Category: Fashion

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.

Olamide Agunloye is the CEO of Iconola. She is a designer who is passionate about making others look good. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about how it all started as a gift, moving into interior designs, her memorable moments, challenges and more.

HAT inspired you to go into designing?

You can’t ignore a gift. That’s the first thing I’ll say.

I recognised that I had a gift from an early age, and that was the beginning for me.

At that point, I could draw and I was also very specific about my personal style. I knew what I wanted from the onset.  You can imagine a five-year not wanting to go to school if she didn’t wear a particular dress. That was me.

There is an internal push that I can’t explain. And it helps me to recognise inspiration within different things, to create design details, which essentially is what design is.

Let’s talk about your experience and some of the recognitions and awards.

We are the first ready-to-wear clothing brand for women in Nigeria and that’s a huge thing. That, for me, is recognising an opportunity to create a solution for a problem. Interestingly, a lot of people didn’t even know that what we had was a challenge but I’m glad I was privileged to key into an industry I very much believe in.

I started as a bridal wear designer and gained recognition for doing bridals and evening wear. We have been nominated for many awards. In 2007, I won the Hottest Designer for the City People Awards. Over the years, I have collaborated with lots of personal and professional brands to create collections and design solutions that have also opened my eyes to the potential in the sector.

What excites and motivates your designs?

Everything! This is because I am a very visual person and it brings out the creativity in me. Everything I see captivates me and my mind works fast. As I look around, I discover a variety of design options and I like to adapt everything into wearable art.

You want to talk about some memorable moments in your life and career?

There has been a ton of events so I can’t say that one particular thing has been The Mark. However, I would say that everything has come together to make our brand what it is. The realisation that the industry has so much potential is primarily what drives me. There is so much that I want to do and I would say that I am not near where I am going!

There is a lot of milestones ahead of me. And I pray for the grace to achieve the vision.

What are some of the challenges?

Like every business in the country, there are challenges but that does not deter me. Expanding has been the major challenge.

I must also say that what my thoughts were about business and what they are now are very different. It has actually been a learning curve. For the product, I think that quality control is a big one because the focus should be on the product.

Design needs to have standards and since we don’t have an institution that measures and enforces each individual business standards, we all have to have our standards of quality and put measures in place to measure and enforce those standards, so that our product is good and brings satisfaction to the end user. The crux of the matter is that the common staff in this business is uneducated and unenlightened. There’s a big challenge there.

The other thing I’ll say is understanding the business of fashion. Fashion is not just about expression of creativity, it’s about creating a sustainable business that caters to our standard of living and that of our workers.

Essentially, every business needs support. And like most entrepreneurs, I got sucked into the idea of raising funds the normal way, which is loans. But I have come to the realisation that building a sustainable business is a process. And now my major concern is to build my market share.

The major challenge is how? I am or rather perhaps I should say, I have become a huge advocate of support. We need to focus on raising funds through support in form of sales and patronage.

While loans have helped me a lot, what sustains the repayment and profit is sales. Building a module of demand and supply; marketing and sales target are something every business needs. I concentrate a lot on that. Also, I learn a lot from my day-to-day activities to continuously build this brand.

While the creative aspect is more innate and personal, the business aspect I have developed with time and experience, and it’s an ongoing challenge which makes me stronger as a person and as a business.

How do you cope with them?

Interestingly, I will say that maths and science were a great strength of mine in school. That is still in my blood. That is what helps me.

I calculate on paper and I strategise on paper. If it does not pan out well, then I go back to my calculations. The answers are always there.

The truth here is that the simple equation a+bx=c, where x is a variable factor, that is the equation I work with. I know my expectations (c) and I know my product (a) and I know my efforts (b). If I don’t get the results I want, then I have to change something. Sometimes it’s x, sometimes it’s a, b or c. So, you can see that it is always clear and mathematics doesn’t tell lies. It’s always clear and it’s always simple.

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

I got used to saying Vera Wang and Monique Llhuiler, but that’s on a creative note. My strongest influence has been Oprah. When someone stands the test of time, being true to themselves, I admire that. When someone is flexible enough to change with the time and tide, I admire that.

In addition, when someone goes through personal setbacks and stays strong and focused, I admire that. When someone stands up for other people, I admire that.

What are the other things that occupy your time?

I do interior and construction work because my love of design doesn’t stop with clothing. I am obsessed with designing space as I am in designing bodies.

