Vol 11 issue 3

COMPLETEFASHION WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG VOL.11 11ISSUE ISSUE WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG || VOL. 33

N1000

AFRICA’S NUMBER11FASHION FASHION JOURNAL AFRICA’S NUMBER JOURNAL

A TRUE TALES PUBLICATION

y a h S i y e S

WHAT TO WHERE

IT GIRL

ZINA ANUMUDU

SPARKLES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SLAYABLE FASHION IDEAS FOR EVERY OCCASION

The Evolution Of

LOOKBOOKS FROM

LOREM | lpsum |1|

CF

NHN AND ADE BAKARE

remain fashionably informed

COMPLETEFASHION Onah Nwachukwu Editor-in-Chief Features Writer Ejike Cynthia Writers Hanson Keren Ogbo Ifeanyi Smart Courage Ajayi Rotimi Editorial Interns Jimoh Abayomi Muobuike Onyinye Okonkwo Oge Andrea Smith

Graphic Designs Emma Aigbe(Head) Graphics Assistant Joseph Tara Web Designer Opeyemi Olarewaju Adverts & Marketing (Print & Online) Tope Akinyemi(Head) 08035536171 Sales/Circulation Steve Obi 07038407877

TRUE TALES PUBLICATIONS

Visit WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG

DAILY AVAILABLE ON ALL DEVICES

Founder Dr. Ibe Kachikwu Chief Executive Officer Aditya Rao General Manager Chidinma Awa -Agwu Editor- in-Chief Onah Nwachukwu

ABOUT COMPLETE FASHION MAGAZINE

COMPLETE FASHION (CF) is a monthly style publication targeted at fashion-focused women in Africa. With its unique triple cover format and cutting edge fashion editorials, Complete Fashion has taken its place as Africa’s leading fashion publication.

Since its launch in 2008, CF has featured some of Africa’s leading celebrities on it’s cover from Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah to Senegalese superstar, Akon to Nigerian entertainer, D’banj. COMPLETE FASHION is a subsidiary of True Tales Publications (TTP), the publisher of Nigeria’s leading magazines including Beauty Box and Hints

ABOUT TTP

EVENTS | NEWS | FASHION BEAUTY | CELEBRITIES SHOPPING | ASOEBI TRENDS | STREET STYLE GIVEAWAYS | STYLE

TRUE TALES PUBLICATIONS (TTP) is the leading Media Publishing House in West Africa. Since its launch in 1988 by founder, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, (TTP) has created several seminal lifestyle and fashion publications. The Lagos, Nigeria based company is publisher of leading soft sell magazines Hints! International (Founded: 1989), Complete Fashion (Founded: 2007), Beauty Box (Founded: 2012) and Hello! Nigeria (Founded: 2013).

Combined, these print publications reach nearly 100,000 men and women in Nigeria and across West Africa. Their digital counterparts reach millions more. In nearly three decades of existence, (TTP) has proven to be a creative powerhouse in lifestyle and fashion media. With an upwardly mobile, mostly female demographic of 18 to 34 years old, TTP’s publications are poised to continue entertaining, engaging and educating readers for generations to come.

ABOUT TTG

True Tales Group (TTG) is the parent company of True Tales Publications, Publishers of COMPLETE FASHION Address: 1A Ayinde Akinmade, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Connect With Us: Twitter: @cfmagonline | Facebook: facebook.com/completefashionmagazine Instagram: @completefashionmag Email Us: cf@truetalespublications.com | Website: www.completefashion.org

EDITOR’S LETTER

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION FORTE

?

When c r e a t i v e persons brainstorm, you hear all sorts, some ideas are so future forward, they remain in your KIV file for years, while some generate immediate conversation, sometimes argument. My editorial TOC (Table of Contents) meetings are always anything but dull. I would usually explain my direction for the month to my team and then ask them to suggest articles that fit in.

Many times, we come up with ‘very interesting’ ideas, if you know what I mean (those ones that you look at the exponent and say to yourself …’what were you thinking?). It was in course of one of such meetings that our Writer/Creative executive, Smart Courage, made a comment that started an uproar. “If men were shoes, all women would cheat.”

It made me wonder, is there that one thing, that one fashion item that is a common vice? Do you have a fashion vice or are you just a fashion junky who jumps into the ‘latest’ fashion trend, whatever it may be. Do you merely jump on the fashion wagon because you have seen it on the streets of one of the famous fashion weeks or even worse, on the runway and just go with it, not caring if it truly is a trend to try? This is why we have a new column called YES, NO, MAYBE. In my opinion, fashion comes from inspiration and inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. In our lifestyle pages, we show you

CF

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how to get fashion inspiration from the décor in your living space.

While we are at the peak of the rains here, we can’t overlook the fact that it is summer in the fashion calendar and so we have a few tips and tricks for our voyagers - those who are still able to holiday abroad despite the weakening state of our currency against the dollar, pound, euro etc.

For those who aren’t and might still want to remain fashionable on a budget, there are all sorts of ways, including thrift shops. Yes, you read right…. Just the other day, I visited a friend and her house keeper had on a skirt which I could have sworn was an Ituen Bassey piece from 2015. You know the one, that yellow fabric with the tape lines?

I asked my friend if I was seeing right and she said, ‘ahh Janet is FUNKY oh!’ So I proceeded to ask how Janet was able to afford an Ituen Bassey original. Janet replied. ‘I buy from early morning market oh. 5am.’ I laughed my guts out that evening, thinking to myself, ha, so that’s it. Thrift shop a.k.a OKIRIKA to the rescue.

And so I started to wonder just how many other people visit the 5am shops in order to get beautiful clothes at great discounts.

From there stemmed the idea for our Babe on a Budget page which shows you how to pair your new clothes with some great picks from the thrift shop. It’s actually become a trend too, you never know, you just might get a deal on a celebrity’s attire.

Speaking of celebrities, you have to read our cover stories this issue, both Falz (The Bahd Guy) and Seyi Shay are at very interesting points in their careers. Our other personality, Michael Ugwu a.k.a. Magic Mike, of Sony Music Entertainment West Africa speaks about the challenges of the music industry and much more.

It’s worth the read, and so are the many other exciting articles we have in store for you this month.

Onah Nwachukwu

CONTENTS CF GUIDE 14 16

WHAT TO WHERE: Slayable Fashion ideas for every occasion TO KEEP OR NOT TO KEEP: Learn what to keep or not to keep

17

SUMMER LOVIN: Summer just got chicer and we are lovin it

18

BEACH PLEASE: It’s summer, and the sea beckons. Worry not for we just got you sorted for the beach.

20

SPEAK FASHION: Speak like a Fashion Guru

26

FACE BEHIND THE BRAND: Meet the face behind the ARIABA brand BEYOND THE EXTERIOR: Be fashionable no matter your temperament.

COUTURE DREAMING: In this editorial, Temi Otedola explores the spectacular couture abandoned in an exquisite royal castle by queens of ages past.

27

28

34 COVER 34 48 50 52 53

61

62 63

ONAH LOVES From beauty picks to fashion trends, CF Editor-in-Chief rounds up a list of her fovourite things this month

STORY

THE EVOLUTION OF SEYI SHAY IT GIRL: ZINA ANUMUDU is in our fashion spotlight BLOGGERS WITHOUT BORDERS: Why we love our fashion bloggers BABE ON A BUDGET: Let us show you how to get the best for less FASHION NEWS: An update on the world of fashion

55 BB: 56

12

LOLA

BEAUTY…According to LOLA OJ SUMMER BODY: Workout tips for the perfect summer body SCENTIFIED: Scents from heaven BEAUTY TRICKS: All the makeup and beauty hacks you never existed

65 LIFESTYLE 63 73 75 76 77 78 80 98

VINO DE FABULOUS Fashion meets CAPEWINE DECORMANIA: Get inspired by your personal space COMPLETE MAN COVER HOW BAHD IS FALZ SUMMER UP: Summer fashion for the metrosexual man TRUE COLOURS: What does your favorite colour say about you?

BACHELOR OF THE MONTH: ILLRYMZ is our most eligible bachelor of the month.

STYLE FORAY: Taking a peep into RMD’s fashion and style COMPLETE ICON: CF explores the spectacular works of Fashion Photographer, Annie Leibovitz

WHAT YOU SAID

CONTRIBUTORS

ISOKEN OGIEMWONYI Isoken is the founder of fashion, beauty and lifestyle multi brand store ZAZAII. She has been in the business of fashion since 2009 as the Creative Director of Obsidian, and was half of the CEO Duo of leading lifestyle brands L’Espace and LPM Nigeria up until May 2015. She has an LLB(Hons) in Law from the University of Nottingham, a PGD in Hospitality Administration from GIHE, Switzerland and an MSc in Management from BPP London. She writes The Fashion Business Series to deliver actionable insight for brands in the fashion and creative sectors. Isoken is a multi-award winning, multi-hyphenate entrepreneur committed to growing the fashion industry in Nigeria. Follow www.obsidianfashion.com www.zazaii.com. Instagram & Twitter @experiencezazaii @theobsidianway @darified.

WEBSITE

Emmy Nice cover, nice graphics, great content… I love it!!!

KKay This is one lil’ girl I love! Her music, her style and her sass (in a good way). Lol Reekado on da beat! Love your sound!!!

Let’s see more of our young celebrities looking classy in our African ensemble on the covers of glossies.

Prince Lovely covers. Reeky tom tom. i love love you. keep doing what you’re doing. you’re amazing bro. edDREAMZ This is beautiful… Baby looking cute no doubt.

INSTAGRAM @lizawoliyi Cover couple alert! Shout outs to @completefashionmag team, especially the editor in chief @onahlucia for asking us to debut their lifestyle section cover! And of course @kolaoshalusi for this image, all the fun images from our wedding are in this edition, so get a copy

@annieidibia1 God bless you darling !!!!

Wishing you and your soul mate unimaginable happiness #4everinlove @lizawoliyi

@yewwande_o I wish I could slay like you do

In 2016, Isoken was listed as one of Leading Ladies Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring & Influential Women in Nigeria List.

DAVID NWACHUKWU David is a Geography and Regional Planning student of the University of Lagos, writer and womenswear designer at Otumemine Couture.

He started out in fashion as an intern at Lagos Fashion and Design Week in 2014 where he worked extensively backstage with designers, models and production. He also briefly interned at StyleMania magazine as well as contributed to top lifestyle blogs like Omogemura.com.

David previously worked as a contributor at HELLO! Nigeria magazine where he wrote well received feature articles, cover stories and interviewed a host of celebrities and fashion icons across the continent including Seyi Shay, Cuppy and Temi Otedola, Vanessa Mdee and Eku Edewor.

A self-described creative soul, David enjoys being able to create and conceptualize fashion in various forms. He is also a self proclaimed foodie and runs a music blog (Afro Music Sensory) as a passion project.

Instagram & Twitter: @davidnwai

JENNIFER OBIUWEVBI Jennifer is a beauty and style enthusiast as well as a Makeup Artist and Copywriter.

To her, the essence of beauty is for men and women to regain their confidence.

She adores the originality and versatility of fashion and equally enjoys reading and writing great pieces. She writes to inspire, educate and entertain.

To get in touch with her, follow her on Instagram @MissPenshy & @EssysVeil.

@davidnwai Stunning cover..

So so gorgeous

ADE BAKARE’S CRUISE COLLECTION

NICHOLE BY HAGUANNA SPRING BUCK LUXURY LEATHER BAG N250,000

HIGHTOP SANDAL ETHNIK

BY TUNDE OWOLABI N13,000

AMBER ETERNAL GUERLAIN ESSENZA STORES POR

ONAH LOVES BEXROX CUFF N75,000

NUNAAT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

CF

|12|EDITOR’S PICKS

ANTI SHINE POWDER BLACK UP MONTAIGN PLACE THE PALMS LEKKI POR

What to REPORT BY CYNTHIA EJIKE

Have you ever been thumped for choice while getting ready for a particular occasion? Or maybe you have certain livid coloured items in your wardrobe but don’t know how to style them? Here is an array of carefully puttogether looks to get you sorted; from your formal day looks to your night out ideas.

Work it W

hen it comes to work wear, then our focus talking structured lines and smart outfits. Add a spark of colours on it to lighten the edge. CF

CF

|14|GUIDE

Where

Brunch Affair W

hen heading out to brunch, do well to pair a crop top with on a flowered full skirt.

This look creates a balance between chic and sassy. CF

Party on

H

itting the town in the evening calls for a lot of limbs. Flaunt those legs in this sexy party number, like Angela Simmons as you strut your stuff on the dance floor. CF

CF

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TO

KEEP KEEP OR NOT TO

BY HANSON KEREN

Asymmetric Tops Vs Offthe-shoulder Tops

Last season, asymmetric tops had their reign; it was mostly paired with shorts and boots or jeans and brogues or sneakers.

But as it is said, “that’s so last season”, as this season introduces the sizzling hot off-the –shoulder top trend from runways to real life. Some come in frills and frays while others are patterned or printed. You can pair yours with cuffed shorts and laceup sandals or side slit maxi skirt and ballet flats or mules.

“Fashion recycles” This is probably to the best of our advantage, as clothes stay valid and trendy even after eight years, so the worry you are left burdened with is to buy quality and durable clothes, items and accessories. We would be doing a quick recap on the trends of 2015 and what’s in now; so in the event that you have both you should reorder your wardrobe and place the current trend up front.

Making the ultimate 90’s comeback last season was the choker, but add a little fun to it by switching your regular choker with scarf chokers.

Scarf it up with long or short pieces of clothing or look totally vintage with bandana.

