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December 8, 2013

Designers Defining The Future

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T S N E T e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m

December 8 December 14

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COVER

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DESIGNERS DEFINING THE FUTURE

FASHION

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FEATURES

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EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DD WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN Gregory Obi PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos. For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, OGE: 08039777910 6MĂ„JL (\_PSPHY`! ,),9, 626/

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From the editor... The Native&Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week continues to resonate. Adjudged one of the best fashion weeks so far, the N&V has set a standard that every fashion week must attempt to beat. With all the different fashion events happening in the country, the industry is coming alive. Maintaining this momentum will mean creating employment for thousands, which will, in turn, have a multiplier effect on the economy. I do wish governments at state and federal levels will pay attention to this trillion naira generating industry. Our cover, today, pays homage to four designers who graced the N&V fashion week; talented, fashion-forward designers who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a Christopher Kanre or a Phoebe Philo, who are being celebrated as the new stars of fashion internationally. <HPLVL 6XOHLPDQ VSRNH ZLWK WKH TXDUWHW RQ WKH Âś1DWLYH¡ H[SHULHQFH DQG WKHLU UROH LQ WKH ULVLQJ SURĂ€OH RI IDVKLRQ LQ Nigeria. Tied to the rise in fashion appreciation is the emergence of modelling stars. The modelling industry has really had a ERRVW :LWK WKH HPHUJHQFH RI PRGHOOLQJ FRQWHVWV OLNH 1LJHULD¡V 1H[W 6XSHUPRGHO (OLWH DQG $IULFD¡V 1H[W 0RGHO WKHUH LV QR

“I have to go. I have a finite amount of life left and I don’t want to spend it arguing with you.�

- Jennifer Armintrout

“Don’t. Don’t let’s pretend when there’s no one around.�

- Suzanne Collins

PEOPLE TEAM

QUOTES...

shortage of quality models to match the explosion about to be witnessed. It is up to a government with vision to see what is happening to latch on and get all the credit. We feature three male models rocking the runway right now. See pp 6 and 7 Penultimate Saturday, at the WoW 5th anniversary celebration, we showed RXU DSSUHFLDWLRQ WR ÀYH SHRSOH ZKR have contributed in different ways to the wellness/health industry. On pp 12, we feature our recipients. Thank you for your time. Have a great week!

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FA S H I ON When we think of oriental fashion as a Western trend we might LPDJLQH Ă€JXUH KXJJLQJ silk dresses with mandarin collars and VLON NQRW EXWWRQV %XW fashion has gone beyond and this year it has broadened into interpretations of oriental style that screams femininity and WKH WKH RSXOHQFH VR effortlessly.This VHDVRQ¡V IDVKLRQ WUHQG took inspiration from the )DU (DVW $GG D WRXFK RI Oriental from style to \RXU ZDUGUREH ZLWK these fab pieces!

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Prints are a key trend. Rich brocades or simple printed FRWWRQV LW GRHVQ¡W PDWWHU as long as the mood is exotic and the theme is strong. Even better is taking prints and clashing them fearlessly.

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LET THE PARTY BEGIN

Cocktail Dresses by -Ejiro Idihre

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Tips on How to Wear a Cocktail Dress $FFHVVRUL]H ZLWK &DXWLRQ A lot of people think that accessorizing means wearing all the accessories that match a certain dress. Accessorizing is actually a key to achieving a certain look, and a cocktail dress can change instantly based on the accessories one wears. So accessorize moderately.

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&KRRVH $ 6W\OH 7KDW %HVW (PSKDVLV <RXU )HDWXUH Many people concentrate on hiding the things they are self-conscious about. This usually results in a look WKDW UHà HFWV WKHLU LQVHFXULW\ Instead, one should highlight RQH¡V EHVW IHDWXUHV 'LIIHUHQW cocktail dresses highlight different parts of the body. When choosing a cocktail dress, pay attention to what it highlights.

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Party clothes are always extravagant. They are for moments of celebration - especially for celebrating yourself. There is an x-factor to great clothing: an extraordinary dress on the person ZKR ZDVQ¡W PHDQW WR ZHDU LW ZRQ¡W EH extraordinary. Even fashionistas often have trouble explaining why something e works, but it is easy for nearly everyone to say why.

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When it comes to evening dresses, you should always try and choose quality, especially when it comes to materials. Fabric plays a big part in the overall demeanor of an evening gown and this is why soft silks and shimmering satins are most favoured. Steer clear of materials that encourage itching and sweating. Instead, choose gorgeous, luxury fabrics that bring out your iridescent beauty.

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UHPHPEHU WR Ă€OO in all the little details for that overall polished look. Your evening gown will look fantastic if you choose to pair it with stunning shoes, a hint of sparkling jewellery and even a manicure. 'RQ¡W FDNH RQ WKH PDNH XS ,QVWHDG JR for a light polished look that highlights your EHVW IHDWXUHV %DODQFH RXW \RXU PDNH XS VR WKDW WKH RYHUDOO HIIHFW LVQ¡W WRR KHDY\ Class and elegance is all about toning it down and keeping it simply stunning.