In my spare time, I source for content. This includes content for design as well as content for the mind.

I love words. So I read and I write. That is also another part of my creative side.

That is not all. I love pictures. I love movies too.

 

Let’s compare when you started and now; what has changed?

That’s a good question. Age. And when that changes, there’s growth; growth for the business and growth for me. Through pain and pleasure, it has all been worth it.

Any changes you would like to see in the sector?

Support. I have developed this hashtag on instagram #supportAfrica.

You can build a good product but no one will know about it if there is no support.

There’s a certain type of way that we snob the good in each other in this part of the world. Can you imagine the changes that we can create if we stood together, supporting each other and our products?

I strongly believe that the known brands should support unknown brands. Banks and finance ial institutions should support (beyond loans) and follow up what their clients are doing. Individuals should support, and friends should support.

There is also support by buying. Most businesses need to meet sales targets. That’s all.

What is your definition of style?

My definition of style is something interesting. It has to be wearable and it has to reflect my personality. While comfort is key, I am not big on the grunge or sporty look. I like architectural details on clothes. I like lines and I curves and am big on details. I am also a huge advocate of classic and simple styles. I also love items that can stand the test of time!

What are some of the things that you treasure most in your life?

I treasure my sons. I also treasure my creativity, my personality, my business and my family.

How do you relax?

Solitude is a big one for me. I detox. I think. I also clear my energy space and I like to figure me out, by myself. When I am not doing all these, I love music. I love playing card games and word games.

I write, read and watch movies.

What are some of the principles that you hold onto?

My dad always said, character is the most important thing in the world. My mom always said every disappointment is a blessing in disguise. Funny enough, all the others mostly stem from Bible passages, like Romans 14.23b and whatever is not of faith is sin. I apply my vision despite what I can see.

I also believe in 1 Thessalonians 4.9, which admonishes you to mind your business, work with your hands, be self sufficient so that you won’t be a burden unto others. This one is pretty self explanatory. I just stay in my line.

And most likely the whole of Psalms and Proverbs. Seeking wisdom! That’s huge for me.

There are many things that seem right but lead to death, that’s Proverbs. To me, things that have become common place in our world like complaining, gossiping, speaking negatively etc… I have knowledge… So I embody it… It might not satisfy every one… But I have obeyed the voice within more than the one without.

All of these and more make me who I am.

Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models

I admire all business people. It takes a different kind of effort and tenacity to do business. It’s not easy.

I applaud everyone who is working on something they are extremely passionate about.

If you had to advise women, what would you tell them?

We are all on the same team. The world tries to divide us and therefore often conquers us. My advice is that we hold one féminine voice. Uphold each other and support each other. For business, I will say learn all you can. Do what you can with what you have. Start where you are and by all means put your best foot forward at all times.

YASMINE Folawiyo looks chic in this cute number. It’s stylishly dressy and completely copyable. Really, Yasmine won’t mind a bit!

Appealing Yasmine wore a white pleated peter-collar short sleeve shirt and wide-legged jeans. Velvet sea green turban hat, emerald-green croc handbag and black wedge slippers completed her charming look.

She favoured simple accessories, adding earrings.  Meanwhile, her infectious smile provided the real wow factor.

ANY outfit can go from drab to stunning with the right accessories. You just need to learn to buy pieces that express your personality. Below are some tips to help you accessorize like a pro.

Cuff links Large: large earrings can be a great way to dress up a casual or formal outfit. They draw attention to your face and add sparkle. Whether 80’s door knockers are your thing, or you prefer chunky faux diamond studs, a statement earring can always add drama to an outfit.

Long necklaces: long dangling necklaces are a hot trend. They create long vertical lines which make you look taller and leaner!

Be careful with proportions. If you are wearing an outfit that is big and voluminous, scale back on the accessories. If you are wearing something sleeker, you can go a little bigger and bolder with a chunky cocktail ring or big, bright handbag.

Cinch it: add a belt. Add a wide belt over a flowy dress, or use a brightly coloured belt over a black cardigan and white tank to add interest to the outfit and emphasise your curves.

The more basic the outfit, the bolder your accessories can be. Amazing outfits are all about balance. For example, pair a simple tee shirt and jeans combo with a pair of polka dot flats, a long sparkly pendant necklace and a few layered bangles in different types of metals. Accessories can add complexity and interest to a plain look, balancing everything out.

