...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
2021 WHAT LIES
SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021
AHEAD
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We are faster, closer and safer With our scale, expertise and deep desire to satisfy your needs, we will deliver exceptional experiences for the moments that matter the most to you.
CONTENT Society MOËT & CHANDON EXCLUSIVE END OF YEAR TASTING EVENT PG 4
Fashion 5 MINUTES WITH EFOSA IYAMU PG 5 FESTIVE COLOURS FOR THE SEASON PG 6-7 FESTIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PG 8-9 ALL ABOUT STATEMENT SLEEVES PG 10-11 EJIRO AMOS TAFIRI PG 17 COLOURS OF LIFE PG 21
While it’s been a quiet year for the fashion world, given that the virtual world has taken over the fashion space, now that everyone has a front-row seat, people are looking forward to what 2021 has in store for collections. This year has unveiled seriously bold and stylish designs. From delicate florals to sheer clothing, hang loose outfits and feathers have dominated the fashion weeks of recent. While we may be homebound most times, here is what we are looking forward to wearing in 2021.
THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME
08111847085
EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR
08111847086
08111847087
SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
HAIR TRENDS TO TRY NOW PG 22
The year 2020 has come to an end and to say it was a most difficult year is putting it mildly! A year we had looked forward to with great anticipation dealt us a backhand we are still reeling from and even at this point, uncertainty still plays a major role in the minds of many. Never has the world been so hit with a virus that gave us no warning of its rude arrival in our midst. Lives have been lost and many are still unsure of what the future holds. Like with everything in life, if you are thrown lemons, you make lemonade to survive. In our piece today, 2021, WHAT LIES AHEAD, we talk about the way things will be from now henceforth. We have no choice but to adapt to the new normal. It has been a very tough road and many are still struggling to come to terms with the new reality. lt has been far from easy but our ultimate prayer is to learn to adjust under the conditions we are forced to live with in today’s times. With the losses of loved ones, friends and families during the year, we are faced with how transient this life we treasure so much is. We have had to look within and seek comfort and solace in different ways. We have had to delve into our deepest crevices and truly appreciate what we usually take for granted...the ability to breathe freely! We should learn to embrace life with as much gusto as we can while we still have it...and abide by the dictates of the land to enable us survive this pandemic. We should always wear our masks when we step out and only do so if absolutely necessary. No more large gatherings. lt is not wise. No more hugs as an act as simple as that could be very dangerous at these times. We pray 2021 will better prepare us for living with this virus and hopefully a vaccine with no after effects will do well in helping us curb this virus! Happy New Year. Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng
FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR
more opportunities May the new year bring you renewed hope and fill your path with opportunities to help you soar.
#Rise4more
STYLE & DESIGN
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
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MINUTES WITH
I love to call myself THE ENTERTAINER
EFOSA CHEF DANIEL OLURIN
TIMINI EGBUSON
BEVERLY NAYA
MIMI ONALAJA CHICHI ADOGU
MAI ATAFO
JIMMIE AKINSOLA
KELECHI AMADI-OBI & KATE HENSHAW
Comedy and Politics, both work in the spotlight, both occasionally take a pie in the face. In this interview, Efosa Iyamu popularly known as Efex the Entertainer, lets us in on his world as he talks lucky breaks, the End Sars protest and what it feels like juggling both comedy and politics.
DEDUN OLOBAYO CHEF FREGZ
SISIANO PAOLO
MOËT & CHANDON EXCLUSIVE END OF YEAR TASTING EVENT
At what point did you decide to take up comedy as a career? I started doing comedy professionally as soon as I left secondary school. I noticed that I was genuinely funny, and I was able to make a lot of people happy through the mic. I love what I do and do what I love, it’s just an added advantage that I get paid for it, and so far, I have never regretted that move. So, when did things finally take off? While in university, I was already hosting gigs. I remember vividly the first traditional wedding I anchored, I was paid N4,500, and it was incredibly wonderful for me. I was so happy; I did my best and nailed the show. Being a student at the University of Benin also gave me a platform to enlarge my coast. There were loads of opportunities. I performed at various shows, most of which helped boost my career. I had a very good friend then, Mr Tuoyo Ofuoyakpone, who had a boutique. I was the face of his brand, and so he had my face splashed on billboards around the city. That also made me a bit popular.
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFE JI
Recently, the prestigious Moët and Chandon premises in Victoria Island, the world’s most loved champagne house, Moët & Chandon hosted media partners, friends of the brand, and members of Moët Society to an exclusive champagne tasting. Brand Manager, Elizabeth Oputa took guests on a journey to Champagne, to discover the extraordinary assets of the Moët & Chandon house - its story, personality, know-how, and of course its fabulous range of champagnes. This one of a kind experience also included guests being taken on a journey to discover what goes into creating a bottle of their favorite Champagne. Guests were further tasked with using their sense of smell and taste as they sampled variations of Moët & Chandon trying to guess the notes used in creating the flavors. Starting off with the iconic Moët Imperial with a blend of over 100 different wines curated to enhance its maturity, to the Grand Vintage created from grapes from that particular year only, the seductive, spontaneous Rosé Imperial, with its bright pink color and freshness, the Ice Impérial which is the only range to finish maturing after ice cubes have been put in and of course, everyone’s favorite, the Nectar Impérial.