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, +$9( $ UNIQUE STYLE - Brian Okwara What is your unique selling pointl? My unique selling point as a model is my personality and my carriage and my style. I guess those are the three points I can list as my selling point. How do you enhance that? ,W¡V SUHWW\ PXFK D SURFHVV that grows. If I am modeling and the style appeals to the people, I carry on otherwise, I change it to what will appeal. Right now, I am doing a lot of gentle man corporate look because that is pretty much my category and what my SHUVRQDOLW\ FDUULHV $OVR doing that, you have to have people that will back you up and have the same vision with you. There are people with whom you KDYH WKLV QLFKH <RX GRQ¡W FRPH JLYLQJ WKHP $ ZKHQ they are asking for W for example. There are those who have seen you grow in your career and who perceive you to be in certain way. One you get that, you just go ahead to become who you are supposed to be. How is life in modeling? Life in modeling is fun. I am happy and must congratulate a lot of people who are have brought the true nature of modeling into Nigeria because now, we DUH GRLQJ WKLQJV ULJKW ,W¡V D growth that I am beginning to appreciate. We go out there and model and its like Z H GRQ¡W JLYH EDFN WR society. Nobody sees us back home. But, with events like the Native and Vogue, we can give back to society, and they can have a taste of what we do when we go out.

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The Se by - Jemi Ekunkunbor The trio of Uti Nwanchukwu, %ULDQ 2NZDUD DQG 7LQVHO¡V FDVW Gbenro Ajibade were a wonder to watch at the recently hosted, Native and Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week. For many of the Port Harcourt fans, LW ZDV WKH Ă€UVW WLPH RI VHHLQJ their favourite TV personalities

e e r h T l a n o i ensat on the runway. These three proved themselves at this event. They walked the runway so professionally in such a way that only the three of them could; each bringing his unique style and swagger. Here, the trio, share with us their unique selling point.

MY BODY IS MY UNIQUE SELLING POINT - Gbenro Ajibade What is your unique selling point as a model? My unique selling point as a model is my body because at the end of the day, it boils down to that. That is what you carry. One thing I believe in is that the body is what you promote as a model. So what makes you different from everybody else is your body. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your body and take good care of it for everything you wear. You have to look good and comfortable in what you wear. How do you enhance this selling point? You have to work out even though it is GLIĂ€FXOW $QG WKH JRRG WKLQJ , DOZD\V WKDQN God for is that you can get a perfect body by working out. I have one or two dumbbells and weight lift at home, but that is when I am trying to be an extremist. But trust me, doing your pushups, sit ups, jogging, aerobics, running, swimming, all these boils down to enhancing the body as well as eating right. You do all these and you are good to go.

, +$9( 7+( ; )$&725 - Uti Nwachukwu What is your unique selling point? , UHDOO\ FDQ¡W SXW D Ă€QJHU WR LW , WKLQN God just blessed me with that unique ; IDFWRU , WKLQN WKH ; IDFWRU LV LQ P\ looks and my strut. When I am walking, I have this style that is just me. Even before I became a model, my walk stands out and friends you XVHG WR VD\ WR PH WKHQ ÂśJX\ ZK\ \RX GH\ ZDND OLNH WKLV" $QG WKH\ DOZD\V VDLG WR PH Âś\RX KDYH WR JR LQWR PRGHOLQJ¡ 6R , WKLQN P\ VHOOLQJ SRLQW is in my walk and in the way I stare at the audience. There is a way I make that connection with the audience when I am walking as my friends say, “posing walkingâ€?. $SSDUHQWO\ , WKDQN *RG WKDW \HDUV after Big Brother, I am still very relevant. It has nothing to do with me, LW¡V MXVW WKH VSHFLDO JUDFH RI *RG , DP thankful every time. So what do you do about this unique selling point? , UHDOO\ GRQ¡W GR DQ\WKLQJ WR HQKDQFH WKLV VHOOLQJ SRLQW , GRQ¡W HYHQ UHKHDUVH my walking. I just get in the moment. There is something about runway. Once they like you and you step on WKDW UXQZD\ \RXU $OWD HJR FRPHV GRZQ DQG \RX GRQ¡W EHOLHYH LW¡V \RX Most of the things I do are not planned. In my last show, the thing with the glasses was not planned. It just came to me when I was walking down because I hate a boring walk. I just hate that normal strutting down the runway. You have to have something unique about you that will help you stand out. So for me, there is always something I do for every runway. What I do though to make sure that I am on point is that I watch international shows, a lot f shows. That way I get to challenge myself and update my skills.

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REPORTAGE

DESIGNERS DEFINING THE FUTURE By - Yemisi Suleiman

M

ai Atafo, Davida Opara, Sunny Rose and Alvince are designers who have made names for themselves in the fashion world. These young designers proved their creative mettle at the recently held Native&Vogue Port Harcourt fashion show, where they wowed guests with outstanding collections.

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Vincent Babatunde Alade - ALVINCE Vincent Babatunde Alade is Creative Director of Alvins, a fashion line best NQRZQ IRU LWV FODVVLF HYHQLQJ VXLWV DQG FRQWHPSRUDU\ GUHVV VKLUWV ÀQHO\ FXW IRU all occasions. The former Medical student at the Lagos State University, who left school to pursue his dream in fashion designing in 2007, captured the attention of many at the maiden edition of the Native&Vogue fashion show with the interpretation of his collection

What do you think about the show? When I saw the stage, I was really impressed because it was nice and on-point. The whole arrangement was nice and the white lady from South Africa, handling the models and designers back stage, KDV EHHQ VR ZRQGHUIXO ,W LV UHDOO\ JRRG IRU D ÀUVW edition.

