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Tag: Agbani Darego

  • Agbani Darego: A fashion icon’s enduring style

    Agbani Darego: A fashion icon’s enduring style

    By Ojochenemi Priscillia

    Agbani Darego, the first African to hold the Miss World title in the year 2001, is still relevant in the fashion world both in Nigeria and outside the country. Her style, carriage, and grace are those which have influenced the young people in fashion.

    Born on December 22 1982, in Lagos, Nigeria, Darego was only 16 when she commenced modeling professionally. The young lady was crowned Miss Nigeria in the year 2000 and went on to clinch the Miss World title a year after making her ascent to fame meteoric. This was also a shift in the global pageantry as far as the participation of Africans was concerned and this prepared the ground for generations of African models and beauty queens to come.

    Darego’s dressing is made up of basic cuts and styles complimented with contemporary fabrics and prints, rich and bold colors, and fabrics, and elements of African traditional garments cut with modern design. A sophisticated evening gown is often styled with subtle accessories, effortless hairstyles, and natural makeup, resulting in a timeless and captivating presence that exudes genuine beauty. She has also stepped into the Nigerian fashion industry and advocated the fusion of Nigerian and contemporary fashion.

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    Agbani Darego’s post-pageant life has been marked by a successful modeling career, with appearances in top fashion magazines and runways. She has also ventured into business, launching her own denim line, AD by Agbani Darego, in 2015. Darego has been open about her experiences as a model and entrepreneur, sharing her insights on the importance of hard work and resilience. Her journey serves as a testament to the possibilities available to young Africans who pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance.

    Agbani Darego’s fashion sense is characterized by elegance and versatility. She has walked the runways for top designers like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren. Darego has also appeared in editorials for prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Her style evolution has been marked by a transition from pageant queen to high-fashion model, showcasing her adaptability and range. With a penchant for classic silhouettes and bold prints, Darego’s fashion choices continue to inspire and influence African fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

    Over the years, Darego has embraced the role of a fashion muse and in doing this she has made her contributions for the art of history. She has in turn, paraded local fashion in international stages. The young people of Nigeria have learnt from her achievements and have developed to be proud of who they are and their roots. Darego continues to command the respect of the people in Nigeria’s fashion industry.

  • Celebs with peculiar bends to their birthdays

    Everyone has a birth day. But for some twice-lucky people, their birthdays fall on days set aside for public holiday, religious festivals or days that coincide with significant events in their lives.

    Below are some celebrities whose birthdays fall on special days or have extra significant issues that make their birthdays memorable.

    Dapo Abiodun

    Governor Dapo Abiodun, the executive governor of Ogun State, is a major player in the oil and gas sector. He was born on May 29, 1960. Incidentally, he won the governorship election of Ogun State in the recently concluded general election and was sworn-in as the fifth executive governor of the state on May 29 like his elected counterparts in other states.

    Olu Falae

    The abduction of former Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG) and former presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) by herdsmen on September 21, 2015, by a twist of fate, coincided with his 77th birthday. The elder statesman was born on September 21, 2015.

    Chioma Ajunwa

    Chioma Ajunwa is better known as the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event than for her day job as a senior officer in the Nigeria Police Force. Ajunwa, an assistant commissioner of police, was born on Christmas Day, Dec 25.

    David Oyelowo

    British-Nigerian actor, David Oyelowo, marks his birthday on April 1, the day set aside worldwide for great fun, where people make a fool of one another. Oyelowo, also a director, producer, and screenwriter was born in Oxford, the United Kingdom.

    Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele

    Many people would wonder whether Chief Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele, a former Director of Budget and Special Adviser on Budget Affairs to President Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1983, only celebrates his birthday once in every four years. Reason? He was born on February 29, 1932; a day that only comes up on the calendar once in every four years.

    Agbani Darego

    Born on December 22, 1982, in Abonema, Rivers, Darego is one of Nigeria’s most famous beauty queens and models. She became popular after winning the Miss World crown. She was the first African to win the pageant. Her birthday falls on a Judaism festival call the Chanukah.

    Sophie Okonedo

    Sophie, an English film, theatre and television actress, was born on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1969, in London to a British mother and a Nigerian father- who we heard left the family when Sophie was still quite young. In 2004, Sophie Okonedo was nominated for an Oscar – in the category “Best Supporting Actress” – for her role as Tatiana in the movie “Hotel Rwanda.”

    Damishi Sango

    Damishi Sango was born on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1950 in Ganawuri, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was appointed Nigerian Minister of Sports in the first cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo, holding office between June 1999 and January 2001.

    Abdullahi Ibrahim Gobir

    Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, born January 1, 1953 is a Nigerian politician who was elected Senator for Sokoto East, in Sokoto State, in the 9 April 2011 elections. He is a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (UK) and of the Nigerian Society of Engineers

    Ahmed Muhammad Maccido

    Like David Oyelowo, Ahmed Muhammad Maccido, a former senator for Sokoto North constituency of Sokoto State, was born on April 1.

