thestyleHQ Fashion Week Daily Day 1 by The Style HQ

TheStyleHQ FASHION WEEK DAILY

Table of Contents

Street Style Bolaji Animashaun Creative Director MARYAM KAZEEM Editor-In-Chief

DEYI DIPEOLU Business Development

Inside Lagos

Eko Signature, Bolanle Okunanni

The Beauty Project Fashion Assistant Creative Debs Faridah Adebiyi Styling Assistant Aisha Bello Projects Project Manager Seun Awogbade Project Assistant Toni Aladekomo Project Assistant Bidemi Adesanya Production Manager Ibraheem Junaid

EDITORIAL Beauty Editor Lola Maja Fashion Contributor Noble Eze Contributor-at-Large Aisha Kazeem Editorial Assistant Elohor Omonenu Editorial Assistant Daphne Omonenu Editorial Assistant Oluranti Adegbola Assistant to Editor in Chief ChiChi Omolebele

GRAPHICS KOSOKO ADEKUNLE PHOTOGRAPHY Obi Somto Bernard Okulaja Tope Adenola Demilade Roberts Imole “Tobbie” Balogun

Temi Dollface

Cover Story Sunny Rose xTansey

Designer Spotlight

April by Kunbi

In The Lab Kenneth Ize

Street Style

Photography: Bernard Okulaja Tobbie TCD Maguire

The designer said she was partly inspired by the work of designers like Haider Ackermann, and while it did not translate in the shapes and mood of the collection, the fabrics did and she proposed new styles of clothing for the Nigerian woman. Phunkafrique was pretty traditional, but the overall presentation was confident and showed good taste with the choice of fabrics including a really nice pair of purple trousers shown with the first look. Not everything was successful, but what was, was done pretty well. Soboye’s collection was very basic and showed his roots as a denizen of London. Sweatshirts, straight cut pants and blazers marked his collection that was presented for both men and women. Ankara fabric used in panels brought

Words by Yegwa Ukpo Photography: Demilade Roberts

isfits of Lagos, Phunkafrique, Rayo and Soboye were the designers that attempted something different from the majority of the designers that showed on the first day. Misfit’s collection was something completely out of left field when compared to the rest of what was shown today. The full looks were definitely made for a man that I am not sure exists in this country yet, but individual pieces could definitely work for the right person. I also really liked the clothing that Rayo sent down. 6

an easy-to-identify marker for people looking for “Nigerian” clothing. The construction looked good on the runway and for that alone, I believe he deserves a spot on the “best” spot.

Too many brands copied designs from the last LFDW and a lot of those trends and patterns were actually not well thought out in the first place. Not to mention things that it would be a euphemism to call pastiches of lookbooks and collections past.

Day 1 of LFDW has unfortunately gotten underway with a bit of a limp start. Besides starting 3 hours late – an unfortunate byproduct of planning and executing events in a country where too many moving parts tend to run inefficiently – the majority of the collections on offer were a depressing sign.

The glut of organza, chiffon silk and skirts and dresses that have been worn by Nigerian women for the past decade just leaves me tired. And bored.

While very few were downright offensive, the amount of forgettable collections that were sent down was really exhausting. It feels bad to write about the hard work and sweat of people like this, but I think it has to be said. We can be better.

Fashion should be dictating trends and proposing new silhouettes and introducing new fabrics and opportunities – particularly in this country where so many people are without them. This endless regurgitation of tired, safe designs may be good for the Nigerian high street and the wardrobes of society women all over the country, but it has no place on the runway and has made it impossible for me to choose what I liked the least today. 7

Inside

Lagos

Eko Signature The contrast between Lanre da Silva Ajayi’s patterned frocks and Eko Signature’s sleek and modern restaurant is striking. At first glance, the two seem out of sync, yet the restaurant’s featured art, which draws on a West African aesthetic, complements Ajayi’s rendering of the modern African woman as encapsulated in her designs. Enter Bolanle Olukanni, a thoroughly modern woman and burgeoning media personality whose earthy effervescence ties together the sophisticated feeling of Eko Signature with the bold contemporary nature of Ajayi’s designs. As co-host of MTN’s popular program, “Project Fame” as well as EbonyLife TV’s “Moments with Mo,” Olukanni has captured the attention of the audience who are drawn to her down to earth sensibility. Raised in Nigeria, Israel, Kenya, and the United States, Olukanni’s far-flunged upbringing has prepared her for interviewing high-profile personalities like Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola with grace. Upon entering the lounge at Eko Signature, it is easy to imagine a casual after-work dalliance drifting into an intimate dinner at the restaurant. On the menu one can find upscale classics such as creamy mushroom risotto, and herb grilled salmon- each dish a perfect match to the sophisticated and warm ambience.

