The Nation Newspaper

Tag: style

  • Glamour and style at Lagos Fashion show

    Glamour and style at Lagos Fashion show

    The last one month in the fashion industry has witnessed class, colour and innovative fashion designs showcasing indigenous fabrics.

    Two weeks ago, the Lagos Fashion, organized by Merydian International, the 5th in the series, was staged at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was a competition that can be regarded as world class. The country leading and most popular designers gave the new kids on the block of fashion chance to showcase their talent.

    According to FADAN president,  Moji Ajila-Ladipo, “the aim of the one day event, which was a collaboration between Turkey and Nigeria, is to see how Nigerian fashion designers can mass produce more, we want them to teach us how they do some of those things and then we want people to see what has been done in other countries.

    “If you look at it, these people came all the way from Turkey, over 60 of them, and they are designers and they mass produce. These are the things many Nigerians are wearing here. So we want to try and see how we can do our own thing. Our own people can mass produce and then we want our own people to see what is happening in other countries as well.”

    She also revealed that the plan is to give Nigerian designers a platform to exhibit their products, hone their skills and show them how to mass-produce quality end products to the Nigerian masses and the world.

  • Make a style statement with an ankara skirt

    Make a style statement with an ankara skirt

    As the months roll on and the fashion scene experiences fast changes, the popularity of ankara fabric has refused to go down. No matter the changes in style, taste or pattern, ankara fabrics have maintained their space despite fierce competition from other fabrics.

    Last year, it was more of ankara mixed with other fabrics, but since the second quarter of this year, it has been more of stylishly sown ankara skirt or pants (trousers).

    These days, an event is never completed without this simple but exquisitely designed ankara skirt.

    Savvy designers are experimenting with ankara fabrics to sew all manner of skirts; from the western to the African designs.

    The trend now is to wear your ankara skirt with a “ready-made” top.

  • Kachikwu: Of style and crisis management

    “You can’t control the fact that people will annoy you, what you can control is your reaction” – Buddha

    These are trying times for Nigeria and Nigerians. The times are even more trying for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Juxtaposed against the swagger that characterized the boisterous presidential campaign of the President’s All Progressive Congress party (APC), many will be wondering at the turn of events. The swagger is gone. All is now sober. For once, the arrogant posturing of some of his close allies has started to give way to sombre reality. If the contrary had been the case, one would have lost hope in the Nigeria project. As of today, his government is missing out miserably on some of the most fundamental metrics of his campaign notably, the price of fuel and the value of the naira.

    There is a consolation though. The fact is that these performance deficits do not necessarily stem from palpable inaction by the government.  Falling oil prices, poor revenues, sabotage of oil installations and renewed insurgency in various parts of the country have contrived to pressure the government far beyond what had been anticipated.

    Expectedly, Nigerians are angry, very angry indeed. That anger rose to flammable levels last Monday when Minister of State, Dr. Ibe Emmanuel kachikwu heeded the summons by the House of Representatives. His mission was to answer questions on the recent deregulation of fuel prices, an action that ought to have been taken a long time ago, if successive administrations had mustered the political will to do the needful.

    Like labour that had flown into a rage over the deregulation, some members of the House of Representatives came dangerously close to throwing decorum to the winds when they insisted that the minister, who was there specifically to answer their summons, literally stood him up, insisting that he should not be allowed in. The National Assembly does not have a reputation for showing such disrespect to ministers though one cannot forget in a hurry how the same House of Representatives had once shown utter disrespect to former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    As we ponder the events of the past few weeks, it makes sense not to lose sight of some, or at least one, of the positive revelations of the fuel conundrum. It has to with the crisis management dexterity of Ibe Kachikwu. Not everyone, no matter how endowed, can absorb the barrage of criticisms from and, at times, outright sabotage by the various interest groups that sought to score political points by the crisis. But Kachikwu who until his appointment, first as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) before being elevated to Minister of State, Petroleum, had not been known to operate within the public sector, rose to the challenge with resolute calmness and remarkable wisdom. That is why the astute handling of the fuel saga by the minister and his team will stand out as a case study in crisis management and social responsibility.

