A way into Style, showcasing both African and International designers. A way to Prosper, highlighting individuals and organisations who have shown exceptional vision and belief in Africa. A way into our Culture, discovering the vast cultural wealth Africa has to offer. A way to Indulge, Treasure and Refine. With original interviews, artwork and photography showing emerging excellence to an international readership and, most importantly, Africa`s discerning set.
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CONTENTS
Issue
10 12 16
1 | 4th Quarter 2012
54 Christie Brown STRIVING TO DELIVER SOLUTIONS
Courteville Business Solutions solves a very Nigerian problem.
The Ghanaian designer with the pan-african dream.
Racing To Build An Industry
A peek into the life of model Leomie Anderson.
60
007 Iconic Style
Celebrating 50 years of elegance and charm with A:L African Bond.
Meeting the men behind the Nigerian Racing Eagles team.
African heart 70 An reaching for the stars
something 22 Producing special
76 Rotimi Babatunde
Fashion and Media in the words of Tanya Samuel & Caroline Chinakwe.
30
The art and science of Kofi’s Fashion
A journey into the style of Ghanaian designer Kofi Ansah.
Fashion Weeks 36 Special
New York, London, Paris & Milan for the season Spring/Summer 2013.
44
CITY TO BEACH ALLER - RETOUR
Angolan artist Daniela Ribeiro shows her inspirations.
A:L meets the winner of the Caine Prize 2012.
78 80
Can’t wait for the week to start
Legendary promoter Mr. Monday gives us his African essential listening.
Style picks for him.
fashion industry 46 The is a good fit A talk with “New African Fashion” author, Helen Jennings.
Who, Where and 50 The How of Sophistication Robert Emmett talks about his African successes.
Grown ups favourite field trip, the London Motor Museum.
EXP 9 112 Bentley A LUXURY CONCEPT
Noella Coursaris-Musunka, the model humanitarian.
88 YOUR 97 INDULGE TASTE BUDS
A Moroccan inspired recipe from A:L resident Chef.
98
NEW ERA PRINCESS 114 AFORBOLD
The first 40 metres yacht is a sublime expanse of interior and exterior living.
JEWELLERY SPECIAL Allure 118 A:LNatural
Modelled by our cover girl NoellaCoursaris-Musunka.
124 TIMELESS TIME PIECES
Elegance and action to suit your mood.
A:L EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY THE FACE OF PHILANTROPHY
Style picks for her.
IN-PAT COOL STYLE
106 Just Looking
A vision of the future with this new Sport Utility Vehicle.
to Earth 21 Down DiVA
Tunji Bada talks to Arit Eminue about film, TV and digital media.
A:L meets Luke Dale-Roberts, creator of the finest food in Cape Town.
that 56 Who’s girl?
Energizing Africa
EcoBank’s Rolake Akinkugbe shares her world of resources.
Hand 102 Cool Luke
Decanting Luvo
The surprising Luvo Ntezo, South Africa’s number one sommelier.
128
Get your mind and body around modern nutrition
Expertise nutrition by Kat Starr Johnson.
& 132 Rise Shine
Put your body through Francesca Giacomini’s workout.
the stars shining 135 Are over your finances?
A:L Astrologer K. Joya reads your future prosperity in your star sign.
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prosper
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NIGERIA RACING EAGLES Cecilia Zoppelletto
T
hey say London is such a cold city where nobody sees you, no matter what you may be wearing, what you may be doing, because everybody has much better things to do than caring for what you are up to. Possibly a generalisation but pretty true, until I experienced standing next to a little fast number decorated in Nigeria’s green and white
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LONDON
colours. People stopped, people looked. Many came to ask questions and a great number who did not cross the road would shout “a long way from Nigeria”, but they do not know just how long the trip has been for the first motor racing west African team. Just ask Ribi and he will tell you. 5|
prosper
ENERGIZING
AFRICA Rolake Akinkugbe shares her world of resources
Anna Marie Benedict
I
encountered Rolake Akinkugbe for the first time in a darkened auditorium while she was giving the keynote speech on Sustainable Energy Resources of Africa in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. I was riveted. Now, I admit, I am not as fascinated by sustainable energy resources as I probably should be, but this highly articulate, beautifully cadenced voice held me to my seat and made me listen to her. “I’ve only got an hour, I’m off to plan a friend’s wedding”, she said, as I cornered her on her way out. I made suitably sympathetic noises. Having recently helped plan my brother’s wedding, I knew what was in store and I wished her all the best, then made the most of my hour. Rolake is the Head of Research Energy for the Ecobank Group in the City of London, a job she enjoys thoroughly as it allows her the opportunity to travel Africa advising her bank and, more importantly, shareholders interested in |investing 6 in African energy.
