The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fashion

  • Why I’m organising world’s ‘highest’ fashion show — Jessica Minh Anh

    Why I’m organising world’s ‘highest’ fashion show — Jessica Minh Anh

    Jessica Minh Anh, director of J Model Management and creator of the most daring and breathtaking fashion shows the world has seen, is once again hosting another iconic show on November 1, 2013, in a previously uncharted terrain which is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA. What makes this show so distinctive is the concept of models walking in the sky, wearing designs from all over the world, at an incredible height of 4000 feet and she has handpicked  Nigerian talent Helen Apreala to join her in this venture. She spoke with Adetorera Idowu about her upcoming fashion show, love for the art and her preference for organising unique fashion shows.

    Having the first fashion show on the Skywalk of the Grand Canyon is no small feat. Why this location?

    I am a fan of great heights. So the fact that the Grand Canyon Skywalk positions J Autumn Fashion Show at Eagle’s Point (4000 feet high) is very appealing to me. Of course, this is not only the world’s highest fashion show but also the most unique one with the concept of models walking in the sky, which makes imagination a reality. The glass structure of the bridge is absolutely genius and when combining that with the breath-taking background of the Grand Canyon, we are looking at the ideal catwalk.

    What do you hope to accomplish by hosting the first fashion show in one of the most stunning landscapes?

    I personally believe there is no better place on earth for a natural catwalk. This is it. It is an absolute honour to be entrusted by the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation and Hualapai Tourism to host the show here. Similar to my other unique catwalks around the world, I would like to show the new generation that everything is possible.

    This is not your first venture into uncharted fashion territories. Why the love for unique fashion shows?

    I always want to do something different. Hosting shows at unpredictable venues or using a brand new concept allows you to be the most creative you can be. It also inspires fashion designers to produce something unique and memorable to match. These venues are a lot more intriguing and interesting than the usual standard ones.

    Do you particularly love art?

    I do. I draw, paint, and play the piano. My whole family is very artistic and we keep an open mind to art and beauty. I never limit my imaginations and I keep exploring new things.

    When and why did you start J Model Management?

    I founded J Model Management a month after graduating from University of Birmingham in MSc Marketing Communications. I wanted to start producing my own shows immediately using my knowledge and experience in IT, Event Management, Marketing, and PR, and that was what I did. I had a specific direction in mind, and I had to be the one making the decisions.

    What has been your experience organising fashion shows?

    I love organizing events. It’s in my blood. Being responsible for the entire production from putting ideas together to handling logistics management, creative arrangement, and PR activities with a fantastic team is a dream come true. I cannot think of doing anything else. Fashion allows you to be adventurous, and I am all about bringing excitement to other people. So I believe I have the best job in the world.

    Which have been the most challenging and rewarding?

    The toughest part to me in hosting these history making catwalks is time management. We organize each show in less than 3 months without cutting any steps. This means we work almost 24/7. I commit 100 per cent to the projects and it is quite difficult to find time for other things. The grand success of each show is definitely rewarding, but what I treasure the most is the appreciation of clients, fashion lovers, and supporters around the world. It motivates me to go the extra miles.

    What is it that struck you about Nigerian talent Helen Apreala?

    Helen’s collection shows Africa’s rich heritage and culture. It’s emotional yet very positive. The pieces are effortlessly beautiful because they combine vintage details and a modern outlook towards fashion. I adore her usage of fabrics and prints such as luxurious African Lace, Kente, Ijaw Cultural fabrics of KuruKuru betei, guguru, and classic embroideries. I believe she’s the perfect representative for Nigeria in the show.

    Will you be scouting other Nigerian talents over time?

    Definitely! We look at 40 different countries when selecting designers for each show. We showcased another Nigerian talent, Mai Atafo, in our previous show in Paris.

    How would you describe your personal sense of style?

    I do not have a massive wardrobe but every piece is very carefully selected. I wear red a lot and dresses that make a statement. I do go easy on normal days with a short dress, minimum makeup, no jewellery, and straight hair. I do not believe you have to overdress all the time to be beautiful. It’s important to dress according to the occasion.

