The Nation Newspaper

Category: Fashion

  • Classic finger piece

    Classic finger piece

    By Kehinde Oluleye

    IG and beautiful cocktail rings are the ultimate accessory that draw attention to your hands, whether you are wearing a colourful, whimsical dress or a little black dress. There are so many rings to choose from, ranging from the bold and crazily crafted to the bling-bling.

    A simple, yet elegant cocktail ring is basically defined as an oversized rock design with precious coloured stones.

    For you to make a statement with your cocktail ring, it has to be chunky (bold), and at the same time stylish. This is the ultimate cocktail ring golden rule.

    Believe it, the big rock is a solid way to highlight your individual style. You can never go wrong with one. Get as many as possible with different hues. You can wear a different one for each day; it all depends on your attire.

    They are the classic and timeless finger pieces.

  • Encomiums as Odige clocks 36

    Encomiums as Odige clocks 36

    Omolara Akintoye

    On August 6, 36 years ago, a lone voice was heard heralding the birth of a princess who has become a pillar of hope, an inspiration and a messiah to many.

    As a consummate entrepreneur and administrator par excellence, the Chief Executive Officer, La Mode Magazine, Fash Mode Reality TV Show and La Mode Disability Foundation, Mrs. Sandra Odige, has been a shining light of selflessness.

    Having graduated from Benson Idahosa University with Second Class Upper, all she wanted to do was to end up a diplomat but after completion of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she went into communications then the banking sector.

    She wasn’t fulfilled but was consumed with the desire to venture into public relations which she eventually did. This is what Odige has been doing since 2012, adding value to lives. Celebrities, entrepreneurs, special people, among others, are showering encomiums on her as she clocks 36.

    Actress and presenter, Belinda Effah, described Odige as a tenacious woman. “Honestly, I don’t know how to describe such a tenacious woman. Every time I see her I wonder how she defies all odds to make it work.

    ‘’Organising an event such as Green October event is not for the faint hearted and she has consistently seen this event through year in year out.

    “Her passion for the physically challenged is something to be emulated. I can only pray that God guide and reward her. Happy Birthday Sandra, you are a role model,” Effah stated.

    Former Miss Globe Nigeria, Business Woman and Philanthropist, Sandra Ogbebor, said the celebrator believes everything and anything is possible.

    “No dream is too big for her, in the ten years I have known her, I have watched her climb hurdles after hurdles, defeat obstacles that looked insurmountable, and grow her magazine to the enviable heights it is today.

    “I remember when she started ‘The Green October Charity Event’, I was worried about finances for the project, getting investors to support as no help was forthcoming and till date, I still don’t know how she pulled off that first edition, but she did it and she did it big.

    “And she has continued to do it bigger, every, single, year. I have never met anyone with her level of doggedness. Her commitment and drive for greatness is out of this world,” Ogbebor stressed.

    According to her, Sandra is also a great supporter. “She is one of the few persons that believes and supports me no matter what I do. I remember during my modeling days, I would struggle to get jobs. Sandra gave me my first ever telecommunications endorsement and I didn’t have to stress at all for it.

    READ ALSO: I see challenges as driving force for success- Sandra Odige

    “I saw her quit her bank job to do the great things she is doing now and I couldn’t be more proud. Not many women can do all she does and still take care of home and kids but Sandra makes it look like a walk in the park.

    Speaking further, she said: “Her heart and compassion for people is out of this world. When I was a beauty queen, I remember asking a magazine for a feature and I was charged N350,000.

    Mrs. Sandra Odige
    Mrs. Sandra Odige

    “I paid that money and got the cover feature but Sandra called me few months later and offered me my first LaMode magazine cover for free.

    “Today that other magazine no longer exists but LaMode Magazine is making waves everywhere. She is one of my greatest inspirations and a big sister I am grateful for every day.”

    Creative Director, COAJ Media, Akpobome Otobrise, said the CEO of La Mode Magazine has been a source of inspiration to him, always pushing him to bring out the best that he possibly can offer.