for young designers? It will motivate them because, they shared the same platform with already established designers like Adebayo Jones, Ituen Basi, Frank Osodi, 2KDPDL $WDĂ€R ,W LV DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU them to see the big picture. Shows like this open doors ,V WKLV \RXU Ă€UVW VKRZ LQ 1LJHULD" EHFDXVH GHĂ€QLWHO\ LW ZLOO EH LQ WKH 1R 7KLV LV QRW P\ Ă€UVW VKRZ LQ 1LJHULD , papers. It will make them get more participated in Nigeria Fashion Week with Lexy Mojo focused and work hard because Eyes. I have participated in the Nigeria Fashion something drives them now. They also Television Show (NFTS). I have also done Celebrating had opportunity to work with top Nigerian and South 20 Years of Ade Bakare in Fashion in London. African models. The show is a good platform for them because I How long have you been in the industry? UHPHPEHU WKDW WKH Ă€UVW FRPSHWLWLRQ , SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ It all started in 2007. Then, I was a model. I was a medical student and a dancer. In fact, I used to do a lot boosted me. I was motivated to do more and be the best. I remember that I told Ade Bakare, then, that I of things. Everything has a way of unveiling itself. If *RG SODQV RQH¡V GHVWLQ\ QR PDWWHU KRZ ODWH \RX ZRQ¡W entered for a competition and one day both of us would be on the same platform and he laughed. miss it; you will still go back to what God has planned. Sometime ago, he called me to be part of his 20 years LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ 6R LW¡V FRPLQJ WR SDVV At what point did you decide it has to be fashion The show is a good platform for them because I designing full time? UHPHPEHU WKDW WKH Ă€UVW FRPSHWLWLRQ , SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ I was doing all these things when Ade Bakare came up with his talent hunt competition in 2007 and I boosted me. I was motivated to do more and be the best. I remember that I told Ade Bakare, then, that I ZHQW IRU LW , FDPH RXW Ă€UVW ,W ZDV D KXJH HYHQW ZH entered for a competition and one day both of us had top people in the industry like Frank Osodi, Opral would be on the same platform and he laughed. Benson and Funmi Iyanda as judges. Sometime ago, he called me to be part of his 20 years After that competition, I decided not to model or LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ 6R LW¡V FRPLQJ WR SDVV dance anymore. I started making clothes from my VLWWLQJ URRP , PDGH WKH RXWĂ€W WKDW '%DQM ZRUH WR 079 Base award and that was how I started making clothes What is it like for you when designing? Where does your inspiration come from? for celebrities. The rest, they say, is history. Generally, most times, my inspiration comes from the way I feel; some times, with the personality of the Do you see yourself as an artist? person that I am designing for. Most clients want to Yes, because I do a lot of sketching. Even as a wear something that is loud, colourful; others simple student then, I always excelled in practicals. I have DQG FODVV\ 6R LW GHSHQGV RQ WKH FOLHQW¡V SHUVRQDOLW\ always been good and I describe myself as one. How would you describe your collection for this show. $FWXDOO\ , MXVW GR IUHHVW\OH , GLGQ¡W KDYH D particular theme for my collection. I just played around it because I got the invitation on short notice. I decided to play around traditional wears with embellishment. What do you think the Native&Vogue show will do

Do you do bespoke? I do bespoke. Everything that I do is bespoke. So, how do you like your own fashion? What is your style? , ORYH P\ VW\OH EHFDXVH LW UHĂ HFWV P\ NLQG RI person. I love the general, old school look right from time. Looking smart and funky in a well cut clothing, because back then, you hardly saw men with pot belly

unlike these days, when you see men with large pot belly. What colours bring out the best in you? PI work with any colour as long as I can sketch. I can design anything. I can do the unimaginable because, basically, I am not restricted to clothes alone. I also do interior designs. For instance, I designed the interior of my car. With the large number of designers in the industry, what stands you out. My embroidery, my shirt, the embellishment and the stones stand me out. Also, all my works are hand-made. None of them is machine-done. So, I would say that the cut and the handwork touch make me standout. What do you enjoy most about being a designer? Just like Michael Jackson said that he loved to dance and he was being paid to do what he enjoys doing, I really enjoy being a designer. How do you relax when you are not working? Most times, I spend my time at home or in the RIĂ€FH ,I , DP QRW ZRUNLQJ WKHQ , DP SUREDEO\ KDQJLQJ RXW ZLWK IULHQGV , GRQ¡W VPRNH EXW , GULQN DQG OLVWHQ WR music. I hardly go out because I am not the regular guy who attends one red carpet event after another. 6R LI , DP QRW LQ WKH RIĂ€FH , DP OLVWHQLQJ WR JRRG music and meditating in my world. I also play video games, something that makes me think deep. What is your advice to upcoming designers? 7KH Ă€UVW WKLQJ WKDW , ZLOO WHOO DQ\ XS DQG FRPLQJ GHVLJQHU LV WR Ă€UVW RI DOO XQGHUVWDQG KLV RU KHU FDOOLQJ Then, be persistent because it takes a lot of time to get ÂśWKHUH¡

Maureen Ikem Okogwu ,I WKHUH¡V RQH \RXQJ GHVLJQHU ZKR UHDOO\ PDNHV XV EHOLHYH LQ WKH LQFUHGLEOH DVSHFW RI IDVKLRQ LW¡V 0DXUHHQ ,NHP 2NRJZX WKH FUHDWLYH KHDG EHKLQG WKH SunnyRose label. Her collections are artistic, dramatic and, most importantly, innovative. The Delta State born lady whose label name is an DEEUHYLDWLRQ RI KHU SDUHQWV¡ Ă€UVW QDPHV Âś6XQQ\¡ DQG Âś5RVH¡ FRQĂ€GHQWO\ VWDQGV ZLWK WZR IHHW Ă€UPO\ SODQWHG ZLWKLQ WKH HYHU HYROYLQJ IDVKLRQ industry. Whether she presents contrasting patterns or intricate, exotic skin bags RQ WKH UXQZD\ \RX FDQ EH VXUH WKDW VKH¡OO JLYH \RX VRPHWKLQJ \RX¡YH QHYHU seen before.

