Despite the weather, lace has been one of the biggest trends on the red carpet this season. Whether it is colourful or subtle, there are plenty of ladies who love this look. Lace is a fashion trend that you wouldn’t want to miss. It is classy and sexy!
Need to spice up your look? Then go for lace, especially the ones that come in 3Ds.They are stylish and simple. At parties and social occasions, they are the rave of the moment when it comes to clothing trends. There is no doubt that lace is a popular fashion item all over the world. If you have been following the fashion trend for some time, you must have noticed that lace is not only for social anymore, but also for different kinds of occasions.
Since the beginning of the year, the whole world has hopped on board the lace madness train! Pants, shorts, tops, shirts, full on dresses, all made of lace. Sometimes, it is the skirt or parts of the sleeve or perfectly placed holes or slices of lace.
Think about the last time you put on something that truly resonated with you—maybe a blazer that made you ‘stand tall’ or a dress that felt like it was made for you. That feeling is the centre of elegance. It brings that quiet confidence about who you are.
In today’s world, where fast fashion is everywhere, choosing an ageless style that celebrates sustainability feels almost like an unconventional act. It’s because the decision to choose what stands the test of time, which doesn’t come with fast fashion, is not usual.
It leaves you wondering why some pieces just keep making their way back into your wardrobe, while others quickly fade into the “what was I thinking?” pile. Those long-lasting pieces are more than just fabric; they’re memories, statements, and reminders of who you are when you’re at your most confident.
YAAWAA’s 2020 Ethereal Collection captures this essence. A brand that seeks to bridge the gap between traditionally themed wear and modern elegance that stands the test of time. Founded in 2019 by Ohemaa Yaa Serwaa-Kyerewaa Awuah, YAAWAA redefines African fashion with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style. Designed for the modern woman, each piece embodies African aesthetics and global appeal, celebrating culture with a modern edge.
Imagine slipping into something that fits just right, where every stitch feels intentional, every detail thoughtfully placed. That’s the ethos of Ohemaa’s collection. Her pieces are crafted with care—tailored cuts that hug you in all the right ways, and fabrics that feel like luxury. They’re more than just clothes; they’re like extensions of you, designed to amplify your grace and strength without a single word.
YAAWAA’s commitment to storytelling shines through in each garment, created by artisans who bring handmade, intricate designs to life. Each outfit is more than clothing—they’re wearable art that empowers women to express individuality and confidence, seamlessly fitting into both every day and special occasions.
Proud of the African heritage, YAAWAA partners with artisans across the continent to honour and elevate traditional techniques within contemporary designs. This approach celebrates African artisanship and ensures each piece carries cultural pride.
Her collections have been showcased at events like Glitz Fashion Week, Nairobi Fashion Week, and African Fashion Week. YAAWAA continues to inspire confidence and creativity, honouring the richness of Indigenous origin on a global stage.
The brand seeks to answer questions about what elegance truly means. For some, it’s about simplicity; for others, sophistication. For all of us, it is personal. The outfits in the Ethereal Collection are not loud, but they say so much. They are for the woman who knows that style is less about trends and more about resonance. She is not swayed by what’s “in” this season because she knows her look is about more than just keeping up. It is more about feeling grounded, bold, and true to herself.
MINI CASSY
The soft blush pink CASSY dress tells all it needs to at first glance: sophistication at its finest. Through its tailored, minimalistic design, it holds a powerful presence that is difficult to ignore. The satin material is a standout choice, with a glossy, reflective quality that enhances the dress’s luxurious feel. Satin is often associated with glamour, and with the Cassy dress, the soft blush hue adds a touch of romantic elegance. The fabric’s sheen catches light beautifully, drawing attention without overwhelming the look.
Colour and Tone:
Blush pink is a versatile colour, embodying both femininity and a delicate feel. It is a shade that complements a variety of skin tones and brings warmth to the overall ensemble. The colour in the outfit is understated but far from boring—it allows the dress to make a statement while retaining a sense of softness.
Cut and Fit:
The dress is carefully tailored, with a fitted design that hugs the body without being too tight. The V-neckline adds a hint of allure, drawing the eye upward. The free hem at the bottom gives it a touch of playfulness, balancing the sleek design. Making the legs elongated, the dress is an ultimate classic that can make the wearer look casual, chic, sexy, and elegant in any setting.
Styling and Accessories:
Here, the choice of simple black pumps works harmoniously with the blush pink, soothing the outfit while adding a classic touch. Minimal jewellery allows the dress itself to remain the focal point, showcasing a modern take on elegance where less is more.
