In the lab
4 Beauty Project
Creative Director Bolaji Animashaun
Editor-in-Chief
Business Development
Maryam Kazeem
Deyi Dipeolu
Projects
Fashion
Assistant Creative Debs Faridah Adebiyi Styling Assistant Aisha Bello
Project Manager Seun Awogbade Project Assistant Toni Aladekomo Project Assistant Bidemi Adesanya Production Manager Ibraheem Junaid
Photography IT Director Otoide Ayemere
Obi Somto Bernard Okulaja Tope Adenola Demilade Roberts
Editorial
Graphics
Graphic Designer Tayo Kalejaiye
Beauty Editor Lola Maja Fashion Contributor Noble Eze Contributor-at-Large Aisha Kazeem Editorial Assistant Elohor Omonenu Editorial Assistant Oluranti Adegbola Assistant to Editor in Chief Chi Chi Omolebele
Table
of Contents
6 Cover Story: Uju Marshall x Gozel Green
10 Taste the Runway: Bogobiri x Iamisigo
16 Destination Fashion NYFW
18 Konga Get the Look
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in the lab o
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pened almost a year ago, and while it’s hard to pin down exactly what Stranger is, that’s exactly what co-founders Yegwa and Bibi Ukpo were hoping to achieve. The space might best be described as a concept boutique, and café. Between the Magenta Room and art installations (currently Ada Umeofia’s Crawl), even frequenters of Stranger sometimes require orienting upon entering the space. The project is ambitious, and something perceived as unfamiliar within the scope of fashion in Lagos, but what is almost perfect about Stranger is how it has been able to transfStranger Lagosorm those perceptions into a new age of creativity in Lagos. For brew days, art openings, film screenings, and random afternoons Stranger has become the topic du jour, the place where you can locate young creatives in Lagos talking shop, art and life- and Yegwa Ukpo knows this. He’s humble when I ask him how it feels to provide this kind of space, an alternative to the typical fashion scene in Lagos, but only as modest as his intention to create that very space from the start. On a Saturday afternoon I stop by Stranger for some afternoon coffee and infamous banana bread, while he fills me in on what to expect from Stranger next. I think interesting is the best word to summarise everything. We’ve done simultaneously better than I would have hoped and slightly worse than I would have hoped. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Sometimes you get the odd customer who comes in and looks properly frightened, or repulsed by the space but apart from that it’s been really positive. A lot of the brands that we’re carrying have been doing well. For example all the Yohji Yamomoto items we originally had in the archive are gone now. Then, some of the newer boutique brands like Peir Wu have gotten a bit of traffic so I’ve been really happy about that. I would have liked to have twenty key clients by now. A lot of the time, people come in and buy one thing and then we don’t really see them buy anything
else. But it’s a new business and I knew it was going to be challenging when we started. It’s something that I know we have to be stubborn about and keep growing. If there’s something to be said about creative communities in Lagos, it’s that they’re growing, with new projects everyday seeking to articulate life in the megacity and beyond. Stranger has somehow shifted the focus of art from commerce, to concept itself by encouraging a conversation around what it takes to make transformative art- work that isn’t merely about ‘likes’ but the act of building and inspiring collaboration. In Lagos there seems to be a deficit in terms of spaces people can go to, and just be. I think you can divide creatives into two kinds of people- there are people who are interested in creative arts as a badge- to show that they’re part of something. But they’re not necessarily creators themselvesthey’re just interested in being in the scene, which I support. But then you also have the people who make things- and those people don’t necessarily come out. In fact the first group are the people who are often out, but the people who are really creators- it’s usually difficult for them to meet in this environment and it’s amazing that now all of a sudden these people seem to be meeting each other in Stranger and other spaces in Lagos. I think Lagos in particular is very close to reaching a critical mass of these kinds of spaces. I’ve really been really encouraged by the possibility of collaboration. Just spur of the moment- you’re just talking to someone and then a week later you’re shooting a film. The fashion industry in Nigeria is at its infancy as most designers realize that in order to grow their business they have to shift from luxury brand positioning, to incorporate
mass market appeal and promote accessibility to drive sales. While Yegwa is encouraged by certain abstract aspects of Stranger, he’s also committed to develop Stranger into a sustainable business. Right now we’re working on developing our own in-house line. There’s a very big gap between the reality of fashion as a business and what is actually on ground now. We want to be able to leverage our strengths locally. I am hopeful that we can make something ‘in-house’ that won’t be too expensive but will also speak to a Nigerian and international market. When I look back to Japanese designers in the 80s, a lot of them were self-taught. Rather, they took on this D-I-Y approach. They rummaged around thrift stores and they would get fabrics and make things based on what they had seen elsewhere. From there, they translated their designs into a business and before they knew what was happening, the business grew organically. In Nigeria most of the clothing we make is either for traditional events, or has quite a ‘costume’ factor. We want to see if we can find something in the middle. So far I have been collecting a lot of old fabrics and I’m trying to use them in a patchwork formation. I’m want to stay away from trends, and start with a basic line, shirts, pants, jackets, maybe dresses as well. In addition, to clothing and the space itself, Stranger as a brand has always been about something more. While they have already published a Spring/Summer 2014 Campaign Lookbook, for the past few months, Yegwa has been assembling the Hibiscus Journal, which curates contributions from different artists and writers throughout the diaspora. Hibiscus Journal will be coming out really soon- the first issue looks at the idea of apocalypse in terms of a revelation as opposed to outright destruction. I’m hopeful that it will help create the feeling of