The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fashion

Must-have fashion items

FIND out the essential items every man should have in his closet and learn to successfully mix and match vital pieces for a variety of timeless, stylish looks.

*Boxers and briefs

Nothing much to be said here. A man’s underwear is a must- have accessory.

*A pair of good ‘solid’ black and brown shoes

The colours, black and deep brown, will blend with most fabrics. A man should have several pairs of shoes, but owning two pairs of black and two pairs of brown shoes is ideal.

*Wristwatch

Wristwatches are particularly important for meetings and appointments. There are some sophisticated ones that display the day, date, month and year. Some even have past and future dates and months. A few ones like Rolex also serve as status symbols. They differentiate between boys and men.

*Blazer

A cool blazer is definitely a must-have item, and the styles available really give blazers a life of their own. Do not go for wild colour, rather go for neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and as well as a dress shirt or with a printed tee underneath.

*Palm or flip flop sandals

This simple and comfortable men’s footwear goes well with casuals, but some men still wear the stylish ones for their formal outings. These slippers are essential part of a man’s wardrobe. They can be used to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. And they are also good for leisure and for moving around the house.

*Fitted carton-coloured chinos and black trousers

Fitted trousers are classic, perfect for formal or more casual occasions. The details on the pinstriped trousers will spice up what otherwise might be an ordinary ensemble.

*Ties

As we all know, ties are like ornaments because they bring out the best of men’s style and personality. We have to take note of the importance of putting the appropriate type of ties for the right event.

*Striped shirts

They are the best among the different patterns of shirts that we have. Plain shirts always look too official and are mostly worn on suits, but striped shirts could be worn as office or ceremonial wear. That is why most designers have some sort of striped shirts or another. Striped shirts are more fitting, elegant and cool than plain shirts. For leisure, you can wear a striped shirt without tucking it in, but if you try that with plain shirt, you will certainly look out of place. Just get one. It can be worn independently with jeans, with a suit or under a sweater. It is easy to incorporate into any ensembles.

*Cuff links

They are the rave and it is for a reason: nothing gives your shirt a classier look than a nice set of good quality cuff links.

*Jeans

The last few years have seen jeans take a greater portion of our wardrobe. And it seems every few months a new, high-end jeans company pops up. From dark to light washes, there is so much variety that there is no excuse for not picking up a pair that enhances your best features. Most importantly, jeans can be paired with just anything. With jeans, you just can’t go wrong.

October 10, 2015
My sister inspired my fashion career’

Tochukwu Michael is the CEO of Asandrea Collections, which basically produces exotic African wears for men. The label which boasts a large clientele in and out of the country went into the fashion line after a futile job search about six years ago.
“After my secondary education, I proceeded to the Nnamdi Azikwe University and studied Economics. After graduation, I went for my youth service in Kebbi State and served in Yauri and I was teaching as well as the CLO (Corpers Liaison officer) and bagged the award as the Best Corper of the year 2009/2010.” In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he talks about the humble beginning, inspiration and more.

HOW did it all begin? It started from early life; I got to know about designing through my sister. She was then forcing me to be part of it. Then I was young and didn’t have a say. She taught me how to put buttons on clothes and from there she taught me how to cut with cement bags. Then it wasn’t nylon, it was paper bags. From there, I learnt how to use the machine and I became a tailor. So, I started sewing but then it was for the fun of it.

What made you win that award?

I worked very hard to make sure that the lives of Corpers in Yoari were good. There they didn’t take care of them. There I met Corp members sleeping on bare floor. So I put in my thinking cap, did my best and with the help of one or two people in government offices turned things around for my colleagues. We met the chairman of the local government and they provided 140 mattresses for Corpers. That was a big achievement, compared to the way they were treated in the past. I also tried my best to change the way they were treated. We also provided water as their allowances were not paid as at when due.

What motivated you to do that?

Honestly, I like good things, I like to put things in order and make them perfect. I don’t like a situation where things aren’t done properly. So, I said I must do something to make a change.

What did the award mean to you?

It was just a plaque from NYSC and there was no cash. It was just to appreciate you for the project executed. It is a thing of honour. I actually thought that such an award would give me automatic employment. The system is not working in Nigeria. I waited for a year and nothing happened. The state didn’t call and there was no job for about a year.

