Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Kwanzaa Collective 2010 Celebration
This holiday season, the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective will put on a week long celebration from December 26th - 31st! A candle lighting ceremony will be held each day, along with guest speakers, dance, food, and more. Check out event details here.
On Sunday, December 26th join us at Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA from 6-9pm where DRC ApeParel will be representing socially conscious style in the fashion show and speaking with kids about the importance of knowledge of self and heritage. Along side will be guest speaker Yusef Suggs and the talents of The Extraordinary Wesley Williams Urban Dance Theater.
From the Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective (GSOKC): a group of families and community members who have joined forces and pooled resources to present a week-long Kwanzaa celebration in Greensboro. The GSOKC also presents programs throughout the year that encourage community members to embrace Kwanzaa’s seven principles (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, creativity, purpose, and faith) all year long.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Many names, One spirit: music & dance of Africa
Soukous. Lingala. Ndombolo. Rumba. These terms represent a style of music and dance that is currently the hottest and fastest growing across Africa. They originate from the Congo, where the spirit of the people is being fought for in a different kind of battle, where musicians and artists create their craft in an effort to preserve the spirit that is not concerned with power and politics, but the spirit that finds its strength in the pouring out of truth - whether it be derived from heartache, tragedy, love or life.
And one can hardly imagine music without dance. Styles, moves, routines, the energy that goes into moving your body to a beat and sound can create sincere expression of self and generate a connection with others that allows the mind to become powerful with motivations to live! change! be heard!
Check out this video then take it out on the dance floor!
Influenced by Rumba, Caribbean, Afro-Cuban, Congolese, and traditional African music, this style of music and dance began taking root in the late 1930s and early 1940s in the Congo. The work of early popular bands and artists like - Papa Wemba, Papa Wendo, TP OK Jazz, Bella Bella, and Wenge Musica (to name only a few) - paved the road for the music to spread, gain momentum and evolve as political pressure and conditions worsened in the 1970s in the Congo. Now, what is most commonly known as Ndombolo, is shared across Africa, in many different languages - French, English, African - with styles, dance and attitude all their own but carrying a common thread.
For artists like JBlue LLP and producers like NB Holla, this common thread represents a sense of hope and commradory they have seen carry messages across land, and believe can do the same across hearts and minds in other countries and continents.
It's cool to be conscious!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Story of Fallen Whistles
When you visit the Fallen Whistles website the first things you'll notice are a whistle and a journal, and then as your eyes centers on where to go from there, you'll see the first tab is labeled STORY. In this case, first impressions are everything.
The Fallen Whistles campaign raises funds and awareness for the travesties happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo by selling whistles. 100% of the funds are used to rehabilitate war-affected children and advocate for their freedom. And by wearing the whistle, you cause people to become curious and are thus given the opportunity to shed light where there is still much darkness.
But, why whistles? When one man's African trek eventually led him to the Congo, he experienced tremendous heartache and grief over the cruelties inflicted on the children there. He kept a journal and recorded the details described to him by the children about their kidnappings, the rebel war camp conditions, forced rape and murder, and ultimately, hope despite lost innocence. One story told about the smallest boys, who were given whistles to blow when the enemy approached, broke him when he learned they were used as first-line-of-defense barricades. But it also filled his well of determination to work for change no matter what.
Fallen Whistles has a tour schedule that looks more like a popular muscian's than an organization working for peace in the Congo, which warms our DRC ApeParel heart. The U.S. is large, in terms of actual land mass and population, and in sharing the same hope for change in the Congo as Fallen Whistles (and many, many other organizations and groups of people around the world) we know that reaching the masses is a crucial element to raising the necessary awareness for that change to happen. One tactic the campaign implements is scheduling unlikely venues for conversations on war-torn Congo, and though unconventional it is where the people are. So, we are proud to say that this year, on November 23rd, a meet, greet and get connected event at the Dapper Style House, a retail store on Morgan Street in downtown Raleigh, was the site of much whistle blowing!
Join us in supporting Fallen Whistles by following their blog!
All pictures courtesy of www.fallingwhistles.com.
The Fallen Whistles campaign raises funds and awareness for the travesties happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo by selling whistles. 100% of the funds are used to rehabilitate war-affected children and advocate for their freedom. And by wearing the whistle, you cause people to become curious and are thus given the opportunity to shed light where there is still much darkness.