    “She has pushed me to create and do things that I never believed I could do. She has been a huge support and source of encouragement to me and I will always be grateful to her for all that she has and continues to be to me,” Otobrise said.

    Miss Polo Nigeria/ Africa 2019, Precious Okoye met Mrs. Odige via the instagram where she posted some pictures about persons living with disability, advocating for their inclusion in the society.

    “She is a goal oriented person and puts effort in ensuring that people with disabilities are empowered and not left out in the society. A lot of us have benefited in skill acquisition training organised by her foundation. It is not easy to find one who has our interest and we don’t take her for granted,” Okoye commented.

    Odige said she is grateful to the Almighty God for clocking 36. “Birthday means different things to different people, for me, it is a celebration and a chance to give thanks for another year of good health and life. It is also a time of reflection to see how far I have grown and changed since the previous year. I am indeed grateful for all,” she said.

    On where she sees herself in the next four years, Odige said at 40, she sees more achievements, growth, empowering more and touching lives positively.

    “It is important to know that everyone is different. Now that I am 36, I have had a deep reflection about my life choices —how everything leads to the next phase and the next moment of life. No matter our decision in life, our life is a connecting thread to our choices,” she said.

    Mrs. Sandra Odige
  • BLAQ DIAMOND clocks 3, offers 50% discount

    BLAQ DIAMOND clocks 3, offers 50% discount

    Our Reporter

    BLAQ Diamond Fashion Store, a one-stop shop fashion house incorporating a departmental store, salon, Lawyers Pack, a logistics company, and an online legal service will on August 4 roll out the drums to celebrate its third anniversary.

    Founder of the Lekki, Lagos, fashion house, Konye Ishie, said since its entrance into the market three years ago, Blaq Diamond has recorded significant milestones across all aspects of its business.

    “We’re focused on delivering exceptional services and style to our fellow fashionistas,” she said.

    According to her, BLAQ Diamond, from start to finish, is dedicated to providing a shopping experience that is second to none.

    That commitment is obvious in its uncompromised brand quality, affordable prices, top-notch customer service, member loyalty program, and special finishing touches.

    Speaking on the anniversary, Ishie, a trained lawyer, attributed the successes to its unique clothing lines and 100 percent customer service.

    As pocket-friendly as they come, they clothing lines are no such you see on every Dick and Harry—10 pieces maximum, of each brand, not just in Nigeria but in the whole world, she claimed.

    And Ishie has ensured BLAQ Diamond maintains that uniqueness over the years, as competitive as the quick-service fashion industry is in Nigeria.

    “As part of the celebration, we’re offering up to 50% discount on purchases made within this period,” she said as she appreciated her clients in Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, and Australia.

    READ ALSO: AfDB gathers experts for fashion entrepreneurs

    Ishie’s vision for the business is loftier, as anybody can see in its motto: At BLAQ Diamond, we live and breathe fashion.

    With the logistics department, BLAQ Diamonds can now serve its online customers better, especially those in Lagos.

    “Not only have we grown to become a one-stop shop departmental store, we have also evolved enough in the last three years to become a leading house of fashion,” she said.

    BLAQ Diamond has expanded into becoming a one stop departmental store, featuring high end brands as DENIM, ADIDAS, BODY SHOP, VICTORIA SECRET, ZARA, EUROPEAN & US BRANDS including the BLAQ CORNER specially made for outfits in black colour.

    Its salon operates along with the Warri branch, and it will open a new outlet soon in Abuja. Black Diamond is already registered in the UK.

    Ishie, a Delta State University law graduate with a Masters in international law from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, said she is not putting her legal training to sleep.

    She has set up the Online Lawyer to offer legal services to Blaq Diamond’s clients and the masses.

  • Glam up with stylish bangles

    Glam up with stylish bangles

    By Kehinde Oluleye

     

    WHAT is the best way to rock the season without wrist watches? Wrist bangles to the rescue! Fashionistas and celebs are now rocking wrist bangles.