Less is more: Don’t wear too many accessories at once. Exercise a little bit of restraint with accessories. For instance,  if you have statement earrings on, don’t add bangles, a cocktail ring, and a scarf. Keep it to one or two main pieces.

Bracelets: layered bangles are a hot trend this season. Wear a bunch on one arm to easily add sparkle to an outfit.

Buy accessories that convey a part of your personality. When you buy accessories, go for pieces that you are attracted to.

Mix & match effectively: Don’t be afraid to mix colour and materials. Mixing up your jewellery creates a fabulous vintage look, so don’t be afraid to throw things together. How do you accessorise? These are just a few of my tips for accessorising your outfits, and there are lots of other accessories I didn’t even get into here. But now I want to hear from you – what are your favourite accessories? Are you a jewellery person, or do you prefer the basic bags and shoes approach?

Francesca Uriri is a communications professional with over 10 years’ experience spanning corporate relations, corporate reputation management, event architecture, media management and content development. She is also the founder of Leading Ladies Africa, a women empowerment organisation that celebrates the lives of African women, and promotes gender inclusion. She speaks with Adetutu Audu at her recently curated ‘Running in Heels’ conference where she shares her insights on finding the right balance between family and career, women working in technology companies amongst other issues.  

HERE did the vision for this project come from?

As a working woman, I have been in the corporate world formally for 12 years but informally for about 14 years. During the course of my career, I have attended a lot of trainings and conferences which are great because I believe in self development. However, some of the questions I have, like many of my peers, have not been addressed or addressed in the way that I understand or connect with. So, for me, it was a question of doing something about it, like the Chinese adage says, ‘instead of cursing in the darkness, light a candle’. Instead of complaining that I am not getting anything from these trainings or workshops, why not put together something that can create value specifically for a certain target audience or group of women who in this case are millennial women? Millennials have a bad rap, and there is a report that claims that they make up sixty percent of the work force; so that is massive and a lot of skilling and training needs to be done for them and others in that category to be able to get to wherever it is they are going. The big idea therefore was to bring conversation closest and deeper to the people who would be benefit from it and who are most affected so that they can have honest, realistic, heartfelt and in the long run, impactful conversations.

What is the concept behind Leading Ladies Africa?

With Leading Ladies Africa, I asked myself what I’m trying to achieve. Is it just another women organisation or just another platform touting women empowerment? I have had to drill down to three strategic pillars that guide the organisation; leadership, diversity and inclusion. Leadership is key because the average woman does not see herself as a leader. She abdicates that position to someone else, whether she is in the work place, at home, politics or business. The average woman does not think of herself as being able to lead, so we want to change that mindset and cultural conditioning to allow women to see themselves as leaders.

The diversity part is simply this: not every person will become an entrepreneur or a career person. So we need a diverse group of women in government, business, politics to make the conversation impactful and the growth that we are looking for possible. This, of course, is predicated around an inclusive strategy that says we have all these diverse group of people, how do we include them in the conversation? We have heard phrases like lean in, put your best foot forward, so how do we incorporate all of these “elements and ingredients”, to make sure that the impact that we are looking for is wholesome and sustainable? The idea is to push women forward, equip them, and to promote diversity and inclusion – no matter how diverse and different we all are, we can be included in the conversation as women.

There is the notion that women don’t get along with other women. How true has that experience been for you?

From my experience, this notion is hugely false. Without going into too many details, every professional and career milestone that I have achieved in my life has been because of a woman. My strongest business and career mentors are all women. I have had women championing my cause all the way or my colleagues at work who support me to be great at what I do. I think it is a stereotype that people feed because it sounds controversial and a good conversation starter but for me there has never been any truth in it.

Why do you think that people perpetrate this sort of narrative?

I think it is very easy for people to hang onto something that is negative. I’ll use this analogy: I go to work and my boss is in a bad mood. Because I expect her to be nice to me all the time, I immediately feel that oh she is mean and a bad boss but that is not always the truth. We must dig deeper, our bosses are human, and they are individuals. Again it’s like saying all Africans are fraudsters. Sadly, it is a lazy way of thinking and I don’t think there is any truth in that narrative, which is why it is important for voices like mine to be heard and added to the conversation. I look at myself, the first start in my career was with the late Alima Atta of Sesema PR, who trained and shaped me. She raised me and taught me everything I know about PR and communications today and there are a plethora of women whom I call my tribe who stand as pillars and bulwarks, providing all the support that I could ever want.