IYAMU
Is there anything you won’t talk about on stage? I don’t talk nudity or vulgarity. I also try my best not to insult people’s sensibilities, and I stay away from talking about some people’s medical conditions. NOBODY KNOW FINISH. What else do you believe has contributed to your success? God all the way. I believe so much in the name of the Lord. I brag differently because one with God is majority. I’m very much in touch with my prayer and spiritual life. I give as much as I can, and I try my best to bless people as much as God has and is blessing me. I believe that God has used a lot of people to get me to where I am today both in the political and entertainment sphere. All the doors that opened up for me were through the grace of God.
ELIZABETH OPUTA & SIMI ESIRI
IRETI DOYLE
NANCY ISIME
What’s your favourite thing about being a comedian? Bringing joy and happiness to people, families and the world. I love to call myself LIFE OF EVERY PARTY AND THE ENTERTAINER. Entertainment brings me so much joy; it even helps build my immune system. But talking seriously, I have been
able to do more positive impacting through my entertainment life. I have pushed and pushed and gotten a lot of positive answers through entertainment, and it’s perfect for me. Let’s talk about the other hat you wear - politics. How are you able to juggle both careers effectively? I got my political appointment from the mic, my boss met me at an event and invited me to lunch and also asked that I worked with him. I thought about it, and yes, that’s how I got my first political appointment as a Senior Special Assistant to the Edo state government. I’m very focused in everything I do; I don’t allow any aspect of my life suffer for another because I try my best to plan. I’m delighted that so far, being on stage professionally now for 20years and engaging in politics since 2009, I have never had any regrets as I keep learning every day. If you had to choose one, which would it be, and why? It’s hard, but I will choose entertainment. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have been able to pass my messages to the world, and I have impacted people even more. Not like I don’t appreciate my impact in the political space, because I’m still very much in touch with my local constituents and visit my ward every now and then. As a young man who has walked the corridors of power, what’s your take on the recent End Sars protest and how the Government handled it? I was part of it and strongly supported the peaceful protest, which is our fundamental human rights. Still, it was rather sad when some hoodlums took advantage of it and started inflicting more pains on our fellow Nigerians. What we were asking for wasn’t undoable, it wasn’t wrong, and I’m glad that Government “at some point” showed some level of interest and promised to tackle it - but then again, after some time NA ONLY GOD KNOW WETIN HAPPEN ... But trust me when I say, the youths now have more voices, and we will continue to push and do everything within the law to make our voices heard. We are not all perfect, but Government MUST listen to the yearning of its citizen and make plans to solve the problems bit by bit. How do you believe the struggle for better governance be managed going forward? Like I said before, we have started it - I’m not a fan of violence, because we can pass out messages in the very best of ways and not fight over it. The Government will listen or pretend to listen. People will see changes; our generation will continue to speak up, and we must all come out and vote and be voted for. An old politician cannot tell me about a future that he won’t be part of. The youths should start, and we can do it. Let’s all come out in one accord and seek the change we really want to see around us. IT IS DOABLE. Both your careers require a lot of travelling. How do you manage with work/life balance? I love to travel, and I do it all the time. I try to rest when I get the opportunity because if we don’t rest our body, it will rest itself. If you weren’t both a politician and a comedian, what else would you be doing? I would have been a professional footballer. My dad is a football coach, and I play very well to date. What should your fans expect as new projects soon? I’m an open book; every chapter is an experience. I keep learning every day. When I finished my course at Harvard, I got back and started some empowerment program that has helped a lot of youths to better themselves and their businesses. It would be best if you stayed glued, every day is an experience.
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Festive colours for the Season
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
IT’S ALL ABOUT
BY USIADE ISIOMA
Every year, we decorate our house in red and green. Red and green are not the only colours associated with the holidays. White, and gold also fall on the list. There are so many celebrations to attend during this festive season. Of course, you want to look stylish for each of them. With an endless list of events, each requiring a different dress code, picking your festive season’s party outfits has never been so exciting. This is the time of year when you get to dress up, go out, and have some serious fun while celebrating in a beautiful colourful outfit. Whether the event calls for a casual, semi-formal, cocktail, or festive dress code, we’ve got the best colourful party outfit ideas for a stylish celebration.
MODEL FOR SALIHAT ADEWUNMI RAHAMAN
MODEL FOR DZYN
MODEL FOR CLAN
MODEL FOR ASAI
LADY IN RED FOR COCKTAIL FESTIVE PARTY
The Cocktail attire dress code calls for an elegant dress that sits on or above the knee. Also, keep in mind that heels are a must. When picking a dress, you’ll have so much to choose from so have fun with it. If you’re unsure of what to choose, a red dress will be your best friend. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the occasion, you want to look sophisticated so don’t opt for anything too revealing.
GREEN WITH ENVY FOR A CASUAL FESTIVE PARTY
If the invitation says that you can dress casual, that means you’re open to being yourself. Whether ripped jeans and a cropped green top is your go-to, or a slit green and flats, it’s all acceptable here. Just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Casual attire allows your individuality to shine through rather than meeting formal standards or conforming to a certain style. So, for this festive time of the year, you might want to pull out your nicest casual clothing.
MODEL FOR HOUSE OF NWOCHA
ALL WHITE SEMI-FORMAL FESTIVE PARTY
Semi-formal dress code can be hard to balance. You don’t want to dress formal, but it can also be challenging to downplay your look. For women, the best option is a dress otherwise, an all-white pantsuit will do the trick. Choose something that’s more formal than a cocktail dress but more casual than what you’d wear to a black-tie event. If you’re going for a dress, you should pick one that’s kneelength or longer. Though a slit down the side is perfectly fine if you want to reveal a bit more skin. Pair the look with nice white heels and a clutch to complete your outfit, and you’ll look fabulous.