Words by Aisha Kazeem Photography: Bernard Okulaja 8

Model Behaviour

anke Olutimehin is an Industrial Relations and Personnel Management student at the Lagos State University, but she’s also known to grace the runway in her spare time. Banke: It’s usually crazy and tense back stage! Before a show, I pray and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. It’s a fantastic feeling walking the runway, I feel good. I usually have a blank mind and try to stay focused. It’s all about professionalism; you have to make it work. Your job as a model is to sell the dress you are in. Agency: Beth Models Statistics: 34-26-37 Signature Style: Simplicity does it for me.

As Bolanle delicately sips delicious Italian white wine, her beaming smile is that only of someone dressed and fed- well.

Words by Elohor Omonemu Photography: Obi Somto

Eko Signature is located at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

TheBeauty Project

When I find something that works for my sensitive skin, I run with it. I’d moisturised my face with L’Oreal Hydra Fresh Gel Moisturiser for sensitive skin since I was 16. I’d tried so many other more expensive brands that came highly recommended but nothing made my skin feel as good as it did. It was like my face had had a good drink every time I moisturised so you can imagine how I felt when my beloved product was discontinued. It was back to trying everything under the sun with nothing feeling as good ‘til I discovered Clarins Hydra Quench Lotion with SPF15. I use this along with their Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum Youth Boost, Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream with Primrose Extract, One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, and Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed. I wash my face with the foaming cleanser, followed by the skin renewal serum.

Temi Dollface

And then I moisturise with Hydra Quench. My start point is the exfoliating cleanser twice a week. They leave my skin feeling smoother, pampered and, most importantly, very well hydrated. I have a scar on my forehead from running into a glass sliding door when I was 7. It was at a friend of the family’s home at night time during an open house and an older boy and I were racing each other across the garden. He was more familiar with the house than I was and so knew to stop a few yards short of the sliding door I just carried on at full pelt into what looked like an open living room. The rest is history. *Crash!#* Bang!@# ..... Luckily the scar isn’t unsightly and I often forget it’s there - only being reminded when a make up artists asks me how I got it.

What She

Wore WITH TONYE GARRICK

With a killer instinct for fashion, upcoming international singer/ songwriter, Tonye Garrick’s street style is certainly one to be envied. As fashion is her first love, it is no surprise that we’ll be following her outfits for each day for Lagos Fashion and ‘ Design Week 2014. Take a look at her edgy take on the little black dress. 16

Styling Credits: Black Tuxedo Dress, Konga.com Bowler Hat, Tonye Gladiator Heels, Tonye Makeup by Lola Maja for Sacred Beauty 17

Shock & Awe Sunny Rose is back again with sexy, bold designs that come alive in flirty fun with Tansey! Prints never looked so delicate and seductive at the same time. Photography by Obi Somto Makeup Bimpe Onakoya Maybelline Nigeria Hair by TJ for Sacred Beauty

Designer Spotlight Words by Elohor Omonemu Photography: Demilade Roberts

Kunbi Oyelese is the creative mind behind the luxurious high fashion brand “APRIL BY KUNBI,” a brand that specialises in bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion for women. Kunbi, who is a graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, came on the fashion scene back in 2010 when she created a dress for Nigerian Music star Mo’ Cheddah for the MTV Africa Music Awards. The dress caused quite a stir and created a sizzling buzz for Kunbi. Her catwalk debut was at the 2nd edition of the Music Meets Runway in 2012 and since then the “April by Kunbi” label has grown tremendously. Kunbi opened her first retail store for her growing fashion brand, April by Kunbi in April 2012 right in the heart of Lekki Phase 1. April by Kunbi is a brand which speaks to sophistication and class and this has gotten the brand a string of ardent followers, including Tiwa Savage, Toke Makinwa, Genevieve Nnaji and Niyola, who simply love the elegance evoked by an April by Kunbi dress.The label which was founded in the spring of 2010, being inspired by the month of April – the start of the Spring season, has expanded to include a range of clothing from evening, cocktail, and wedding dresses to casual wear, sleepwear, footwear, accessories, as well as a lingerie line called ‘April by Kunbi Intimates’ which was launched earlier this year. Speaking on the inspiration behind her collection showcased yesterday, Kunbi Oyelese had this to say, “The inspiration came from weddings, I really love weddings. I love dressing people for weddings, reception dresses and all. And, also it’s about getting into the December season.” The collection captures the romanticism of wedding

Get the Look 22

In the details...

