THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2022

BANKE KUKU TIFFANY AMBER

INSPIRATION OR OUTRIGHT COPY? THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST ALBATROSS

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTENT

COVER NOTE

Lately, it seems the line between “inspiration” and “imitation” is being blurred significantly and with increasing frequency, thereby giving rise to claims of “copying. It’s a war that will never end. And it seems to have come to our doorsteps in the Nigerian Fashion industry, with brands like Banke Kuku, Dye lab and Deola Sagoe being the most hit. Charles Didee Eta reports

Society

AFRICAN FASHION SERIES

The African Fashion Series are specially curated shopping events set in beautiful locations around the UK, to celebrate the unprecedented rise in appreciation for African fashion.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Take some time to breath

S yle “ASHLUXURY” Launches its Fashion E-Commerce Platform – ashluxury.com. Prime Video Experience In Nigeria

EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086 VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500

STYLE CORRESPONDENT ISIOMA USIADE

Lifestyle & Fashion A-Gen Z 10 Ten Things This Week

Soft Like Tony; Is this Nigeria’s most fashionable CEO?

Try these tips to step up your Instagram game

A Guide to Eight of Lagos’ Most Luxurious Spots

GUEST CORRESPONDENT RUKY SALAKO CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL PHOTOGRAPHER @TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

@thisdaystyle |

et’s talk about creativity and burnout. You feel drained of your creativity, and nothing is left. You’re dreading starting work, feel tired and stressed out, and you suspect you’ll never be able to create something good again. That’s it right there. You just might be experiencing a creative burnout. Always one to give people the benefit of the doubt, I strongly believe this is one of the many untalked-about reasons behind the outright copy of creative content. That and the creative being lazy, of course. You need to do the work but are too exhausted to come up with anything, so why not lift an already tried and tested template and pass it off as yours? No one will notice if you put a few tiny tweaks to it. If they do, you could claim it was an inspiration. Whether they know it or not, almost every designer, writer, entrepreneur, photographer or creator has experienced burnout at least once. I personally think a combination of overworking yourself is the reason behind this. Let’s not forget self-induced pressure and sometimes feeling ‘stuck’. Social media? That only worsens this feeling as every scroll satiates your imagination and reminds you of what you haven’t achieved. Even those algorithmically curated likes suddenly feel like intrusive reminders of your worth. As a culture, I don’t think we give ourselves the freedom to step back. The narrative is always that we should keep pushing. This shouldn’t be the case. Please take this as your weekly reminder to constantly step back and breathe. Your brain is not a fruit you can press until you extract the last drop of creative juice. Your mind needs rest. It needs care and support. Think of your creativity as a well. It will eventually dry up if you keep drawing from it without letting it refill.

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

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Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

&THE African

“ASHLUXURY” launches its Fashion E-Commerce Platform – ASHLUXURY.COM

Fashion Series

cially he African Fashion Series are spe utibea in set curated shopping events brate cele to UK, ful locations around the n for atio reci app the unprecedented rise in African fashion. -day pop-up The series was launched with a two oundings surr ant and networking event, in the eleg pping Sho ge of the apartment at the Bicester Villa 2. Centre, on 26 and 27 August 202 e pieces from This exquisite event featured exclusiv , jeweltion nda Odio Mimonet and The Adara Fou wa akin Fam i lery from Rocks and Roses by Fem based UKa ana and leather goods from Ester Rom ience aud VIP a to Nigerian owned brand, presented s. day two the r of approximately 150 guests ove vative conThe African Fashion Series is an inno by Mrs ted cura cept founded by Ms Cas Ojo and on and epti perc Adeola Bali, designed to boost the cial spe ugh appreciation of African fashion thro and quintessenshowcase events in sophisticated, tially-chic surroundings.