    What advice would you give to talents in the fashion industry?

    Fashion is one of the most exciting but also competitive industries. It requires a lot of dedication, hard work, attention to details, and a fighting spirit to survive it. But if that’s your dream profession then you should definitely go for it no matter how hard it may be at times. Doing what you love is the greatest happiness.

  • Don’t limit fashion when you are PREGNANT

    Don’t limit fashion when you are PREGNANT

    ARE you pregnant for the first time or you are expecting another baby? You don’t have to be worried about looking trendy. With a little care and expertise, you can even look as gorgeous as you have always looked without pregnancy. Fashionista expectant mothers have changed the face of maternity wear. You don’t have to give up your style because of changes in certain part of your body.

    The good news is that you can actually be pregnant, even heavily pregnant and still wear normal dresses and look trendy. Gone are the days of pregnant women dressing in drab, flowing boubou that were often colourless. The drab-looking mandatory maternity wear of yesteryears has given way to sexy trousers, skirt suits, stylish gowns and casuals like jeans trousers and simple tops. Also, maternity wear has been revolutionized from the former oversized, dull, boring, long flowing and drippy wear to trendy, stylish and stretchy gowns, tops (camisoles, tank tops and so on) of any design and trousers like Capri’s jeans.

    Expectant mothers now go out in ranges of simple, but gorgeous wear. They use them at the office and at home, and some of them can still be used even after pregnancy.

    Unlike before you, an expectant mother does not have to change your wear during pregnancy. For ease and comfort, go for skirts and trouser suits. As a rule, go for trousers that have elastic bands in place of zips or buttons.

  • Face of Native & Vogue Fashion Week 2013 unveiled

    TWO winners have emerged as the Face of Native & Vogue Fashion Week at an event recently held at the Southern Star Hotels on Thursday, August 29.

    The project was organised by Neo Mantra Ltd, Bunor Creazioni and Allure Magazine under the auspices of the Rivers State Government.

    Out of 10 contestants, two lucky winners emerged: Gedoni Emmanuel Ekpata, a 500-level student of Gas Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt and Adaugo Uche, a 400-level student of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt. Each will go away with N500,000, grace all the covers of Native & Vogue Communications materials and become youth ambassadors of Rivers State.

    Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Semenitari, stated the Native & Vogue Fashion Week is just one of the many events targeted at promoting the Rivers State brand and redefining Rivers State as a choice destination.

  • Say hello to Shorts

    Say hello to Shorts

    THE hot season may be winding down, but shorts would always remain one hottest clothing item. You can wear them most of the year and they come in various lengths and sizes. The fashion staple is very chic, comfortable and versatile. It really looks sweet and adorable when they are coupled up with appropriate accessories. The sexy bottom can be worn to the beach, picnic and night event, but they are not the right choice for the office. As simple as shorts might look, some people still make the cool piece look un-cool. Here is how to look good in shorts:

    Wear see through tops with shorts. It brings out the sexiness in you.

    Flowing blouse with tight shorts makes the outfit look balanced.

    A casual tank top and shorts with a belt will looks chic.

    Please, cover up the upper body when wearing shorts.

    Do not let the pockets of your shorts hang out.

    Don’t show the butt cheek. It’s not underwear.

    If you are a short person, wear some heels or wedge and you would look instantly tall.

    Grab a purse or oversized handbag.

    Put on a colourful watch. Sunglasses also look amazing.

    Wear shirts with shorts too. Plaid shirts look fabulous with it.

  • JALABIYA IN VOGUE

    JALABIYA IN VOGUE

    ON the fashion scene at the moment, men have been rocking jalabiya which is originally meant to be worn my Muslim men usually for worship. As we know that fashion surely changes over time, the jalabiya now has stopped being an outfit for worship, as you can wear them casually or even to an event. It looks smart and cool on every man, especially when you style it with a turban. Jalabiya now can be designed with lovely embroideries or rather if you like, choose a ready- made one. Jalabiya is very perfect for any occasion, except you are going to work.

