THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 5TH FEBRUARY 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2023

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION; ARISE FASHION WEEK & JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023

CONTENT

COVER NOTE

The 20th edition of the Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival kicked off with a spectacular Day 1 runway show featuring international models Naomi Campbell and Alpha Dia, who joined other models to showcase the latest collections from some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. The event, which took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a large crowd of fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and media personalities.

EDITOR’S LETTER

S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087 DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086 ASSISTANT EDITOR OROMAJUMBO 08113921062 VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 GUEST CORRESPONDENT YOMI OWOPE CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL BUKOLA AMOBOYE RUKY SALAKO PHOTOGRAPHER KOLA OSHALUSI , KUNLE OGUNFUYI DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

The show must go on ..........

hat a week, guys! The 20th edition of the Arise Fashion Week has come and gone, and we are thankful that it was indeed a resounding success. You know, it’s no secret that preparing for EXECUTIVE EDITOR any event can be nerve-wracking, and this was no exception. It was very hectic but ultimately very rewarding. The process involved numerous tasks such as casting models, selecting and fitting garments, coordinating hair and makeup, organizing the runway, and managing the overall logistics of the event. The pressure to execute a flawless show was immense, and there was limited time to complete everything. However, despite the challenges, the rewards were significant. Seeing the result of all the hard work and effort put into creating the show was incredibly gratifying. The excitement of the audience, the beauty of the garments on the runway, and the sense of accomplishment from putting on a successful event made all the stress worth it. Kudos to the Arise Fashion Week Team! And cheers to creating more magical moments. It’s been 20 beautiful editions of the best of fashion and music since the inception of Arise fashion week, and this year’s event was a testament to the incredible talent and creativity within the African fashion industry. Through the years, Arise Fashion Week has kept to its vision of providing a global platform for fashion talent to showcase their creativity and promote cultural exchange and collaboration in the fashion industry. With its effort, we have seen nothing short of growth in the fashion industry, with Nigerian designers making headway in the international fashion scene. Notwithstanding, we cannot take full credit for this success. We have had the full support of fashion and the general public, and we are most grateful for this. Let’s do this again next year. Thank you. Love,

Konye

@thisdaystyle |

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

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SOCIETY

STYLE

arise fashion week red carpet

AYRA STARR

REMA

NKIRU ANUMUDU

RUTH OSIME

BARBARA JAMES EZINNE CHINKATA, LOLA OGNNAIKE AND FIFE AIYESIMOJU DERIN ODUGBESAN THOMAS

KONYE NWABOGOR

SAFINA MOHAMMED

TENI ZACCHEUS

KAMILAH

OJY OKPE

MARIYA SANUSI

AIZE OGBEBOR

AYSHA FADOUL

AMEER BUNU AND AJUS BUNU

JENKE AHMED TAILLY

CECILE FAKHOURY

SEYI ATIGARIN

PETER KONYE

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Lights, Camera, Action; AFW & Jazz Festival 2023

8 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ARISE FASHION WEEK

he 20th edition of the Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival kicked off with a spectacular Day 1 runway show featuring international models Naomi Campbell and Alpha Dia, who joined other models to showcase the latest collections from some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. The event, which took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a large crowd of fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and media personalities. The runway show kicked off with designer Pepper Row, whose collection was inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and other African countries. The collection featured a fusion of traditional African fabrics, prints, and styles with a contemporary twist. The designer’s use of bold colours and intricate details, combined with innovative cuts and silhouettes, made for a truly eye-catching display. Next up was the collection from Bloke, a brand known for its gender-neutral clothing and strong, empowering messages. The collection was a celebration of self-expression and individuality. Another highlight was the monochrome collection from Vicnate, who is known for his sexy, stand-out silhouettes. This collection was no exception. The designer’s use of intricate details added a touch of luxury to the pieces making them the perfect addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe. In addition to the runway show, Day 1 of the Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival also featured a solo live performance by French Kiwi Juice AKA FKJ, a French multi-instrumentalist, singer, and musician. The runway show was a visual feast, showcasing a range of styles and techniques that truly demonstrate the incredible talent of the designers. With the 20th edition in the bag, the Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival will go down in history as a celebration of fashion, music, and creativity that will be remembered for years to come.