BOLA ADESOLA

SOCIETY

STYLE

SOCIETY

STYLE

KUNLE & QUEENETTE EBODA

LIZ OJO, ADEOLA BALI & CAS OJO

ESOSA ANENNIH

VERONICA EBIE

ODIO OSENI

NOSA OKUNBO

shluxury.com is about to revolutionize it E-commerce and online shopping as HQ. ry luxu launches its platform at the Ash . eria 21B Admiralty way, Lagos, Nig perfect ‘T“Ashluxury has evolved from just the een Luxury shirt’ or ‘Street style’ into the spot betw ay tod have difGRACE LADOJA, YINKA ASH & IRETIZEE and classic fashion; young people cDire e ativ Cre ferent tastes and sensibilities,” said pieces that nt eme stat t wan y The . tor Yinka Ash live in.’ “I am express who they are in the time they rphosis amo excited because this stage in our met continue will M is the most crucial. ASHLUXURY.CO ess ass able to to bridge the gap and make fashion fastest delivery, Africans with attractive price points, and much more.” viduals to The brand is designed to enable indi ion by exploring escape into the world of luxury fash wear and accesits timeless collections of exclusive iler of several sories. It is West Africa’s official reta which includes; luxury designers across the globe, A-Cold-Wall, Martin Rose, Qasimi, Kenzo, Nike, Accessories, and Coperni, Casablanca, Hatton Labs Ambush, to name a few.

BAYO OKE-LAWAL

CHIDERA UDEH

SADE ODEBIYI

JENNIFER OSEH

ADEOLA DIIADEM

PEARL THUSI & JOSPEH BENJAMIN

DEOLA BALI, JOHN DURNIN, KATY DAWSON & CAS OJO

JANICE ADEREMI & JADE

EKU EDEWOR

LOLA MAJA, CAS OJO, MARIA OKANREDE

LOLA ANIMASHAUN

TOLU AKINRELE & UCHE NWANDISON

YVONNE FASINRO, TILEWA ADEBAJO & MICHELLE OBATOYINBO LOJAY AND TEEZEE

DEBOLA UKAIWE

JOHN JOSEPH ANGEL

NIMI BRIGGS

TIMINI EGBUSON

STEPHEN TAYO

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

STYLE

SOCIETY

STYLE

PRIME VIDEO EXPERIENCE IN NIGERIA By Funke Babs Kufeji

biggest rime Video recently hosted Nigeria’s brand ve ersi stars and consumers to an imm to the ed duc experience where they were intro fully the t wha Prime Video platform, the titles, and eria looks like. Nig in nce erie exp o Vide e loaded Prim a black carpet The brand experience kicked-off with rpretations with celebrities donning their best inte e Tie”while of the dress code for the evening, “Blu ing with hosts yielding to the paparazzi, and interact Amanda Dara and Chuey Chu. l area where Guests were then led to the cocktai NI AHUJA, TIMINI EGBUSON & TOBI BAKRE e wer RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO, SOLA SOBOWALE, HAMISHA DARYA y The an. beg nce erie exp ry nso the multise pods inspired introduced to the immersive themed e Video such by the diverse genres available on Prim Comedy re, as Drama, Romance, Action, Adventu ls ktai inspired and more. The A-listers enjoyed coc mer I Turned by Prime Video titles such as The Sum enant while they Pretty, Reacher, and The Blood Cov engaged at the pods. with virtual Darey Art-Alade, opened the evening co-host. his as assistant technology, Alexa serving dout stan a The evening’s entertainment featured ers of cov g san performance by Prime Voices, who ce dan ant vibr some of Nigeria’s biggest hits, and a performance. rse fine dinPrime Video titles inspired the six-cou 12hour Tozo ing experience. Courses included ‘The , List ‘The Arsenal’ Battlefield’ inspired by The Terminal at Do Women inspired by All or Nothing: Arsenal, ‘Wh tcher’ ‘Bu , Want In Harlem’ inspired by Harlem per’ inspired by inspired by The Boys, ‘Warrrior Sup ze’ inspired by King of Thieves and ‘Cheese and Boo The Marvelour Mrs Maisel. gave an elecTo close the night, the legendary Asa Bibanke, sics trifying live performance, featuring clas es, and Tim d Jailer and hits from her new album Goo Show me Off.

