Ahem Ahem…

the latest bernos

Inspired by the music Grand Kalle et l’African Jazz, we are proud to bring you the bernos Afro Jazz, featuring African Jazz musician playing the Sax with African motif. Presenting bernos Afro Jazz concept in Silver American Apparel Shirt only $23.95.

As seen on K’naan’s : T.I.A video, this shirt is back by popular demand. Make sure that you get it before we sell out. Presenting the bernos Made in Africa II, now available in Navy Blue American Apparel Shirt only $22.95.

Bringing back our most controversial shirt and ironically, the people’s choice. A common thread amongst bernos lovers, bloggers & supporters is that most of us hail from Africa. Bernos believes and stands for Africa. This is a way for us to pay homage to Africa. The Bernos Afrocode is now available in Olive Green American Apparel Shirt only $22.95.

We also wanted to thank everyone who was part of making our fall collection come to life:

- Our models: Seward, Adiam, Janic, and Hayat. Thank you for coming out on that rainy Saturday and for your patience throughout the process.
- Make up artist Lori: We recommend her for any events you may have.
-Marvins: for letting us use your facilities and accommodating our needs.
-Nana Boutique: Thank you for loaning us your fabulous jackets and other accessories.

Now…let’s do some shopping!

Interview by Shirlene Alusa-Brown (jamati.com) Photography by Bernos | Posted Monday, April 6, 2009

Bernos stands for quality.  Bernos stands for cultural pride.  But what is Bernos? Bernos is becoming a cultural phenomenon in the Washington DC area.  Their shirts have been seen on K’naan, featured on several local news outlets, and are poised to make a difference in a big way in the region.  Their fans have been growing and their t-shirts can be spotted on any given day in the DC area.  What made them such a phenomenon?  Jamati.com caught up with them to find out.

Jamati: Bernos has come a long way from its humble beginnings.  How did you all, as founding members come up with the idea to make t-shirts?

That’s a good question. The idea behind making Bernos t-shirts is simply organic. We were all looking for a way to express ourselves creatively and felt it would be a great avenue to do something that came naturally. Being lovers of t-shirts, and it being the main source of our fashion statement, we wanted to design t-shirts that expressed our historical and cultural landmark. Each one of us plays a respective role in the daily operations of the organization. Together we each bring our individual skills in the areas of business, fashion, graphic design, and photography. With all our talents combined it was inevitable that our brain child Bernos was born.

To read the rest of the interview, please visit www.jamati.com

Cyber Monday is the ceremonial kick-off to the online holiday shopping season occurring between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

As is the tradition here at bernos, we are doing the same great deal we have done for the past two Christmas.

Free Shipping on all bernos T-shirts between Dec 1st and Dec 18th. December 18th will be the last day we can guarantee that an order received will reach our U.S. and Canada customers before Christmas.

As usual, we thank you for shopping with us and please continue to Tell A Friend about bernos…

Happy Shopping!

This past week I moved to my new apartment as I’m still organizing everything. Including the kitchen…I still have to buy stuff for my empty refrigerator.

So yesterday I decided to grab dinner by myself as I got Rigatoni pasta dish at a local restaurant. The bill including tip was 20$; which is the price of a good dinner.

This week also memorializes, pun intended, bernos 2nd year anniversary since we opened our business. With that I thought we should give a celebratory discount, down to the price of a good dinner, including shipping of course.

This week and only this week, we offer free shipping; on all bernos orders, including to all our customers overseas.

You get your bernos tee at your doorsteps for the price of a good dinner. If you haven’t gotten a bernos tee yet, this is your chance. It takes less than one minute to place your order online.

The bernos tees seen below are currently available ranging in price at about 20$.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Each of our previous designs has been based on a story about the places in Africa, the people, culture we imagine, or just about the things about Africa that makes our heart beat faster.

Well, it’s beating faster and our two latest concepts which will be available next week are inspired by our love to Africa just for simple but strong reason: we were “Made In Africa”…Its home and we can finally wear our heart on our sleeve!

The Experience

In addition, we have been getting many emails from people that missed our Open House, asking when our next gathering will be. Well, it’s that time…time for another event, but this time around we are going to have a booth during the African Dance Explosion event coming this Saturday April 19th in DC.So bring your passport — Bernos invites you to a unique destination filled with African dance competition and an exclusive opportunity to be the first to see, feel, try, wear, and most importantly buy our latest designs.

Our version of “I heart Africa” and “Made in Africa,” which will be launched live at the event. The new bernos tees will also be available online next Thursday, for our friends who are not in town.

