CONTENTS
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AFRICA SPLASH BACK
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FASHION MEET SOME OF THE TOP AFRICAN FASHION DESIGNERS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, FALL 2015
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PROFILES YETUNDE TAIWO “THE AFROPOLITAN CHEF” DIANA OPOTI A FASHION MEDIA PROFESSIONAL
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BETHLEHEM TILAHUN ON ECO-FRIENDLY SHOES
CHINZE OJOBO
MASTERING THE BUSINESS OF ART
DR. MICHAEL MOL “Hello Doctor”
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BEAUTY THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY WITH CARINA FRANK
FASHION COUNT DOWN
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DETOX CANCER FIGHTING, DISEASE, YOU’VE GOTTA TRY NOW
DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR STYLE STATEMENT!
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HEALTH WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DETOX CANCER FIGHTING, DISEASE, YOU’VE GOTTA TRY NOW
03 EDITOR’S VOICE
WHO’S WHO?
WELCOME TO YET ANOTHER EXCITING ISSUE OF MAFBE. THIS ISSUE IS PACKED WITH EXCITING TALES OF FASHION FROM ACROSS THE CONTINENT.
For many, March is a month of rejuvenation, a month of fasting for some Christians, a month or strategizing for business, and a month of events for fashion designers. This is the month where many people officially start their year. Our March-April issue is a special based on new and exciting beginnings, and new businesses, It is jam-packed with interesting profiles of some creative African fashion designers, including Liberian-American Kemmi Wreh, US Based Nigerian Yetunde Taiwo, celebrated interior designer cum artist, Chinze Ojobo, award winning Ethiopian shoe designer Bethlehem Tilahun, and many more. This magazine also has lovely pictures of the latest Ankara trends, a collection of our favourite Christian Louboutin looks, some invaluable advice on detoxification, skin care and basically useful information on all things style and beauty. WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH US IN THE NEAR FUTURE? DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA HOW WE CAN MAKE THIS MAGAZINE BETTER? Talk to us. Contribute on chiaka@mafbe.com, info@mafbe.com or www.mafbe.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montageafricafashionbeautyexpo.
EDITOR:
Chiaka Orjiako
FEATURES EDITOR:
Kechi Okpala
CONTRIBUTORS:
Jesse Foster, Ntokozo Mhlon
GENERAL MANAGER:
Phil Roberts
DESIGN & LAYOUT:
Onyeka Ogugbue
CREATIVE DIRECTOR:
Mark Terence Springer
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Montage Photo Studio
MAKE UP ARTISTS:
Divine Makeup studio
PUBLISHER:
Ogochukwu Ezeaku
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:
Njideka Ezeaku
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER:
Engr. Phil Roberts
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
Ifeoma Okongwu
ADMIN. OFFICER:
Victoria Chikezie
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT:
Nnaemeka Ezeaku
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
Becca Koatsa & Faith Ocholi
ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
Blessing Obitiye
Cover Model:
Chinze Ojobo,
Dressed By:
Melacha Concepts Ltd, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja
MARKETING EXECUTIVES:
Chinelo Ukwuani, Love Omogiade,
SOUTH AFRICA BUREAU:
Christiana Springer
DISTRIBUTION:
Jay Magazine Subscription Unit 21 broc Kely Cross Business Centre 96, Endwell London SE4 2PD
ADVERT BOOKINGS:
Montage Africa Media Ltd. No. 15, Lungi Street, Off Cairo Street Wuse II,l Abuja. Tel: +234 09 2909689 Email: info@mafbe.com Email: fashion@mafbe.com Website: www.mafbe.com
“Beautiful, Sophisticated, African”- Thabo Makhetha
APiF Gift Guide- Accessories by 84Gem
african cakes
“A strong story to tell”- Tartan and the African Diaspora
APiF Gift Guide- Urban Tribe Berlin
An African City- “Changing the narrative”
AFRICA SPLASH BACK 04
HERE’S A LOOK AT PROFOUND IMAGES CELEBRATING CULTURE, FASHION, ART, STYLE, MUSIC AND EVERYTHING #MAFBE. For Image Submissions Email Info@Mafbe.Com
WORDS MAFBE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY AFRICA SPLASH.COM
Afrocentric Ankara.
APiF Gift Guide- Urban Tribe Berlin23
APiF Gift Guide- Accessories by 84Gem2
APIF Gift Guide- Interior Accessories by Eva Sonaike
The Shape of Things to ComeMelissa Maxted-Henderson
Chinedesign impresses with TheBravingRitual2
Fusion- African West Collection by Herbert Victoria
MONAA - Sandals inspired by the King of the Ashanti3
Òkun- Africa-inspired beachwear for the ocean4
Maasai Prints /Tartan/Plaid2
APIF Gift Guide- Interior Accessories by Eva Sonaike2
Ella & Gabby ~Latest African Fashion
I am in an orange kind of mood
APiF Gift Guide- Accessories by 84Gem3
Bélya Design- “We are fun and we think fun is cool and desired”
Return of the Rudeboy
Quite fab- Designs from South Africa on Fab� Germany
Queen of the Village- Heels by Buqisi-Ruux2
Must see- Chris Ofili exhibit in NYC
I am a fan- Namsa Leuba
Yinka Ilori- “All of my work is inspired by traditional Nigerian parables”
Nicole Hayley
Josef Otten- Trendy Fabrics from Austria
Awesome Tee Giveaway with Allen & Fifth
Be bold, beautiful and powerfulFanm Djanm
Stumbled upon and had to share asap- Lia Samantha
DIY Furniture Restoration with African Prints
Visiting Vou Brown
Queen of the Village- Heels by Buqisi-Ruux
Rue 114- Adinkra 2.0 collection
Randmas goes retro- Inspired by African Prints and the Sixties
Share Your Style Friday (SYSF)
Impressions- African Bazaar in Brooklyn2
Ella & Gabby ~Latest African Fashion
Toure Designs
MONAA - Sandals inspired by the King of the Ashanti2
Ready, Steady - Swim!2
Just Splendid- The new Vlisco collection “Splendeur”
Kibonen NY presents her SS2015 collection at NY Fashion Week
Prints of the Week- Osei-Duro
Hear Hear- Coconsa Bags5
Hear Hear- Coconsa Bags
INYÜ new collection- La Parisienne
Eclectic Interior Design by Myriam Maxo
Interior Design- House of Arike6
Ni Hao Shanghai
Vou Brown- African Fashion Boutique in London2
Queen of the Village- Heels by Buqisi-Ruux3
Prints of the Week- N’kya Designs
Studio One Eighty Nine ~Latest African Fashion
MAFBE SHOPS IS OFFERING AN INSPIRATIONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE TO FASHION-FORWARD CONSUMERS.
SHOPS
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MAFBE showcases over 1000 labels and is dedicated to support independent fashion and cultural diversity from the perspectives of hundreds of different buyers, each with their own unique style and vision. WORDS MAFBE PHOTOGRAPHY MA STUDIO
MAFBE SHOPS THE LIFE AQUATIC
TOM FORD ‘Ivanna’ sunglasses VALENTINO classic collar shirt MSGM cropped sweater
SEE BY CHLOÉ wide leg jeans
HERMÈS VINTAGE ‘Libres comme l’air’ scarf
PROENZA SCHOULER small ‘Elliot’ shoulder bag
THOM BROWNE half frame sunglasses
POLO RALPH LAUREN striped shirt
BURBERRY London leather crossbody bag
THE
T BY ALEXANDER WANG striped T-shirt
MARNI gold detail necklace
LIFE AQUATIC DSQUARED2 slim fit trousers
AU JOUR LE JOUR denim shorts BURBERRY London leather crossbody bag
ORLEBAR BROWN ‘Bulldog’ classic shorts
MARC BY MARC JACOBS air bubble sneakers Saint Laurent ‘Letters’ zip clutch
ILEANA MAKRI ‘Dawn’ ring PAUL SMITH three button jacket
MAFBE SHOPS RAG & BONE
RAG & BONE ‘Wyatt’ sandals
RAG & BONE leopard print shirt
RAG & BONE deep V-neck sweater
RAG & BONE baja patterned beach hoodie
RAG & BONE long shirt
RAG & BONE blazer jacket
ADA + NIK striped mesh tank
DSQUARED2 denim jacket
RAG & BONE
RAG & BONE single breasted coat
RAG & BONE ribbed scarf
Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, the New York duo behind Rag & Bone
RICK OWENS one button blazer
TOMAS MAIER leather cap
LANVIN ankle boots
RAG & BONE mini ‘Enfield’ cross body bag
Emporio Armani structured tote
YOHJI YAMAMOTO ‘New Era’ backpack
Givenchy flap fastening wallet
RAG & BONE mini shorts
DIESEL distressed jeans RAG & BONE contrast shirt dress
DIESEL plaid pattern shirt
RAG & BONE ‘Carson’ beanie
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BELT WITH YOU Multicolored wovencotton belt with nickel0finish buckle, by Torino Leather Company Italian cork and cotton belt with calfskin tab ends, by Torino Leather Company Grey woven belt with zinc-alloy buckle, By Burton. Classic braided tan and black leather belt, by Cole Haan Olive woven stretch cotton Castaway belt, By Tommy Bahama. Handwoven multicolored leather belt with brushed-satin nickel buckle, By Trafalgar Navy cotton webbed belt with matt-nickel buckle, by Nautica
WEAVES THAT WILL ROCK YOU KEEP YOUR PANTS ON WITH STYLISH, WELL CRAFTED WOVEN AND BRAIDED BELTS
Thge old age question “Brown or Black belt” has been rendered obsolete by the fact that now you can have both coloers in one, thanks to a recent boom in braided and woven belts. Denim, khakis and other more casual pants dominate today’s workplace, so a braided belt can be used in the smae manner as a power tie: You can Opt for military green for a subtly aggressive look, navy blue for a preppy vibe or woven cowhide to show you can mix business with leather. buckle up-you’re in for a stylish ride. WORDS MARK T SPRINGER
MAFBE SHOPS T-SHIRTS & VESTS
NEIL BARRETT ‘Marble Einstien’ T-shirt
CHRISTOPHER KANE pages print T-shirt
PHILIPP PLEIN toucan print T-shirt MOSCHINO ‘Coca Cola’ T-shirt
Brand: VIS VIVA Style: Isiagu MAISON MARGIELA abstract print T-shirt FAITH CONNEXION graffiti print T-shirt
THE
T-SHIRTS & VESTS BALMAIN Native American print T-shirt
CREATE THE CENTRE-PIECE OF YOUR OUTFIT USING STRIKING GRAPHICS AND BOLD MOTIFS
VERSACE baroque print T-shirt
STELLA MCCARTNEY swallow print T-shirt MARNI Candy Striped Top
ETRO abstract print T-shirt
NEIL BARRETT mickey mouse print T-shirt
DOLCE & GABBANA ‘Playboy’ print T-shirt
STELLA MCCARTNEY swallow print T-shirt
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FRENCH DESIGNER CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE SHOE DESIGNERS OF ALL TIME. HIS PIECES ALWAYS SPEAK VOLUMES AND MAKE OUR FEET LOOK LIKE WALKING DIAMONDS. THE MAJORITY OF HIS SHOES HAVE BRIGHT RED-LACQUERED SOLES WHICH HAVE BECOME HIS SIGNATURE. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINS OF ALL TIME. WORDS MAFBE PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