So what did you do?

I came back to Lagos and hunger dealt with me. Then I remembered what I knew how to do best. So, I went back to fashion and it wasn’t easy because I hadn’t done it in a long while. I said instead of wasting more time, I said let me just try.

Did anyone encourage or discourage you at this point?

I got a lot of discouragement. My friends called saying that after wasting four years in the university, one year in service year, you want to become a tailor, but I wasn’t discouraged. I knew what I wanted to do and had passion for it. I didn’t listen to them because I knew that once I achieved result, the result would convince them. I believe that you must do whatever you want to do very well. Do it to the very best and the result would speak for you?

Did you go for further training?

Yes, I went for further training in Abia State in the bid to get all I needed for the designing, especially Tinko designing and U20. I touched all the angles which included hemming to make sure that I could do it on my own.

Was it easy to go for further training without a job?

I didn’t go immediately. I approached a friend to make some outfits for him. He doubted my ability and gave me two designs to test my ability. He gave me an advance and when he saw what I came up with, he was really impressed. I had to go to the East to bring my machine. After this, he gave me another job, that was my starting point and he paid me fully. The money he paid was the initial fund that I used.

What was the turning point?

I would say it is the grace of God. When it comes to clients, I would say that I have more clients outside Nigeria than in the country. I started advertising my products online and people outside Nigeria started seeing my creativity in African attires. They called to make bookings and what also made me marvel was that they were not afraid to send money. People I don’t even know and I usually model my wears myself. Most times, they would ask if it’s the guy in the picture that’s behind the outfits. They just had confidence in me and I also built the company on trust. If I tell you that you would get the outfit in two weeks, then it must be ready. My two weeks is always two weeks. That helped and the referral came from people I made clothes for.

Is it basically a collection for men?

I do both. The men are the major thing, but for women I choose those that I sew for. Men are great to work with. I got in to motivate men to look good as well as restore our culture through fashion. When we started doing it, people thought how would these guys make money? I target men who used to say, ‘I don’t like African wears’ and design things that are unique and once they get compliments from people they wanted more.

So, would you say that Nigerian men are getting trendier?

Yes, that was the idea and things have changed from what we used to have in the past. Right now, everyone wants to look good. Take the entertainment industry for example, if you are not looking good, you are not in. In fact, I would say that men look more interesting than women now. It is not all about money, before some people just didn’t care about what they wore. The truth of the matter is that people rate you based on the way you are looking.

October 4, 2015
UNILAG to hold fashion show

All is set for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) fashion show week aimed at promoting local fashion and dressing styles. The event will hold next Wednesday at Education Glass Hal in Faculty of Education.

According to the coordinator of the event, Julian Kalu, the essence of the show is to promote the fashion and improve the dress sense of students.

Human Resource Manager of Caprilibra Global Entertainment, Mr Arab Olakunle, said the event would be a platform for designers to showcase and sell their collection to the participants.

The show will feature activities, including runway, dance, drama and comedy, among others. Hip-hop sensations, such as Dija, Lil Kesh and Shaydee will add glamour to the event.

The show is sponsored by GQ Nigeria and Caprilibra Global Entertainment, while Zaron Cosmetics, House of Tara, Vogue, H & M and SpiceTV are supporting it.

August 20, 2015
Fans favour Rita Dominic over Genevieve Nnaji on fashion

Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji are well known as Nigerian style mavens; however Rita Dominic beat her fellow fashionista hands down at Stephanie Linus’s movie premier titled Dry held at Silverbird Galleria last Sunday.

The sultry diva looked effortlessly stunning in her peach ensemble; a peach cape like blouse atop a matching pair of pale peach palazzo pants, and clutch purse; creating a lovely monochrome silhouette. As a male fan put it, “She looked good enough to eat.”

Genevieve, on the other hand turned up in a contrasting white mono-strap draped tank top atop a dark coloured peek a-boo skirt, and blue chain strap purse. She lived up to her reputation as Nigeria’s queen of posh brand name outfits as she classily rocked high street fashion with haute couture, wearing Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and H&M.

August 7, 2015
Fashion and fellowships

•Nigerian tertiary institutions must get the reorientation of their students right

THE decision of the Delta State University (DELSU) to proscribe the wearing of mini-skirts and reduce the number of fellowships on its three campuses raises vital questions concerning scholarship and self-discipline on the one hand, and freedom of expression and association on the other.