The African Dance Explosion is at 6pm this Saturday at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth St, NW Washington, DC.

Come hang out with the bernos crew! And put a face to our names.

Want to Experience Something New and eventful? If your answer is YES, then mark your calendars for the 2008 AFRICAN DANCE EXPLOSION!!!

ForceAfrik and GenerationNaija are hosting an African dance competition on April 19^th at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium. This event will be without a doubt one of the BEST African cultural shows ever hosted atHoward University. You’ve heard of Step, Hip Hop, and Reggae dance shows but have you ever heard of an African dance competition in the nation’s capital? The show’s format is very simple: African dance teams from all over North America will be battling to be crowned America’s best African dance crew.

The teams will face off in 3 dance categories, Traditional, Contemporary, and Freestyle during which they will show their best choreographed African dances moves to an accredited panel of judges and audiences. The African dance explosion was designed for an audience that no longer believes that one must travel to Africa to experience some of its cultural beauty. This show will give you a taste of Africa that will leave asking for more discoveries on the African culture.

This show is also a highlight of the African Awareness Month (April) that has been declared by DC Mayor Fenty’s Office on African Affairs (OAA). This showcase strengths the outreach program led by the OAA in casting a new light on African culture while providing entertainment opportunities.To be a part of this UNIQUE experience, go to ticketmaster (keywords: Cramton Auditorium or African Dance Explosion) and purchase your passport to Africa. Event: The African Dance Explosion Where: 2455 Sixth St, NW Washington DC 20059 Time: Doors open at 6pm Performing Artists: African Remix Karine Zekam on behalf of ForceAfrik

It was great to see everyone who made it to the bernos first Open House.

As we the bernos crew would like to say A BIG THANK YOU to all the people who braved against the weather forecast in order to attend our first OPEN HOUSE. We were happy to see how many people showed up as the event was very successful and it seemed like everyone who showed up had a great time.

A special thanks to Momo’s Bar for the fantastic service and accommodation they provided us before and during the evening. To our photographer Sebastian Bruce for donating his service and time, Lily (our beautiful Model) for looking good with the bernos d’afrique tshirt, Brian (our male model) and to all the bernos models and friends for the support and help for making this night wonderfully successful.

Also a Huge Thank-You to, Beshou, Yodit (Talk of DC), Ephrem (Blen GraFix), Hiwot (EthioMeetup), Malik (dcabesha) as we couldn’t have done it without all your support. Thank you!!

Well it’s an explosive time at New Year’s Eve, and we hope everyone is getting ready to come and celebrate the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 with the bernos crew who will be at the wildest NYE Celebration in DC @ Union Station.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Much Love

Yes, I am of Africa.

Why the français? You might ask; I belong there in every conceivable language. What a contrast! geographically, physically, mother to us all.

Made up of her brown soil, she is a continent with a gracious and epic past, that will continue to hold her allure over us.

Sure, she’s had her ups and downs but the mêlée continues with the hopes the turmoil will one day subside.

The latest bernos tee, d’afrique represents our portrait of life in Africa layered with all the rich detail of our struggle, celebration of our roots, and our hope for unity.

In the works since October, the ‘d’afrique‘ concept is sketched in white over brown using Helvetica to indicate our optimism for the future of Africa.

My culture is in my attitude as I love everything in me and until I can visit you again, I will wear you on my chest on brown American Apparel tee.

Time flies when you are busy! Scientists have proved it!

The clock is ticking, 2007 is almost over and we are approaching 2008; Year 2 of bernos is coming to an end. It’s been a great learning experience – with lots of hard work yet so much fun.

For the past 6 month or so we’ve received a lot of emails and phone calls with questions:

How can I buy your t-shirts beside online? Do any stores carry your product? Are any stores going to carry your t-shirts etc…and our response has always been – our t-shirts are only sold online at least for now! But that’s another topic for another day.

Are you ready?

We are in a holiday spirit, so are you ready for a close-up? Are you ready for an exclusive firsthand experience of the behind the scene Bernos live photo shoot? Are you ready for a meeting of the minds and all the Bernos models?

Bernos is having its first Open House!

Come closer! We INVITE YOU to an exclusive free SOIREE of festivities, a showcase of our freshest design “Africa – our inspiration” and our past designs.

Be there; Saturday December 15 at 6 p.m. at Momo’s Bar & Lounge. 1334 U street NW, Washington DC (14th and U Street, next to Barnun and Tabaq)

But wait, they celebrate the Holidays in Africa as well and we have friends everywhere! So start your new Holiday season with style – Holiday Sale until December 17th and all bernos tees are only $18.00, with flat rate shipping internationally. $18.00 and a few clicks to get your pre-packaged holiday presents at your door-steps ready to be gifted.