The entirety of this outfit makes it ideal for formal outings, cocktail events, or high-profile gatherings where understated elegance speaks volumes. It is a look that demands attention quietly, embodying confidence through simplicity.
BIANCA TWO-PIECE
A playful mix of colours and styles never hurts in fashion. At least when done with intentionality and skill. The BIANCA two-piece combines artistic flair with a sense of redefined elegance. The patterned mini dress, layered with a textured blush jacket, creates a blend of modern artistry and classic sophistication.
This outfit is all about contrasts in texture. The dress’s fabric appears to infuse a mix of soft and sharp textures, with the overlay jacket adding depth. The jacket’s textured sleeves and intricate detailing contrast beautifully with the smooth, printed dress, adding layers to the ensemble without making it overly complicated.
Pattern and Design:
The dress itself brings in a unique print that seems inspired by abstract art. Shades of blue and white give it a contemporary feel, while the brush-stroke-like patterns evoke a sense of creativity. This artistic choice complements the jacket’s blush tones, adding vibrancy to the otherwise soft colour.
Layering and Structure:
The structured, cropped jacket with voluminous sleeves enhances the entire outlook of the dress. It brings an avant-garde edge to an otherwise playful dress, making the outfit versatile enough for semi-formal settings. The contrast between the flared dress and the jacket’s puffy sleeves gives a modern twist to traditional silhouettes, showcasing a balance between formality and artistic expression.
Accessories and Styling:
The minimal black heels are a practical yet stylish choice, adding height and elegance without detracting from the outfit’s intricacies. Also, the subtle makeup and straight, polished hairstyle complement the look, allowing the outfit’s unique patterns to stand out.
When you have an outfit like the BIANCA dress, it is perfect for art exhibitions, fashion events, or up-to-par social gatherings. It speaks to a personality that values creativity and elegance, a person unafraid to mix textures and patterns in a refined way. This outfit doesn’t merely conform to trends, it rather redefines them, presenting a modern perspective on classic elegance.
Ohemaa’s choice of fabric style and cut in both of these outfits speaks to a deeper narrative about the power of fashion. In a world where self-expression is valued more than ever, choosing outfits that convey elegance and confidence can be empowering. Fashion is no longer just about clothing; it is about making a statement of unashamed boldness. These looks evoke a sense of empowerment through elegance, showing that poise is not about following trends but about expressing one’s identity.
They reflect a modern take on timeless fashion. A nod to the past with a gaze fixed firmly on the future. The decision to wear blush pink, a colour traditionally associated with femininity, in a bold, tailored form disrupts stereotypes and redefines what it means to dress with grace and authority.
Both outfits exude elegance and sophistication, but a few enhancements could elevate them further. For the Mini Cassy dress, a statement necklace or sleek drop earrings could complement the open neckline, drawing attention to the face while maintaining a minimalist appeal. For the Bianca outfit, refining the jacket’s length to better complement the dress by shortening the sleeves or making it more defined could make the jacket more cohesive. Heels in a color pulled from the dress’s pattern, like blue or blush pink, would bring out the dress’s artistic vibe and add visual interest.
All in all, elegance was made as a statement in the 2021 collection. It shows that Ohemaa knows elegance isn’t just a look; it’s a mindset, a way of saying, “This is who I am, and I stand by it.” She exudes this in all outfits.
YAAWAA will continue to be a brand committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, crafting high-quality, timeless fashion that has gained international acclaim for its minimalist aesthetic and superb craftsmanship. From chic workwear to standout occasion pieces, YAAWAA continues to offer versatile designs that integrate effortlessly into urban, social, and corporate life, giving a reminder to reflect on who you are and what you stand for through fashion.
So, next time you reach into your wardrobe, ask yourself: does this piece make me feel like the best version of me? If it does, then you know you’ve found elegance—your own personal, timeless brand of it.
ONE wonders why red lipstick never seems to go out of fashion; the fact is that it is a universal classic and has yet to go out of style. Many women assume they cannot pull it off but they are wrong. Here are some tips to follow.
The secret lays in the rest of your face – the paler your skin, the bigger the pop. You should go light on the eyes and blush; otherwise, you will risk looking like a clown. You can skip the eyeliner and make do with only mascara and make sure to apply to bottom lashes, this opens up your eyes. Dust your face with powder and cheeks with a soft blush
Line inside of the lips – the lipstick tends to bleed, so fill in the lips with the lip liner first before any other thing.
Pick the right colour – if you are light-skinned, you will look better in plum shades, darker girls would be flattered by warmer reds that have a brown base.
Do not let nails clash – contrary to what you might think, it is better to go for non-red nail polish when going on red lipstick. A clear and light polish is cool and dark polish is a trend that will not go away anytime soon. If you really want to go with the red polish, then make sure the colour matches your lips.
