We have come to the end of 2021 and I am grateful. When the pandemic started, I never thought we would still be in it going into 2022. If you are reading this, it means we’ve made it. My gratefulness is centered on that fact. In all transparency, we did not accomplish everything that we wanted to in 2021 and we haven’t felt good about all the things happening around us. We could easily focus on things that are still a hot mess (talking for myself) and reflect on how we experienced a lifetime of tribulation over the last 21 months and no one would reject that. It has been difficult.
However, if you are reading this, take heart because you’ve made it. You have managed to overcome large and small challenges and a deadly season where we have lost loved ones, elders, friends, and people we don’t know. All of it has cost us emotionally and physically. Yet, here we are. We have grown our business this year and we have pushed forward with plans for future growth because of you. Your patronage and support has helped us grow in a challenging retail environment. We would love to have explosive growth every year and exceed our financial goals exponentially, but this year has reminded us that our goal is simply that you love the way you look and love the way you feel. And Let me tell you, you all loved some Love Iguehi in 2021.
We introduced new products like our Just a HInt Chika Maxi Dress, Bubble Kaftan, Gathered Wrap and Mini Shift Dresses. You gravitated to prints known as Makeda, Hadiza, Adira, and Sarai because you are royalty. And, you supported us at the soft opening of our brick and mortar retail store in downtown Oakland. Thank you!!!
You have made our year and we are so thankful for how you rolled with us through supply chain issues and incorporated us into your closet. You inspire us to keep going and dream bigger than before. We plan to kickoff 2022 with the grand opening of our retail store at 308 13th Street in downtown Oakland on January 15th (more info to come). We are looking forward to adding new designs, more prints and print combinations. We may even introduce something specific for men (if Parren gets his way..lol).
Please be safe and take good care. Let us know how we can help you love the way you look and feel. Trust us, you are already beautiful, wonderfully made, and built with a purpose.
Love,
Iguehi & The Love Iguehi Team (i.e. Parren & my friends. Lol)
]]>Fashion, trendsetting, luxury fabrics, and more are all staples in the fashion industry but what about accessories and more importantly STYLE?! Anyone can make pretty spectacular garments but how one wears them and what they wear them with makes all the difference. We know that nothing is new under the sun so give credit where credit is due- and that’s to my fellow black designers, stylists, trendsetters, models, photographers and everyone involved in capturing the raw, authentic essence of black people throughout the history of the fashion industry!
Jewelry is one staple style component where trends are spearheaded by Black culture continue to thrive. From gold-plated to bling to afro-centric style jewelry; the way in which we wear jewelry will forever be a part of styling and trendsetting for all fashion industries.
We are responsible for not only components of fashion and its trends but we contribute to ENTIRE fashion movements! Primary example is the “flapper girl” who debuted in the 1920s. Garments embellished in crystals, adorned with finger waves, a headdress, gaudy jewelry and feathered finishes continue to influence the trends of today. Josephine Baker made this style popular and Rihanna, during her CFDA Fashion Awards red carpet made it current.
Let’s take a look around today’s fashion industry, shall we. Our Black culture cannot be denied nor should it be. Behind much of today’s fashion that’s welcomed by the masses is a story of how stylistic individuality was frowned upon and the intentional erasure of Black contribution. Although we may not always get the credit deserved, its an undeniable fact that Black contribution is seen all over the sidewalks of NYC to the runways in Paris.
Love Iguehi is a luxurious apparel company filled with Black culture, African inspiration and an appreciation for all things fashion--- black trendsetters included. We pay homage to our fashion trailblazers by the love that we put into making quality, luxurious apparel that is built to last and look great in every wardrobe it encounters.
]]>In celebration of Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate some black trailblazers that contributed to the fashion industry. Many times they did not get credit for their beautiful creations, fashion sense or innovation. As a self-taught fashion designer, I contribute much of my success to those who have come before me.
As a fellow designer, I thank trailblazers like Ann Lowe for boldly forging a path for black women designers in the luxury end of the fashion industry.