Top-Ten reason why I love Tees!

An idea for a garment all of a sudden becomes something I am pulling over my head!

A T-shirt is a comfortable, laid-back, yet fashionable, always in style piece of clothing that has long been an important part of free expression. More than any other item of wear, t-shirts signifies a person’s distinctiveness, the graphic or word on the item of clothing insinuate a person’s inner life. The image on our chest projects an image that has the ability to convey ones thoughts, mood, and ideas.

We dress to say something about ourselves”

Most people love wearing t-shirts solely because it’s a form of free speech. Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve, you can wear your opinion, spiritual, sense of humor, controversial message, cultural icon, etc. decorated on your chest. Some of the image or word might raise a few eyebrows, spark a heated discussion, connect people, or give a good laugh.

The african image on the right is one of my latest buy as I’m always on the look out for great t-shirts!

Having said that, here are my 10 reasons why I love tees!

1. A t-shirt is more than just a t-shirt…it’s an expression of who you are.

2. You can dress your t-shirt up or down depending on the occasion — tees are always in style.

3. We all wear t-shirt at some point within the week. Some people wear it to workout, others while strolling around, and for some it’s just the best nightshirt/pajamas.

4. No mater what the occasion is, there is one safe product that is sure to please as a gift – a t-shirt.

5. T-shirts are ageless; young and old just as likely to enjoy tees fashion.

6. We all have that one t-shirt(s) that is so old, virtually see-through, with 30 small holes that every time your wife/girlfriend spots it she’s trying to get read of it rather than understanding the memories/good luck attached to it.

7. T-shirt comes in all shapes and sizes and you can be assured to find one that fit your size and style.

8. Great value for the money as they are affordable.

9. A t-shirt is timeless, with a contemporary edge, representing culture, personality, and uniqueness.

10. It’s made to be worn designed by true artisans

Christmas being just around the corner, we thought it was time for us to design two new T-shirts, as we already have the concepts in the works…more to come soon!

Hey,have you ever bought a tee from us? If not, what better place than here, what bettet time than NOW. We are temporarily offering FREE Shipping & Packaging.

Ordering a bernos tee has never been easier, as always you can get it online, fast, friendly and secure. You can purchase one of our tees in less than two minutes and receive it on your door steps in a few days.

Now Available in all sizes

We now have Project Roots, Awaze Hot, Addis Ababa Classic II, Afrocode in all size.
And the best part is there are no extra hidden taxes or shipping charges.

You’ve always wanted one; here is your chance to get it. We Ship World Wide!

I remember after the cruel never ending month after month of cold winter and short hours of sunlight, I like the rest of the Swedish population used to be determined to experience every minute of the warm weather. As you may not know the sun hardly sets during the summers in Sweden and it is one of the best and wicked experience especially when leaving the club 3 in the morning and see the crystal blue sunny sky. You almost get this guilty feeling for going to sleep when it’s that sunny outside.

But my much loved times growing up in Sweden and still is involves around “Fika“, it is a word used to describe having coffee. The coffee shops are one of the best known symbols of Swedish lifestyle. It is more than a place to drink; it is a meeting place with friends, acquaintances that maybe one day will become friend.

The casual “låt oss Fika” is a very Swedish tradition, it is an entire cultural institution and like everybody I am happy to have my “fika” at any given time of the day. Did I mention that Sweden is considered one of the top coffee consumers in the world per capita and it’s so popular that many workplaces actually have institutionalized these Fika breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Even McDonalds has “Mc Café”

I’m always in search for a great coffee shop that isn’t Starbucks!”

Some day’s I would go around from one spot to another coffee shop relaxing, having a good and interesting conversation with real friends, new friends, old friends, or strangers. I like the coffee shops that have their own special charm, their own themes, serving something special just for that place.

The place is lively, people are coming and going, and people are drumming on their laptops, you fell anonymous but yet your presence is acknowledged. But I also like the simply warm and cozy shops, where couples are exploring the romantic possibilities; it’s a place where I can take a break from my daily stress and relax, or read my book in peace. There used to be times when we used to have fika before we start work, fika after lunch, and fika after work…you just have to love it.

With all that Fika talk…let me tell you a few things that bring the non habesha Swedish in me!