    It’s a look that is elegant whether it’s for a casual cocktail bash or a formal event. This is one of the reasons timeless fashion pieces retain their popularity.

    Wrist bangles
    Wrist bangles

    They go with most things in your wardrobe and transcend the trends. bangles have earned their place as a classic.

    Wrist bangles
    Wrist bangles

    They change in accordance with season. Before now, thinning silver and gold bangles were must-haves, but big and bold ones, especially strand-cuff, steel and wooden bangles have swept away all other brands of wrist ornament.

  • Trendy adire styles

    Trendy adire styles

    By Kehinde Oluleye

    These days, trendy and chic adire pieces are popping up everywhere. The resurgence of core native fabrics like tie and dye (adire and kampala) cannot be missed. And the way this development is changing the face of fashion is beyond exaggeration.

    Compared to the fashion trend of the 70s, 80s and early 90s, when western fabrics were the order of the day, these native fabrics that come in diverse patterns, textile, style, designs and hues are hot. They are simply gorgeous and a beauty to behold.

    In the past, they were seen as the fabric for ordinary people, but now are conspicuously present in our wardrobes. They are the popular aso ebi choice at socials.

    Nowadays, the young and the old wear them and they are even appreciated by foreigners. Initially, they were produced from teru fabrics, but are now made from various ranges of linen, satin, cotton and guinea brocade.

  • Choker: Trending necklace

    Choker: Trending necklace

    By Kehinde Oluleye

    If you want to know how passionate a lady is about her dress sense, check what she wears to complement her look. A beautiful choker will help you to get a pass mark with the fashion police.

    It’s the queen of necklaces at the moment.  And our favourite celebs, from Susan Peters and Yemi Alade to top fashionistas, have been rocking the lovely neck piece in various hues, designs, metal and beads.

    A choker could either be in gold, silver, bronze or coral bead form, but whichever one you choose, a beautiful choker is bound to add to your beauty.

    They are best used at parties and special occasions. And they are so unique they might look out of place during ordinary moments.

    Make them part of your jewellery collection and for your next engagement, complement your look with one.

  • Shirt dress is a must have!

    Shirt dress is a must have!

    By Kehinde Oluleye

     

    EVEN ladies who are not fashionable know that the shirt dress is a must-have. You can’t afford not to have one in your wardrobe.

     

     

     

     

    They are an important part of a woman’s outfit. With a well-designed and quality shirt dress, you can look good and smart for any occasion. It is great for any day of the week.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They come in a variety of fabrics and designs. They have great versatility and they are one fashion item that has remained constant and are likely to remain like that for ages to come.

    They are a wardrobe staple and their artworks are of different varieties, styles and colours.

     

     

     

    You can’t go wrong with a shirt dress when you want to be comfortable. Along with accompanying accessories, it can determine just how hot a lady looks .

     

     

     

  • Wardrobe essentials

    Wardrobe essentials

    By Kehinde Oluleye

    Stick with classic cuts. Go for fashion pieces that are well structured.

    • Good blazers don’t go out of style. They are ever trendy and classics.
    • The power of a bag-It’s fashionable to carry just one big bag that will contain all your necessities and fits your lifestyle.
    • Neutral pieces are a wardrobe staple any time, any day.
    • With neutral pieces, you can mix and match effectively.
    • Don’t let the dress wear you, wear the dress! The black dress (LBD) gets edgy little when paired with cool leather pumps and handbags, silver chain bangles and earrings.
    • Classic cocktail ring will give your look an instant dash.
    • Jazz up your look with a hat/beret.
    • Oriental/floral prints are apparent this season and add a subtle and sexy appeal to one’s look. Floral prints come in different patterns and designs, depending on the style. Go for prints that complement your look.
    • Use a brooch to bring attention to your outfit.
    • You can use a belt to accentuate your waist, though it depends on the design.
    • Go for a clutch purse to glam-up the outfit.
    • Spice up your look with sunglasses
    • Wear patent shoes to make you look sleek.
    • Lastly, add a pair of stylish over-sized earrings to make a chic and lasting statement.
  • Adesuwa ‘Sunshine’ Oronsaye: My Christian faith is my greatest influence

    Adesuwa ‘Sunshine’ Oronsaye: My Christian faith is my greatest influence

    Adesuwa ‘Sunshine’ Oransaye is an actress known with the sobriquet, Princess Ene for her role in the African Magic series’Ajoche’.