Ann Lowe
Born in Clayton, Alabama in 1898, she learned her dressmaking skills from her mother who made dresses for society women in the South. After her mother died suddenly, Ann was left to finish her last job which was the creation of four ballgowns for the First Lady of Alabama. These dresses launched her introduction into the fashion industry. She moved to New York and enrolled in S.T. Taylor Design School. Once graduated, she opened Ann Lowe’s Gowns in Harlem and became the “best kept secret” for high society members--- the Rockefellers, the Roosevelts, the du Ponts. She’s been credited, after the fact, with making Olivia de Havilland’s dress for her Oscar acceptance speech as well as Jackie O’s wedding dress. In 1968, Lowe became the first Black woman to own a store on Madison Avenue.
His bold and bright collections are an inspiration to many, like myself, to step away from ordinary and embrace bright, bold, patterns, textures and fabrics.
Stephen Burrows
Like many aspiring fashion designers of his time, Burrows was taught how to sew by his grandmother. His bold and bright collection debuted at the opening of the “Stephen Burrows” boutique at the iconic Henri Bendels, ultimately catapulting his career. During the height of his career, Burrows was chosen along with Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, and Anne Klein to represent America in the Battle of Versailles, a fashion face-off against French powerhouses Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Emanuel Ungaro. This night American fashion stumbled into the spotlight, made history and garnered a European audience by winning the Coty 3 times. He has since been bestowed “The Board of Directors Special Tribute” by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
If, "I put on for my city" was a person. Dapper Dan is the epitome of "doing it for the culture" fashion edition. His fashion sense, style and love for his people is truly an inspiration.
Dapper Dan
Dapper Dan’s name is synonymous with luxury of Harlem. Self-taught tailor with unique style, Dapper Dan proved that rap culture can have a signature style and unique perspective. His concept of reworking luxury-house products to new outfits for numerous hip-hop artists, athletes and celebrities alike proved to be ground-breaking. Although his reworking of these luxury brands came at a price, he was able to revitalize his career to now become synonymous with being THE luxury brand out of Harlem.
***Photos courtesy of Getty Images via MarieClaire.com
]]>As a Black-owned, woman-owned business the support I receive from the #LoveTribe is overwhelming and I will forever and always be grateful!
Unfortunately for some Black-owned businesses, the support is fleeting. So, with tomorrow being the first day of Black History Month AND the first day that the #LoveTribe vows to continue the support of Black-owned businesses on a consistent basis 👀👀; let me help you out with some ways you can support.
These tips and more are just a start to how we as a community are able to consistently continue economic support to our fellow Black-owned businesses.
Please share below some of your ways to support Black-owned businesses on a consistent basis.
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As a mother of three and a wife, taking the time to organize my chaos has become something that I've come to master. It saves my family time on looking for things. It saves us money by not buying items we already own. My husband is super happy about that. Lol As an added bonus, I’m able to teach my girls independence by allowing them to help out when needed because I can properly direct them to get the things I need. “Hey sweets, can you hand me the black pen in my cup on the right side of the desk?” Thanks a bunch! See how easy that is moms? Or when it comes to my husband, he won’t have to ask, “Honey, where my keys?” because they’re already in the same spot they’re always in. So, I win again! Yaaaasssssss!!!!!!
As a business owner, its super important that I keep organized. Between my team, my orders, my inventory and my #LoveTribe… your Creator Bae would be exhausted if I wasn’t organized. And y’all would be upset with delayed orders. Lol.
But luckily for us all, we don’t have to worry about all that. As a creative, there is a certain level of chaos to be expected but I make sure that it's Organized Chaos!
Tell me how you all stay organized in a world filled with chaos!
]]>On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day let us not only celebrate his life and legacy but most importantly his IMPACT! His impact embodies love as an action word and pushes us to recommit ourselves to servicing our communities in the best ways we know how. We show up as love by the way we care for ourselves, our family and the communities in which we live and operate. His “I Have A Dream” speech has been a motivator for our community for decades and now it’s our responsibility to turn his dream into action! We can achieve this by continuing to press on for causes that will push our community forward and make the world a more equitable place for generations to come!
So #LoveTribe, let’s not reduce MLK to an annual quote or reference but let’s live out the dream, be a truth-teller, seek justice, advocate for the poor, and live a life committed to peace, LOVE and justice!
Be Love, Give Grace, Show Mercy!