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YETUNDE TAIWO YETUNDE TAIWO IS A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR WITH 3 CORE BUSINESSES AND CREATOR OF THE NEW CULINARY BRAND INSPIRED BY AFRICAN FOOD, “THE AFROPOLITAN CHEF”. WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PR, BRANDING AND MARKETING, HER NEWEST FOOD COMPANY AFROPOLITAN CHEF IS KICKING OFF WITH HER NEW COOKBOOK, LOVE WITH FOOD, AFRICAN-FUSION MEALS MADE EASY. WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY YETUNDE TAIWO MAFBE: TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHERE THE LOVE FOR FOOD CAME FROM? I am a creative person who sincerely thrives on making others look their best using images, branding and words. I was actually born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Nigeria. I lived in Festac till I was 15 years old. My love for food came from life in Nigeria with my mother and my family. Funny thing is, I used to dis-like food as a kid. But my mother made sure I was in kitchen helping, learning and practicing on cooking since age 6. I never appreciated it until I was in my teenage years and when I moved back to Chicago for college in 1996. I started to have to cook more frequently for my older brother and I. That’s when I found the fun in food. In Chicago, I studied Communications in Loyola University Chicago and decided that impacting million of people through communications was what I was destined to do. The rest took hard work, prayers and a great network. MAFBE: BEING A YOUNG SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR WHAT SPAWNED THE IDEA OF THE BOOK,”AFROPOLITAN CHEF”? The idea of Afropolitan Chef was pure accident. In 2009 I left a great paying job to launch my PR Company full time. I was working from my home office and knew I had to cut down my expenses; so instead of eating out I began to cook at home. I figured out ways to cook in a short amount of time so that I could get back to building my business. I got so many responses from my food postings on social media that I had a total eureka moment “I should write a cookbook.” That is how Afropolitan Chef was started! The rest is history on its way. MAFBE: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FROM THE “AFROPOLITAN CHEF” AND WHY? Oh! that’s not even fair (laughs). I have a ton of favorites that’s why I have a cookbook. I had to put them all in one place. If I were to recommend some recipes, I would suggest the ones with vegetables in them. Oh wait, that’s almost all of them *laughs*. Ok, if I had to pick, it would be Ikokore. It was one of my favorite recipes as a kid. Made with water yam. My mother still makes the best Ikokore ever!! MAFBE: WHAT DOES BEING AFROPOLITAN CONSIST OF AND WHY SUCH A WORD CHOICE FOR THE BRAND? For me, being Afropolitan means being internationally mobile, Africa rooted, world influenced and cosmopolitan. Putting together those words for the brand was a light-bulb moment. How would you describe the modern Afropolitan Foodie who loves to cook and entertain guest? An Afropolitan Chef. The name of the book Love with Food, African fusion meals made easy. My fiancé came up with that name and his reason was that “I express love with food.” It was a simple understanding and expression of how I feel about food.
MAFBE: WHAT KEY COOKING INGREDIENTS SHOULD SOMEONE HAVE TO ACHIEVE THE “AFROPOLITAN” TASTE? To have an Afropolitan Chef taste, you mostly use thyme and curry in the recipes. The biggest ingredient though is LOVE. Never cook when you’re angry you might over salt your food. MAFBE: WHAT DOES BEING AN AFROPOLITAN CHEF CONSIST OF? Food talk. Let’s do it. Being an Afropolitan Chef means you are rooted in Africa with your taste buds, influenced by the world with your techniques and you have a thing for bringing people together for the Love of Food. It’s an all round solid Love with Food experience while still being authentically African. I love being an Afropolitan Chef. MAFBE: WHAT DOES THE TERMINOLOGY “NEW BEGINNINGS” MEAN TO YOU? New beginnings mean you start with a clean slate. No fears, no pains, you forgive yourself; you forgive others and create new habits so you create new ways of evolving. We have a tendency to go back to the old things we know how to do that got us in a jam in the first place. The trick is to remind yourself that it’s a new beginning you will have to learn new ways to do things so that you can thrive in a new way. MAFBE: ARE THERE ANY SOCIAL CAUSES YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT? Yes, I am passionate about two social organizations. The World Food Program and the No Kid Hungry organization; they both focus on eradicating world hunger. I truly believe in the power of food to change our mood and by default our outlook on life. MAFBE: What advice do you have for young African ladies who dream to become successful serial entrepreneurs? Master the art of developing and building sincere relationships because if you build a great network, you can activate that power to change things. Understand and accept that challenges are an expected part of the process. That should encourage you not to give up without putting in the work when things do get tough. And above all, be a part of the things you actually love because you are more likely to put your best into it. MAFBE was privileged to interview Taiwo.
TELEVISION HOST AND FASHION PR STRATEGIST DIANA OPOTI SET OUT ON WHAT SHE CALLED “A PERSONAL CHALLENGE” LAST YEAR – TO WEAR AFRICAN DESIGNS FROM HER WARDROBE FOR 100 DAYS STRAIGHT. The results were mind-blowing. The campaign, well received on social media for showcasing the diverse aesthetics of African designers and for demonstrating to the public how the clothes can be worn by anyone, was also a savvy mix of marketing and market research for various African brands. Diana has launched a second campaign, and with it, she will undoubtedly continue to revolutionise the fashion industry, one day at a time. WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY DIANA OPOTI
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DIANA OPOTI A FASHION MEDIA PROFESSIONAL, AVID BLOGGER, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE TELEVISION SERIES “DESIGNING AFRICA”, WITH HER HIT CAMPAIGN, 100 DAYS OF AFRICAN FASHION, DIANA OPOTI IS A CHAMPION OF THE CONTINENT’S FASHION DESIGN MARKET, GROWING TO BECOME ONE OF THE AFRICA’S MOST FORMIDABLE FASHION CONNECTORS. In 2014 Diana Opoti was nominated as “outstanding Trend Communicator of the year by the continent’s most prestigious awards, in South Africa, The Africa Fashion Awards. Through her media company, Artemis Media, Diana takes a 360 degrees approach to promoting African Fashion using various mediums including television, digital media through her personal style campaign that captured global attention – The 100 Days of African Fashion Campaign, launching the first and only fashion PR consultancy in her home country Kenya in 2014. In 2012, Diana founded the Pan African television series, Designing Africa that premiered on DSTV’s Africa Magic Entertainment. The show, which is broadcast across the continent, celebrates the growing fashion industry, highlighting the journey of designers. Between visiting top fashion weeks on the continent and sharing conversations she has with leading designers, Diana Opoti keeps her followers in the loop on the continent’s growing fashion industry, revealing new collections, and emerging and established designers alike – consistently highlighting their work to her followers. Since starting her Fashion PR consultancy in 2014, Diana Opoti serves clients looking to enter the Nairobi market as well as helps position emerging brands looking to get into the market space. 100 Days of African Fashion has been her most successful campaign. The project featured a unique look every day for 100 days, highlighting the work of over 100 designers to a growing following across social media. Discover more on www.100daysofafricanfashion.com
PAUL PLAY THE MOST CREATIVE MUSICIAN IN RECENT TIMES IN THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY. HIS COCKTAIL OF GENRES FROM WESTERN WORLD R&B AND RAP TO TRADITIONAL HIGHLIFE MUSIC AND JUJU MUSIC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS UNMATCHABLE UNIQUENESS. PAUL STARTED AS A PRODUCER, SONGWRITER AND BACK UP VOCALIST BEFORE HITTING THE LIMELIGHT. BORN TO A GREAT NIGERIAN MUSIC LEGEND, LATE I.K. DAIRO M.B.E., WHO WAS THE ONLY MUSICIAN TO BE HONOURED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II IN AFRICA IN THE SIXTIES, PAUL BABATUNDE DAIRO IS UNQUESTIONABLY, A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK. HE JOINED “LE GRIFFE” AN R&B GROUP WITH HIS BROTHER
HE WENT SOLO AFTER FEARS OF CONTINUITY WITH HIS LAST GROUP TO RECORD HIS FIRST ALBUM TITLED “DAIRO MUSIC FOUNDATION PROJECT” IN 1999 FEATURING HIT SINGLES LIKE; “MOSORIRE” “HAPPY DAY” AND “YES O!” . THE ALBUM REMAINS A TIMELESS CLASSIC, POPULAR AMONGST NIGERIANS AND AFRICANS IN DIASPORA. The album has sold over two million copies and is still selling till date. To keep the marriage between his irreplaceable passion for music and the legacy left behind by his father intact, his debut album is a unique blend of remaking his father’s old hits and his first love; R&B. “I’ve always wanted to make R&B evergreen songs as an artiste, but my father left so much behind in terms of his music and fans, so I thought it well to keep his fans happy and his style of music alive.” Explains this endowed musician on his first solo album. Sincerely, his debut album reflected all of that cutting from the roots to the urban genres. The album became a delight for entertainment reporters, and music journalist. Which fetched Paul Play Dairo most of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry awards.of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun TObasanjo and first lady Chief Mrs. Stella Obasanjo are great lovers of Paul’s music. He has performed for the first family more than any of his counterparts. His music has also been embraced by the elite as well as state Governors. His performance is rated first class at high brow events and he has also performed with international acts at major events. They include; Joe, Wyclef, Sean Paul and Shaggy just to mention a few. He has released two other albums “Project II” and “no. 1” these two albums were released in 2001 and 2003 respectively despite the intimidating factors affecting musicians in his country, he sold 1.5 million copies of “Project II”, and over 3 million copies of “Number 1” Paul has worked with great producers and A&R in U.K. and U.S.A., after listening to “sacrifice” (song on the second alum) He was contacted through his partner Denitty by the management of Jimmy Cozier to write songs for his album. His works marveled the entire production team of a U.K. Management Company Starview Entertainment he was invited for a Producer/artiste deal in 2003. His age-long dream is to see his
AND COUSIN, BANJI AND HENRY DAIRO (BOTH LATE NOW) IN THE LATE EIGHTIES, HE VOWED TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE. HE MOVED ON TO JOIN OTHER GROUPS WHICH INCLUDE “DEKLAN”, “OXYGEN” AND PURE HEART IMPRESSION. WHILE WITH THESE GROUPS, PAUL WAS DOUBLING AS A JINGLE AND SOUNDTRACK PRODUCER FOR ADVERTISING AGENCIES AND FILM PRODUCERS NOT JUST THAT, HE HAS ALSO PRODUCED AND WORKED WITH MOST OF THE UPCOMING ARTISTES IN NIGERIAN MUSIC SCENE AND BIG NAMES AS WELL.