    It will be recalled that in the wake of the crisis, the minister had cleverly deflected the barrage of criticisms, some from unexpected quarters, most especially, his All Progressive Congress (APC) party. In time past, we have seen ministers in similar situations fly into a rage, some fingering all manner of detractors and adversaries. Kachikwu would have none of those. In the face of these provocations, he maintained a dignified silence; where he thought there was need to talk, he politely offered very candid replies steeped in knowledge and disarming elocution. Thus, he was able to take the wind from the sails of his critics.

    We can only speculate on the likely turn of events if, had he, on that fateful Monday, descended to the level of the lawmakers who disrespectfully stonewalled him as he arrived the National Assembly to defend the actions of the government. So many scenarios could have played out. In anger, he could have walked away. He could also have refused to co-operate with the lawmakers by hedging and ducking. He did none of these. Rather, he demonstrated extreme self control and methodically disarmed the Reps.

    Watching Kachikwu’s demeanour throughout the fuel saga, one will not be wrong to conclude that he is an exponent of Buddha’s maxim that, “You can’t control the fact that people will annoy you, what you can control is your reaction”. In the face of provocation, Kachikwu refused to be angry; he remained calm, respectful, methodical and focused. Reeling out empirical information to support the government’s decision, he struck at the patriotic instinct of the lawmakers. To him, the issues at stake were too fundamental to warrant any distractions. In the end, the government’s case was made.

    So persuasive and compelling was the government’s position, as presented by the minister, that the House promptly directed labour to sheath its sword and suspend its strike. Here, again, he proved the masters right. It was James Allen who asserted that: “Self control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power”. Throughout this crisis, the minister of state, petroleum has exhibited a large dose of each of these virtues and for the first time, majority of Nigerians are beginning to jump into the deregulation bandwagon.

     

    • Bature, a policy analyst and business strategist wrote in from Abuja
  • Street style look with shorts

    Street style look with shorts

    Shorts are believed or assumed to be worn only by kids or athletes, this is not true. Wearing short is one of the best ways to stay cool or getting the street style look. Shorts are the best choice for the weekend getaways, beach, pool, barbecues, picnics, walks or get together with friends.

    They are quite casual, fun to wear and make one stand out. Shorts are cool but should be avoided when going for business or attending a formal ceremony or event. To avoid getting that sloppy or disorganized look, here are a few tips to help get the perfect short look.

    Tips

    • Make sure shorts does not go past the knees.
    • It has to be a perfect fit. Not too baggy or skintight, you don’t want to get the chicken leg look.
    • Avoid shorts that look like swim shorts.
    • Polo shirts, coloured shirts that button up, classic shirts, long sleeve shirts (roll up the sleeves) are perfect for shorts.
    • Do not tuck in the shirt.
    • Shoes to be worn include sandals, moccasins, casual loafers. Do not wear socks.
    • Accessorize with a blazer, hoodie jacket, hat or sunglasses.
  • Suleiman bows out of Central Naval Command in style

    Suleiman bows out of Central Naval Command in style

    After seven months of holding sway as the Flag Officer (FOC), Commanding Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, bowed out in style.

    Undoubtedly, Suleiman left indelible marks in all the Areas of Responsibility (AoR) of the CNC, especially in bringing vandals and other maritime criminals to their heels and in remodeling the headquarters of the command in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    The outgone commander, who was redeployed to Defence Headquarters, inaugurated five projects he initiated and executed within seven months before handing over the mantle of leadership to the first indigenous FOC, Rear Admiral Tarioworio Dick.

    Suleiman built and commissioned the senior rates mess, a17-self content apartment ratings transit accommodation and galley. He remodeled the main gate of the headquarters and the command’s provost and regulating office.

    Since the command headquarters was far from the sea, he created an expansive swimming pool to keep the navy familiar and abreast with its natural environment. He said after every three months, the ratings and officer are expected to undergo a swimming test.

    “Cultivate water because it is your theatre of operation”, he charged them adding that a 22.5KVA generator was dedicated to pool to ensure it continuously flow uninterrupted.

    Under his command, the CNC for the first time began its publication entitled, Central Searchlight, a publication of the CNC. He launched the glossy magazine which was edited by the command’s Public Relations Officer.

    While asking the officers and the ratings to cooperate with the new FOC, Suleiman said the navy was determined to crush pipeline vandals and oil thieves within its Areas of Responsibility (AoR).