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Symbol of the whistles given to boys too small to carry a gun. |
But, why whistles? When one man's African trek eventually led him to the Congo, he experienced tremendous heartache and grief over the cruelties inflicted on the children there. He kept a journal and recorded the details described to him by the children about their kidnappings, the rebel war camp conditions, forced rape and murder, and ultimately, hope despite lost innocence. One story told about the smallest boys, who were given whistles to blow when the enemy approached, broke him when he learned they were used as first-line-of-defense barricades. But it also filled his well of determination to work for change no matter what.
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Falling Whistles founder Sean Carasso (right) stands with the friend who gave him the first whistle. |
Fallen Whistles has a tour schedule that looks more like a popular muscian's than an organization working for peace in the Congo, which warms our DRC ApeParel heart. The U.S. is large, in terms of actual land mass and population, and in sharing the same hope for change in the Congo as Fallen Whistles (and many, many other organizations and groups of people around the world) we know that reaching the masses is a crucial element to raising the necessary awareness for that change to happen. One tactic the campaign implements is scheduling unlikely venues for conversations on war-torn Congo, and though unconventional it is where the people are. So, we are proud to say that this year, on November 23rd, a meet, greet and get connected event at the Dapper Style House, a retail store on Morgan Street in downtown Raleigh, was the site of much whistle blowing!
Join us in supporting Fallen Whistles by following their blog!
All pictures courtesy of www.fallingwhistles.com.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Red Ribbons, Universal Access and Human Rights
World AIDS Day reports that according to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS. Additionally, Avert.org says that in low and middle income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.
In the DRC, the stripping of basic human rights is amplified in the HIV/AIDS struggle. Not only does the lack of political stability decrease citizens' access to care and treatment of disease, civil unrest and crimes against the people, such as rape and kidnapping, increase the instance and likelihood of transmission of disease. Thus, the DRC has one of the largest growing HIV populations in the world, the national average of adult prevalence hitting 450,000 (comparatively, the UK has 90,000 living with HIV).
The epidemic is strongest among young people between the ages of 15 and 24 and women accessing at antenatal clinics, and is on the rise. The driver of the epidemic is concurrent multiple sexual partners. The most severely affected age groups are 20–29 years among women and 30–39 years among men. The epidemic has severely affected children – an estimated 320,000 children younger than 17 years had lost one or both parents to AIDS at the end of 2003. Surveillance data indicates higher prevalence in the eastern part of the country than in the west. ~ From HIV in Humanitarian Situations
One of the most simple yet powerful things you can do is wear a red ribbon this Wednesday, because for us, the people at ground level, it symbolizes public consciousness where the necessity for individual, community and national consciousness is paramount in the effort to increase awareness, and thus achieve universal access. The red ribbon speaks without speaking. It reminds your co-workers, friends, family and fellow citizens that HIV and AIDS are still worldwide epidemics that claim millions of lives, and threaten family structure and country stability. It reminds them that you care, and so should they. That awareness is a crucial step in eliminating HIV and AIDS.
We at DRC ApeParel believe in driving social consciousness at all levels and for causes that offer the promise of saved lives and a more connected, positive global community. One way to do this is to encourage you to respect your body, take responsibility for your sexual health and get tested. Check out some FAQs on getting tested and hear peoples' stories on HIV: Reality from the National AIDS Trust.
Get educated. Get tested. Get involved. It's cool to be conscious!
AIDS history from Compassion International
Recent articles on AIDS rights in the Congo
Raise funds with Avert.org
Order red ribbons through World AIDS Day
Monday, November 22, 2010
SAPE: A beacon of identity for a country in crisis
There is SAPE only when there is peace -- a sentiment expressed by those who understand the nature and importance of the art form known as SAPE: La Société des Ambianceurs et Persons Élégants.
In the 1920s a Congolese man returned from a visit to Paris dressed in French style high fashion. What he didn't know then that we know now is that his bold style of dress would hit a chord with his countrymen and flourish into an art form practiced throughout the country. Sapeurs, as they are referred, express ideas that any meaningful artist might - resistance, individualism and human bonds that connect us all - through simple observation by others in their neighborhoods, at parties and funerals, and are proving to be a powerful catalyst for hope.
Although the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world is ongoing in the Congo, emerging artists and art forms are thought to be a natural extension of society's reaction to the end of wartimes or other violent, painful and otherwise stressful periods. So, perhaps with the case of SAPE, the Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance, in the Congo, the movement is more like a plea for peace rather than the result of it.