Tailored trousers are a wardrobe staple and would always have a spot in our wardrobe. Despite the return of the 1970’s vinyl trousers for the bold and edgy fashion enthusiasts, we still have a place for the tailored trousers. Pair your vinyl trousers with a cotton t-shirt and ankle boots or vintage shirt and minimalist sandals with scarf choker.

High Platform Shoes Vs Sneakers & Mules The high platform shoe has gone with its season and we are embracing this new season’s love; sneakers and mules. People often make shoe contact before outfit contact, so this is just for you to take heed. You can go ahead and get a pair but more importantly is a pair each of versatile sneakers and mules. Beyond the Athleisure trend, sneakers has been Okayed to be paired with skirts and suits, also mules can be worn beneath your trench coat and culottes.

CF

Slit skirts have come a long way and have over the years been modified and updated.

Last year it was the center slit pencil and maxi skirt which got our attention; but warming its way into all of our hearts this season is the avant-garde style oversized bow skirt, which projects your feminine and artistic personality. Pair with a denim crop top and brogues or off-the-shoulder crop top and cut-out pumps.

Regular Choker Vs Scarf Choker

Tailored Trousers Vs Vinyl Trousers

|16| GUIDE

Center Slit Skirt Vs Oversized Bow Skirts (Avant-garde)

Ripped Jeans Vs Frayed Hem Jeans Toning down the adventure from ripped jeans which enjoyed a front row on the fashion scene last season; it has made way for the frayed hem jeans. Pair it with bell sleeves or side-slit tops and oxfords or high heeled mules, this season.

Summer Lovin REPORT BY OGECHI OKONKWO

Cold Shoulders

From off the shoulder clothes to ruffles and sparkles, see the best of what’s new in summer style. CF

They expose a glimpse of skin, but cover enough to keep you classy.

JUAN CARLOS OBANDO Spiral ruffled exposed dhoulder silk-satin dress N462,209 netaporter.com

Ruffles

ISA ARFEN Off the shoulder stretch cotton poplin top N145,144 netaporter.com

ANTHONY VACCARELLO Cutout cotton canvas mini dress N445,274 netaporter.com

CHLOE Ruffled striped jersey playsuit N63,412 netaporter.com

This is the season of ultra-feminine detail, and they come in Ruffles.

RIME ARODAKY Besset cotton lace top N322,700 netaporter.com

Lace Join the lacy bandwagon and show some skin.

RARAMURI mustard ribbon suede sandals N48,253 lyst.com

MICHAEL KORS lace dress N56,366 netaporter.com

Sparkle Don’t be a bore. Add a little sparkle with sequins this season.

DKNY Guipure lace top N58398 netaporter.com

J.Reneé Haldana Lace Boots N13,933 polyvore.com

ELLERY Precocious off the shoulder ruffled crepe midi dress N229,695 netaporter.com

TIBI Sequined crepe shorts N211,376 netaporter.com LANVIN Multicolor Striped sequin Sleeveless Dress N445,274 lyst.co.uk

DOLCE & GABBANA Sequined mesh boots N162,055 netaporter.com

BETSEY JOHNSON Women’s Black Striped Sequined Tote N37,531 lyst.com

Iman

CF

TREND|17|

Beach Please!

REPORT BY CYNTHIA EJIKE

OJY OKPE

TOTE BAG WWW.STORENVY.COM N2585 HAT EXPLOREHATS.COM N6160

SUN GLASSES. WOWAWESOME.COM N5770

SHEER BLACK BEACH-WRAP

DAMASK FLOWER PRINTED TARPAULIN WILLOW TOTE ORLAKIELY.COM N17,005

SCHWARZKOPF STYLISTE ULTIME WALMART.COM N1387

CUSHE AURORA LEATHER SANDALSSIERRATRADINGPOST.COM N5,960

The sun is high in the sky, the temperature is just right and work is a distant memory...ahhh finally - it’s beach time! With lots of lazy time to spare and loads of fun to catch, beaching is sport of the day! After you have rounded up some fun-loving beach buddies, it’s time to pack a bag for the day. So what do you need?

Read on to find them. These images will guide you CF

KISS MY FACE SUNSCREEN IHERB.COM N1980

SIKA OSIE FOR ZAZAU

CF

|18|GUIDE

BLUE MANTRIKINI ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT, TROPICAL FLOWER PRINT BRAZILIAN BIKINISHOP.COM N14,692

KISS MY FACE SUNSCREEN IHERB.COM N1980

BEACH-TOWEL AARISHTEXTILES. COM N3180

a b c SPEAK d FASHION

Aviators: A silhouette for sunglasses originally developed for military pilots, hence the name.

It has been worn slavishly since the 1960s.

Bohemian Style / boʊˈhiːmiən staɪl/: Reflecting the fashion style of “boho-chic”.

Refers to a state of mind regarding fashion that is individual, romantic and free-spirited.

Capri pants /kəˈpriː pænts/: These are also known as Pedal Pushers. Slim-Fit pants that range from knee length to lower calf.

D’orsay shoes /dɔːˈseɪ ʃuːz/: Refers to any shoe that has a closed heel and toe but which is cut down to the sole at the sides.

Believe it or not, fashion is an integral part of our day to day life. Today, fashion is much more than runways, pretty shoes and dainty dresses. There is a lot more to discover and learn in Wthe ever expanding world of designs and designers. From Aviator’s to Zori’s, we bring you a comprehensive list of A-Z fashion terms and terminologies.

Embroidery /ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/: Ornamentation of a fabric by using any of a wide variety of decorative hand or machine stitches in the same or a contrasting color.

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e

f

Fringing /ˈfrɪndʒɪŋ/: A decorative border or edging of hanging threads, cords or strips.

g

Gathers /ˈɡæðərz/: A means of distributing fullness in some part of a garment by sewing a loose row of stitches, pulling the thread, and sliding the fabric along the thread to make soft folds.

h

Item du Jour /ˈaɪtəm duː ˈʒʊr/- Item of the day

i

Halter /ˈhɔːltər/: A dress or shirt that consists of material that meets behind the neck

k

Kabuki sleeves /kəˈbuːki sliːvz/: Wide loose-fitting sleeves modeled after the garments worn in traditional Japanese theater. Also known as kimono sleeves.

l

Loafers / ˈloʊfərz/: unisex leather shoes shaped like a moccasin, with a low flat heel

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j

Jeggings / ˈdʒeɡɪŋz/: A very close fitting jean of heavier weight fabric than a legging, often styled like a jean.

m

n

Mules /mjuːlz/: The upper portion of a “mule” is cut away at both the back and the sides of the foot. The only portion that remains is the front portion and this may be open or closed.

o

p

Off the shoulder /ɑːf ði ˈʃoʊldər/: A neckline that lies gently hovering across the top of the bustline with the shoulders uncovered.

Parka /ˈpɑːrkə/: A long jacket with a hood which protects the wearer against rain and wind.

q r Quilted /ˈkwɪltɪd/: Layers of fabric or padding with lines of stitching to form a warm garment, or for decorative effect.

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Nubuck /ˈnuːbʌk/: Nubuck is the top side of leather, slightly sanded to make it more resistant to scuff marks giving it a suede-like feel.

Skort /skɔːt/: Shorts that have a front covering to resemble a skirt.

Ruching / ˈrü-shiŋ/: Gathers created in clothing by pulling fabric between 2 or more lines of stitching.

s

u v t wx y Under skirt / ˈʌndər skɜːrt/: A skirt placed under a dress or skirt usually to create volume.

Tunic /ˈtuːnɪk/: A simple pullover blouse or jacket that falls at the hip. It was designed from two pieces of linen sewn up the sides and across the top with holes left for the head and arms.

Yarn /jɑːrn/: Yarns are made by twisting or otherwise binding fibers together and are used to construct fabrics.

X-strap / ɛks stræp/: a strap on clothing that crosses into an x at the back.

z

Zori /ˈzɔːri/: a flat thonged sandal usually made of straw, cloth, leather or rubber

GUIDE |23|

CF

Wedge heel /wedʒ hiːl/: A heel where the space under the foot is filled in, giving the appearance of a triangle “wedge” under the arch and heel of the foot when viewed from the side.

Visor /ˈvaɪzər/: a round band that goes around the forehead with a peaked rim at the front for shading.

Behind

PROFILE

the brand

LINDA SODEINDE OF ARIABA IS Romancing the Stone REPORT BY CYNTHIA EJIKE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO 24 | HAIR AND MAKE UP: VADERS STYLE LOGIC

W

hen love and passion are introduced into a project, then nothing awaits but success. Such is true for Linda Sodeinde who let her intense love for gemstones lead her into a career of jewelry designing. Being a jewelry enthusiast all her life, Linda started her business with handmade leather accessories and slippers embellished with gemstones. She figured out soon enough that her strength lies majorly in working with precious stones, so she veered fully into the jewelry craft without regrets. With a theme centered on gemstones, every Ariaba jewelry has some sort of precious gem in it. Working with precious stones like sapphires, turquoise, emeralds, rubies and much more, Ariaba lifestyle makes jewelry for everybody and for every occasion. “We make jewelry for everybody. We also custom make jewelry. People can come in with their designs and we craft it for them. We equally have something for kids and our price range is very flexible.”

Though the brand maintains a quarterly release of new collections, the various Ariaba stores boast of something new every week. Apart from making and selling jewelry, Ariaba Lifestyle also offers after sales services that include; jewelry care, cleaning and polishing of gold and silver, ring size adjustment, jewelry repair, stone replacement amongst others. This passion driven mother of two for whom jewelry making is pleasurable, is setting her sights in the international market, while currently stocking in prestigious stores in Nigeria like Grey Velvet, Poosh, Meidei, Zazau and Polo Luxury.

She has also launched her online store and her brand delivers purchases all over the world. For this jewelry designer of Armenian and Igbo descent, her struggle with insomnia is a blessing in disguise as she stays up most nights indulging her hobby by the light of the lamp, but she does not seem to mind because for her, “Jewelry is everything. They can make or break your outfit.” Linda whose craft motivation stems from her environment has expressed her love for gemstones, “What drives me to make jewelries are the gemstones. I love gemstones. I want to be a proper gemologist.

Gems are natural minerals that God created and they are very beautiful.” CF

“What drives me to make jewelries are the gemstones. I love gemstones. I want to be a proper gemologist. Gems are natural minerals that God created and they are very beautiful.”

CF

|24|PROFILE

Beyond the Xterior REPORT BY CYNTHIA EJIKE

There is no denying that fashion goes with certain personal characteristics. There are certain looks an extrovert would balk at, and there are looks an introvert would not touch with a mile long pole. That is just fact. With this in mind, we have put together some looks to suit each character difference.

Hyper Girl T

he extrovert personality is oftentimes known as the life of the party.

You love colourful fashion and are not scared to experiment. Because of that, we would recommend you try an outdoorsy orange blazer on a black and white stripped dress as you head to work. Only the extrovert personality can get away with this look.

CF

Wild Child

I

CF

|26| GUIDE

n the evening, throw out some legs in that sexy romper and colourful skinny heels and watch the party revolve around you. CF

Quiet Beauty T

he introvert is quiet by nature and so downplays her fashion. Why not play up your office fashion a bit with some prints? Pair an azure dress with a blazer and finish off with a pair of leopard print shoes. With this look, you are smart and trendy but without being in the spotlight. CF

Laid back Evening

F

or an evening out with the girls, pair a flowered palazzo pants with a plain white top and finish off with strappy heels. Chic but comfy. CF

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GUIDE |27|

COUTURE DREAMING SHOOT CO-ORDINATOR: NAILAH GARNETT-LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHER - IZACK MORALES MAKE - UP - VEE CHANDA STYLIST - TEMI OTEDOLA MODEL - TEMI OTEDOLA LOCATION: BEACH BLANKET BABYLON, 45 LEDBURY RD, LONDON W11 2AA COLLECTION BY FERONA

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WHITE DUCHESS SATIN MINI DRESS WITH SHORT BEADED CAPE BY: FERONA

Y

ou are roaming the halls of a magnificent royal castle. This castle is filled with the most beautiful architectural structure that you have ever seen. The environment is supremely decadent and there is complete silence. Savour the grand delights of this castle, it feel as if you have all the time in the world to explore the Royal wardrobe filled with the finest and most spectacular couture.

It is FERONA … As you explore the royal wardrobe, you find the most exquisite Haute Couture pieces, left behind many years earlier. You slip them on and you are overcome with a strong feeling of certainty, confidence and admiration of self. This leads you down the road of dreams, aspiration and everlasting bliss.CF

EDITORIAL |29|

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OFF WHITE SILK ZIBELINE BALL GOWN WITH BLACK AND WHITE PEARL BEADED, EMBELLISHED SASH: FERONA

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TWO PIECE BRIDAL GOWN, FLORAL HAND EMBROIDERED FITTED TULLE TOP WITH GLASS BEADS, PEARLS AND CRYSTALS WITH A DOUBLE ORGANZA VOLUMINOUS SKIRT BY: FERONA

EDITORIAL |31|

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DUCHESS SATIN AND ORGANZA A-LINE PLEATED DRESS WITH 3D APPLIQUÉD FLOWER DETAILING BY: FERONA

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MOROCCAN SILK PLUNGE NECK FISHTAIL DRESS WITH A FLUTED SLEEVE DETAIL: FERONA

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SEYI SHAY

IS CONQUERINGTHE POP WORLD ONE SINGLEATATIME BY: DAVID NWACHUKWU

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADEMOLA ODUSANMI STYLING: TOSIN OGUNLADEGBE OF THE STYLE INFIDEL

A

s

one of the most dynamic solo acts to dominate Nigerian radio in years, Seyi Shay is truly a wonder. Now a household name with a distinct sense of style and risk taking approach to fashion, It was only natural Complete Fashion made sure to capture this bold new era. Allowing her sincere personality to shine through, Ms. Shay serves all the right angles with style and attitude—why expect less from this rising global superstar?

