Helen Jennings and Oluchi

From Suno to Boxing Kitten and many others,  the African influence in fashion while not new has made itself more palpable in recent years. In tribute to the movement, Helen Jennings, editor of Arise, has put together a book titled New African Fashion, a glamorous reference to the buzz worthy style and artistic influence with roots in a very vast and diverse continent. Last night marked the New York launch of the book as well as the introduction of  Heritage 1960, an African lifestyle site and online shop. Hosted at the Parlor in SoHo, the intimate gathering  was a stylish and fun filled affair. On the next page a glimpes at attendees.

Somehow we missed the intense fabulousness that was the Laquan Smith Spring 2011 show, entitled “A Storybook Path,” but thankfully our sisters in crime at 2BD did not. Thus we can bring this shot of super stunner Cassie, who walked the show, flashing her 3-D mani. Look on the next page for close-ups on nail art that includes–oh.my.goodness–a mini Eiffel Tower!! Gun us down with no mercy why don’t you, Laquan!