In these wonderfully photographed images of prominent Sapeurs in various neighborhoods across the country these men are a sight for sore eyes for a country ravished by war and political control, and painted to the rest of the world as dark and overwhelmingly hopeless. A beacon of identity for a country in crisis. Because not only do the people need tradition and culture to grasp on to, but they need inspiration to help motivate and spur on the inevitable evolution of a new age.
At DRC ApeParel, we believe in the creative process and art being a strong influence for change and inspiration in peoples' lives. Our designs are meant to make you feel and we encourage you to express yourself! For more on the history of SAPE, check out this article by author, Eccentric Yoruba.
All pictures are courtesy of www.zonezero.com.
In the 1920s a Congolese man returned from a visit to Paris dressed in French style high fashion. What he didn't know then that we know now is that his bold style of dress would hit a chord with his countrymen and flourish into an art form practiced throughout the country. Sapeurs, as they are referred, express ideas that any meaningful artist might - resistance, individualism and human bonds that connect us all - through simple observation by others in their neighborhoods, at parties and funerals, and are proving to be a powerful catalyst for hope.
Although the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world is ongoing in the Congo, emerging artists and art forms are thought to be a natural extension of society's reaction to the end of wartimes or other violent, painful and otherwise stressful periods. So, perhaps with the case of SAPE, the Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance, in the Congo, the movement is more like a plea for peace rather than the result of it.
In these wonderfully photographed images of prominent Sapeurs in various neighborhoods across the country these men are a sight for sore eyes for a country ravished by war and political control, and painted to the rest of the world as dark and overwhelmingly hopeless. A beacon of identity for a country in crisis. Because not only do the people need tradition and culture to grasp on to, but they need inspiration to help motivate and spur on the inevitable evolution of a new age.
At DRC ApeParel, we believe in the creative process and art being a strong influence for change and inspiration in peoples' lives. Our designs are meant to make you feel and we encourage you to express yourself! For more on the history of SAPE, check out this article by author, Eccentric Yoruba.
All pictures are courtesy of www.zonezero.com.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Black Consciousness Movement
South Africa, 1960. Police open fire on a group of black protesters killing 69 people. Events are set into motion that begin with a struggle between the black majority and white minority for social and political justice that is sustained for the next 30 years. Then in 1994, the African National Congress gains control and the instituted system of legal racial segregation is eliminated. Anti-apartheid Africa is born.
In times of change, there is always a catalyst that converts the necessary elements into something altogether new. Without the catalyst the reaction would never occur, ideas would grow vacant and energy would loose momentum. For South Africa to rid itself of the damaging Apartheid system, a consuming catalyst would have to emerge. Enter the Black Consciousness Movement.
From the Power of Development:
As the government tried to act against this organization or that one, people in many organizations shared the general ideas of the Black Consciousness Movement, and these ideas helped to organize action beyond any specific organizational agenda. If the leader of this group or that one was thrown into prison, nonetheless, more and more black South Africans agreed on the importance of black leadership and active resistance. Partly as a result, the difficult goal of unity in struggle became more and more realized through the late nineteen-seventies and nineteen-eighties.
Today, the effects of the Black Consciousness Movement can be seen in literary works, social and political organizations, and festivities like Black Consciousness Week in Brazil. Each year on November 20th citizens of almost every state in the country celebrate the life of Zumbi dos Palmares, one of the last leaders of a slave resistance community in colonial Brazil in the 1600s. His life exemplifies the idea that if while using your natural talents and abilities to stand up for what you believe to be morally and spiritually true - despite the pain and fight, despite how hard it may be to see the change you want to be - people will be changed, and thus life will be changed.
In times of change, there is always a catalyst that converts the necessary elements into something altogether new. Without the catalyst the reaction would never occur, ideas would grow vacant and energy would loose momentum. For South Africa to rid itself of the damaging Apartheid system, a consuming catalyst would have to emerge. Enter the Black Consciousness Movement.
From the Power of Development:
As the government tried to act against this organization or that one, people in many organizations shared the general ideas of the Black Consciousness Movement, and these ideas helped to organize action beyond any specific organizational agenda. If the leader of this group or that one was thrown into prison, nonetheless, more and more black South Africans agreed on the importance of black leadership and active resistance. Partly as a result, the difficult goal of unity in struggle became more and more realized through the late nineteen-seventies and nineteen-eighties.
