FashionAFRICANA launches a summer/resort capsule collection
It could be viewed as wearable art.
The limited edition capsule collection recently launched by FashionAFRICANA features a collaboration between a painting by internationally known artist Karl Mullen and Squirrel Hill-based stylist and producer Demeatria Boccella, one of Pittsburgh’s fashion experts.
Mullen and Boccella collaborated on the pieces – a T-shirt dress, one-piece bathing suit, a bikini, leggings, a hoodie, a mini dress and tote bag.
“They are staple pieces for your summer wardrobe,” said Boccella. “I just love Karl’s work. I love all the colors and was excited to launch this collection.”
Boccella, who founded FashionAFRICANA as a way to celebrate Black creatives, has done so through music, beauty, fashion, and art.
Prices for the collection range from $50-$115.
They are available for purchase online or at an upcoming Pop-Up Shop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 2 at West Elm in Bakery Square in Pittsburgh’s East End. In conjunction with that event there will be a featured skincare line Kaeme, a Ghanaian company specializing in personal care products such as shea soufflé, liquid Black soap, soy candles and African-print toiletry bags.
“It’s luxurious,” Boccella said. “I use Kaeme products every day.”
There will also be a FashionAFRICANA exhibit opening Aug. 19 at The Frick Pittsburgh in Point Breeze.
Boccella approached Mullen after seeing one of his paintings that was featured at his solo exhibition at the ZYNKA Gallery in Sharpsburg on a social media post.
“Demeatria is a visionary,” Mullen said. “She said she liked the colors (of that painting) and she made it more abstract. The clothing looks great.”
Mullen, an artist and teacher originally from Dublin, Ireland, who formerly lived in Pittsburgh and currently resides in Williamstown, Mass., said teaming with Boccella has been a wonderful experience.
Boccella said she fell in love with the Mullen’s art on that social media post and asked Mullen if he would be interested in collaborating on a collection featuring that painting.
Mullen has been known to paint on non-traditional materials such as automobile hoods and windows. He said seeing someone wear the bathing suit on the beach with his design would be pretty cool.
“Everything Demeatria touches turns to gold,” Mullen said. “And I am proud to be a small part of this collection. I am happy for her.”
This is not the first project for Mullen and Boccella. She was introduced to his artwork through his collection with fashion designer Mary Margaret Stewart who owned Iman B in Shadyside. Stewart and Mullen designed a custom dress for Boccella in the early 2000s.
Boccella commissioned Mullen to create a design for T-shirts worn in the FashionAFRICANA kids event in 2014. It was a children’s fashion show featuring local and world designers at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (now Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media) in Shadyside.
Boccella said to promote the capsule collection they will have live talks on Instagram and will feature photos of community members in pieces of the collection as well as host an upcoming workshop. She said she started with a small collection to see how well it will be received.
Profit from sales will be used for FashionAFRICANA’s educational programming.
“I have always worked to be inclusive and diverse to celebrate the African Diaspora. The collection is so wonderful, and the pieces are comfortable,” said Boccella. “This collection connects with FashionAFRICANA of designing branded products starting with this capsule collection showcasing beautiful fashion and amazing art.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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