The metaphor ‘running in heels’ which is the theme of your conference is an interesting one. What informed this?

Essentially, this metaphor speaks to the fact that women are able to do a lot under pressure. For the men folk, who may not know what it feels like to walk in heels, truth is there is a lot of pain and balance going on, there is a lot of pressure. There is pressure; you are fighting to maintain balance, walk a straight line and there are all kinds of things happening with you running in heels. It is instructive to note that for the quintessential woman or the contemporary woman, whether she is a trader, or in the work place or politics, she is running in heels, because for us it is all about the balance. Women are everyday whether it is juggling your job, family, immediate and extended, we are trying to make our biggest impact under the highest amount of pressure and we do it well but you don’t always see it. So the idea behind this theme is that even though there is pressure and there are challenges, we are still able to achieve our set goals in life.

The plenary sessions had a stellar cast of panellists. How did you bring them together?

The selection and invitation of panellists was driven by need and when things are driven by need instead of fads or what is cool, the results are evident. There was a lot of thought that went in the process which devolves from the big idea for this conference – what are the conversations that millennial women want to have and how do we want to have them and who do we have to have them? And so in the tech panel, personalities such as Omasan Ogisi, General Manager, Corporate Affairs at MTN Nigeria; Omokehinde Adebanjo, Vice President & Area Business Head for West Africa, Rimini Makama, Government Affairs Director, Emerging Markets (Nigeria & Ghana) Microsoft Young who are young women in their own rights but they have been able to achieve certain things in a particular sector that was, maybe 10 or 15 years ago, was considered a boys’ club. We want to see that kind of shift happen on a sustainable basis. Having people on panels that spoke directly to the pressure, the challenges and issues that a lot of young women have or are dealing with is why we curated these awesome panellists.

How do we get more women in tech?

A key output from one of the sessions is the fact that there are already more women in tech. Look at Omasan Ogisi, who spoke on the women in tech panel; she came with four female team members who work with her in the corporate affairs division at Africa’s largest tech company, MTN Nigeria. So the way that we view working in technology as coding, network engineering, software development, full stack developers has got to change.  There are HR women in tech, communications women, marketing women all working in tech and there are also engineers, scientists, analysts. So there is ample evidence that points to the fact that there are women in tech already. What has to happen is that we need to amplify what these women in tech are doing and how they contribute to the overall conversations that are happening in the tech space. Also, look at Bozoma Saint John at Uber. She is a woman in tech but is doing something totally different.  As Chief Brand Officer of Uber, she is creating a narrative that women who look, behave and act like her can also be in technology.

How do you balance the sense of tokenism that comes with driving a woman first hiring policy for instance?

I will take the tokenism first because that gets our foot in the door. That would work first so that once we get in; we pull the whole world, the barriers and the blockades down. If you hire me because you think that it’s cool to have one woman on the board and that is fine for you, but before I leave that place, I will ensure that I have brought in four or five other women on the board.  The responsibility lies with the women who are in these positions and places. Just because you were hired or appointed as a tokenistic action does not mean you should remain as a token or remain in isolation, it means you should pull other women through. Bola Atta says that she hires women and it is deliberate. If the men are not going to be deliberate about that, then we women ought to do that. So, you hire me as a token, that is well and good, but as a manager, I am going to make sure that my team has a fantastic representation of qualified and competent women.

So how do we scale up platforms for women to excel?

There has got to be a historical context to this. From history, we’ve had strong women as our mothers and grandmothers. My grandmother, an Isoko woman, had huge farms in the old Bendel State where she farmed cassava for garri, poultries and so on. Let us talk about things that are very possible. We have very tired narratives of women who don’t grow or who are pigeon-holed, that is not our history. We also need to amplify the experiences of those that are currently doing well. So if you know women that are doing like great things, amplify those conversations. Thirdly, create platforms for events where women can connect, network and learn. Men do that informally when they hang out clubs, beer parlours, and other like spaces. There is some peer mentoring going on there. We need to do more of that as women to get things ahead.

What would be your advice to young ladies who are just leaving the university and are looking at climbing the corporate ladder?