music career, bridge the gap between equally talented African artistes, and their international counterparts. This talented singer, songwriter and producer is poised to win laurels for his country Nigeria, and the African continent. His style of delivery is infectious yet irresistible. “We are ripe enough as musicians to get recognized and accepted for mainstream music Africa is endowed with music talents that has so much to offer the world” says endowed Paul on his quest for international success. His creative mechanics has endorsed many hit albums across the continent a listen to some of his works will convince you that he is a perfectionist combined with the intellect of a me chani cal engine e ringg raduate who is a media delight any day, has graced the cover of many major magazines and still ounting. For Paul, he is just getting close to the beginning of an impressing career. I’m sure if asked, what odds he has been through, this humble and unassuming creative bunch will only tell you “No matter what the obstacles are, don’t ever loose your focus do not trade your sense of direction believe in God and believe in yourself” indeed, one can clearly identify that this has helped him as he continues in his relentless pursuit of excellence. From leaving the first record label that signed him on, to starting his own production label with a new identity, ignited the fighting spirit of this unbowed soldier, who is determined to capture a global audience. He once whispered to one of his friends during a production session on the fact that he has recorded more than 200 songs! For a guy who writes for other artistes, produce songs for them, and even perform at gigs, one can only imagine how he makes time to record his own songs. He used to be one the highly underrated and underestimated producers until the Nigerian music scene cannot do without charttopping songs he produced and wrote for other musicians. +2348033042075, +2348033036635 paulplayground@yahoo.com www.facebook.com www.myspace.com/paulplay www.youtube.com/paulplaymedia
WORDS PHIL ROBERTS NA OPOTI
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SHEILAH PARKER MY NAME IS SHEILAH PARKER. I AM CURRENTLY BASED IN UGANDA AND 24 YEARS OF AGE. I AM A PROFESSIONAL MODEL WHO HOLDS A DEGREE IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND I HAVE WORKED WITH A FEW MODELLING AGENCIES IN UGANDA, INCLUDING ‘FASHION RUNWAY UGANDA’ AND ‘ELITE MAGAZINE’ AS A RUNWAY MODEL AND COVER GIRL RESPECTIVELY. I AM SELF MOTIVATED AND BELIEVE IN SIMPLICITY AND DURING MY FREE TIME EITHER READ THE BIBLE OR FORBES AND STYLE MAGAZINES. I AM ALSO INTO FASHION DESIGN, HENCE, MY LOVE FOR MODELLING. The modelling industry in Uganda is easy to venture into for as long as one is focused and determined to push through. However, to a certain extent, models are respected as most people view it in a far different perspective that is to say, as time wasting and uneducative which in the real world is not the case. Actually modelling is really tough and in uganda it does come with a few challenges including little or few modelling opportunities, yet we have quite a number of models signed to various agencies but end up doing nothing really. The pay here is also small compared to other countries. For instance, most modelling acts are done for free or three times less than what the actual pay should have been which to me is demotivating. My take on African fashion is that it is not even a trend but a way of life! Bloggers,designers,photographers and retailers are all part if the movement, making it the in thing. My take on skin lightening is that it is really heartbreaking to have people change their skin colour which often turns out so bad. One thing for sure is ‘Black is beautiful’, and being a model is about being comfortable in one’s own skin whether black or red, you just got to be who you are. My advice to people who wish to venture into modelling is to keep persistent. I know of alot of beautiful girls and boys who wish to be in this career but are afraid of what people out there will think of them as models, my word to them is, ‘focus on your passion’ because without passion there is no mission. Contact Sheila on: sheilahkainz@gmail.com
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MEZCAL MAGNIFICO TEQUILA’S SMOKIN HOT SISTER WILL KEEP YOU TOASTY THIS FALL Everthing tates better smoked. Liquor is no exeption, which is why mezcal-the Mexican sprit made from agave plants roasted in earthen ovens-is taking over the top shelves of Africa’s best bars. Spicy, smooth and robustly flavored, it’s superb for sipping or for mixing in deeply layered cocktails. We
tapped Philip Ward of New York’s Mexican mixology bar Mayahuel to harness mezcal’s power for a refreshing cocktail: Ron’s Dodge Charger. an homage to Ron Cooper (car buff and founder of Del Maguey mezcal), the drink is perfect for toasting with on a starry autumn night. INGREDIENTS
Ron’s Dodge Charger •
•
Stay Fresh
Skip the cans and bottles. Taking the time to make fresh pineapple and lime juice is key to mixing a vibrantly flavored cocktail
Get salty
One part La Boite a Epice smoked salt to two parts kosher salt, pulsed for one second in a coffee grinder, will add depth to your rim.
DEL MAGUEY CHICHICAPA, Thr Del Maguey
MEX APPEAL
Three kings of mezcal that will set your cocktails afire
Bring the heat
To amp up the spice and add more flavor, let six chiles de arbol soak overnight in your mezcal. strain them out to stop the burn from building.
brand is mezcal’s matador; Chichicapa’s earthy pepper and spice make for profound cocktails. WAHAKA JOVEN TOBALA, Tangy citrus lies beneath a slow, satisfying charcoal burn, ideal in intricate, savory concoctions. ILEGAL REPOSADO, Caramel and vanilla balance the smoldering wood tast of this reposado (lightly aged) mezcal. Rich enough to be sipped neat or the rocks.
Smoked salt 1/half oz. Del maguey Vida mezcal infused with chiles de arbol • 1 oz. fresh pineapple juice • 1/half oz. freshly squeezed lime juice 1/half oz. agave nectar
Rim a chilled cocktail glass with smoked slat. Pour a I l ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for a good five seconds. Strain into glass and enjoy.
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w and e r b men like th a r y An but we ls and ode ions do, o n y pt chew broth o rand b y spic Korean hin. from gshim S Non
PIMP MY NOODLES HOW TO UPGRADE SUPER-MARKET NOODLES FROM INSTANT STANDBY YO INSANELY DELICIOUS While the ramen-restaurant revolution has brought Tokyoworthy bowls of noodles to cities across the country, on college campuses the stuff remains the lackluster MRE of staving students. But a heartly and delicious meal is within reach. First you need to ditch that packet of freeze-dried vegetables. Then simply follow the instrucyions on your favorite package of ramen and top it with a few well-chosen protein-rich and flavourpacked ingredients inspired by the best of the ramen boom. WORDS MARK T SPRINGER
FAUX MOMOFUKU RAMEN Chef David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City was a pioneer in the stateside ramen revolution. His signature dish is the inspriration for this version made with ingredients you can get at a supermarket.
Semisoft egg Boil an egg for seven minutes and plunge it into water to stop the cooking. The yolk will be perfeclty creamy
Squares of nori Toasted seaweed adds even more depth of flavour. Slice it into thin stips.
Chopped fresh scallions Thinly sliced, these add flavour and cruch.
Precooked carnitas There’s no hangover cure like slowcooked pork. Trader Joe’s sells pre-cooked carnitas you can stash in your fringe.
MIX IT UP
Sea change Swap out the pork with pre-cooked peeled and deveined frozen shrimp that you’ve thawed under running water
Add umami Thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms are highly in glutamine, the naturally occurring compound that adds savoriness to dishes.
Spice it up Korea’s number one condiment, kimchi, adds crunchy, tangy appeal. Roughly chop it before adding to the ramen
Go green A little nutrition never hurts: Use bagged prewashed baby spinach, which will wilt and cook in the hot broth
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COUNTDOWN FASHION IS NOT JUST A CHOICE. IT IS A LIFESTYLE! WE UNDERSTAND THIS. THAT IS WHY WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR STYLE STATEMENT!
025 ABOUT THE BRAND:
DIDI CREATIONS
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UNITED KINGDOM. THEY MAINLY DESIGN UNISEX CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR, BAGS AND ACCESSORIES, BUT ALSO OFFER BESPOKE SERVICES TO CLIENTS ON REQUEST. THEIR DESIGN INSPIRATIONS ARE DRAWN FROM COLOURS, RETRO, AFRICAN ARTS AND CULTURE; HENCE THE COLOURFUL, RETRO AND AFRO-CENTRIC THEME IN MOST OF THEIR DESIGNS. They place an onus on quality, and work with the best and tested artisans around the globe to create perfectly finished designs. Each item is hand crafted from start to finish, using the finest natural raw materials ranging from leather, bamboo, fabric, fur, beads, wood, straw, sequence, shells, and coconut shell.
