Fashion Heard Round The World

According to the United Nations, Sierra Leone is the world’s least developed state.   This is due largely in part to the Civil War that ravaged the country from 1991 - 2001. There is little to remind us, however, of the horrors that existed in the country during that time when one looks at these beautiful photos shot by 29 year old writer Katrina Mason.

The outfits were designed by 25-year-old Adama Kai, whose Aschobi Designs label is the first western style imprint to set up in the country. Kai was born in New Jersey, moved to Sierra Leone at four, then later trained in New York and Paris. But she has now moved back to Sierra Leone and declared in a recent interview: “In the same way that Ralph Lauren stands for America, Chanel for France, and Versace for Italy, I want Aschobi to stand for African fashion.” Prices range from $30 to $100.