MODELS FOR SALIHAT ADEWUNMI RAHAMAN
MODEL FOR IIHAM GRABA
MODEL FOR JWARA ALLEYNE
MODEL FOR KENNETH IZE
MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET
SPARKLE IN GOLD FOR A FORMAL FESTIVE PARTY
You can choose something that’s quite flowy or tight. Also, don’t be afraid to show a little skin. It’s perfectly fine for the dress to be backless or strapless. Just make sure that whatever you choose, you manage to look sophisticated and elegant in gold. Pair this outfit with strappy heels and a clutch or small purse to complete the look.
FESTIVE PARTY IN GREEN & RED
If the invite says festive, then you get to have some fun with your outfit. Pick an outfit that suits a cocktail or semi-formal dress code but remember to get something that has a holiday twist to it like a mix of red and green. This could be as simple as wearing a red dress but of course, the more effort you put into your festive attire, the more you’ll stand out. Think embellishments, tartan, festive colours, or even if you’re prepared to dress a little wild, find an outfit with themed prints.
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MODEL FOR RÈLAGOS
MODEL FOR MAI-ATAFO
MODEL FOR VICNATE
ABAYA-LAGOS
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
festive questions BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta’s punchy red bag will be great for your festive party wardrobe, but also works day to day.
By Far
We love By Far’s ‘90s take on the sparkly party bag.
& Other Stories
Add a touch of elegance to your look with & Other Stories’ satin bag.
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Question: Please can you tell me what colours will work to wear out this Season? Answer: Green, red and gold are the traditional festive colours, and will always be. MODEL FOR TIFANNY AMBER
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Question: I have so many parties to attend online this festive season and I’m a little unsure what to wear. Can you give me a few party ideas? Answer: Forget about the little black dress for now and throw your wrap dress out the window, because this season is all about drama. From ruffles, feather embellishments, through to rainbow sequins, the festive party season this year will see every kind of sparkly ensembles weather it’s a physical or virtual party. MODEL FOR DEOLA SAGOE
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Question: I know sequins is a good idea to dazzle at any Yuletide party but how can I make sure I don’t look like a glistering Christmas tree when I go out? Answer: So this is so easy, make sure you remember the number one rule of sequins. ONE SPARKLY PIECE PER OUTFIT. So if your sparkly piece is a dress keep every other thing nonblingie. MODEL FOR LDA
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Question: I have a wedding to attend this season of festivity I was wondering if I could wear all black? Answer: Wearing black isn’t a bad idea but think blinged out or lace black. But this yuletide, being as the whole year has been a drab, go for something colourful and happy with a black background. MODEL FOR ODION MIMONET
...and answers
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The Row
For something sleek, understated but still festive, look to The Row.
Yves Saint Laurent
Green and velvet makes for the perfect festive accessory.
S G A B 0 1 n o s ea
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Make a statement in whatever you’re wearing this festive season with Oscar de la Renta’s statement disco ball bag.
Cult Gaia
We love this cloud-inspired top-handled tote from Cult Gaia.
Erdem
Give your Christmas look a vintage feel with Erdem’s 1940s-inspired cross-body bag.
Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo’s bright red, embellished clutch will elevate even the most casual of ensembles.
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STYLE & DESIGN
ALL
ABOUT
statement sleeves THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
This year, it’s all about statement sleeves. From bell-shaped and extra-long to balloon and coldshoulder, attention grabbing sleeves are stealing all the spotlight. So, to make sure that you’re not left in the dark, we’ve rounded up the top 10 sleeves trends to invest in right now. BY USIADE ISIOMA
Bell Sleeve
One of the key trends to come out of recent fashion weeks is bell sleeves. Fitted on the shoulder and flaring out wide toward the wrist, the bell sleeve is the same as it always was, yet totally different. Gone are any hippy and bohemian references, instead, the new bell sleeve is modern and utterly chic. From sleek dresses to cool tops and even quirky knits, bell sleeves add a unique dose of fashion to even the simplest of outfits. When shopping for bell sleeves look for styles that are a little flamboyant. Extra-wide flares, ones made of modern, structured materials, flares that tie at the elbow and ruffle designs are all key styles to buy this season. Once you have your statement bell sleeves, remember to keep the rest of your look minimal. A simple accessory is all you need to finish this look. MODEL for TIFFANY AMBER
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Ruffle Sleeves
To up the ante on flounce sleeves, consider statementmaking, ruffle sleeves instead. These sleeves are loud, fun and attention-loving. They were spotted on the streets of the recent ARISE fashion shows, and we haven’t been able to get them out of our heads since. Choose between different sizes and amounts of ruffles for different variations on this trend. Whether you choose ruffles that completely cover the sleeve or ones that start from the elbow, these sleeves are all the statement you need. Pair your ruffle sleeve shirt with simple designs. The straightforward style will keep your look super stylish and chic, rather than letting it go over-the-top. MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET
Balloon Sleeves