    He said concrete foundation had been laid by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas, to actualise the mandate of the Federal Government against oil thieves and pipeline vandals. Suleiman said the naval headquarters recently fortified the assets of the CNC with additional 10 patrol boats.

    He said within seven months, the command destroyed 100 illegal refineries, arrested many suspected oil thieves and impounded ships and other vessels used by vandals.

    He said: “We advise thieves to desist. The command will sanction offenders severely in accordance with the extant rules and regulations. We will continue to curb maritime crimes”.

    He said within his seven months stint, the command maintained adequate presence at sea and fully deployed operatives in strategic maritime assets adding that oil theft was highly reduced. He said the Shell a Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) reported almost zero crude theft adding that CNC was adjudged the best command in the Nigerian Navy within his period.

    He thanked the officers, ratings, the state government and residents of the state for their cooperation and asked them to extend such partnership to the new commander.

    In recognition of his excellent performance, the Community Media Network (CMN) led by Delight Ozoegbe, the publisher of a local newspaper, Delight, presented an award to the FOC. He thanked him for reducing maritime crimes especially in the state.

    Also Dick, who hails from Nembe Local Government Area of the state, vowed to deal with crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals, kidnappers and pirates.

    He, however, appealed to the communities to cooperate with the navy by volunteering information.

    He said: “We solicit the community to provide information for us to act. Those who perpetrate this criminality do not represent any community but the live in communities and the communities are not happy with what they are doing.

    “I am disturbed by the actions of crude oil thrives because they dig the ground and use it as a storage facility. It damages the environment to the extent that our own children may not recover from what they have done.

    “They are not friends and so there should be the whole community approach towards tackling crude oil theft, sea robbery and piracy”.

    social commitment and responsibility, in the earnest efforts to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

    At the grand finale of the GEMS competition, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari was placing high premium on science and technology, in order to ensure sustainable development in Nigeria and diversification of the nation’s economy.

    Onu was represented by the Director, Gender Desk of the federal ministry, Dr. Nnenna Okoronkwo.

    The acting managing director of NDDC, in her welcome address at the GEMS’ grand finale, urged the nine governors of states in the Niger Delta to partner with the Federal Government’s intervention agency on science and technology.

    Mrs. Semenitari stated that the greatness and power of countries were interrelated, in no small measure; with the top priority they accord science and technology.

  • Glitzy Style Temple show

    Glitzy Style Temple show

    ABUJA-based designer, Ogugua Okonkwo’s much-talked-about label debut, Style Temple couture, has come and gone.

    The show, which fashion enthusiasts have now dubbed the hottest fashion show in Abuja, was quite memorable.

    It was an event where the best of fashion were on display.

    The label showcased unique intricate hand-beaded wedding couture and evening wear.

    Popularly known as Og, her passion for designing started when she used to cut up her mother’s old curtains to sew up her designs and alter her own outfits because she was skinny.

    “A friend told me about this fashion house, Berry’s Couture, that needed a designer. So I went for the interview. The woman who owned the outfit asked to see my portfolio and I got the job.

    “Seven months later, I left to start Style Temple,” she said.

    The show might have come and gone, but many are still giving kudos to Og for her glamorous and glitzy masterpieces.

    She has been credited with blazing the trail in turning fabrics into some of the most glamorous works of art.

    Her biggest dream is to become an African brand.

     

     

  • Juwon steps up with new style

    Juwon steps up with new style

    Budding Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Juwon Lawal, who goes by the stage name Juwon has said that his mission is to change the face of the country’s music scene. This, the artiste intends to do by floating a new genre which he calls Highlife on Hip Hop. The artiste brings this style to bear in his new track titled Big Money.

    “It is a style I created myself which, like I said, makes me. I live through music. Basically, I have been singing for about three years but I didn’t get the support of my friends. I decided to go deep into music because music got me right at all times. Music is my voice and mouthpiece,” Juwon enthused.

    The singer, who says that he fell in love with music way back in High School, revealed that he will be dropping a track in two weeks with Ajebutter22. “It’s titled Overdose and also I have on a song which will be featuring Phyno. I titled it Omo Ibo. I’m also working on another track with Legely the Golden son of Island titled Mummy Mi and I have several features with the like of Q.dot and Reminisce scheduled for next year. It’s a whole lot of work but I’m on it,” he added.