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LOREM | lpsum |35|

“As a philanthropist as well as an activist I am passionate about orphaned children, however this year I had to broaden my scope and become more aware of other global issues due to my participation in a UNICEF campaign focused on women and young girls”

W

hat comes to your mind when you think of Seyi Shay?

Power-

house voice, insane body, larger than life persona? Whatever it may be, and however influenced you were by blogs and social media, you can chuck all out of the window. Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua defies expectations and as cliché as it may seem, she really is down to earth. For Seyi in 2016, you may have noticed a fiery, free spirit that was previously ignored.

However this shouldn’t be surprising as unbeknownst to most fans, the sultry vocalist’s career spans over a decade. From being in groups like Boadicea as well as the Matthew Knowles managed “From Above” to having songwriting credits on tracks by international artistEs like Chipmunk and Melanie Chisholm, it is clearly evident that the singer-songwriter has now fully come into her own.

Talking about her evolution, the carefree artiste says, «I would define myself today as a woman and an artiste. Someone who has gone through different stages and levels of training in the music industry and I hope to keep on evolving”.

If you truly are a fan of Seyi Shay, you’d also have noticed there has been an artistic change over the course of her solo career. On what sparked the new direction, the 30 year-old songstress states “I think I just got bored of being the same and I felt like I needed to do something out of the box. It’s actually been my trademark ever since I started my solo career in Nigeria—although earlier on, I was still trying to pay my dues and conform to a certain image within the industry. However every year after 2012, I have I tried to reinvent my image, break new ground and transform myself for the sake of inspiring people because that’s my job.”

Speaking of inspiration, it’s no secret that Seyi enjoys giving back to society, right from the beginning of her career when there wasn’t as

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much media attention as there is today. The calm and assured entertainer says, “As a philanthropist as well as an activist I am passionate about orphaned children, however this year I had to broaden my scope and become more aware of other global issues due to my participation in a UNICEF campaign focused on women and young girls being badly represented. Through this campaign I strive to represent them in a positive way. The United Nations summit is happening in September and by then we want global issues such as sex trafficking, equal education, economic and social change to be addressed.”

On what inspired her to join the movement in favour of the Global Goals campaign for gender equality, “I was inspired to join the project because I knew that the people who would actually make a difference in those girls’ lives would be there—all the world leaders and figures in authority would be able to see these problems and tackle them head on. So knowing the impact my voice would bring within Africa, I was motivated.”

Majority of Africans haven’t fully embraced the concept of feminism and most especially feminist musicians, so when asked about how she felt her pursuit for gender equality would affect her brand she says, “I do not necessarily see myself as a feminist. I believe it is my duty to serve these underprivileged women and young girls in Africa who do not have the same access to basic things other people should have all over the world. I prefer not to embrace labels and instead just advocate for humanity and actually get things done.”

’I would define myself today as a woman and an artiste. Someone who has gone through different stages and levels of training in the music industry and hope to keep on evolving”

Being a part of an international label, it only makes sense she widens her reach. As fans follow her every move, it is becoming more evident that the contemporary singer is ready for a global takeover. With a fanbase reaching the Caribbeans, she was recently in Jamaica to speak on Marketing in the Music Industry, which the singer described as a first for her, an area previously uncovered. “The University of West Indies, which is the number one university in the West Indies, invited me to come to Kingston to give a lecture. Of course I’ve never given a lecture before, seeing as I’m not a professor—although I would have been a professor if I wasn’t an artiste, funny enough.

However, it was an honour to be invited to speak. I just went and spoke about my business model and how I got myself to where I am today and how I plan to get myself to where I want to be and I’m grateful that they loved it.”

Internationally, reports have gone on lately about female artistes from Kesha to Brandy having issues with label contracts and having restrictions on their expression. On this issue Seyi shares how she’s been able to avoid this, “I think by just not being signed to a record label and not having a team that’s out there like that.

We’re signed to each other and have a small engine that runs pretty well. My own label that I run myself is called StarGirl, no pun intended, haha. I needed to register my music and get it out so there.”

Ms. Shay has been known to take risks with her style and boldly wear pieces from emerging Nigerian fashion brands in addition to fronting various advertising campaigns. She stands as one of the few artistes who have great synergy with the fashion industry and she herself is pretty excited about the industry’s growth.

“Nigeria is moving forward and growing. All eyes are on Africa at the moment, with homegrown brands crossing over and international designers taking inspiration from our culture. I especially recall the Ghana Must Go inspired bags that Louis Vuitton did a whole range on.

To be honest it’s good to be alive to witness this growth.” And she’s got a point as truly it expands to music as well, with her good friend Wizkid being the first Nigerian to have a Number 1 song on both the U.S Billboard >>

(RIGHT) WHITE SHIRT BY: NEXT.FROM THE STYLE INFIDEL’S CLOSET N15,000 | DISTRESSED DENIMS WITH SEQUIN DETAILS FROM DESIRE 1709: N12,000 NEON PUMPS FROM THE STYLE INFIDEL’S CLOSET: N15,000 NECKPIECE BY NICHOLE BY HAGUANA: POR

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HAND PAINTED TWO PIECE BY O’SAUNDERS POR | WHITE SUNGLASSES: THE STYLE INFIDEL’S | CLOSET ACCESSORIES FROM NICHOLE BY HAGUANA: POR

“I do not necessarily see myself as a feminist. I believe it is my duty to serve these underprivileged women and young girls in Africa who do not have the same access to basic things other people have all over the world. I prefer not to embrace labels and instead just advocate for humanity and actually get things done.”

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Hot 100 and U.K Official Charts 100 with as other artistes like Ayo Jay and Tiwa Savage signing global record deals, Nigerian music artists have begun to take international entertainment by storm. On how she feels about this global shift she says “It’s about time really. Afrobeats has always been infectious and the overall quality of our industry has greatly improved with a lot of new sounds and ideas coming forth.”

Seyi herself is no stranger to new sounds.

Her die hard fans will recall that her power ballad titled “Airbrush”, which contained heavy subject matter on her previous relationship, was leaked to blogs and social media in late 2014. Most people were curious to know why it didn’t make her debut album -Seyi or Shay, which was released late last year.

The singer says, “Even I always wonder why I never included it on my debut.

However I guess it just wasn’t right for that time and thematically, it just didn’t fit.” Fans shouldn’t get too sad though because as at press time, we were exclusively told that the video for Airbrush would be released at the end of July with a reworked version of the track.

In addition to that, 2016 sees Seyi Shay sonically embrace afro-house by teaming up with Niniola for a fun new single.

Speaking on this collaboration she says, “I’m all for exploring new sounds and I don’t have a particular genre I stick to.

Niniola is an artiste that I have admired for the longest time and I feel Nigerians should know her way more than they do now as she’s an exciting artiste and I love how fresh her sound is.”

For fans hoping that a new album surfaces later this year, the songstress tells us, “I’m not releasing an album anytime soon. I feel there’s a lot more to my debut album that can be explored. Some of my favourite tracks don’t have videos yet like Healer, TINA, In Public (featuring Cynthia Morgan), Church (featuring Boj) and much more. It’s more of singles and new songs right now in addition to my ongoing humanitarian work.” In the year she’s been signed to Island Records, a lot has changed for Seyi, from that award winning Pepsi ad-campaign to the release of her debut album. “I’m just excited for my upcoming projects my new music, videos and songs. I may consider acting, who knows?” Coming from Nigerian music’s most fearless solo act, it’s safe to say we’ve barely scratched the surface of an icon in the making.CF

“I’m excited for my upcoming projects and new music videos and songs. I may consider acting, who knows?”

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HAND PAINTED TWO PIECE BY O’SAUNDERS POR | WHITE SUNGLASSES: THE STYLE INFIDEL’S | CLOSET ACCESSORIES FROM NICHOLE BY HAGUANA: POR

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WHITE SHIRT BY NEXT FROM THE STYLE INFIDEL'S CLOSET: N15,000 TWO-TONE FLOOR LENGTH DRESS BY SAMUEL NOON: N35,000

GO NUDE DRESS: BELLEZZA AUDACE SUNHAT: THE WEAVE HAT COMPANY SHOES: STYLISTS OWN EARRINGS: RAYA JEWELLERYCUFF: RAYA JEWELLERY

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EDITORIAL

The Spirit of Summer

B

eaded embellishments, exotic prints, pristine whites, cut out shapes and hot weather sheers. it’s time to explore fashion’s diversity this summer. Whether you go for over the top glamour or entirely effortless holiday style, ZAZAII shows you how to style it out for your summer vacation PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADEBAYO JOLAOSO | MODEL: AMANDA OBASEKI | HAIR BY JIBOLA FOR ZAZAII BEAUTY ROOMS MAKEUP BY EKENE FOR DARI | STYLING BY ISOKEN OGIEMWONYI FOR ZAZAIICREATE | STYLING ASST. OPRAH MORGRIDGE

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CRISP WHITE TOP: VIRAGO NIGERIA | TROUSERS BY: THE MUSE FACTORY SUNGLASSES BY: DAPMOD | SHOES: FEET AVENUE

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ARM CANDY TOP: ROCOCO SHORTS: VIRAGO NIGERIA SUNGLASSES: DAPMOD SHOES: STYLISTS OWN SUNHAT: THE WEAVE HAT COMPANY EARRINGS: RAYA JEWELLERY

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RELENTLESS BOHEMIAN | DRESS: THE MUSE FACTORY SUNGLASSES: DAPMOD | SHOES: STYLISTS OWN | EARRINGS: RAYA JEWELLERY

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EASY DOES IT TOP: VIRAGO NIGERIA | SHORTS: BELOIS COUTURE SUNGLASSES: DAPMOD SHOES: STYLISTS | OWN EARRINGS: STYLISTS OWN

IT G RL REPORT BY: SMART COURAGE

Z

‘‘Fashion Branding wasn’t a conscious decision that was made. I’d like to believe I stumbled into it. Having a background in communication (my master’s degree) I knew I will eventually use my skill in an industry, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it will be fashion’’.

ina Anumudu is a girl with big dreams trying to achieve them one dream at a time each passing day. Passionate about fashion and branding, she relocated to Nigeria to set up her branding company ‘The Style Concierge’ that caters to creatives and businesses in the fashion and lifestyle industry, but not after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Economics in the United States and Masters in Communication.

“Fashion Branding wasn’t a conscious decision that was made. I’d like to believe I stumbled into it. Having a background in communication (my master’s degree) I knew I will eventually use my skill in an industry, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it will be fashion.”

Her ideology for getting ahead in the industry is by offering unique services.

“My unique selling point is that you get all your needs from one place. So for example if it’s a lookbook campaign, you don’t need to find a stylist for the job, a creative director to put the campaign together, another person to publicize the campaign, and a fourth person to strategize. It all comes with the package”.

Coming down to her personal style, being a girl who has watched her mum, Nkiru Anumudu evolve her style, Zina has not moved too far from that with a soft spot for the designer Chanel.

“Chanel will always be that brand, the brand that embodies class and elegance in its truest form in the fashion industry.”

She further added, “My personal style is fun, chic and adventurous. I dress according to my mood and express myself with my clothing.” But she did not fail to tell us about her dislike for sneakers. “The last time I owned a pair was when I still played sports in school. I’ve seen a few cool looking pairs and may have stolen a pair from my mum’s closet but I generally despise sneakers.”

Having great passion for fashion, it never came as a surprise when she said fashion week is food to her especially the Lagos Fashion and Design Week which she looks forward to every year.

SPILL THE BEANS Zina before letting you go, one last question.

What is that one thing your readers would be surprised to hear?

I actually don’t enjoy taking pictures, which is ironic as my social media pages are filled with them. I see it as a chore that comes with the nature of my work. CF

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CLOCKWISE DISTRESSED JEANS ZARA, SHIRT - MARKS N SPENCERS MONOCHROME SKIRT MAJU LONG WHITE TOP - MAE_ OTTI MINI SKIRT -TZAR BLACK DRESS WITH LACE DETAILS - FROCK IT ROCK IT (TOPE FNR) PHOTOGRAPHY - STUDIO24 MAKEUP - ZARON

BLOGGERS WITHOUT BORDERS GENERATION NEXT HANSON KEREN

Fashion and the fashion industry have always been an integral part of our lives. Its contribution to the growth of the economy has spiraled upwards in recent times, with fashion labels and brands emerging and blooming. To stand out in an industry already filled with outstanding people takes more than just being pretty and having cupboards of clothes, you have to know all the intricacies; and that’s why we admire these bloggers who have redefined fashion by their personal style.

TOSIN ALEXANDRIAH o-Silva (@tostos)

T

osin Alexandriah Sho-Silva, popularly known as Tostos is a Nigerian Style blogger and YouTuber who lives in London. She is also a Fashion and Textile Design graduate (MA) hoping to start her own womenswear line. The reason Tosin is one of our favourite bloggers lies in her ability to be different people in different outfits.

“My style is a media for self-expression and as such I have realized that my style changes and evolves over the seasons. It also depends

on my location and basically how I’m feeling at a particular point in time. However, factors in my style that remain constant are simplicity, comfort and sophistication. I hardly follow trends but work with what silhouettes and shapes that best flatter my body frame.”

