With their vintage inspired pieces (handmade with West African Ankara Fabrics), up and coming fashion line Boxing Kitten is our newest Designer Spotlight.
Celebrities like Solange Knowles, Fergie, Jack Davey, and Erykah Badu have been spotted wearing these dope pieces. I recently caught up with Maya A. Lake, the creator of this vibrant line, so she could speak a little more about her creations.
1. Background info. When was the company started? Why did you start it?
I had the idea for the line back in 2005, but I didn’t officially start the line as a company until 2006. I have always been very passionate about clothing, costume, and textiles. I wanted to start a line that was different from the other things that were being offered. I think that I have a unique perspective on women’s clothing and I felt a need to share it with other people. As an artist I just feel a need to share my work with others and I don’t want to do it in a typical way, I want to be my own boss and make my own rules. I think that’s the kind of woman that wears my line and the kind of woman that I strive to be everyday.
2. Can you elaborate a little about the message behind Boxing Kitten?
Boxing Kitten is really about having fun with what you wear. I like things to be unexpected and I have fun with small details like metallic threads and vintage buttons. The philosophy behind the silhouettes is based around fashion of the 50′s and 60′s. When you combine those silhouettes with the fabrics that I use there is a unique result achieved. I’m also drawn to answer the question, “what is authentic,” and how that relates to being an “American.” I think the message is different for every woman that wears a piece, for some women the cuts remind them of their mother, and for others the fabric may bring them to a moment in their childhood.3. Who/what inspires you and your creations?
I am heavily inspired by my Grandmother and mother, textiles, my clients, my friends, and the writings of Evelynn M. Hammonds and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. Powerful women from all walks of life inspire me. Inspiration is everywhere and always evolving. It’s very important to grow and I am constantly learning new things, and being inspired by all kinds of women in my life.
4. Where do you see yourself in the future?
I would love to add some mens pieces to the line. I think that menswear is very exciting right now, and I think that I could add something to it. I would love to continue my work with music artists, even maybe design things for stage for a tour.
For more info on BOXING KITTEN, Check out ‘BOXINGKITTEN.COM’
Hottt Stuff!!! KUDOS…
I love it! Angel where can we purchase???
@ 2. I posted a link to the official Boxing Kitten site at the bottom.
these are some dope pieces.. iim really feelin iit.. =)
dont know to feel about this cause i dont see it as originality as being african i have alot of those outfits in my closet already just different colors. its like someone making loads of money off of someone elses creativity.
Thanks Angel!
When I was looking at this, I was saying to myself, this is the same fabric my mom has! I love what she has done with the prints and such. classy. :] go Ghana!
@africanqueen… i see where you are coming from…
Luv it!!!!
i i like i like
I completely agree with African_queen there is nothing very new and cutting edge about this as an african I too dont see anything different from what you see people wearing in africa or in my very own closet and I was waiting for a mention of her inspiration coming from some part of africa but never saw it…I really dont know how to feel about this
Well it’s different to say the least. I love the wedges in the last pic!
This is not original. I am Nigerian and i have loads of these fabrics and outfits at home. All she did different was change the style a bit..There is no point buying a Boxing Kitten dress for $274.00. ( Dont worry i checked the website). When i can call my grandma in Nigeria to brings me dozens of those outfits. At a cheaper prize too..!!!
@ African Queen I completely agree, nothing original and over priced.
She didnt even mention anything about getting her ideas from the west africain culture…
oh myyyy!! this is what we’re rockin everyday down here in west africa ( im from ivory coast) can’t believe it…it’s a good thing though…
I love the look of this post. But Maya annoys me with every interview. She never mentions that she uses African fabric. I’m glad Angel mentioned Ankara in the post though.
Here is a blog post about Maya thinking she is so original:
http://sugabelly.blogspot...ake-is-fucking-idiot.html
The pieces are nice, but as someone else say. Why pay 200 for a fake when you can pay 50 for an original?
This is beautiful and very African. But she designs with the material and it’s about time it goes mainstream. Africa is beautiful!
umm its like selling sand to arabs! no originality there! SMH
wow those fashion designs are really nice, id love to rock some of her stuff!
As much as i aprreciate her deisgns i do not agree with her saying that her designs are unique cos quite frankly it aint…….Dere beta designs out dere! I’m Nigerian and dere av been designers showcasing dese fabrics from tym so theres nufin new with hers!!!!
