What are Adinkra Symbols?

Hey Online Fam!

After a whirlwind hiatus and transition back to the United States after living abroad, I’m so happy to be back with another Daily Fashion Fix post! In today’s brief installment, let’s talk briefly about one of my favorite pieces of cultural art, Adinkra symbols.

Originating with the Akan people of West Africa, in the regions now known as Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, like kente cloth, the use of Adinkra was once reserved solely for tribal royalty. Today, these symbols have have proliferated their way throughout modern “Afrocentric” culture and can be found adorning jewelry, engraved in wooden ceremonial objects, and most predominantly stamped batik style onto fabrics and garments.

Via the Smithsonian Museum

Adinkra symbols, which number in the hundreds, typically utilize older symbols to represent long held proverbs, songs, or sayings … While newer symbols relate more closely to daily living tasks or environment.

This week’s style post features, more than a what may resemble a hair pic / comb, is actually a batik Adinkra print of the “Duafe” symbol, signifying:

• Ultimate femininity

• Beauty

• Proper grooming / hygiene

• Cleanliness

In addition to a host of other traditionally “desirable feminine qualities.” To know me, is to know I love exuding confidence in spaces often defined as soft and feminine. Quietly wearing this symbol as I navigate the mean streets of Brooklyn, NY is definitely one of those moments. Besides, I absolutely love taking modern spin on traditional classics, particularly from my own Ghanaian culture!

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Love The Style? Shop the Look!

Below are links to some of your favorite pieces from this week’s look! As always, many the Daily Fashion Fix looks showcase pieces directly from our Q.A.C Webstore and will be highlighted with “add to cart.”

Shop our adinkra accessories and other adornments featured in this week’s post below!

Embroidered Tuareg Tribe Bangles

$34.00

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Select Size Large: 11 inches aroundMedium: 10 inches around

Large: 11 inches around Medium: 10 inches around

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Alright loves, that’s all for now. As always, the Journey Continues!

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Wrapped in Love

Hey Royal Fam,

Welcome back to another fun "Daily Fashion Fix" post! This week, I'm sharing a super quick tutorial answering the question I receive the most all over my Instagram feed ... How do I create the beautiful headwrap styles that have become a fashion staple in my everyday look? After an overwhelming yes response to a recent Instastory poll, how could I say no?

In the last Fashion Fix post, I talked about my journey to fully embracing my African heritage. Way back when, one of the 1st ways I began to reflect my Ghanaian culture was through adopting West African fabrics and incorporating unique headwraps into my look.

A post shared by Angela Barimah 🇻🇮🇬🇭🇩🇴 (@angela.b.adwoa) on Feb 6, 2018 at 1:03pm PST

Not long after, and with a bit of practice, these simple headwraped styles grew in their uniqueness ... From basic notted styles  

A post shared by Angela Barimah 🇻🇮🇬🇭🇩🇴 (@angela.b.adwoa) on Jan 29, 2018 at 3:01pm PST

To full wraps styles reminiscent of traditional West African geles (Nigerian wraps worn particularly on special occasions). These big gorgeous wraps not only help celebrate this part of my culture

... But they have become such a part of my life and self-identity, that I can't imagine ever going back to not wearing them at all. It's with incredible pride that I share just some of my favorite headwrap styles with you. This video, was made especially with beginners in mind ... In the hopes that you grow to love them as much as I do!

'Till next time, as always, The Journey Continues!

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Duality in Doha

Hey loves, 

Returning after a long hiatus with a new Daily Fashion Fix post. In his week’s installment, I decided to take another stab at restyling a modest look since moving abroad. That said, my new country of residence, Qatar is no different than many other countries across the Middle East.

Here, modest dress applies to women AND men. Those who practice Islam, particularly the native Qatari people, often dress in traditional full-cover garments called thobes (for men) and abayas + sheilas (for women) .. For non-Qatari residents (like myself) or for visitors passing through

The rule is to cover from knees to shoulders, w/ arms covered preferably to the elbow (but a t-shirt length is passible when outside of work or government buildings) .. Yall, this is DEF a shift from my nudist / bodycon wearing, free-spirit self who loves to push boundaries! ... It's not easy, but I think I'm making it work LOL!

Also, in addition to a quick convo about modesty, I also wanted to talk a bit about these images and the duality of my new city. 

As you can see, the location for this week’s post is not glamorous. And that’s exactly why I was drawn to it. This month in honor of Black History Month, I wanted to share content that talks about the other side of this expat experience. From my Instagram alone, I’m sure you’ve already seen lots of photos of beautiful hotels, pools, food, and parties ...

