For the last couple of years fashion Bloggers have been recognised for their role in promoting the work of fashion designers. African fashion Bloggers on the other hand have been receiving little recognition, which i believe that they deserve to be applauded for their hard work. Although the majority of Bloggers blog for fun, they are the very people that informs us of new products launch, runway reviews and events. Last year I had the opportunity to interview a very interesting fashion blogger here and I intend to bring African Fashion Bloggers work to light. During the Christmas period we have been chatting to a very enthusiastic fashion blogger called Gillean Opoku of Afroklectic Blog, read our interview with Gillean and support her here

Shadders:Tell us a little about your self?

Gillean: I am Ghanaian, born and raised in Australia.

Shadders: Where are you located and what do you do for a living?

Gillean: I am a final year visual communications Uni student based in Sydney. I have a blog by the name of Afroklectic and I am currently on student exchange in UK until early 2011.

Shadders: How would you describe your African style?

Gillean: I don’t think I can classify my style as African. My style is a mix of everything.

Shadders: Why did you decide to become a Blogger?

Gillean: I used to spend hours (still do) looking at other African blogs and wondered why we didn’t have one in Australia. My friend at Uni use to always tell me that I needed to start a blog because I had built up a large digital archive of African associated things. I would to always brush her off  because I wasn’t keen on writing. As time went on I noticed that young African-Australian people around me were starting to show their creative side and I thought they needed a place to showcase their talent to the rest of the world. Blogging seemed to be the best solution, so I faced my fear of writing and decided to I start Afroklectic.

Shadders: What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

Gillean: Look at other people’s blogs and make stuff - just stuff. I recently made a series of handmade books.

Shadders: Are you a full time blogger?

Gillean: I am not a full time blogger, but sometimes I feel like one!

Shadders: What networking do you do that you feel helps your blog?

Gillean: I don’t think I do enough networking. I email people about posting them on my blog occasionally. I also have a facebook profile and fan page linked to my blog, so every time I post on Afroklectic, I have a link for the post on the facebooks pages. I think if I had more time, I would go to more events especially since I am in the UK and meet more people in the world of African Creativity.

Shadders: Do you own any other Blogs?

Gillean: No. I don’t think I would be able to cope with another blog.

Shadders: What do you find most challenging about blogging?

Gillean: The amount of time it takes! It is literally another part time job for me.

Shadders: What other African blogs would you recommend?

Gillean: Shadders of course, Afri-Love, Africa is a Country, Marian Kihogo, Africa.Visual_Media, Another Africa, Africa Style Daily, I am the NuBlack, Pop Africana, Fashion Et Al, This is Africa, African Digital Art, just to name a few.

Do you think African fashion Bloggers are Valued/recognised for their role in promoting African?

Gillean: It’s hard to tell. I know in the fashion world, fashion bloggers are now taking front rows at major fashion shows along side magazine editors. African Fashion Bloggers don’t have that kind of high status yet - but there are people who acknowledge and appreciate the way they promote African fashion.

Do you think African Fashion designers understands the Marketing/ advertising value of Bloggers?

Gilliean: Yes. The World Wide Web has become an advertising hotspot, but it is hard to gain access to all area. Blogging is already aimed at a niche, so it is a good way for designers to meet their target audience.

Who are your favourite African fashion designers and what is it that you love about them?

Gillean: I like Boxing Kitten, Tiffany Amber, Zulu Rose, African is the Future, Kayobi, Bestow Elan, Afro-Chique, just to name a few. As a whole, I love the direction they are going with their designs. It’s taking African fashion to a new modern and versatile level for everyone to enjoy. This going to be really bad I know you asked about African designers, but I am in love with 2010 Spring Collection using African prints by Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva. I love the shapes and cuts of the collection.

Where do you see African fashion in the 5- 10years?

Gillean: In a more respectable position. A place where people appreciate African fashion like they appreciate Western Fashion.

Do you think African Fashion is just a trend or is it here to stay?

Gillean: African fashion is not a trend. It’s apart of our culture. I think the fashion world is starting to realise it’s significance and are making look like a trend. If fashion world gets over Africa and top designers like Matthew Williamson and Marchesa move onto a different era/continent to gain inspiration from, African fashion will still be there we just have to keeping working at it and let it evolve, rather than make it look like something our parents used to be into.

Shadders: What is your favourite African Fabric?

Gillean: Vlisco. There patterns are so electric and vibrant.

Shadders: Finally, is there anything you want to tell us?

Gillean: We need to show the world what Africa is made of. We need to change this misconceptions people have of Africa. And I think using creativity is a great way of doing that! Thumbs up to all the African creatives out there making a difference!

Shadders: There you have it another blogger doing her bit to promote Africa, finally designers take not of all the Bloggers that have been showing your brand love and reciprocate a professional relationship, as Bloggers are the very people readers email for advice on which African fashion label/boutique or online shop to purchase from.