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

Yes, it’s that time again. Africa’s most anticipated fashion event, Arise Fashion Week, is here; this time, it’s in its 20th edition. Wow, how time flies! Since its inception, Arise Fashion week has remained synonymous with putting African fashion on the world map. As we celebrate, here are some of the most interesting facts about New York Fashion Week’s long legacy.

2007 was the year it all began… The first Arise fashion week was held as far back as 2007 and was known then as Arise Magazine Fashion Week. It has since evolved to Arise Africa Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week. International models in Nigeria for the first time... Fashion weeks are synonymous with designers and models, but Arise Fashion Week was the first ever to bring international A-list models into the country. The likes of Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, Liya Kabede, Tyson Beckford, and Grace Jones, as well as Millen Magese, and Oluchi Orlandi, to name a few, are some of the supermodels that have graced the Arise Runway. The ARISE Magazine African Fashion Collective Arise Fashion Week was the first fashion platform to export African talents for an international runway showcase at the New York Fashion Week. The event, which took place at the tents in Bryant Park, New York, featured brands like Tiffany Amber and Lanre da Silva Ajayi. SOLO LIVE PERFORMANCE BY FRENCH KIWI JUICE AKA FKJ

South africa was also a destination In collaboration with Africa Fashion Week, Arise Fashion Week held Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, for two consecutive editions. This began the new dawn of fashion in Africa, and the whole world watched in awe. Debut in the Middle East In 2021, Arise Fashion Week took Nigerian designers to Dubai to showcase the best of Nigerian fashion to the Middle East to commemorate Nigeria Day at Expo 2020 in Dubai. It helped put Nigiran Designers on the map in the Middle East’s fashion capital. Six years out Arise Fashion Week was on hiatus for six years, but this did not diminish the brand’s identity; it returned bigger and stronger, with designers and models eager to participate. A BIG DEAL For every African Designer, the Arise Fashion Week is a big deal. The exposure the show gives designers is second to none. With loads of international press and recog-

nition, designers, especially up-and-coming designers, scramble to get a place in the lineup to grace the runway with their pieces. This year it’s a Triple celebration This year marks a triple celebration for Arise Fashion Week, as the founder and chairman Nduka Obaigbena CON, Duke of Owa Kingdom, commemorates the 20th edition of Arise Fashion Week, the 10th anniversary of Arise News, and the 28th anniversary of ThisDay newspapers, the latter two of which have been formidable platforms behind the coverage and promotion of Arise Fashion Week.

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ARISE FASHION WEEK FITTING DAY: BEHIND THE SCENES Fashion Week is one of the most exciting events in the fashion industry, showcasing the latest collections from some of the world’s top designers. But before the models hit the runway, a crucial step in the process is the fitting day. The fitting day is when designers and their teams finalize the looks that will be presented during Fashion Week. It’s a day of intense preparation and attention to detail, where every aspect of the outfit is carefully evaluated and perfected. While fitting day may seem stressful and hectic, it’s also an opportunity for creativity and collaboration. Designers work closely with their teams, models, and stylists to bring their vision to life and create a stunning show that will captivate audiences worldwide. From models quickly switching outfits to designers making alterations on the spot, these photos show how the Arise Fashion Week fittings went.

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This is my first time showing in the Arise Fashion Week, and I’m blown away by the organisation and the professionalism and quality of everyone involved.

Joy Meribe The eponymous brand Joy Meribe is the brainchild of Nigerian-born Joy Meribe, who has lived in Italy for over 19 years. Meribe had a passion for fashion as a child, but her strict Nigerian upbringing required her to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages and Literature before pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Meribe honed her fashion skills in 2016 while attending fashion school in Italy and went full speed ahead in 2017 to establish her brand. The brand is heavily influenced by Meribes’ heritage as a Nigerian and her exposure to Italian culture and fashion teachings. Electric and sophisticated, the brand is on the rise, with Milan fashion week recognising it as one of the ones to watch. This week, in the buzz leading up to Arise Fashion Week, Funke Babs-Kufeji speaks to the designer about her brand and being a part of the event.