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LONDON
Looking at the global market financial trends, it is clear that the West is becoming squeezed with the eurozone problems and sovereign debt. Latin America and Africa are now looking very attractive as areas for high growth and high returns. But, over and beyond African natural resources, there is a wealth of social resources, human capital resources, the wealth of people and the wealth of culture which makes doing business with Africa very exciting. All of this Rolake was very happy to share with me.
So what is new for African energy? “Well, natural gas is big in East Africa. Tanzania and Mozambique are one of the the two most prolific gas producers in Africa. Nigeria still has the largest reserves - 186 trillion cubic feet, but now these two east African countries have suddenly discovered huge gas reserves; and because of this, there is a huge amount of interest as you can imagine.
Companies are fighting bidding wars to win offshore licences and contracts, and in as much as these opportunities are going to make money and finance, natural gas has the ability to transforms Africa more than any other type of hydrocarbon energy source. Fertiliser plants and thermal power plants can be built, plastic manufacturing can be boosted through petrochemicals. It’s more wide-reaching than oil. If these governments think strategically, there are various ways they can positively transform their economy for gas production. But infrastructure is a real problem and I think that Mozambique and Tanzania need up to $50billion investment to develop their gas sector. There is a whole chain of transportation pipelines, gas plants that have to be built. The real challenge for an investor thinking of investing that that type of infrastructure is how to make good returns. African consumers do not feel that they should be paying so much for their gasoline or electricity if theirs is a rich oil or gas producer. So the investor may look to produce for export where returns will be higher unless the governments
can guarantee. It is a political sensitive issue so much so, that some of the ways governments will plug the investment gap is to look to China because they are more willing to invest in the long term and they will loan money relatively cheaply. China doesn’t have an immediate requirement to satisfy shareholders with large returns Those are some of the considerations and reasons why African countries are readily courting China for these ‘resource for infrastructure’ deals where hospital and schools will be built in return for energy.”
How do those governments, who do not have appropriate infrastructure and suddenly find out they are ‘energy rich’, broker the right deals for their own country with investors? “This boils down to governments and politics. Leadership without vision has been the bane of African development. The issues that may happen with Tanzania, for example, is that they rate they are discovering gas is outstripping the time it takes to build the institutions in order to absorb the wealth generated. You need a framework, you need advisors to balance your current economic needs against consumption.7 |
Sho Jewellery Intricately embellished with pave green Tsavorites. These earrings will make a striking addition to any outfit. Adding a touch of shimmer and shine to any trip. www.shojewellery.com
Beautiful Bottoms That is exactly what you would love to see in this beautiful Kaftans Shirt. Poppy and Lauren the duet behind the brand, definitely know how to make a woman feel good. www.beautifulbottoms.co.uk
Issa When the temperature drops, Issa’s chic navy blue wool and cashmere blend coat is a must. It will add fashion forward flair to that travelling apparel. www.issalondon.com
CITY TO BEACH ALLER RETOUR
Miu Miu These patent ballerina pumps are the perfect shoe for travel. Lamenated toe and bow with Jewels dotted with swarovski crystals for a dose of the label’s unmistakable glamour. These shoes are a must have for adding an edge to any everyday outfit. www.miumiu.com
Style Editor Judy Koloko
Anya Hindmarch The big bags are back and the Prancer is number 1 on the list. This bag is spacious and functional. Elegant as it is, this accessory will make a stylish cabin carry on. www.anyahindmarch.co.uk
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Gina Forget bunting, Gina’s sequined blue white and red peep toes, are definitely flying the flag for Great Britain. Whatever country you maybe in “God save the Queen” www.gina.com
Varley Be a goddess on the beach and let this gold number do the talking. If you have the body, don’t be shy and show it. www.varley.com
Smythson This baby blue Ipad case is a beautiful way to work colour into your travel accessories. Simply slip this piece under your arm when making that last minute dash at the airport. www.smythson.com
IN-PAT COOL STYLE
Dunhill Cufflinks can be as plain or as decorative as one can imagine.That’s why we love these quintessentially British Bulldog cufflinks. Adding a touch of character and individuality to any wrist. www.dunhill.com
Style Editor Judy Koloko Alexander McQueen This cutting edge British label definitely knows how to make a suit. This heritage inspired suit in its dark tone, emphasizes this wool pieces striking approach to masculine style. www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk
Mulberry Travel in style with Mulberry’s Clipper holdall. A timeless bag ideal for that weekend away or that last minute business trip. www.mulberry.com
Vivienne Westwood Practical in rain, practical in sun. Perfectly comfortable, perfectly made. The height of chic - don’t forget the brogue! www.viviennewestwood.co.uk
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style
CHRISTIE
BROWN The designer with the pan-african dream Anna Marie Benedict
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ACCRA
“
Christie Brown was my grandmother’s name”, Aisha Oluobi giggles. “She was a seamstress and she inspired my passion for fashion.”