Keeping her love for accessories to a minimum, Tostos likes to shop at Zara and Missguided (which is often her way of rewarding herself after a long week of work).

Website: www.stylebyalexandriah.com

FREDERIQUE

HARREL F @freddieharrel

rederique Harrel (@freddieharrel)

She is known widely as the fashionable and beautiful girl with big nappy hair Harrel started her fashion blog with her old handle @igobyfrankie fashion blog. She has evolved over the years and has now become a fashion brand all by herself as a digital strategist in the fashion industry, a personal stylist and a fashion blogger.

“First, I realized how curious and creative I was, this girl in the mirror looked bold, strong and crazy. I wasn’t as formal or conservative as I thought I was so I needed to adjust the rest of my life and go after my dreams. I left my career in banking, then in digital marketing to go with fashion, a career which looked perfect for me. It was risky but

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I was unleashed and could not be stopped.

Stronger and bolder, I could then improve the relationships in my life and surround myself with the right people. Fashion was the start but not the end. As women, we’re often meant to believe that we are weak. But we are so strong and resourceful; our only weakness is to not know it. We are tamed, we are leashed, therefore can’t perceive our power and our potential.”

Beyond but also inclusive; she hosts various talks, public and corporate workshops around style and confidence, to empower women to embrace a deeper self-exploration of the hundreds of personalities that make them, to finally come out as their true-self.

She was recently featured on Stylist Magazine and Marie Claire Website: www.freddieharrel.com

STEVEN ONOJA

(@stevenonoja) hen it comes to creativity, art and menswear, Steven is always top on our list. Constantly motivated by everyday life and culture, and recently nominated by Bloglovin as one of the Best men’s Fashion blog in the world, he had to make our own list.

Steven Onoja was born and raised in Nigeria in 1989 but now resides in New York. Ostentation and Style started out in April of 2011, and since then, Steve Onoja has worked with high flying companies like Nike Sportswear, Levis, Herschel Supply, Kato Brand, Raen Optic, Boast USA, Glamour Kill, and many more. Among other accolades, Ostentation and Style has been featured in magazines such as GQ street style, Details, Ebony and Men’s Style Australia Magazine; Interviewed on New York Magazine (NYmag) and Lookbook section.

Website: www.stevenonoja.com

W

IGEE OKAFOR ONAYEMI BLANCHARD

R

(@rantiinreview)

anti is a style blogger who portrays through her diverse dress sense that switching up between a gown and trousers paired with a big shirt is easy and effortless. Born in Nigeria, but currently residing in beautiful Denver, Ranti studied and earned a B.A. in Marketing, but fashion, art and all things creative have always been her first love.

“Fashion is the key to my being, I devour it. I’m also inspired by architecture, art, people, other cultures, music and much more.”

Website: www.ranti-inreview.blogspot.com

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RANTI

(@igeeokafor) Igee is a 22-yr-old men’s fashion blogger and lifestyle enthusiast who is passionate about style, photography and creativity. According to him, the things every man should have in his wardrobe include, a T Shirt, a nice pair of lace-up shoes, a good pair of jeans, an adaptable wristwatch, a jacket or a blazer to mention a few.

Three words that can be used to describe him are enthusiastic, creative and stylish. He loves designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and would go for black on black any day as you cannot go wrong with that.

W e b s i t e : www.igeeokafor.com

BABE ON A

BUDGET

BY HANSON KEREN

Following the recent economic situation in the country and even before it, thrift shopping has been a popular practice, although most people would deny it but cloth market stalls and set-ups often record more customers than boutiques and the likes do.

From our shopping experiences both high end boutiques and vintage shops, we discovered that people find it economically beneficial to buy the exact same thing for a lesser price. So you can either decide to pair a thrift top fromW with a new skirt and shoes from ASOS or complement head to toe thrift items with a new pair of shoes.

Frankly speaking no one except your friends would know so long as it is stitched where necessary, washed, and properly ironed.

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REPORT BY: OLUWAROTIMI AJAYI

MICHELLE OBAMA SLAYS IN WHITE AT THE STATE DINNER FOR SINGAPORE’S PRIME MINISTER The First lady of United States, Mrs. Michelle Obama looked quite stunning for a White House State Dinner held in honour for the Prime Minister of Singapore. For the event, America’s first lady Michelle Obama donned a strapless, ivory gown by American designer Brandon Maxwell – the longtime stylist to pop singer Lady Gaga – who’s a red carpet favorite. Maxwell, originally from Longview, Texas, became a household name because of his work with Lady Gaga, but has also dressed stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Wiig and Uma Thurman. Michelle wore her hair pinned back in a sleek updo, accessorizing simply with Butani diamond earrings and a white manicure.

THE KENZO X H&M COLLABORATION The first three images, photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, features Amy Sall, a New York-based student and activist who is also the founder of SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought Aesthetics; Juliana Huxtable, a New York artist, poet, and DJ; and Isamaya Ffrench, a London-based makeup artist who is also part of the Theo Adams Company, a performance group and Oko Ebombo, a musician and performance artist from Paris, also stars in the lookbook. The collection will be available in stores and online on the 3rd of November.

RAF SIMONS JOINS CALVIN KLEIN AS CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Ever since Calvin Klein announced that Francisco Costa would leave his post at the fashion house in April 2016, insiders have suspected that the brand would tap Raf Simons to take the spot. As of this morning, it’s official.

This morning, Calvin Klein announced that Simons, who most recently served as women’s creative director for Christian Dior Couture, would be the new chief creative officer for the storied American brand. The rollout comes on the heels of the recent news that Dior had replaced Simons with Valentino co-creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri and formalizes a new intention to unite all Calvin Klein brands under “one creative vision.”

NIGERIAN STUDENT FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK TO HOLD IN AUGUST The Nigerian Student Fashion And Design week is one of the most anticipated fashion event of the year. The event is known for bringing together young and creative fashion designers from various higher institutions across the country. It is quite amazing to see the huge progress and achievements the event has made since inception as the success stories of many emerging designers in the country can be traced back to NSFDW.

BOLANLE OLUKANNI FRONTS ICONOLA’S 2016 #BEBEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGN Media personality and actress Bolanle Olukanni stars as the model and was styled by celeb stylist MsModish.

A rep for the brand, says “Bolanle Olukanni is an ideal representative for the campaign. With #BeBeautiful, she is effortless, her smile is both compelling and irresistible, and her beauty also comes from within.

Bolanle’s indelible personality, also crystallized the big idea behind the #BeBeautiful campaign, which says women can be themselves, all while being beautiful in Iconola clothes.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS |53|

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NEWS

ADIDAS ORIGINALS & URBAN OUTFITTERS TEAM UP ON ‘WE THE FUTURE’ CAMPAIGN Adidas Originals and Urban Outfitters have teamed up on an exclusive ad campaign called We the Future.

The campaign features a cast of activists, writers, designers, stylists, artists, photographers, musicians, dancers and illustrators who are making a mark in their fields. The Adidas Originals + UO collection is available in stores now and features an array of apparel for both men and women. Urban Outfitters also carries classic Adidas Originals styles, including the Gazelle, Stan Smith, Superstar, Samoa and Campus.

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SUMMER

BODY

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O T G N I D R O ACC

Perfect body for him and her

ACCORDING TO LOLA OJ REPORT BY: SMART COURAGE

she is pretty, unique, hardworking and knows her mettle when it comes to making people beautiful. That is Lola Ojetola for you. Though the beauty journey was never premeditated for this British born Nigerian style star, she has built a solid name and career around it. Blinx Lashes LTD is evidence to that.

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‘‘

She despises the fact that people focus on one dimension when they think of her as a girl who loves makeup without really knowing what matters to her. But she realized that she had to be known for a particular act for people to understand the rest of her.

“Maybe later I can now express myself in things that matter to me like women empowerment and education. Things people never thought I might have interest in” Her journey into the business of beauty started last year with the initiation of Blinx lashes, a product which caters to everyone and fitting every natural lash type.

“A lot of times false lashes are created in mind for caucasian women who have natural straight lashes. I’m a black female and I do not have straight natural lashes. Being somewhat curly and having different hair types, my brand is aimed at everyone not just black people. Most of the time, we buy things not because it fits perfectly but because that’s what is available. I hope my brand solves this problem so Nigerian women can get lashes that suit them. I want people to buy my product because of its quality not because it’s mine.”

Her brand plans on increasing the products they offer, but towards the line of makeup tools which she reveals is her passion. When asked about her inspiration, she made it clear that creative people make things work.

Talking about her beauty secret, Lola said, “I’m not flawless, I have skin issues too. I put in so much time working on my skin. Whatever

A lot of times false lashes are created in mind for Caucasian women who have natural straight lashes. I’m a black female and I do not have straight natural lashes. Being somewhat curly and having different hair types, my brand is aimed at everyone not just black people.

‘‘

For Lola OJ being prominent was part of the plan so it stunned her when she realized people had started to look up to her for makeup advice. “People kept asking how I did this or that. I felt they looked to me for advice. Then it struck me; I might not be a makeup artist but my opinions are valid in the beauty industry” In spite of her general success, Lola struggled at first not from the harsh situation of the industry but with herself. “I really wanted to further my education, go for my master’s degree but things kept happening, pushing me towards the beauty direction. I’m still on the struggle of doing what I really want to do, but I feel that I’m soon getting to that place where I get to balance what I want to achieve academically and what I intend doing creatively”.

product you see me talk about is what I have tried out myself. I am still on my skin journey.

Now let’s play the ‘this or that” game. Below are her answers.

1. Red or nude lips? --- Nude lips 2. Dramatic makeup or natural look? --- Natural and subtle look. I could go dramatic for creative purposes. Dramatic on my lips but for shadows no no.

3. Black or red nail polish? --- red and nude I love them.

4. Nails, long or short? --- Definitely long. I feel naked when they are short 5. Tattoos or no tattoos? --- No tattoos. If I had wanted them, I would have had them by now.

6. Mascara or lip moisturizer? - Lip moisturizer. I can’t leave my house without moisturizing my lips. I am not a mascara girl.

As the interview drew to an end we asked Lola what it felt like to be on the radar all the time. “Popularity is a double edged sword that gives room for a lot of unfair talks from people. People feel they have a say on how you run your life despite the fact that they know little or nothing about you as a person. But at the same time, it helps put your message out there when you need it because people now listen more.” BB

MAKEUP - ZARON | HAIR STYLING - VADIRS STYLE LOGIC | HAIR EXTENTIONS - MY EXTENSIONZ VIRGIN HAIR | PHOTOGRAPHY - STUDIO24, ART DIRECTION - SMART COURAGE

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‘‘

‘‘

People kept asking how I did this or that.

I felt they looked to me for advice. Then it struck me; I might not be a makeup artist but my opinions are valid in the beauty industry

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‘‘

‘‘

I’m not flawless, I have skin issues too. I put in so much time working on my skin. Whatever product you see me talk about is what I have tried out myself. I am still on my skin journey.

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Summer

god

Summer

goddess

REPORT BY: IFEANYI OGBO

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>

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>

Getting in shape is hard. Being out of shape is also hard. So, choose your hard.

If If you are choosing the former, here are some guideposts to help you not just get in shape for summer but stay in shape for life.

NUTRITION You need to eat clean if you want to get lean. You DO NOT need to starve yourself; however be SMART with your food choices.

Eat lean proteins such as skinless chicken and turkey breast.

Eat your GREENS and lots of them. Go raw or lightly steamed!!!

Eat your fruits, but don’t overdo them. 2-3 servings a day MAX! Don’t fear the FAT. Choose healthy fats and consume Summer; the season of little white dresses, sun hats, beach them. parties, super-short shorts and of course, the time for toned and sleek summer bodies to hit the streets. If you Time your higher content carbohydrate meals worked on your summer through previous seasons, around your workouts (pre or post workout). kudos girl! If you are yet to start, do not despair. A fit Eliminate added sugars. body goes beyond summer it is an asset for life. Who Don’t eat foods with ingredients you can’t says you can’t start now? Here are some guidelines on pronounce. getting that fit beach body.

Plan your meals ahead of time.

1. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE DO NOT DIET or STARVE Yourself!!!

Cardio is great way to burn calories and tone your body.

RESISTANCE TRAINING The goal is to get your heart rate going at a healthy pace so that it burns extra energy. Start off cycling, jogging, Train using resistance training such as free or doing elliptical training 20-30 minutes a day for two weights, bodyweight exercises, kettle bells weeks. To challenge yourself, increase it to an hour a day for and medicine balls. faster results. If you can’t spare that amount of time, do not despair, a ten Make sure you execute total body or upper minute brisk run or power walk will produce results too. Asides cardio, and lower body split routines, making sure you working your body — with weights or without — targets extra flab TARGET all your body’s ‘Metabolic Hot Spots’. where you don’t want it: your lower arms, your thighs, your rump, your Your body’s metabolic hot spots are the sites belly. A workout routine that includes squats, crunches and arm curls is on the body that have the most muscle mass an important part of getting that body ready for its beach debut! and therefore greater metabolic 2. EAT PLENTY OF HEALTHY FOODS expenditure. The 3 main metabolic hot spots are: Avoid junk foods like chips, cakes, biscuits and ice cream. Sounds hard but your body will be grateful for 1. Chest it. Eat foods high in protein and fiber, and remember to 2. Back opt for smaller portions. Shoot for 3-4 small meals per 3. Legs (lower body). day. Fruits and, more importantly, vegetables should feature prominently in your diet. Go for vegetables Aim for a minimum of 3 that have lots of color in them: cucumbers, carrots, resistance training sessions per tomatoes and broccoli. Combine them in a salad or week. eat them separately. Don’t starve yourself. Starving METABOLIC TRAINING yourself will actually diminish your chances of losing The most important thing you weight, because your metabolism slows when it doesn’t want for summer (and always) get food. (It’s preparing to save more energy.) So eat is to have lean muscle mass. No regular small portions if you want to lose that extra doubt you want your stomach to weight. be really tight and toned looking 3.