ADUNNI ADE

BEVERLY NAYA

KEMI LALA AKINDOJU

ANGEL ANOSIKE

ENADO ODIGIE & TOMI ODUNSI

WU ELIZABETH OPUTA, JADE OSIBERU & WANGI MBA-UZOUK

BASKET MOUTH & STEPHANIE VINCENT OTIONO

ASA

RAMSEY NUOAH

ADEBOLA WILLIAMS

CHIOMA (CHIGUL) OMERUAH

OMOWUNMI DADA

ADAEZE ADUAKA

DEYEMI OKANLAWAN

AKAH NANNI

BISOLA AIYEOLA

MI ABAGA

NONYE UDEOGU

JOHN ADEWUSI, TOYOSI ETIM-EFFIONG, JOLA AYEYE

NENGI ADOKI

DANIEL ETIM EFFIONG

FEMI ADEBAYO

DAISY HANSFIELD

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

with

l a w a L o y A

theayolawal@gmail.com

STYLE

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, BABY!

Should you have sex on the first date too?

DESIGN

A-Gen

STYLE

DESIGN

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

Desperately not trying to sound like a beauty influencer (or any influencer for that matter), but I got so many DM’s & Emails from the last article about this, and I did say I was going to do a part two. Did I? You should definitely read part one if you haven’t. Anyway, I had a chat with my friend Leema — a Sexual Wellness Advocate — about her thoughts on the topic! Who exactly is Leema, though? aka ‘’Hausa Chocolate’’, aka ‘’Haram Chocolate’’, aka ‘’Halal Chocolate’’, aka ‘’The Orgasm Organizer of the Federation’’, the enabler of bad behaviour. From a Muslim Hausa family, it’s particularly rare to find men — let alone women — who openly talk about sex and issues relating to sex. This right here is one of the reasons Leema ticks. She constantly educates us on ways to ensure you’re having the best of it, from sexual hygiene to sex toys that help you get the job done and sexual conduct. The list goes on, and you can listen to it on her smash hit podcast “Spit or Swallow?” It’s no surprise her podcast is enjoying the success it currently boasts of. Why? WE LOVE SEX, but we are just too shy or afraid to admit it. Should you have sex on the first date? Find out what Leema thinks! Do you think sex on the first date is acceptable? Yes, I do! If you feel safe and the vibes are right, why not? If there was previously a stigma attached to having sex on the first date, do you think it has been lifted or still exists to some extent? It definitely still exists because we live in a society where patriarchy and purity cultures are the order of the day, and a lot of people attach ‘respect’ to holding out, but it’s really a lot of hypocrisy and pretence. Do you think sleeping with someone on the first date can harm the chances of a relationship developing? With the right person, NO. With someone who is judgmental, it’s possible. Do you think there is a double standard in place concerning the way in which people view a man having sex on the first date as opposed to a woman? Of course, there is. Some men think they’ve scored cool points if that happens. On the flip end, for the woman, she’s often seen as ‘easy’, which is quite dumb and hypocritical. Does sex on the first date destroy the mys-

LEEMA MASON

tique and anticipation of dating, or is this a misconception? I think it’s a misconception unless you’re from the 1920s and the ‘thrill of the chase is all you care about. First of all, dating is not a means to get to the final destination of sex. That’s not a ‘win’. Also, the first time you have sex with a person is really the tip of the iceberg and the beginning (sometimes end) of a whole journey. There is so much to unlock and discover sexually. Well, if it’s not trash and there is no point in exploring that relationship. What do you think about theories/rules, such as waiting until the third date to sleep with someone? I think rules and theories when it comes to dating are razz. Do what works for you. If all parties consent and you feel safe, go for it if it’s your jam. These pretentious rules just lead to people scheming and doing anything to get to the sex. It’s not a prize or reward you’re giving someone. Sex should be about your pleasure first and foremost. If a man planned to hit and run, day 1 or day 99, he would still hit it and quit it. Save yourself the stress. A common conception is that women, in particular, fear that men will think less of

them for having sex on the first date. Is this true? Once again, patriarchy and purity culture, yes. But any smart man will not. If a relationship is going to bloom, it will, regardless of when you have sex. Is it more acceptable to sleep with someone straight away if you’re older and have already had long relationships? You get to choose what is ‘acceptable’ for you and your body. What does age have to do with it? (This does not include sex with minors, please o) What advice would you give a woman/man thinking about sex on the first date? Your body, your rules. As long as you’re consenting and you’re safe. How important is sexual compatibility? Is it important to establish sexual compatibility early on? Sexual compatibility is extremely important for any relationship to truly flourish and be wholesome. Personally, I would rather find out early enough than be disappointed much later, that’s not to say you can’t build compatibility, but sometimes you just know when someone is a lost cause lmao.