]]>The Journey To Love Iguehi
I am a Nigerian-American who discovered my love for sewing when I taught myself how to sew in the Fall of 2015. My friends and even random people asked me where I bought my clothing and once they found out that I made the items myself, they unabashedly asked for their own pieces. 👏🏽 So with the encouragement from friends, family and strangers, Love Iguehi was born out of my desire to create apparel that was beautiful and well made.
Fashion as a Cultural Translator
My ability to intentionally design pieces that are loose fitting to provide comfort, flexible and versatile in styling and easily enhances an existing wardrobe... is my Superpower. 💪🏽 Love Iguehi is a reflection of my modern take on a more traditional African wear design aesthetic combined with today's cultural climate. 2020 was a year of a lot of firsts... to say the least. Mandatory wearing of face masks, homeschooling/ distance learning and working from home pushed Love Iguehi to make sure our #LoveTribe was well equipped to be fashion forward and functional during this time. The production of our face masks continue to meet the need to be stylish yet functional. While our kaftans were created to provide people with stylish yet comfortable options to wear around the house since most of us were/are spending more time at home.
Designed With YOU In Mind
The journey to Love is filled with color, patterns and a feeling of bold freedom! Our mission is to design pieces that help people fall in love with their wardrobe all over again. Being excited about getting dressed, even if it means adding a little pop of color via a face mask, head wrap or scarf to your ensemble... no matter where you go, you'll always "Love the way you look. Love the way you feel." - Love Iguehi
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#LoveTribe always remember.... "Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here." - Mark Twain
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Love Iguehi is here for all moms to dress stylishly yet comfortably while tackling the daily duties of motherhood, wife and BOSS! Boss moms can get caught up in the expectation that she must handle life while wearing 6in heels all day. How unrealistic is that? Lol. Don’t get me wrong, a woman loves a good heel but that is not the epitome of being stylish.
Ultimate comfort and exquisite style are key components to the evolved Love Iguehi stylish mom! No more old sweats, tees and sneakers to go pick up the kids from school and head to after-school activities. Those frumpy jeans, misshapen sweaters and leaning Uggs are not the go-to outfit for those trips to Target with the kids- even though they are very comfy lol. Our #lovetribe is filled with all types of moms with all types of “Mom Style” and we encourage them to define it; whether it is “cute and comfy”, “form meets fashion” or “rip the runway”. No matter the style category, moms must always " Love the Way You Look. Love the Way You Feel."
]]>Every day ending in -y is the perfect day for self-care. A hot cup of coffee or tea, a great book, massage or snack all contribute to elevating ones mood. There are 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week, so there's no excuse not to find time for yourself. As a busy mother, wife and business owner, I force myself to take some me time.
1. Burn Candles: Aromatherapy candles can help you relax, feel calm, energized and help your brain get into a more productive mindset. Check out one of our favorites! Karter L Rose Candle Company
2. Get Creative: As a business owner, my job requires me to be creative 95% of the time, so occasionally I have to find non-work related creative ways to relieve stress. Dance parties with the James Crew, roller skating around Lake Merritt or reading (listening counts too!) a good book on the couch in a Love Iguehi Kaftan; all allow me to reduce stress and get my creative juices flowing.
3. Relax. Sleep. Repeat.: As a woman who wears many hats, the grind doesn't stop but I do put it on pause. I have to get better at turning the entrepreneur off, but I know (because my family always tells me) that rest is a necessity and not a sign of procrastination. So, let's give ourselves some grace. Make it a priority to schedule family time, work time, me time and rest time in order to create a more balanced lifestyle.
Self Care is a journey and I admit to being a work in progress. If you are like me, lets be accountable to each other by establishing a self-care routine. It may be the best investment we can make in ourselves.
When You Invest in Yourself Others Will Too!
I think we would all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year. Many small businesses have been forced to make tough adjustments just to survive. Thanks to the Love Tribe we have actually seen growth in this challenging season. In March when "it hit the fan", we adjusted our plans, invested in ourselves, and successfully pivoted the brand. The Love Tribe stuck with us and purchased face masks and head wraps while we developed our Kaftan line. In a tough year, we have actually grown our business and we are grateful for your support. We are also grateful for organizations like the Oakland African American Chamber Commerce (OACC) who established a Resiliency Fund with funding from large corporations like Blue Shield of California. In July, we were awarded $5,000 from the Resiliency Fund. The support from our community and the Love Tribe is what will mark this year for us.