    In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she talked about how her passion for acting started as a child, inspiration, memorable experience and more.

     

    Tell us about the new things that you are working on?

    I currently have a couple of budding productions, commercials and social campaign projects that I am working on for the next phase of my career.

    However, due to the current Pandemic we have not fully launched to the public. When we do and once the time is right, the efforts made will be justified and you will be the first to know about this.

    I am more of a creative person, so I guess it would be safe to also say that there is always something new to work on.

    How did you get into acting? What was the first role you did?

    Acting has always been a part of me. Something I could call “innate”. I started acting since I was a child by participating in church and school plays which eventually spurred me to study Theatre Arts at the University.

    However, my first professional acting gig in Nollywood was in a ROK movie titled “One Night” where I played the role of a Doctor.

    What were you doing before this?

    Prior to acting, I had a career in the communications and media industry. I worked as Marketing/Events Executive for a radio station.

    I also had a stint with a digital marketing agency before I joined a media training institute, where I served as a Business Development Manager and Training Cordinator.

    While I was working in the corporate world , I had my mind set on acting, so I decided to quit and take on acting full time  as I realised I couldn’t comfortably combine a 9-5 with an acting career. I must say that acting is quite a jealous profession (laughs).

    Tell us about life as an actress? What are some of the movies that you have participated in?

    Life as an actress has been nothing short of amazing. Although it comes with its challenges but it’s been an interesting experience.

    I have participated in a number of movies and series, the most notable being Africa Magic’s “Ajoche” where I played the role of Princess Ene.

    It’s funny how you play major roles in movies, your audience see you as the character even in real life situations (chuckles).

    Sometimes, I am called Princess Ene by most people who still see me in public, especially the likes of those who now say they have become “fans”.

    I get that a lot and I think I’m beginning to get used to it. Sometimes, I have no option but to answer the name.  I have also been in other projects which will soon be released.

     

    Tell us about the other movies that you have participated in?

    Sometimes when asked this question I laugh a lot because I actually lose count in my head or sometimes go blank like in an examination.

    This is because productions are a little more of regular acts to keep tabs. Can I remember all of it? Trust me I may have to think here.

    Anyway, like I said earlier I’ve been featured in a number of movies, released and others yet to be released. Some of which include: Beautiful Monster, How the shooter got shot, My grandfather’s wife, I will have an affair, Two can play at that, to name a few.

    I also got a short role in the acclaimed Living in Bondage (Breaking Free) and Your Excellency.

    What or who inspires the things you do?

    I am a Christian and that has influenced my life greatly. So you can understand who my first inspiration would be.

    I am most inspired by my family, they’re the ones who raised me and constantly motivate and support me to be a better person in life and career.

    They love what I do.. And of course, my friends do as well, those who have grown to like my acting behind the camera. You all have played a major part in this process.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    When I’m not working I like spending time with family and friends. I also like to be by myself, sometimes as it gives me enough space to harness my creative energy and regenerate. We all need that “moment ” you know. Retreat or Recess time. What I call “time for you.”

    Tell us about the people you admire?

    There are a number of people I admire; these are people who are taking great strides in business, politics, ministry and leadership.

    What are some of the memorable moments in your life and career?

    I have had a lot of memorable moments in my life. From growing up in Delta state, to schooling in Benin-City, to my NYSC days in Imo State and to my professional life in Lagos.

    But none of it compares to the thrill of being on a film set. There’s this feeling of joy I get whenever I’m on set, I know I’m working but work is fun.