Can you take us back to the first piece you created and the moment you decided, “This is it; I’m going to create my dress/luxury brand”? It has been a buildup of putting one step in front of the other and taking it day by day. I can’t even remember my first piece as a professional fashion designer. I’ve always loved fashion and growing up, I always drew the styles of the dresses I wanted and got them made by tailors around me. My eye for detail always got me to notice even the tiniest flaws in my dresses, and I would adjust them by hand to fit the way I wanted. Growing up in Nigeria, I didn’t have the courage to tell my parents that I wanted to study fashion design because their dream and desire for me was to get a university degree. Much more so in those days when I was growing up, I didn’t have examples of successful fashion designers at the level that would equate to a university degree in the eyes of society. Until after my Master’s degree in Italy, I never saw myself fully

going into the fashion business, but one thing led to another, and I ended up in fashion school. It was in fashion school that I decided to create my brand. What is your favourite aspect of being a fashion designer? What are your greatest strengths and greatest challenges? I enjoy the design process from start to finish. My fabrics are mostly custom prints, and I’m involved in the graphics and fabric design, so I love the back-andforth tweaks until the final design is agreed on. My double identity as a Nigerian who has lived in Italy for so many years is my strength. Nigerians are one of the world’s biggest fashionistas, so I can draw on my sense of style as a Nigerian and mix it with my Italian fashion knowledge to create pieces that appeal to both worlds. My biggest challenge is the same as that of almost every independent fashion designer. It’s the lack of adequate financial resources to scale my business to levels I

know is possible. Your pieces incorporate western fashion with references to Afro culture and style. Tell me, what is the inspiration behind your collection on the Arise runway? My inspiration for every one of my collections, including this one on the Arise runway, is the fusion of my Nigerian origins and mainstream western styles. I tap into my cultural baggage and the strong women who raised me to get inspiration for my collections. It’s a story of strength, poise, elegance, and class, which Michelle Obama embodies. It is a story of strong women who recognise their strengths but are also playful, fun-loving and know how to experiment with different styles and colours. Do you have a favourite design on the Arise runway, and why is it your favourite? All my designs are my babies. I don’t have a favourite. I leave that for others to judge, but I love all my babies.

What has been your Arise fashion week experience, the highs and the lows? I started my runway experience at Milan Fashion Week. This is my first time showing in the Arise Fashion Week, and I’m blown away by the organisation and the professionalism and quality of everyone involved. There is no event without a hitch, but they are usually taken care of so smoothly that you don’t remember that there was any issue. I feel so at home in the midst of my people and would like to do this repeatedly. I feel so proud of being invited to do this and am thankful for the opportunity. What do you expect to get from the show, and how do you intend to maximise your exposure from this platform? I expect to get luxury stores and buyers in Nigeria interested in my designs. No matter where you are in the world and your success in other places, being recognised and valued by your people is the true measure of success for me.

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Sunday, February 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10125

Bianca Saunders

Bloke

Sunday, February 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10125

T H E

DESIGNERS

Mariya Sanusi

T H E

DESIGNERS

Ninie

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Sunday, February 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10125

Nkwo

Pepper Row

Sunday, February 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10125

T H E

DESIGNERS

Ti Nathan

T H E

DESIGNERS

Uniform

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Vicnate

T H E

DESIGNERS

SURPRISING TRUTHS ABOUT FASHION SHOWS By Funke Babs-Kufeji

Fashion week is the most anticipated event of the year for all those in the fashion industry. From designers to models to fashion stylists and all the other occupations that make up the fashion industry, this is the most significant week as it allows everyone to showcase all they have been working on in the last year. For outsiders, this event usually comes across as fabulous, with beautiful models strutting down the runway. But not everything is always as it seems. This article takes you behind the scenes and helps unravel some simple truths about these shows that you might not have known.

