not just a pretty face but a creative and versatile designer, Lara Akinsanya is the brain behind L~Shandi, an outfit that was created from a Nigerian street slang "Lepa Shandi". Lepa Shandi is the term for women whose clothing, outfit, or ensemble has a flattering and sexy fit. So if a guy sees you and says
"look at her...lepa shandi or l~shandi", take it as a compliment and enjoy it.
she was born and grew up in Nigeria, which is where she got my inspiration for my designs. she said, "Having always wanted to be individual in everything I did, I have tried to change things up and stand out. I am fascinated by vintage designs and some of creations have vintage influences. L~Shandi designs are a mix of western designs with traditional African fabrics in a way that gives you
the freedom to create your own look by integrating them with your existing wardrobe.
Wear any of the tops with a pair of jeans or dress it up by wearing it with a dressy bottom.The easiest way to figure out what color to co-ordinate an L~Shandi piece with is by going with the color of the inner lining."
The Fabrics
African Lace: the fabric designs are made with embroidery over a particular base fabric like cotton, voile or silk.The embroidered designs come in different shapes and colors so they are easily customizable.
The edges of African laces are very important parts of the fabric design and are always strategically placed in L~Shandi designs (look out for them!!). What looks like holes in the fabrics are hand cut eyelets that are part of the fabric design; leaving room for an underlay that can be customized.
Aso Oke (Hand woven cotton): these fabrics are hand woven so they can be customized.
what is the beauty in wearing lace fabrics: They bring the glam to your ensemble right away and are one of the most forgiving fabrics that I know of in terms of hiding all the rolls/folds that women want to hide.
tips in maintaining lace design: Machine wash cold, do not soak or you'll loose the rhinestones and definitely steam iron.
can lace be used for all design: I don't see why not!
what other fabrics can one design or wear lace with? Most people have experimented with the Satins, Chiffon and others but leather is one fabric that complements the African lace well and many haven't used them yet. I have and it looks fantastic.
what other outfits can lace be worn with? (jeans, pant trouser, skirt.... the designs and the fabrics): I provide tips to my clients to wear them with anything. What you wear is about balance of color and proportions and not necessarily the fabric composition. You may use photos from my website that shows how I have paired laces with other separates :)
what are the latest designs? My QuiQui clutches are the newest of my innovations using African Lace fabrics. They are just like any other clutches and are meant to be work with your basic solid colors!
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