On the face of it, there appears to be little controversy regarding the directive. University degrees are awarded for achievements in character as much as learning; it is difficult to see how wearing short skirts can contribute meaningfully to the attainment of either.

Nor does the uncontrolled proliferation of religious fellowships help to advance learning or improve character. Universities are not meant to function primarily as places of worship; indeed, their accepted status as places of learning, research and community service often come into conflict with the default conservatism of established religion.

DELSU’s clampdown is similar to others which have appeared in other tertiary institutions in Nigeria in the recent past. Higher education has been beset by rising levels of illicit behaviour, ubiquitous licentiousness, and growing religious bigotry and fanaticism. Cult-related criminal activity is a fact of life on several campuses. Many students undertake “runs,” namely the often-illegal and immoral activities through which they make money, facilitate the acquisition of good grades, and generally enhance their social status on campus.

The consequences have been devastating. Once a production-line for Nigeria’s best and brightest, Nigeria’s tertiary institutions are rapidly becoming a cesspool where hardened criminals, unrepentant cultists, and corrupt youth are incubated. They are routinely absent from global and continental league tables of top-performing schools. Their graduates are often regarded with widespread suspicion and consequently compelled to endure multiple testing and screening procedures before they can be considered fit for employment. The country’s educational inadequacies have enriched the tertiary institutions of other nations which regularly descend on Nigeria with expensive offers of qualitative education.

It is in response to this multifaceted crisis that many tertiary institutions have promulgated stricter regulations governing what students can wear, where they can go, and how they are to participate in extra-curricular activities. The thinking appears to be that if students are constantly reminded that self-discipline is the foundation of academic excellence, they will be less likely to engage in the sort of behaviour that has cost the nation so dear.

However, it must be remembered that tertiary institutions, by their very nature, grant students increased freedom of thought and action as young adults. Dictating what they can and cannot wear, and determining where they may worship would seem to circumscribe those freedoms. As a state-owned university, DELSU should not be in the business of determining skirt lengths, or giving preference to one denomination of Christianity over another. That would amount to propagating notions of intolerance that completely contradict ideals tertiary institutions are supposed to stand for.

The restriction of Christian worship to four denominations, for instance, would be difficult to justify. What determined the choice of one religious group over the others? Would the obvious bias inherent in such a decision not generate the very friction that it was designed to prevent?

DELSU and other tertiary institutions must seek to balance academic freedom with social responsibility. They can do this by engaging in dialogue with their students, as opposed to dictating to them. It is essential that the students understand why these measures are being taken; if they feel that they are just an attempt to intimidate and harass them, they will resist with a stubbornness and creativity that will ultimately frustrate such measures.

Students should be made to understand that the enhanced freedoms that they enjoy are not a licence to indulge in criminal behaviour, religious bigotry, or fashion choices that are clearly not in consonance with their primary role as students.

July 6, 2015
Fashion exhibition holds in Lagos

A three day international ready to wear exhibition to hold in Lagos from February 10th to 12th at the Eko Hotel & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria from 10am to 6pm daily.

The international fair according to the organisers, Meridien International Fair organisation will feature exhibitions from various parts of the world who will show case their unique products. Over a hundred exhibitors according to spokesman Olugbade are expected at the fair, just as he listed companies from Republic of Turkey, Dubai, Italy, China, Egypt, UK, Nigeria among others.

He added that Nigeria fashion designers, distributors, wholesalers, agents and major retailers who are driving demands as well as the final consumers who love fashions should see the exhibition as an opportunity to invest in emerging fashion designs.

He also said products and designs expected at the exhibition includes women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, knit wear, leisure wear, leatherwear, cocktail wear, evening dress, body and beach wear, sport wear, lingerie, bags, foot wears, caps, ties, accessories, hosiery, women rhinestones among others.

February 7, 2015
Football defeats fashion in Game On finale

WHEN the maiden edition of Game On, a Malta Guinness’ reality series came to an end recently, it was to lift the ‘hand’ of football up, as winner over fashion.

The game format, which had celebrities, team mates and supporters from the football and fashion professions, was to determine which passion best fuels the rise of Naija.