Tell us a bit about your background, growing up and education. I grew up in Kaduna. I was in Nigeria until I December 8, 2013 /

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REPORTAGE

was six years old, when I left the country for WKH Ă€UVW WLPH , OHIW WR FRQWLQXH VFKRRO LQ Switzerland and I grew up there. Actually, my background is in Computer Information Systems. I graduated from the University of Switzerland and I have Masters in Information Systems, Public Relations and Business Administration. Fashion is a hobb. What inspired your brand name? 7KH LQVSLUDWLRQ EHKLQG WKH EUDQG Âś6XQQ\ 5RVH¡ LV P\ ORYH IRU IDVKLRQ DQG ZKDW , VDZ between my father and mother while growing up as a child. My parents were very fashion forward people. They inspired me as a child; so, I paid homage to them by naming my fashion label after them. The name has always inspired me. :KDW GR \RX WKLQN DERXW 1LJHULD¡V fashion industry? Well, I think that the fashion industry in Nigeria is developing; which is a good thing. It is developing in a positive way. It is moving forward. The designers, right now, are doing international standard collections. They are very creative and they put everything in a very beautiful way. I think that the industry is growing at a very fast pace and emerging very quickly. What was it like when you decided to go into fashion? How did your parents react? They were not shocked or surprised because they always knew me; when I was growing up, my craziness with accessories. I was the one with the big earrings and I will VLW GRZQ ZLWK Ă RZHUV DQG PDNH HDUULQJV and necklaces. Actually, when I decided to study Computing, it was a surprise to them. You showcased a lot of animal prints at WKH 1DWLYH 9RJXH VKRZ :KDW¡V WKH LGHD behind it? What is the theme for it? 0\ FROOHFWLRQ LV FDOOHG Âś5DZ¡ 7KH WKHPH behind it is the tiger; it is inspired by fusing the native tiger collection. So, you have a lot of tiger and ankara prints fused together WR JLYH WKDW ÂśUDZ FKLF¡ VRSKLVWLFDWHG ZRPDQ look. When did you discover your creative Ă DLU Well for me, it has always been a passion; since I was a child. I was really passionate about fashion but more into accessories (and) jewelleries. I love jewelleries. I love hand bags. That was how it started. The golden collection gave birth to my ready-to-wear fashion collection. How long have you been in the industry? I have been doing accessories and hand bags for eight years but my fashion collection is about a year and six months. Who is the Sunny Rose woman? My fashion collection is for the chic, sophisticated, timeless woman. For someone who just wants to look chic, trendy and different.

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:KHQ LW FRPHV WR GHVLJQLQJ ZKHUH does your strength lie? When it comes to designing, my strength comes from different things that I have seen in different parts of the world. The inspiration also depends on where I am, what I am doing; it inspires me to create my collections. So, it is like a mix and match of different things that I have seen and different places that I have been to. What are the fabric patterns that you love to work with? I love working with prints and I love working with Ankara. I always have prints and ankara fabric fused together in my collections. What brings out the best in you? Prints because I am into prints and I actually design my own prints. It is a colourful kaleidoscope of all my experiences. So, they are always my favourite. Where exactly are you based. I am actually based in three different places: I am in between Asia (that is Thailand), Europe and Abuja in Nigeria. What does fashion mean to you? To me as a person, fashion is a lifestyle. It is who you are and an expression of whom you are. Do you have a fashion icon? There are quite a few people I look up to when it comes to designing. My old time fashion icon has always been Valentino. He is timeless and has been there for almost 40 years. His style has never changed. When you wear something he designed IURP KLV Ă€UVW FROOHFWLRQ DQG VRPHWKLQJ IURP his last collection, you would always look amazing. So, he has always been one of my strongest inspirations. What do you have to say to young designers that look up to you? I will advise them to be themselves; they VKRXOGQ¡W WU\ WR EH VRPHRQH HOVH EHFDXVH everyone has taken a path (of life). So, just be yourself. Find your inspiration from within. Never be scared, whatever you think that you can do, do it. Launch yourself as much as you can, bringing yourself forward, bringing the best out of yourself and doing your best always.

Mai Atafo Mai Atafo is one of the most talented fashion designers in the business. Mai released his Ă€UVW OLQH LQ DQG KDV EHHQ SOHDVLQJ FRQVXPHUV HYHU VLQFH 0DL JHQHUDOO\ NQRZQ IRU KLV EUHDWKWDNLQJ UXQZD\ VW\OHV SULGHV KLPVHOI ZLWK PDNLQJ VRPH RI WKH PRVW DPD]LQJ VXLWV and wedding dresses in the country What do you think about the show. I think it is actually fantastic. Everything was done to international standards. It was very LPSUHVVLYH DQG , FDQ¡W ZDLW IRU WKH JUDQG Ă€QDOH

6R ZKDW GR \RX WKLQN WKLV ZLOO GR IRU \RXQJ designers? ,W ZLOO GHĂ€QLWHO\ LPSURYH WKHLU VNLOOV EHFDXVH WKH\ have participated in the training and workshop

