Le chic Afrique

Michael Jackson .. Cosmic King of Music

A LIVING LEGEND AND KING OF MUSIC!

mj

Whatever kind of spirit that was in Michael Jackson, this planet needs more of it! I was a bigger fan than most!

Rest in peace, you changed the world.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on July 1st, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Diggin in the crates…


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 27th, 2009 :: Filed under Music

Word on the street

buzz

Hey! Zulu Rose, Woo! How are you doing! Hoping that life finds you rocking on the East Coast. I must say that you have much style & class. Continued success!!! Keep on doing the damn thang…Blessings! “The King of Fashion”, Peace!
-Kivon @ FastForward TV

LOVE your t-shirts! I’m gonna get one or two! :)
DJ KLUBHIGHLIFE

Hottest T-Shirts in Brooklyn
Aminat Ayinde (America’s Next Top Model)

sowubona,this is Nkhumise we talked briefly last year … .Your stuff is amaizing!
Nkumise

You have beautiful ladies. i like it. Am outta country now in Milano.. good luck!
Ger Duany

My name’s Andrea, I work for FASHIZBLACK, an online magazine devoted to black people’s lifestyle & fashion. I didn’t know about Zulu Rose before but the collection is amazing! I really love your work & the african inspiration and I want to feature you in my magazine. Waiting to hear from you.
Andrea Bomo - FASHIZBLACK MAGAZINE


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 23rd, 2009 :: Filed under Blog, Buzz

DJ KLUBHIGHLIFE

chopchop

1. Heart of Africa (Saxapella) - Martin Solveig
2. Last Of The Summer Alomo - A.J. Holmes
3. Music For Gong Gong - Luisito Quintero
4. One Tree (TP’s Deep Roots Vocal Mix) - Tony Allen
5. Voodoo Bounce Beat - Claude Monnet
6. Ethiopo - Nôze
7. Bowungakanani - Msawawa
8. 16 Years - MzBel
9. Siyan Duduza - Brickz
10. Zeze E Toto (Kuduro Remix) - Luky Gomes
11. Secousse (Mumdance remix) - Radioclit
12. Yah! (feat. Petty) - Buraka Som Sistema
13. Tchilo (Diplo Mix) - DJ Znobia
14. Kamphopo - Esau Mwamwaya

I found this eclectic mix of African tunes on someones Myspace profile page (yet another reason why I have not completely abandoned Myspace for Facebook).

Are you feeling the Esau Mwamwaya track or what? That brother’s music has the super Zulu Rose vibes. I’ve promised him some Zulu Rose T-Shirts. But I think it’s really time to put them in the post, because he always delivers!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 22nd, 2009 :: Filed under Music

Keziah Jones x Nneka - Long Distance Love

Our man Keziah drops new single off Nigerian Wood single.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 20th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Zulu Rose x FASHIZBLACK.COM

Feature coming soon. Check out this magazine.

http://fashizblack.com/


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Kwaku Anansi

spider-man_kiss

Anansi the trickster is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore. He is also known as Anase, Kweku Ananse, and Anancy; and in the Southern United States he has evolved into Aunt Nancy. He is a spider, but often acts and appears as a man.

Eddie Donkor’s tribute to Anansi.

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Krissy & Ubuntu V-Neck

krissy

Another New York models wearing Zulu Rose….


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 7th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Vivica Fox, Zulu Rose, and the Cougar Finale

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I know that Vivica has some Zulu Rose t-shirts, but I haven’t been able to get a picture of her wearing them yet. But we are getting close. Here is a picture of Vivica’s hair and make up artist with a custom Miami inspired Zulu Rose top I did for the Cougar Finale.

One thing you can say about a Zulu Rose t-shirt, they photograph EXTREMELY WELL! Look at that gloss!

Photo Source: THEYBF.COM


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 7th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

America’s Next Top Model - Aminat & Zulu Rose

aminatxzulurose

Nothing like having one of American’s Next Top Models wearing a Zulu Rose t-shirt. Maybe Tyra’s next!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 6th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Carl Jung - Matter of Heart

For those who have the patience and intellectual wherewithal, check out this documentary on Carl Jung. If your even mildly lost in the wilderness, C.G. Jung is a great compass back to Self.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on June 6th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Are you experienced?

gikiujuju
DJ Gibril from the GIKU EXPERINCE hosted b¥ Giant Step is rocking his Zulu Rose More Juju summer look!

GiKu plays the best music you haven’t heard yet. Check him out!