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WORDS DIDI CREATIONS
DURO OLOWU
ABOUT THE BRAND:
A high-waisted patchwork boho dress—known as the “Duro”—put the brand on the fashion map, and became a cult item in 2005 after being discovered by American Vogue editor Sally Singer and Julie Gilhart of Barneys. His designs were an instant hit with fashion editors and buyers worldwide. It includes the now famous signature “Duro dress” with its empire waist and billowing sleeves in vibrant mixed silk prints, which was hailed both the American and British Vogue as the dress of the year. Only 12 months later, he won the prestigious “New Designer of the Year” award at the British Fashion Awards 2005. The only designer to have ever done so without a catwalk show. In 2010 he won the Best Designer Award at the African Fashion Awards in South Africa and was selected as one of 6 finalists at the Swiss Textiles Award in Zurich. Celebrities including Michelle Obama has been spotted wearing Duro Olowu creations.
WORDS DURO OLOWU
BORN IN LAGOS TO A NIGERIAN FATHER AND A JAMAICAN MOTHER, DURO OLOWU STARTED OFF PURSUING A CAREER IN LAW. IT’S A GOOD THING HE GAVE THAT UP TO PURSUE A CAREER IN FASHION! HE HAS SINCE IMPRESSED THE WORLD WITH HIS VIBRANT MIX OF AFRICAN PRINTS, BOHEMIAN SHAPES, AND STRIKING COLOR COMBINATIONS.
LORENORE
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Having studied Fashion Design, Olajumoke Sajowa-Otuonye graduated from College in London. With a strong passion for design, she went further to study Bespoke Tailoring at the same college. Lorenore has production factories in Turkey and Nigeria. Having designed for clients around the world from London, United States, Nigeria etc, they recently opened their first flagship store in Lagos Nigeria on the 6th of April 2014 and are now online at SHUGAKANE.com. Lorenore deals in ready-to-wear and bespoke, couture for men and women. The fabrics are sourced from all over the world and they specialise in casuals, formal-wear, party dresses, polos and tees. SEPH by LORENORE, is the ready-to-wear men’s line, which ranges from casuals to formalwear with the highest quality fabrics in Shirts, T-shirts, Polos, Chinos Trousers etc. The brand can boast of superb cuts that guarantees the fit a modern man needs.
YUTEES
YUTEES IS A FASHION HOUSE BASED IN THE UK AND NIGERIA. IT IS KNOWN FOR USING COLOUR-BLOCK PANELS & GEOMETRIC PATTERNS AS WELL AS PLAYING WITH PRIMARY COLOURS AND MIXING THEM WITH COMPLEMENTARY PRINTS. WORDS YUTEES
ABOUT THE BRAND:
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WORDS LORENORE
ABOUT THE BRAND:
LORENORE FASHION HOUSE PRONOUNCED AS LORENOR IS A STEP OUT OF YOUR ORDINARY CLOTHING LINE. IT WAS FORMED FROM THE DESIGNER’S CHILDREN’S NAMES SEMILORE AND OREOLUWA, AND LAUNCHED IN LONDON IN 2007.
Yutees first started in 2006 with its first opening in the city of Port Harcourt River State, and the official branch opening of its flagship store in Abuja on 26 November 2011. Yutees desire to cater for the needs of stylish women of different ages and tastes with detailed attention to body size and shape. Known for their professionalism, Yutees pay extra care to costumer satisfaction, with a wealth of experience and a deep seeded knowledge of fashion. Yutees strive to make its clients comfortable with their ability to express themselves through their fashion and help create a look that best describes and portray their personality, thereby making a statement with their own sense of style, and standing out at whatever occasion.
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ABOUT THE BRAND:
YIGA
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YIGA IS A SECOND GENERATION FASHION DESIGNER FUSING BOLD ETHNIC PRINTS WITH THE WESTERN CLOTH! FOUNDED IN 2008, THE LABEL INSPIRED BY HER NAME OYEYIGA FUSES CULTURE WITH COUTURE FOR THE SAVVY WOMAN THAT MAKES FASHION A WAY OF LIFE – ‘FROM DAWN TO DUSK’. Yiga embraces the difference in culture and aesthetically creates ready-to-wear elegant stylish concepts, blending ethnic bold prints with western fabrics. Yiga celebrates the woman and moulds her designs to complement women without compromising the artful craftsmanship of tailoring. WORDS YIGA
SOUZA FASHION
ABOUT THE BRAND:
SOUZA Is A Label That Appeals To Every Woman Who Yearns To Define Her Personality Through Her Style. It Is A Label That Provides Both Pret A Porte And Haute Couture Clothing By In Fusing Western And Indigenous Fabric To Create Modern And Unique Pieces. Although SOUZA Is A Young Label, It Has Already Gone A Remarkable Distance In The Nigerian Fashion Industry Gracing Various Runways And Red Carpets, And In The Long-Run, It Hopes To Become One Of The World Leading Brands In Fashion Retailing To Be Found In Every Closet, Both Male And Female Alike.
WORDS SOUZA FASHION
SOUZA WAS ESTABLISHED EARLY 2010 BY FRANCISCA DA-SOUZA, A 21 YEAR OLD ACCOUNTING GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, WHOSE GLARING INTEREST IN FASHION INEVITABLY LED HER DOWN THE PATH THAT RESULTED IN THE LABEL SOUZA.
THE NEEDLE POINT SHOP IS A LIFESTYLE BRAND DEFINED BY THE LOVE FOR AFRICAN CULTURE AND FASHION. AS A BRAND, NEEDLE POINT FOCUSES IN THE CREATION OF CONTEMPORARY READY-TO-WEAR CLOTHES IN AFRICAN PRINT. IT IS DISTINGUISHED BY THE USE OF HIGH QUALITY PRINTS AND EMBELLISHMENTS TO CREATE TIMELESS PIECES THAT TRANSCEND SEASONS, IN ADDITION TO AN IMPECCABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. WORDS NEEDLE POINT
ABOUT THE BRAND:
NEEDLE POINT
It caters to the personal style needs of it’s clientele of varied ages, who seek to be effortlessly stylish, elegant and comfortable in their clothes. Founded by Creative Director, Theresa Onwuka as a hobby in 2006, Needle Point was re-launched in 2010 with the opening of their flagship store in Ikoyi, Lagos. Theresa has a passion for making women look amazing in her timeless pieces. According to her, “it’s all about adding that touch of effortless chic to every outfit.”
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MAGNETIC ELEGANCE
WORDS MAGNETIC ELEGANCE
ABOUT THE BRAND:
8 MAGNETIC ELEGANCE IS A FASHION HOUSE ESTABLISHED TO CATER TO WOMEN’S WEAR, AND ALSO A FASHION SCHOOL FOR TUTORING FUTURE DESIGNERS. MAGNETIC ELEGANCE WAS FOUNDED BY LAITAN OLUBI IN DECEMBER 2013,BASED IN LAGOS NIGERIA. The bespoke clothing line offers couture designs with sophistication and elegance. The founder laitan has a childhood passion for creativity, from fashion illustrating to actualisation,this burning passion has birth Magnetic Elegance [Me] today,a label that best expresses each individual client in elegance,glamour,class act and sophistication because those are values that constitute [ME]
029 ABOUT THE BRAND:
KINABITI KINABUTI IS A FAST GROWING AFRO-CENTRIC HAUTE COUTURE FASHION BRAND ESTABLISHED IN NIGERIA IN 2010 BY CATERINA BORTOLUSSI, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, WHO TAKES PRIDE IN DESIGNING WEARABLE YET EFFORTLESSLY CHIC CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES OF HIGH QUALITY. ALL THE KINABUTI LABELED FASHIONABLE APPARELS ARE HAND MADE IN NIGERIA. As a result of Kinabuti’s tremendous The duo of Caterina Bortolussi and Francesca Rosset teamed up to create a ready-to-wear line that would be not only financial savvy and but yet meets style conscious needs. The KBUTI line would cater for Women, men and also children, and consists of cloths, accessories, shoes, etc, all teamed together to create a chic yet urban ensemble that is street style worthy. WORDS KINABITI
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JUANJO OLIVA
ABOUT THE BRAND:
It was an instant success! The label combines the techniques of an “atelier de couture” and a contemporary design concept. Thanks to his unique know-how, Juanjo Oliva revisits with elegance the Hollywood glamour. His dresses are impressive, simple with a geometric cut or a beautiful print and very original with futuristic materials. He took part at Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week for the first time with his Autumn/Winter Collection 20042005. He has since also presented his collections at Gaudí Novias and New York Fashion Week. Juanjo has also won awards such as the L´OREAL Award for the Best Collection in Cibeles of Autumn-Winter 2005/2006, Spring-Summer 2009, Spring-Summer 2012. In 2012, Juanjo Oliva even collaborates with the huge concept store Corte Ingles, for which he designed a capsule collection called “Juanjo Oliva for Elogy”. In only 10 years, he managed to make his brand a new reference of the Spanish Haute Couture scene.
WORDS JUANJO OLIVA
JUANJO OLIVA WAS BORN IN MADRID IN 1971. AFTER QUALIFYING IN FASHION DESIGN, HE FIRST WORKED PROFESSIONALLY AS AN ILLUSTRATOR AND THEN AS A FASHION DESIGNER FOR BIG BRANDS LIKE ZARA. IN 2000 OLIVA LAUNCHED HIS COMPANY, EGOTHERAPY S.L., WHICH OWNS THE JUANJO OLIVA BRAND.
JREASON REPRESENTS MY STRUGGLE FOR IDENTITY, MY FREEDOM, MY MOOD AND MY QUEST FOR BOLDNESS; THESE HAVE DEFINED MY COLLECTIONS OVER THESE TWO YEARS. MY VISION IS TO PUSH OUT TO NIGERIA AND AFRICA, TO BRING FABRIC, CUT AND FINISH INTO ONE EPITOME OF ART THAT REFLECTS MY FASHION AESTHETICS. WORDS JREASON
ABOUT THE BRAND:
JREASON
JREASON has always been about young, trendy and stylish, we are concerned with making outfits that appeal to a wide range of the classy market from casuals to corporate. Our pieces are always about current trends with a unique twist that makes us standout. JREASON particular about the global market and flaming the African heritage.