Today, the effects of the Black Consciousness Movement can be seen in literary works, social and political organizations, and festivities like Black Consciousness Week in Brazil. Each year on November 20th citizens of almost every state in the country celebrate the life of Zumbi dos Palmares, one of the last leaders of a slave resistance community in colonial Brazil in the 1600s. His life exemplifies the idea that if while using your natural talents and abilities to stand up for what you believe to be morally and spiritually true - despite the pain and fight, despite how hard it may be to see the change you want to be - people will be changed, and thus life will be changed.
We at DRC ApeParel also use our natural talents and abilities to draw awareness to social injustices around the world through clever and effective clothing design. Our first designer, Gui Oliveira, was Brazilian born and is described by the DRC ApeParel family as the “Genius”. By incorporating unorthodox artistic graphical elements into his design, DRC ApeParel was ushered to the forefront of the urban streetwear community. Now, our lifestyle is driven by his inspiration and the phrase - Pe No Chao - which means Put Your Foot Down! Take a Stand!
It’s Cool 2 B Conscious.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
DRCharity 2010
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is celebrated by DRC ApeParel in more ways than one. But one is especially close to our hearts - giving back via an initiative we call DRCharity. This year our goal was to partner with an organization whose projects have a successful and meaningful impact on the international community, and we have achieved that by building a strong relationship with the Enough Project.
Working with them on their "Raise Hope for Congo" and University campaigns, we help to strengthen the fabric of our culture and communities, here and abroad. In turn we see that we are improving upon ourselves and thus, the very fabrics we offer you, our customers and supporters.
The Creative Director at DRC ApeParel, Eric Ndelo, has learned a lot about walking the talk...
As a youth I was very involved with my local boy scout troop and in my church. We did a lot of mission work all over the U.S., but it wasn't until I went to Mexico in my early 20's that I saw the true vision of helping the international community. Now, as an adult, my driving force is doing what I can to better the lives of the people directly in front of me and in the international community. I encourage anyone who has that gut feeling to help out, to get involved and stay involved. It keeps you energized and it fulfills the soul.
The holidays can be an especially hard time for many people, so this is a great opportunity to jump start your activity in the community. Here are a few charities that DRC ApeParel loves:
Any local Congolese Community Group
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Charlotte at the 2010 Literary Festival. Eric talking to youth about meaning behind the shirts and giving a history lesson. |
P.S. If you are in SC this week, check out the fashion show hosted by America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Winner, Naima Mora, at the Russell House Ballroom on the University of South Carolina campus!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Socially Conscious Fashion Show at USC
Join us next week on November 10th at 8pm for a socially-conscious fashion show!
Fashion for a Cause will be hosted by America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Winner, Naima Mora, at the Russell House Ballroom on the University of South Carolina campus. We are honored that Naima's dress for the event has been specially by us at DRC ApeParel!
The fashion show aims to bring awareness to the importance of socially conscious fashion and is supported by fashion lines such as MAC Cosmetics, GAP Product(RED), TOMS Shoes, us at DRC ApeParel and more!
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Next week check out our holiday edition of DRCharity for resources that will keep your heart (and someone elses') warm during this wintry season. We'll also discuss Brazil's Black Consciousness Day on Nov. 11th!
Fashion for a Cause will be hosted by America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Winner, Naima Mora, at the Russell House Ballroom on the University of South Carolina campus. We are honored that Naima's dress for the event has been specially by us at DRC ApeParel!
The fashion show aims to bring awareness to the importance of socially conscious fashion and is supported by fashion lines such as MAC Cosmetics, GAP Product(RED), TOMS Shoes, us at DRC ApeParel and more!
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Carolina Productions presents in conjunction with the following: Fashion Board, Carolina Judicial Council, and Sigma Gamma Rho Incorporated. |
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Next week check out our holiday edition of DRCharity for resources that will keep your heart (and someone elses') warm during this wintry season. We'll also discuss Brazil's Black Consciousness Day on Nov. 11th!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Break the Silence
Today, the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world is happening in The Congo.
Nearly 6 million people have died since 1996, which is approximately 45,000 people each month. The United Nations calls it the deadliest conflict since World War II. So, in an effort to bring awareness to the devastation, activists in countries all over the world come together each year in their respective communities to present information to the public for a full week. This year, Congo Week was held from October 17-23 in an event called Breaking the Silence where demonstrations, films and lectures were organized to deliver the truth about what is happening and why. And how social consciousness can make a difference.