Aisha giggles frequently and you have the overwhelming feeling that this young woman is very pleased with her life. And so she should be. Aisha exemplifies the new generation of modern African designers and entrepreneurs and most importantly, the modern African woman. She is the creator of Ghana based luxury women’s fashion label, Christie Brown. The brand’s motivation has always been to infuse modernism into a traditional African aesthetic. She is, in her own clothes, elegant, energetic and supremely confident. She encapsulates all her ideals. “I launched in 2008 in Accra. I actually studied psychology in University but I thought my heart was not always 100% in psychology. I’d always loved fashion so in my final year I jumped. I had no experience other than watching my grandmother and knew I had to learn draft patterns so I enrolled at a school and learnt all the technical parts of being a designer. While I was there, I was invited to show at Arise Fashion Week in South Africa 2009. All this before I even knew how to cut a garment properly!” Aisha is euphoric about her story. “So many designers I looked up to were there. I had to stop questioning the organiser’s judgement by asking me to participate. I had
to learn quickly, I had to capitalise on my success and good fortune. It was such a fabulous experience. And I won the prize for best emerging designer!” From an experience 3 years past, she still erupts into glee. It’s infectious and I find myself giggling along with her. “So then I came back to Ghana and questioned whether it was the right time for me to start my own label on a production scale. But I had to do this now and do it to the best of my ability. Since then Aisha and her Christie Brown label have not stopped. She opened her boutique in February 2012. “Up until the opening of the boutique store, I was purely bespoke, but I knew I always wanted to do ready to wear. It was a headache, but a necessary one. When I started the label I already knew I wanted to cater for the African market. As women, we don’t really wear our own traditional materials in the way they should be worn. Very on trend and very fashion forward.” So what next for Christie Brown? “I really want to get the whole of Africa on-board. I started researching other African materials and seeing how they look and feel and flow. I really want someone in Kenya to walk into a Christie Brown store and know who I am and buy my clothes. I want pan-Africa!” I have no doubt she will make it. She’s a woman whose dreams are already comin true. /
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007 ICONIC STYLE Celebrating 50 years of elegance and charm, A:L’ s African Bond is on a mission.
Photographed by Stefano Santoro.
Haniel Silk Satin Cat Suit with Hand Stitched detailing, £825, Zaeem Jamal. Bracelet, 13 | £450,Carlo Zini @ ELLA BOUTIQUE
THE FACE OF PHILANTROPHY NoËlla Coursaris-MUSUNKA | 14
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Judy Koloko
DRC
A
frica is being re-written by a new generation of leaders, those born in the continent, who were raised abroad, and who have returned to Africa to give back to communities in their homeland through social entrepreneurialism. Noëlla Coursaris– Musunka is among a slew of social entrepreneurs doing just that. Born to a Congolese mother and Cypriot father in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, she is the founder and CEO of the George Malaika Foundation (GMF). GMF is committed to solving the education crisis in the DRC and dedicated to raising the literacy rate for Congolese women. When she was five-years-old, her father died, and due to difficult circumstances she was sent to live with relatives in Belgium. For the next few years she lived between Belgium and Switzerland, where she was educated. Noëlla grew up wanting to be a doctor but her pathway changed course and Noella went on to achieve a degree in business management. It was not long after this that she decided to move to London. It was in London that she accomplished her dream and embarked on a career as an international model; sparking a career that has lasted to date. She has modelled for clients including Agent Provocateur, Vanity Fair and Arena Magazine. In an industry where black models are not always treated equally, Noëlla’s stunning feline features saw her face grace the pages of some of the most prestigious magazines in the world.
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special city
CASABLANCA PERFECT FOR THE 48 HOUR HOLIDAY
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Cecilia Zoppelletto
All of us know how it is. Find your seat, get papers, prepare Ipad and all reading materials sit back and start planning your trip. After a couple of polite smiles and gestures the passanger next to you asks : ‘Are you going for business?’ A nod will suffice to cut conversation and get you to focus on what ever work matter is urging for your complete attention. That was me on the flight to Casablanca. Two days later I was back on the Royal Air Maroc plane but London bound. I found my seat, got the paper, prepared my Ipad and sat back. I smiled at the lady sitting next to me who asked me ‘Are you returning home?’ Oh yes, and I have had a lovely break. ‘Guess what I saw…’ As I started telling my story, I noticed my neighbour had decided to reach for the newspaper. She slowly turned around, smiled and opened it. I had been blocked out as I have turned in one of those people who invite you over to their house to show you holiday pictures. To my defence, I was returning from Casablanca, the business city that surprises you with an instant holiday. Everyone knows it is the economic capital of Morocco, but it offers much more: 41 art galleries, two theatres, concert halls, a mega movie theatre, a festival of urban arts and the super glamorous fashion week. But for me, the artsy added value began with the hotel.
