USA's House of Harlow 1960 enters Africa through exclusive partnership with Imagination Unlimited Group

Yarisha Rajcomar-Panday

The visionary behind the partnership, president and founder of the group, Yarisha Rajcomar-Panday, a pioneer in fashion and an entrepreneur to be reckoned with is thecatalyst in bringing this venture to the fore. Due to her experience in the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment fraternities, she has managed to land a major coup that will benefit the fashion savvy consumers that are wanting a piece of US, celebrity - inspired bohemian inspiration as part of their look.

This leading entrepreneur, has over the years developed a keen sense in fashion, having initially started her business endeavours within the entertainment industry. Her business prowess soon materialised in her embracing the world of fashion after having produced several successful fashion events and showcases.

As part of her business portfolio with Imagination Unlimited Group, a creative, lifestyle, media and brand management company, she has produced SA Bridal Fashion Week™ as well as the My Fairytale Wedding™ Lifestyle brand, whereby she showcased the work of International fashion houses and designers. Through her foray of developing fashion platforms, she has managed to highlight the work of international and national designers, including designers from across the African continent in industry events and via distribution agreements that have brought muchneeded attention and focus to these businesses from a sales, brand infringement and awareness perspective. On the cards, the company will produce SA Fashion Festival™ and Africa Bridal Fashion Week™, which will be the largest fashion week in the world.

“I have a desire to uplift and enhance fashion designers on a global scale, and grow their brands across the continent. Much time and energy has been focused on working with companies from areas such as the US, India and Europe and creating profitable revenue streams through projects with these businesses. I am very proud to have the trust of Nicole and her team in me to expand the House of Harlow 1960 jewellery range into Africa. This partnership will not only assist Nicole in increasing her global reach for the brand but will also give locals the opportunity to enjoy the product offerings and shop the latest looks in Africa,” says Rajcomar-Panday.

Nicole Richie (right)

Richie, a former reality TV star, famous for having appeared on the hit show, A Simple Life, along with Paris Hilton is no stranger to fashion. Known for having being one of the three mentors on the popular reality TV show, Fashion star, she has carved quite a following amongst fashion circles in the US and abroad. Nicole who has starred in her own television reality show, Candidly Nicole, broadcast on VH1, has transcended the world of TV and she has become a fashion designer of note. According to her, “I’ve always loved the possibility of being able to transform yourself through the way of dress. This has been categorised as everyday dressing which hasbecome the epitome of the House of Harlow 1960 symbol."

In the last quarter of 2008, House of Harlow Jewellery came into existence and brought with it numerous awards for Nicole. A few years ago Richie was selected as entrepreneur of the year and recipient of the Glamour Women of the year award. In 2010, House of Harlow 1960 was nominated in the celebrity fashion line in the Teen Choice Awards.

Nicole Richie has grown up in the spotlight being the daughter of singer Lionel Richie and has been engulfed with pop culture and fashion inspiration. It is with this lifestyle that a love and adulation for fashion had spawn. She has been a trendsetter and wanting to embody her own stamp on the fashion world, through a distinct but unique look.

The pieces from the House of Harlow jewellery collections will be available online and through retailers across various locations. Richie is enthusiastic about the prospect of reaching new markets and growing her brand in Africa, stated the following “I could not be more excited about the opportunity to debut the House of Harlow 1960 collection on a new continent. I have been working on my jewelry for almost a decade and draw inspiration from around the globe. It is incredible to think that women so far from home will be wearing my creations.”