REPORT AGE

sessions organized by the South African lady and they have also mingled with experienced designers. They now have a fair knowledge of what the industry looks like in Nigeria. The competition they participated in, sort of groomed them; to give them different areas to focus on. I think that they have gone through a whole lot which will help them in terms of experience. What is the theme of your collection? It is an autumn/winter collection which I made for WKH $ULVH )DVKLRQ 6KRZ ZKLFK GLGQ¡W KROG ,W LV WKH Ă€UVW WLPH , DP VKRZFDVLQJ WKLV FROOHFWLRQ , NQRZ SHRSOH ZLOO VD\ ZH GRQ¡W KDYH ZLQWHU LQ 1LJHULD EXW that is how we classify our collections in the fashion industry. Moreover, in Africa, we have courtiers that do have cold seasons. Even in Nigeria, there are parts of the country that actually experience cold weather. So, some of the collections I showcased had lots of dark colours, swede and leather velvet. <RX GHVLJQ PHQ DQG ZRPHQ¡V ZHDUV DQG EULGDOV Which did you actually start with? , VWDUWHG RII ZLWK PHQ¡V ZHDU $W ZKDW SRLQW GLG \RX GHFLGH WR GR ZRPHQ¡V wears? , NQHZ , FRXOG GR ZRPHQ¡V ZHDUV EXW ZKHQ , VWDUWHG , GLGQ¡W ZDQW WR GR ZRPHQ¡V , GHFLGHG WR IRFXV RQ PHQ¡V ZHDU ,W ZDV D QLFH PHHWLQJ ZLWK Omowunmi Akinfesi that actually led me into making ZRPHQ¡V FROOHFWLRQV 6R GHVLJQLQJ FORWKHV IRU KHU ZDV ZKDW DFWXDOO\ OHG PH LQWR GRLQJ ODGLHV¡ FROOHFWLRQV DQG WKDW ZDVQ¡W ORQJ DIWHU , VWDUWHG ,W ZDV just a few months after.

scabbard where I write down what I want to do. Over time, I start creating them exactly the way I want to. Tell us a bit about your educational background? I was born in Ife (Osun State) but I grew up in Benin (Edo State) and in the UK. I attended the University of Benin Staff School, Federal Government College (for secondary education) and Edo State University, Ekpoma, now Ambrose Ali University before I went to the University of London. I studied Agric Economics and Extension and for my Masters degree, I did Information Systems and 7HFKQRORJ\ , GLGQ¡W GR DQ\WKLQJ LQ IDVKLRQ , KRSH WR do some day. Yes, I do have a small gift from God and I thank Him. What is your strongest point as a designer? I am a nice guy because that is strength; you need good customer services to engage people continuously. In terms of my clothing line, I think I make some of the most amazing suits and wedding dresses in the country. What do you have to say to young designers. I tell them to always think of fashion as something that is not trendy or glittering and just glamour, which is what it is from the other end. It is something that is also business. If you want to go into fashion, just imagine yourself going into restaurant business. The things that they have to do in a restaurant business, that is what you need to do

<RX OHIW \RXU MRE IRU IDVKLRQ GHVLJQ :KDW informed the decision. I started in 2007. I never thought I would do fashion designing all the way to that point, because I had a full time job. It was just for the love of fashion. $W WKDW SRLQW , VDLG OHW¡V WU\ DQG GR PRUH KDYH IXQ and the business decision was more of an emotional decision to do fashion.

Where does the inspiration come from when you decide to put pen to paper? Basically, it depends. When I am making something for a client, based on consultation with that particular client and what they want, how their body is, I come up with something suitable, which is quite different from making a collection. A collection could be done to showcase artistic diversity of a designer, what a designer wants to communicate. Based on that, when I watch movies, listen to music and look at magazines, I get little elements from them. I use those to create a

:KHQ \RX DUH QRW ZRUNLQJ KRZ GR \RX VSHQG \RXU ÂśPH¡ WLPH" I am working and relaxing. For me, it rarely happens. If I have time for myself, it means I am probably watching a movie or listening to music. I am a pretty boring guy. What does fashion mean to you generally? Fashion, to me, is the way you are. 6R KRZ GR \RX OLNH WR GUHVV" I actually like to dress to impress. I love to dress with good stuff when I am going out but if you give me chance, I would rather wear shorts, t-shirt and Ă LS Ă RSV DQG , ZLOO EH YHU\ FRPIRUWDEOH 'R \RX WKLQN WKHUH LV D VSHFLĂ€F QHHG IRU \RXQJ designers? Yes. There is need for young designers to keep coming on. Whether we like it or not, the old ones will die so, we need young ones at every point in time. It is a succession plan. I believe that fashion is always young. It is hardly old; which is why my idea of fashion is not dressing up an eighty-year old woman. I think that fashion is young so, we need young people in it.

Davida Opara Davida Opara is a renowned shirt maker and designer whose sophisticated and unique designs have captured the attention of women in Nigeria and beyond. 'DYLGD¡V FODVVLF HOHJDQW approach to shirt-making has contributed to the new and improved image of 21st century women. The label currently operates several stores around the country with a wide selection of stylish pieces to suit the needs of all women.

+RZ KDV WKH MRXUQH\ EHHQ VR IDU" It has been very tough on me as a business because, when people go into fashion, they go into it for different reasons. When I did, it was because I loved fashion. Somewhere down the line, I discovered that the love of fashion was just not enough. I needed to be able to make money off this thing and I was not generating the kind of income I should make. Every day, I sit down to think of how to revamp the business so that it can generate revenue like other international fashion businesses do. That is the point I am now; trying to make it more of a business. But it has been an interesting journey with a lot of wahala here and there but we are still here. What makes a good clothe? I think fantastic tailoring makes a good clothe. I always try to come from the tailoring perspective, not what you throw on top of it. If it is tailored well, it could be a simple dress – just straight forward but classy. For me, that actually makes good clothing.