    Getting to take on different characters, giving life to them while working with an amazing team is the most memorable part of my job. In the face of challenges I must still say Life is beautiful- let’s make fond memories out of it.

    What were the initial challenges?

    Getting into and sustenance in the industry is quite challenging. The industry is highly competitive and you have to keep a positive mindset if you want to go far.

    As a matter of fact, I’ve felt like quitting most of the time. Everyone does, just like any other profession. It’s in the human nature to feel that way but I’m not going to quit, Not yet. (Smiles).

    What are you looking forward to in the next few years?

    The future is bright. The plan basically is to do as much quality work as I can. Build my production company and live an impactful life.

    One of the essence of living is to have a life of purpose and positive influence. I intend to do just that. I’m an advocate for social justice, peace and development. I dream of a better world as well and hope to be a voice for impact. Tell us about your favorite holiday spot?

    I’m someone who loves to travel. Can I say travelling is one of my hobbies? …(thinking). Picking a favourite spot is a bit of a challenge because I love to explore new locations.

    I do not like to visit a particular destination more than once. The moment I tick it off my list, I move on to the next…

    You can call me a travel explorer and you may just be correct!

    What is your definition of style?

    My definition of style would be “comfort and class” I believe being comfortable is key.

    I’m not the adventurous type when it comes to fashion. If I’m not comfortable in an outfit, if it doesn’t exude class, I may not wear it.

    What are the things that you won’t do in the name of fashion?

    I like to “cover” with less exposure. I would attribute this to my background, personality and more importantly my desire to be comfortable with myself and around people…

    like I said earlier I’m not adventurous when it comes to fashion, I’d rather play it safe but classy.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    My Christian faith. I believe in the golden rule that says “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

    How would you describe Nigerian women in the entertainment sector today?

    The Nigerian Woman is strong, resilient, purposeful and loving. Women surely are making giant strides in the industry and I would love to see an increase in the  number of women in the industry going beyond acting to production and holding key positions of influence.

    What about the awards and recognitions?

    I’m still new in the industry, however, fast rising. So be sure to hear of awards and nominations soon in the industry.

    But I was nominated in the “Fast rising Actor” category in the 2019 edition of The Intellects Award.

     

    What advise do you have for young people post COVID-19 era?

    I appreciate every young person in Nigeria and globally.  For me, being young signifies strength, tenacity and greatness.

    The Pandemic like every other global health challenge will pass. We must have to take out lessons from the experience.

    Personal responsibility for our health going forward, and work out measures for self-improvement, exploring positive alternatives to wealth creation in the coming years, shake up and know that together we will make it through.

    What items do you cherish in your wardrobe?

    For me the items that I cherish most in my wardrobe basically are my dresses and one piece clothing’s. They’re my comfort clothes.

    What types of books do you like to read?

    Motivational books I guess… Books which inspire, lifts my spirit and spur me towards greatness. These are books that basically influence me to be a better person.

  • The craze for curvy Bermuda shorts!

    The craze for curvy Bermuda shorts!

    By Kehinde Oluleye

    The fashion world is witnessing the resurgence of stretchy and curvy Bermuda shorts. There are varieties of these shorts in terms of length and fabric, but the stretchy and curvy ones are in vogue. The designs are sexy, classy and stylish.

    The shorts are usually above the knees and are getting crazier in shapes, length, designs and styles. Most are plain, some are beautifully-crafted with delicate embroidery and  while others are designed with exotic stones and sequins.

    They are everywhere this season and add that sex appeal to one’s look.

    Bermuda shorts are easy to walk in and comfortable; and they have taken over from three-quarter short and bum short, which were the most popular until now.

    A short is guaranteed to make you look sexy. But it’s not for the faint-hearted!. Never step out in one, without trying it out very well and making sure you are comfortable in it at home. Or better still, rock it with a big tee shirt or blouse.

    Now that you know how to rock it, go for it!