The first thing I would say is develop your skills and competencies. I see too many young women who haven’t mastered the art of focus. I’ll say to them don’t be a master of nothing; hone your skills, develop competency in something because that is what gets your foot in the door. Secondly, get a mentor, a champion or a coach or people who are looking out for you in your career or business. It makes the journey easier to be able to have support from these people. Thirdly, don’t give up. It will be hard, difficult, you would be confused, confounded and exhausted, challenged, but you will also be inspired. So don’t give up and keep pressing forward.

How did you surmount your challenges?

I would like to disabuse the notion of people as total packages because I think that everyone is still a work in progress. Who I am in the next five years is definitely not where I am now or where I was five years ago, so I am constantly working, levelling up and up skilling. As to how I dealt with challenges, I just kept at it and refused to checkout. I have made that conscious decision to lean all the way in – whether it is in developing my skills or making career choices, I am not going to checkout. I am on a journey and nothing is going to make me check out. I am a work in progress, so everything that you see about me, there is refining, reshaping and rejuvenation happening.

What is the best advice you have ever received in your career that has aided you?

Know your stuff. Interestingly, it was a guy who provided this insight. And this is because as a woman, you are sometimes not going to be given airtime to perform, so you need to come ready and hit the floor running. If I am not going to have enough airtime as some of my male counterparts have, then I have to come like a sharp sword and come very big. Secondly, in the last couple of years, I have learnt that aside from being competent, the need to have emotional intelligence in the work place. Interestingly, we often apply it to issues like relationships and marriage but we seldom bring that to work. It is essential because you are interacting and managing different people at work, so you have to bring these soft skills that you don’t always learn at business school.

Nneka Egbeebubechukwu makes the megabucks from the maritime sector as a clearing and forwarding agent; a sector dominated by men. In this encounter with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, the things that drive her, her passion for the poor, turning point in life and more.

IT is a Saturday afternoon and you are at the permanent site of the beggar’s colony in Lagos. Instead of the long faces, there is a transformation here today. It is party time and there are lots of laughter in the air. The inmates are dancing, talking and eating.

That was the scenario recently when Nneka Egbe Ebubechukwuma, a businesswoman and clearing and forwarding expert, and her friends shared memorable moments and her passion for the needy and abandoned members of the society.

The CEO of Zenith Logistics talks about conquering her world, challenges and the things that drive and motivate her. “The sector is very interesting and there are so many things happening on a daily basis. I must also say that it is not easy but God has been so faithful. I have been in the sector for ten years and there has been a lot of memorable experience for me.”

You remind her about the challenges in the sector and she takes her time to explain that finding solutions to challenges actually drives her to excel and succeed in business. “As a woman, you must be dedicated and hard working. Once you know what you are doing, then you would stand out of the crowd.”

She continues: “Making  an impact in business is not just about making money, it is about making a difference in your sector, having your management style as well as  making an impact in the lives of the people you work with or work for. Personally, I derive joy when people have problems and I am there to provide solutions and turn things around.”

She quips about the high points and the issues that affect international trade in her sector: “It can be very tough and competitive but once you know your onions, then you would stand out and walk tall. The most important part of it all is that you must be skilled and intelligent in business management and logistics. Managing people and having a good relationship with your client is very important. It involves a lot of negotiations and your clients must be able to trust your judgment and capacity to deliver.”

Now, you want to know why she chooses to celebrate her birthday in a home for the destitute and she replies this way: “I have a passion for that. I feel so fulfilled celebrating with the less-privileged. Since I was little, it has been my dream to own a motherless home. But I need to start somewhere, to achieve this dream. Today, I feel so fulfilled and happy too.”

To buttress her point, Nneka explains that many lives have been lost across the country since the beginning of the year. “We must always be grateful to God for saving and sparing our lives on a daily basis. This is just to thank God for the grace of adding another year. We are only alive by his grace,” she reiterates.

Life, she agrees, has been tough for many and it is important for those who are empowered to assist because government cannot do everything. “In the past few weeks, I have put in my widows mite. I have visited some homes trying to reach out to as many less-privileged people in the society. I went to the motherless home, a Catholic motherless home in Ago in Okota. I also sent things to another motherless home in Ogi River through my sister who is based there. In addition, I have been able to touch another group, the leprosy people, and that is what gives satisfaction. It has been a very wonderful experience and for me there is nothing as important as touching lives. While I am celebrating here today with the beggars’ colony, in Ebute Meta Lagos, my sister is also celebrating simultaneously with prisoners in Enugu.”