LQ IDVKLRQ WRR ,Q IDFW LW LV DFWXDOO\ PRUH GLIĂ€FXOW LI \RX look at it in the real sense. That is why I am preaching the gospel of you need money, you just FDQ¡W EH VWDWXV GULYHQ DQG QRW PDNH PRQH\

What do you think about the Native& Vogue show. Well, I must say it was top notch because, when I was initially approached to do the show, I was a bit skeptical. But everyone was just really co-operative so, there was no division and the usual stress that goes with shows. What is the inspiration behind your collection at the Native&Vogue show? When I travelled to Seychelles, one of the islands in Africa, I realized that it was a very beautiful, nice, posh and simple but classy place. So, when I thought about what to do with this collection, I thought of doing simple, classy pieces; something interesting that you can wear

on vacation and look chic and not be overly dressed. I just did my usual shirts but in black and white FRORXUV EHFDXVH ZKLWH IRU PH VLJQLĂ€HV SHDFH and tranquility. Then, I interfaced it with a lot of silver. <RX KDG D ORW RI GUHVVHV WRR QRW MXVW VKLUWV" I seldom do dresses but sometimes, your clients tell you what they want and you have got to listen to them. I noticed that, recently, my costumers have been requesting for shirt dresses. I would rather stick to shirts which are what I really love. But I just thought that I should interface some short dresses in the collections and that was what happened.

December 8, 2013 /

11

THE AWARDS by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

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he annual Women on Wellness (WOW) Expose, took place Penultimate weekend in Lagos, at the Intercontinental, Hotel Victoria Island. $ WZLVW WR WKLV \HDU¡V HYHQW LV WKH LQWURGXFWLRQ RI $OOXUH :HOOQHVV $ZDUGV WR PDUN WKH WK HGLWLRQ RI :2: The Award/ Gala night which had in attendance Senator 2XUHPL 7LQXEX DV VSHFLDO JXHVW RI KRQRXU DOVR KDG LQ DWWHQGDQFH )LUVW /DGLHV RI 'HOWD DQG 2\R 6WDWHV 0UV 5ROL 8GXDJKDQ DQG 0UV )ORUHQFH $MLPREL UHSUHVHQWHG E\ 0UV 2MXGX ZLIH RI 6HQDWRU 2MXGX 6HQDWRU )ORUHQFH ,WD *LZD DQG RWKHU VWDNH KROGHUV LQ WKH IDVKLRQ DQG EHDXW\ industry. Four women and one man were recognised and named $OOXUH :HOOQHVV $PEDVVDGRUV IRU WKHLU FRQWULEXWLRQV WR KXPDQLW\ DQG WKH JHQHUDO ZHOOQHVV RI WKH IDPLO\ 2SHUD VLQJHU 2OXPLGH 'DGD VHUHQDGHG WKH DXGLHQFH with some ballads, while the Sugar band entertained with more upbeat tunes.

THE WELLNESS AMBASSADORS

DR. OLA OREKUNRIN

Dr. Ola Orekunrin ZDV KRQRXUHG IRU LQQRYDWLRQ LQ SLRQHHULQJ WKH ´)O\LQJ 'RFWRUVÂľ LQ 1LJHULD A medical doctor, a trainee helicopter SLORW DQG DQ HQWUHSUHQHDXU ZKR IRXQGHG :HVW $IULFD¡V Ă€UVW LQGLJHQRXV DLU DPEXODQFH VHUYLFH 7KH )O\LQJ 'RFWRUV 1LJHULD ZKLFK VDYHV KXQGUHGV RI OLYHV DFURVV WKH UHJLRQ HYHU\ \HDU $ UHFLSLHQW RI VHYHUDO WKH 7(' )HOORZ has also been honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. Mrs. Ebunoluwa Anozie was KRQRXUHG IRU KHU VHOĂ HVV VHUYLFH LQ &DQFHU DGYRFDF\ DQG 7UHDWPHQW LQ 1LJHULD $ JUDGXDWH RI +XPDQLWLHV LQ &KULVWLDQ 5HOLJLRXV 6WXGLHV KHU SURIHVVLRQDO OLIH KDV VHHQ KHU ZRUNLQJ LQ YDULRXV VHQLRU roles in administration, marketing and human capital management. In 1995, VKH PRYHG IURP WKH FRUSRUDWH FDUHHU WR

MRS. EBUNOLUWA ANOZIE

12

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WDNH XS DGYRFDF\ ZLWK WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI &DUH 2UJDQL]DWLRQ Public Enlightenment (COPE), a breast cancer awareness 1*2 6KH LV WKH &(2 1DWLRQDO &RRUGLQDWRU Mrs. Orode Ryan-Okpu was honoured IRU KHU XQĂ LQFKLQJ GHGLFDWLRQ WR WKH Ă€JKW DJDLQVW FDQFHU DQG DGYRFDF\ IRU ZRPHQ WKURXJK KHU IRXQGDWLRQ 7KH 3LQN 3HDUO Foundation. She was only 18 years old when she started. Since 2007, she has had RYHU SURJUDPPHV WR FUHDWH DZDUHQHVV DJDLQVW WKH GUHDGIXO GLVHDVH 7KLV \HDU VKH WRRN WKH EDWWOH DFURVV WKH 1LJHULD MRS. ORODE border to neighbouring Cameroun to the RYAN-OKPU 0LQLVWU\ RI +HDOWK¡V +RVSLWDO .XPER ZKHUH VKH FDUULHG RXW IUHH EUHDVW DQG FHUYLFDO FDQFHU VFUHHQLQJ IRU 175 women. Dr Abayomi Ajayi ZDV KRQRXUHG IRU SXWWLQJ VPLOHV RQ WKH IDFHV RI PDQ\ FRXSOHV WKURXJK IUHH IHUWLOLW\ WUHDWPHQWV VXFK DV HGXFDWLQJ WKH SXEOLF RQ WKH VXEMHFW PDWWHU 'U $MD\L LV WKH /HDG 0HGLFDO &RQVXOWDQW DV ZHOO DV IRXQGHU DQG 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU 1RUGLFD )HUWLOLW\ &HQWUH D IRUHPRVW SURYLGHU RI DVVLVWHG FRQFHSWLRQ VHUYLFHV LQ 1LJHULD (VWDEOLVKHG LQ 1RUGLFD IHUWLOLW\ &HQWUH KDV VLQFH JURZQ LQWR D VWDWH RI WKH DUW IRXU FOLQLF IDFLOLW\ LQ WKUHH FLWLHV SURYLGLQJ D UDQJH RI DVVLVWHG UHSURGXFWLYH VHUYLFHV across the nation. )LUVW /DG\ RI 2\R 6WDWH Mrs. Florence DR. ABAYOMI AJAYI Ajimobi ZDV KRQRXUHG IRU KHU FRQWULEXWLRQ to Education and health Care in Oyo State. 7KH FKDPSLRQ RI ZRPHQ¡V FRXUVHV VKH KDV HPEDUNHG RQ YDULRXV SURMHFWV DLPHG DW LPSURYLQJ WKH VWDQGDUG RI OLYLQJ RI ZRPHQ DQG FKLOGUHQ LQ WKH VWDWH SDUW RI ZKLFK LQFOXGH $FFHVV WR %DVLF &DUH (GXFDWH D 5XUDO &KLOG FUHDWLRQ RI 0LQL FOLQLFV IRU ZLGRZV DQG WKH DJHG HVWDEOLVKHPHQW RI ,&7 FHQWUH IRU ZRPHQ LQ SXEOLF VHUYLFH DQG GRQDWLRQ RI $ODDQX +RXVH WR 8QLYHUVLW\ &ROOHJH +RVSLWDO WR PHQWLRQ EXW D IHZ