Is this woman kidding me? like many others have said, there is really nothing original about her designs, african fabric makers and seamstresses have been making these for many many years. I also have many original pieces in my closet that look much better and more classier than whats being displayed. The fabric she uses is actually on the cheaper side of african fabric and costs about 60 dollars. And to make outfits such as what is displayed a seamstress would charge about 60 to 80 dollars. She is a theif who has stolen other hardworking african seamstresses ideas, is not original and should be ashamed.
i cant believe she didnt mention the african influence. wtf.
oh, and she does NOT deserve a designer spotlight. Sorry, but it’s about time she mentioned how she bit off of poor african seamstresses who sew these creations for as cheap as 10 dollars, and at least give them credit for inspiring her. I’m so angry i’m steaming right now…
I can see the argument that’s being made in the comments from those who are from different parts of Africa. It’s obvious the fabric she uses was inspired from African culture. She should’ve mentioned that in her interview.
On a side note: The shoes in the last pic are HOTTT!
you all are haters. the collection is cute. do you all get pissed when “mainstream” designers get “inspired” by ethnic cultures and put it throughout their line? no you all applaud it and scrape together what you can to purchase it! now b/c this sister is making money off of african inspired fabric she’s a fake..uh hello, nothing is really “new” anymore. it’s all about being free and fearless enough to put your ideas out there or put a spin on someone else’s and sell it…and apparently she is doing so. her website does mention she has been inspired by the black power movement and african american studies (which does include african history).
Im actually really pissed off at this fake ass designer.. Should not even be given the title designer.
I’m riding what everyone else said I’m American born and Nigerian raised…she didn’t even mention Africa…Mumu:( who does she think she fooling…talking about ya mother was she from Africa??? I’m just sayin…
As several other people have already said, she should be ashamed of herself for not even shouting out Africa for one of her influences. I am part Ghanian and I’m pretty sure the seamstress down the road from my grandfathers place could hook me up with even hotter designs for a much cheaper price. Don’t pay hundreds of dollars for this. She calls her designs unique? Please….This chick is a fraud.
Ok ok ok….. so she didn’t mention it in her interview. But on the website under her bio (very last sentence) she mentions they are African inspired
@ 29. As you said VERY LAST SENTENCE.
Wat kind of nonsence.
should of been the first thing she said…
i don’t really like it… i’d never wear it.
@ KK…her designs have nothing to do with the black power movement and/or african american studies. African seamstresses were making these long before there was such as thing as a black power movement. And she has stolen many of their designs and ideas as there is nothing original about what she has produced. Doesnt the fact that she never mentions the fabrics are straight from countries like Nigeria and Ghana make you wonder? oh I forgot, you’re not from an African country so you would never understand how poor men and women toil to first of all produce the fabric and get it printed, work they get paid pennies for. And then the seamstress who creates the designs and then has to make the outfit on her sewing maching for a measly 10 dollars. If you’ve witnessed and experienced what I have living in Ghana for 10, you would understand that no one who has anything negative to say about this so called designer is hating. She can do what ever she wants, all were saying is that she is not original and she should at least give Africa credit. Not the black power movement!
Oh, and it’s NOT african inspired fabric, it IS african fabric..
And to #26 i don’t think people are hating on her for makin her money and hustlin. I think they are more upset that she calls her work unique and original, when in reality it’s nothing of the sort. Seamstresses have been making these designs for several generations. That’s like an american making traditional Kimono dresses and saying that her creations have never been done before (when everybody knows the Japanese have been making those forever.) Those comments just sound disrespectful and paint her in the light of a thief.
@ sugarspice, I know thats right!!
@ Ghanaian Princess.. Tru stories ..!!
@ 11 KAY- i TOTALLY agree!
i’ve checked her website, sorry but i won’t pay 200 bucks for that…exuze me!!!!! ok it’s kinda pretty but everyday i can have all these stuff for less than 20 in here and with soooo much more style… i dont think she knows what she’s talkin’ about…i do!!!