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ELIKEM THE TAILOR
WORDS ELIKEM THE TAILOR
ABOUT THE BRAND:
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EX BIG BROTHER AFRICA (BBA) HOUSEMATES ELIKEM AND POKELLO RUN THIS FASHION AND DESIGN BRAND. POKELLO HAD A SHOE STORE BACK IN ZIMBABWE AND ELIKEM HAD HIS TAILORING BUSINESS IN GHANA. AS A COUPLE, THEY MERGED BOTH BRANDS AND CREATED WHAT IS QUICKLY BECOMING A NEW FASHION TREND IN AFRICA. They have scheduled launched a clothing line tagged “queen of swag” and got an amazing response. People were buying and ordering for the clothes and shoes from the few available stores till they were all sold out. The duo is now supplying Elikem-tailored clothes to their fans from around the world and interested parties can place orders and get more details about the stores and clothes at shugakane.com
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ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
FASHION
ESIRI EKWALE WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY MA STUDIO ESIRI EKWALE IS A 23 YEAR OLD NIGERIAN ABSTRACT FASHION DESIGNER. FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS, ESIRI HAS CHURNED OUT UNIQUE SHIRTS, JUMPERS, TRADITIONAL ATTIRE AND DRESSES THROUGH HIS LABEL, UNCENSORED WEARS, AN EXQUISITE CLOTHING LINE FOR THE MATURED ADOLESCENT IN COLLEGES AND WORKING CLASS ADULTS IN THE CORPORATE WORLD. When one says uncensored they mean a word or phrase is vulgar and hence should not be said out or used in public. However this line of clothing intends to capitalise on the craziness but reduce the level of rudeness or impoliteness in the word/phrase, therefore delivering the message in a more subtle, unique and fun way by using designs. Mafbe was privileged to speak to Esiri. MAFBE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING? Esiri: I was born in Lagos, and raised in Calabar and Portharcourt. I had a normal childhood, I am the third born and the only son in a family of four children. I attended Showers International Highschool, Port-harcourt and later attended the American University of Yola, and graduated with a degree in Software Engineering. MAFBE: WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR FASHION ARISE FROM? Esiri: My passion for fashion arose when I joined college; I interacted with hundreds of people from different cultural and social backgrounds. I got to know about Dashiki, a popular Ghanaian design, the school also being an American university in Nigeria students happened to develop a foreign urban style mixed with a rich African fashion culture. Learning in such a fashionable institution I couldn’t help but identify this opportunity of becoming an entrepreneur in the design/ fashion industry. As I grew in becoming a designer I focused on creating both foreign and African designs in other to lay a foundation where everybody is free to wear whatever they liked, I also believe that’s how I derived my fashion label’s slogan “Wear whatever you
like!!!”. Ultimately, I believe there is no greater inspiration than the Father of Creation, God. MAFBE: WHAT DOES AFRICAN FASHION MEAN TO YOU? Esiri: To me, African fashion is a way different cultures around the continent express their traditions and way of life. I’m obsessed with Ankara, daviva, and dashiki fabric. I also love infusing western cuts with African fabric. MAFBE: FASHION DESIGN IN AFRICA IS MORE OR LESS A CUT-THROAT BUSINESS. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO STAY AFLOAT AND KEEP YOUR CLIENTS GLUED TO YOUR PRODUCTS? Esiri: Social media has been of great help to me over the years. Communication channels such as BBM, Whatsapp and instagram have helped me keep in touch with my costumers globally. I’ve receive orders from the US, the UK and various parts of the world. Through my web application, we’ve reached out to many people about our designs and the customer base keeps growing by the day. MAFBE: MENS FASHION IN NIGERIA IS NOT AN EASY BUSINESS, BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF NIGERIAN MEN ARE NATURALLY NOT FASHION ADDICTS, HOW DO YOU KEEP MEN SO ADDICTED TO YOUR DESIGNS? Esiri: Men love uniqueness, sometimes when they see MAFBE: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUTH WITH A PASSION FOR FASHION BUT ARE NOT FINANCIALLY WELL-OFF TO VENTURE INTO FASHION? Esiri: I always advice that you start small. Rome was not built in a day. Start small, know your strengths and your weaknesses. The key point is you should know how to spot an opportunity and exploit an opportunity for maximum benefit. Contact Esiri on: www.uncensoredwears.com
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: LIBERIAN-AMERICAN FASHION DESIGNER KIMMA WREH IS AFRICA’S VERA WANG. BASED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, KIMMA IS POPULAR FOR HER EXOTIC HAUTE COUTURE WEDDING GOWNS UNDER THE LABEL TEKAY DESIGNS. TEKAY’S QUEEN OF THE BRIDES COLLECTION IS A HIGH-END BRIDAL LINE WITH EACH GOWN REPRESENTATIVE OF A HISTORIC WOMAN OF POWER AND SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. THE LINE IS HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY ANCIENT EGYPTIAN AND EUROPEAN STYLES AND ADORNED WITH LAVISH ACCESSORIES. HERE ARE OUR FAVOURITE PIECES FROM HER QUEEN OF THE BRIDE COLLECTION.
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KIMMA WREH WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY MA STUDIO
AFBE: TELL US ABOUT TEKAY DESIGNS. WHAT DOES TEKAY STAND FOR AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VENTURE INTO FASHION?
KIMMA: TeKay stands for international culture and tourism. As a little girl, I was intrigued by ethnic clothing and jewellery worn by various tribes in Liberia and wondered what people wore in other parts of the world. When the opportunity came for me to travel to the U.S., I vowed to show the world the beauty of culture. I designed a mini collection of dresses, skirts and top made of colorful Ankara fabrics and solids which I wore to Howard University in Washington D.C. The compliments received from my schoolmates inspired me to start TeKay Designs Inc. which was incorporated in 1998. MAFBE: SOME OF YOUR WEDDING DRESSES ARE SO EXOTIC, ONLY AN EXTRAORDINARY MIND LIKE YOURS CAN COME UP WITH SUCH IDEAS. WHERE EXACTLY DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM AND HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN IN TERMS OF SALES? KIMMA: Thank you. I am inspired by mother nature and the monarchies of ancient civilizations around the world. My wedding gowns are made with Queens and women of significant social status in mind. Moreover, I have had the blessing of travelling to various countries around the globe including India, Hungary, Czech Republic, Scotland, France, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, United States, Canada, Ghana and Liberia. While in these countries, I visited the local markets where textiles, clothing, pyramids, jewellery, arts and crafts were sold. I visited museums, toured historical buildings, Churches, temples, and admired their architecture. I met with local tailors, embroiderers, artists, and crafts people. My designs include elements from a diversity of cultures worldwide. As I continue to travel, I find something intriguing to incorporate into my design.
MAFBE: HAVE YOU HELD OR DO YOU PLAN TO HOLD ANY SHOWS HERE IN AFRICA? Kemmi: Although I have not held a fashion show in Africa, I have received invitation to showcase in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia. The travel logistics have been a key consideration however I will like to showcase my designs in Africa this year and over time. Africa is a continent rich is fashion and the motherland holds a special place in my heart. It’s time for me to come back home. MAFBE: DO YOU FEEL HOLDING A MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HELPED YOU TO MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS AS A FASHION DESIGNER? KIMMA: Having an M.B.A. has allowed me to focus on the business side of fashion. Not only am I a fashion designer, I manage the business and make strategic, tactical and operational decisions that impact my brand. My knowledge of
business law, finance and accounting, marketing and international business has helped me tremendously in managing my enterprise. MAFBE: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO YOUNG UPCOMING DESIGNERS IN AFRICA? KIMMA: Fashion design is a creative field however it is also a business that requires financial support to survive. Find your niche and be the best at what you do. Prepare a business plan and execute towards it. Do a retrospective review every year and learn from your mistakes. Nobody is perfect but the more you improve, the better you become. Establish a strong Creative and administrative team. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about fashion and those who know how to operate a business. Be a role model, be active in your community, and help the poor and disenfranchised.
The response in terms of sales has been improving. As more consumers become exposed to my designs, the demand and interest continue to grow. MAFBE: WHO DOES THE TAILORING OF THE OUTFITS AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES TEKAY DESIGNS EMPLOY? KIMMA: I have a Tailoring and design team in Houston Texas, and Ghana, West Africa. We have a team of tailors, embroiderers, jewellery makers and depending on the project such as big weddings and events, we have up to 50 people working on our designs MAFBE: YOUR HOME COUNTRY, LIBERIA WAS SEVERELY BLOWN BY THE EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE LAST YEAR. HAVE YOU DONE ANY PROGRAM IN YOUR CAPACITY TO SALVAGE THE SITUATION? KIMMA: I have contributed to help Ebola victims in Liberia by making donation to Doctor’s Without Borders. In addition, I am seeking sponsors to assist in producing fashion shows where a percentage of proceeds go towards raising awareness and funding for Ebola victims and poor families recovering from the devastation left behind.
Kimma can be reached on: email: tekayd@yahoo.com, Phone: 281-807-0589, www.facebook.com/tekaydesigns, www.tk-designs.com, www.twitter.com/tekaydesigns
ETHIOPIAN ENTREPRENEUR BETHLEHEM TILAHUN ALEMU HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE FOOTPRINT IN THE WORLD OF FASHION SINCE LAUNCHING AN ECO-FRIENDLY SHOE LINE CALLED “SOLE REBELS.” SHE’S BEEN FEATURED ON CNN, FORBES MAGAZINE AND SEVERAL OTHER PRESTIGIOUS MAGAZINES ACROSS THE GLOBE. MAFBE WAS PRIVILEGED TALK TO HER AND HERE IS HER STORY, FIRST HAND. “was born and raised in the Total Zenabwork community in Addis Ababa. My mom was a cook and my dad, an electrician. My family has had a huge influence on my life, especially my parents. They are loving, caring, and thoughtful people. They taught me the value of respect for one’s family and larger community. The way they treated other people always struck me, they always treated people with dignity and respect regardless of who they were. My parents encouraged me to get a higher education and to embrace learning. They taught me the value of hard and honest work. Both my folks have always set a great example in terms of being committed to what they do. They instilled in me a pride about working honestly, and that affects so many of the things that I do today. Before I launched Sole Rebels, I worked with various companies in the leather and apparel sector in a variety of capacities including marketing, sales, design, and production. This gave me good knowledge of the industry and that was extremely useful in terms of setting up the company and growing it.