Link:
http://www.giantstep.net/artists/974


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 22nd, 2009 :: Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Blog, Show Me Your Zulu

Fly Girl Luvs Zulu Rose

flygirl1

I just got a wonderful email from Andrea at Fly Girl Blog. She has a super cute style, that sharp and clean and she even has some hot webisodes. Maybe Zulu Rose will make an appearance! :)

Link:
Fly Girls Blog


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 22nd, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Our new office space!


View Larger Map

METROPOLITAN EXCHANGE BANK! The name already has some kind of Zulu vibes.

The space is a little disorganized and dusty seeing that the fourth floor was abandoned by the previous occupant. But I love it, it has a real rock and roll energy, and with a little ingenuity and a lot of love it will be as chic as our website. Plus, I understand that this part of town is planned to become a creative district. So it is perfect for business, the future, and still in Brooklyn (Little Africa).

Expect a quantum leap forward in all things Zulu Rose, now that we have some room to breathe. And aren’t silk screening in the bed room. :)

It’s amazing what doors the mind can open, when the vibes are on the right frequency!

Today’s sound track!

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 19th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Remember when hip-hop was underground?


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 18th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Auguste…

auguste
Auguste wearing Zulu Rose Travel Africa tank top at a photo shoot. This is what.. your 4th Zulu piece? Luv ya girl!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 12th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Aramide from Chicago

chitownzulu

It’s Aramide and she’s wearing Travel Africa t-shirt from Zulu Rose. She also writes a fashion blog.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 12th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog
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Website Survey Video


A quick video about the Zulu Rose Boutique, and the quickest route to buying men’s and women’s t-shirts.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 12th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Afro-Disiaque (Yasmin Warsame & Lakshmi Menon)

french1
More after the break.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 4th, 2009 :: Filed under Editorial

The Up and Down Life of Captain Rugged


capnrugged4

Last year Zulu Rose designed the shirts and trousers that Keziah Jones wears on stage, this year we’ve been commissioned again.  More shirts, trousers, prints, and now designing his stage back drop.  But you might be asking yourself “Who in the world is Keziah Jones.”  Maybe the name sounds like a gospel singer, or maybe you’ve never heard of him!

Keziah, is the original Captain Africa with a rugged guitar style, amazing vocals, a smart style of dressing, and a mash-up African style that is a good combination with the Zulu Rose..  His music is called Blue Funk, a fusion of American and Nigerian funk (think james brown x fela kuti) with the texture and melancholy ambience of ‘DE BLUES.’  You got it.  Get it. Good.

Check out these videos and get ready for his music. His new album, NIGERIAN WOOD is a real gem!

Link: Keziah Jones


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 1st, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

POP’AFRICANISTA




Link: POP AFRICANA

Pop Africana is the brain child of Oroma Elewa.  I really like the general concept of this emagazine that I understand is actually going to try for print.  Best of luck with issue 2!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on May 1st, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Summer Shorts - Preorder

boardshorts

Last summer we did a small run of these drop crotch board shorts for family and friends, and this summer we’re back at it again.

With two large double-lined cargo pockets on the sides, two double-lined back pockets, a hidden inner pocket for your valuables, and a draw string waist your ready for anything the beach or the boardwalk might throw at you.

These shorts are lined in case you want to hop in the water, and are sewn from top quality Dutch Wax Block and Damask fabrics.  Dutch Wax fabrics are designed to endure the stone washing by local African women, and are incredibly durable and extremely color fast even if you go in and out of the ocean water. The tropical patterns are great for summer and make a handsome addition to your summer wardrobe.

For more info, color swatches, advanced product pics, or to place an order send an email to: contact -at- zulurose.com


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 26th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

THE GREAT WORK!

Right on Will!  I read The Alchemist in high school, and picked it up again in 2004.  Zulu Rose was inspired by my second reading of the Alchemist.  Very simple and potent book, inspired by more esoteric doctrine and ancient philosophy that is way more difficult and obtuse for the layman to wrap his head around.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 22nd, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

BLK JKS … Coming soon.

I have pictures of the Jozi band BLK JKS wearing Zulu Rose coming soon!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 21st, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

More Juju Back Online

backjuju
This Zulu Rose V-neck was temporarily sold out.  We’ve just received the new fabrics and printed up a fresh batch, as well as some men’s t-shirts.  The men’s color way will be on the site shortly!

-Enjoy!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 19th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Spring Style Boost

curtin1
Now this is how you start the spring off with a serious style boost!  Curtis stopped by the show room and picked up a whopping 8 Zulu Rose pieces.  Zulu Rose T-shirts, Zulu Rose v-necks, and a couple of our chic long sleeve Zulu Rose pieces.  The olive Ubuntu henley is an exclussive Zulu Rose top that will be on the site shortly.

