The two coolest children in the world.

Unlocking The Truth - Malcolm Brickhouse & Jarad Dawkins from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

GO NEW MILEY

In your words not little one: ''Forget all the haters cos somebody loves you''. I can't lie. I love this video and this song! Have been playing and replaying! I have no intellectual quips to add to this. It is what it is! 

Meet the guy who gave up money #YoungPioneers

In 2009, a 20 something Adin van Reyneveld did one of the most admirable things, in my mind, and stopped ''earning his living''.  He didn't quit his job. He simply started living. He released himself from the clutches of capitalism by swearing off money and living alternatively alongside capitalism but using other ways to get around. This is a very admirable thing to do but I can't imagine it was easy.

So how does he live?  Through something he calls the ''talent exchange'', he holds down jobs in exchange for goods and services.  Imagine that.  It worked well enough for him to start a company called Ubuntu Digital, which aims to demonstrate the possibility of a hybrid community - one in which no money is used.  Instead, members are encouraged to barter their talents and services for the things that they need.  Their first experiment of this hybrid community is to host five rooftop parties and an outdoor music festival where entrance to the events will be paid for with talents. But one only has so many talents right?  

He took the idea further by establishing a direct exchange relationship with brands, even, ahem, offering advertising space on his right arm for companies to tattoo their logos onto in exchange for equipment like laptops and cameras. That might seem contradictory for someone who is trying to live beyond the offerings of capitalism, but a penniless man had to do what a penniless man had to do.  Read more about Aiden's project here or watch the 1 minute video. Would you do something like this? I've been toying with the idea of moving to a rural village to go and live a simpler life. I would find it torturous to give up money and still live in the city while my friends are blowing their salaries.  But this is why he's on this list and I'm not! He's a pioneer because he dared to question the way things are and the fact that he is alive and persevering gives credence to his bravery. 

These Young Pioneer posts are part of a Campaign that Capitec Bank is running for youth month, basically profiling cool South Africans breaking ground in the way they live their lives, them futuristic folk! Follow the campaign on Capitec's website, Twitter and Facebook pages and share your thoughts on these mad people. 

THE CRAZY TALENT THAT IS SINDISO KHUMALO

This is South African designer Sindiso Khumalo's latest collection for Autumn Winter 2013 titled Umabo. The range is inspired by a trip Sindiso took to rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa which allowed her to explore the world of traditional Zulu craftmanship through the traditional attire which is very apparent in this amazing interpretation.  I am in love. Get onto Facebook and Like Sindiso's Page if you would like to follow her exciting career.  This collection was presented in Paris this past weekend at Laboethnik. Sindiso Khumalo is available on Styled By Africa

Phambili maAfrika. This is our time! As the great Thabo Mbeki said last week during his Power FM profile interview, ''The 21st Century belongs to Africa''.  

THERE IS HOPE FOR YOUNG BLACK MEN #Jobs

Molweni bahlali

I haven't thought about properly yet but I just got an idea call this CV section on this blog ''Siyasebenza'' which means ''We are working'' or ''We work'' in Xhosa and Zulu.  Apologies for not being consistent about the posts. The past two Fridays, I just didn't have the time to really focus on it.  I am working on turning this blog into a dot.com website (finally) and the day that happens will be the day people will be able to upload their CV's of info onto the blog in a consistent manner, which will take the responsibility away from me, meaning it will be more efficient.

I'm still figuring out how to do this whole thing so let's call this testing phase indefinitely. I'll keep trying different ways to disseminate this kind of information and see which is the most effective. Two weeks ago, I received a CV from a young man in East London who wants to go out to not only discover, but to help the world beyond the small Eastern Cape town. He has a BA Social Science in Organisational Psychology from Rhodes and currently works at a Maize and Grain Mill as Logistics Officer. I just fell asleep writing that job description. That is no place for a young person though, sorry Mill people.

So I sent him an email asking him what he actually wants to do and here's what he said:

''That's a difficult question to answer because most people do not understand what exactly I want to do. I hope you do though but its a long way till I get what I really want to do.

My main interest is research, I read up on a lot of issues that affect society particularly Social issues. Thats why I have been applying to at the SAIRR but it's impossible to get in there.  I've  looked at NGOs, particularly the ones that deal with assisting young people with getting advice on jobs etc...but thats not working out for me particularly well since Im struggling to find a job myself hahaha..

I would appreciate something where I could sit with a computer somewhere and read as much as I could about how to make peoples lives better but I dont want to be the one going outside to plant trees and play with little kids. I hope you understand what I mean.

Oh ya and Im still registered to do my honors (development studies) but I did not want to start untill I was sure I was at a company that matched my ambitions and understood what I would like to do. How I ended up doing logistics was a big mistake, I like it but its a job. I'd even take a significant pay cut if I got something worthwile to do.