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BUT after working in the private sector for a while I had a strong desire to focus my business skills on my community, which is one the most impoverished areas in Addis. I knew that there were so many talented people there who could do great things if only given a chance. I repeatedly saw what a lot of these people could do in terms of various craft and creative skills. However, owing to extreme poverty, stigma, marginalization and a whole load of other factors, many of them could not even get simple jobs. This was devastating for me as I grew up with them — they were my neighbours, my family members. I also saw the devastating effect that aid and charity had on the wider community, in terms of making people in the community complacent and dependant. So I knew that anything that I did for the community had to be truly business-oriented in order to negate the effects that the aid and charity mentality had instilled in many people. I wanted to show people that if we all worked hard we could have jobs that pay decently and we could all have regular work and we could all start to feel the pride that comes with financing ourselves and not waiting for handouts.
035 ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
BETHLEHEM TILAHUN ALEMU
WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY BETHLEHEM TILAHUN ALEMU
BEFORE I LAUNCHED SOLE REBELS, I WORKED WITH VARIOUS COMPANIES IN THE LEATHER AND APPAREL SECTOR IN A VARIETY OF CAPACITIES INCLUDING MARKETING, SALES, DESIGN, AND PRODUCTION. THIS GAVE ME GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDUSTRY AND THAT WAS EXTREMELY USEFUL IN TERMS OF SETTING UP THE COMPANY AND GROWING IT. BUT after working in the private sector for a while I had a strong desire to focus my business skills on my community, which is one the most impoverished areas in Addis. I knew that there were so many talented people there who could do great things if only given a chance. I repeatedly saw what a lot of these people could do in terms of various craft and creative skills. However, owing to extreme poverty, stigma, marginalization and a whole load of other factors, many of them could not even get simple jobs. This was devastating for me as I grew up with them — they were my neighbours, my family members. I also saw the devastating effect that aid and charity had on the wider community, in terms of making people in the community complacent and dependant. So I knew that anything that I did for the community had to be truly business-oriented in order to negate the effects that the aid and charity mentality had instilled in many people. I wanted to show people that if we all worked hard we could have jobs that pay decently and we could all have regular work and we could all start to feel the pride that comes with financing ourselves and not waiting for handouts.
SO I BEGAN SOLEREBELS FOR TWO ESSENTIAL REASONS: 1. We had lots of talented people in my community, especially artisan talents, and there were little to no Job opportunities for these people. That struck me as both an immense tragedy BUT also an immense opportunity. Added to this artisan talent was an abundance of natural resources here in Ethiopia from which to craft awesome footwear – everything from free range leathers to organic cottons , JUTE and Abyssinian hemp - a perfect platform just waiting for something big to happen. So I knew if we could leverage these talents in the correct format, the response from the market would be incredible. We selected footwear as the platform and away we went . 2. Layered on top of this was I that I kept hearing over and over the
phrase “poverty alleviation” in the wider context of Ethiopia and specifically with regards to the community where I grew up. As I entered college and started working to support myself and my brothers, it had become clear to me that Poverty alleviation is a myth . It became clear to me that prosperity creation is the sole route to the ELIMINATION of poverty. And to create sustained prosperity you have to create something truly world class. So that’s what started to really crystallize my thinking. I love the fact that Ethiopia is so rich in so much heritage and the fact that we never surrendered these heritages makes these heritages living and breathing wells of inspiration , resource and talent that we can see, feel and touch every day- that is very unique and special . This allows us as a company a deep well to draw on and through which to share Ethiopia’s artisan heritages through our products. For example soleRebels are the proud creators of the planets first totally
hand spun and hand loomed footwear. This emerged from the fact that I grew up watching my mom hand spin cotton and when I was old enough I joined her. At soleRebels we proudly hand spin every single strand of thread and hand loom every single meter of fabric that makes up our awesome shoes .this allows us to create the most incredible looking AND feeling footwear on the planet , while simultaneously preserving and promoting incredible artisan arts that have existed here in Ethiopia for centuries ! I believe that one of the central elements of our success is the fact that we have always seen ourselves as a creative force company first and foremost who manifest our creativity and craft through shoes . Anyone can make a shoe, but not anyone can year in year out create top flight products that feel as amazing as they look, however, it’s not anyone that can synthesize multiple artisan crafts , invigorate them and make them relevant in multiple forms of footwear, not anyone can invent a supply chain from scratch specifically oriented to service this type of footwear company, and keep that supply chain growing and evolving and flourishing, and have as core underpinnings of that supply chain eco-sensibility and Fair Trade. • • • • •
NOT ANYONE CAN CREATE DEEP AND LASTING BONDS WITH CUSTOMERS THROUGH DELIVERY OF TOP GRADE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT DELIVERS LASTING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION … NOT ANYONE CAN CREATE A BRAND THAT ENGAGES AND EXCITES PEOPLE GLOBALLY…. NOT ANYONE CAN MELD OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY … ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR LADIES WITH A PASSION FOR FASHION BUT FEARFUL OF VENTURING INTO BUSINESs
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WHAT I CALL THE SOLEREBELS 6 POINT PLAN FOR EVERLASTING SUCCESS: 1. LOVE your customers Passionately because without them YOU have nothing! 2. Create truly awesome products that your customers will LOVE ; deliver these products with equally AWESOME customer focused service so your customers will LOVE you in return ! 3. Market honestly – no one likes being scammed. 4. Stay AGILE. Never allow complacency. Always be eager to examine ALL your assumptions and, if need be , to react immediately if those assumptions come up short . 5. Be OPEN and transparent and above all be responsive – companies are posting, tweeting all over the place BUT many never take time to LISTEN and RESPOND when you contact them. When people ask you a question, answer it - ASAP! 6. Embrace Failure - no one created true awesomeness by being timid going BIG means you will fail. Often it’s what you LEARN and apply from that failure that will enable you to achieve greatness….
AND FINALLY, REPEAT POINTS 1 THROUGH 6 FOR EVER . Visit the Sole Rebels site on: www.solerebels.com
ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
ZAMBIAN BORN FASHION DESIGNER CHARITY NYIRONGO IS SLOWLY MAKING AIRWAVES ACROSS THE GLOBE. NYIRONGO HAS EXHIBITED HER DESIGNS AT OVER 20 RUNWAYS ACROSS THE GLOBE AND HER ECLECTIC PIECES ARE FAST BECOMING AN ADDICTION FOR MANY YOUNG AFRICAN LADIES. MAFBE WAS PRIVILEGED TO HAVE A ONE ON ONE WITH HER. MAFBE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING Charity: I am the second born in a family of twelve children. My parents divorced when I was eleven years old and being the oldest girl, I had to grow up fast to look out for my siblings from my mother. I went to boarding school for my secondary education and this helped me concentrate on my studies. MAFBE: WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR FASHION ARISE FROM? Charity: I took an interest in the art of sewing as early as seven years old, when I would sew clothes for my dolls. By the age of 13, I was already hand sewing clothes for myself and my younger sisters. Needless to say, I enjoyed my needlework subjects at school. I excelled in other subjects as well but my hearts desire was to study fashion, much to the disapproval of my parents. MAFBE: WHAT DOES AFRICAN FASHION MEAN TO YOU? Charity: The meaning of African fashion to me is the expression of our traditions, cultures and tribes. As an African designer am able to bring out my African experience through the creation of clothing that encompasses the whole of Africa, which does not fall short of inspiration. One thing you should know about me is that am a ‘colorist’, and Africa is full of color.
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CHARITY NYIRONGO MAFBE: FASHION DESIGN IN AFRICA IS MORE OR LESS A CUT THROAT BUSINESS. WHAT HAVE DONE TO STAY AFLOAT AND KEEP YOU CLIENTS GLUED TO YOUR SERVICES? Charity: One thing that I have done to stay afloat and keep my clients glued to my services is being original in my designs. I have done a lot of networking with other designers both locally and internationally. Am also sensitive to the global market by including styles that can be worn in the west in my designs. This enables me to sell globally. I have also found a niche market for my garments. Product development is always ongoing in my business. MAFBE: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR LADIES WITH A PASSION FOR FASHION BUT
ARE FEARFUL OF VENTURING INTO THE BUSINESS? Charity: My advice for ladies with a passion for fashion but are fearful of venturing into the business is that they should first should get some education on the subject. Yes I know there are people out there who are naturals like I was but education on the subject just helps you refine your creative skills. They should also be willing to be mentored by established designers. Finding a niche market for your garments is very important. Contact her on couturecharity@yahoo.co.uk Photos: Charity Nyirongo collection at the Durban Fashion Fair August 2014.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: FASHION DESIGNER DARAMOLA OLUWATOYIN IS A DESIGNER WITH A DIFFERENCE. WITH HER CUTTING EDGE DESIGNS, DARAMOLA’S TAILORING AND DESIGNING SKILLS ARE FAR FROM ORDINARY. MAFBE was privileged to interview her.