The statement sleeve that should be added to your wardrobe right now is balloon sleeves. While extra-long sleeves are stretched out, balloon sleeves are puffed up to be short and wide. The round style is then gathered at the end, so the overall shape resembles a semi-deflated balloon. This unique sleeve plays with proportion in a way that’s different to all the other statement sleeves, which is why you need it. The voluminous design looks particularly great when paired with a fitted bodice straight skirt or pants. MODEL FOR TURFAH
Cold-Shoulder Sleeves
Coinciding with the rise in popularity of the off-the-shoulder sleeves has been the rise of cold-shoulder sleeves. Perfect for women who like to bare a little less skin, cold-shoulder designs feature a flash of skin just on the tops of arms. Appearing like a regular design with cut-outs at the shoulders, cold-shoulder sleeves are modern and chic. Despite being less impactful than off-theshoulder designs, cold-shoulder sleeves have the benefit of being more practical. After all, with the addition of the bodice top, there’s more support and sleeves can be looser. This means that there’s no need to worry about your sleeves slipping up or top slipping down! As well as being practical, the style is also gorgeous and looks great when paired with nice pants. MODEL FOR SUNNY ROSE
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
Bishop Sleeves
While bell sleeves look sleek and chic, bishop sleeves appear soft and feminine. Most commonly spotted on lovely dresses, bishop sleeves compliment the outfits to which they belong while remaining a standout feature in their own right. The style, which balloons out toward the lower arm before gathering into a cuff at the wrist, looks best in sheer fabrics such as chiffon and lace designs. As for how this statement sleeve should be styled, there are two equally chic ways. The first embraces the relaxed, bohemian aesthetic of the sleeves, carrying the style, and fabric, through the entire outfit. The second juxtaposes the loose sleeves with sharp designs and clean fabrics to keep the look modern and more tailored. MODEL FOR ESTEBAN CORTAZAR
Flounce Sleeves
Despite having a similar silhouette to bell sleeves, flounce sleeves tend to be slightly more subtle and feminine. The style is created by attaching a separate piece of circular-cut fabric to the sleeve. This creates a ruffle effect that gives flounce sleeves their flare. Flounce sleeves are seen in all sizes. They have the small and simple designs that lightly flare out toward the wrist and then there are the dramatic types that featured large flounces attached at the elbows. Whatever the size, both types are on trend and statement-making in their own way. The large and dramatic flounce sleeves, on the other hand, are best reserved for standout dresses and times when you’re after that “look at me” style. MODEL FOR RICH MNISI
Extra-Long Sleeves
They may not be practical, but extra-long sleeves are totally in fashion at the moment. Appearing oversized and stretched out, these extra-long sleeves have made a cool “rough around the edges” statement for many fashion weeks outfits of late. These sleeves have taken their place on button-up shirts, delicate tops, casual knitwear and even glamorous dresses as they continue to dominate the world of street style. Like other statement pieces, extralong sleeves tend to look best when paired with basic items, so wear yours with a simple pair of blue jeans or black pants. Also, remember that such long sleeves can pull the eye down and leave you looking short, so always wear heels. MODEL FOR TZAR
Off-theShoulder Sleeves
Off-the-shoulder sleeves have been trending for some time now, and they’re only getting more popular. The sexy style provides a daring yet delicate flash of skin at the shoulders that’s both feminine and eye-catching. Perfect for sunny days spent sipping cocktails, these statement sleeves make it feel like you’re on a holiday every day. So, whether you’re actually on vacation or simply dreaming of the day, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses should definitely be on high rotation in your closet. While there are many types of off-the-shoulder styles to choose from, our favourites play up the femineity of the design with soft fabrics, pretty ruffles, and lovely patterns. MODEL FOR YUTEE RONE ATELIER
Layered Sleeves
This statement sleeve may not be an actual type of sleeve, but rather a lesson in how to turn regular sleeves into a statement. While large bell and ruffles sleeves may garner more instant attention, layered sleeves are equally as stylish if not more so! While this sleeve appears quite simple at first glance, it’s actually quite complex. Despite being able to use pieces that are already in your wardrobe, layered sleeves require effort to get right. You need to think about the juxtaposition of the two sleeves and how they work together as a whole. Start with your colour palette and pick either neutrals or similar colours in different shades. Likewise, fabrics should be similar (textured with textured, smooth with smooth) yet not the same. Then finish with length and shape, remembering to always wear the thicker and shorter sleeve on top. MODEL FOR PAPA OPPONG
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
Birds of a Feather
We’d all love to spread our wings and take flight at this moment in time, but for now, a feathered skirt or dress in bright colours will do the trick. Whether layered with puffer or worn alone, the feather trend has fully taken off. MODEL FOR DAVID TLALE
MODEL FOR DAVID TLALE MODEL FOR CLAN
DE
A USIA
M BY ISIO
MODEL FOR TJWHO
All White
MODEL FOR ESTEBAN CORTAZAR
MODEL FOR ANDREA IYAMAH
MODEL FOR MAZELLE STUDIO
Best of Bras
MODEL FOR PEPPER ROW
Trade in your little black dress for a white ensemble. Crisp, all-white outfits are as much a part of 2021 fashion trends. White is a classic look that isn’t going away, so it’s time to get on it.
Undergarments that promote function are one thing, but making a midriff-baring fashion statement are what 2021’s bras are all about. Go for matchy-matchy or try a cheeky twist on business-casual as seen on other designs.
