Tag: Fashion

  • Maxi: Simple but stunning

    Maxi: Simple but stunning

    MAXI dresses are back after falling off the fashion scene for years. The floor sweeping style has been spotted on several fashionistas despite the runway being full of little black dresses [LBDS].

    Elegant maxi dresses are now everywhere, in any imaginary design and pattern.

    As simple as most of these dresses are, you must ensure that you combine them with the right shoes and accessories. Anything less will take a lot away from that special look that the maxi gives.

    You can team your maxi dress with any footwear of choice sexy heels, flat strap up sandals and flat shoes.

    The good thing about the maxi is that you may use it to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Maxi dresses have undergone a radical change.

    They used to be modest and simple looking, but many designers are now churning out elegant and wild stylish maxi dresses.

    They can be plain or patterned, and in most cases, beautified with accessories. They are free, roomy and comfortable to wear. It is a contemporary fit for today’s woman.

  • Africa Fashion Week London holds in August

    The 2013 edition of Africa Fashion Week London, the third in the series, will take place from August 1 to 3 at Old Truman Brewery at the capital’s hip and happening district, Shoreditch.

    Fashion designers all over the world are fast preparing for their moments on the runway in front of thousands of fashionable Londoners and guests coming in from across the world and all over Africa as well as celebrities, dignitaries and VIP guests, including this year’s patrons, Abuja-based businesswoman and architect, Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, and London-based Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibare MBE.

    Amongst the African and African-inspired designers from across the globe signed up to showcase on this international runway are also three ladies getting ready to dazzle a thousand-strong audience: Meg Alabi of Alabi Couture, Toyin Lawani of Elegante by Tiannahstyling and Asake Agoro of Asake Oke who has recently relocated to Lagos from London. Having participated in some way in last year’s Africa Fashion Week London, they are no strangers to the event, and it was perhaps last year’s success that inspired them to hit the runway in their stylish strides this year.

    Meg Alabi of Alabi Couture, who exhibited her designs at AFWL 2012, says, “AFWL is a great avenue to reach a targeted clientele and a great platform whereby we showcase our ready-to-wear collection with a twist.”

  • Fashion at its best in UNIZIK

    Fashion at its best in UNIZIK

    Their long legs, gait and synchronised catwalk sent the audience into a frenzy. As the models marched on the walkway with their dazzling steps, the crowd, hooted. The audience rose to give contestants a standing applause.

    It was the introduction of models, who were uniformly dressed in black polo and jeans. The fashion exhibition, tagged “Cleavs and glams” recorded a large turnout of designers and students.

    The event, which was organised by Don Davis, Crox TV and Dazzle Entertainment, started at 4pm at the Emmaus House, Awka, Anambra State.

    The show began with the red carpet and interviews of models. Immediately after the opening prayer, the models were asked to file out. The audience clapped endlessly. The unveiling of the models was followed by performances by budding artistes in the university including Tommy J, MC Jerry and Uzi among others.

    After the music performance, some female models, who were also dancers, entertained the audience with various dance steps.

    The show was compered by the duo of MC Obi Mouth and Ogechi. Judges included Mr UNIZIK, Davidson Okoroanyawu, Christine Chukwukaeme, Miss Anambra and Linda Michael, Chief Executive Officer of Diva House of Makeup Artistes.

    The task of the judges was to examine the models and fashion designs. They were expected to select the best model and designer for both male and female category.

    The crescendo of the event was the fashion exhibition, which was held in two parts. The first part had the display of haute couture of established designers such as Sandie, KC Charles Design and E-White. After the exhibition by the first set of designers, there was musical and dance interlude by FBI, a dance crew from the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

    Afterwards, other designers included Gold Minds and Hall of Best Bridal among others showcased their designs.

    Davidson, who expressed delight at the success of the event, said: “Tonight has been exceptional. Many models under my agency participated fully in the show. I must say that the exhibition and performance by artistes were mind-blowing. It’s quite an exquisite event.”

    The event was attended by several distinguished personalities including the Attorney General of Anambra State, Barr. Peter Afuba and his wife, Nneka; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Henrietta Agbata, who was represented by her personal assistant and wife of former Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Florence Ezenagu, among others.

    At the end of the event the judges announced the winners. Amanda Afuba emerged Best Female Model, while the Best Male Model went to Divine Ezike. Also, Kaycee Charles, the Chief Executive Officer of KC Design, emerged the Best Male Designer, while Precious Ebere of Hall of Best Bridal became the Best Female Designer.

    Kaycee, who was visibly elated, said: “Today has been exceptional and fantastic. There has been a portrayal of a blend of African and western designs. I am glad that I emerged Best Male Designer today. God is my greatest inspiration, and He has made me proud today. This is the fifth time of exhibiting my designs on the runway.”