The picture says it all!  That’s the face of a happy customer!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 19th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Zulu Girl

face

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose…

Zulu Rose Ghana Must Go T-Shirt.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 16th, 2009 :: Filed under Fashion, Show Me Your Zulu

Behind the scenes on Wunmi’s Videos

Learn more about Wunmi, “The Queen of Afrobeat” and her album A.L.A.  African’s Living Abroad.  The album will be available via the Zulu Rose Boutique soon.

Links:
www.wunmi.com
www.myspace.com/wunmigirl


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 14th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog
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Men’s wear is here!

keith

Hi,

We just started adding the men’s wear today.  The new photography is great.  I just have to pick a picture with some Zulu attitude, and integrate into website.

Sorry if the catalog is in a little dis-array, I am mixing in the products.  Men + women, Zulu + Rose.  You get it.  I’ll have it sorted out in no time.  But the important thing is you can still shop!

In the mean time, why don’t you get into this track called Tennessee Hotel off the album Mali Music.

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Remember a few years back when all the hot European producers were going to Mali to record vocals?  This track is from that moment in music, not only is it one of the better tracks on the album, but one of my favorite tracks from that whole trend.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on April 7th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Jofré Barcelona x ZULU ROSE

3390

Jofré’s is a super Chic (with a capital “C”) boutique for hip Barcelonians and artists.  Zulu Rose will be there soon.  Keep an eye peeled on our blog for the delivery date.

JOFRÉ (website)
JOFRÉ on super future

Peace!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 23rd, 2009 :: Filed under Blog, Fashion
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Inventory & the RSS Feeder

The women’s Spark plug V-neck in ivory will be available shortly.
We are going to do another limited edition print run to satisfy the demand.

The fabric used for the charcoal and gold if finished.
We have found a replacement, and will be putting that print run online shortly.

There are also several new designs and scarfs coming soon.  So check the site regularly, subscribe to our email list, or subscribe to our RSS feed (its on the right of the web log menu bar).  This way you can get the latest info on product drops.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 20th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Give Me The Simple Life

sudan10

Zulu Rose style and fashion can be so simple and easy.
Get into this track off of the Mankunku Jazz Show LP for some inspiration.

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 18th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

No More Juju

juju sparks ankara t-shirt
No sooner than I post a picture of Claudio on the blog, the last couple shirts get sucked up.
This tee is really popular.  So it is possible I might do another limited edition print run, or a similar color way or something.
Keep your eyes on the site.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 18th, 2009 :: Filed under Fashion

Sold Out

Ghana Geometric Print Tee
This design is all gone.  We started this print run for select customers in December, sold the majority to stores, and had a short supply for the online store.  If you are really trying to catch this peice, try Peices of Brooklyn Boutique. We delivered these shirts to them last week.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 18th, 2009 :: Filed under Fashion

Brooklyn vs Bombay

Meet Randolph. He is one of the super talented musician on the progressive scene in Mumbai,
rated one of Vh1’s Top Ten emerging artists out of India.

Randolph is the lead vocalist and lead guitar in the Indian rock band, Pentagram. He also produces music for his New York born girl friend Shaa’ir under the named SHAA’IR + FUNC.

We met up with Randolph at a cool Mumbai lounge called Zenzi, in February of 2007.
Here are a couple flicks he sent us taken on location in down-town Mumbai wearing a Zulu Rose t-shirt.

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 17th, 2009 :: Filed under Fashion

Vintage Pop sounds from Zimbabwe

Harare Zimbabwe

Zhimozhi, by Devera Ngwena Jazz Band.
This track has an amazing drum break, and an upbeat vibe. I already know it’s gonna make you feel happy!

+++ Zhimozhi +++

ps - I love vintage photos of Africa. Those taken around the time when Africa was becoming independent, are the most special to me. The optimism, the cheer, the energy, the feeling one can do anything. That is the true spirit of Zulu Rose. I think the whole world needs that energy now!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog, Music, Vintage Africa
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The First Zulu Rose - 2005

Esther Angoma

This is the first image I ever shot for Zulu Rose, circa 2005. I have grown since then, but it is still beautiful for me. So I want to share it.

Luckily, I just discovered a low-res version of this art in an OLD archive file while backing up my hard drive. Too bad I can’t locate the original scanned image files. Nor can I easily rescan them, because my slide scanner recently died!

Anyway, this design was the first graphic I ever drew for the Zulu Rose concept. Glad to see I really haven’t lost the original fun spirit of the line after 4 years. If anything, now I realize and fully understand the importance of using my creativity to create a full range of high end products that can totally redefine African fashion and compete strongly in the global market.

Ahh, but one step at a time.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog, Fashion

Visit The Sudan

Visit The Sudan

Here is quick graphic I designed based off of a post card that I found in a little African “Curiosity” Shop on Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles. I think the place is called Abyssinia. It’s owned by two lovely Ethiopian women.