MODEL FOR ANDREA IYAMAH MODEL FOR ANDREA IYAMAH
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MODEL FOR GETO
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
Ejiro Amos Tafiri
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
releasees her SS20 collection themed
‘PUMP UP THE VOLUME’
Fancy Florals
MODEL FOR COLRS MODEL FOR SELAM FESSAHAY MODEL FOR COLRS MODEL FOR COLRS
MODEL FOR CLAN
Sheer Delights
Sheer clothing is having more than a moment it’s basically solidified its place as a fashion look. They are modest when styled the right way and they become even more wearable when you make use of strategic layering. Try something sheer this new year and embrace a traditional, romantic look.
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Florals prints are very refreshing and breezy especially when they are delicate, romantic prints. Times you may want to add some extra energy and cheerfulness to your outfits, wearing a floral shirt or pants instead of a solidcoloured top will do the magic.
Ejiro Amos Tafiri’s SS20 collection is reminiscent of the brands’ watchword - elegance, complex simplicity, and fluidity. MODEL FOR TIFFANY AMBER
MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET OJY OKPE FOR MAI ATAFO
According to a statement from the brand; Our SS20 collection is inspired by the recent global outcry for gender equality and the need for women’s voices to be heard. The aim was to send a message of hope. We started this collection to lend our voice to this course, hence the theme “Pump up the Volume” on
women’s voices. It is, therefore inspired by the need to speak up against all forms of oppression. This collection features hand-drawn batik with notes of liberation by women of “The Adara Foundation”. The silhouettes are highlighted in the impeccable tailoring from the Brand’s Atelier featuring handwoven indigenous fabric- Aso-Oke intricately beaded and fused with laces, silks, chiffons, and satin. With every detail intricately sourced and put together, we created a fun, multi-textured collection
with classic silhouettes and voluminous sleeves which allows our woman to be delicate yet powerful, seen and heard. Ejiro Amos Tafiri is an eponymous womenswear brand that fuses traditional African dress forms with detailed modern garment construction techniques, often influenced by the fluidity and decorative style of oriental heritage. Established in 2010, the Ejiro Amos Tafiri brand essence celebrates individuality and ultrafemininity.
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COVER
WELCOMING
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
2021!
WHAT LIES AHEAD No one saw 2020 coming. As the beginning of a new decade, expectations were high. Huge plans were made to signify this special year. The symbol represented growth and sentiments were attached to the figure 2020. But instead of meeting our expectations, something reared uo that would change the world forever as we once knew it! COVID-19 happened instead. The coronavirus - first described as a mysterious, flu-like ailment making the rounds in China - brought the global economy to a standstill. Millions lost their jobs, and many lives have been lost. The future is still bleak because rather than the virus fading away, it has mutated and if anything, is 70% more contagious than before making it deadlier than ever. But the world is trying to adapt to the new normal and it has been far from easy. 2020 tested our resilience, forcing the world to change on how it lives and works. As we near 2021, with the tenuous promise of a suite of vaccines, we face a new test. We will need to decide what kind of post-pandemic world we want to build, for ourselves and for future generations. What Big Ideas do you think will emerge in the year ahead? STYLE has come up with a list of things that will be more prominent in 2021.
THE VACCINE WILL PLAY A MAJOR ROLE EVEN THOUGH SOCIAL DISTANCING HAS NOT BEEN WELL MANAGED ENOUGH Everyone is hoping that 2021 will bring relief from the COVID-19 crisis, and public health experts believe there’s a reason to be optimistic. The potential for this vaccine to have a major impact on this pandemic is very real. But it is not as simple a solution to the crisis as it sounds. While the first vaccine candidates are already moving through the approval process, it’s likely we’ll see two or three generations of vaccines over the next few years. The vaccine needs to not only be effective, XK but also durable - meaning the protection lasts for an extended period of time. It’s dosage is not a permanent prevention and one would have to take it on a yearly basis. Aside from this, because it is relatively new, people are not sure about side effects which makes some hesitant to take it. The manufacturers will have to earn the trust of people to make them more willing to take it. We also have to be sure that low and middle income countries have access to it as well; otherwise, the virus will continue to cross borders. Treatments and diagnostics are also likely to improve, meaning that mortality rates should continue to edge downward. But next year is also likely to bring a fair bit of frustration because the rollout of the vaccine will take longer than expected. Some professional health experts have estimated that it will likely take six to nine months after approval for the general public to have access to it. With little political and economic appetite for more lockdowns, and a collective stir craziness, cases may spike even after a vaccine is available. And one cannot estimate when this vaccine will be available in Africa and whether or not it will be affordable for the common man. The Covid test as is ranges between N35-50k which is way beyond the reach of the masses.
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THE OFFICE WILL FIGHT TO WIN YOU BACK...3-2-2 After a year of working from home, power dynamics have shifted. Companies will need to give employees a reason to return to the office. On offer? Spaces designed for what we’ve been missing all along: Human connection, and maybe a bit of rest and relaxation, too. People miss people the most. There’s a credible value to real life in-person contact. But because the culture of working from home has increased drastically, the work space will function in two key ways: As spaces where people gather for leadership, personal development and culture; and as clubhouses where they come together to collaborate and congregate. Either way, we won’t be gathering in them five days each week anymore. This transformation won’t simply be philosophical; it’ll be physical, too. Most company staff want to work in an office, but this time, only twice a week. And when they do come in, they want it to be collaborative. Offices need to accommodate this activity-based working that suit a variety of needs. But collaborative spaces alone may not be enough to draw people back, so companies would be wise to entice people with either a lot of amenities and a super slick experience or a really unique experience you can’t get anywhere else. Companies may want to consider setting up outposts in scenic areas more associated with leisure employees can gravitate towards. Business leaders are being forced to rethink how their companies will work in a post-pandemic world. One of the biggest questions they will face? Where and when employees can work. By the time it’s safe to return to the office, many workers will have spent a year or more working from home. And many are enjoying the extra time and flexibility. Companies may let employees work from home two or more days per week, with some opting for three days in office, two days remote and then two days off — a 3-2-2 work week, if you will. Some employers may even cut down to a four-day work week altogether. Companies will allow them to be at least partially remote after the coronavirus pandemic wanes.
COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
NEXT YEAR’S MUSTHAVE TECH WILL BE ANYTHING THAT MAKES US FEEL SAFER.
GET READY FOR ANOTHER RECESSION
Forget faster, better, newer and different. Next year’s technology and innovation wish list will focus on products and services that make us feel safer. Like the pulse oximeter. That way, if anyone contracts COVID-19, you could check your blood oxygen levels to determine how serious your illness is as it can detect blood oxygen levels. People will want to travel on planes that have been cleaned with an electrostatic sprayer. This demand for safety will also extend to methods large tech companies use to protect their members from harassment. People have grown increasingly worried by the risks that data misuse and misinformation pose to the people who use these services—and society at large.
FOR LEADERS, CHARACTER WILL BE EVERYTHING
As we strive to overcome a global pandemic and an economic recession, the character of leaders will matter as much as their competence. In 2021, servant leadership should be of utmost importance as people become more concerned about clarity and purpose. They are looking for a sense of confidence to assuage their fears of uncertainty of what the future holds. Servant leaders should be givers, not takers. People need to be able to count on them to put the nation’s interests above their own. They will need to create opportunities for growth and advancement. This is where and when the truth test of their leadership comes to play.
As a year that’s produced no shortage of surprises comes to a close, the global recession may only be the opening act. The initial economic downturnthat resulted global shutdowns as the pandemic grew has led to conditions that now expose an underlying, more fundamental recession. Industries that weren’t directly affected by the health crisis are now experiencing job losses, business failures and declines in spending; more layoffs that were originally classified as temporary are being classified as permanent; and the rate of long-term unemployment — a disturbing hallmark, is on the rise. The long ascent out of this year’s deep recession will be uneven, uncertain and prone to setbacks. The road to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth will be long and difficult.
INSTEAD OF RENTING A STORE, YOU CUT CORNERS AND WORK FROM HOME OR CLOSE DOWN BRANCHES
COMPANIES WILL COURT THE WEALTHY AND INVEST MORE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
It’s been an especially rough year for brick and mortar retailers. The pandemic sent shock waves with reduced foot traffic in stores and a rapid shift to online retail options. The result? Recordbreaking store closures and a fresh wave of retail bankruptcies. All of this leaves one sticky question: What do we do with all the vacant retail space? Some shops that remain vacant can be transformed into residential units. Large cities will continue to have the appeal of attracting large crowds, so retail real estate will continue to repurpose itself.
The global pandemic has created “a tale of two cities”. The people at the top will continue to do spectacularly well while the rest fall further further behind. In the wake of the pandemic, companies will be forced to follow the money in order to thrive or even survive. Operate a movie theater that has been sitting largely empty? Private screenings might fill the gap. Hotel chains are courting well-todo workers seeking private offices, a trend that could continue for years. As companies chase moneyed consumers, their own operational makeup will change too, Businesses across the globe have been shedding the assets that have historically defined them - factories, machinery, regional offices teeming with people. Companies will increasingly invest in intellectual property, software, online platforms, proprietary data and algorithms — whatever it takes to track and meet the customer of the future where they are.
STREAMING WILL EAT — THEN TRANSFORM — THE MOVIES It’s been a devastating year for movie theaters, as many were forced to shut their doors amid the pandemic. But things have been particularly good for the streaming business, which became just about the only game in town for viewers this year. Warner Bros. shook the industry in December when it announced it would release all of its 2021 films on streaming service HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously. When the COVID-19 crisis subsides, can movie houses find their way back to consumers’ hearts and wallets? Yes, but it’s going to require a few adjustments. But the big question is ‘What can a theater offer that you can’t get in your living room? People can argue that Comedies are funnier, thrillers are more suspenseful, and horror movies are scarier in a crowd. Someone will need to provide the capital for theaters to make it through the pandemic. They could give customers the chance to see new releases first in theaters.
THE REMOTE CLASSROOM WILL GET A MUCH-NEEDED UPGRADE One of 2020’s biggest frustrations involved the upheavals associated with abruptly halting education in favor of moving everything to remote learning. But it has been an uphill struggle to master video tools built for adults in business settings. Class attendance dwindled. Even students who did show up often felt disconnected. There must be a better way to conduct online classes for children especially. Now they is a new ed-tech startup, Engageli, which is building an interactive teaching system that’s designed to meet schools’ unique needs. The idea is to make it easier for students to “sit” together at tables of two to eight learners, while an instructor’s lesson unfolds. Students can confer with tablemates without being heard by the larger group. Meanwhile, the instructor can explain things to all the tables at once, while still being able to visit specific tables to make sure everything is on track. Educators prefer this model to the rigid constraints of other vendors’ breakout rooms, which were built to suit just corporate needs. Leading business-video players such as Zoom, Cisco’s WebEx, and Microsoft Teams are likely to move quickly to address the needs of the education market in 2021.
