...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022
A Y A D D A H U C A H B A L U O D FA BE
! E V LIE
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CONTENT Society
MR & MRS OYELOLA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS PG 6-7
HADIZA JAMOH AND ABBA KABIR DANKAURA TIE THE KNOT PG 8-9
Fashion STYLE RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE INTO 2022 PG 10-11
TRENDS TO TRY FROM THE RUNWAY PG 18-21
Fashion designer Huddaya Fadoul-Abacha started established HUDDAYA clothing label in 2012. Over the years, the Abuja based brand has been pushing boundaries and without a doubt is fast becoming a force to reckon with. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI had a conversation with the creative about modesty, sustainability and the importance of such representation in the fashion industry.
THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME
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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR
08111847086
08111847087
SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
EXPERIENCE SILK LACE AND TULLE IN A DIFFERENT WAY PG 22
Here we go again, new year, new beginnings. At times like this, there usually is a feeling of gratitude that you have made it to another year. This feeling becomes more meaningful as you age over the years because you realize that waking up healthy to a brand new day is a gift that cannot be taken for granted the way it was several decades back. I look at the youths of today, with their whole lives ahead of them, and you almost want to stop their clock, give them a preview of the curveballs and pitfalls of life before turning back on the clock of time because you want them to follow a smoother path with better foresight and wisdom than you did. But life is not that simple is it? This is why we make resolutions year in year out concerning every aspect of our lives including fashion and style. STYLE RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE INTO 2022 and TRENDS TO TRY FROM THE RUNWAY are articles that will help you sustain and keep your finger on the pulse button in the style stakes. There’s no need to make looking good a pain in the you-know-where! All it takes to get maximum mileage from your clothes is proper co-ordination. Some people do not know how to do this. Employing the service of a professional stylist is worth considering so you can at least enjoy your investment. But fashion is just one aspect of what encompasses our lives. There are so many other factors that also come to play. But the foundation of one’s existence should be balanced enough to absorb life’s pleasures and hard knocks. Life should be celebrated, appreciated and treasured more. Like someone said a few days ago, after 50, you celebrate your birthday per decade. After 70, you celebrate your birthday every five years. After 80, you celebrate your birthday every year. And after 90... you just celebrate every day! I thought this was profound because it rang so true. Life and celebrations become much more significant as you get closer to your evening! That being said, we all clearly look forward to and also pray for a much more spirit filled, emotionally stable and physically fulfilling year. Once again HAPPY NEW YEAR! Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng
FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR
OLU & AYO OBARO
MR & MRS. SAM OWA.
SAM & SARAH ONIOVOSA
MR. & MRS. REMI BABALOLA UDY KALU & CHARLES NKATA
CHRIS NKWONTA
MR. & MRS. KUNLE OLAMIDE ADEBAYO SAM OWA
MR. & MRS JOHN OBARO
MR. & MRS. LOWO ADESINA
MR & MRS. JOSEPH OWONIBI
FOLAKE OGUNJIMI & BUMI AWE
MR & MRS. MICHAEL OBAWEMO
DINO MALAYE BAYO OJO
MR & MRS AJAYI OLUFEMI
MR, & MRS. ADENRELE
MR.MR. & MRS SEGUN OGBONNEWO & MRS. DAVID AJULO
Ola & Yemisi Celebrate 30 Years of Togetherness BY FUNKE BABS-KUFE JI
Mr Ola Oyelola, former Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Ltd recently threw a high octane dinner party at the Civic Centre for close family, friends and associates to celebrate his 30th wedding Anniversary to his beautiful and loving wife Yemisi Oyelola. Guests were treated to the best of Nigerian and continental dishes and fine wines to accompany them. The couple looked spectacular and happy to see all those who turned out to celebrate the joyous milestone with them and they made sure all those who came were well catered for and entertained. We at Style, wish the lovely couple a very happy anniversary.