The show kicked off with an opening round of jokes and banter by popular humour merchants, Owen Gee and Lepacious Bose who kept the audience entertained before the host for the night, another popular comedian, Gordons, arrived. After a one-minute debate by both team captains, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Daniel Amokachi; representing fashion and football passions respectively, there was a recap of memories of the contestants in the house and on tasks.

The four evictees were brought on stage again, wishing the finalists luck in their future endeavours and thanking Malta Guinness for the opportunity.

The night was full of several activities, from a football-inspired dance rendition, to a runway show, with elegant designs on display.

The event also featured mind-blowing performances by delectable R&B songstress, Niyola and Alobamcrooner, Phyno, who got the audience rising to their feet, and singing and dancing along.

Eventually, Olumide Ajibolade was declared final winner over Henrietta with Team Football winning 52 percent of the votes to Team Fashion’s 48 percent in the outcome of voting by Nigerians on Facebook and by SMS across the nation. Olumide Ajibolade, who by virtue of his victory, will be embarking on a trip to England for a series of trainings and coaching classes was also presented with a cheque of N2 million by Uche Onwudiwe, Marketing Manager of Malta Guinness.

“I don’t know what to say. This is unbelievable and I can’t explain the feeling I’m feeling now. I’m even happier because my colleagues now have their own opportunities too,” said Olumide.

Among the celebrities present at the event were, football legend, Taribo West; singing duo, Waje and Omawumi; actor Joseph Benjamin, Adams Ibrahim and Noble Igwe among others.

February 7, 2015
Konga announces fashion sale for Valentine

Valentine’s Day is around the corner; it is a day several people are eagerly looking forward to.

However, the world renowned day of love also accounts for an enormous portion of the money spent on gifts every year.

In the United States, it is extimated that shoppers would spend as much as $19billion on Val’s day gifts this year, at an average of $142 per person (that is about N27, 000). Some people estimate that Nigeria alone may spend about N350 million on gifts for Val’s day this year.

As this season of love approaches, Nigeria’s Largest Online Mall, Konga.com has announced that in celebration of Valentine’s Day it would be delighting its customers across Nigeria with a special Fashion Sale called Konga ‘Love Boom’.

The Konga ‘Love Boom’ Sales was opened yesterday, February 5, with massive discounts of up to 50 per cent on top fashion labels on the online store.Several brands are included in the sale from both the male and female fashion stores. Some of the participating brands include Dainty Sole, Spotted, 24/7, Qupid, Le Rouge, Quest, among others.

According to Konga.com’s Head of Public Relations, Olatomiwa Akande, “Valentine’s Day is all about love, and at Konga.com we know how much the Nigerian shopper loves to be able to get the trendiest fashion items and styles at a great price. And with the Konga ‘Love Boom’ Sales, we want our customers to let go of their Valentine budget worries and feel free to express how much they love the special people in their lives.

The online retail company has other packages up for grabs in its 2015 Valentine Store, from romantic getaways to fashion discounts and much more.

February 6, 2015
Fashion, football debate continues on Game On

Aculmination of a series of passionate debates and rivalry between fashion and football lovers in Nigeria, Game On TV reality show, rebounds with a second episode, Sunday, on NTA and AIT television stations.

The show kicked off last week with both teams led by fashion icon, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and his football counterpart, Daniel Amokachi.

During the first episode of the show, the first challenge saw both teams visiting the popular Balogun market in Lagos to demonstrate their passions by persuading traders and the general market community to accept either profession as representing the never-say-die spirit of the Nigerian.

Incidentally, team football came tops, as they were voted the winning team by members of the community and went on to celebrate at the GET arena in Lekki, Lagos, courtesy of sponsoring brand, Malta Guinness.

Sequel to their loss, Team Fashion had to vote out Modupe, whom they considered their weakest link on the challenge. Meanwhile, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi encouraged her team saying, “We need to put all we can into the next challenge. The game has just begun and I am very sure we will win it despite this setback.”

Although Team Football was quite jubilant over their victory, The Fashion promised to show their resilience in the subsequent episodes.

Episode two of Malta Guinness Game On was a wedding challenge which had Team Fashion design wedding dresses for the bride and chief bridesmaid. The bride and her chief looked adoring in their lace embellished dresses which appeared effortlessly put together by the fashion team.