EMULATE SLEEPING BEAUTY or ripped up. Well that doesn’t mean you need Okay, we are not saying sleep for a thousand years but by all means always get a good to start doing lots of ab work. Ab work will night sleep. Sleep is the third part of the puzzle for many looking to lose weight. Many do nothing about abdominal fat loss. So CUT women go religiously to the gym, eat like vegetarian nuns, and still don’t see a reduction back on the crunches and Ab work, GET in their waist size. Getting a good night’s sleep is an important part of shedding those METABOLIC and your abs will get CUT UP!!! extra pounds. Sleep deprivation hurts your ability to lose weight. This is because your Getting metabolic means training body produces high levels of glucose and insulin when you don’t sleep. So depriving anaerobically, not aerobically. It means yourself of sleep is a no-no for healthy weight loss. Getting a good night’s rest helps keep training at higher intensity and for shorter you energized and motivated, so that when it’s time to hop on the treadmill, you’re perky as duration, as well as training for improved can be! conditioning.

In summary, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to begin your fitness journey, this is it. GO The BEST options for metabolic type NOW! Small daily improvements are the key to amazing long-term results. Be bigger than work are supersets, tri-sets, circuit your excuses. The beach and the world are waiting. Here’s to you babe! BB training, work capacity circuits, and interval training. BB

Scentified

BY OGECHI OKONKWO AND ONYINYE MUOBUIKE From tropical scents to florals, have fun in the sun with these summer fragrances.

BVLGARI OMNIA PARAIBA1

Bvlgari Omnia Paraiba The perfume packaging comes in a very vibrant and attractive turquoise color which screams “summer”. Omnia Paraiba has a soft, fresh and tropical aroma. The perfume is a fruity mix of citrus, pear, mango and passion fruit. The scent also has a floral feel to it. In terms of longevity, it lasts between 9-10 hours when sprayed. It’ll most likely remind you of a nice walk on the beach or the tropical forest. If you’re a fan of fruity perfumes, then Bvlgari’s Omnia Paraiba is the one for you. We rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

La nuit Tresor Lancome Lancome launched La Nuit Tresor fragrance in February 2015. It supposedly depicts the dark side of rose. The fragrance mixes notes of black rose with Tahitian vanilla orchid absolute. There are also accords of natural incense, papyrus, patchouli and litchi praline added to the mix. It is a delicious fragrance that is smooth, seductive, sensual and mysterious, and it lasts for a very long time. If you’re used to the original trésor, then La Nuit will be a refreshing vacation from that one. While they are both gorgeous scents, La Nuit, has something different, it has a youthful feel to it. It’s worth giving it a try.

HYPNOTIC POISON

BY CHRISTIAN DIORPERFUME.COM N20,691

Hypnotic Poison Perfume by CHRISTIAN DIOR

We rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

GUERLAIN LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE LA NUIT TRÉSOR LANCOME.CA N23,580.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire

Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior is an Oriental Vanilla fragrance for women which launched in 1998. Top notes are apricot, plum and coconut; middle notes are tuberose, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, rose, Brazilian rosewood and caraway; base notes are sandalwood, almond, vanilla and musk.

It is sophisticated yet quite fun. Sweet but light and so absolutely wearable even in summer. It’s such an addictive fragrance which could make one literally want to eat her own freshly sprayed wrists.

This fragrance exudes Parisian chic and gracefulness. There is an image of a short summer dress on the bottle of the perfume which says that it is the perfect chic fragrance for your summer. It has a lovely floral scent with a slight hint of cherry and apple to give it that balance between floral and We rate this 4 out of 5 stars fruity. Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire is perfect for you if you want that girly yet classy scent.

We rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

Nuit: The Boss Fragrance For Ladies A beautiful package that looks good on the dressing table coupled with a rich scent that can start a conversation, you have a good perfume in your hands.

Nuit – French word for Night, meets all these qualities. The bottle is sleek and simple. Like its name, it is as dark as night and therefore looks intriguing. It has a rich floral scent mixture of peaches and jasmine with a touch of sandalwood fragrance.

From the stables of Hugo Boss, which has been in clothing business since 1924 and ventured into the fragrance market over 60 years ago, Nuit Pour Femme is sure to deliver on its promise.

However, Nuit may not club with you all night because it loses stamina after a few hours.

So, you will need to visit the ladies room for a touch up after a few hours.

BOSS NUIT

MAKE UP GEEK BRUSH makeupgeek.com N1,3720

H REPORT BY: ONYINYE MUOBUIKE

ave you ever run out of liquid eyeliner and don’t know what to do? Or made a mess and have no facial wipes to wipe them off. We are guessing you would like to know what to do when all these happens mistakes happen.

Not to worry that’s why we are sharing our easy beauty hacks every woman should know. Enjoy!

ORGANIC VIRGIN COCONUT OIL nealsyardremedies. com N3,706

JOHNSON BABY SHAMPOO N1,657 walmart.com

ULTRA THIN EYELINER blincinc.com N7,280

AMUSE PERFUME SPRAY VANILLA MACARONN5,180 themefragance.com

VASELINE PETROLEUM JELLY amazon.com N6,198

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BEAUTY HACKS

1. Make your perfume last all day: Put Vaseline on the areas you want to spray. Spray on the applied areas and this beauty hack makes your perfume last all day.

2. Perfume as nail remover: When you run out of nail remover do not panic. Perfume saves the day. This works perfectly. It actually gets off all the nail polish.

3. Remember the first scenario I mentioned in our intro? This is the solution. Use your mascara. Yes. When you run out of liquid eyeliner, take out your mascara and use the eyeliner stick to get a little of the black gel. Sounds funny yeah? But it saves you.

4. Coconut oil as makeup remover: When you run out of facial wipes, you can use coconut oil to remove make up stains. Not to worry it’s organic and cheap.

5. Use baby shampoo to wash your makeup brushes. If your pocket isn’t friendly at that time to purchase brush cleansers, use baby shampoo. It’s cheap and affordable.

6. When you run out of mascara, you can also use your liquid liner as a substitute. Apply the black gel on the mascara wand and you’re good to go. BB

LENGTHENING MASCARA BLACK nealsyardremedies. com N6,589

COMPLETEFASHION WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG | VOL. 6 ISSUE 48

N1000

A TRUE TALES PUBLICATION

AFRICA’S NUMBER 1 FASHION JOURNAL

LIFESTYLE

MICHAEL

UGWU Music and Me

Fashion inspirations from your space

VINO De

FABULOUS Fashion meets Cape Wine

LOREM | lpsum |65|

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DECORMANIA

MUSIC through the Lens of a Pro

For the General Manager of Sony Music West Africa, Michael Ugwu, music has always been a passion. Born to Nigerian parents but raised in the London, Michael jettisoned a comfortable life in the finance sector and came down to Nigeria to put this passion in motion. Having honed his skills in the world of digital music, this self-made music entrepreneur is now at the fore-front of music evolution in Africa.

In this explosive interview, Magic Mike (as he is reffered to on twitter) reveals what it’s like to be a deciding factor in African music, what African artistes stand to gain from the Sony collaboration, his personal life and quirks, amongst others.

Funny enough I’ve actually had a longstanding relationship with Sony Music over the years. I had first approached Sony Music to try and license their music catalogue back in 2012. At the time however, legally licensing international content for the Nigerian market was uneconomical, as we didn’t have optimal distribution and monetization channels to recoup licensing costs. The Sony Music catalogue is primarily premium product and was and still is very expensive from any perspective. Despite the fact that I didn’t end up licensing the catalogue I developed a relationship with the team going forward and each time they were in Nigeria or I would be in South Africa or London we would make attempts to meet up and discuss the African music business, opportunities and challenges.

We were on different sides of the table as per licensee-licensor so we had different perspectives on the market but we always found common ground in the belief that there was a huge untapped opportunity in Nigeria, West Africa. When they finally considered coming to the market I was actually working on my own startup, Freeme Digital, so I began the process of assisting them identify someone suitable for the role. The challenge was finding someone with good industry relationships, a good understanding of licensing major label catalogue, the requisite experience and the passion to take the business from entrepreneurial start up to established business in a specific time frame. After talking to a number of people on ground the team basically came back to me and said, “Look Mike we need to talk”!

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The truth was I was apprehensive about joining a major label in West Africa due to the independent nature of our market, PLUS I was at the stage where I wanted to build something for myself. Anyway, one discussion led to another over a few drinks and dinners and eventually I decided to take on the challenge. One thing I quickly learned about Sony Music is they want you to be entrepreneurial.

How is this collaboration between Sony music and Africa benefitting music talents in Nigeria and Africa as a whole?

We are still in the early stages of growing the opportunity in West Africa so that’s hard to say. It has always been our belief that the chances of the next global pop icon coming out of Africa were high. Specifically West Africa and specifically Nigeria, well that’s me being slightly biased as a Nigerian! But the fact is that only our music has penetrated

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We need producers to focus on producing and songwriters to focus on writing songs instead of everyone wanting to become ‘the’ next greatest performing artist. Creatives that should be focusing on where their strengths lie are forced to become performers because that is where the most money is right now.

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It is a well known fact that Sony is very strict with its appointments. What do you think made you their choice?

the continent in a way that no other African country’s music has. Its energetic, its top quality and its highly exportable amongst a myriad of other things. One of the key benefits of having a platform like Sony Music on ground is creating the links between the mainstream music market in the West and niche music markets like ours. The Davido recording deal is a good example of Sony Music working to develop a contemporary afropop icon into a global pop star. Artistes like Davido can benefit from Sony’s global infrastructure when signed to global recording deals. Davido’s issue was not so much his music being amplified in Africa, Davido’s challenge was his music being amplified in mainstream markets around the world. It’s an extremely tough proposition to achieve this without a major label machine backing you up. In the same vein working on international collaborations gets easier once you are affiliated with a major label as you will potentially be collaborating with a label mate. This is exactly the case with Davido and Tinashe both of whom are on the RCA roster (Sony Music subsidiary). Watch out for Davido’s first single (audio + video) under Sony Music/RCA coming out September 9th 2016 feauturing our very own Tinashe who’s half Zimbabwean - for those that didn’t know!! I’ve seen the first cut of the video and it’s looking super dope! Unfortunately I missed the video shoot in Malibu thumbs down! The fact is that there are many benefits a major label brings to the table; one has to also consider the fact that good or bad simply working with a major label like Sony Music exposes music talents to record label best practice so you know what to demand or expect from a proper recording deal in terms of structure, transparency, reporting etc.

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There is high prevalence of online piracy especially in the Nigerian music industry.

Being in the digital music industry, what are your strategies for fighting this scourge?

Yes you are correct about the high prevalence of piracy but to me it’s not just a Nigerian or African problem. It’s a global challenge to the music industry as a whole. I have colleagues all over the world who face the same challenges in the physical and digital world. I would say the piracy problem in Nigeria is more so in the physical market mostly emanating from the Lagos market known as Alaba. You may or may not have heard about Alaba but long story short the market has both helped and hindered the Nigerian music industry over the years. It sounds cryptic but it’s not a simple straight forward discussion so we will save that for another day. Digital piracy on the other hand started during the days of Napster we simply inherited the problem. Thankfully digital piracy is limited in Nigeria due to the fact that the digital opportunity is not at full penetration yet due to smartphone device penetration and the associated high costs of data but these are changing daily. To fight

digital piracy the war must be waged on various fronts. We need more legally licensed services in the market. I believe that the more convenient it is to access legal licensed affordable music on top quality digital music services such as Apple Music, Spotify, MTN Music Plus, the less convenient it becomes to pirate. It is extremely cumbersome and risky to go and search for a single track on some of these virus-infected websites. Why not sign up to a music subscription streaming service that has almost every song known to man and legally access all the music you want?

The fact of the matter is that subscription streaming has created a huge opportunity to plug the piracy question that has been plaguing the industry for the last 10 plus years, numbers don’t lie and we are seeing significant growth in revenue and subscribers from streaming partners globally. So strategy 1 is to encourage people to take up these services. We also have the legal angle; there is an ongoing review of Nigerian copyright law that will address several things regarding online piracy. Our initial copyright law made no reference to digital. Once this review is complete I believe we will have a better structure to fight online piracy from a legal perspective. I also think changing culture is important. Understanding that artistes make music as a job and not for fun is paramount.

Users often see music as a free product created for fun. It isn’t. It’s a serious business that has the potential to employ massive amounts of seemingly unemployable young creatives. We need a culture shift from the music consuming population. For this to work we have to work hand in hand with local labels, artistes and key stakeholders. All of the above are continuous works in progress and slowly but surely we will get there.

Talent shows are now quite popular in the country and a lot of artistes have been discovered through this medium. Is Sony music planning something along this line?

We actually own 50% of the X-Factor globally.

It’s a partnership between Sony Music and Simon Cowell (Syco). Any artiste that wins the X-Factor automatically gets signed to Sony Music like the group One Direction. We didn’t run X-Factor in Nigeria last year however I’m discussing with the Syco team on the way forward. Hopefully I’ll update you on my next trip to London. Watch this space!

Is there a sort of cross content sharing between Sony music and private firms?

