~Togo Waves & Road Maps~ Emeka Chucks Alams

"We were traded from the gold coast by Europeans by our own African brothers. This trade has changed our world and reshaped our thoughts. Living by European standards throughout the African diaspora we have forgotten what makes our culture powerful, rich and unique. Here we strive for riches and neglect our families, we smile upon others while wishing for their demise, all things associated with the mind frame of those who began this trade.
Formerly - We would gather in large numbers to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We have forgotten that we came from a continent where guiding, correcting and rebuking children is everybody’s’ task; a continent with green forests, clean rivers and undiscovered natural resources abound. The continent is love. Still, you dont know or understand. This is my effort to get back to that."- A WEST AFRICAN 

Beautiful, inspiring words by Nigerian American,  Emeka Alams, the designer and art director of Gold Coast Trading Co. Although he was born in America, Emeka fondly says 'in his head, he grew in West Africa'. He started Gold Coast Trading as his medium to show the world the other side of his home.  I 'm drawn to the  vibrant colors he incorporates into his clothes in such a random, unexpected way, its like a breath of fresh air. I love the fact that his vision is clear, once i saw the photographs i thought of Africa but through a different perspective. I think the fact that he wasn't born in Nigeria worked to his advantage, because its always refreshing to see what African fashion means through someone else's eyes. The result of that being an African inspired line with (in my opinion) a 'london boy'/retro flare that gives his clothes a kind of spunky, quirky twist. Can you dig it? Cuz i am certainly digging it right about now. This collection is the Spring/Summer 2010 line called 'Togo waves & Road Maps'. There is something almost poetic about this line, that makes me just want to speak to him, hear about his inspirations, and what he has planned for next. For me, the Gold Coast Trading label is amazing in its simplicity, it is basic yet bold, it is distinct, colorful & fresh~ and i LOVE it.

Ps-  ♥ the different currencies in the shorts pocket. Spotted the N100 & N10 instantly :) xoxo