    Ehinomen Ehikhamenor

    Ehinomen Ehikhamenor, was born on April 1, 1980 in Benin City. He is a professional boxer from Nigeria who presently resides in Los Angeles, CA, who fights in the cruiserweight division. He fought 19 matches, won ‎15 and lost 4. Dr SID

    Popular Nigerian singer and song writer, Sidney Onoriode Esiri, popularly known as Dr Sid was born on International Workers’ Day, better known as May Day.

    Hakeem Kae-Kazim

    Hakeem Kae-Kazim, a British-Nigerian actor, Hakeem, is best known for his work in the Starz television series Black Sails and his portrayal of Georges Rutaganda in the 2004 drama film Hotel Rwanda. He was born in Lagos on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    Bartholomew Ogbeche

    A Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Indian club Kerala Blasters FC, Ogbeche was born on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    Bright Chimeze

    Chimezie, a hit-maker in his heyday, is the exponent of a music style which became known as Zigima Sound-a genre which became popular in the Eastern part of Nigeria in the early 1980s. He was born on Independence Day, October 1

    Emmanuel Amuneke

    Amuneke is a Nigerian football coach and former player. He represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup. He was born on Christmas Day, December 25.

    Ogenyi Onazi

    Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, born on Christmas Day, 25 December 1992, is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Turkish club Trabzonspor and the Nigeria national football team.

  • AGBANI DAREGO now a proud mother

    Former Miss World Agbani Darego and hubby Ishaya Danjuma have welcomed their first child, a son, in London

    The couple, who concealed the news of the pregnancy for all of nine months, gave birth in July 2018.

    Agbani, CEO of AD by Agbani, married retired General Danjuma’s son Ishaya, in 2017 at a private wedding ceremony in Marakesh, Morocco.

    The couple maintained a low key, keeping their marriage off the prying eyes of the public. Their first public appearance was at Ishaya’s dad, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma’s, 80th birthday party last December.

    While Ishaya is actively involved in his family business, Agbani helms her eponymous ready-to-wear denim and leisurewear fashion company.

    Agbani was crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2001. Her star shone beyond the shores of Nigeria when in the same year, she went ahead to beat other contestants from around the world to be crowned as Miss World.

  • Leila Lopes is new face of Natures Gentle Touch

    Leila Lopes is new face of Natures Gentle Touch

    Natures Gentle Touch has announced the appointment of international African model and Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes as her brand ambassador.

    Manufactured by Recare Cosmetics International, the company made the announcement on Friday.

    According to a press statement issued, this is building on the brand’s global vision and strategic expansion into African countries. Ms Lopes, who is from Angola, will also represent Hairsavvy, the International South African haircare brand acquired by Recare in 2004.

    “Our appointment of Leila Lopes is part of a continuing broad effort by Recare to grow our footprint in Africa. Her ambassadorship reflects our company’s commitment to bringing our world class hair and scalp care solutions closer to women in Africa” said Chika Ikenga, the founder and Managing Director of Recare Cosmetics International. “She is truly the definition of todays “Natures Gentle Touch woman’- her magnetic personality is confident, soulful and gutsy” he added.

    Natures Gentle Touch has a long history of working with African style icons. Leila Lopes joins a growing list of influential women who have represented the brand including Agbani Darego former Miss World and Oluchi Onweagba, winner of the first M-NetFace of Africa.

  • Agbani Darego turns 31

    Agbani Darego turns 31

    Agbani Darego turns 31 today 22nd December 2014.

    At 18 she won the Miss World beauty pageant as the first ever black woman to ever wear the crown for the beauty pagent.

    The Rivers State born model was given the prestigious award Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

    Darego has worked with several international fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta, L’Oreal, Dior, Avon, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren; and photographed in high-end fashion publications like Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire.

    After furthering her studies in New York University in 2012, Agbani returned to  Nigeria and launched her line of denim wear and bags called AD by Agbani Darego.

  • Bridget Awosika rocks fashion world

    Bridget Awosika rocks fashion world

    SINCE her incursion into the Nigerian fashion industry, Bridget has evolved and has not disappointed those who believe in her and identify with her brand. The brand in the last three years has become a favourite among fashion lovers both within and outside Nigeria. Her aesthetics and approach to fashion has also, no doubt, earned her good nods. Star actress, Genevieve Nnaji, and former Miss World, Agbani Darego, are among the patrons of Bridget’s designs which have been sending tongues wagging.

  • Fashion world takes notice of Bridget Awosika

    Fashion world takes notice of Bridget Awosika

    SINCE her entrance into the Nigerian fashion industry, Bridget has evolved and has not disappointed those who believe in her and identify with her brand. The brand in the last three years has come to be a favourite among fashion lovers within and outside Nigeria. Her aesthetics and approach to fashion has earned her good reviews. Star actress, Genevieve Nnaji, and former Miss World, Agbani Darego, are among the patrons of Bridget’s designs which have been sending tongues wagging.