    Mrs Nneka, who was the chief sponsor of the event, noted: “I am a friend of the youths. Whenever I watched fashion shows held in places like Abuja and Lagos, I always wished that Anambra State could do same. I expected that our youths should equally desire to organise same. When the organiser of this event approached me for support, I found no reason not to oblige him. In the future, I hope to sponsor and organise events which would curtail unemployment and promote skill acquisition by the youths.”

    Saying the vote of thanks, Don Davis said: “This event started as a dream and vision, but today, that dream has become a reality, and I am eternally grateful to God for the success of this fashion show.” The event ended with a party.

  • Fashion is not a career for illiterates -Joan Edward

    She owns Joan Ede fashion house which runs a clothing line, fashion school, modeling outfits and more. She has costumed so many beauty queens, and recently she dressed the MBGN Universe. A winner of Niger Delta Fashion Designer of the Year, Joan Edward Oghoyemwen in this interview with ESTHER MOHAMMED expresses her love and passion for designing, and why fashion is regarded as a career for illiterates

     

    YOU started designing at an early age, what inspired you?

    God and my mom. From an early age, I love using my hands to create beautiful things. And since I am able to catch people’s attention with the works of my hands, it made me want to do more. My mum inspired me a lot as she kept teaching me all I needed to know because she was a designer herself. From a very early age, I was taught that God is with me in all I do. This also built my confidence and gave me the boldness to be as creative as I could get.

    When it comes to fashion I would say it is natural because I grew up knowing how to design as a normal thing. From the age when I could talk I was already asking questions about fabrics and design. As a little child I loved beautiful clothes and I enjoyed watching stylish women come to the house to visit. I started cutting and making dresses for my dolls and then purses for my friends in the junior secondary school.

    You are well known for the “Rainbow Tie”, what makes it unique?

    The rainbow tie is a unique multi-purpose tie that comes in different colours. It is used on the neck and waist. It was inspired from the need to beautify style and colour any usual, plain or regular look. Joan Ede rainbow tie has won the hearts of fashion lovers, celebrities, and the corporate world. The rainbow tie invented by Joan Ede is not just a design but it is a trend that will out live its designer.

    You won the Niger Delta Fashion Designer of the Year. How did you achieve this feat?

    My outstanding outfit for celebrities, music videos and great fashion event is what has gotten me the award of the Niger Delta Fashion Designer of the year. My outfits have gone very far. The rainbow tie has gone beyond the African shores. I also dressed the most beautiful girl in UNIBEN 2006, Miss Edo 2011, queen of the south-south 2011, Miss Asaba 2011, current MBGN Universe 2012 and a whole lot of other beauty queens across the country.

    What would you say were the challenges when you started?

    Unavailability of good tailoring equipment made it very difficult to bring some of my designs alive. Also fashion practice in this part of the world is regarded as a career for illiterates, hence the disappointment from different certain family members and friends made it difficult for me at a point in time. But I find joy in it and decided to push through irrespective of the discouragement from people and the unavailability of machines. When you are happy at what you do, it is difficult to be stopped because you will always see more opportunity in what you do than the limitations.

    What is fashion to Joan?

    To me, fashion is part of our lives that we cannot do without. It is sometimes a reflection of who we are and how people see us. Fashion is art, fashion is life. My own kind of fashion is an expression of true art and the beautiful life that God has created. This beauty of life also includes us as individuals. My kind of fashion is the type that inspires, beautifies and develops confidence. My kind of fashion adds to the joy and hope of life.

    If you were not a fashion designer what will you have loved to be?

    I would have loved to be a military lawyer who is a super-model and a dancer. But I would have been a mask dancer so that I won’t jeopardise my military office.

    What would you say to an upcoming designer?

    My advice for upcoming designers is for them to aim at excellence. In your fashion career your own peace of mind must come first. You must not be in a hurry; be calm and patient. Most importantly, trust God for increase and inspiration because your talent comes from him, he knows you more than you know yourself.

     

  • Fashion and  party dress  guide for  Christmas!

    Fashion and party dress guide for Christmas!

    FASHION and party dress guide for Christmas! Most Christmas holiday are reserved for parties, family outing, dinner, get-together with friends and associates, dates, clubbing, cocktails, birthday and so on.

    Below are some ideas on what to wear to Christmas parties, from sequin Christmas party dresses, high heels to new fashion trend accessories. We have chosen some style inspiration on what to wear to parties this Christmas and even in the new years.

     

    Style Inspiration

     

    What to wear to Christmas dinner

    My ideal outfit would be chic, comfortable, polished and warm. Go for for golden glamour in a shimmer dress. Keep your look sparkly and fun with studded heels, along with a faux fur trimmed bolero jacket.

    What do I wear to an office Christmas party?

    You cannot go wrong with a black little dress or knee-length dress! You can throw on a nicely cut blazer in red or green (embrace the season’s spirit). Finish off with trendy well-balanced pumps, if you feel up to it and a cute clutch purse.