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MOROCCO
A view of Hassan II Mosque, looking through my window
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DECANTING
LUVO Charming, handsome and utterly surprising.
Anna Marie Benedict
S
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outh Africa’s number one sommelier, Luvo Ntezo’s story is a fairytale and with all good fairytales, the ‘once upon a time’ beginning is less than idyllic or privileged.
Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1983, Luvo grew up modestly in a small town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The middle child of two siblings, Luvo’s first introduction to the world of wine was as a pool porter at the Steenberg Hotel in Constantia.
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CAPE TOWN
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1949 Mercury 350 Chevy
JUST LOOKING Grown ups’ favourite field trip,
the LONDON MOTOR MUSEUM.
Photographed by Bernard Campbell.
Visiting the only custom car museum in Europe opens up a world of possibilities and temptations. A well known destination for many footballers who need more imaginative customizing than that usually on offer; the museum is a working garage where a motor dream can become the ultimate reality. The fantastic collection of over 100 cars includes some cult show protagonists such as the orange Ford Torino from Starsky and Hutch, cars from the 50s to the 80s and the great classics, of which we are super fans. Sharing the passion with the founder London born Cameroonian Elo, who for many is the face of fashion campaigns of the 90s, we have found that there is nothing better than a little past revisited. 21 |
JEWELLERY SPECIAL FEATURE MODELLED BY NOﾃ記LA COURSARIS-MUSUNKA Photographed by Bernard Campbell
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ALCHEMY BRACELET, ANTIQUEd GOLD PLATE & CRYSTAL £481, ERICKSON BEAMON SPELLBOUND CUFF, ANTIQUEd GOLD PLATE & CRYSTAL £583, ERICKSON BEAMON OXIDISED SILVER PLATE NECKLACE WITH CRYSTAL £767, ERICKSON BEAMON FOR MARIA GRACHVOGEL RING, MODEL’S OWN
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refine
RISE & SHINE
Good Morning Africa!!! Far away from your busy city lifestyle, take advantage of what Africa offers you and wake up nice and early to revamp your body, clear your mind and purify your spirit with this Rise&Shine Routine. Beginning each day with some deep breathing exercises and gentle stretches is the best way to restore your energy. Take a step outside in the crisp morning air, take your mat with you and be ready to lubricating your joints, toned your arm, legs and core.
Mental focus is essential. Putting your mind into your body is what you need to be beautiful inside out. Make sure you full up your morning with a nutrition breakfast. Go seasonal and allow yourself to some tropical local delights adding some le an protein and health fat into your meal.
Rise & ShineCoffee or Green Tea? Both a
great choice, the important thing to remember is moderation. Are you ready? Let’s do it!
Stay tuned in!
Francesca Giacomini* * Francesca Giacomini is a Pilates Specialist, Fitness Model and Writer. Originally from Rome Italy, she now lives in London where she dedicate her working life to her devoted clients and enjoy a clean lifestyle spicing it all up with a big smile and her love for sharing the beauties of life! fg@fgpilates.me , www.fgpilates.me
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1
Stand in neutral position with your feet hip distance apart at 1 o’clock position. Drop your chin and gently roll down vertebra by vertebra until your arms are reaching the floor, bend your knees if necessary. Walk your hands away from your feet into the elephant position. Keep this position as you lower and lift one hill at the time, marching on the spot. Repeat 10 times. Repeat again with both heels, up and down together 10 times and the hold it down to stretch your hamstrings further. Morning Hamstrings!
LET’S START
2
PUSH UP
From the elephant, move into push up position. If you are a beginner, please bend your knees! Perform the push up, legs straight, by flexing and extending the elbow. 15/20 repeats.
3
CHILD POSE
Moving into the child pose, bring your bottom back towards your heels. Keep your elbows off the floor with your fingers reaching forward. Take 20 breaths: it’s the time to relax and feel your body! Ahhhaaaa...
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HOPING YOU HAVE ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW US ON OUR FIRST GLOSSY ISSUE, WE INVITE YOU TO READ US AGAIN IN JANUARY, WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE WITH OUR ARTICLES. FROM PROSPER PROFILE TO POWERFUL ENGINES THE A:L TEAM IS COMMITTED TO BRINGING YOU THE BEST. TILL THEN, ENJOY DISCOVERING OUR WEBSITE :
WWW.AWAYLUXURY.COM