Team Football on the other hand, had to impress the crowd at the wedding with an entertaining routine which ended with the groom scoring a goal.

Guests present at the event voted in favor of Team Fashion, even though a sampling of opinions after the event appeared to favour Team Football.

Team Football eventually voted off Coach Ben, who the team unanimously said was less involved in the week’s challenge. Captain for Team Football, Daniel Amokachi, tried to motivate his team in the face of their loss. He said: “In football, if you can’t accept defeat, you can’t work to the next game and win.”

Interestingly, it is a level playing ground, as both teams are now down with two members.

January 5, 2015
Fashion designers to watch in 2015

WE can’t start the New Year without mentioning some of the fashion designers who will set the pace in 2015.

The fact remains that the story of the fast-growing fashion industry is not complete without the contributions of these designers whose works are winning the respect and admiration of fashion stakeholders at home and abroad.

Nigeria has its share of talent in the ever-changing fashion industry. Here are just a few designers that are helping keep Nigeria on the map in the world of fashion.

Deola Ade-Ojo of Deola (Formerly DS)

THERE is no denying the fact that Madam Deola is one of the highly talented fashion designers who churn out amazing styles all year round.

The creative director of Deola, popularly referred to as the designer to the rich and famous, stepped on to the then very young fashion industry in Nigeria in twenty five years ago with pieces that instantly caught on with women because they were created to be visually stunning, distinctive with painstaking attention to detail.

Her custom made designs for her clients and models are each one made to fit the wearer’s personality and body type.

She is known for her limited and unique designs and creating fashion items of timeless style attitude.

Folake Coker of Tiffany Amber

FOLAKE COKER of Tiffany Amber broke into the fashion scene and took the fashion community by pleasant storm. She sparked a new revolution in the fashion industry some years ago.

She made a name by churning out fantastic designs. For years, Tiffany Amber has collaborated with both local and international designers.

Folake has sculpted quite a personal style for herself since appearing on the fashion scene.

Ohimai Atafo of Mai Atafo inspired

THIS award-winning Nigerian male designer, Mai Atafo, is a Nigerian bespoke fashion tailor. He caught the attention of the fashion industry for the creation of his brand, Mai Atafo Inspired.

With over a decade experience in the fashion industry, Ohimai is arguably the number one clothing line for evening, bridal and runway outfits.

With a vision to be ranked among the best in the world and the very best in Africa, Ohimai boasts a large number of celebrity figures in Nigeria.

He has really come a long way. He has received much acclaim for his iconic evening designers which have been seen on notable fashionistas and Funke Akindele’s wedding gown.

Kunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi

IMAGINATIVE designer, Kunbi, knows the ABC of the fashion industry. The red carpet look designer has carved out a niche for herself. Kunbi worked mainly with high quality and exquisite fabrics, showcasing the beauty of chord, chiffon, satin, etc.

She uses quality, vibrant and shimmery fabrics together with other mixture of fabrics and accessories to produce eccentric designs that are her signature.

Almost all the ladies of style have two or more of her designs in their wardrobe.

Kunbi is one lady who’s changing the way we look at the African fashion designer. She is one of the most-sough-after designers in Nigeria.

Lanre Dasilva-Ajayi of LDA

AS she is well known, Lanre is one of the Nigeria’s foremost fashion designers that have being rocking the fashion scene for some years now with glamorous regal outfits.

Talented Lanre woke us from our slumber a few years ago to the world of classic, vintage and Victorian inspired outfits.

She started the vintage style re-awakening. And a fashion expert says her collections are distinguished by a diverse fusion of art and history.

With many nostalgic elements reminiscent of the 50s and 60s, yet simultaneously modern and appealing to the contemporary woman.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri

EJIRO AMOS TAFIRI is one of the fastest growing brands in the Nigerian fashion industry, having stormed the fashion world after emerging the best student from the Arts and Garment Technology Department of Yaba College of Technology in 2009.

She had the honour of designing for top fashion labels before setting up her own.

That she draws inspiration from a myriad of sources is evident in her skilful blending of styles, textures and fabrics from around the globe.

Her designs rocked on and off the fashion runway in 2014 both locally and internationally.

January 3, 2015