As people of a country where our voice is not suppressed it is important that we offer our support to those who are struggling for one. Large-scale forces of greed and power can be overcome when awareness is generated in the masses, around the world. Prepare for next year's Congo Week by getting educated on the issues from Heal Africa, and then when the time comes register for Breaking the Silence via their website to attend lectures, round-table discussions, films and cultural events in your area. You can also volunteer your time and effort to help organize and execute events!
P.S. This year also marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's 50th Anniversary.
Nearly 6 million people have died since 1996, which is approximately 45,000 people each month. The United Nations calls it the deadliest conflict since World War II. So, in an effort to bring awareness to the devastation, activists in countries all over the world come together each year in their respective communities to present information to the public for a full week. This year, Congo Week was held from October 17-23 in an event called Breaking the Silence where demonstrations, films and lectures were organized to deliver the truth about what is happening and why. And how social consciousness can make a difference.
As people of a country where our voice is not suppressed it is important that we offer our support to those who are struggling for one. Large-scale forces of greed and power can be overcome when awareness is generated in the masses, around the world. Prepare for next year's Congo Week by getting educated on the issues from Heal Africa, and then when the time comes register for Breaking the Silence via their website to attend lectures, round-table discussions, films and cultural events in your area. You can also volunteer your time and effort to help organize and execute events!
P.S. This year also marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's 50th Anniversary.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What do you know about the DRC ApeParel Blog?
Let's start off this post with a couple shots from this year's fashionSPARK show to remind us what DRC ApeParel inspriation is all about!
Inspiration can come in many forms and we all have the right to search for it in life, to take a path and see where it leads. But there are people in countries where war and power and politics destroy hopes and dreams daily, and it is necessary for someone to tell that story so change can come.
The DRC ApeParel blog is about inspiration and telling that story. From news and events in countries of African Diaspora and here at home with DRC ApeParel, the information you find here will keep you connected to the heartbeat of our clothing line and our cause. Each week check in with us to read a new post featuring a story about DRC ApeParel lifestyle, fashion and social consciousness that aims to strengthen your understanding of self and the world around you.
DRC's history and mission starts here.
Read my first post about the message in the clothing and hearing it spoken at fashionSPARK.
Connect wish us via our newsletter and following the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.
It's cool to be conscious!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fashion Show @ Ponder Wonder in ATL
Now that you've heard about our recent fashion show in Atlanta, let us show it to you!
Our fashion show in pictures at Ponder Wonder brought out an amazing crew of models who made the clothes pop and a crowd of supporters who partied with the vibe!
Our fashion show in pictures at Ponder Wonder brought out an amazing crew of models who made the clothes pop and a crowd of supporters who partied with the vibe!
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Fashion Show at Ponder Wonder in Atlanta, Georgia on September 16th, 2010. |
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Introductions by John Dawkins, Chief Technology Officer at DRC ApeParel. |
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Eric Ndelo, Creative Director at DRC ApeParel, with Kapinga Marie-Christelle of the Congolese Action Network. |
![]() Supporters ready to see the new line! Drum roll... Women's dress |
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Women's jackets... |
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Men's jackets... |
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Men's sweatshirts... |
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Check out our online store to purchase and for more styles! |
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Our new line, the immigrant's journey
The immigrant’s struggle is defined by intertwining realities.
At home the hardships of life are most often faced with the strength of generational roots, family bonds and pure personal drive for survival. The longing for another life, one that can be seen in dreams and positive thinking, becomes a hope fed by ideas professed in music and stories that criss-cross the borders between countries of pain and anguish and countries of freedom and possibilities. Once that dream is achieved, that foot has stepped out, then a new dream and a new struggle begins.
In our newest line, Fresh Off the Boat, we strive to capture this journey from homeland to promised land in five T-shirt designs. Check it!
International Music

Shottas
Now, the message is out, the word is out. People want change, but obtaining an American Visa is a struggle in and of itself. This T-shirt conveys the desperation and danger that can come in trying to achieve freedom.
Freshness (F.O.B.)
For those who find a way, the migration from homeland to new land begins with the creation of a new life. The essence of who they are and who they represent is integrated into every decision they make, and with that their cultures and styles have the ability to breathe something fresh into the existing landscape. Diversity helps us evolve as a people and grow stronger, thus this T-shirt is the face of the line.