@Ghanaian Princess- you make me proud to be Ghanaian! Tell em girl!!!!:-p
This is some ugly shit. It’s too colorful and ill fitting. I always HATED African designs/prints on clothes anyway. Never been my thing. This designer’s not going far with these styles and designs, but I admire her for trying.
standing ovation for the ghanaian princess!!!!
big ups 2 da ghanians. i have just like solanges and it costs me£20 when i went to ghana this includes the fabric and making the garment itself. its only original to ppl who have not been to any african country.
being a nigerian girl i love ankara .. i have a closet filled wth it . 1. why would you steal other ppls idea and then overprice it when a mere $30..u can get somethingnice nd beautiful from nigeria , ghana and other african countries. she needs to lower the prices .
Can we get some posts on J’Davey CL? Please? I love them. Her designs I have seen before because it is just african print, but biggups to her on her clothing line!
I SEE HOW THIS WOULD BE OFFENSIVE AND I WORK WITH AFRICANS AND BOYYYYYY WOULD THEY BE MAD AT THIS BUT HOWEVA ITS TACKY PUT TOGETHER I LIKE THE COLORS BUT MIXING DIFFERENT PATTERNS AND COLORS DOESNT MAKE IT STYLE OR DOPE….
these materials are called ankara..were im from..which is nigeria..Im not really a fan of it ..but i do have a few simple ones that i own..But its not original && plus i dont shes african to really reflect of the true meanings of the african fabric..the price is quite ridic doe..I Could buy at least 20 if not more of those fabrics and ask my family tailor in naija to give me many different designs for free..and will LOOK TEN TIMES BETTER ..then those in her portfolio..There really not expensive to buy at a piece..so i dont know where shes got the idea of selling them at $200..:|
but bes of luck to her..
her lack of research will probably bring her down..the next thing celebs will do is..but the fabric itself..&& find the best tailor or designer they know to make something very original..Thats the best thing..
but like i said.best of luck
@naijagal101.
Im Nigerian aswell. i think she should lower her prices because her outfits are nothing special infact the dressmakers in Nigeria & Ghana and other West Africa Countries can definatly come up with something more creative than the shit she produced. Fergie & Solanage and the rest need to hop on to a plane to Nigeria or Ghana to check out some dope Ankara..
oh wow this sum bs that this bit*h tryna pass this off as hers, girl please its been done for ages! and trying to sell it for $200 and over is outrageous!!
“Designer spotlight” my foot……. There is nothing ORIGINAL about it.
——–>I dunno. The clothing seems realling cheap lookin’. Not really my style
——->really
I remember when they had ghana & nigerian independence raves here in london. Most girls were wearing these types of clothes! Nonetheless, she’s designed some nice stuff.
Okay, would the people complaining have as much problem with this designer if she was african ? because I don’t think they would.
I see no problems with her makign african garments mainstream.
YUCK…..CHEAP LOOKING UGLY AFRICAN WEAR.
LOL.. The comments in this post are great.. the epitome of getting CALLED OUT!
I am Kenyan and there have been a few designers out there using Kanga fabric that is unique to Kenya and Tanzania and calling it unique. Please! We have been rocking it since forever. The other day I saw in some fashion magazine (I forget which one) where some website was selling Kenyan made bags (kikapu) and setting the price at $100 when she probably copped that ish at less than $10 in Nairobi.
Look, I admire her for getting a line out but I have seen interviews where she has said that this beautiful material is of lesser quality when made in West Africa. Really? And this coming from a person whom I bet does not have an entry stamp on her passport from a single West African country, in particular, Nigeria!
I am all about celebrating the beauty and vibrance of African cloth, colours and patterns.. but stop acting like you have (1) discovered something; (2) not giving proper props and (3) acting like the material made on the continent is sub-standard. It is not surprising, though, because this how ignorant people treat Africa!
Those prints are hot!
Me likey
@ Bushwick
The problem is not the designs per se. It is the fact that she is not acknowledging where it comes from and that in some interviews has said that those made in Africa are substandard (if I am misquoting her, someone please correct me). IF she was, let’s say, Nigerian, she would be giving props to the Ankara fabric and would not even have tell us where she got it from..
Maybe as Africans, we are just sensitive, but personally, I think I can speak for all Africans and say that we are tired of people profiting off the motherland yet do not acknowledge it properly
THIS IS FRAUD THIS IS STRAIGHT UP NIGERIAN ANKRA AND SHAME ON HER FOR LYING AND NOT ACKNOWLEDGING ITS HISTORY THESE ARE NOT MADE BY HERE THIS IS STRAIGHT UP NIGERIAN FASHON
SHAME
SHAME
SHAME
Way too ugly to cost so much…I’ll pass.