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COVER
THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY WILL GO THE WAY OF NETFLIX
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
The pandemic wreaked havoc on the travel industry in 2020. International travel all but halted for many countries. Airlines have filed for bankruptcy protection. Traditional tourist hotspots have become coldspots. The travel industry has been forced to rip up big chunks of its playbook and start fresh. One idea gaining traction? Travel subscriptions. Some airlines have begun experimenting with this, where they offer fixed rate flights in exchange for a secure, continuous source of revenue. Another area that can take off is where hotel chains offer flexible bookings and benefits for customers to stay and work out of any of their hotels across the country.
MILLENNIALS WILL REMAKE INVESTING IN THEIR OWN IMAGE
Millennials are about to change all of that — and remake the finance sector along the way. Some major trends, recently highlighted, are accelerating to drive this changing of the guard: Millennials — born between 1981 and 1996 — are about to enter the peak earning years of their careers. As they climb the corporate ladder and replace retiring baby boomers, their earning power will jump by almost 75% this decade. Technology is ever more front and center in millennials’ daily lives. When it comes to investing, a generation reared on smartphones is as likely to trust an app as a well-heeled broker.
THE PANDEMIC WILL UNLEASH A NEW WAVE OF ENTREPRENEURS While the pandemic has devastated local economies around the world and put millions out of work, it will set off an entrepreneurial renaissance. We will start to see more people step off the corporate ladder and start their own businesses. Maybe at an accelerated rate like we have not seen before. All small business owners will be tested. But most will come out of the pandemic with a renewed commitment to entrepreneurship and the conviction that they are capable of changing and adapting in ways they never thought possible. The shift from employee to entrepreneur has already begun. With scores of restaurants and retailers permanently shuttered without a viable comeback, frontline workers are launching traveling hair salons and virtual workout classes. This entrepreneurial spike may be largely isolated to countries that did not offer robust economic stimulus programs to keep workers employed.
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
Colours of Life with Koko Kalango
PANDEMIC PREVENTION WILL STRETCH FAR BEYOND MEDICINE
The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that our health is inextricably tied to larger environmental issues. Increased population density and global travel has raised the risk of more frequent zoonotic disease outbreaks, and therefore a higher potential for another pandemic. A vaccine will help to end the pandemic, but it won’t address the vulnerabilities that lie at its root. There’s no vaccine for poverty, hunger or inequality. The pandemic has also shown that health is a matter of justice and inequality as well, with the crisis posing a disproportionate impact on poor communities. This has pushed health care providers and governments to tackle the socioeconomic factors that influence who gets sick and who recovers. COVID-19 has laid bare our public health system. It’s put a spotlight on the frailties within the system. With the emergence of Covid centers built within a short period, more attention will be given to his maintenance in moving forward to help curb this virus. More people will also be forced to wear masks publicly and the government will take a stronger stand in putting this law in place.
WE WILL DIVE EVEN DEEPER INTO VIRTUAL WORLDS 2020 will be marked as the year many of us went virtual by necessity, as social distancing forced millions into remote working, learning and social arrangements. Expect 2021 to take things up a notch, with continued growth and acceptance of digital worlds as viable replacements for in-person experiences and connections. Companies will bring large-scale social events like concerts and esports into the virtual world via augmented reality tech. And collaborative gaming and programming environments like Roblox will bring together communities looking for social connection in a COVID-19 environment. We can expect the growth and maturity of virtual environments to influence economic activity as well. Augmented and virtual reality hardware will also gain wider adoption, and financial transactions will be woven into these hardware systems, changing the nature of banking and consumer expectations.
A BEAUTIFUL LIFE CLAIRE LORINA BASSEY(1935-2020)
WAR TIME BABY My mother called me her ‘wartime baby’ because a few days after I was born, the Nigerian civil war broke out. I was a constant reminder of the faithfulness of God through her harrowing experience of the war. At some point, my father bundled the family into his Mercedes Benz and sent us off from Port Harcourt to Calabar, our hometown. He soon had to follow suit for fear of being hunted down and killed like some of his friends, whom the Biafrans regarded as enemies. My mother travelled with the seven young girls in her care, four of them her biological children. She always told us how her ‘wartime baby’ and her Jamaican accent saved the travelling party more than once. JAMAICA CALLING As the war raged in Nigeria, 9,268 kilometres away in Springfield, Jamaica, Adlin Dickson, sat on her veranda and wept, wondering if she would ever see her daughter again. Herself and my grandfather, Martin Luther Dickson, prayed for us. But Miss Adlin did more than pray; she baked Jamaican rum and fruit cakes, buried silver bangles in them and shipped the cakes across continents. We wore those precious bangles to church and on other special occasions, when we also pop champagne. Mother and daughter never saw each other again. Before the war ended grandma died, some say, of a broken heart. The memory of my mother weeping as she opened the telegram that bore the news is still with me. She went back to Jamaica for the funeral with baby Iso, whom she called ‘One Son’ in her patois accent. ISN’T SHE LOVELY When I was a little girl, I would sit and stare as my mother dressed up to go for parties with my father. I thought she was the prettiest woman in the world. Her dressing table would be lined with different shades of eyeshadow which she used after applying brown Avon powder to her flawless skin. Then she would wear the most elegant evening gown and spray her sweet perfume. My gaze would be cut short when my father appeared at the door, looking dapper in his dinner suit. Hand in hand, they would walk out the front door to their chauffer-driven car and ride off into the night, leaving me to imagine them dining and dancing their hearts out. And if they were not going out for one of those parties, they were hosting them. GET ON THE DANCE FLOOR “You lot don’t enjoy your lives. You don’t go dancing!” my mother would exclaim to me when she visited my home. She apparently said the same thing to my siblings. She loved to dance. Dancing had been an important part of her relationship with