I’ve already made some really great friends here and I’ve have some amazing times thus far, but I also want to share the other side ... The story of expats from other countries working really hard, yet clearly not living the same type of life experiences my friends and I are. While it’s easy to post beautiful photos, I also want to share what’s real. As a black woman, as a Caribbean woman, I myself have had experiences here that were not always positive due to stereotyping and assumptions of class, poverty, etc, based solely on the dark complexion my skin and the history of blackness here.

Clearly said? I want to be able to share authentic experiences of people of color who are in these spaces. It would be inauthentic to myself or the people I’m sharing this journey with, you my online fam, if I chose not to talk about these issues and strictly showed Insta-worthy vacation shots for however long I'm here ... Now, don’t get me wrong, I like those things .. Love them actually. However, it would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge the huge population here whose labor is the backbone of this society, making this “fancy” lifestyle possible for a very select few. I feel it’s my duty to shine a light on them.

In short, the art direction of this week’s photos were to show this dichotomy .. To show the contradiction .. To show and the beauty against the gritty.

Ok fam, that's all for now. I hope you loved today’s fashion post! ... PS: If you liked the photos, you’ll LOVE the fun lookbook video I put together to celebrate this week’s style! ... Check it out below and let me know what you think! 

UPDATE! - For full details on my trip to the Bin Jelmood Museum, which discusses the history of the Arabic slave trade her in Qatar as well as modern manifestations of slavery and indentured work ... Tap HERE!

‘Till then, as always ... The Journey Continues!

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Peruvian Quechua on the Cliffs

Afternoon Royal Fam,

Angela here, owner of Queen Adwoa’s Closet checking in live from the concrete jungle with, as always, another “globally classic” piece … This time? All the way from Peru! … Quick back story?  I decided do a bit of garment hunting in Brooklyn recently in a super hush location (blog post on that next week) when I came across a few cute gems and yet another showstopper piece. Early on in Q.A.C’s launch I wrote a pretty in-depth blog post on the basics of thrift shopping. 

If you haven’t read that particular entry yet, I highly recommend it. That write up, in addition to next week’s post, is pretty much my “how-to” bible on scoring really dope vintage in a sea of what are basically toss-outs from other people’s closet ... Or are they??? There's amazing treasures to be found if you know how and where to look!

At any rate, as I’m sifting through a bottomless pit of clothing piles, my friend Rosie hands me what initially looks like a blue blanket. Eyebrows furrowed, I start opening up the fabric thinking, “what the heck is this!?” .. Seeing the puzzled look on my face, she asks, "well, do you want it or not?" Clearly, if it made it to this blog post, I was definitely impressed LOL. What initially looked like a couch throw blanket turned out to actually be a Peruvian poncho, called a “Lliclla” or "manta" by the Quechua people. 

In Peru, which was founded by the Inca people, and where the main mode of transportation was (and in some remote locations, still is) by Llama … Both aspects celebrated in the unique design of this particular wool cover-up .. The Lliclla is often worn by women who favor the traditional Quechua style of dress. Culturally a mashup of indigenous dress with colonial Spanish influence, this covering is primarily used to protect the women from the cold as they navigate chilly Andes Mountain air. 

 For those women with children, it's also used as a body wrap to carry their little ones while completing tasks outdoors. While this traditionally colorful wool is worn around the neck and secured by either tying, a pin, or button .. Even more colorful the mantas are worn for holiday's and festivals.

In short? To say I lucked up on this incredible find is an understatement, LOL! And? .. I just might be adding this beautiful cover-up to the QAC webstore .. Perfect for late spring nights or an evening at the beach. Interested? Awesome! Follow the Q.A.C shop on Instagram for announcements! New items arriving soon!

Till then? As always ... The (fashion) Journey Continues!

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Ecuadorian Vintage

It's rare these days that one particular piece make me completely speechless. After years of hard shopping and millions of pieces later, I found it. A dress so rare and amazing that I couldn't pass it up. On a trip back to my hometown last year, I came across, now wait for it .. A one of a kind .. Handmade ... 1950's vintage dress .. Straight from Ecuador! squeals in fashion nerd ... PS: did I mention the dress was in perfect, nearly untouched condition?  ... Omg! swoons

What I love about this dress, is not just the rarity of it, but also the heritage. Throughout this dress are patterns and images of the indigenous Inca people. Briefly, the Inca were a members of an empire which spanned South America from Columbia to Argentina before the arrival of Columbus and other colonialist.

