There is a fascination with modernization and the results of an assimilation of culture.

There is an intrigue about the how’s and why’s with reference to the meeting place of The West and elements of traditional Africa that never grows old.

Bot I Lam takes iconic traditional garment shapes from across the continent of Africa and attempts to translate them with simple structure in line with European silhouette.

It is an indeed an interesting manifesto. British designer Xaverie Bakemhe launched the label in 2007, taking rise from the translation of the traditional African Kaba dress style.

The designer is quoted as saying…

“With focus on traditional African Kaba dress, Bot I Lam modernises the free flowing shape lifting the hem and tailoring the silhouette in line with contemporary European trends. A translation of iconic African garment styles and a nod towards ethical fashion.”

Employing the use of cotton wax textile sourced in Cameroun’s Yaounde and independent tailors paid a fair wage, Bot I Lam celebrates fashion with a conscience.

This dress interpreting the African Kaba dress commonly worn across many countries in Africa (with minor variations), is today’s Object of My Affection.

More on the dress here.

Discover Bot I Lam here.

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The meeting place of Nicholas Kirkwood’s architectural vertiginous heels and the print meets high craft meets the sculptural duo that is Peter Pilotto keeps birthing lust inducing footwear.

The collage like hybrid mix of woven rope, silk twill, shiny patent leather and palette of print all come together to make for one statement pair of heels.

The collaboration is successful in that it stays true to both brands. It is at once classic and otherworldly as is the Peter Pilotto signature whilst exuding innovation with focus on craftsmanship which is Kirkwood, through and through.

More on the sandals here.

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A great print is one that is memorable. The ‘Beauty All Around Us’ 100% silk blazer by Kelly Love is just as its name suggests.

The blazer is a perfect example of Love’s signature of beautiful fabrics and simple structure. The silk crepe adds a languid mood to the tailoring of the design.

I particularly like that there is a languidness inherent in this design that is common to every Kelly Love piece. A languidness which may be well be informed by Love’s Australian background. It would look just at home on a beach as it would in the city.

Retailing at £380, find more on the beautiful piece and the eponymous Kelly Love label here.

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Luxury meets Christian Louboutin’s interpretation of the classic motorcycle boot. The silver metal caps and buckles lend glamor to the gritty proocedings of the square toe industrial boot.

Add a friendly heel, the signature red sole and this makes the Chelita pretty perfect.

View them here.

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Italian jewellery designer Maria Francesca Pepe is a pro at balancing the contradicting.  There is a continual juxtaposition of the soft and hard, pretty and the dark, masculine and feminine.

The silver cross with studs exudes toughness, whilst the heart is pretty and sweet.

Currently on sale for more than 70% off here.

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This is such a great dress. Right from the silk composition to the long sleeve feature to the Nehru neck and the fact that it can be dressed up or down to suit.

Oh and lets not forget about that print, add the timeless easy to wear cut.

Every wardrobe needs a great dress. If it will stand the testing tide of the fickle fashion season, it is a no brainer.

More on it here.

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Every girl needs a beaded clutch to add some dynamism and texture to a closet and My Asho (this online concept emporium sells some great designs by African designers)   has the perfect one for you.

This Jewel by Lisa gets my thumbs up for being hand made. A little bit of artisan goes a long stylish way.

Grab it here.

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There is nothing like an over the knee boot done well. The Polaire by Roland Mouret for Robert Clergerie is an over the knee boot done just right.

The form of the of the upper and the drumstick looking heel keep it more interesting than hookersville.

This beauty retails for $1295 at the Robert Clergerie boutique, 19 East 62nd street, Manhattan and for £790 from Selfridges.

Dear Miuccia Prada,

You do so have a way of turning the mundane and overlooked, into superstars.

I’m convinced you are really a real life fairy godmother.

With a quick wave of your intelligent fashion wand and a boot gets the Cinderella treatment.

Thank you for creating the boot to end all boots.

Glam kisses,

Marian.

Who says cold weather equals boring outerwear? This coat is luxurious proof that you can cover-up stylishly.

Lauded by Vogue UK as a bright star and label that has turned our heads with fresh ideas for 2012, Asibelua by Fati Asibelua is getting the recognition it deserves.

This quilted black and gold flower print piece of outerwear is perhaps a reflection of the Asibelua aesthetic at best.

Designer Fati Asibelua (the postgraduate at the renowned Istituto Marangoni in Milan, obtaining a Masters in Fashion Styling) is wonderful at the seamless pairing of luxury fabrics, streamlined modern structure and West African inspired motif and color.

Her collarless coat is a feat of the modern (as emphasized by the minimalist cut) as juxtaposed with joyful print.

The gold floral motif anchored by the black silk base, cut and quilting with piped hem makes this a very special piece.

The Asibelua quilted black & gold flower print coat is from the Asibelua fall 2012 collection entitled African Collage.

Dress coat or a bit special luxury for the everyday? The joy is you get to decide. The best coats, like this one, tick both boxes.

Discover the brand here.