‘Mine’ (as she and my father called themselves), from the days of courtship in the ’50s when they were both students, she at Broadgate hospital and he at the University of Hull. They danced through the 47 years of their marriage. And even in her golden years, all you had to do was play Mighty Sparrow or Harry Bella Fonte and mother would hit the dance floor. TIMELESS STYLE Even in her 70s, if you bought her an outfit that did not measure up to her high fashion sense, mum would say “Who did you get these old woman clothes for? You won’t catch me wearing these old woman clothes!” If I dressed up to go out and she approved of what I was wearing, it meant I was spot on with my dressing – I think my sisters would say the same thing. And my mother made the most stylish clothes for herself and for us children, completing the look with creative accessories, most of which she made. ONE TOUGH COOKIE Even if she was peaceful and kind, mum had a tough side to her. She was no pushover. She did not hesitate to dish out a good spank (when it was deserved), either to her children or any young person under her care. At the wedding of her daughters, while tears rolled down my father’s cheek, my mother sat, dry-eyed, through the ceremony. She narrated to us that once when we were much younger and our father was out of town, thieves visited the neighbourhood. To scare them away mum brought out his gun and fired into the air – they fled! A WOMAN OF THE PEOPLE Mum told us that when she arrived in Nigeria in the late ’50s and even decades after, if she went to the market dressed in trousers, children would trail her, beating drums and singing. She would turn a potentially volatile situation to an opportunity to connect with the locals by dancing along with them. In Port Harcourt, where she lived most of her life, mum made friends easily amongst Nigerians, her fellow West Indians, Nigerwives (foreign women married to Nigerians) and through societies she belonged to like the Ladies Dinning Club and Corona. She taught us to fit in with kings and commoners alike and not to value any over the other. She taught us how to live beneath our means. She only had kind words for people and even when she grew frail would say “I love you” or “You look beautiful.” Mother won the heart of her in-laws. Once, in Oban, Iso got chastised for not communicating in the local tongue: “Even your mother who is a foreigner speaks Ejagham”. I don’t recall her being
able to say more than a few words, but to them she spoke their language. THE KEY TO EVERYTHING A visitor to our home would most likely leave with a gift, nothing expensive but something thoughtful. Mum also took gifts of clothing and food to the old people’s home and orphanage close by. The faces of the residents would light up as her car drove into their premises. If you go by the generosity of my mother’s children, you would think we were billionaires. But if you knew mum you would understand why we always give and seek to help people. Our mother also taught us to give to even the rich. “Because” she said, “people only take from them.” ENTERPRISING CLAIRE Mum turned her creativity into enterprise. In the years she dedicated to homemaking, she also made soft furniture and clothes for sale. She baked excellent wedding cakes and made lovely flower arrangements for people. When our father was appointed a judge, rather than sit pretty, our mother ran a poultry. When he was unconstitutionally sacked for standing up for the independence of the judiciary, she turned one of our houses into a guest house to earn an income for the family. When his name was cleared and he was re-instated and compensated, she was, as always, gainfully ‘employed’. In 1978 she had founded Springfield Nursery School which, today, has primary and secondary sections. HOME SWEET HOME My mother laid a godly foundation at home by making us begin each day on our knees around their matrimonial bed, just like she had done growing up. Visitors to our home were assured of a warm welcome and a warm meal, if they met us at table. They were also treated to a choice of homemade snacks, juices, and salads. To anyone who was cleaning the house mum would say, “You need to polish the floor till I can see my reflection in it.” She decorated our clean home with fresh flowers from her tasteful garden. My mother could spread a table fit for a king, on meagre resources. And nothing ever went to waste at home. To her last days, she never stopped singing and dancing. One of the songs she loved to sing was ‘Home sweet home home sweet home…….’ My mother has gone home to Jesus. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful life! p/s Mum would have been eighty-six today Koko Kalango is author of the Colours of Life devotional and host of the Colours of Life show. Contact her at: contact@ coloursoflife.org and on Instagram: @koko.kalango.
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R I A H S D N E R T RY NOW
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9369 Sunday, January 3, 2021
TO T
Managing your hair during this dry and hot weather can be difficult and time consuming. This is the season our hair needs extra love and care! But that does not mean we stay behind on all the trendy hairstyles. Here are six must-try hairstyles during this yuletide season.
TENDRIL FALL
The tendrils are back, all you need to do is go a bit off centre and pull down your hair strand. Give it a twirl and you are all set for the day.
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
CHIOMA IKOKWU
BRAIDS
Regular braids, dutch braid or fishtail…try out whichever you like! Creative braids are all the rage. Go ahead and style them.
MODEL FOR ITUEN BASI KIKA OSUNDE
DOUBLE BUN
ANNIE IDIBIA
HEADBANDS
Feeling like tying up your hair? This one’s for you. The cute doublebuns are all you need for your day outing! Go ahead and add style up your baby hair as well.
With all the hairbands getting back in trend, it reminds us of all our school hairdo shenanigan.
LUPITA NYONGO
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BONE STRAIGHT
This one is a celeb favourite! We have surely seen many stars pulling off this look with glamour and grace. Now it’s your turn to try it out.
GLO DATA PLANS
More data to browse, connect & enjoy.