Please check out the full article for more inspiration!
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During this holiday season when so many are used to getting together in large groups, whether it be at a family gathering or a Friendsgiving dinner, it's safe to say that this year is well …. different. My large Nigerian family will all be celebrating this holiday season with our immediate families in our respective homes. In spite of it all.... I'm EXTREMELY thankful. To be here today, healthy, in my right mind, with my family, with people who I love and who love me back, I'm so very thankful. On this day, I especially want to thank the individuals pictured here. My family; James party of five; the people who make up Team @LoveIguehi, and to you all- our awesome, loving, supportive #LoveTribe, thank you for going on this journey with us!
The Support of a Small Business Goes a Long Way.
Throughout a global pandemic, economic downturn, and historic presidential election; 2020 is still a year to give thanks! You could have shopped with anyone in the world but you choose Love Iguehi and we're forever grateful! This year has been filled with peaks and valleys but it's also brought about a desire to fulfill our wildest dreams. So, while revenue goals and business growth are essential, understand that fostering REAL relationships are equally vital.
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of every dollar, every sale made, every share, every review. Your support is imperative to our existence as a business and I don't take it for granted.... at all. Many of us have had to pivot our businesses this year. We've incurred unexpected expenses and let's not even get on the postal system. Lol. Because of COVID and because we're often operating on a thin budget, we find ourselves doing all the jobs (i.e. production, quality control, marketing, shipping and handling, customer service... and the list goes on.) But despite all the challenges, we've pressed forward! We've persevered and we're working hard to bring you the products and services you've come to love.
So today, please SHOW OUT! Please support small business owners. Even if you don't buy something, show love. Show patience. Show grace. Share your favorite businesses with your network. Hey, and if you like the businesses products/services, WRITE A REVIEW! They matter. They matter a lot, actually. So yeah, do something, anything, to support small businesses today!
It's been one hell of a ride so far and I know that this is only the beginning! Here's to growth! Here's to adventures! Here's to future opportunities! From the Love Iguehi Family to YOURS, Thank you for your continued love and support!
]]>Developing a sense of style is like an experiment because you never know what looks amazing on you until you’re face to face with the mirror in the fitting room. And even then, you may be unsure. So far, technology has made the hunt to find a signature style more appealing through moodboards, Pinterest and personal shoppers. So be easy on yourself and take time to play around with shapes, colors, textures, patterns and tailoring. Your body and your wardrobe will thank you for it!
Learning how to shop is key in your journey to building your personal style and versatile wardrobe. This will also assist you in avoiding filling your closet full of items you’ll never wear (or look at again), resulting in Goodwill having a field day with your donated items!
Designers dream in color, so why not let your wardrobe turn dreams into reality? If color makes you nervous, then upgrade your neutral silhouette with a pop of color. As you become more comfortable with color within your closet, you’ll learn which color combinations work best for your style, skin tone and season.
How to nix those “nothing to wear” moments--- begin by organizing and editing your closet. After all, how can you create a great outfit if you don’t know what you own? Easier than you think, right? Start by throwing everything you have in your closet on the bed. Lol Just kidding! But decluttering your wardrobe and donating or selling items you don’t love to wear is just the beginning!
After decluttering there’s more room for Love Iguehi!!!!! Yay!!!! Love Iguehi doesn’t sell clothing and apparel; Love Iguehi produces energy. Love of self – Love of Life and Living- the kindest effervescence – a sweet fragrance dipped lightly on your self portrait of the day. Love Iguehi honors you with every item we sell because we want you to love the way you feel!
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The modern woman isn’t defined by one look and thank God for that! The clothing a woman chooses to wear can influence how she feels more than how it expresses who she is, what she wants or what she’s capable of achieving. A great outfit boosts her inner confidence so she looks the part but feels it too and acts accordingly. So…. what is “Power Dressing?” Its definition has evolved throughout the years; from restrictive under garments and mimicking men business suits to exaggerated shoulders and nipped in waists. Designers, entrepreneurs, executives and creatives all have their take on Power Dressing and so do we!