Designers dress celebrities to attend their show Yes, fashion week gets a lot of press coverage, some press will ask to get paid, and some won’t, but with so many shows happening at the same time or simultaneously, it isn’t easy to keep the press’s attention on just one fashion brand. Hence, designers dress up celebrities for free to draw attention to their brands. Where you sit is everything Where you sit at a fashion show says a lot about who you are. Frontrow seats are prestigious. They are reserved for fashion editors, celebrities, buyers, fashion bloggers, and socialites. If you are not on the front row, then you are not any of the above. Some models are willing to work for little or nothing Most times, models just starting out in their careers are willing to work for less or close to nothing to get their careers and portfolios up and running. Sometimes models will trade their pay for clothes from the designers to cut down on the cost of producing a show.

The gift bags are underwhelming Front-row seats always have gift bags laid out on them, but trust me, the gifts are never anything to write

home about. Sometimes you might get promotional gifts from corporate sponsors of a designer, and even if they are not promotional gifts, they are always products you might never use. Shows almost always times start late Yes, things in fashion are always fashionable late. Fashion shows are notorious for starting late due to many factors. Sometimes it might be because models are still getting dressed or clothes are being adjusted on them, or it might be because a designer is waiting for the arrival of an important buyer or editor to be seated before the show starts. In any case, they almost always start late, but there are some exceptions.

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WHAT HAPPENED BACKSTAGE Behind the scenes, the event was equally remarkable, with a flurry of activity and excitement as models, designers, and beauty experts worked together to bring their vision to life. The backstage area was a buzz of activity as models got their hair and makeup done, made last-minute adjustments to their outfits, and practised their runway walks. Hairstylists worked tirelessly to create beautiful and elaborate hairstyles, from sleek and sophisticated up-dos to creative braids. Makeup artists transformed models into stunning works of art, accentuating their features and creating a look that complemented each outfit perfectly. Designers and their teams were also hard at work, making last-minute tweaks to their designs and ensuring that each outfit was in perfect condition for the show. It was a display of teamwork, as everyone worked together to ensure that the final product was flawless and memorable.

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Sunday, February 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10125

SURVIV By Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru

Dear Reader, Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgment or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence, and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers health, education, and community service initiatives. WARIF aids survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre - a haven where trained professionals are present full time, 6 days a week including public holidays to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psycho-social counseling, and welfare services which include shelter, legal aid, and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre. This is the story of Rebecca*, a 25-year-old survivor of rape. I was returning home from work as usual; I had just alighted from the staff bus waiting for a cab to take me to my estate when a car reversed and stopped in front of me. The driver wound down; it was my next-door neighbor of several years, my dad’s peer who had just returned from a trip abroad, and he offered to drop me off at home. On getting into the vehicle, he headed in another direction and apologized to me, saying that he had to drop off an item at his uncle’s place. Upon arriving at the location, he asked me to go along with him so that I would not wait alone in the vehicle. He got to the entrance and opened the door with a key while calling out a name to which no one responded and offered me a seat while he disappeared up the stairs. He resurfaced some minutes later to say that his uncle was asleep, having taken medications that made him drowsy; so, we had to wait a little bit. I immediately stood up to leave and told him I would not be able to wait for him as I was in a hurry to get home, but he assured me that we would leave in 30 minutes, even if his uncle did not come downstairs by then. While we waited, he turned on the TV, put on a music channel, and asked if I wanted anything; I told him that I was fine, and we were leaving soon, so there was no need. After a few minutes of silence, he turned up the volume of the TV, got up, and came to seat on the sofa beside me. He then started to tell me about how he liked me and had been fanaticizing about this moment for a long time while caressing my arm. I tried to get up immediately,