MR. AND MRS. ENIOLA BELLO
OLA & YEMISI OYELOLA
PHOTOS
SUNDAY ADIGUN
MR. & MRS. FOLORUNSHO FATOBI
MR & MRS. PETER AMEADAJI
MR & MRS BIMBO ASHIRU
MR. & MRS. DAVID AJULO
MR. & MRS. BAMGBOLA KEHINDE
BRIDESMAIDS
GROOM’S MEN
MUNNIR LADAN
MCGEORGE ONYUNG
JUMMAI MUSA
FELIX EZEJI
DS BABA
ZAILANI ATTAH
CHIBUIKE JONA
ISIOMA THEODORA NDAH
CHUDI OFFODILE
ADE DOSUNMU
UMAR DAMAGUM
MK SHEHU
ASU BEKS
INUWA KURAHSON
GOVERNOR BABAGANA ZULUM OF BORNO STATE
KABIR MURNAI
GOVERNOR AMINU BELLO MASARI OF KATSINA STATE
SHEHU AHMED
ASITA O. ASITA
GREG OGBEIFUN
AMINU UMAR
ABDULMUMUNI DIRISU
SULEIMAN ABDULSALAM
Hadiza Jamoh and Abba Kabir Dankaura Tie The Knot BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, alongside his wife, Zulahi Bashir Jamoh, recently gave out the hand of their Daughter Hadiza Jamoh to Abba Kabir Dankaura at a wedding Fatiha which took place at Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna State. Friends, family and important dignitaries from far and wide, including the Governor of Borno State Babagana Umar Zulum, came to honour the couple on their special day. Guests after the wedding, fathia were treated to Northern delicacies and more at a small reception at the Murtala Square. Later, the couple hosted a wedding dinner for family and close friends at the Murtala Gymnasium hall, where everyone was thoroughly entertained. ABBA & HADIZA KABIR DANKAURA
BASHIR & ZULAHI JAMOH
LAMI TUMAKA
FATIMA SABIU
OLAMIDE ODUSANYA
ISICHEI OSAMGBI
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
STYLE
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
STYLE & DESIGN
Resolutions TO TAKE INTO 2022
Look no further for those looking for style resolutions to take into 2022. Here are a few fun and easy ones to keep for the New year.
KIM OPRAH
DIANE RUSSET
CHICHI ADOGU
IDIA AISIEN
INDINMA OKOJIE
OZINNA ANUMUDU
INVEST IN QUALITY CLASSICS
CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE
Creating a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to simplify your life and wardrobe in 2022. Strip down your wardrobe to just the essentials; this will make getting dressed in the morning easier. A power suit, White button-down shirt, LBD, LWD, Black & White camis, Black Shoes, white trainers etc.… Do you get my drift?
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A well-tailored classic in your wardrobe is better than ten trendy not-so-great quality pieces. So, make sure you spend your money wisely and invest in pieces that can last for years to come.
KEEP UP WITH TRENDS
Have you been flaunting the same look for the past few years? Get on board with this season’s biggest hits: feathers, Beaded Embellishments, cutouts, fringe details, clashing prints and more.
QUIT PLAYING SAFE
SUFFOCATE THEM WITH BRIGHTS
Fashion can be so much fun if only you let loose a little. For those who like to take risks, way to go, keep it up in 2022 and those who don’t, all we can say is, “The bolder, the better, baby”, give them something to talk about.
Yeah yeah, neutral colours are fantastic, easy-breezy, but go bold in 2022! Think splashy pops of colours. Gold, Yellow, Hot Pink, Neon etc., the colourchart is your Oyster.
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COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
Fashion designer Huddaya Fadoul-Abacha started designing at the early age of 17 for her family and friends. Even though she did not initially study Fashion & Design, after her first degree in Biology from University of Abuja and completing her NYSC programme, Huddaya knew the regimented medical field or 9-5 work atmosphere wasn’t her calling. She took a leap of faith and decided to pursue her passion and first love! She established HUDDAYA clothing label in 2012 and hasn’t looked back ever since. Over the years, the Abuja based brand has been pushing boundaries and without a doubt is fast becoming a force to reckon with. Her recent collection at the just past Arise Fashion Week in Dubai was a real eye-opener where her outfits spoke volumes about less need to reveal more skin while still maintaining a large dose of sex appeal. This made her designs appeal to a much wider range of women because at any age, being able to remain sultry and alluring without revealing much is a major feat in itself. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI had a conversation with the creative about modesty, sustainability and the importance of such representation in the fashion industry.
