AphroChic Magazine: Issue No. 13

As fall arrives, we’re happy to bring you Issue No. 13 of AphroChic magazine full of inspiration for the new season ahead. Our cover model, Thaïs Sala is bringing the good vibes through music and moments of togetherness. The Morocco-based singer/song-writer is takes us into her 30th birthday goddess party, a 5-day affair held on the palatial grounds of Jnane Tamsna, her family’s sprawling property in Marrakech, one of the nation’s first and only Black-owned boutique hotels.

In the Sounds section, New Orleans’ own Acantha Lang is reminding us all of the power of Soul. Now living in London, the songstress’ debut album is a perfect blend of familiar sounds from yesterday and honest looks at the world today. Backed by all the emotion and musicianship the genre is known for, Acantha’s Beautiful Dreams, might be just what we all need to hear.

Along with Acantha’s soothing sounds, we help you ease even further into the new season ahead in the Wellness section. We sit down with breathwork specialist Kiesha Yokers for a Q&A on the transformative power of breathing. And to help even more, Camille Wilson, better known as The Cocktail Snob, is offering up the refreshing taste of a grapefruit colada, one of 40 nonalcoholic drink recipes that make up her new book, Free Spirit Cocktails.

In our 13th issue, fashion contributor Krystle DeSantos, is taking us on a tour of the Continent — starting in Brooklyn.  The Brooklyn Museum’s latest sartorial exhibit — Africa Fashion — is a celebration of the global influence fashion perspectives from the Continent have had from the 1950s to now. Then we follow along as she explores the sights of Nairobi, giving us the rundown on where to stay, what to eat and where to go.

Keeping our focus on Africa, we take a look at the history and beauty of the Bamileke stool. Once reserved for Cameroonian royalty and now a centerpiece of homes worldwide, we dive into the story behind and meanings of the designs, patterns and uses of this iconic piece.

In Interiors, we step into the serene oasis that is talented artist/designer Candice Luter’s Iowa home. Speaking from the heart about the long journey it took to get there and the peace she’s found on the other side, her home is a beautiful reflection of her story — not where she’s been, but where she chooses to be now, and where she’s going next.

The issue wraps up on the towering conversation around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that’s shaking so much of the Black experience in business today, both how we are seen and how we see ourselves in the industries that make up the world economy. Taking a look at Bryan’s comments during a panel discussion at this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) trade show, we explore the need to interrogate the questions and thereby the premises on which this debate rests.

Finally we enjoy the evocative art of South African painter, Bambo Sibiya. His award-winning works, showcasing at once his love of pattern-making and veneration for his people, are a beautiful reflection of Black life we all can recognize.

There’s plenty in this issue to enjoy as we welcome a new season. Welcome to Issue No. 13.

8.5″ x 11″ | 124 Pages