With over 10 million subjects, the Inca dynasty was the largest empire of its time!  In addition to their development of 30 languages, commission of national roads, and temples, the Inca developed a distinct style of art that remains recognizable to this day.

Below, are a few of the shots I took in Central Park over the weekend wearing this amazeballs dress, along with images of ancient gold / bronze Inca artifacts found depicting the Inca people's sacred sun god deity. They considered themselves "Children of the Sun". As you can see, these same patterns and images were incorporated into my dress.

In short? This dress is exactly what I mean when I say that my personal style is a collection of global vintage with a modern aesthetic. A mint condition, handcrafted vintage item which also happens to acknowledge and celebrate a powerful ancient culture? ... How could I not!? ... Regrettably my fashion loves, this dress will not be listed in the Q.A.C webstore!

I've fallen hopelessly and completely in love with it! LOL There are some fashion finds that are absolutely priceless. :]) .. No worries, when the Q.A.C shop launches with new pieces this June, you'll totally forgive me. Even more global pieces awaits! ... 'Till then? As always, the journey continues!

To learn more about the powerful and vast ancient Inca culture click HERE

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Bon Voyage en Batik

Hey Royal Fam! ... Angela of Q.A.C back again this week sharing another one of my favorite cultural fashion creations.

This week's go to was a beautiful wrap dress I created from a body wrap batik fabric I often multi-use as material for headwraps, tops, dresses ... You name it. If you've been following my personal page on Instagram, you've seen me post on the importance of acknowledging the wide array of African fabrics outside of the ever popular dashiki and kente cloths. 

A quick lesson on the batik fabric -

1: The word batik originates from the island nation of Java in Indonesia

2: Over the centuries and  through ancient trade routes over 2,000 years ago, the art of creating this fabric travel through Asia, Egypt, and ultimately Africa ... More specifically to Nigeria (with the Yourba people) and in Senegal.

3: In creating batik fabrics, particularly in Africa the process is done by stenciling a thick paste (made of cassava in Nigeria / rice in Senegal) on cotton or silk, by hand.

4: Once the paste dries, the fabric is dyed, then left to dry. Once completely dry the paste is removed and the white handcrafted design art is made visible.

Cool right?! ... The particular fabric I'm wearing in this week's feature is made from the Senegalese fashion using rice paste .. And I absolutely love it. For deets on my D.I.Y dress creation and how you can replicate this dress yourself at home ... Trust me guys, you've got this! .. Tap HERE!

Alright, that's all for now. As always, 'Till next time, the journey continues!

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Gimmie Shuka

Greetings culture lovers!

It's 65° degrees here in NYC today, so you know what that means ... Either global warming is going into overdrive this week, or Spring is almost here!! .. I'm going to think positively and go with Spring LOL. That said, I took advantage of the amazeballs weather by grabbing my camera and shooting downtown! .. Hope you enjoy!

This week's Daily Fashion Fix feature is another super cool cultural piece from Kenya called "shuka cloth." Seen in the nomadic Maasai Tribe of East Africa, the shuka is worn as a protective garment while out in the in the field, either tending to cattle or on the hunt. 

While original shuka wraps were crafted with sheepskin or calf / animal hides, around the 1960's the Maasai people replaced traditional shuka with modern fabrics created from cotton woven in various tartan-like (think Scottish plaid) patterns. Additionally, in keeping with tradition, the modern fabric now used still maintains the overall vibrant red coloring found in the first shuka capes

Originally, created by taking and processing red ochre clay from the earth, historically, the red coloring in shukas held important significance in not only helping tribesmen camouflage from wild animals by blending into the terrain .. But also serving as a warning signal to aggressive animals when discovered (warding them off) as warriors set out on the hunt.

Today, shukas can be wrapped and worn in countless ways, as its style often varies by the creativity of the wearer. For a bit of style inspiration, check out my modern take on rocking shuka cloth in this week's post! As you all know, I love all things vintage. For this look, I brought together a plush butter leather 1980's crop jacket ... A simple body-suit .. And a pair of super distressed high-waisted vintage mom jeans. Can you tell I wear these a lot? 

No seriously, they're probably going to fall apart any minute with all the fraying, but I can't let them go .. LOL! Shoes included these gold booties I was gifted by my mom, practically unworn from last winter. They honestly had to grow on me style wise, because I wasn't originally a fan (sorry mom!) .. But I'm so glad I decided to keep them. LOL .. And there there you have it! A few classic basics paired up with a unique statement piece and you have a really cool look all your own.

