XCEL Fashion Splendor issue 7 by Barth Emuekpere

Fashion

Splendor ISSUE 7

...a true essence of fashion

Men & Tie Knotting “Ukpon-O-Ghe-Khamwen”

Appreciating Our Traditional Wears

-Pride of Bini People

Tips on Choosing The Right Bra The splendour of Diamond Stud

Earrings

Fashion &

Appreciating Our

STYLE By Maryann Adibe

Traditional Wears

e live in a world that is constantly evolving in the area of fashion; a world where our cultural values are now starved of respect and recognition. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find majorly western attires in our wardrobes than our own traditional dresses. Whatever be the case, the beauty of our native wears cannot be rub-off. They remain outstanding and unique. The traditional dress is an emblem of the African Continent. They are perfect for programmes such as African Praise Concerts and Cultural Gatherings as one can easily identify a Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Efik or any other tribesman because of their outfit. They are also suitable for official purposes, particularly at weekends when there is often less tension and hustle. Native Dresses remain an intricate part of Nigeria's culture and origin; a landmark that was left behind for us by our ancestors. It is important that we continue to patronize traditional outfits, as it is a pointer to a stranger that we have not forgotten our root.

“Ukpon-O-Ghe-Khamwen”

FCounsel ASHION

-Pride of Bini People - Osas Osifo

n today's modern world, people give information about themselves via the clothes they wear and the way they adorn their bodies. An age old saying has it that the way you are dressed is how you will be addressed. In Africa, body decoration and attire may offer clues to a person's age, ethnic, region, social position, and even political opinions. As western-style attire become more common in Africa, some traditional types of adornment and dresses are fading from everyday use, especially in the cities. However, many Africans still wear traditional clothing and decoration for special occasions or as a form of self-expression. A man's social position may be proclaimed by the size and shape of his smock or by the decoration of his robe. Among the Bambara people of Mali, hunters display their suaveness of their trade by wearing white smocks adorned with leather-covered amulets and hunting trophies. An expert hunter's shirt may be almost invisible under the horns, claws, and bit of fur or hide the wearer has attached to it. Sometimes a particular pattern of cloth has a name that refers to a proverb, local event, or political issue. People wear these cloths because of the messages communicated by the pattern. Our focus, anyway, is centered on attire in the land of the Binis, Edo State, Nigeria. I personal spoke with a couple of Binis guys wearing this outfit. There are numerous attires in Bini. But the one that caught my attention is the outfit called Ukpon-O-GheKhamwen translated to mean Palace chief's cloth. In the days of yore, this outfit was exclusively used by the Bini palace chiefs, but nowadays, anybody who has got the confidence can wear it. In the past, those that used it were the Ekhanmwen who happen to be members of the council of elders/ministers of Oba of Bini cabinent. Also eligible to adorn it are the Enogies who are the relations of the oba of Bini and his representatives in the villages that made up Bini kingdom. This outfit is mostly made from plane white as well as colored materials. The embroidery is normally designed with what the Bini's call Ada Vbe Eben which is the Bini Coat of Arm. The Ukpon-O-GheKhamwen is a statement of style that is good to be worn with beads, which is the ultimate symbol of wealth and honour in Bini kingdom. To bring out the beauty of this outfit, the bead (Ivie) is very necessary. This outfit is mostly used during festive periods such as popular Bini Igue festival, which takes place annually in Bini kingdom. But today, the Bini man, ever so confident of his ability, now uses it for different occasions.

Tips on Choosing the Right BRA

omen breasts vary widely in size and shape. However most of them are asymmetric degree and can change from month to month depending on the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or weight gain or loss. As a result, about 75%-85% of women wear incorrect bra sizes. Bras can functionally enhance the perceived shape of a woman's breast, minimize or enlarge her perceived breast size, restrain breast movements during exercise, enhance her cleavage, conceal her nipples, overcome sagging, serve prosthetic purposes or facilitate nursing. Bras that do not fit will affect the shoulder and chest and will almost certainly cause back pain as you get older. It can also displace your breast tissue, pushing it under the arm or flattening it around the breast wall. Bras that do not provide adequate support can stretch tissue overtime, making your breast sag and droop. The right bra that offers good support helps keep your breast youthful and firm. How to detect that your Bra Size is wrong Below are some signs you should look out for in your choice of bra Does your bra straps cause red marks on your shoulder? Does it slide down unless you constantly adjust them? Does your breast bulge over the top of the cup in a double bump? Does your breast droop or look generally out of shape? Does the bra pull your bra pull your shoulder forward? Does the centre of your bra fail to touch your breast bone? Ultimately, these problems indicate that the band is too big or small, or that the cups are too large or small. Selecting a bra is more than just finding the “prettiest” bra or picking a bra in your favourite colour. Selecting a bra has real health and comfort-related considerations. Guide to Find the Right Bra Size Bra sizes consist of two measurements, the back size and the cup size. To determine your back measurement have someone measure around your rib cage with a tape, directly under your breast and add five to the measurement. For example, if the measurement around your rib cage is 29, the bra size is 34. However if the measurement is above 33, add three and not five. For example, if the measurement around your rib cage is 35 (which is above 33) your bra size is 38. The cup size is the letter measurement in the bra size listed after the number. In a 34B, 34 represent the band size while B is the cup size. The cup size is the size of the breast itself. To determine the cup size, after you have done the back measurement and determined you band size, have someone bring the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Do this while wearing your best fitted bra. A balcony-style bra is suitable for ladies with small bust. Women with large bust should look for wide shoulder and back straps for firm support. Full cups provide better shaping and contain the breast better than other bra styles. XL