Rhinoceros Pizzle
With the light, there is also the dark. A movie that speaks to the ugliness that can come from the actions and words of the closed-minded is one of our favorites, Coming to America. This T-shirt shows an image from the robbery scene at McDoogle’s where an immigrant experiences some of the trials and tribulations of assimilating into American culture.
Love My Accent
The flipside of hatred for peoples’ differences can be best shown in peoples’ love of accents. This T-shirt sends the message that immigrants can find comfort in America’s love of an array of intriguing accents, and can be proud of their own.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
On the Road with DRC ApeParel
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Finishing touches for fashionSPARK in Raleigh,NC |
For a clothing line and team of fashion designers, taking your garments on the road is one of the most invigorating and intense things you can do. Massive amounts of work, stress and attention to detail are involved in producing a new line and then a public performance to showcase it. So, this weekend when we took our new clothing line, Fresh Off The Boat, on a two-day fashion show trip that culminated from months of preparation and planning into the premier of what we see as the next generation of DRC ApeParel clothing, we were ecstatic when it hit the runway.
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Models get their cues |
Our first show was in Atlanta on Thursday, September 16th at Ponder Wonder. Then on Friday, September 17th we joined twenty fellow fashion designers in downtown Raleigh, NC at City Plaza for our 5th year at fashionSPARK! Both venues showcased new t-shirt designs and an exciting new line of dresses and jackets that put a unique spin on the union of traditional patterns and modern styles. Three stunning dresses were handmade by Alyjah Tafari, a designer and seamstress we seem to have reconnected with by fate. And the jewelry our models accessorized with for the shows was handmade by the talented Kween, Linette Knight, and Woodville Inc. (who is Julie Pitts and Adriane Matlock).
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Unique bracelets by Kween |
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Alyjah Tafari replaces a button on one of her seven stunning dresses |
It's cool to be conscious!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Fresh Off The Boat
When passionate ideas and ingenuity come together sparks fly, and given the right circumstances those sparks can start a fire. This Friday, September 17th SPARKcon comes to downtown Raleigh where we will kick start the weekend with fashionSPARK!
Our new line Fresh Off The Boat will be showcased along with many other local clothing designers and two jewelry designers at City Plaza, starting at 8pm.
The new line will be available for purchase at the fashionSPARK Shop the next day held at City Plaza on Saturday, September 18th from 10am-5pm. We will have promotional deals and a raffle to win a DRC garment! In tandem with this opportunity, our DRC ApeParel website will be having an online sale, so be sure to check out these great chances to purchase your favorite DRC apparel.
We’d love to see you out to the fashion show and the fashionSPARK Shop – both are great ways to learn more about who we are and support what we do!
Our new line Fresh Off The Boat will be showcased along with many other local clothing designers and two jewelry designers at City Plaza, starting at 8pm.
The new line will be available for purchase at the fashionSPARK Shop the next day held at City Plaza on Saturday, September 18th from 10am-5pm. We will have promotional deals and a raffle to win a DRC garment! In tandem with this opportunity, our DRC ApeParel website will be having an online sale, so be sure to check out these great chances to purchase your favorite DRC apparel.
We’d love to see you out to the fashion show and the fashionSPARK Shop – both are great ways to learn more about who we are and support what we do!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Conflict to Clean
In 1997, Zaire became the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC – after 30 years of dictatorship. The new name struck a cord with two Congolese cousins living in North Carolina and it was while one was in college and the other in the Navy, that their ideas to start a conscious clothing line began to spark. Then, Eric Ndelo made a trip to Europe and upon visiting Belgium discovered the lack of Congolese representation in clothing. His return home marked the beginning of what would soon be a burning desire to bring awareness, and ultimately solutions, to the struggles of Pan African communities through fashion. Roderick Vakala, his cousin, and two other college friends agreed and in 2004 the first T-shirts were made. This burst of energy and creativity came from the line’s first theme “Rocking Your History on Your Chest!”, and today our style has grown into the exclamation “It’s Cool to be Conscious!”
The company flame grows stronger and we have begun to focus on sending our messages at the global level. To do this we are partnering with Enough, a project to end genocide and crimes against humanity, on a campaign to bring full transparency to the on-going, highly profitable business of extracting conflict minerals and processing them into electronics that we use today, like cell phones and laptops. These communities are at the ground level of this risky process where lives are lost and families are disconnected, and many choose it for a simple but very real reason – to put food on the table. So, the idea is to turn these “conflict minerals” into “clean minerals” by bringing awareness to the global community of the problems caused by this business and by influencing the governmental powers and international controls to put pressure on the appropriate parties.