Interested in learning how I created some of these folded fabric looks? Tap HERE to view my Q.A.C tutorial, where I show you how to replicate my top five favorite wrap styles! ... Thanks for stopping by. ~ xo

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Indigenous Luck

Greetings loves!

As you all know, I'm a fan of a good cultural or vintage piece ... Finding a cool garment or accessory that combines the two? .. Absolutely love! This week, I was able to find just that.

Since the new year, I've found myself wearing quite a few pieces with cowrie shells recently

From being used to connect with the gods .. To symbolizing wealth, health, and good luck .. Cowrie shells have long been regarded as both culturally & spiritually important in African, Asian, Arabic, & Pacific Islander culture.

While I've been drawn to cowrie shells recently, as you many of you know, I also really like the idea of wearing a garment with deeper symbolism and meaning.

This vintage 1980's kimono I found while out on a recent vintage hunt, gives a stylish nod to the historic use of cowrie shells, while also celebrating indigenous people in the beautiful patterning. 

Stylish .. cultural .. with a bit of history. The perfect fashion trifecta!

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Luxe Eco-Fashion: feat. JORD Watches

Hey culture lovers! This week on the “Daily Fashion Fix” I have a very special treat for you, so get excited : )]

As always, we know the foundation of quintessential Q.A.C style is the beautiful marriage between quality vintage pieces juxtaposed with amazing global selections … And this week, is no exception! Today’s look inspired by luxe style for the global and environmentally conscious, young creative. Like so many, as I grow into my own personal style and self-discovery, I’m moving away from trendy, “style of the moment” pieces and toward a more timeless aesthetic. Nothing’s worse than spending your hard-earned money on the coveted fast fashion “must haves” … Only to have it be deemed “out of fashion” the following season. Listen, I don’t know about you, but my coins are far too precious for that! …  LOL! Instead, now more than ever, I’m all about investing in unique conversation pieces with longevity. My wardrobe consists of selections that not only lessen my impact on the environment, but also communicate my close connection to global culture. This week I chose a few select pieces from opposite ends of the globe, which highlight these concepts … Proving once again, that quality is always better than quantity.

First up? We take look at the beauty of African nation, The Congo as brought to us from JORD Watches. If you follow me on Instagram, then you might have seen my “Instagram Story” excitedly hinting at a mystery box recently arriving in the mail. As a West African girl myself, and an avid collector of global accessories, I was beyond excited to add this piece to the collection.

y loves? The classically understated navy watch face paired with the rich zebrawood stripped coloring of the wood. If you’ve been reading the Daily Fashion Fix for some time, then you’ll know that pairing of a solid statement color with an engaging print (be it subtle or bold) make for the perfect jumping off point when creating an amazing outfit using my “Color Pop Method.” Additionally, the simplicity of design also makes it easy to build upon if like me, you love accessories and a good arm party! Here, I paired my JORD watch with vintage bangles direct from India and an amber necklacefrom Gambia, W. Africa ... As you can see, I’m entering full eccentric fashion mode and I love it! LOL!

Last, but certainly not least … To know me, is to know that I’m a huge proponent of ethical and sustainable fashion. No amount of style is ever worth owning large amounts of clothing created from factory sweatshop labor or deriving from a company with a large environmental footprint. What I absolutely love and applaud JORD for is the transparency of sourcing. While the sustainability on my Frankie series Zebrawood watch could be a bit more on the eco-friendly side, several of the global wood materials used to create their luxury watches certainly are. Not only do they outline the country of the wood’s origin, but they also indicate the levels to which the tree / wood materials are considered “at risk.” In essence, you’re shopping pieces based on both personal style as well as your level of environmental comfort. Does your fashion fave do that?

Finally, as we head to Europe, Paris specifically, I decided to pair my accessories with this super chic vintage dress from none other than fashion house Lanvin! With a keen eye for vintage shopping, I was able to spot and snag this 50’s styled, A-lined dress from the luxury designer for under $100! ... An amazing deal, when considered many dresses from this designer can start at $1,000 each. In all, by shopping vintage and quality pieces, you’re incorporating pieces with longevity that you’ll literally have for years ... Ultimately reducing the pull on natural resources and impact on the environment ... All while looking amazingly unique in the process! And that always a great look!

Tap HERE to replicate this colorful luxe look!

ALSO? ... As a surprise this week .. *drumrolls* .. I’m partnering with JORD Watches and hosting a free giveaway for all of my Q.A.C fam! This one is for the ladies and the fellas and is just in time for the holidays ...

Tap HERE for details! on how to enter!