I would say its somewhat like a talent pipe.

Sony as a major label has its strengths whereas Independent music companies have other strengths. Smaller companies tend to make initial smaller scale investments in unearthing talent whilst larger record

The Nigerian market faces challenges across the different sectors. What challenges would you say you face in the music sector?

Piracy is obviously number 1. Music tends to be recession proof. When you’re happy you consume music when you’re sad you consume music so the current economic downturn has not hampered the music business like the Oil & Gas sector for example. We have a long way to go in terms of getting certain structures right such as publishing infrastructure. Publishing is becoming a very important piece of the revenue pie for artistes and labels. The Nigerian music ecosystem needs to develop the right publishing infrastructure so that the music ecosystem can grow. We need producers to focus on producing and songwriters to focus on writing songs instead of everyone wanting to become ‘the’ next greatest performing artiste.

This is currently the case due to the absence of a publishing environment locally. Creatives that should be focused on where their strengths lie are forced to become performers because that is where the most money is right now. There are positive steps being taken to address this as we speak The fact of the so watch this space. I think matter is that the human subscription resource challenge is streaming has also quite created a huge apparent. We need a better opportunity to pool of talent plug the piracy of music question that has executives in Nigeria. Again been plaguing we are in a the industry for better place than we were the last 10 plus 10 years ago years, numbers but a lot of work still needs don’t lie and to be done.

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Nigerian artistes are increasingly getting signed unto foreign labels.

Does this phenomenon bode well for both the artistes and the country?

I believe it does. I think

we are seeing significant growth in revenue and subscribers from streaming partners globally.

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We have a structure in East Africa out of Kenya that we are in the process of solidifying. We have signed local superstars like Alikiba(Tanzania) and Red San (Kenya) amongst others. The East African market is an interesting one. Similarly to West Africa, major label structures have been missing from the local ecosystem. The market has primarily grown thanks to the independent labels just like in Nigeria. As well as signing and developing talent we would love to create a touring hub out of these 3 key markets. We have over 5million tracks in our catalogue so you can imagine that we have a load of heavy weight artistes on our roster that want to tap into the African market. In actuality plans are already in place and we should be embarking on our first ever Africa promo tour in a few months. A promo tour is different from a commercial tour in the sense that the artiste in discussion with label and management see an opportunity to grow his or her presence in that market and will therefore visit the territory free of charge - in a sense. I say in a sense because someone picks up the tab but we cannot commercialize the trip by selling tickets. I must state that our business is not the live music business, it’s the recorded music business but we are happy to facilitate growth in live booking opportunities wherever we can. So our focus in Africa is around these 3 key hubs – West, East, and South.

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With its feet firmly in Nigeria and South Africa, what other African countries is Sony setting its sights on?

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strategy 1 is to encourage people to take up of these services.

We also have the legal angle; there is an ongoing review of Nigerian copyright law that will address several things regarding online piracy. Our initial copyright law made no reference to digital. Once this review is complete I believe we will have a better structure to fight online piracy from a legal perspective

labels tend to invest heavily in amplifying that talent. There’s a reason why the biggest artistes in the world like Beyoncé and Adele started of with smaller labels and management companies and end up working with major record labels further into their careers like Colombia Records a Sony Music subsidiary. Adele was with an independent label in the UK called XL Recordings, part of the Beggars Group. Colombia distributed her music only in North America for Beggars until 2016 when she fully came on board as Sony/Colombia artiste in one of the biggest recording deals ever valued at £90 million.

That’s the transition from indie to major.

You were recently featured on CNN Passion to Portfolio. When did you realize that helping artistes make a living by sharing their content online was your passion?

Yes I was! When I took a massive pay cut to get into the media space and didn’t end up regretting it…I think that’s when I realized I had real passion for this business. I’ve always loved music and flirted with the idea of getting into the industry, I even used to push my younger brother a lot in the UK in the early days of Grime (a UK music genre). I remember hitting up DJ’s like Tim Westwood and 279 over at Choice FM in Elephant & Castle to drop CDs. The passion was always there in a fun way but coming from the finance world (Corporate Finance &Investment Advisory) it just didn’t seem like a super serious transition at the time. Anyway here I am now!

What does the future hold for you in digital music?

I think God knows best oh! I’ve got a number of game changing projects in the pipeline that I will see to fruition in 2016/17 but aside that, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, adding value any and everywhere I can in the music biz and keep doing what I love.

I’ve got the knack of the executive decision/ deal making side of the business covered so I think from a personal perspective I want to do a lot more in the A&R space, working with talent and developing ground breaking projects. I’m the pioneer GM for Sony Music Entertainment West Africa I have a lot of work to do!

From your popular fashion (jeans and t-shirt), is it safe to conclude that you value comfort over fashion and style?

It depends on the occasion. For my day to day I like a straightforward t-shirt and jeans set up usually with sneakers (I have a sneaker fetish). I think I wore a suit and tie so long that I just wanted to go in a completely different daily ‘get-up’ fashion direction.

Anyway this is the music biz so I have to feel relaxed!

What would you refer to as fashion?

I like urban or street wear. My favourite get up right now would be my G Star Raw

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‘‘

I’ve always loved music and flirted with the idea of getting into the industry, I even used to push my younger brother a lot in the UK in the early days of Grime (a UK music genre). The passion was always there in a fun way but coming from the finance world (Corporate Finance &Investment Advisory) it just didn’t seem like a super serious transition at the time

‘‘

it validates the fact that the industry has grown to a point that international players are getting involved and trying to get some of the action. Not all deals work out as planned so it’s always good to have an underlying strategy for signing with a foreign label.

Usually the strategy should be for a level of foreign exposure unless the said company also has the requisite experience in the local market. We at Sony are growing our local major label expertise to ensure that we are servicing artistes in both local and global environments. How I operate, as Sony Music West Africa is not necessarily the same as how they operate at Sony Music France. The fact that foreign labels are taking an interest in our local stars bodes well on the country level from a profile perspective. We are introducing foreign media to a different side of Nigeria, the creative, young, aspirational side of Nigeria. We are exporting music products and earning FX all good things for our local economy. The government on the other hand also needs to empower local firms to take advantage of these profile-raising opportunities brought on by this wave of interest in the Afrobeats space.

jeans, Adidas NMDs, and Comme De Garcon t-shirt. I need to feel relaxed and ready to let my creative/entrepreneurial juices flow!

No chance I’m relaxing in a suit and tie. If I’m speaking at a conference I like to wear a blazer over a plain t-shirt. Anyone who knows me knows I love sunshades and snap backs - my instagram page says it all! My collection of snap backs is vast similar to my collection of sneakers. I grew up in London so i embody a lot of London urban street wear in my style. When I’m in the east, primarily Enugu however, I like to wear my traditional wear, it just feels right to me. I’ve got more trad than people think but I tend to save it all for my trips East or to Abuja.

How does your typical day play out?

SUPER BUSY! I’m usually up around 7am to check emails and plan my to do’s for the day.

My schedule is hectic but I usually try and get a workout in first thing as I know I will be too tired later on in the day. Once the actual day starts I may be in the studio listening to the latest Sony Music radio sampler or an upcoming artiste’s new content. I may be in meetings with MTN or BeatFm or TraceTV or any other similar digital or media partner discussing upcoming projects and campaigns.

I could also be on an International Skype call to another Sony Office anywhere in the world. I move around a lot so tend to grab lunch on the move, or at a restaurant. In my line of work breakfast, lunch or dinner/ drinks meetings are commonplace! Last week for example I was at Inazaghi, Crossroads, Sao Café, The Wheatbaker, RSVP and Avenue Suites all for various lunch and dinner meetings. Its entertainments for goodness sake! I’m always constantly checking numbers and charts to see how our content is performing on various platforms seeing where campaigns can be tweaked or modified. I have a fantastic view of Lagos from my office in Victoria Island so later in the day I tend to move out to my balcony hook up my speakers and work whilst listening to new and sometimes unreleased music. There’s so much being released from Sony Music as a company it’s about filtering through and picking what may work in my market. We are working on Davido’s new project right now, so I am spending a lot of time listening to the new materials he’s working on. The music business like any business is about analysis, strategy and execution. It seems glamorous but you’d

be surprised how much I get done without leaving my laptop and desk. I’m even usually too tired for the myriad of events Lagos has to offer. I travel a lot (primarily for conference or event speaking engagements) so the fact of the matter is that I could wake up in London, Joburg or New York and still have all these things to get done. I just got back from the One Africa Music Festival in New York. We had 3 artists on the bill - Davido, Ayo Jay and Jidenna, about a month ago I was in Cannes France to speak at MIDEM, a few months before that I was at SXSW to speak on the Nigerian music industry. There’s so much going on right now campaign wise, most of which I cannot talk about but rest assured we have some very very interesting projects coming soon targeted at the Nigerian market!

What other things are you passionate about apart from your job?

My daughter Zikora would be number 1 on that list! I’m also very passionate about developing people. I’m working with a number of organizations such as the African Leadership Academy to fulfill this passion.

I also have a foundation in Enugu where I’m from. I think it’s important that we develop tomorrow’s talent today. We are our own social safety nets. Rather than sit and complain about where the government is falling short let’s develop those closest to us to be upstanding, active, responsible members of our communities in the not too distant future.

Would you say that you have a fulfilled life now?

Honestly speaking I have a busy life. I could easily say my days are filled but I cannot say I’m fulfilled. I still have a heck of a lot I want to achieve before my time is up. I believe that professional success and personal fulfillment are mutually exclusive. With regards to personal fulfillment, I’m working on myself, striving to become a better man day by day, it’s definitely work in progress! With regards to professional success, I’m inching closer.

They don’t want you to win but I came to win because at the end of the day I believe in Magic (me)!

Twitter – iam_magicmike Instagram – iam_magicmike CF

PHOTO - STUDIO24, STYLED BY - UCHE NNAJI, WARDROBE - OUCHE INTERVIEW - CYNTHIA EJIKE

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I’m very passionate about developing people. I think it’s important that we develop tomorrow’s talent today. We are our own social safety nets.

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Fashion Meets Cape Wines BY IFEANYI OGBO

O u r first stop is the Waterford Wineries for a meet and greet.

It gets quite cold in the evenings, so a leather or bomber jacket over a simple dress would help in keeping you warm. Wine tasting might involve a lot of standing and walking around the vineyard, so it pays to wear thick The Meet leggings (or any other form of and Greet: leg warmer) over super comfy shoes. You must try the Heatherleigh from the waterford.

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Wine tasting is the sensory assessment and evaluation of wine. Bottles and even glasses may be disguised in a “blind” technique, to rule out any prejudicial awareness of either vintage or winery. While the “blind” process might be in for the tasting process, it pays to keep one’s eyes wide open when pulling out an outfit for vin de table events.

Our wine tasting destination is South Africa courtesy of the CAPE WINE and Wines of South Africa team. Come away with us as we wander through sun kissed vineyards, while we guide you on what to wear for the different Casual Sunday spheres of wine tasting.

Braai:

Asides tasting the wine, it pays to also see how the whole process begins and this leads us to the innovations of Paarl where we have a chance to learn about a couple of winemakers like Nederburg owner, Johann Georg Gruaue, that pioneered some changes in the winemaking world in South Africa.

The dress code for this one is semiformal so a shirtdress and a pair of boots will do. Look out for the statue of the KWV pioneer.

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This is a sensorial experience that involves blind tasting the wine to illustrate the flavors in each wine. Pulling off a look for this will require finding that perfect place between comfort and style.

Definitely not always an easy task but it can be if you focus on accessories. Take that simple, comfy outfit and amp up its style with a scarf, cool belt or fabulous pair of earrings. Play around with accessories that aren’t a burden (like clanking bracelets or neck ornaments, high-heels or a heavy, high-maintenance handbag). It also helps to skip white dresses to avoid red wine stains. We recommend you try any of the wines from Durbanville Hills winery.

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Sensorial Regional Excellence Experience:

The Innovations Journey

The perfect outfit for a vintage affair would of course be a vintage dress. Jewelry almost never goes out of style, so you can wear pieces of vintage jewelry. Go for bold bangles and clip-on earrings for your gown. Keep in mind that you don’t want your jewelry to be in competition, so only wear a single piece of bold jewelry at a time.

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Robertson Wine Valley....A Vintage Affair

T h e w o r d braai comes from the word braaivleis, which is Afrikaans for roasted meat. Our casual Saturday afternoon braai destination is Kanankop and Hartenberg Wine Estate. The dress code has to be casual and simple; it’s best go with a Stylish/Comfortable Summer Dress – the looser and flowy the better. Combine this with a sun hat and sunglasses and you are good to go. You must try the Chardonnay.

DĂŠcor mania

BY SMART COURAGE

Looking for style inspiration this season, pick bits and pieces from your personal space to create your overall finished look. Why not beg to differ. Below are our inspirations for this season.

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OFUURE TOLA AFRICAN PRINT COVER-UP N35,430 ETSY.COM

Clothing

Dresses are very universal, they can be formal or casual depending on how you accessorize them Dressy- Midi Dresses, Maxi Gowns Casual- Maxi Sports Bra, Sports shorts or leggings, and T-Shirt

Swimwear

Swimsuits- A noticeable one piece, is easy to match with a skirt or shorts Cover-ups- At least two cover-ups

ANDREA IYAMAH KANDA HIGH WAIST SWIM SUIT N31001.25 RIGHT: N29,894

OFUURE UYÍ N35,430 ETSY.COM

EMILY SILVER PLATED SWAROSKI AND VINTAGE PEARL NECKALACE N132,862 NATALIEWALDMAN.COM

Necklaces Chokers and layered necklaces

STANDING IN THE

SUN

POLO RALPH LAUREN ALPHLAUREN.COM N20,664

REPORT BY ANDREA SMITH

Vacation is the best excuse to project your inner Beyoncé.