To combat struggles of this nature – for food, survival and livelihood – action is required. Not just talk, but action. Enough’s mission statement begins like this:
The Enough Project is helping to build a permanent constituency to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity. Too often, the United States and the larger international community have taken a wait-and-see approach to crimes against humanity. This is unconscionable.
Our mindset is that this type of injustice requires strong action and dedicated prevention and that is what binds the relationship between our two organizations. We offer a creative, colorful connection that speaks to people through clothing, and Enough is the direct and calculated voice of knowledge and experience regarding solutions on a global scale. Together we believe we can have a great impact on bringing the pain inflicted by these atrocities to an end.
See us “speak” at SPARKcon!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Music Raises Hope for Congo
Music can inspire, educate and move people, not only on the dance floor but to action for a social cause. On and 18 track CD, including artists like Mos Def, Norah Jones & Sheryl Crow, just to name a few, have come together to create a compilation album called "Raise Hope for Congo."
Proceeds from sales of the compilation will benefit the field research and advocacy work of Enough’s RAISE Hope for Congo campaign. Please help us spread the word by sharing this link: http://bit.ly/ae7INT, where people can learn more about the RAISE Hope for Congo campaign and download a free track by Mos Def.
Read more...
DRC ApeParel
Proceeds from sales of the compilation will benefit the field research and advocacy work of Enough’s RAISE Hope for Congo campaign. Please help us spread the word by sharing this link: http://bit.ly/ae7INT, where people can learn more about the RAISE Hope for Congo campaign and download a free track by Mos Def.
Read more...
DRC ApeParel
Friday, August 20, 2010
World Cup Moments: Zaire’s Ilunga Mwepu Deals With a Brazilian Free Kick in 1974
1974 was a big year for Zaire (DRCongo). A world cup appearance & the infamous "Rumble in the Jungle" Ali vs. Foreman fight. When you are hot you are hot.
DEMAND CONTROLS THE BUSINESS 1974!!
DRC ApeParel Store
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Blood Spills, While Gold Pays For DRCongo's Deadly War
Watch CBS News Videos Online
CBS' 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley traveled with Enough Project's co-founder John Prendergast to Congo to see how conflict minerals are fueling the deadliest war in the world.
Read and Watch More
DRC ApeParel: "It's Cool to be Conscious!"
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Coltan Wars: Mac vs. PC
Just when you thought it was safe...and Apple could do no wrong. Baam! Here it is. I love my iPhone. But it makes me wonder...How much Congo blood, does my phone have in it.
Speak out about the conflict mineral fueled war going on Central Africa. Someone has to be held accountable.
Join us in our mission to bring an end to the "World's Deadliest War."
DRC ApeParel: "It's Cool to be Conscious!"
Friday, July 23, 2010
DRC Transformed
transformation (n.): the act of transforming or the state of being transformed; a marked change in appearance or character, especially one for the better
The transformation of DRC is one that launches urban street wear clothing into Web 3.0 space. DRC is renovating itself into a Digital Renaissance of Consciousness mindset, re-birthing it's name as DRC Apeparel.
One of DRC founders, Eric Ndelo, gives the meaning of the new logo and re-branding concept.
"It's Fresh. Cool. Strong. It incorporates more of the elements that make us who we are. The gorilla resembles our attitude and our leadership. The star shows us what we are shooting for and how we want people to see us. We are all stars in our own right."
Some new and enhance features DRC Apeparel is launching are the following:
- DRC Experience - an interactive user interface map that shows in depth look at the purpose behind each design
- LinkedIn - continuing to grow and increase our business to business relationships
- YouTube - explore behind scene footage and learn more about the individuals behind the DRC Apeparel brand.
- Twitter - find great deals and follow live runway show tweets
- Facebook - stay update and join the conversation on DRC Apeparel fan page
These are just a few of the new features DRC is rolling out this year. Stay connected and stay conscious by signing up for our e-Newsletter, keeping you inform with the latest DRC designs and social conscious issues.
Still keeping their mission and purpose alive "It's Cool to Be Conscious," DRC will continue to metamorphosis themselves with the digital world...Be on the Lookout!
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