At Love Iguehi, ‘power dressing’ simply means loving the way you look and loving the way you feel when you purchase our clothing. From the quality of our fabric choices to the versatility of our apparel and accessories allows our customers to create stable pieces in their wardrobe that’s sure to last a lifetime! We are empowered to continue our mission of creating the highest quality custom clothing and limited-edition ready to wear pieces that compliment and accentuate the body. Each piece features beautiful textiles and vibrant colors that serve as one-of-a kind statement pieces for every occasion.
A powerful woman making a powerful fashion statement is the ultimate Power Dressing!
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My Mom
I still call my mother mommy. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She loves her children hard. She works hard. She parties hard, too! She’s not your typical Grandma! I love her energy and passion for life, even though that means she may be unavailable to watch the kiddos because she’s “in these streets”! Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My Daughters
I really didn’t know how hard and awesome being a mom was until I had my oldest daughter Taylor-Faith. T-Faith has taught me more about myself than I really wanted to know. Her smile is contagious and I love her and my twins with all my heart. I think about them often when I work. Will one of them be in the clothing business? Will they invest in or own their own companies? I mean, I’m banking on some serious #GirlPower from these three little women. No matter what, I want them to know that they can reach their dreams if they are willing to fight for them. Love Iguehi is just as much about them as it is about beautifully curated Ankara fabrics.
Mommy & Me
Our Mommy and Me line captures the close relationship of mothers and daughters. Toddlers up to 5T and even your more complex growing girl can rock Love Iguehi just like Mommy! Kids love it and Moms do too! So, get ready for a photo shoot because everyone will want to take your picture! When we get sent Mommy and Me pics they are always super cute. My husband calls them posterity pics and while I probably wouldn’t use an SAT word to describe them, he’s right. No other matching outfit quite captures the love between a mother and a daughter like a Love Iguehi Mommy and Me set. Trust me...it’s an awesome look and an amazing feeling.
“Love the way you look. Love the way you feel.”
- Love Iguehi
]]>Faith
The journey to Love Iguehi was convoluted and completely unexpected. If you had asked me 5 years ago what my job would be today, I would never have guessed I’d be doing this. Life can be strange at times, but God has a way of bringing the best out of you in the most surprising ways. My husband and I took a leap of faith when we moved from Chicago to Oakland in 2014. That change set off a sequence of events that led to me teaching myself how to sew. Our leap helped me to find my truth as a designer which has provided me great joy. Now, I get to apply my passion and love to every piece that I create and present to you. #GirlBoss
You Want to Love The Way You Look
Don’t you love it when you look good? Have you ever been going somewhere with a cute outfit on and you make the “smart” decision to leave your jacket at home because “Cute don’t get Cold”? Trust me, I have braved wintry elements, wind and rain all in the name of trying to be cute. I’m older and a tad bit wiser now so I’m happy to report that I’m now making better decisions. LOL Fortunately, Love Iguehi makes looking cute easy in every season. Our sincere hope with every piece we hand make is that it helps you make a statement when you walk into a room that “Cute has arrived!” Our very foundation is Love, so we always hope that you Love the way you look!
You Want to Love The Way You Feel
There is some psychology around looking good and feeling good. I would break that down for you, but that’s not my lane. But, can picture the joy a little kid gets when they put on a pair of cool light up shoes? Or, think about your favorite outfit that always garners compliments from friends and strangers. Do you know that warm feeling you get? Don’t you want that feeling? Love Iguehi doesn’t just sell clothing and apparel; Love Iguehi produces energy. Customers receive the love and care put into every hand-made piece. When your Love Iguehi maxi skirt blows in the wind gently brushing the grass on a sunny day or when you are headed to a color restricted party in (all black or all white...as always) and you rock that cute Love Iguehi clutch purse providing just the right amount of pop of color that gives you the fierce look you love, you feel the love. Love of self - Love of Life and Living - the kindest effervescence - a sweet fragrance dipped lightly on your self portrait of the day. Love Iguehi honors you with every item we sell because we want you to love the way you feel.
“Love the way you look. Love the way you feel.”
- Love Iguehi
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