I hope you understand, nobody seems to and it may be hard finding something exactly like what I want to do but as they always say "I'll start at the bottom"

Please help a brother out.  Oh ya and Id be willing to relocate anywhere but preferably to small towns just not in the Ec but Cpt would be ideal''.

I was really touched by this honest earnest response.  It gave me so much hope that a young black man has other ambitions than to be a CEO or a DJ (stereotypes are based on reality) and is truly passionate about research and helping others.  I have this young man's contact details if there is anybody out there who has an empty desk and a project for him to sink his teeth into. 

I'll also try and find him something through a friend who is running a brilliant programme called Emthonjeni Arts in the small Eastern Cape town of Hamburg.  Nomi, expect a call from me. If you would like to help, please send me a message in the comments section or drop me a mail on missmillib@gmail.com

Bhabhayini

DENT DE MAN

I mean what can one really say here? Two white guys based in the UK have taken African prints to anoooother level. These are some sick suits and that model is doing every bit of justice to them. 

Check out their website here and start measuring your man, girl! 

MY AFRICA IS #goodnewsaboutus

My Africa Is is a documentary website and YouTube channel that does one simple thing: it tells positive stories about our continent by doing weekly features of Africans doing good things in and for Africa. My predilection for this kind of content somehow landed in the hands of the people behind My Africa Is (no doubt it was blown by the winds of change currently sweeping through Africa) who are young Africans based in the US and Naija.  The first season's episodes are 3 five minute videos that feature young Lagosians doing cool things in their city.  The next season will be of other young Africans in other African countries.  Check out the trailer below, for more videos check out their webste:

I look forward to sharing this kind of content with the world. I'm sure Kathleen and Nosarieme, the young women behind this initiative will welcome receiving ideas and information about what young people all over the continent are doing.  Follow them on Twitter @MyAfricaIs or send them an email nosarieme@myafricais.com or kathleen@myafricais.com and check out Kathleen's bomb diggidy blog

This was my favourite video so far:

It's about a young woman who has taken on the epic task of litter in Lagos by starting a recycling initiative that is creative jobs and cleaning up the city! 

In the famous words of Boom Shaka ''It's about time'' and The Soul City opening credits song ''Let's Support each other''. Amanda

SHE MAKES BAGS

I love discovering and sharing cool local finds. I'm just gonna go ahead and call her my friend because I adore her and even though we've only met a few times, I can tell she won't mind if I call her something more than an internet friend. Fellow blogger, Tiisetso Molobi aka Urban Mosadi, the raddest mama to Baby Mosadi and the person who should win any prize awarding best hairstyles ever (just check out her blog for very cute selfies), also makes some lekker accessories. 

I discovered them last year when my friend in KOREA had one shipped to Korea after discovering them on Urban Mosadi's blog.  She started off with Kente Camera Straps and then moved on to bags and scarves made from Kente and other natural woven African fabrics. If I was a back pack kinda girl, I would be all over these. But if you are, drop her a mail if you would like to order one mosadi@urbanmosadi.com or urbanmosadi@gmail.com

WILLIAM OKPO FW13

Earlier this week, I posted about Lizzy and Darlene Okpo, the Nigerian American sisters behind the New York based label William Okpo that is currently enjoying some cool kid endorsement in the US and beyond.  My friend Enyinne went to their Fall Winter 13 collection exhibit in New York recently and took these pictures.  The label is stocked at Opening Ceremony stores in New York and LA.  For this collection, it seems they were inspired by Southern Africa having used springbok skin in their clothing as well as their collaboration with Namibia's Brother Vellies shoes which seem to be doing exceptionally well in the international market. Amandla!

AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF HEAT

God Bless you Melodie Monrose

SNM CHIC

Model Sarah Chavez en route to Rick Owens in Sydney via Street Peeper

TO NIGERIA WITH LOVE

Ladies and Gentlemen, this weekend I reluctantly finished reading Americanah, Chimamanda Adichie's 4th and probably most important novel yet.  I've been reading it since the beginning of May, savouring each word, each page and each chapter until it all came to an end on Sunday.  I've read all of her books and I find this one her most important work to date as it tells a story that black people and especially women all over the world, especially those who have grown up in a former colony and of course those who are expatriates in countries like America, England and Canada will definitely relate to. 

It transcends cartographical boundaries and tells the story of us brilliantly and boldly. And by us I mean women who have had to consider their politics when choosing their hair styles and I guess the rest who don't realise that their hair style probably says a lot about their relationship with their race and gender.  It's obviously not that simple and it's a multi dimensional premise but this is the first novel that articulates the relationship between the black race and our notions of beauty, true love, prejudice and of course an important story about Nigeria.  