    The artiste who says that he’ll love to work with the likes of Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Patoranking, Wizkid and Davido also talks about his forth coming album; “It will be what Nigeria as a whole would anticipate. It will be passing a whole lot of message to the street and the market where I belong. That’s it about the album. I’m based in Nigeria but most times I’m usually out because I’m also schooling outside Nigeria but in close by Cotonou.”

  • Men: Get value from your style assets

    Men: Get value from your style assets

    Every day you button your clothes, roll up your shirt sleeves, and pick out your shoes. But what if you told that the way you go about doing these things is all wrong (or at the very least ill-informed)?

    From packing your suit the wrinkle-free way to keeping your rolled-up sleeves from unfurling, it is better to follow some clothing and style hacks that will save you time, money, and, in some cases, embarrassment.

     

    • Roll your shirt sleeves the right way.

    Instead of rolling the cuff slowly up your sleeve, flip the cuff back and pull it to just below your elbow. Then take the bottom (inside-out portion) and fold it up so it traps and covers the bottom cuff. Your shirt sleeves won’t unroll again.

     

    • Pack a suit without getting it wrinkled.

    Simply wrap the suit in tissue paper and place it in a bag to keep it in good condition.

     

    • Learn the “sometimes, always, never” rule of jacket buttons.

    The top button should sometimes be buttoned (stylistic decision), the middle button should always be buttoned (it pulls the jacket together and is flattering), and the last button should never be buttoned (it messes up the tailoring and flare of the jacket).

     

    • Match your dress shoes and suits.

    You should combine your suit and shoes nicely, try to learn what colours and styles are best.

     

    • Invest in quality shoe trees.

    Shoe trees will maintain the shape of your nice work shoes, prevent the leather from warping or cracking, and absorb any excess moisture from your shoes so they don’t rot from the inside out. Bespoke shoe trees are the best for your expensive shoes.

     

    • Hang your suits and dress shirts on cedar wood hangers.

    The cedar acts as a repellent for moths and absorbs moisture. And unlike wire hangers, wood hangers will not damage or stretch out clothing

     

    • Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them.

    Even lightweight sweaters stretch out if they’re on a hanger for too long. It’s better to fold sweaters in your wardrobe and hang dress shirts and T-shirts instead.

     

    • Go sockless without causing a stink.

    There’s an easy way to cheat that socks are undetectable, but effective at soaking up sweat so there’s no funky odor.

     

    • Use leather soap and oil to preserve your shoes.

    Always use soap and oil to preserve your shoes, it will dramatically increase their lifespan and ensure your footwear investment pays dividends for years to come.

     

    • Let your shoes breath between wears.

    You shouldn’t just slip on the same trusty pair of dress shoes day after day. Why? Because if you wear different shoes every day, they’ll stay alive much longer.

  • STYLE YOUR LOOK WITH COURT SHOE PUMP

    STYLE YOUR LOOK WITH COURT SHOE PUMP

    Court shoe pumps for women are usually heeled. They are closed toe and wide  heels worn by the very fashion-conscious. Pumps can be made from any material, but traditional patent leather is popular.

    Pumps are mostly worn with a suit or a uniform, but are also worn with formal and informal dresses, skirts, trousers, and jeans.

  • CHESS contest ends in style

    CHESS contest ends in style

    The grand finale of the yearly Nigerian International Schools Chess League competition ended last Saturday at Vivian Fowler Girls College, Oregun, Lagos.

    The team from Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State beat others with 34.5 points. Vivian Fowler Girls and Bellina College, Akoka, emerged first and second runners up with 34 and 30 points.

    The two teams from Bellina College also dominated the junior cadre with an outstanding 35 and 32 points to clinch first and second positions with 30 points.

    Coordinator of the competition Mr Kunle Fasan expressed happiness that though there were no sponsors, the contest had continued over the last decade

    “We have had to cope through thick and thin over the last 10 years without sponsorship,” Fasan said.

    “We have done this all alone but we are happy especially over the fruits of our endeavour. We can confidently beat our chest that participants who have emerged over time can represent this country both in local and international competitions.

    “But we are not foreclosing the opportunity of a sponsorship. There are many advantages attached to chess. It makes a player smarter; think faster and it also helps players in their academic pursuits,” he added.