  • LOOKING BRIGHT IN GEOMETRIC PRINTS

    LOOKING BRIGHT IN GEOMETRIC PRINTS

    THE geometric dress comprises of bold prints that combine shapes like circles, octagons, triangles and so on.

    The whole combination is lovely and a little tutorial will pave your way to rocking the trend like a chic. Here is how you solve your geometric problem:

    Geometric prints can be very tricky as dresses with larger prints make your curves appear bigger, while those with smaller prints make you look taller and still show the sexiness in you.

    You can mix prints, but this requires skills. It’s easier when you dress your top or bottom part in geometric prints and pair them with plain dresses. Dressing in geometric trousers and a plain peplum top looks adorable.

    If you are the office kind of girl, pick a knee-length geometric dress or skirt and do not over accessorize. A piece of jewellery or two would be alright.

    Try not to make your outfit look boring by adding a pop of colour to your outfit. Colours like orange, red and yellow would make the outfit look brilliant.

    For formal events, geometric dresses can go with a nude clutch and pumps. Playing matchy-matcy with your clutch and shoe is allowed.

    Opt for mild make-up.

  • Be a fashion icon with your choice of hat!

    Be a fashion icon with your choice of hat!

    CAP your look with the wide range of hats in the season, from trilbies, fedoras and fascinators to beanies and berets, visors and floppy straw sun hats.

    Head caps in general, especially fedora and big ones, have left the church to take a place on the fashion stage.

    This should not be surprising. Fashion is never static, it is always evolving. A hat may not come with or with a brim nor festooned with flowers. But one thing you can be sure of is that, it will come with a tasteful variety of styles.

    All over the world, most hats are fashioned after the traditional French and English hats, featuring sinamay, straw, raffia, and soft, cosy and flexible wool, which allow a snug fit for any shape of the head.

    Though worn traditionally to rest more at the centre of the head than the other parts, most hats, apart from beret, can also be pulled with the help of elastic rubber securely over the ears for added warmth. Hats are versatile, lightweight and easy to slide on. Their colours vary, and the fit is great. So, go funky with one

  • How to look classic in cropped top

    How to look classic in cropped top

    First, your accessories should be confidence.

    Pair cropped tops with high-waist bottoms. It balances the outfit and gives you control on how much skin you show.

    Try wearing your cropped top by adding a pop of colour to your outfit.

    When going out, be sure to take a fitted jacket or blazer along so that when you are beginning to feel a little bit uncomfortable, you can throw it on.

    A maxi skirt and a cropped top is elegant. The skirt gives you a hourglass shape and makes your waist look slimmer.

    Please do not wear cropped tops to work.

    For a more daring look, choose cropped tops with embellishments.

    A heel is a plus. You can wear sandals too, but make sure they look good when they are coupled up with your outfit.

  • CROPPED TOP IS BACK

    CROPPED TOP IS BACK

    [dropcap]THE cropped-top trend is back, and this is so not for everyone. Cropped tops are meant to expose your midriffs, and this is a big no for women that are fat and big-bellied. However, women that are sexy and possess confidence as a great accessory can rock this fashion trend with ease. Please note that a cropped top is only supposed to expose a little part of your belly, so you don’t send bad signals to people around. Wearing a cropped top is scary at first, but with a little practice, you will be confident. Cropped tops are super-chic, playful and fun way to look good.[/dropcap]

  • New bra adverts promise comfort

    New bra adverts promise comfort

    A PRESS release from Warner’s Bras says: “The most commonly searched words associated with bras include: hate, throw, stop and bad” which all sound terrible. To what bras are these poor women subjecting themselves? Perhaps with the exception of “throw” which could allude to something fun, involving a one- direction concert. Anyway, Warner’s wants to make it clear that its bras are not of the “hate” variety, and it has created a video and corresponding campaign to prove it.

    The get comfortable campaign video humorously shows women in situations where they are so unbelievably comfortable in their Warner’s bras that they forget they have them on be it in the bath or while breastfeeding!