Blend it well – you do not have to stick to one shade of red, try to blend and create the perfect colours. If you buy a red lipstick shade that is too bright or dark, do not dispose it; instead, experiment with other lipstick shades that you have to create the perfect shade of red.
Do it light if you are older – the lips get thinner as we age and dark lips accentuate them. To prevent your lips from looking too stern, try a rosy red lipstick shade or you can avoid the red lips altogether and opt for a neutral shade then go ahead and play up your eyes.
CI Fashion takes center stage yet again, unveiling a remarkable Smart Casual Collection that seamlessly blends local flair with global appeal. Embracing Nigeria’s vibrant fashion culture, CI Fashion’s extensive array of attire caters to both local residents and the international community, contributing significantly to the nation’s thriving economy.
Nigeria‘s fashion landscape reverberates with cultural influence, reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. CI Fashion recognizes and embraces this resonance, carving out a niche that emphasizes the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style. This potent combination doesn’t just shape fashion trends but also plays a vital role in bolstering the country’s economic foundation.
While the allure of casual wear remains undeniable, CI Fashion’s collection transcends expectations by encompassing a diverse spectrum of styles. From the traditional to the timeless, each piece resonates with the unique essence of various occasions. CI Fashion’s smart casual selection is an embodiment of this very ethos, seamlessly blending comfort with elegance.
This midi dress stands as a testament to understated elegance. Crafted without intricate embellishments, it guarantees both charm and comfort, making it a perfect choice for those special events where sophistication meets relaxation.
An exquisite body-con dress adorned with a beautiful floral print. This creation, meticulously designed, is tailor-made for evening parties. Crafted from locally sourced high-quality fabrics, its vibrant colors add an extra layer of radiance.
Versatility finds its form in the Baircynn midi wrap. Seamlessly transitioning into a gown option, it radiates sophistication. Whether adorned with coordinating accessories or paired with classic heels, this attire is ideal for a range of settings – be it beach outings, movie nights, picnics, dinners, or birthdays.
Making a powerful statement, the Janzy midi gown is perfect for a multitude of occasions. From theater visits and weddings to gala events and corporate gatherings, its elegance knows no bounds. The captivating white and black flower print elevates its allure, catering to confident women with discerning tastes.
This meticulously crafted dress, designed with an eye for detail, redefines modern fashion. Tailored for both smart casual and corporate settings, Tamaraline represents the embodiment of style and professionalism for the contemporary working individual.
CI Fashion’s Smart Casual Collection masterfully navigates the intricacies of style, culture, and economy. With each piece carefully curated to reflect the modern individual’s dynamic lifestyle, CI Fashion once again demonstrates its prowess in reshaping the fashion landscape.
Today, we are showing you how to get Sharon Ooja Egwurube’s style. She’s popular actress known for her smartness and unique sense of style, as well as her killer confidence.
The fashionable Sharon always stands out in the boldest of designs and hues. She is never afraid to try new things and hits the right notes most of the time. Most celebs don’t always find the right balance on the red carpet.
Sharon looks glamorous in this cute and stylish pixel skirt suit paired with a red stilettos heels, simple drop earrings, silver wrist bangles and a simple time piece. Like the actress, add sparkles with sweet eyes make-up that enhances the dress’s plunging neck style. She is sensational without being fussy; style is all about bringing a fashion vibe with a fresh twist. Sharon’s style is characterised by flawless makeup and hair
AS a saying goes, a woman’s hair is her glory. And of all body features, nothing guarantees you that special outstanding look than a well-nourished and perfectly styled hair. With the help of the right hairstylist and good hair products you can move from looking ordinary to looking very fabulous.
To keep your hair healthy and luscious throughout the year, some things must be put in place. For example, dandruff must be kept away from the hair and if it’s found it must be treated quickly. Dandruff is caused by the poor circulation of oil into the root of hair or the scalp. This usually leads to dry scalps because of the lack of oil and also the head becomes itchy and scaly. In hair treatment, knowledge of one’s hair is important. You need to know the texture, elasticity and type of your hair. All these will determine the type of hair products you can use. I realised that most people don’t even have the time for chemical application. Every hair type must be timed so that you don’t over process the hair. It is not a matter of, ‘it is hurting me’? or ‘I will wait until it relaxes’. It is a matter of the strength of the relaxer you are using.
When it comes to conditioning the hair, hair must be properly conditioned. It is not about the oil. It is all about the protein of the conditioner you are putting into your hair and this is what will determine how healthy your hair can be. The key things in maintenance of hair are conditioning. If you have your hair conditioned all the time using the right conditioning, you are on your way to a perfect and fantastic hair.