1. I just get pleasure from “Fika“, and it’s a celebration that is destined to last for a few hours and it is not the same as driving through a Starbucks.
2. If I’m nowhere to be seen around 3 p.m. at work…I’m most likely having a “Fika” – my boss already knows where to find me.
3. After work…if you can’t get hold of me that means I’m in one of the many coffee shops in DC – good luck finding me:-)
4. I get excited like a kid when entering an IKEA store outside Sweden – by the way I will go all the way to IKEA just so I can have me some Swedish meatballs with potatoes, lingoberries, and cream sauce.
5. I take my shoes off when entering a house – What can I say, it’s considered to be disrespectful if you don’t
6. I talk big talk about the free health care and free school system with anyone I have political conversation with
7. I get chocked and surprised when I see a teenage mom, because I don’t know anyone who had a child before 25, and I still think that is young.
8. I feel bad if I’m not outside on a beautiful day – long winters would do that to you
9. Every time my friends complains that’s it’s cold outside, I answer…”there is no bad weather, just bad clothes“

Since it’s always a good time for fika…care to join me?

September 12 will be a celebration of a new year and most importantly it will be the celebration of a new Millennium. The countdown for the celebration of the Ethiopian Millennium started a long time ago and we are closing fast on it.

So we thought we should retire the Ethio-Milli tee before the Millennium. We have a couple of dozens and less than a handful in some sizes left before we sell out!

If you haven’t ordered your Ethiopian Millennium t-shirt thus far, order now or face the next century without one…Beside it will have a breathtaking addition to your pre Y2K wardrobe. Yes, if nothing else you own one. You know the one that sold 100 in five days!

Bernos Ethiopian Millennium t-shirts are already priced to move into the new Millennium and those that don’t own it can get it for only 14.95$ right now. Few left for the few, so don’t delay; currently we have limited sizes in XS, S, XL, and XXL.

Get it while it lasts!

It amazes me how we almost never ever see each other…yet you touch my life on a regular basis, both positively and negatively. Even when you touch my life negatively… I always believe there is a positive outcome, as we always strive to overcome our issues together.

I can feel the ancient drums beating my soul, I am you and you are me, you make me love everything in me. I know you are full of talent, a talent which has not developed to its fullest capabilities. I wait for the day you rise once again!

You are…

Pure brown earth, you are the origin of my being. You are my mother, you are my uniqueness, you are my root, you are my beliefs, you are my principles, you are my culture…dark you are and yet lovely…you are my Africa!

They call me black, they called me baria; I am African!

They ask me where to stand. They ask me to ‘code-in‘ myself. I am but ‘a tick mark’ for them, as if a checkbox could describe my whole being!

You are my tag, you are my sign, you are my convention, my cipher, my private language, my secret code. Africa, you are my DNA!

That was what we wanted to delve into when we started out on paper for our third concept of the current release of Bernos T-shirts. The spirit of being African can not be described by neither a couple of sentences nor by a painting but we wanted to say ‘Africa is my brand.’

A mesh of a 21^st century sticky tag and our soul ‘stomped’ upon us. We hereby proclaim this concept Afrocode.

We’ve coded it, sealed it and delivery of the Bernos Afrocode on Army American Apparel Tee is scheduled.

By Wednesday, you can expect the 2^nd reiteration of Addis Ababa Classic on AA’s Ringer Tshirt, as well as the Bernos’ Awaze Hot concept to be ready for sale.

Our Year in Business

This past weekend we celebrated our one year anniversary. We can’t believe it’s already been a year since bernos came to life. In honor of this benchmark we wanted to share some of bernos milestones.

A year ago, we never would have thought we could write anything interesting enough that would draw an audience beyond our friends and family. We started the blog and soon found a voice and a passion that we hardly knew existed. Bernos would by no means have gotten to where it is without the bloggers who have welcomed us, challenged us, inspired us, and continue to give us the courage to try new things.

To top it, we’ve made wonderful friends through the simple act of writing down what we think…that’s Amazing to us!

So looking back we found these blogs we wanted to highlight…here is a rundown of our year in blog.

Total posts: 222
Total comments: 5,249
Total Spam Comments filtered: 50,209 & counting

1. Most Controversial Post: Ye Nazareth Fabirca Setoch! & ethiofused!
2. Funniest Post: Time you Update!
3. Most Dramatic: Love at 1st Sight… the series
4. Most Inspirational Post: They Say? & Mind is Capable
5. Most commented Post: Bernos Photo Shoot II
6. Most Noteworthy: Zemed Alegn Amerika
7. Thought Provoking: ‘reverends’ amongst us
8. Best Current Issue: the DC Injera Cartel
9. Best Dating Post: How to ask Ethiopian girls out?
10. Most Bernos Post: Bernos vs America

An honorable mention goes to Ethio Jazz for all the great music- Oldie But Goodies has brought us some great memories from back when…
We want to sincerely thank the many authors who have submitted articles, thank you to everyone who has influenced us over the past year, thank you to all for reading the blog and inspiring us to continue writing.

