2013/ 2014 Winter Collection.... The Handbag Compilation

Purses and handbags used to feel like extra baggage to me until on the weekends when I wanted to go somewhere and needed somewhere to put all my paraphernalia (lip gloss, phone, keys, and snacks).  That was when I decided to invest in a couple of purses from Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  I thought my XOXO purses were the shiznick (which they were) and they matched some of the shoes in my closet.  It wasn’t till after I started my first post college job that my purse and handbag appetite was stimulated. I blame it all on the great sales at Somerset Mall and Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Michigan.   I remember my first most expensive purchase ever in my life was on Rodeo Dr at the LV store.  I bought my first LV handbag that I wanted so bad but then had buyer’s remorse almost immediately.  When I got home, I cried and cried because I had spent so much money.  I actually went back to the store to return it the next day.  I got to chatting with the lady assisting me with my return and she mentioned that LV personalized handbags for free and if I was interested in any other handbags, she would get it done.  I was through, all you had to say was customization and I was hooked.  Left the store with my customized monogrammed speedy and a Cheshire cat grin on my face.  The rest as they say it was history.  Slowly but surely that collection began to grow.  I have since limited myself to 5 new handbags per year and never in the current season but when you are buying quality items, they never go out of style.  I have since loved the idea of customization but I wanted to take it a couple of steps further by truly redefining customization.  Ankara Fashions by Ronke brings new meaning to customization.  You get to pick the exact features you want on your accessories and have that special unique feeling of individuality whenever you step out.  Some of the custom designs selected by clients from the 2013/2014 Winter Collection that will be debuted at DC Fashion Week in September.                



 

The Shoe Assemblage

All the girls in my in my family have big feet ranging from size 11-13.  Finding shoes in our sizes was a pain.  Whenever my dad would travel out of the country, he would buy my mom tons of shoes because he knew how hard it was to find big sizes.  You had to take whatever was being offered and trust me size 10-13 shoes used to look atrocious and unless you were rich enough to get your shoes custom made, you settled for these monstrosities to fashion.  As my sisters and I got older and our feet got longer and wider, we would also acquire numerous pairs of shoes in one shopping visit (well except my little sister, she doesn’t like to acquire).  By the time I started working, it was a wrap. My shoe collection rapidly grew from about 35 to now over 300 shoes and the irony of it all was that 5 days a week; I was in steel toe boots for work.  So weekends were my time to shine.  I made sure to showcase at least 3 shoes per weekend.  Even if I didn’t know what clothing I was going to wear, I knew what shoes I wanted to wear and I let that determine my outfit. 

S.N. Once a year, I do spring cleaning of the shoe closet and donate shoes I haven't worn since the last cleaning.  I am still working on the ultimate organization technique for my shoes and yet to find one.  My dream is to design a room dedicated to just my shoes, handbags and accessories so I am taking my inspiration from the crème de la crème of closets. Guess who owns these shoe paradises!!!!

Christina Aguilera

Khloe Kardashian

Gold and Bold

Gold and Bold by ankarafashions featuring heel boots

###PRESS RELEASE###

What began 3 years ago as a seed, a dream, a wish has now come to fruition and is being shared with the world... Ankara Fashions RIPPED the runway on July 5, 2013 at the Annual Afro Fusion 3 Fashion event... This runway was shared with other designers but Ankara Fashions stood out as the only accessory designer showcasing a variety of couture clutches, handbags and shoes.  So during my interview, I got the age old question that everyone always wants to know: "A lot of people do Ankara accessories, what makes you stand out above the rest?"  I never skip a beat and my answer never changes.  At one time or another, everyone has said to themselves, why couldn't this shoe come this way or if I could just find this bag without this feature, this item would be so perfect.  Everyone way way deep down inside has a designer mind, you know what you like and if allowed like Burger King, you will like to have it your way.  At Ankara Fashions by Ronke,  you can have it your way.  You are in complete control of your designs.  You get to pick only the features you want and see what your final designs will look like.  The new seasons collection features new trendy designs that will fit any adventure you plan to get into.  Some of the designs featured on the runway included the Abioye Minaudiere Clutch with matching strappy heels, the Efe wedge slingback sandals complemented with the matching gold chained tote and the Adele clutch paired with our famous Lola shorts.  The models looked radiant in the pieces as they came down the runway.  Ankara Fashions is a force to be reckoned with.  We will be coming to a city near you soon so be on the lookout.  For now, we are headed to the next adventures that God has blessed us with.  We will be featured at Connecticut Fashion Week and DC Fashion Week in September 2013 so God willing, we will see you there.

#Ronke Adetoba
Ankara Fashions
www.ankarafashions.com (August 2013)
info@ankarafashions.com
             



Adele clutch paired with our famous Lola shorts

Efe wedge slingback sandals
complemented with the matching
gold chained tote

Abioye Minaudiere Clutch