Photography: Obi Somto, Demilade Roberts

House of Cramer duo, Afua Rida and Supriya Wassaimal want you to make no mistake, each designer’s collection tells a story that comes together with the right styling. Here from Accra, they’re here working at Lagos Fashion & Design Week for the first time, taking all the key notes and decisions on what it takes to make each collection pop on the runway.

Studio

Keeping Calm in Caven Etomi We were about to freak out over what to wear for Day 1 of Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2014 until we remembered one of our favourite casually cool brands, Caven Etomi. The brand’s signature t-shirts have a bold mix of tribal signatures and digital prints, uniquely influenced by modern day culture. We absolutely love t-shirts and as Caven Etomi were one of the opening brands for LFDW 2014, it was a match made in Studio heaven. To be styled up or down, Caven Etomi tees are definitely a fun wardrobe staple. Style Credits: Ore – Caven Etomi Idia Blue Roses Tee + leather pants Teni – Caven Etomi Nsibidi Courage Tee + CLAN wrap skirt 24

Cinammon & Pearl

This is a very deep collection. It tells a story about women, starting with intimate lace pieces and gradually incorporates work wear chic. The cotton finds its way into her play time, and there’s also a party dress and a little African print to solidify her roots.

Fruche

The designer plays with different hues of colours and different silhouettes and the pieces range from unstructured pieces, to quite avant-garde items.

Gozel green

So colourful! We love how they played with different colours, yet also found a way to include a lot of black. There’s a lot of layering as well. We think this collection is going to be a big hit!

Vintage Glamour

TheBeauty Insider LOLA MAJA

This look is reminiscent of a crazy doll, a throwback to the vintage era of the 1920s. It includes lashes both on the top and bottom lashes, with sparkly eyes and is completed with sexy red lips.

MONOCHROME

Runway Highlights

Cleopatra

PHOTOGRAPHY: OBI SOMTO

The runway report on LFDW Day 1 brought about the best in vibrant prints, bright colours and monochromatic fashion. Here are some of our faves.

This is a heavy look, heavily black-lined eyes, but no colours in the eyelids. With matte foundation on the lips, in this look, all the attention is on the eyes. The heavy black lining of the eyes is achieved using Maybellineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colossal Kajal eyeliner.

Au Naturel This look is achieved using natural color, soft and nude lips with a brown smoky eye. The brows are soft and not too highly contoured.

COLOUR PRINT

InThe Lab

Words by Maryam Kazeem Photography: Bernard Okulaja

WITH KENNETH IZE

T 28

here’s meant to be a function to the clothing we adorn ourselves in, and emerging designer Kenneth Ize knows. Born in Nigeria, but raised in Vienna the runner up for last year’s GTBank LFDW Emerging Designer, his collection last year, Son Soufflé, has made his pieces synonymous with freedom and experimentation. Ize studied fashion and design at Applied Arts University in Vienna, where he created his first collection but this past year he has spent more time in Lagos than

he would have anticipated. While Son Souffé is responsible for Ize’s recognition as a designer to watch, his first collection, Sun City speaks to why his designs materialize distinctively in the trajectory of other male designer in Nigeria. Sun City was inspired by the juxtaposition of his experiences in the South of France and Lagos, “I went to the South of France with my friends and then came to Lagos right after. The South of France is all about water, and aesthetics and then Lagos was just the opposite in terms of pace, you have

to stay on your guard and be quite fast, but after time I started getting more and more inspired by Lagos and the sun itself.” Sun City plays on natural colors and Ize was particularly captured by the idea of comfort within dress, the purpose behind why we wear what we wear. “I mean a tie is not just for aesthetic purposes, it’s also meant to keep your neck warm, which fits most Western climates. But here people under the sun, I wanted to play with the idea of men’s dressing that allowed for freedom and ease,

so the fabrics I used, like linen were extremely significant.” This year his collection is inspired by music, and he started planning immediately after last year’s showing of Son Soufflé. “It’s all about Nigeria, and music. I was really inspired by highlife and a lot of the imagery around it, particularly artists like King Sunny Ade and Ebenzer Obe. I think the music has so many meanings. While he’s coy about giving anything away, he confirms this, “there will be magic on the stage.”

Back Stage Photography: Obi Somto

Stockists

Designers Sunny Rose Poosh Lagos 15 Ologun Agbaje Street off Saka Tinubu, VI 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