a fully fleshed out community. Once we have all these structures in place, it’s kind of a ‘catch 22’ situation- When people look at something and it’s growing and unique, then they want to be part of it. Of course it can’t grow that way unless people get into it. But we’re building something real and multi-faceted, or trying to. If not known for Stranger, then Yegwa Ukpo’s sense of style has made him downright infamous- as the guy people tend to notice at every event, dressed typically all black, and head to toe in Yohji Yamomoto. As boring as it might sound, yes, I’m still wearing Yohji. He really speaks my language so when he retires, there’s a chance I might have to start looking for other inspiration! I just think that he makes clothes that speak to a certain mind frame- the things that we (Yohji enthusiasts) are interested in are slightly different and Yohji gets that. In 2000 he designed a shirt that had some Korean writing and the translation goes something like; “One of my assistants came to me and asked me what it meant to have good taste, and I said to him, good taste means pain and suffering because to have good taste means that you are obsessed over details. The more you obsess with details the harder it is to communicate with people and that is a kind of suffering in and of itself.” Or something like that- but to have a certain sense for aesthetics and design can sometimes feel alienating because most people aren’t interested in those things. It’s not even about feeling superior to other people, it just means that you feel outside, if that makes sense. However, I have been expanding my wardrobe a bit with designers like Peir Wu. Her clothes give off a sense of not taking yourself too seriously. This August marks Stranger’s one year anniversary, and as it continues to cement itself as an innovative force within Nigeria’s fashion scene, Yegwa Ukpo is adamant about one thing- that Stranger fulfill its role as safe haven for ‘outsiders’ in Nigeria. Perhaps the beauty and contradiction of Stranger is that behind the esoteric design, clothing and atmosphere, the notion of ‘outsider’ in Lagos is more common than we’d like to think. Stranger Lagos is located at 3 Hakeem Dickson, Lekki Phase I, Lagos. Photography: Demilade Roberts
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The
Beauty Project
Ada Umeofia
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e think it’s safe to say that beauty and reflection go hand in hand. There’s of course the physical act of looking in the mirror, or a célfie, but then there’s some reflection that goes along with that reflection, even if it’s momentary. This season, we’re asking what you think or feel when you look into the mirror, or at any of the other reflections you encounter throughout our days.
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Ada: Well, my hair has redefined me and definitely re defined my aesthetic, but more so my entire understanding of beauty. I woke up one morning, cut off my hair with scissors and realised that it kind of shifted my perception of my own appearance. In that moment, it was more the anticipation that you feel and also a kind of frustration that I had looking into the mirror and looking at my face. There was this kind of shock and it just kind of redefined what my appearance was, because without hair, I think I was still quite beautiful. I don’t think hair should define beauty but at that moment, maybe it did more so than not. My hair has obviously transitioned through many stages- over pampering to not pampering at all, to falling off and then growing again. It hasn’t felt the same way it did once I first had it because it is had a sort of novelty before. Whereas now it is actually just my hair and it is not a big deal. So now I just do basic things to my hair- not as much as I used to before. Now it’s really just an everyday routine, as opposed to what it was or meant initially.
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Temple Muse
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uxury retailer Temple Muse has our heart when it comes to a relaxed shopping atmosphere, enjoyable distractions at the Champagne bar, and a very selective dose of fabulous fashion. Since inception, we’ve enjoyed perusing the rails for all the luxe goodness Temple Muse has to offer with top Nigerian labels like Ituen Basi, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, and Tiffany Amber calling it home. As part of their continued success,internationally lauded Alexander Wang is now stocked exclusively at Temple Muse’s Victoria Island store and we had an eye-full browsing through the lush threads. Temple Muse Lagos is at 21 Amodu Tijani Street, Victoria Island, Lagos www.temple-muse.com @templemuse
Photo Credit: Madburst Photography
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green light Gozel Green, the new designers on the scene light up the stage with fashion forward designs. The bold and sexy cutouts matched with sharp geometric lines immediately transport us to a green future, and a new Lagos. Photography: Obi Somto Hair: TJ for Sacred Hair Makeup: Bimpe Onakoya, Maybelline Nigeria Clothes: Gozel Green
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Iamisigo - www.iamisigoonline.com Stockists: Stranger Lagos 3 Hakeem Dickson Street Lekki Phase 1,Lagos. L’espace 19a Olosa street off Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Taste the Runway:
B
Bogobiri
ogobiri has become the ultimate poster child for pan-African hobo chill, where anyone seeking an alternative Lagos scene that feels more ‘authentic’ frequents at least once in a while. Between the art gallery, live music and events that happen on the regular, Bogobiri has taken us all hostage by its warmth to anyone coming through the doors in search of a relaxed night, with a decent dose of afrocentric vibes. The menu at Bogobiri is simple with continental dishes because the chefs aren’t consumed by impressing us with excessive presentation. Instead, their goal is to serve us delicious food we can enjoy while participating in some other kind of activity- it’s all about the scene- the space. Since there’s something about Bogobiri we just can’t escape, perhaps it’s perfect that Creative Director of Iamisigo, Bubu and our very own Aisha Bello stopped by for lunch in black and white prisoner striped smocks. Iamisigo is all about the precision and detail through a minimalist aesthetic- and even though the detail in each item contrasts to the relaxed atmosphere of Bogobiri, we think the two go pretty damn well together.