MORE FACES AT WOW 5TH ANNIVERSARY

OLA REKUNRIN

IVIE OMOJAFOH

IVIE OMOJAFOH

PATRICIA

WOFAI SAMUEL

LYDIA AGOSE

RAMINGTON SHOLA

BOSE MARTINS

MOJISOLA FALASE

UDY

EJIHARD AND REBELLA

WEYINMI OLLEY

JANE

BUNMI AKINWUNMI

MR AND MRS. CHARLES IMUZEZE

December 8, 2013 /

13

Escape By Odun Ogunbiyi

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elcome to another instalment of Escape. It may be the end of the year but Lagos is not slowing down! There are so many events to look forward to in the holiday season, and it is just getting started. This week, I took myself out of my comfort zone and attended an Afro pop concert, did my usual fashion shows and generally threw myself unto the mercy of our dear metropolis.

7KH 'XOO +RXVH 7KH Ă€UVW ZHHNHQG RI 1RYHPEHU VDZ WKH /DXQFK RI WKH PXFK anticipated new club The Dollhouse, a sister club to The Dollhouse located in London. :KHUH WR VWDUW ZKHUH WR VWDUW , GRQ¡W NQRZ ZKDW , ZDV expecting, a bit of Vegas showgirl meets Lasgidi vibrancy, SHUKDSV" , UHPHPEHU ZDQWLQJ WR ZHDU P\ Ă DW VKRHV WKDW QLJKW GRQ¡W ZRUU\ P\ JLUO WKUHZ D KLVV\ Ă€W VR , VWXFN RQ VRPH KHHOV DQG ORRNHG VXIĂ€FLHQWO\ VZDQN EHFDXVH , KDG HYHU\ LQWHQWLRQ RI KXUWLQJ myself with the drink and the dance. I am sad to say I was back home and tucked into bed less than two hours later. ,W¡V GLIĂ€FXOW WR SXW P\ Ă€QJHU RQ ZKDW H[DFWO\ VHQW PH VFXUU\LQJ back under my duvet. I had been to that location before when it was called Deuces and I think I was anticipating a total change of decor. So I was disappointed that there was only a smattering of cosmetic changes—a new carpet, some stripes on the wall and some reupholstered furniture. I was not at all pleased with the 45-minute wait for my cranberry and vodka order (something to do ZLWK LFH VXSSO\ LVVXHV WKH '- ZDV FOHDUO\ SKRQLQJ LQ KLV performance, and the toilets were already falling apart. Then WKHUH ZHUH WKH GROOV , FDQ¡W GDQFH VR , DP WKH ODVW SHUVRQ WR knock anyone for trying but when you are getting paid to do it, OHW¡V MXVW VD\ , ZDV H[SHFWLQJ PRUH +HUH¡V KRSLQJ WKHVH ZHUH MXVW WHHWKLQJ SUREOHP DQG management is getting on top of the service glitches. Good luck!

,¡P /RYLQJ $QJHO¡V ,QVWHDG The end-of-year festive season is almost upon us and like everybody else, I am hunting high and low for that special something for my loved ones. This year I have given myself the extra mission statement of buying Nigerian. If, like moi, you have women in your life that love a bit of pampering, you may be in the market IRU VRPH ORWLRQV DQG SRWLRQV IURP $QJHO 0LQDUR , Ă€UVW FDPH DFURVV KHU SURGXFWV ODVW \HDU , had been struck down with a severe case of Pityriasis rosea (Google it, and feel my pain; it ZDV QR MRNH 0\ VXSHU WKLUVW\ GU\ LWFK\ VNLQ ZDV LQ QHHG RI VRPHWKLQJ H[WUD WR VHDO LQ WKH moisture. Along came African Kiss Oil to the rescue. It did an amazing job of sealing in all that after-shower goodness and smelled divine. The packaging is beautiful, the moisturisers and bath salts are suitably decadent in texture and aroma, and they make great presents. Angel Minaro products are stocked at your local Medplus or Mopheth pharmacies.