Lustrous hair tips:
Do not expose your hair to too much blow dryer and thong machine; these can actually dry your hair out, if you are not conditioning it properly.
If the Relaxer is left on the hair for too long, it could lead to hair damage
Stress can lead to hair loss if you are on medications
Circulation of oil unto scalp-Poor circulation of oil unto the scalp can lead to dandruff
Poor conditioning-Conditioned to cut down on split-ends and breakage, have it trimmed on a regular basis and moisture your hair with conditioner to keep it in good shape. That is, trim hair after every chemical application.
Vitamin A makes your scalp healthy; it is found in vegetables especially carrots.
Eat protein rich foods like fish, meat, milk and cereals, proteins will give your hair more strength and will prevent it from breaking and splitting.
Your hair needs Vitamin E for shine and you can get this much needed vitamin by incorporating brown rice, nuts, wheat germ and leafy green vegetables into your diet.
Wash with Cold Water-A cold-water rinse is a great way to make dull hair shine; the cold water will close and smooth the cuticle, making hair appear shinier.
Apply hot-oil treatment once a week, too much of it can cause hair to become dull and lifeless.
Hair Mask-Apply shine increasing hairs mask once a week in order to condition and add gloss to dull ends.
Avoid weighing down your hair with numerous setting and styling products, these can dry out your hair and take away the shine.
Homemade Hair Mask with Eggs-Bring instant shine to your hair by evenly beating two eggs in milk. Apply the fusion to your damp hair, massaging in well, then leave for 10 –15 minutes and then rinse with mild shampoo.
Honey for sleek effect- this is good for hair. Mix four cups of warm water and one teaspoon of honey thoroughly, gently message and wash your hair with the solute, do not rinse out, allows it to dry.
Or mix three tablespoon of olive oil with a half cup of honey, coat your hair with the mixture and cover with a shower cap; leave on for thirty to forty minutes and rinse with cool water.
Aspirin magic
Dissolve two aspirin tablets into your anti-dandruff shampoo before you wash your hair
The wrong use of chemicals-look for the type of hair products that flows with your hair type and stick to it religiously
Oluwatoyin Deborah Oyesanya is the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Hugs Surprises. As an entrepreneur, she has done much helping lovebirds express themselves in unique ways. Celebrating Valentine this week, she agrees, is unique. She opines that
Valentine should be an everyday thing. Interestingly, the energetic lady in her 30s has gone through the hardest time of life, but through divine intervention by a simple show of love from a friend, her life was turned around. In return, she decided to touch lives and prevent people from falling into depression or, worse still, committing suicide, reports Yetunde Oladeinde.
WHAT inspired you to go into entrepreneurship?
The concept behind Royal Hugs Surprises is to make people happy. We make people happy because there are so many sad people in this country, so it is important to make people happy by surprising people.
Tell us how you do this?
People usually contact us, telling us who they want us to make happy; a wife, husband, a child or anybody they wish to make happy with a surprise on special occasions. Most of the occasion is always birthdays. If it is not birthday, it is wedding anniversary, or ‘I love you’ or may be ‘I’m sorry’; that’s when you have offended a loved one. Or sometimes it might just be ‘I love you’, an occasion where you try to put smile on the person’s face. So we go as a team to surprise the person and our job is to make them happy. We go there with positive vibe, we do our best; we sing and dance. I love positive vibe and we always go with that positive vibe. We just want to make the world a better place.
Honestly, that is the vision. What we are doing now is that we are trying to build a concept where we tell people that it does not have to be a special occasion or St. Valentine Day before you show love to someone.
We have a lot of surprise packages for St. Valentine Day! It is the busiest period of the year for us.
So what does Valentine Day mean to you personally?
Valentine means love, showing love and spreading love; making people happy and making people feel loved. That’s what valentine means to me. I love valentine!
So if I am to surprise someone special at this period, what are the things you would do for me?
Well, what we do is that we ask the person contacting us to give us some details about the person he/she wants us to surprise, because we do not know anything about such people and for us to really surprise a person and make him/her happy, we need to know a bit about the person’s personality. Is the person quiet or is he/she loud? What does the person like?
What we do is that someone would just call us and say, for example, please surprise my wife with a car. They go that far. We have done so many deliveries of cars to loved ones. What we do basically is to just love. They also call us for proposal. Like I want to propose to my girlfriend; we do all that.
So, for me, personally I feel every day should be valentine. As I said, we have various packages which people can pick up to show love but it doesn’t have to a on a particular day before you show love to someone.
So, what if I am someone that does not like surprises?