A Y A D D A H U HADOUL-ABAC
F
BE
! E V LIE
When did you decide to pursue Fashion Design as career and what steps did you take to achieve this? I’ve always been a fashion designer at heart. I have designed for my mum, sisters and friends since I was 17yrs old. After my NYSC, I knew I wasn’t cut out for a regimented life, so in 2011, l started taking orders from home. When it got overwhelming, I opened my first fashion house in 2012, and it’s been a dream come true since then.
market, in my opinion, perhaps because of social media. We all open social media apps and see skin everywhere because many women follow the trend of sexy and sultry and showing off skin. It’s nice to see that women are trying to differentiate themselves from the mainstream pushed on social media, irrespective of heritage and faith. As more socialites in society show that you can dress modest and look classy and elegant, the more this style of fashion will gain popularity.
What is your favourite part of being a designer? I would say the process of bringing an inspiration to life. Also, fabrics of different textures and prints bring me joy. I love the feel of fabrics – it helps me design and brings my inspiration to life. But honestly, I love every part from designing to finishing, to fittings seeing the joy on clients faces and all. I am blessed to do what I love, and I try not to take this for granted.
Being from the North and Muslim, will you say these two aspects of your life influence your creative process? I am not just a Nigerian designer but a Northern Nigerian Arab designer. Heritage and faith play a significant role in my creative process when designing ready-to-wear garments, and I believe in staying true to my roots. However, this does not stop me from cutting a neckline low or shorten a long skirt to suit a client’s personal preference. So the 21st-century sexy woman who wants to show some skin can wear my design because of its versatility when it comes to restyling. That way, my signature is on every piece. That is the brand identity I relish on.
Your brand Hudayya launched in 2012 and today, it’s a top tier brand. How will you describe your journey of growth so far? I feel there is still much room for growth with the brand bursting out of Abuja to gain visibility and recognition in Nigeria and Africa. But I definitely still aspire to make Hudayya Bride and Hudayya Woman a top African brand to be recognized far beyond our shores; in the Middle East and Europe etc. You are a bridal and occasion designer who branched into ready-to-wear fashion (RTW). How were you able to make the transition, and why did you decide to go into RTW? It wasn’t actually a transition. It came very naturally to me because clients wanted to wear simple casual clothes I had designed for myself to be wearing to work. Their requests transitioned to buying more sample fabrics and producing a couple of extra pieces before I finally decided that I needed to start a separate brand dedicated solely to ready to wear garments. The Hudayya Fashion brand, you say, is for the modern yet modest woman. What is your definition of modest fashion? Modest fashion to me is looking trendy and elegant without having to expose so much skin, and over the years, I think I’ve found the right balance for my brand. Can your designs evolve into more mainstream sexy, risqué designs? I definitely categorize myself as a contemporary modest fashion designer because I design with myself in mind and then I try to picture people that are close to me, clients with different body types
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NAOMI CAMPBELL & HUDDAYA
Modest fashion to me is looking trendy and elegant without having to expose so much skin, and over the years, I think I’ve found the right balance for my brand.
in these designs as well before I give it a go. Due to my heritage and faith, I doubt I will deviate from the modest modern path I have chosen to pursue when it comes to my designs. Also, there are enough brands out there that cater to mainstream sexy and risqué. In recent times, modest fashion is gaining as much popularity as sexy, sultry designs. Why do you think this is happening? Modest fashion is becoming a booming global
How has your business been able to navigate during this Covid pandemic? Covid taught me that I don’t need to physically be at the store to be able to create and deliver unique pieces. The bespoke side of my business suffered a bit because of no contact with clients. That was when the RTW side of the business really started booming. The pandemic made me design with comfort in mind. As everyone stayed at home, I noticed that women wanted to look good at home and be comfortable. This meant the focus during 2020 was strictly on kaftans and kimono sets. The following year saw a gradual change back to more dressy outfits as women started stepping out again for work, events and day to day errands. It’s just been two years of adapting to the needs and desires of women. As we gradually exit these pandemic years, I am excited to design more dressy outfits. You recently featured in your first Arise Fashion Week show in Dubai. What was your experience, and how did it feel having Naomi Campbell walk down the runway and take the last bow with you? Honestly, I think I am still processing Naomi Campbell opening the show in our design. It was so unexpected that I wished I could re-live the moment from when we found out Naomi would select a design to wear on the runway to the actual moment Naomi arrived and was ready to walk. Wow! And the joy of seeing my family and friends who came all the way to Dubai to support me, I’m nothing short but thankful to have been a part of the show.