The card was printed in the 1920s. With all of the problems in Southern Sudan today, I thought it was interesting that at one point in time, Europeans actually actively promoted travel to the Sudan.

In any event, I love anything to do with the Nile, it’s people, it’s cattle, it’s cultures, and it’s music.

I am attaching some way out psychedelic roots music recorded around the same time this photography was taken. The energy is amazing, especially when you turn it up to 10 and feel the vibes full blast.

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Blog, Music

Rural Dressing

rural-chic

I really love how these people use a simple organic color palette, small pops of man-made colors, and a minimal design aesthetic to create a recognizable and memorable look. This is a great example of less being more. Elegant.. chic!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 15th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

PIECES BOUTIQUE BROOKLYN

SPRING DELIVERY PIECES BROOKLYN
671 Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 857-7211

Pieces has some exclusive pieces that are not available online.
Stop by *this* weekend.

Cheers,
Zulu


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 12th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

SOLD OUT


150 Pieces, gone already!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 9th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

THE PURE WATER SIPPA

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Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 9th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog
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Super Fast Flyer

Over the summer I found a scarab beetle near the BAM African Market Place. Now I get this giant hawk outside of the window. It stayed long enough for me to grab a camera, snap some pictures, and admire it’s beuaty. And then after staring at me for a few *minutes* decided to move on! Fantastic!

With all the good things happening, I’m sure I got my mojo working now!




Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 8th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Working on new samples!

Here are some flicks I took while working on a sample for our new mushroom colored sweaters.


I mix all of our paints with a couple of catalysts, low-crock binders, and pigment bases that have excellent washability and a super soft hand.


I always do a couple test prints on scrap fabric to make sure I don’t mess up sample garments or production run.


When everything looks good, it’s time to load the garment on the screen print machine.


Gotta get the placement just right!


… and then we’re ready to go!

Phewww… good thing I remember to mask out the letters. With this next collection, I want to give the people some art on the front and back. In 2009, you gotta catch people COMING AND GOING! So I am going to save the letters for the back of the sweater.

Usually, I am not crazy about logos on clothes. But I am just in love with the Zulu Rose name. For me it represent the beauty of roots and culture, it also sounds exclusive and people always ask what it is. So it is good conversation starter, or ice breaker. Since the label is relatively fresh for most people, I think it is good for people get some LOGO IN THEIR FACE!

I also love the Zulu Rose type face. It was was inspired from letters I found in the old African magazine called DRUM. The kind of look like Prada, but they are sharper and have the triangle vibe that matches the logo.


PERFECT! Now it’s time to put the sweater in the dryer. Our ink needs to be cured for 90 seconds at 300 degrees to make it wash fast.


I use an eco-friendly soy-based ink compound from Japan. It is very durable, super soft, and the best thing is you can just clean it with water and a sponge!


Here it is out of the dryer. Now it’s ready to go for the print the back…


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 6th, 2009 :: Filed under Fashion
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SPECIAL PRICES ENDING

Special Prices Ending

Hello everybody,

To celebrate our boutique re-opening we are offering deep discounts for all of our friends and past customers.
This special ends on March 20th, 2009.

ZULU ROSE BOUTIQUE


Posted by ButaleziBrown on March 5th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Parlour Magazine x Zulu Rose

parlourmag

The folks at Parlour Magazine luv Zulu Rose’s Africa inspired t-shirts.

Link:
Parlour Magazine


Posted by ButaleziBrown on February 26th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog, Press

Layout Update

Hey folks,
We are about to start playing with the blog layout. It needs to flow vertically. I know… BOORING!

But we want to start putting more content there, and the traditional vertically flow will allow for more image real estate and more white space! yeah!!!

So if things look funky for a while. Just blame Alex…. He’s such a perfectionist!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on February 24th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Zulu Rose vs Island of St. Johns


A photo of the elusive Zulu Rose men’s wear t-shirt collection.


Posted by ButaleziBrown on February 9th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog

Shop Zulu Rose T Shirts on your iPhone


Creating the perfect outfit just got one step easier. Now you can shop the entire Zulu Rose website from the comfort of your iPhone!


Posted by ButaleziBrown on February 3rd, 2009 :: Filed under Blog
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Boutique Back Online Now!

We are back online

We delayed our re-launch for the 20th. The historic day of Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration.

We are still fine tuning the site, so please excuse any dust, and for the next couple of days it is best to view the site with Firefox or Safari.

We’re still testing Internet Explorer, if you have any problems please drop us a line.

Enjoy!

Zulu Rose


Posted by ButaleziBrown on January 20th, 2009 :: Filed under Blog