Moved almost to tears, she continues her story: “Last year, I did not celebrate my birthday because I had a terrible accident. It was a domestic accident but it nearly took my life. As a matter of fact, after everything I had that grace to be alive today. So, that opened my eyes to a lot of things and the need to touch lives.”

The saying ‘a beggar has no choice’ comes to mind, but Nneka thinks that should not be the attitude. “I think we should give them our best. I usually want them to still feel that they belong to the society, that they are important and have a future ahead. It is important to show them love and show them that those of us that have the grace still love them.”

One other thing that she is passionate about is motherhood. She therefore advocates that mothers must give their children quality time and attention, no matter what. “I am a mother of eight children. It is just grace.”

Now, the conversation moves on to the role of women in mainstream politics and how Nigerian women can make a great impact in the coming elections and she replies this way: “This is election season and my advice to women all over the country is to stand out and support one another. We need to be our sisters’ keepers and be speaking for them. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the opportunity and it is important to rally round those who have the opportunity, so that they can be successful. Also, there is a lot of ignorance and many do not know or understand what is going on out there. My advice is that whenever you have that opportunity, always grab it and use it well.”

She also adds that “We must also reach out to the less-privileged ones like the widows, orphans and make your impact felt in any way that you know that you are capable of. I also have widows that I take care of. I derive joy in doing this and I will keep doing this.”

Just before she leaves, Nneka has a word of advice for Nigerian women. “I want them to keep doing good. We must continue to impact our communities, families and the home. I would also tell them to see the less-privileged ones as themselves. Always put them in your shoes. The truth is that, we just have the grace. So, whenever you have the grace, you have to stretch out your hands.”

CHIC bridal dresses are now mostly preferred by a lot of today’s free-spirited brides who want to look effortlessly chic.  Judging from the rate at which traditional styles are going out of fashion. Gone are the days wedding dresses usually have puffed sleeves and high-necked styling.

Besides style, the choice of bridal colours has since become competitive. Making a fashion statement on one’s l-do day is now common. Nowadays, the brides’ dress doesn’t have to be white anymore.

There are now so many alternatives. And the rule this season is the ball-gown which comes with a mostly-detachable robe, which is removed immediately after the church service. Three things led to changes in bridal dress design; the church, taste of the society and money.

Get inspired by these gorgeous wedding dresses!

THE premium textile brand, Vlisco, this year honours all inspiring women in Nigeria during the entire month of March, to celebrate women in line with the global commemoration of International Women Day. For the past five years, the first-class textile brand has selected some of Africa’s most inspiring and successful women to be its ambassador, unveiling them across Central and West Africa in the month of March.  Last week, Dr. Yolanda George-David was unveiled as the Nigeria 2018 Vlisco Ambassador, taking over the mantle from Mrs. Dotun Akande, founder of Patrick Speech and Language Centre. Dr. Yolanda is a wife and mother, a neurosurgeon with her primary residency in obstetrics and gynaecology as well as a clinical & relational psychologist. She is also an academic, a multiple award winning international speaker, a business woman, media personality, a human rights activist and the founder of Aunt Landa’s Bethel Foundation. Dr. Yolanda began her charitable work aged 16 and has since been very passionate about getting people off the streets. Driven by her passion to change the world one person at a time, she founded Aunt Landa’sBethel Foundation.

In introducing the new ambassador, business strategy manager, Vlisco Nigeria, Yvonne Chioke, elaborated on her extensive humanitarian work, particularly with regards to the empowerment of women and girl-child. She said, “We are proud to work with an ambassador who shares the same values as Vlisco in empowering women across the country. Her passion and dedication to the cause of giving a new lease of life to some of the most traumatised and marginalised people in our society is truly commendable. We look forward to supporting her in making a difference in more lives.”

EVERYONE looks good in hand painted dress! So, it’s a bonus that hand painted dress is a huge fashion trend this season. The great thing is that hand painted dress basic items are classic. They will never go out of style, and we know that you can never have too much of it in your wardrobe.

And the mainstream fashion and celebrities are going back to artistic because a hand painted can always be counted on to deliver a best-dressed look with hardly any extra effort.

Basic tips to rock the look

Glam up your little black dress without piling on many accessories

Opt for bold and innovative accessories

A tailored jacket will make the whole day-to-evening-to-dance-floor transition a total easy task.