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COVER
How has being a part of the event impacted your brand? First, I’d like to thank the organizers of Arise Fashion Week for including Hudayya Woman in this edition. The brand has gained so much visibility and recognition from the moment the brand was featured on the platform with Naomi Campbell in our design. My confidence in my brand has skyrocketed due to how well received my pieces were and has opened new doors for us, most especially in the Middle East, as the fashion show was held in Dubai. What was the inspiration behind the collection you presented at the show? I wanted to show variety: the casual yet classy day-to-day outfits that can be dressed up or down and the more glamorous outfits in gunmetal grey that can be worn for an occasion or even daily by the glamorous fashionistas. To close the show, I decided to design a wedding dress because the name Hudayya always has and will always be associated with bridals wears, considering the ready to wear sister brand Hudayya Woman came later.
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today? Social media is the biggest tool at fashion’s disposal at the moment. It’s the biggest platform in the world. If used correctly, it can skyrocket any brand to its peak. There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with better collections season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just
You own a fashion Academy. Tell us more about that and what students stand to gain from enrolling in your academy? In pursuing your dreams, you have to know and have the basic
starting and hoping to make it in the industry? They say the reward for hard work is more hard work. Even if you make it to the top in the industry, there’s more pressure on you than the upcoming designers to come up with new innovative designs. So my advice to the young ones is that the easiest way to make a mark for yourself is to stay true to your niche, brand identity and don’t be tempted to look at what others are doing to measure your growth and where you should be. Focus on you. Give yourself realistic goals to achieve and make sure you excel at these goals. That way, you know you are growing at your own pace, not at any other person pace. You are a wife, a mother, designer and a teacher. How do you balance it all? Wok /life balance is a myth. It’s a struggle. I can’t say I have it together 100%, but I have a supportive family and husband who understands and supplements. I have an amazing, capable team (my Hudayya family) who help run the business smoothly. Trust me; you cant do it all. Just make sure you have a support system (family and friends), have a team you trust, invest in training your staff, have a system and process that works well enough for you because nothing in life is truly perfect. Who are your fashion role models? Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser. She’s the epitome of grace, modesty yet fashionable and trendy. Also, Anna Wintour who stays consistent, timeless and relevant. Where do you see the Hudayya brand in the next five years? I will like to see the Hudayya brand in major stores across the globe and major global online fashion stores.
knowledge of what you’re getting into. My school is designed to equip future designers with all they need to start a successful fashion business. We connect our students with vendors and agents and offer mentorship for as long as they need to thrive in their businesses. What makes this Academy stand out? What makes my academy different is how passionate I am about the school, teaching and being a mentor. I’ve carefully handpicked the best teachers in pattern making, cutting, sewing, sketching and work with the best photographers, videographers, venues for runway shows and photoshoots for their graduation projects to give them visibility and a step in the right direction. I also don’t take too many students; I believe in quality over quantity.
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So my advice to the young ones is that the easiest way to make a mark for yourself is to stay true to your niche, brand identity and don’t be tempted to look at what others are doing to measure your growth and where you should be. Focus on you.
What do you say to young girls who want to start a modest brand or line like yours? Start by getting the basic knowledge (Fashion school or internship in a reputable fashion house). Know your reasons for starting the business and have passion for it because you’ll need a lot of passion to get through the ups and downs of the business. It’s time demanding, so before you find your balance, be ready to put in the work, time, and soul. Start small, grow and expand with your client base. Don’t be carried away by the glamorous part of it and social media. Nobody shows the struggles and bad days, but we all go through them. Don’t use social media and other businesses to gauge your success.
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
S D N TRE FROM THE
TO TRY
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
PLEATS
Pleating isn’t just for the prim and proper, and it’s not just limited to skirts. They are now in dresses, trousers and outerwear. It’s nice to see accordion folds on garments in a variety of breezy, movewith-you styles. Pleats allow for a fashionable dressed-up comfort.