MEN

Only

Men &

By Maryann Adibe

Tie Knotting

man once asked his wife why women wear high heeled shoes that make them uncomfortable. In response, she asked him why men wear neck ties which are usually tight and inconveniencing. You can guess that the matter was settled on that note. It is almost unthinkable for a man not to have a tie in his wardrobe, no matter what informs his taste. Despite the discomfort the neck suffers at times, knotting ties is actually fun and constitutes a great value in men's fashion. Every man should be conversant with the basics skills of knotting ties properly and also selecting a colour that corresponds with his outfit. Your necktie and shirt should not be of the same colour, for example. Light colored ties should not be worn on dark colored shirts, just as dark colored ties should not be worn on light colored shirts.

Dressing this way makes the tie conspicuous. As a rule, ties should be knotted neatly. It is better you do not wear a tie then to wear one that looks unkempt. Ties are proper for weddings, job interview, business meetings, special jobs, professional events, dinner party and the likes. It is a major blunder to wear ties to traditional marriage ceremonies, picnics and sporting activities. Ties give a smart and outstanding look to men who wear them properly. Below is a diagrammatic guide to assist you, if you are still finding it difficult to knot your ties.

Start with the wide end ("W") of

1 your necktie on the right,

end e wide from h t g Brin front ss the 6 acro to left. right

extending about 12 inches below the narrow end ("N") on the left.

Then cross the wide end over the narrow end.

Then pu ll through the wide end up the loop a gain.

Bring th e wide end up through th the colla e loop between r and you r tie.

8 Bring the wide end down through the knot in front.

Then bring the wide end back down.

And -- using both hands -tighten the knot carefully 9 and draw it up to the collar.

Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end and to the right, back through the loop and to 5 the right again so that the wide end is inside out.

Pix by: Yakubu Akhagbemhe & Ini Ekpo

Trendy Splash ...For todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendy woman

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...The Beauty File

The splendour of Diamond Stud

omen have great adoration for diamonds. It is the kind of stone that speaks out the gorgeousness and true meaning of grace. The chic it gives is a lasting pieces in our eyes to which the beholder admires too much. It defines the true meaning of beauty. Jewelry stores are rampant in displaying different kinds of jewel may it be on rings, necklace, bracelet or earrings. The latter topples the sales as it is best for a woman wearing earrings. What makes it valuable is to have it out of stud diamond earrings. The attraction is too overwhelming as it glows our face and enlighten our spirit. Truly these kinds of earrings are the dream gift to have from someone special. It does ponder our love more for a man. The magnificent boon is an everlasting item. The splendor of the stud brings out more the beauty of the stone. It is suited in every occasion or for daily use. It completes our outfit and boost confidence to our self. This can be paired with sterling silver, platinum or pure white gold as the trend goes. It was used for added complexion and good looks. Carat defines the price, cut must be in good condition as the sparks of it can best be described as same as color and clarity. The radiant glow is a lifetime memento. Women are the buyers of this stud. We awe with admiration seeing one wearing this. The explicit loveliness has no words to define. As it glitters, we can feel the importance of our womanish. Expensive as proven but is worth to spend for. No other jewelry can equal this. Stud stands alone in your earlobe but it perfectly draws attention especially of opposite sex. The appeal multiples and it helps you come out of your shell with elegance. The simplicity of these earrings utters the quality benefit it provides. It gives prompt and stable admiration. The best thing with diamond stud earrings is its undying spark of beauty as the classical stone it is. What is interesting about diamond stud earrings is the fact that they come in variety of different colors. People often think that diamonds are white and there are no other colors of them. However, not many know that diamonds can be green or blue. It is interesting and important to note that green diamonds are one of the rarest diamonds in the world. That is why green diamond stud earrings are really expensive. However, if you can afford them, then go for it and make yourself look like a queen.

Earrings

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