It is one of the few times you have permission to look fierce 24/7. This article gives you tips on how to be fashionable from the moment you step off the plane, till you go to bed. This is the ultimate guide to help you pack smart for that vacation

Headwear

Sun Hats- A nice big sun hat paired with nice shades

Earrings Bold earrings that make a statement

STORE.NIKE.COM NIKE “LIVE IT, LOVE IT, RUN IT”

SOUTACHE EARRINGS – CLIP ON EARRINGS

Sunglasses Aviators are still popular. Particularly aviators with colorful mirrored lenses

Shoes

Sandals- It’s best to have one that is water proof, easy to wear on the beach Heels- Strappy heels for evening and special events Sneakers Sneakers incase of adventurous rendezvous Flip Flops- You can’t go wrong with flip-flops

RAYBAN RAY-BAN.COM IN NAIRA N59,050

MICHAEL KORS JELLY SANDAL N17419 MICHAELKORS.COM GIUSEPPE CRUEL N470,923 GIUSEPPEZANOTTIDESIGN.COM

REEBOK Z BELLE N22,140 REEBOK.COM

COMPLETEFASHION WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG | VOL. 11 ISSUE 3

N1000

A TRUE TALES PUBLICATION

AFRICA’S NUMBER 1 FASHION JOURNAL

MAN

TRUE COLOURS

WHAT DO COLOURS SAY ABOUT

YOU?

STYLE FORAY

RMD

ILLRYMZ IS

BACHELOR OF THE MONTH

YES, NO, MAYBE

FASHION JURY

F ALZ HOW BAHD |75|

CF

IS HE?

SUMMER

Shorter Shorts

Up!!!

Frontline fashion houses like Prada and Gucci got back short shorts with a scope of hues and prints.

This is great for the summer weather. Keep shorts with bright colours like blue, green and yellow for beach days.

REPORT BY OLUWAROTIMI AJAYI Summer 2016 accumulations brought back conventional hues, shapes and a scope of surprising embellishments for the warmer months. From 50’s enlivened shirts to overalls, this list will help with exploring the most recent menswear patterns for a new Summer 2016 closet. CF

Fifties Shirts The 50s shirt is generally keeping things relaxed. The shirt can best be adorned with tailored pants and dark wayfarers.

Bomber Jacket The bomber jacket is versatile for casual days and helps keep looks cool and comfortable.

White Chinos & Trousers Incredibly complementary with deep navies and pops of bright colours, the white denim and chinos trend is worn best with accessories like dusty brown boots and belts.

CF

|76|TREND

Overalls The recent menswear Spring/Summer 2016 collections gave a nod to mechanic-like overalls, showcasing them in dark blacks, cool toned denims and dusky greens. Keep denim overalls low-key with a white teeshirt and simple trainer.

BLUE Loved, high regard, knowledge, authority, trust, serious, responsibility, peace, social status, caring, good health, tranquil, intuitive, happiness, calm, honest, loyalty, integrity

PURPLE Spiritual, passionate, visionary, regal, powerful, respected, dignified, luxurious

MAGENTA Outrageous, imaginative, innovative

BLACK Elegance, authority, dignity, sophistication, seductive, mystery

TURQUOISE Refreshing, cool, imaginative, innovative, youthful

LIGHT BLUE Peaceful, sincere, affectionate

TRUE COLOURS

GR EEN Relaxing, compassion, prosperit y, prestige, grow th, abundance, money, vitality, harmony, efficiency

REPORT BY: IFEANYI OGBO

T

he colours of your outfits are subliminally sending out a message.

Clothing colours are brimming with emotions: each colour not only represents a mood, it also alters the mood when paired up with other colors. Hence, clothing colours are pivotal when it comes to selecting outfits.

Of particular importance is the colour of outfit one chooses for an interview. The right colours could give you a positive edge over others.

YELLOW Â An xiety, alert, optimistic, confident, stimulating, enthusiastic, playful, cheerful, communicative, expressive, intelligent

Here are the messages the colour of outfits reflect out:Â CF

WHITE Virtue, fertility, clean, status, prosperity PINK Upbeat, good health, calming, friendly, compassionate, faithful, femininity, calm

RED Dominance, power, attention, sexual energy, health, determination, passion, persistence, excitement, strength

ORANGE Happy, courageous, successful, enthusiasm, bold, adventuresome, friendliness, warmth, informality, welcoming, movement, energy

GUIDE|77|

CF

INDIGO Knowledge, power, integrity

MONTH Illrymz

O

REPORT BY: RITA OKOYE

‘‘

‘‘

I want to be a perfectionist. My focus now is on building the brand ‘Illrymz’.

The brand has been hugely successful as a radio/T.V. presenter and producer. It’s a full time job as well, so I need to put a hold on music- for now.

CF

|78|PROFILE

lowu Bordia Adebola, better known as Illrymz is a Nigerian television host, radio personality, writer, producer, Hip-Hop & RnB artiste and former model. He is also one of the new ambassadors of Gulder Beer, owned

by Nigerian breweries. lllrymz was born in Lagos to a Persian mother and Yoruba father.

As one of the hottest and eligible bachelors in the Nigerian entertainment industry, we made him our CF Bachelor of the month.

During an interview session held in his cool and cozy office at Victoria Island, Lagos, Illrymz talks about the reason he is still single and the special qualities he expects from a woman that would win his charming heart.

The year has already gone past half, how has it been for you?

The year has been very slow but we thank God. We are working on a whole bunch of new projects.

Shout out to Gulder, they made things happen for me.

Have you abandoned the music side of you?

That’s the thing. I want to be a perfectionist. My focus now is on building the brand ‘Illrymz’. The brand has been hugely successful as a radio/T.V. presenter and producer. It’s a full time job as well, so I need to put a hold on music- for now. I had done songs with Femi Kuti, Reminisce, Skales and others.

Last year, a lot of your colleagues got married. How did that make you feel?

(Laughs) I’m extremely happy for them but I am not ready for marriage yet. I am at a phase where I need to work and build my empire. When it’s the right time, and if God blesses me with the right woman, I will get married but for now, I’m gonna keep working.

So does that mean you don’t have a girlfriend right now?

No. If you are to pick a wife, what kind of lady would it be?

I don’t think those things work. Fine, if you want a babe to roll with, you can say she needs to look like Cassie or some hot girl out there but for someone you want to get married to, it has to be someone that understands you, because I’m not the easiest person to understand. I just need someone who will understand me because I am easily

‘‘

‘‘

BACHELOR OF THE

My future wife has to beautiful, I have to be able to wake up and see her face every morning. She has to be intelligent and be able to hold down a family and she has to be smarter than me because she will be the real boss. misunderstood.

Aside the normal understanding, there should be something more you want in a girl, what would that be? (laughs) yeah! She has to beautiful, I have to be able to wake up and see her face every morning. She has to be intelligent and be able to hold down a family and she has to be smarter than me because she will be the real boss.

Can you define your fashion and style sense?

I like to be chic and elegant, I keep my colours simple.

What colours can’t you be caught wearing?

Pink.

What is your fashion must-have?

Crisp white shirt and I advise every man to get like a time piece as well, shoes are also important.

Who are your favourite designers?

It’s not like I have favourite designers but I wear a lot of Zara, call me cheap if you want.

I can blend Zaras with Zanottis. For belts, I like to wear Louis Vuitton. CF

GUCCI SUPREME TIAN SLIDES NGN102,200 gucci.com

ADIDAS TRACK JACKETNGN25,550 Adidas Lekki

J.CREW LINEN SHIRTNGN23,550 jcrew.com

BOB MARLEY IS OUR SUMMER STYLE

HERO

REPORT BY: DAVID NWACHUKWU Have you ever searched for the perfect summer style that looks cool without stressing the comfort? Then look no further than the Legend himself, Bob Marley. He was into athleisure before it became a thing and made linen shirts a men’s wardrobe staple around the world. Take a cue from this style superstar’s archive and invest in a clean, streamlined look consisting of a crisp shirt, super-fly jeans and the coolest leather sandals. Consider this the perfect look for when the sun is shining with a hot girl on your arm in Jamaican paradise. CF VANS- NGN25,550 vans.com

TOM FORD SUNGLASSESNGN127,750 mrporter.com LEVIS DENIM JACKETNGN32,850 Levi’s MMA2, Ikeja BATHING APE T-SHIRTNGN35,770 us.bape.com

VOLCOM SHIRTNGN21,200 (pacsun.com

ZARA JEANSNGN29,200 zara.com

GUIDE|79|

CF

Uniqlo Khaki ShirtNGN14,600 (uniqlo.com)

In style with

R

RMD REPORT BY: CYNTHIA EJIKE

enowned Nigerian actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo popularly known as RMD is one handsome man who sure looks ageless each time we see a new photo of him. He has shown quite a number of times that being stylish, fashion forward and metrosexual has nothing to do with age.

Both in the movies and out of it, you rarely find men with more charming reputation than RMD, and we regularly find ourselves swooning over him. From fan favorites, to Nollywood’s favorite, this actor offers some very ‘good-looking’ reasons to be appreciated. He is witty, humble, versatile, youthful and still emits a lot of positive energy even at the age of 55. Can you believe that? No wonder he is being classed among Nollywood’s hottest men. CF

CF

|80|STYLE

C

FALZ OF ALLTRADES, MASTER OF ALL BY: IFEANYI OGBO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADEMOLA ODUSANMI STYLING: TOSIN OGUNLADEGBE OF STYLE INFIDEL ASSISTED BY YEMI OLOWU

ameras? Check. Lighting? Check.

Studio equipment? Check.

Refreshment? Check. Everything was in place as everyone waited excitedly for the appearance of Falz the Bahd Guy. We were definitely not disappointed as he burst into the studio spotting his infectious smile and positive energy which he managed to sustain throughout the fun shoot. From

the interview session down to posing for the camera in challenging acrobatic poses, Falz gave off nothing but playful vibes. Little wonder he is one of Nigeria’s most loved celebrities. As an art wiz who brilliantly blends his various works (music, acting, comedy) to coexist seamlessly with one another, we were eager to know the secret to this balancing act. >>

“I’m working towards launching a unisex fashion line; I’ll eventually delve further by launching a lingerie line. That’s an unexploited fashion terrain on this side of the world and I can’t wait to see what it holds.”

NAVY BLUE SUIT BY HABANA CONNOISSEUR: N70,000 | NAUTICAL STRIPPED TEE SHIRT: RED TAG: N5,000 | GOLD WRIST WATCH: MICHAEL KORS: N60,000 GOLD BRACELET: N10,000

“I cook better than most average bachelors. I mean I can fry eggs, cook rice and make stew.”

CF

|84|COVER STORY

PLAID SHIRT BY RED TAG: N8,000 WHITE TEE SHIRT: N3,000 DENIM PANTS BY RED TAG: N8,000 ADIDAS SNEAKERS: N35,000

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Born Folarin Falana in October 27, 1990, he adopted the stage name “Falz” from an abridged version of his last name Falana, while the Bahd Guy is a title and acronym that means Brilliant and Highly Distinct. Falz calls his own genre of music “Wazup music” and describes his songwriting process as an act he does when alone, far from the roar and waves of the city. “I sometimes get inspiration when I’m on the road and have to quickly jot out the lines.”

Falz who began his career while in high school after forming a group called “The School Boys” has come a long way from his humble musical beginnings. He gained major

recognition after his song titled “Marry Me” (featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade) won him a nomination in the “Best Collaboration of The Year” category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

Ironically, he was nominated alongside Yemi Alade for the BET 2016 Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act which he ultimately won. But perhaps he is best known musically for his major hit “soldier”(featuring vocals with Simi) which was the third and biggest single so far from his ‘Stories that Touch’ album. Playing on the fluid chemistry of their collaboration he confides that we should expect more musically from him and Simi, “There are definitely going to be more collaborations with Simi. In fact, we have a collaborative album which is coming out very soon.”

On possible collaborations outside the studio with >>

WHITE TEE SHIRT: N3,000 | ASO OKE SHORTS BY AMA ARIOL: N15,000 |

“I want to be remembered as someone who made an impact, someone who touched lives and inspired people to do great things. I want to be a role model.”

“I do hope to use all the experience I’m garnering right now to venture into entertainment law sometime in the future, exploring copy write, trademarks and artiste representation.”

Simi, he replies with a smile that they are just very good friends who hang out a lot.

In the video of his song Celebrity Girlfriend, Falz appeared with a mock female celebrity on a parody version of Complete Fashion magazine titled “Complete Passion”, was that a subliminal way of sending a message across to Complete Fashion? “The whole video was a parody of sorts with celebrity lookalikes and faux replicas of popular magazines. If that has brought me here, it’s great” he laughs.

With an interesting and growing repertoire of songs, he lists his track “soft work” as his most personal. “It reflects me and the spirit of my journey from law school to doing what I love right now which is music.” Falz who has a background in law and even practiced for two years hopes to go back someday, “I hope to use all the experience I’m garnering right now to venture into entertainment law sometime in the future, exploring copy write, trademarks and artiste representation.”

LEGEND OF THE INVISIBLE LENSES Style to Falz is about being classy

|86|LOREM |lpsum

and unique. “I try to reflect my brand through my style. To be compelling is my goal.” It is pretty impossible to talk about the Falz-style without mentioning his lens-less glasses. “I’ve got seven to ten pairs of them”, he says, “and they are absolutely the favorite things I’ve got in my closet right now.