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

COVER

INSPIRATION OR OUTRIGHT COPY? THE FASHION INDUST RY'S BIGGEST ALBATROSS By Charles Didee Eta

DYE LAB

BANKE-KUKU

D T CLOTHINGS

If you want to be original, be ready to be copied.- Coco Chanel

n 2021, Fisayo Longe, the creative director of U.K.-based fashion brand, Kai Collective, called out Boohoo after the fast-fashion brand released an outfit that appeared to copy her signature Gaia print. Not long after, she also brought our attention to the similarities between her work and an outfit in Fendi’s Resort 2022 collection. Fighting to keep her brand’s identity, Fisayo would eventually obtain a design registration for the U.K., E.U. and the U.S. and send a cease and desist letter to BooHoo demanding £30,000 in damages and legal fees.

“I really really want small businesses to know that we have rights because right now it feels like we don’t. I want them to know that depending on the design, it might be worth spending on protecting it,” Longe said in an interview regarding the Boohoo case. Lately, it seems the line between “inspiration” and “imitation” is being blurred significantly and with increasing frequency, thereby giving rise to claims of “copying. It’s a war that will never end. And it seems to have come to our doorsteps in the Nigerian Fashion industry, with brands like Banke Kuku, Dye lab and Deola Sagoe being the most hit. It is common to see online fast fashion brands replicate their designs

SHOP DARA

BANKE KUKU

OAMA OFFICIAL

. It’s a war that will never end. And it seems to have come to our doorsteps in the Nigerian Fashion industry, with brands like Banke Kuku, Dye lab and Deola Sagoe being the most hit. and even fabrics and sell them at a much lesser price. With almost no law to protect creatives, this seems to be a trend that will continue for a long time. While it might be shocking to other industries, it is actually commonplace for designers to get inspiration from other designers. Before his death, Virgil Abloh’s collections for Off-White and Louis Vuitton always included at least one garment or idea that appeared in another fashion designer’s collection first. This always sparked a debate online on copying as fashion’s cardinal sin. Giant Fast fashion brands, from Shein to Fashion Nova to H&M to Zara, have also been known to make replicas of designer garments intended for a knowing audience,

BANKE KUKU

TIFFANY AMBER

DEOLA SAGOE

SHADIAT ALASOOKE

which eventually short changes the originator of the piece. Who doesn’t love a bargain? It is the same back here. Back home, online fast fashion brands like D T Clothings have built a thriving fashion business by selling copied designs at lower prices. On this issue, some would argue that Banke Kuku and Dye Lab, respectively, cannot lay claim to the reformed Pyjamas and Agbada styles as these have always been staple fashion pieces with just a creative tweak here and there. While it is true that when it comes to creativity, no idea is 100% original, designers should also be able to draw a line between outright copying. In extreme instances, designs have been copied from tip to tail, including fabrics. Now, the question should be, how do you take inspiration without copying their designs verbatim? Fashion brands need to have a culture that sets clear expectations regarding drawing the line between inspiration and copying—creating something new and innovative must be part of their identity. A fresh approach and

cutting-edge design skills should always be encouraged instead of lifting off a design that has become a trend. To protect their brands against copy claims, designers should keep drafts of their designs to show how they have been developed. They should also keep mood and storyboards to show how their inspiration blossomed into the final design. This evidence is important to prove a case of copying. As Mark Twain once said, “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. While processing this, also remember that a garment is perhaps only as powerful as the number of knockoffs it inspires.

Back home, online fast fashion brands like D T Clothings have built a thriving fashion business by selling copied designs at lower prices. 15

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

COVER

THISTHIS IS HOW YOU BUILD A IS HOW YOU BUILD CAPSULE A CAPSULEWARDROBE WARDROBE

STYLE

By Isioma Usiade

FASHION

Are you ready to embark on your capsule wardrobe journey? Building a capsule wardrobe can take you from buying pieces you never use to ones you always use. It’s a mindset switch that makes getting dressed and feeling confident a daily affair because the clothes you own serve a function and can be styled in numerous ways. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started and never saying, “I have nothing to wear today”.