Happy Birthday Bogobiri, 9 Maitama Sule St, Ikoyi. The part boutique hotel, part store, part all things arty, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a month long Bogobiri Arts Festival. November was jam packed with art exhibitions, music concerts, literary days and theatre. I was lucky enough to be invited by the sponsors, Vanso Nigeria Limited, to the Orlando Julius evening. I must confess I was thoroughly clueless as to who or what to expect but by the end of the night, I was totally converted and convinced. Dr. Orlando Julius has been credited with a pivotal role in the invention, development and popularization of Afro-pop. It truly was an honour to be in the presence of such authentic talent, what a fantastic evening out! As usual, this girl had no choice but to get up and dance....the peer pressure I tell you. 7KH QLJKW ZDV FRPSOLPHQWHG E\ %RJRELUL¡V renowned cuisine. In keeping with the Afrocentric decor and ambience, the food is ZKDW , OLNH WR FDOO ´EHVW 1LJHULDQÂľ ,W¡V SDUW\ Jollof rice, correct peppered snails, huge prawns with peri peri sauce and goat meat pepper soup to die for. For those of you who OHDYH \RXU KRXVH WR HDW KHDOWK\ , GRQ¡W JHW LW EXW , DLQ¡W PDG DW \D WKHUH LV D VHOHFWLRQ RI great salads complete with a divine “secret dressingâ€? to go with it. The Bogobiri calendar is varied and busy all year round so check out upcoming events for a great night out.

14

/ December 8, 2013

Eko for Show ow Just in time for the he Christmas season, hed their Q4 Drawn Vlisco has launched Dreams designs at the Eko hotel 0th. In conjunction on November 10th. se designer, House with their in house of Jasmine, the new patterns were showcased in alll their versatility as day, g wear. work and evening d why they Vlisco showed are considered the leaders in design and innovation with regards to authentic Dutch wax, Super wax and Java. The festive collection is a celebration of the drawing. Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations (some from the archives and bursting ZLWK ZLWK WKLV VHDVRQ¡V FRORXUV FRQWLQXH ZLWK mour and the Vlisco tradition of storytelling glamour richness. HVW 9OLVFR UHWDLOHUV , DP GHĂ€QLWHO\ KHDGLQJ WR P\ QHDUHVW 9OLVFR UHWDLOHUV NDUD WURXVHUV PDPD¡V JRW D KDQNHULQJ IRU VRPH DQNDUD WURXVHUV PS V D QHZ WDOHQW , GRQ¡W 7KH HQWHUWDLQPHQW IRU WKH QLJKW ZDV D QHZ WDOHQW , GRQ¡W JHW RXW PXFK VR FRUUHFW PH LI , DP ZURQJ FDOOHG 2ODPLGH RQJ FDOOHG 2ODPLGH He brought the house down. Fantasticc songs which I will not start to translate in this forum, ahem. I am loving the shape of the Nigerian music industry these days. I would love to hear from you, contact me via twitter witter @oddbod75 Until next time XOXO!

P EO PL E “ O N E PA RT Y AT A T I M E ! ”

AMEN, UCHE NWANDISON AND ENITAN REWANE

MRS AKUMAKA ULOCHIBE

MR & MRS OSHINDEN

MR & MRS DEMOLA AKINRELE

7+( 2.2&+$·6

JOHNNIE WALKER LAUNCHES ‘STEPS UP TO THE VIP LIFESTYLE’ CAMPAIGN

NKECHI OKOCHA TURNS 40 IN GRAND STYLE By - Latasha Ngwube Nkechi Okocha, the beautiful wife of Nigerian star soccer player Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, recently joined the 40s club in the grandest way imaginable. The lavish dinner party was set at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island where guests with invitations only were admitted and ushered into the foyer for champagne, canapes and photo ops at the set up booth. The dinner tables were named for popular streets in Paris and the decor was all white with flowers and balloons everywhere. Entertainment was not lacking as SoundSultan, Olamide, Flavour, Kcee, Banky W and Wizkid gave energetic performances to the delight of the celebrant and guests. The highlight of the night was a special surprise gift of a Mercedes Benz G-wagon from JJ to his wife. It was a night of fun to remember by all who were present.

By -Yemisi Suleiman SENI ADETU AND AUSTIN UFOMBA

JIDE AND SHOLA COKER

UFUOMA UDJOH, WALE, AMAECHI OKOBI

FLAVOUR

Last weekend, Johnnie Walker, the luxury Scotch whisky treated its esteemed consumers to an exquisite lifetime experience with two time Formula One champion Mika Häkkinen as it launched the ‘Step Up to the VIP lifestyle’ campaign. The glamorous event which had a selected audience showcased the luxurious lifestyle the Johnnie Walker brand is famous for as some guests had an opportunity for a “Drive of a Lifetime Experience” with Mika in the Caparo Supercar, at an exhibition drive held at The Palms Mall, Lekki.

ANGELLA IMOH BANKY W

WALE (L) FELIX ENWEMADU AND A FRIEND

FUNMI LADIPO AND JANET ADETU

CHIDI MOKEME

SOLA OKE

FEMI AKINRINADE

SHEYI SHAY

IFEOMA CHUKWUKELO & MRS UCHE OKEKE

STELLA SPIFF AND REMI FAGBOGUN

ESOHE URGHOGIDE ZIZI CARDOW

IFU ONWUDIKE & CHIMIDI F MANUEL

AWELE AZU & APRIL ABANULO

BAYO BANJOKO

ANNA BANNER

ILL RHYMZ AND KELECHI AMADI-OBI

PEARL, CECE, MOET

EMMA, KAYODE, PAUL

DOUGLAS, JIMMY JATT AND KOLA SOUL

December 8, 2013 /

15

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