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GreyVelvet Centro Lekki Mall Lekki phase 1, Lagos. Ikeja City Mall Ikeja, Lagos
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Get the Look
Kurt Geiger Envelope Clutch
Gold Cuff
Cape Sleeve shift Dress
Maybellene Lipstick
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Christian Louboutin Turqouise Pointy Pumps
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Maki Oh
Jewel by Lisa
Iconic Vanity
Ejiro Amos Tafiri
Bridget Awosika
house of form and function
Amede
Iamisigo
Mc meka
LFDW2013 Highlights
Republic of Foreigner Lanre DaSilva Ajayi (inside)
A
t GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2013, we were dazzled by all the gorgeous collections presented by African designers. From newly formed labels like Sisiano and Ayo Van Elmar, to the established names we know (and love) like Lanre DaSilva Ajayi and Tiffany Amber, the runway was engulfed by the flames of amazing fashion. Here is a lookbook of our top 20 looks from GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2013.
Re Bahia Tsemaye Binitie (inside)
- Noble Ezeala (Contributing Editor of TheStyleHQ.com) Obsidian
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Shola Obebe
Viv La Resistance
Paolo Sisiano
Christie Brown
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Destination Fashion:
Accra
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his summer, we went on a journey that took us across the African continent and beyond. We explored the joys of travel through the things we love fashion, food and fun. There are too many reasons to travel and sometimes we don’t take as much advantage of it as we should. For the first edition of Destination Fashion we take a voyage to the serene Gold Coast, Accra that leaves us not only refreshed and rejuvenated, but with a new eye to the city that moves to its own beat. By the end of our trip, sleep was reset, our skin glowed a bit better and stress was a past time. A poolside lunch at Bread & Wine followed by a shopping spree at Viva Court in downtown Osu is more than a fun afternoon. Beyond that it showed us what life could be like when everyone relaxes a little bit! For our journey to find the best of the best, we were lucky to have an amazing tour guide, Afua Rida of House of Cramer who showed us all the prime restaurants, shops and what makes Accra buzz with the beat of a city that knows itself, and isn’t trying to emulate anything other than what it is.
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Featuring Marie Humbert and Maame Adjei of the hit web series ‘An African City’ and Fashion Stylist/Publicist Afua Rida of House of Cramer, welcome to the ‘Ghana Effect.’
Destination: Bread and Wine Fashion: House of Cramer If there’s a restaurant in Accra that’s trying to sell more than food, but an experience- then it’s Bread&Wine. The French bistro and bakery in the heart of downtown Osu provides the ultimate spot for relaxation with a beautiful pool and lounge area. The food and ambience never disappoint.
Destination: Kaya Energy Bar & Design Fashion: Duaba Serwa Kaya Energy Bar & Design is a concept as well as a bar. Currently undergoing redesign, the inviting outdoor lounge and gorgeous colonial house can best be described as bar meets art installation meets garden meets ultimate relaxation. Stop by on a Friday night for a delicious, inspired cocktail and fresh grilled seafood
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Stockists IAmISIGO http://www.iamisigoonline.com/ STRANGER 3 Hakeem Dickson, off Fola Osibo, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria L’ESPACE 19a Olosa Street off Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria GREY VELVET Centro Lekki Mall, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria Email: us@iamisigoonline.com Phone: +234 (0) 8034087789 Instagram: @iamisigo Osei Duro www.oseiduro.com Instagram: @oseiduro Duaba Serwa www.duabaserwa.com Twitter: @DuabaSerwa Alter Ego www.alteregolagos.com 127B Eti Osa Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Email: customerservices@alteregolagos.com Phone: + 234 (0) 7042245895 Twitter: @AlteregoLagos Laquan Smith http://www.laquansmith.com 5th and Quansah- 5b Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Nigeria Online- Studio 47 www.shopstudio47.com Email: info@laquansmith.com Instagram: @LaQuan_Smith Lanre da Silva Ajayi www.lanredasilvaajayi.com 1B Lanre Da Silva Close, Off Hannat Balogun Dolphin Extension, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Phone: +234 (0) 8023941463 Instagram: @ldacouture Maki Oh www.maki-oh.com Maryam Nassir Zadeh, 123 Norfolk Street, New York NY 10002 Twitter: @Maki_Oh Lisa Folawiyo Jewel by Lisa 13 Ribadu
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