TIFFANY AMBER

BOTTEGA VENETTA

Examine your style and lifestyle

ILARE

While processing this, also remember that a garment is perhaps only as powerful as the number of knockoffs it inspires.

Knowing your style is the most important step in creating a wardrobe you love. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing, what your closet essentials are, and how frequently you wear them. These fundamental questions will get you started, allowing you to shop wisely.

BOTTEGA VENETTA

ODIO MIMONET

Keep track of your outfits

SOLUCH BY SOSO

To fully understand your innate style, keep track of what you wear for about a month. There are several methods to do this, including manually noting what you wore each day in a journal or using an app that does it for you.

CARTIER

The closet purge!

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of outfits you want to wear daily. There is no magic number; it is all about choosing outfits that you will get good wear out of. Sort your outfits into categories and create a wearable wardrobe.

DERIN ODUGBESAN THOMAS

POLO

Create a colour palette

A colour palette is optional but quite essential when creating a capsule wardrobe. After wearing 30 outfits for 30 days, you will discover which colours you prefer to wear more frequently. These can be added to your colour palette reference guide for future purchases.

Shop your closet

When you feel the desire to shop, glance through your closet and try to persuade yourself to wear something you haven’t worn in a long time. If you don’t feel confident or beautiful, getting rid of it is okay. JOSEPH AMINA MUADDI

VALENTINO

D T CLOTHINGS

FUNKE ADEPOJU

AWAKE MODE

Shop with purpose

Life is too short to stress over what we have or don’t have in our wardrobes. Instead invest more in other things. Encourage yourself to repeat outfits more often and become intentional beings. If you don’t already have clothes that make you feel good, plan to get them.

STELLA MCCARTNEY

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

If pict mono summ shirt dr dreamy STYLE stateme

Ten Things This Week

DESIGN

OGRANYA IS APPLE MUSIC’S UP NEXT ARTIST IN NIGERIA

pple Music today announced Afropop singer-songwriter, Ogranya (real name Ogranya Jable Osai) as the latest featured artist in its Up Next artist development program in Nigeria. “I’ve been making music for a little over a decade now, and as an artist who often wishes to stay true to his craft, I’ve intentionally shut off every aspect of myself that would want to clamour for recognition and such,” Ogranya tells Apple Music. “Music is art, and art deserves to be appreciated, sooner or later.” As the newest Up Next act to be spotlighted in Nigeria, Ogranya will be featured across Apple Music’s Nigeria’s Up Next playlist. The curated Up Next playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors worldwide.

EDO FILM FESTIVAL UNVEILS LINDA OSIFO AS BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR ITS INAUGURAL EDITION

ollywood actress Linda Osifo has been selected by the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) as its ambassador. The inaugural event, scheduled for September 1 - 4, 2022, aims to boost the film industry and reposition the state as a choice location for film and television productions. According to the Managing Director of Edo State Skills Development Agency, EdoJobs, Ukinebo Dare, “this film festival — the first of its kind, has come at the right time in entrenching the Benin roots in the film industry, and what better way to kickstart this, if not with our very own Linda Osifo who’s an exceptional talent in the industry to represent this event”. Linda Osifo, one of the fastest growing names in the Nollywood industry, has featured in several movies like Hidden Truth, Merry Men 2, Life As It Is, Son Of Mercy, Lemonade, Tanwa savage, A Naija Christmas, and many more.

FLUTTERWAVE ACCOUNTS IN KENYA FROZEN

Kenyan court has frozen Ksh400.6 million ($3.3 million) in accounts belonging to Nigerian payment company Flutterwave over money laundering and card fraud allegations. In a statement earlier, Flutterwave had denied the allegation of fraud, saying it had the necessary records to prove its innocence. “Claims of financial improprieties involving the company in Kenya are entirely false, and we have the records to verify this,” the company said. Flutterwave, now Africa’s biggest unicorn and valued at $3 billion since its $250 million Series D funding round in February, was founded in 2016 by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Olugbenga Agboola, and Adeleke Christopher.

