We were saddened to hear that one of our favourite African fashion shops, Gisella Boutique, was looted in the London riots. A pioneering Peckham-based shop/atelier run mother-and-daughter design team Gisella and Janet Asante, they create stunning couture dresses which have worn by everyone from Shingai Shoniwa to Rhian Benson. On the night of August 8 it was ransacked; tens of thousands of pounds worth of new commissions, past collections, handmade jewellery and precious fabrics were stolen while the shop interior was also damaged. This tragic event is made even more poignant because Gisella Boutique had just celebrated its 20th anniversary in June. A fundraising appeal has been set up to help rebuild the shop and anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting the Asante’s or wearing one of their fabulous dresses will know how important it is that we help to make it happen. If you want to contribute or find out more please visit www.indiegogo.com/Rebuild-