MAFBE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING? WHAT MAKES YOU DARAMOLA OLUWATOYIN? My upbringing was pretty good but strict. As the last of five children I got a bit of pampering here and there with loads of work for the youngest. I grew up with my family in Akute, Ogun State; that is around Ojodu Berger area of Lagos. I am a graduate of computer science and technology from Crawford University. After my university education, I pursued an intensive training at Oak Fashion Institute where I graduated with a Diploma Certificate in Fashion and Textile Design and I worked with a garment production company for a while. The level of work I did there broadened my knowledge and brought the quest to stand out by designing and making my own outfits with a twist of genius. That is how Tabi-loran Outfit was birthed and to God be the Glory it is growing in leaps and bounds. At the moment, Tabi-Loron Outfit only styles women clothing, but we are planning to include men in the near future. MAFBE: WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR FASHION ARISE FROM? I have always been passionate about Fashion as a kid. I love to dress to impress, and I often get referred to as a fashionista by friends and family.As the years went by, my passion for fashion grew to an interest in garment making, as I had the opportunity to watch my mum often sew for her friends and family.I started picking up sewing skills gradually, whilst my mum sew those breathtaking garments. I remember she used to ask me to help her out with the embellishing of garments with sequence and beads, and with great smile and contentment, I always helped her.Gradually, as an undergraduate, I started attempting to draw dress designs and I would sew them with any old fabric that I came upon with needle and thread (and a lot of my mum’s “iro” and “buba” became “iro-less” as a result of this). I have since then been drawn into fashion designing by the deep sense of fulfilment I derive when people admire my hand-made designs and often leading to more referrals. MAFBE: FASHION DESIGN IN NIGERIA IS MORE OR LESS A CUT-THROAT BUSINESS. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO STAY AFLOAT AND KEEP YOUR CLIENTS GLUED TO YOUR SERVICES? The fashion industry is highly competitive and it has grown widely in Nigeria but to excel in it, one has to pay more attention to quality service, creativity and uniqueness. As a creative designer,I know what it entails to style my clients uniquely, in well-tailored outfits, thereby enlightening them on what to wear, how to match colours and what accessories will complement their outfit. The interesting thing is that when people discover quality and satisfaction in your designs, they are willing to go the extra mile to get it. Tabi-loron Outfit designs simple and distinct style for all sizes of women.
DARAMOLA OLUWATOYIN MAFBE: What does African fashion mean to you? African fashion is a showcase of brave, vibrant, colourful and highly creative patterns and designs. It is beautiful, elegant, distinctive, conceptual and reflective of our persona. African fashion is usually styled appropriately to fit different occasion and not just for the runway but for everyday occasion and places. MAFBE: WHERE DO YOU DERIVE YOUR INSPIRATION FROM? I get a lot of inspiration from God, life, arts, trends and well established fashion bloggers. I really must say that I also get a lot of goodwill from friends, family and clients, believing in me and in what I am doing. They inspire me
and show their support in several ways. Show message history. The only success that endures is that which comes from hard work and self-confidence. You need not worry about making mistakes, just focus on your goals and believe in yourself. I realised early enough that nothing great and good come easy, so I developed a can-do attitude with patience and perseverance,by turning my passion into a dream, and then to the reality of making garments for people. Lastly, you don’t need a huge capital to start up a fashion designing business, so begin with the little you have and strive to be the best you can. There is no alternative to hard work. Contact Daramola on: tabiloron@gmail.com
FEATURE
038
CHINZE OJOBO MASTERING THE BUSINESS OF ART
039 CHINZE OJOBO IS A MULTI-TALENTED NIGERIAN ARTIST WHO STUDIED FINE AND APPLIED ARTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA (UNN). SHE HAS TRAVELLED EXTENSIVELY TO CITIES AROUND THE WORLD SUCH AS ACCRA, PARIS, LONDON, WASHINGTON DC, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY, ISTANBUL, NEW YORK, GUANZHOU, AND PLOVDIV-BULGARIA. SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO ABSORB THE ART AND CULTURE OF THIS DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT GIVING HER EXPERIENC-
MAFBE: WHEN DID YOU VENTURE INTO FASHION?
ES THAT HAVE GREATLY ENHANCED HER LIMITLESS REPERTOIRE AND CREATIVE ENERGY. SHE HAS HAD OVER FORTY ONE ART EXHIBITIONS, INCLUDING SIX IN HOLLYWOOD, BULGARIA, NEW YORK AND PRIVATE SHOWS IN LONDON. SHE ALSO STUDIED INTERIOR DESIGNING IN THE USA AND HOLDS TWO POST GRADUATE DIPLOMAS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESPECTIVELY.
board rooms, private cinema rooms, 21st century classrooms for the military in Jaji. I also
Chinze: I ventured into fashion and arts as a child. My mum taught me to sow clothes at a very young age. I loved it. I loved cutting up fabric, putting buttons and beads together, and mixing layers upon layers of material. I love creating things, making clothes, jewelry, furniture, and handbags I am generally a very creative person. Over the years, I also decided to channel my energy into interior design and arts.
MAFBE: YOU WERE BORN AND RAISED IN ENUGU, LIVED IN PARIS, LAGOS, LONGBEACHCALIFORNIA AND EVENTUALLY MOVED TO ABUJA TO SETTLE DOWN. OUT OF ALL THE CITIES YOU HAVE LIVED IN, WHICH CITY DO YOU FEEL GAVE YOU THE BEST CHANCE TO GROW AND EXPRESS YOUR ART?
MAFBE: WHAT TYPE OF ART DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN? Chinze: I specialize in painting with acrylic on jute. I use pieces of jute or burlap to texture on canvass. paper, or valor. I then paint with acrylics to build up more texture and I go through the process of adding other materials like traditionally woven fabrics, metal pieces or other found objects. I also make metal sculptures on wood, in a two dimensional form. My art-works are usually detailed, highly textured, rich in symbolism called “ulism”. My colours are vibrant and full of energy. The themes are usually abstract or natural. My style is contemporary African art.
designed and built the ‘Telecom Museum’ at the Nigerian Communication Commission
Chinze: Paris is an art city, and it was great, but California had the most opportunities for me. I had access to Hollywood and a lot of other states. I met so many talented people, organized several shows and had a great chance to grow in my art. I even got an award from the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Los Angeles California. I have also done a lot of private exhibitions organized by individual collectors like Dawn Sautherland in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles. My stay in Bulgaria also influenced the collage technique of art. Home has also been kind to me. I have had a series of exhibitions both in Lagos and Abuja. Most of my exhibitions in Abuja were in Transcorp Hilton. MAFBE: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2015?
MAFBE: HOW HAS THE ART INDUSTRY BEEN IN AFRICA OVER THE YEARS?
Chinze: On the fashion side, I have a clothing store called “El and Us” in Jabi, and I have just launched the same store online, www.elstoreonline.com, which will be in full operation by the first week of March this year. On the art side, I have an exhibition on the 8th of March in Abuja to celebrate International Women’s day and I have two more in Atlanta and New York, later this year.
Chinze: The art industry in Africa has steadily been growing. Back in the day, Africans did not see much value in art, but these days, so many people appreciate art and collect. There are several big-time collectors in Nigeria. A lot of big investments are being made in the industry and finally several Africans are making a decent living off their work. MAFBE: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR ART CAREER? Chinze: I’m grateful to God, my career has been wonderful. I have done over 45 international art exhibitions; 6 in Hollywood-California, the New York Expo, Paris, London, Washington DC and Plovdiv Bulgaria. On the side of interior design, I have done lots of jobs in both the public and private sector. I have done up some boutique hotels, several guest houses,
sion Authority, Nicon luxury, Transcorp Hilton, Security and Exchange Commission, and the National Ports Authority
here in Abuja, AND viewing rooms for the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board. For the art-work, my clients are, Nigeria Televi-
I and a group of friends also plan to launch a short term art program for children where they can harness their talent. At the end of the program, we will have an exhibition for the kids to showcase their work. Art gives children a sense of belonging, makes them feel special,and gives them a sense of responsibility. An exhibition in their honour would be great.
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MAFBE: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS AN ARTIST IN NIGERIA? Chinze: Initially, it was very difficult to survive, in terms of generating income from my art, but at a point my husband helped me out a lot. He packaged annual exhibitions for me, including the “Nigeria at 37 to Nigeria at 41” series. On the business side, he packaged proposals for me to get contracts to supply art-work to various government agencies and in the private sectors, However, over time, I sharpened my skills in interior design, by going to the School of Interior Design in Georgia, USA. To be successful in this business, you have to be a dynamic entrepreneur. Try and attend as many expos, be creative, create your own style and just work hard. MAFBE: HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED
TO BALANCE MOTHERHOOD, BEING A WIFE AND BEING A VERY ACTIVE ARTIST?
Anthony Ojobo, has been extremely supportive of my work. He is so interested in my art and motivates me. My children are also very interested and supportive of my work. I am lucky to have a very supportive family. One of the virtues God gave to women is the ability to multi-task. So I think my nature as a woman, and being a born again Christian lady has helped me till date. MAFBE: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO FASHION AND ART-LOVING YOUNGSTERS DREAMING TO “MAKE IT BIG” IN THIS INDUSTRY? Chinze: Art is a big business, it is huge, but if you want to be successful in the art or fashion business, you have to be skilled, and hardworking. Create your own style and create a niche for yourself. You have to attend several exhibitions; try getting your work in as many places as possible. Also, try and learn from others, be a good observer, attend classes, do anything to improve your skills. Do not be in a hurry to sell at high prices. Try and make a name for your-self and everything else will fall into place. Contact Chinze on: chinzeojobo@ gmail.com or online on www.chinzesart.com the fashion store: www. elstoreonline.com Dressed by Melacha Concepts Ltd. Wuse Zone 6, Abuja Nigeria
Chinze: It is the grace of God honestly. Fortunately for me, my husband
+2348033121684, +2348094229676
HYPERPIGMENTATION IS A SKIN CONDITION THAT CAN NOT ONLY BE DEBILITATING BUT ALSO EXTREMELY AGING WHEN IT APPEARS ON THE FACE, DÉCOLLETÉ, ARMS AND HANDS. PIGMENTATION CAN BE CAUSED BY ANYTHING FROM HORMONAL CHANGES TO OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN. IT IS A CONDITION THAT CAN MAKE THE SKIN TONE APPEAR UNEVEN AND IN DARKER SKIN TYPES OFTEN DULL. MOST PATIENTS SUFFERING WITH PIGMENTATION ON THEIR FACE NEED TO WEAR HEAVY FOUNDATION IN ORDER TO CAMOUFLAGE THESE MARKS AND FEEL COMFORTABLE IN A DAILY ENVIRONMENT.