NIGERIA PLACES A BAN ON THE USE OF FOREIGN MODELS

igeria has banned foreign models and voiceover artists in local advertisements. The move is motivated by the Federal Government’s interest in developing local talent, inclusive economic growth, and growing the West African country’s advertising industry. The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) issued the directive recently. “All advertisements, advertising, and marketing communications materials targeted or exposed on the Nigerian advertising space are to use only Nigerian models and voice-over artists,” the council stated. The order takes effect from October 1, and the Nigerian government has given a leeway for all ongoing campaigns to keep running until the end of their terms. “However, subsequent applications for revalidation for continued exposure of such materials will not be granted by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP),” the regulatory body further noted.

DELTA AIRLINES SUSPENDS NEW YORK TO LAGOS FLIGHT

ffective October 4, 2022, Delta Air Lines will suspend its flights between New York JFK airport and Lagos. The airline disclosed this via a statement, stating that the route suspension was to fit into “the current demand environment.” The statement read, “Delta is suspending its nonstop service between New York-JFK and Lagos to fit the current demand environment. The airline continues to operate service between Lagos and Atlanta and offers onward connections to New York and other cities across the United States. “Customers impacted by our suspended New YorkJFK to Lagos service will be re-accommodated on Delta-operated flights or services operated by our joint venture partners. Delta remains committed to the Nigeria market.”

WIZKID’S “MADE IN LAGOS” IS THE FIRST NIGERIAN ALBUM TO BE CERTIFIED GOLD

frobeat singer Wizkid has made history once again in the U.S. He has become the first Nigerian artist to have an RIAA Gold Certification. His 4th studio album, “Made In Lagos”, becomes the first African album to be certified Gold in the USA, the world’s largest music market. The album was released on October 30, 2020, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records.

DESIGN

STYLE

MICROSOFT APPOINTS KUNLE AWOSIKA AS MD FOR ITS AFRICA TRANSFORMATION OFFICE

HAPPY 101ST BIRTHDAY TO IRIS APFEL. Legendary style icon Iris Apfel, who turned 101 this week, is living proof that you’re only as old as you feel. An inspiration for fashion lovers and designers of all ages, the iconic Iris Apfel and Queen of maximalism continue to break all the rules boldly. Her guiding philosophy, which has also been widely quoted, remains, “I don’t have any rules because I would only be breaking them, so it’s a waste of time.” Happy Birthday, Iris. We love and adore you.

EMIRATES AIRLINES RESTORES FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO LAGOS

mirates Airlines has announced that it will resume flight operations to and from Lagos. “We are pleased to inform you that effective from 11th September 2022, we will reinstate operations of our flights,” Emirates said. “Inbound flights from Dubai to Lagos (EK783) and outbound flights from Lagos to Dubai (EK784) will recommence from Sunday, 11th September 2022. “Lagos flights after 30th September 2022 will be advised in due course.” The reinstatement comes two weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier suspended flight operations, citing its inability to repatriate its earnings in foreign exchange from Nigeria.

echnology giant Microsoft has named Kunle Awosika as the new Managing Director of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO), its subsidiary charged with driving digital transformation initiatives across the continent. Kunle succeeds Wael Elkabbany, who has been appointed head of Microsoft’s Africa Regional Cluster. On his appointment, Kunle says he is devoted to helping Africa tap into its digital potential. “I am passionate about Africa’s incredible potential to become a truly connected continent that exports digital goods and services to the rest of the world. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meaningfully impact this growth and help unlock the continent’s full digital potential,”

TWITTER LAUNCHES AN EDIT BUTTON.

witter is launching an edit button for the first time after years of debate about whether such a feature is a good idea for a product that makes posts go viral. The edit feature will soon be available to users who pay $4.99 monthly for a Twitter Blue subscription. Edit Tweet, as the feature will be called, will let users make changes to their tweet for up to 30 minutes after it’s originally published. Tweets that are edited will carry a label, and others on Twitter can click on the label to see prior versions of the post.

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

DESIGN

Soft Like Tony; Is this Nigeria’s most fashionable CEO? By Charles Didee Eta

Love it or hate it, the truth is that everyone is glued to Tony Elumelu’s Instagram page lately. Thanks to his signature frames and standout jackets, fashion and business are mingling now more than ever.