Y A W RUN
MODEL FOR YUTEE RONE
BY USIADE ISIOMA
The end of 2021 is sneaking up on us faster than we think, but that really only means we’ll soon be able to get a fresh start on a new year with lots of fresh trends to look forward to. Every year, Arise Fashion Week introduces the world to the latest and greatest style trends, and this year is no exception. We have spotted some of the coolest new looks from the runway. From pleats to sheer clothing, loose hanging and feathers. The style this time has given everyone the inspiration and taste of the trends hitting the streets of fashion next year. Here is what we are looking forward to wearing in 2022.
MODEL FOR HUDAYYA
FRINGE
Fringed clothing has come a long way from its association with 1920s dresses, Western-style leather jackets, or hippieera suede vests. At Arise Fashion Week, designers took fringe to a new level, incorporating the style into unique garments and accessories in unexpected proportions and colors. The shredded detail added movement, making any outfit look a bit more festive, and its sudden revival is sure to shake up the fashion system next year.
SHEER
TWO PIECE SETS
Sheer clothing is having more than a moment, it has basically solidified its place as a fashion look. Try something sheer this new year and embrace a romantic look.
The two-piece set is the hottest trend right now, and given its popularity, it shows no signs of going away. The matching set is an efficient appearance, offering sophistication and class.
ALTO MASON FOR KENNETH IZE
MODEL FOR HUDAYYA
MODEL FOR ZIVA LAGOS
NAOMI FOR BANKE KUKU
MODEL FOR LDA
MODEL FOR ONALAJA
MODEL FOR TUTEE RONE
MODEL FOR ODION MIMONET
MODEL FOR HUDAYYA
MODEL FOR ZIVA LAGOS MODEL FOR BANKE KUKU NAOMI CAMPBEL FOR LISA FOLAWIYO
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
GO BIG OR GO HOME
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
ALL WHITE
Dressing head-to-toe in white clothes may seem daunting, but it’s the chicest way to style the ‘90s minimalist trend next year.
It’s time to support the notion that the bigger the jacket, the better. Leave yourself room to layer, room to ruminate in blazers that find their power in pure volume.
MODEL FOR ODION MIMONET
MODEL FOR YUTEE RONE
MODEL FOR BANKE KUKU
MODEL FOR TJWHO MODEL FOR KENNETH IZE MODEL FOR HUDAYYA
MODEL FOR LANRE DA SILVA
EXTREME LAYERING
VACATIONREADY BEACHWEAR Designers brought back a similar holiday mindset to runways. Designers infused vibrant vacation-ready print into matching sets.
MODEL FOR BANKE KUKU MODEL FOR BANKE KUKU
MODEL FOR KENNETH IZE
This year’s layering game was daring, models draped themselves in long capes, satin dress, and jacket. Odio Mimonet featured equally extreme styling as her model was sent down the runway in wide leg pants worn under a dress with a jacket worn on top of the dress.
MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET
MODEL FOR MUYISHUMA MODEL FOR YUTEE RONIE
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MODEL FOR LISA FOLAWIYO
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9740 Sunday, January 9, 2022
EXPERIENCE SILK LACE AND TULLE IN A DIFFERENT WAY Abebibytan Launches “Abebibridal SS21” Collection
Bridal kimono line, Abebibytan launched a new bridal collection “Silk Lace & Tulle”. The new SS 21 Of Silk, Lace & Tulle collection is an infusion of the feminine, delicate and lightweight fabrics of silk, lace, and tulle. Together, they highlight the consistent expression of the brand: as airy, elegant, and intimate, the true embodiment of what every bride would love on her big day. Fashioned by true events, this collection was inspired by a real-life love story - according to creative director, Seyitan Atigarin, “I witnessed my best friend marry the love of her life and was so overcome with emotions that it sparked my creative passion for this collection. I want every woman wearing each piece to feel that burst of love, and warmth, too.” The collection also features colourful bridal kimonos, which come in lace, silk, and floral patterns tailored to perfection. Each piece is stylishly designed to make every bride and bridesmaid feel comfortable and beautiful on her wedding day.
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