The bernos barty

As you know this past weekend we also had barty to celebrate our birthday! We started the party on Friday and had a blow out of SATURDAY and some continued the party till Sunday!!!

I was amazed by the turnout. bernoswoch from all over showed up. I was also delighted to Ethio Jazz, Oreo, Wudnesh, Zeraf, In2ution, and Alibaba to mention a few. We were finally able to put a face to a name. Those of who were there know the music rocked!!!

We bartied and bartied…and of course we have some pictures to prove it. Again, thank you everyone for your support and here is to another great bernos year!!! So with no further or due…the bernos anniversary pictures.

Our First Year Anniversary Party!

Its time people, we celebrate our one year anniversary since our first sale online

It’s hard to believe that bernos online store have been open for one year, but at the same time it has gone by way to fast! As an online store we have accomplished an incredible amount in just 12 months. So let’s take a moment to recognize our achievement, reflect on what we have learned, and consider what we might do in the year ahead. Even better, we can take a few moments to get together and celebrate

Since we wanted to do it right we asked the professionals…more specifically our good friends Tefery and Marcos dcabesha.com to host and promote our one year annversary for us…They agreed

So come join us to celebrate year 1 with us on Memorial Day weekend.

SATURDAY MAY 26, 2007
HERITAGE LOUNGE
1337 CONNECTICUT AVE, NW
WASHINGTON, DC

First 25 guest wearing bernos T-shirts will get to come in for free

Hope to see you there

About dcabesha

Few people have added as much to the DC abesha nightlife as Tefery and Marcos…As the seasons change, some things will remain the same–they will STILL give you the hottest abesha party in DC. Most surprisingly, Tefery & Marcos often offers their support to other promoters–a rarity in this each man for himself city.

A huge thank you from all of us @ bernos to Tefery and Marcos for your help and support.

You can join them again as the Memorial Day weekend celebration continues on

Club Pasha
2147 P. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

Hey Folks, this is your last chance to purchase the Bernos Addis Ababa Classic T-shirt at an amazing price!

We have a few left, before clearing out our remaining inventory of the Addis Ababa Classic T-shirts.

And the only size available is Large, the rest are gone and these will be too. So now is your opportunity to own that Addis Ababa Classic T-shirt you've always wanted…admit it, it's not a shame!

As some of you have heard, we have Bernos Ethiopian Millenium in the works, and we need to make room for them…so what do we do @ Bernos? We  price them even lower. 

Furthermore there are three major concerns Bernos customers email us about. The first is security; well not to worry we use Paypal, most trusted payment gateway and used by millions on Ebay.  We only receive your order and shipping address.

Second is about quality of the T-shirt. We use the best Tshirts in the world. American Apparel's, made in downtown Los Angeles in a sweat free shop.

Third is Shipping; bernos uses Ups ground for most of its shipments. It only costs you $3.99 to get your T-shirt in less than 5-7 business days. 

Over 200 satisfied customers and counting! 

Also available for free is our most requested "Addis Ababa Classic" design for your desktop. Click on the link to view the wallpaper for download.

Download

 800×600

One of the biggest drawbacks on online marketing is social networking sites. Meaning that site like Myspace and Facebook are dominating the webspace.

Dominating is an understatement; these sites are webspaces of their own. They control almost half the web and half of the people we want to attempt to reach. Some of the user have even stopped using email and started using messaging services within these sites. Think of Myspace and Facebook as a separate internet with its own community.

To top that off, the Ethiopian community that you find on Myspace and Facebook is extremely large and this community can not be reached outside of these sites.

As a consequence this was one of Bernos biggest weakness since we didn't understand that marketing on Myspace and Facebook had all this great potential. It is great potential because of the total number of users it represents, as well its unique community and social networking features that's available.

Many of Myspace and Facebook users are extremely devoted to keeping their profile recent and making as many relations with other people in a variety of different ways. As a result we are using our weakness as an asset by having a Myspace and Facebook account and we are reaching to people we never thought were possible to grasp.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Yehedego, director of 13 months of Sunshine Wearing Bikila Tees 

Maki of Bole2Harlem wearing Addis Ababa Classic while performing!

Artist Gabriel Teowdros of Abyssinian Creole

Interesting picture tagged from one of our favorite customers.

Support the above artists, like you do for us! Thanks