Yes, you have noticed it; we have too, and so has M. I Abaga, whose fourth track on his latest album is titled “soft like Tony.” No longer mutually exclusive, Tony proves that success and style can equally be invested in. Undoubtedly, a stylish man who constantly turns heads with his handsome looks and amazing physique, every post on his feed is a lesson in image and styleconsciousness. Notwithstanding his age, his content

highlights his youthful approach to life in general. Whether the event he’s expected to attend is a press conference, dinner or corporate function, you can see him giving younger men a run for their money effortlessly and consistently too. Possibly one of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs, there can be no bigger style export than Tony. From banker/ entrepreneur to fashionista, the new TOE is synonymous with impeccable taste and effortless style. Whether it’s a three-piece

suit, fitted T-shirt, or slim-fit jeans, he consistently scores with his wardrobe choices, always with a clever infusion of his brand colour RED. Being stylish means you don’t need to go over the top with your fashion choices. Tony knows this, and that’s why he sticks to classic outfits, bringing his personality to the fore. His suits are slim and modern, setting an unofficial standard that all CEOs should aspire to copy. Some of his sharpest looks include a three-piece charcoal suit teamed with a crisp white shirt and red tie/ socks, of course. At other times you will find him sporting a short-sleeved shirt, slim-fit jeans and box-fresh sneakers. It seems that all of his fashion choices are deliberate and effective. In Tony’s world, anything goes, but always with style and precision. Let’s not forget how he has been able to merge the appeal of corporate attires, casual outfits and sporty tracksuits within the work environment. His choice of clothing places him more in line with the new generation of menswear fashion consumers than a traditional CEO. It also makes him stand apart from his peers. Like fine wine, the older he gets, the more flattering he becomes. This perfectly explains Tony’s aura, like how Richard Mofe Damijo(RMD) is perceived in Nollywood for being graceful regardless of how much older he’s gotten. One thing is clear for everyone who has come across his Instagram page: Tony never fails to impress. Each new post vaguely reminds you of the last one yet never loses its appeal. The lesson here; find that something that works for you and stick to it.

TRY THESE TIPS TO STEP UP YOUR INSTAGRAM GAME Without a doubt, Instagram has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives only thing is it seems everyone is doing the same thing. The same pose, similar themes and similar patterns can make Instagram surfing boring for almost anyone. So, if you are thinking about being an Instagram influencer or want your Instagram page to be appealing and fun to scroll through, this write-up is for you. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Instagram page is authentic and inspirational to you and others who care to follow you.

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STYLE

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

You are never fully ready without a wide smile.

People love to see happy pictures, and a smile is all you need to radiate happiness. A simple wide smile is always pleasant to see and can make your Instagram page look happy in an instant. Pouts and other funny faces are fun, but they are the norm on Instagram feeds and can get boring and monotonous.

Be intentional with backgrounds.

Beautiful backgrounds can give your feed a beautiful aesthetic. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on the background of your location. Beautiful sceneries and such alike will make your pictures stand out.

Vibrant colours give life.

Colourful outfits are another way to enhance your Instagram feed. They give a cheerful and playful vibe. Mix and match colours to ensure you get the right dose to make your feed pop and stand out.

Quotes.

Some might say it’s, so cliché to put up quotes, but you will be surprised by how many people get inspired by quotes. Feature some of your favourite and inspiring quotes on your Instagram feed, and watch out for the effect it has on your followers. You can also make up your quotes as you go along.

Include family and friends.

Instagram has many uses, and storing memories is one of the most prominent. Capturing memorable moments with family and friends so you can re-visit the moment on your feed is a great way to return to memories that bring you joy and warmth.

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9978

DESIGN

A GUIDE TO STYLE EIGHT OF & LAGOS’ MOST LUXURIOUS SPOTS ARTISAN BAR AND LOUNGE

By Charles Didee Eta

There always comes a time when the usual hangout spots don’t cut it anymore because you’re probably looking for an experience that’s more extraordinary and packed with memorable moments. Let’s be honest; it feels good to be at a spot with expensive decor and a comfortable ambience. Sounds interesting, huh? Well, that’s the reason for this brief rundown on the most luxurious restaurants and lounges in Lagos. These spots are ready to cater to whatever your inner boujee requires and more. Keep in mind, though, that the experience may not be cheap, but the need for a little TLC (Tender Loving Care) shouldn’t be ignored either. Anyway! We bring the best of the best to you without further ado, so enjoy!