I buy them in complete form and take off the lenses, it takes some work but it’s all about the legend of the invisible lenses.”

Keeping true to his stylish ideals, Falz launched a collaborative custom design t-shirt line with Jay Osbie in 2015 which was inspired by the “Ello Bae” mania of 2015. He also plans to keep his passion for fashion burning by launching his fashion line. “It’s an upcoming project.

I’m working towards launching a unisex fashion line; I’ll eventually delve further by launching a lingerie line. That’s an unexploited fashion terrain on this side of the world and I can’t wait to see what it holds” he explains.

On his favorite shopping destination, he says; “definitely oxford street in the UK. That’s where I get all my clothing from.”

Like most style icons, Falz has had a moment or two where he seemingly stumbled, his most memorable was at the last AMVCA awards. “I wore a mustard coloured suit and paired it up with brown shoes. This drew some raised eyebrows especially as I was compared with Uti Nwachukwu who wore a similar suit and paired >>

CF

BOMBER JACKET BY RED TAG: N15,000 | MULTI COLORED TEE SHIRT BY RED TAG: N3,500 | MUSTARD PANTS BY RED TAG: N8,000 ADIDAS SNEAKERS: N35,000

CF

|88|COVER STORY

NAVY BLUE SUIT BY HABANA CONNOISSEUR: N70,000 | NAUTICAL STRIPPED TEE SHIRT: RED TAG: N5,000 | GOLD WRIST WATCH: MICHAEL KORS: N60,000 GOLD BRACELET: N10,000

THE SINGER, THE ACTOR, THE COOK Asides his other artistic exploits, Falz enjoys cooking. “I cook better than most average bachelors. I mean I can fry eggs, cook rice and make stew”. He also enjoys playing and

watching football. On five things he can’t live without he lists his phone (with internet), power bank, ps4 (FIFA particularly), studio equipment for recording and his glasses.

What would he like to be remembered for when he transcends from Falz the Bahd guy to Falz the bald guy? Cocking his head to the right and sporting his trademark Falz smile he says “I want to be remembered as someone who made an impact, someone who touched lives and inspired people to do great things. I want to be a role model.”

LOREM | lpsum |89|

CF

it with black shoes.”

BOMBER JACKET BY RED TAG: N15,000 | MULTI COLORED TEE SHIRT BY RED TAG: N3,500 | MUSTARD PANTS BY RED TAG: N8,000 | ADIDAS SNEAKERS: N35,000

TRAVEL

Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Vuitton, Rochas and many other premier fashion designers call Paris their home. Little wonder Paris is regarded as the world fashion capital.

This summer, with a string of fashion shows set to illuminate major runways across the city of lights, fashion lovers around the world are already lacing up their boots and gearing up their sketch pad to take it all in. Who better to tell us about the eternally exquisite Parisian fashion than Style Influencer Dimeji Alara, who was born and grew up in Paris. Though based in South Africa at the moment, Dimeji’s fashion heart beats for the streets of Paris and we are walking (sashaying maybe) to his tune. From the streets of St-Ouen to Rue de la Roquette, our fashion adventure begins....

LIGHTS,LOVE, FASHION...PARIS

DIMEJI ALARA

T

IFEANYI OGBO

he fashion influencer, journalist and Elle Magazine South Africa contributor shares his secret tips for getting the suave and glamorous Parisian style.

With the just concluded Men’s Wear Week in June, The Haute Couture in July, Ready To Wear in September, and tons of shows lined up for summer, there has never been a perfect time to be a style seeker in Paris. There is something for everyone in Paris; from the highest to the lowest, depending on your budget. And I’m a mix of the two. I love to mix the high and the low. I’m really not a big spender when it comes to fashion.

For the affordable clothes I go to Zara, and sometimes H&M, although I’m not really a big

fan as H&M sometimes look too cheap. The good thing with Zara is that it’s cheap but it doesn’t look it. And then I always balance it up with some statement pieces from Jean Paul Gaultier, although that was before he stopped his ready to wear he continues, I’ve been experimenting a lot with Vetements. I’m not really a brand person but, I just like to buy things that look good on me, it doesn’t matter where it is from.

My favorite item in my wardrobe is a 10 dollar shirt I bought in a thrift store in Harlem.

MADE IN PARIS DIMEJI’S SECRET SHOPPING SPOTS

THRIFT SHOPS abound in Paris, which is amazing. You’ll find really priceless things at amazing prices.

ON A VERY TIGHT BUDGET? I will suggest

the flea market in St-Ouen, in the northern region of Paris.

Mondays are usually better as you are likely to find better deals, also be ready for the queue as there’s also only one cash point.

INDIGENOUS DESIGNERS

like Vetments and Margelia are definitely worth checking out.

These designers for me really stand out.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN for unique styles and those pesky pick pockets too. Also, try not to touch the items unless you’re sure you want to buy it as the vendors can get really aggressive sometimes.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP but don’t forget

to indulge a bit in some nice Macaronis from Laduree and nice ham and cheese toast at Café de Flore. Paris’s fashion credentials don’t end on the runway. The city of light offers some of the world’s most intriguing dinner spots, bars, cafes and hotels, which attract a suitably stylish clientele. From dance and drinking coves frequented by top designers to the terrace restaurants where models go to show off their impeccable style, there is a venue to suit every fashion maven.CF

CF

|90|LFESTYLE

Yes, No, Maybe REPORT BY: IFEANYI OGBO In this edition of Yes, No, Maybe we tackle a pertinent question - “Should men wear shorts to the office?” For a very long time men have shunned shorts as an office attire, even during the hottest of days. Should shorts debut in offices, should the #freetheknees movement be stopped by all means, or is this a 50/50 issue?

Let the members of the jury decide. CF

TREYVONE MOOSA Brand Strategist, Tom Ford and Clinique.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

NO

MAYBE

No doubt, shorts are in vogue for today’s gentleman of style, and every man should own a few good shorts. However, wearing shorts to the office is tacky because official hours are considered serious hours, you don’t want your boss or a client to see you as ‘unserious’, do you? So in my own opinion, I think wearing shorts to the office is not ideal. Let’s take the banking sector for example, a serious minded businessman might not want to entrust his millions in the hands of a guy wearing shorts because not everyone understands the language of fashion and the evolution of today’s fashion for men.

In my opinion basically, I would say ‘’Maybe” as the word “work” in question is quite relative.

If it is a well-structured formal office or workplace, I’m certain there are dress codes which the members of staff are made to adhere to as violation of such rule(s) will warrant a query. Although there are exceptions where wearing shorts might not be seen as a problem.

On the other hand, if it’s an informal organization or even a sole proprietorship business organization, wearing shorts might not be much of a problem as it might even be seen as convenient for the type of work in question. In conclusion, if the nature of the job the person does requires him to wear shorts to work, then it is simply ok to do so. Therefore, it is a ‘Maybe’.

DONALD MUO CEO LA’CRÈME MAGAZINE CALABAR, NIGERIA

STEPHEN ABAH Creative director and CEO of emerging Menswear and Womenswear line, STVN WAYNE LAGOS, NIGERIA

FASHION JURY |91|

CF

YES

Having worked in many office environments, the concept of dress codes never made sense to me. If you’re not visible to customers, then who cares?! If I’m going to spend 8 hours a day in a chair behind a computer, then I may as well be comfortable doing so. Shorts are really only shorter trousers… but it feels as if they challenge social norms around masculinity. When did wearing shorts make you less of a man, less intelligent or unprofessional?

I am an avid believer that I wear what I am comfortable in and with the African sun, for me that means shorts!

THE WINES OF SOUTH AFRICA GRAND TASTING Wines of South Africa hosted connoisseurs and brand managers at the 4th edition of the Grand Tasting in Lagos. The annual event held at the newly opened “Liquid Hub” wine Bar in Ikoyi Lagos. As it is custom, the event coincided with the global Nelson Mandela Day in collaboration with the South Africa High Commission.

The one-day event showcased quality wines from wine producers including Noble wines and Paul Cluver to name a few. Distributors, mixologists and brand managers attended a special wine course facilitated by Allister Kreft of Under the Influence –Beverage Intelligence during the day, and then at night the floor was open to wine lovers from far and near. CF

CF

EVENTS|93|

A TOUCH OF GUERLAIN Luxury Beauty Brand Guerlain and top makeup and beauty Professional, Theo of Doranne Beauty gave the City of Lagos a touch of Paris recently.

Guests and shoppers had a great time experiencing Guerlain fragrances, skincare and makeup at the first ever Guerlain pop up beauty bar.

The Fun and chic personality of the globally successful La Petit Robe Noire gave the perfect ambience and guests had a great time surrounded by beauty in every way.

Doranne Beauty headlined the Guerlain brand by sharing her Favourite makeup and beauty must-haves from the brand’s fabulous luxury collection and showing everyone present how they work through product demos and flash make-overs.

Cocktails, signature deserts, shopping and a lot of fun and laughter were abundant as guests and shoppers were treated to chic luxe gifts from Guerlain.

It is no secret anymore why it is so easy to fall in love with the Guerlain brand.

Guerlain makeup and skincare is exclusively available in Essenza Ikeja City Mall, Grand Mall and Silverbird Abuja. CF

CF

|94|EVENTS

THE SHEA EXPERIENCE SHEA MOISTURE, a globally reknowned brand for personal care, established in 1912, was officially launched in Lagos at the Oriental Hotel by its foremost distributor and partner in Nigeria, Chisuf Ventures LTD. Shea Moisture has worked tirelessly for generations to offer true organic, natural and cruelty free personal care products that offer best results to their customers worldwide. Everyone gets love for themselves with every Shea Moisture Experience.

Lagos was indeed ready for every Shea Moisture goodness it could get.

The pop-up shop set up for all guests offered the most amazing deals and prices on all Shea Moisture products including hair, bath, skin care for men, mommy&baby, face, cosmetics and so much more.

The amazing work of TasalaHQ was showcased with beautiful hair created with Shea moisture products. The very insightful interactive session anchored by Shannon Skipper-Green, a Shea Moisture professional and Bukky Fatusin from the UK was quite educative for the guests, but the one on one sessions with Shannon SkipperGreen was the cherry on the cake.

COINTREAU had all guests having the time of their lives with the most delicious cocktails while Femi Leye and Dj Nana entertained the guests with some amazing music. CF Photos - INSIGNA Media

CF

EVENTS|95|

THE 2016 CRUISE COLLECTION

BY ADE BAKARE The word ‘cruise’ evokes travel, luxury, style, boats, yachts and summer.

Ade Bakare has designed a capsule Cruise Line Collection for summer 2016, influenced by his constant travels between London and Lagos where he maintains his design studios and boutique respectively.

The Cruise Line has been greatly inspired by his clients on both sides of the Atlantic who desire something colourful, modern and ethnic to wear while abroad. To satisfy these demands, Ade Bakare came up with an exquisite range of vibrant jackets and dresses in neoprene textiles and adire in modern geometric and circular designs embellished with his unique signature style of wood and glass intersected with beads that sparkle.

High-necked coats with eyelets that are roped with silk adire and large balloon sleeves, capes and empire-cut jackets are teamed with straight silk adire dresses, some cut off the shoulder, whilst sleeveless shift dresses and halter neck styles are all shown in bright effervescent colours such as neon pinks, yellows, deep purple and cobalt blues.

Picture a slight commotion at the airport as a lady emerges

CF

|96|LOOKBOOK

from the crowd in a vibrant orange neoprene coat and an adire orange and yellow dress with heaps of her luggage being moved by several porters and imagine that behind her bejeweled reflective glasses lies that anonymity of reserved elegance . . . she just might be wearing the 2016 Cruise Line by Ade Bakare! CF

PHOTOGRAPHER - OFURE IGHALO, MAKEUP ARTIST - ADEBAYO ADEBIMPE OF AREWA, MODELS - ODINAKA, IMMACULATE, AMARACHI, FUNBI, STYLIST AND DESIGNER - ADE BAKARE

The NHN Collection

CF

LOOKBOOK|97|

COMPLETE

ICON ANNA-LOU LEIBOVITZ REPORT BY: SMART COURAGE Anna-Lou “Annie” Leibovitz an American portrait photographer was born on October 2, 1949. She is the only woman to have held an exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery.

She photographed John Lennon on the day he was assassinated, and her work was used on two record albums by Joan Armatrading. Leibovitz is much influenced by the style Richard Avedon, which made her develop close rapport with her subjects. CF

CF

|98|ICON

COMPLETEFASHION WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG | VOL. 6 ISSUE 48

N1000

AFRICA’S NUMBER 1 FASHION JOURNAL

A TRUE TALES PUBLICATION

TRUE COLOURS WHAT DO COLOURS SAY ABOUT

YOU?

STYLE FORAY

RMD ILLRYMZ IS OUR BACHELOR OF THE MONTH

YES, NO, MAYBE

FASHION JURY

CF

|100|LOREM |lpsum

F ALZ How BAHD Is He?

COMPLETEFASHION WWW.COMPLETEFASHION.ORG | VOL. 6 ISSUE 48

N1000

A TRUE TALES PUBLICATION

AFRICA’S NUMBER 1 FASHION JOURNAL

LIFESTYLE

MICHAEL

UGWU Music and Me

Fashion inspirations from your space

VINO De

FABULOUS Fashion meets Cape Wine

LOREM | lpsum |65|

CF

DECORMANIA

Economy may be tight but not on Arik Air

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