    Casual chic

    This look is about dressing and feeling comfortable and sophisticated at the same time.

  • Black still rocks the fashion scene

    Black still rocks the fashion scene

    WHAT’S the perfect way to rock the season without pastels or floral dress? A black dress to the rescue!

    Ways to wear black

    FASHIONISTAS and half of Nollywood have been rocking black garbs lately. It is a look that’s elegant and season-less whether it’s a casual cocktail bash or an elegant party.

    Ndidi Obioha was mod-cute in this long black cocktail dress at an event in Lagos last week. And while it might be too cold where you are to wear a sleeveless garb, a black jacket, shawl or cardigan would look great just like Bridget Awosika paired her number.

    Ene-Maja Lawani was pure glamour in a velvety gown with mesh cleavage and shoulders detail. Picking a pure black gown like this one with just a hint of silver is a chic choice for a swanky party in the lingering days of cold.

  • Get trendy with fashion jewelleries

    Get trendy with fashion jewelleries

    Without too much cash, fashion buffs could get trendy with a good selection of affordable sterling silver jewellery, flashy collectible gemstones, vintage costume jewellery, pearls, wedding jewellery, rhinestone, fierce gold jewellery and swanky bracelets. They are inspired by famous designers for fashionistas who love to be bold.

    Boost your fashion savvy with bling jewellery. It signifies quality at average cost.

    No matter your class and purse, you could get trendy with them.

    They are made of high quality materials such as sterling silver, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, precious gemstones and south sea shell or freshwater pearls that will suit you.

    Sterling silver jewellery is a popular choice for wedding occasions or bridal party gifts.

    Costume jewellery is mainly used for fashion purposes, opposed to real (precious) jewellery which may contain primary as collectables, keepsakes, or investments.

    There are many types of fashionable jewellery available in the market which is worn on various occasions, depending on choice. They come in metal bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and belts design. You can buy it for various occasions at nominal cost. This is such a big industry that is growing every day with new horizons.

    Fashion jewellery, be it engraved or ethnic, are in high demand these days.

    It is usually made of low cost materials, including base metals, glass, bone, Agate stone, cowries and hemp in place of more valuable materials such as precious metals and gems. These items are usually, but not always, inexpensive, and often flashy. If you select well, you will look unique and stand out at any occasion. They beautiful and affordable and you could always find ways to mix and match them.

    They are often handmade or designed using various tools. Here is a brief detail about various types of fashionable jewellery.

     

    Agate stone jewellery

    These jewelleries are made of semiprecious natural agate stone in various shapes and sizes and assorted colours.

     

    Bone body jewellery

    This is made from animal bone. Polished and processed in different shapes and sizes. It is made into beads of different sizes.

     

    Beaded jewellery, carnelian jewellery or ethnic jewellery is made of glass beads and with metal pendants in different colours. They are mostly handmade.

     

    Why go for bling costume?

    There are many reasons to opt for bling jewellery. It is available in various metals and gives you a change, style and most of all, quality at average cost. Fashion jewellery is good for various occasion including weddings and festivals, so you are not bound to traditional jewellery alone.

     

    Girls fashion jewellery

    Girls are very much conscious towards fashionable jewellery. They always wear bracelets, necklaces, belts and other jewelleries to look attractive during various occasions and regular lifestyle. You can buy hand painted jewellery, ethnic, agate stone, diamond cut, carved bone, beaded jewellery and many other fashion jewelleries from any fashion jewellery store.

    Diamond, gold and silver jewelleries are costly items and you cannot follow the fashion by such huge investments all the time. Fashionable jewellery comes in multiple designs and style, and is made of different materials. It gives you a change from regular jewelleries. Such jewellery is very much famous among the youths. It is obvious, because they like change and cannot afford fashion at big cost. So, it is a right choice for them.

    Teenage girls are no exception to the fashion interest and excitement. What most teenage girls really can’t live without is fashion jewellery,

     

    Bracelets and cuffs

    Bracelets are worn around the wrist. There are various types of bracelets out there such as elastic bracelets, handmade bone stretch bracelet, metal bracelet, folding bracelets among others. Bracelets for men are also available at different shops in elegant designs and shapes.

     

    Necklaces and earrings

    Necklaces come in a variety of designs and shapes such as glass beaded, hanging beads, Agate stone beaded necklace, cowries shell necklace, horn and bone necklace. Generally earrings and necklaces are sold together as a matching set. Colourful patina

    earrings come in a large assortment of colours and sizes. They are very popular, as they go perfect with evening dress or ethnic dresses alike. They are usually available in colourful circular discs and concentric rings.

     

    Bling jewellery is for everyone

    It is available for kids and aged people too. Fashion is not restricted to senior only. Instead, different age people give fashion a new verge. This is such a big industry that is growing every day with new horizons. Fashion is your style, so whoever you are just carry it in your style.