GIULIO TWIST LOUNGE

THE LIBRARY

RSVP Lagos

RSVP Lagos is a major upscale restaurant in Lagos, located at Victoria Island. The fine dining setup with contemporary style separates this place as one to get an international type of treatment and culture imbibed through the minimally decorated ambience and a special menu that serves American, European and international cuisines. Due to its luxury design, the Bar and lounge are hidden behind the restaurant, which is also the pool area that is consistently busy at night. Isn’t this genuinely all you’re looking for?

Shiro Lagos

Shiro Lagos is probably the most popularly known Japanese restaurant in Lagos. It is located at Landmark Centre, Victoria island and is known for providing amazing Japanese, Korean, Thai and Mediterranean cuisines. Its ambience is a spicy mix of indoor and outdoor dining settings, with interesting sculptural decor that gives just enough Asian vibes and a view that overlooks the ocean. RSVP LAGOS Shiro restaurant also has a bar and lounge that tends to get fully booked on most evenings. They accommodate late-night dining for private dates, business meetings and group parties.

a VIP Lounge, café and outdoor terrace. There is a selection of french culinary delights, seafood, and European and steak cuisines on the menu. Also, they have a wine cellar filled with a vast collection of fine French and international wines, a bar stocked with a variety of liquor, and of course, trained mixologists more than TALINDO STEAK HOUSE willing to create signature cocktails to ensure you have a great should also take note of its luxuriant sofas, LED lights on the ceiling experience. and chandeliers made of pages from a book. Known for being a highenergy club, this is one place that would be perfect for late-night party Artisan Lounge & Bar shenanigans that would be sure to leave a long-lasting impression on Artisan Lounge/Bar is a high-end space located in the heart of Victo- its guests. ria Island, Lagos. This place has an air-conditioned indoor Bar and an outdoor garden bar, café, private dining and open-air space that can Giulio Twist Lounge suit all kinds of events. Asides from their fully stocked Bar, they also Giulio Twist Lounge has to be the edgiest, upscale space with its serve local and continental dishes. modern-day aesthetics that scream bold, daring and unique. It’s located at victoria island and seeks to redefine the lounge party scene Vellvette Grill lounge & Bar by projecting many differences. With tremendous attention to detail, Vellvette grill lounge & Bar is a lovely place in Victoria Island known you literally can’t miss the skulls drawings on the wall, glowing lights, for offering good food, sexy cocktails and excellent service. The intemonumental paintings, converior is gorgeous, with a rather cosy ambience that lends an intimate nient seating areas and the value to the space. It’s very convenient for group gatherings, busimagnificent ceiling design ness meetings and even dates. On most nights, it becomes a popular that adds an exciting twist dance spot with DJs spinning live and guaranteeing a fun time. to the space. Plus, they offer a wide selection of wines, The Library bubbles, spirits, and alluring The library is a state-of-the-art nightclub for the opulent type of signature cocktails curated individual. Located within Victoria Island, the masterpiece, like its by their best mixologists. name implies, has an academic-themed design and vintage twist. Its walls are lined with bookshelves which contain several classics. You

Talindo Steak House

Talindo Stake House is one restaurant that has been around for a long time and is still going very strong. Located within Victoria Island in Lagos, there is no doubt that they provide impeccable service, considering the amount of experience gathered over the years. With very simple decor, the ambience is rather appealing and quite comfortable. They are famous for well-prepared steaks, Italian seafood and international cuisines. They also can not be forgotten for their brownies, gourmet creations, apple pies and their impressive collection of fine wines.

Noir Lagos

Noir Lagos has to be the most modern french restaurant in town, located inside La Pointe in victoria island. The nicely lit space is set up for either day or nighttime dining, decorated with colourful paintings, flowers, dark tone furniture and interesting wallpapers. It’s inclusive of

VELLVETT

NOIR LAGOS SHIRO