | @nsimbavalene www.nsimbavalene.com
Styling Assistant: Nelsyn Nahr
Featured Designers: Hazza, Charlotte Prive, Jermaine Blue, 1981
Studio: www.storiesofnear.com