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches ... Note: Opinions remain 100% my own. Thanks loves for stoping by! xo ~Angela

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African Street Style Layering

Greetings Culture Lovers! 

Last go 'round on the Daily Fashion Fix, we talked about how to recreate a great Fall transition look in just 3 easy steps! This week, I'd like to keep on this vein and take it one step further with layering. As the weather gets cooler, adding a few basic chic layers over a bold statement piece can take your fall outfits from yawn to yes!

In this week's example, the foundation of my look is a bold dashiki print romper I custom designed myself for the Q.A.C webstore. Dashikis, originally worn in West African nations such as Nigeria, Togo, and Benin .. The print evolved during the 1960s into political statement of African-American pride and solidarity .. With the energy of the world, ESPECIALLY here in america .While great in the summertime, with a few tweaks, this romper becomes a fierce transition piece ... And who doesn't love getting double duty from your wardrobe?!

To warm things up a bit, I begin layering my basics over this romper using my previously discussed "Color Pop" method. Blue tights with a blue cardigan serves to color block an already busy dashiki design. The same is idea is repeated with oxblood toned boots and classic leather moto jacket. 

In both cases, these colors are added to both the top and bottom of the outfit to not only add a sense of uniformity, but it also anchors the entire look around the dashiki print.

As a special note, take a look at the length of each cover-up. The shorter length of the leather jacket .. Followed by the bit longer length of the cardigan .. Then finished off by the longest length, the romper. This layering of materials on top of one another, coupled by the different layered lengths create this great structural look visually that I'm absolutely in love with. To wrap things up, I cinch my waist with a thin belt because as you know, I absolutely love a good hourglass shape!

And there you have it! Another fun look brought to you from Q.A.C, with several basics from your own closet! Colder weather is when the real fashionistas shine ... That said? Let's get layering!

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Indigo Child

The thought of children being born with special gifts isn't a new concept. Cultures all over the globe have acknowledged and celebrated certain individuals or children with "gifts" throughout history. The origins of "Indigo Children" or "Star Children" is no different. Arising in the 1970's, the term has come to identify those with a special connection to psychic and spiritual abilities. 

Those who are born with these gifts are often confident, intuitive, clairvoyant, creative, and at times reclusive ... preferring to be around other like minded sensitives.

To know me, is to know that I love all things mystical, spiritual, and otherwise "otherworldly". While there's much speculation as to how factual these indigo claims truly are, for me there's no question that the presence of spiritually inclined ... magically gifted individuals exist. I would even venture to say, I am one ... But that's a post for perhaps another day : ].

This week's fun ensemble is a tribute to my fellow mystics. Deep indigo dress (vintage) with double slits offers a fun way to play with styling .... While the gold accents on the dress, belt, and shoes, are present to represent the illumination of the stars. I also happen to be a fan of this dress for its patterning. 

layful pineapples paired with the adinkra symbol of "Bese Saka" (symbolism of affluence) was a great and unexpected surprise as it incorporates both my tropical / caribbean and Ghanaian heritage. This dress is definitely a new fashion staple for my personal closet!

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La Santera

Anytime one attempts to talk about religion, there's always hesitation ... especially when the religion in question is one that has so many misconceptions surrounding it. This is undoubtably true when it comes to the practice of Santeria.

Born out of the devastating slave trade, Santeria originates from the large number of Yoruba (Nigerian tribal group) African survivors which ultimately were brought to Cuba and forced to practice Catholicism in leu of their own religion.

Being the survivors that they were, these Afro-descendants, while practicing the new Catholic religion also incorporated several aspects of their african spiritual traditions into the faith. From this co-mingling of traditional worship and colonialism emerged the practice of Santeria.

Within Santeria a peace is made where similarities within both faiths are found. African deities and Catholic saints are prayed to equally without conflict. Within this new community, new initiates, called "Iyawos" wear white and undergo a yearlong rites of passage filled with ceremonies, restrictions, new practices. 

The act of wearing all white is a form of rebirth symbolizing purity, peace of mind, and spiritual clarity. Due to the unfavorable feelings at times for all things "Africano" on the island, particularly misunderstood religious practices and rituals from the continent, Santeria was not always welcomed and therefore continues to be practiced quietly within tight communities worldwide. 

Like so many of african descent living within the diaspora, there comes a point where a merging of cultures occurs ... The clash of two worlds is never an easy one. In the case of the Santeros/as (Santeria practitioners) in Cuba, they were able to find a home under assimilation, untimely like so many others, creating a beautiful new aspect of their culture ... something uniquely their own. 

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