That said, this is not exclusive of other nationalities, races and genders. I say it's important because this kind of story is rarely told but also because it is an exceptional examination of the way things are for people who identify as black and female in the developed world in relation to other races and it's sometimes shocking, sometimes really funny, sometimes peculiar but all of it true.  I think it offers more of an understanding of our story rather than alienate other races.  I learned a lot about how similar our stories are and I'm sure anyone who pics up this wonderful novel, will feel the deep satisfaction of having been taught something.  I have dedicated today's post to Nigeria and Nigerians. Have a good Tuesday. xxxx

HOW TO BE A STRONG NIGERIAN MAN

My friend Enyinne from Heritage 1960 is visiting Joburg and we spent Sunday night watching ridiculous videos on YouTube. She's American Nigerian and introduced me to What's Up Africa, a satirical news YouTube Channel that belongs to the hilarious Ikenna Azuike who I think is based in the The Netherlands.  This particular video is a collaboration with Mollie Balogun aka Naija Runs Girl and it's called My Fair Naijaboy: a step by step guide on how to be Sthrong Naijarian Man! Enjoy!!!

SNK PK

William Okpo FW13 Backstage.  Will post more this week! 

THE OKPO SISTERS

I die. My current obsession with Nigeria (just finished reading THE AMAZING AMERICANAH by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) led me on a little quest to find some more amazing Nigerians doing beeg tings in the world!  When I finally learned the names of these two girls, who I've seen on many a tumblr, that they were Nigerian was a cherry on top. If you've never seen them, meet sisters and fashion designers Lizzy (the short one) and Darlene (the long one) Okpo.  They are the names behind the cult label William Okpo, named after their father, which is worn by all of New York's coolest including the inimitable Solange Knowles.  I'll do a separate post on their RIDICULOUS clothes later this week. They used to work at Opening Ceremony.  So you can imagine! How are those braids? I need to go to New York. 

Images from Refiney 29 and Style Like U

Who'se that girl?

I have such a style crush on Ni'Ma Ford, a stylist based in New York and probably the world's most envied street style subject.  She's the blue headed girl on the cover of The Sartorialist's book Closer.  

Every time I see her, I'm always inspired to go on with my bad self! I love her use of colour.  Check out her website and her interview on Refinery 29. 

MACKLEMORE CAN DEFINITELY GET IT

I love this song. It is bloody awesome and so is he. Where have I been? 

Quick stats:

Name: Ben Haggerty aka Macklemore

Occupation: Rapper 

Country: US

Best known for: This song ''Thrift Shop'' which has over 340 million views on YouTube. 

I totally get why! 

HOW COOL?

This is really awesome.  The Council of American Fashion Designers made a bunch of hot tamale models dressed by the nominees for Menswear Designer of the Year Award, sing (Imizwilili Style) Daft Punk's ''Get Lucky''.  My feelings for this are somewhere between warm and dripping hot.

NOBODY IS YOUR FRIEND

''I SHOULD BE A FUCKING DIAMOND AFTER ALL THIS PRESSURE''

Hello internet friends! These are the great words of Doreen Southwood. I'm not going to complain about anything but gaad dayam things have been rough on the work front hence the sparse postage/attention on my first born. Too many things to do and I have to prioratise and I'm really bad at that.  It's the kind of week where you come home, plonk your stuff on the couch and go straight for the sauvignon blanc or reach for the kleenix or both! I feel like writing one of those long DMC kinda pieces that I always get a cathartic release from but every time I click send after one of those, Neggy, that little (bitch) negative voice that occupies some space in all our minds, is stopping me from complaining because here I am breathing, able to walk, talk and go to work and call people family and friends.  Sorry to those of you who keep coming to check for new content but I am being stretched in new ways and finding it a bit hard to handle at the moment.  Thank God for my yoga class, a 90 minute chance once a week to just sit and get some perspective that actually, at the end of the day, it's just feshin, and that like any other event in life, this high pressure busy business is just that, feshin. I wish there was something more meaningful or cool to post but there isn't and I'm not one of those people who won't embrace their emotional state when it is all you can be. Imagine Riri didn't know how to float in this picture. I basically feel that way for now but all will be orite! 

WEEKEND (VERY) SPECIAL

The way these guys from Gaschette Mag are on FAYA these days.  This is another shoot I lifted from their blog, it's the only thing I've seen in the last couple of days that's caused some tremors in my life.  Forget what they said about Africa. Go Eternal Sunshine on that shit! Well done Steve Marais and Melissa Maxted-Henderson

no words

I tried to think of a title for this post. Ain't nobady got English for that...saw this on Saada Ahmed's blog. Good things must be shared people. 

SHE-WOLF IN HIS CLOTHING

These images speak for themselves. Although I do not agree with (nor understand fully obviously) what some of the ideas behind the style of dress, I have always liked the way Orthodox Jewish people, especially the man, adorn themselves.  I quite enjoyed the potentially controversial gender play with the clothing in this shoot.  This is the work of Johannesburg based online magazine, Gaschette, styled by Jessica Rayne and photographed by Steve Marais.  This striking number of a model is 16 years old and her name is Andrea Kruger