but he forcefully held me down and started to fondle my breast, and tried to forcefully kiss me. I struggled to get up and was shouting at the top of my voice for help, but no one could hear me over the loud music playing on the TV. I began to plead with him to stop and I reminded him that he was like a father to me, but he did not listen. He raped me on the sofa in the house of his so-called ‘uncle’. I could not believe what had happened. It felt like a dream, and I wept bitterly, wishing that I would wake up from the nightmare. I had been deceived and raped! How could I have been so gullible? As I walked out of the compound, with the rapist closely behind me, I heard a man’s voice asking who was opening the gate, he responded but I did not look back. The threats that I had just received were still ringing fresh in my mind, ‘I would kill you if you tried to tell anyone about this, no one would even believe you’. I kept to myself from then on.

My boss at work approached me one day to ask what was wrong with me; she had observed that I had changed, I no longer exhibited the warmth that endeared people towards me,

I could not believe what had happened. It felt like a dream, and I wept bitterly, wishing that I would wake up from the nightmare. I had been deceived and raped! How could I have been so gullible? As I walked out of the compound, with the rapist closely behind me, I heard a man’s voice asking who was opening the gate, he responded but I did not look back. T

5 WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR WARDROBE IN 2023

This week, we highlight five reliable and trusted ways to elevate your style journey in 2023. Say no to bad outfit days and wardrobes full of clothes you can’t wear and embrace a comfortable yet unique style. By Charles Didee Eta

1) Establish your personal style To get in touch with your personal style, you’re expected to try out different kinds of outfits till you eventually find looks that accentuate your body’s natural uniqueness and make you feel comfortable. Playing around with colours and shapes helps you find what works, which eventually puts your wardrobe in a state to reflect your preferences.

I stopped socializing at work, and I was lost in thought most of the time or not concentrating at meetings. It had been three months since the incident, and I had not told anyone about it. At that moment, overwhelmed by emotions, I burst into tears and opened up to her. She comforted me and went with me to a police station to report the matter. This led to the arrest of the perpetrator and a referral to the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre. At the WARIF Centre, I received medical attention; tests were conducted, and I was taken to a counselor for psycho-social counseling. The psychotherapy sessions have helped me in dealing with the trauma from the rape incident. I always feel relieved after the sessions with the counselor and am better equipped with methods that I have learned from the sessions to help me better process my emotions. The rape case was charged to court and justice was meted out on the perpetrator. Fortunately, the house where the incident happened had CCTV cameras installed, which provided irrefutable evidence and helped to speed up the case. It has been two years since the incident; I am back to work, better and stronger. I have a more cheerful outlook and am hopeful for a meaningful life despite the trauma I have experienced. I recently got admitted to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations at a University of my choice. I overcame my mood swings and was able to gather the will to pursue my dreams, many thanks to the WARIF Centre and its counseling team!

Dear survivor, please know that you are not alone and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or you know someone who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre - 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on 08092100009. For questions or more information please contact: info@warifng.org

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2) Create better shopping habits When shopping for new clothing items, it’s way more sensible to purchase things that fall under what you would naturally wear other than just picking anything. If not, you’ll spend too much money and still not have what to wear. Buying things, you can’t wear will only cause clutter, and that’s a wrong move.

3) Clear your wardrobe Once you decide to elevate your style, it’s very important to get rid of things that no longer serve their purpose in your wardrobe. Clearing out unnecessary clothing items will help you see what you need and what happens to be lacking in your wardrobe.

4) Include pop of colour and texture Adding some colour and texture to your wardrobe is critical because they can serve as a huge confidence boost. That’s not to say monochrome isn’t trendy, but sometimes when you intelligently inject radiant colours into your outfit, it shows how stylish you’re capable of being, and that’s a definite plus.

5) Have the basics

KIKE OJEWALE

This is arguably the most vital point on this list. Understandably, certain clothing items must be part of your wardrobe to feel like you truly have style. Some of these items are as basic as a t-shirt, jeans, a little black dress, coats and sweaters. They are considered staples in the fashion industry, mainly because they can be dressed up or down depending on the event and mood.

SONIA IRABOR.