Now, what really gets them is the saxophone. The highlight of the surprise is usually the saxophone we bring along during a surprise visit to someone. So, if the person is a kind of person that does not like surprises, we do not go with saxophone. We just drop the gift and wish the person happy birthday and leave. Obviously, there are people that do not like surprises.
How would you describe the experience so far?
The impact has been far-reaching. Through this job we have surprised Aliko Dangote. We surprised him two years ago. We have surprised so many people including 90 percent of our celebrities. So, it has opened doors for me, personally, to meet amazing people.
I am the only child of my mom and so, I am very emotional. So, everything gets me because they don’t see it coming. So, I would say that 90 percent of all we have done gets to me. You know most of the time these people cry and so they get to me. Obviously, I can’t cry there. I have to be professional. So, I wouldn’t say a particular one; I would say almost everything.
What inspired you to do this?
At a point in life I felt very lonely. That was exactly five years ago. I was extremely depressed. I didn’t feel loved. I didn’t feel life was worth living. It was just a little bit for me to commit suicide. It wasn’t a good feeling and just about then, someone from Port Harcourt, a friend I hardly talked with, sent me a cake on my birthday.
That cake was like a million naira to me because, from that moment, I felt loved. It touched me so much because I wasn’t expecting it and it just lifted my spirit. And I said wow, if this can happen to me, I can as well make it happen to other people. So, I started doing same to my friends without charging them and I saw the way it usually brightened up their day or mood. From there, I said I could turn this into business and that was how I started charging people.
Then boom, boom, boom… that was how it all started. So, the business started out of depression. And then my friend sent me a cake and he just made my day.
Would you say it is lucrative?
It has been good. I thank God. I didn’t need to start with any capital because people will always send the money I use in purchasing things for the surprise packages for them. I don’t use my money. So, the business has been extremely rewarding.
Tell us about growing up. What was your childhood dream?
I didn’t really have a dream growing up. Come to think about it! I was just the normal child. But what I know is that I have always loved money right from my younger days. I attended Chrisland Schools in Opebi, Lagos, and then I went to Queens College, Lagos, before I finally travelled abroad to attend a college. I came back home and completed my university at Caleb University, Lagos, where I studied Economics. But then I had already started selling Lolly Pop while I was in secondary school to make money and at a point I was suspended from school for selling sweets at school. When I entered the university too, I started a restaurant /barbecue business. So I have always had passion for entrepreneurship rather than dreaming of becoming a lawyer or doctor.
What were your parents’ reactions when they found out you started pursuing money at a very tender age?
I think I took after my mother. She is a serial businesses woman, so I definitely took after her. And, today, she is extremely proud of me.
What are the challenges like doing this kind of business?
Logistics is the most challenging, especially the traffic in Lagos. It has been tough but we still thank God.
If you were not into surprises what else would you have loved to do?
I would have loved to be a caterer because I love cooking and I am still looking forward to doing that someday.
What is your vision for Royal Hugs Surprises?
We want to go global. The truth is that I travel a lot and each time I travel, I try to make people happy for free wherever I find myself. Obviously, in some countries, I am not allowed to work there, so I do such for free for close friends and family members to put smiles on their faces. My vision for real is, first thing first, to focus on Nigeria and how to make people happy because there are so many depressed people.
Lots of people are falling into depression and committing suicide in recent times, especially young people.
From your experience in the past how would you advise them?
Okay, because I am very spiritual, I would advise that we get closer to God, regardless of your religion. Just believe that there is someone that created you and has a purpose for your life. Nobody is having it easy; you just need strength not to give up. So, honestly, I would advise for you to first of all connect with the Creator.
If not for God I would have died. I was so sad! You don’t need to give up because everything in life is stages. And one thing I have noticed, especially for myself, is that when good things want to come, that’s when it gets so tough. So, don’t give up. It is a challenge that would come to pass, then you find a solution. So why take your life? Just face that challenge. It might be long but don’t give up. I love positivity. Be positive and surround yourself with positive people; people that would encourage you. But first believe in God because God is real.
Convener of ‘Why I am alive’ campaign and CEO, content creation and media broadcasting company, Eureka Productions Ltd, Caroline Moore tells Gboyega Alakaher favourite things
Favourite designer
Nigeria Louis
Vuitton, Hermes
Favourite wrist-watch
Michael Kors
Favourite food
Vegetable salad and chicken. Native favourite is Edikaikong
Favourite holiday spot
Trinidad and Tobago.
Philosophy of life
Love.
Favourite car
Range Rover Sport.
Best for Nigeria is Toyota and a Tundra
Kind of people
People who are concerned about other people’s emotion, respectful and hardworking people