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There is a pigment found in our skin called melanin, this pigment is responsible for protecting us from harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanin can increase (hyperpigmentation) or decrease (hypopigmentation) beyond normal levels which can change the skin colour. When the skin overproduces melanin which is generally related to sun exposure, acne scarring, female hormonal changes, nutritional deficiency or prescription drugs, hyperpigmentation can takes place. Hyperpigmentation is more typical in patients with type four to six skin colouring. Hypopigmentation is mostly associated with the skin disease known as vitiligo but can also occur as a result from injury.
BEAUTY
042
WORDS KAREN ELLITHORNE PHOTOGRAPHY MA STUDIO
eneral pigmentation should be considered a warning sign from the body that the affected area has received too much sun exposure. Melanin is part of the skin’s natural barrier defence system that protects the skin against exposure to ultra violet radiation, DNA damage caused by ultra violet radiation is one of the most aggravating factors of excessive pigmentation.
G
Sunlight is essential for Vitamin D and healthy bone development but daily exposure over extended periods of time can cause major damage to the skin. Sun exposure causes free radical damage to the cells, forcing the aging process to accelerate. Simply by exposing skin to the sun, the level of vitamin C in the skin drops by 30%, and subsequently free radicals are formed. In addition, ultra violet radiation inactivates the vitamin A receptors which are required for cell replication. Free radicals cause abnormal melanin production and impaired DNA/cell replication. Chloasma and melasma is a very common type of hyperpigmentation that is found on the facial skin of females, this type of pigmentation is generally a localised dark spot found on the forehead, cheeks and around the mouth, the marks are generally symmetrical and found on both sides of the face, this type of pigmentation is caused by an increase in oestrogen production during pregnancy or use of the contraceptive pill combined with exposure to the sun. Another type of pigmentation is senile lentigo which starts to appear with age, from about 50 years. This lesion
is generally found on the hands, forearms and sides of face. All of the above forms of hyperpigmentation are impossible to get rid of without treatment. Pigmentation can be improved through specialist treatments that can be carried out by medical practitioners and also with targeted creams which have concentrated active ingredients. After a clinical assessment with either a skin scanner or a woods lamp, the medical practitioner can identify the type and the cause of the pigmentation and also the histological level on which the excess pigmentation is located. This is because if the treatment is to be effective it is imperative to work on the deepest level of the lesion. Once the cause and depth of the pigmentation is understood treatment can be implemented, this could possibly be in the form of a chemical (peel) or a mechanical (liquid nitrogen and laser) exfoliation. In both chemical and mechanical the aim of the treatment is to eliminate the upper layers of the skin that contain the pigmentation and allow the skin to renew itself with more even pigment.
cytes, and exfoliating the skin. The skin will scab and then fall off after about 4-6 days. The skin will remain pinkish for about 6 weeks post and it is essential that the patient avoids sun exposure. This process generally works well on senile keratosis and one treatment is generally required. Lasers: This type of equipment is able to work in a very controlled precise way directly on the accumulations of pigment. This method destroys the melanin responsible for these marks using heat given off by the laser. The treatment can be applied on the face, décolleté, hands and forearms. The skin will generally be red for 3-6 days post the treatment, the new skin growth after 6 days remains pink for a further few days depending on the depth of the laser treatment and the skin type being treated. Intense pulsed light therapy: This type of treatment destroys the pigmented area without damaging the surrounding skin. An improvement can be found after about two or three sessions. The treated area tends to become darker first and then thicken and drop off leaving new uniform skin in its place.
Results on pigmentation can be intensified with the use of preparatory treatments before to prepare the skin for the treatment and post treatment that can help to enhance the results even further. Pigmentation treatments are always best carried out in winter to reduce exposure to the sun and prevent further pigmentation developing. Patients should never go outdoors without a high level of sun protection.
Peels: Skin peels are proven treatments for pigmentation and is an easy non-invasive solution. The advantage of a peel is that the active depigmenting ingredients can penetrate the skin and work on the deepest pigmentation and on the melanin production. They can be either a superficial peel with no real after effect, or a slightly stronger medium depth peel where the shedding will last 2-3 day post peeling. The result with peeling is gradual and the use of homecare products will greatly intensify the results.
Treatments that can be used: Cryotherapy: (liquid nitrogen) this involves the general freezing of the skin with liquid nitrogen. It works by destroying the melano-
By Karen Ellithorne
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The Science of
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Hyperpigmentation Many people suffer from hyperpigmentation and the environmental stress of our modern lifestyle has caused a tremendous increase in the prevalence of
(except the eye area).
pigmentation is due to hormonal changes, during
hyperpigmentation, the causes of it and how best to fight it.
pregnancy or various stages of menopause and
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
may be a result of oral contraceptive pills. Hormone shifts trigger the melanin cells to go into over-drive.
Hyperpigmentation is the result of either of two
Studies have shown that almost 90% of pregnant
occurrences:
women experience this ‘pregnancy mask’. And that is
(1) an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes produce melanin or
this condition. Carina Franck talks to us about the challenge of
The second most frequent cause of hyper-
Hyperpigmentation is discoloration of the skin in certain areas, whereby the skin area appears darker than normal. It often appears on the cheek area (seen as butterfly marks) and/or on the forehead as well as in the neck area just below the jawline. This skin condition occurs when the melanin (the brown pigment responsible for coloring the skin) is over stimulated, due to external or internal stimulation
seeing it more and more in younger clients. ‘Age spots’ on the hands are an example of hyperpigmentation, but these dark discolorations can occur on any part of the body including face, neck, arms hands and legs.
What are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation? Lentigo/Lentigenes These are freckles. Lentigo means one freckle, lentigenes are multiple freckles.
attributed to internal factors like hormonal changes
and/or to external factors such as excessive exposure Hyperpigmentation has also been shown to be a side
effect of certain hormone treatments, chemotherapy
drugs, antibiotics and anti-malaria pills. It can also indicate more serious medical conditions, such as
autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies. Photo-contact and
tattooing
dermatitis dyes
hyperpigmentation.
can
caused result
by in
often cannot see, as it is underneath the epidermis. This inflammation triggers melanin production. As
among acne sufferers, but can also be caused by the following: •
Insect bites or itchy rashes
But let’s look at the main causes...
•
Abrasions or cuts
•
Over-exposure to heat
•
Hair waxing
Hyperpigmentation from Sun Exposure.
•
Improperly performed laser treatments
One of the primary functions of melanin production in your skin is to protect you from UV rays from the sun. A ‘tan’ is the prime example of your body’s melanin
• Post Acne Scarring •
Products with high concentration of perfume
• Cosmetic products with high concentration of actives causing overstimulation
response to the sun. When your skin is exposed to the sun repeatedly, you experience an over-production of melanin causing an
solar lentigenes are freckles caused by sun exposure.
over-production has started, it can be difficult to stop
by splotchy, pigmented areas usually on the face
body’s response to injury is inflammation, which you
residual
saying “get out the sun!” Once the cycle of pigment
estrogen levels) due to pregnancy and is characterized
direct result of some type of injury to the skin. Your
of discoloration behind. This is a common condition
Widely known as ‘sun spots,’‘age spots’ and ‘liver spots,’
Melasma is caused by hormonal changes (high
The third most common cause of pigmentation is a
henna
uneven coloring of the skin. This is the body’s way of
Also known, chloasma or the ‘pregnancy mask,’
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
the injury or trauma then heals, it leaves a flat area
Solar Lentigenes
Melasma
discoloration more visible.
The root cause of excess melanin production can be
which is triggered by sun exposure (UV rays). Although, it is most common in middle age and beyond, we are
If you have hormone related pigmentation problems, sun exposure will intensify the situation making the
(2) when melanocytes are hyperactive.
to sun, skin injury or even emotional stress.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
without spending large amounts of time in the sun.
and there is no quick-fix to reverse the damage.
Hyper-pigmentation (Melasma or Chloasma) from Hormones
Is there a cure for hyperpigmentation? Unfortunately there is no immediate ‘cure’, but there are natural ways to treat this skin condition effectively. We do offer a Phyto-Effective Skin Brightening Treatment in our Kalahari Spa Range of Professional and Retail products that, if used consistently, can help to lighten and brighten the skin naturally.
What is the difference between acne scars and hyperpigmentation?
Contains
It can be difficult to distinguish between these, but
causes damaged skin to darken.
the
phyto-effective
patience, to get results.
ingredient, Glabridin, which acts to depigment, or lighten the skin while blocking the enzyme that
generally if a mark that developed from an acne
The first step is regular exfoliation with our Kalahari Spa Range:
lesion does not fade or disappear after 6 – 12 months,
Niacinimide
Enzyme Face Buff
then it can be classified as a scar. Post-Inflammatory
A form of vitamin B3 that prevents
The blend of natural fruit and vegetable enzymes
Hyper Pigmentation (PIH) will respond to treatment
additional pigment surfacing to the
removes the surface skin cells with pigment (melanin)
and will eventually fade..
epidermis.
leaving your skin perfectly prepared for maximum penetration and absorption of our Phyto-Effective
How can one best PREVENT Hyperpigmentation? Your number one weapon in the fight against hyperpigmentation is a good quality sunblock available in our Kalahari Spa Retail Range of products. I advise a broad spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Kalahari’s Facial SPF 40 Sun Protection is an ideal, light textured, fast absorbing sunscreen for year round use. In addition, wear hats or use an umbrella to protect your face from sun exposure as well as wear UV protected sports clothing when regularly exposed to the sun.
Darker skin tones should avoid laser treatment and NEVER pick at pimples or cysts! What are some of the ingredients used to TREAT hyperpigmentation?
Mulberry Extract Mulberry is an active component and inhibit tyrosinase activity as well as inhibit effects on tyrosinase activity and on melanin formation in melan-a cells. This compound also exhibited superoxide scavenging activity that is involved in the protection against auto-oxidation. Highly effective as a lightening ingredient.
Oligopeptide-34: Advances in Skin Brightening Oligopeptide-34 is indeed the most effective, non-hydroquinone skin whitener. It is a small protein molecule (also known as a peptide)
melanin formation. Oligopeptide-34 decreases melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes, and it decreases the keratinoycte cells.
shown some negative side effects to this chemical
include:
What do you recommend for treatment of hyperpigmentation? Although it is one of the most common skin conditions, hyperpigmentation can be difficult to
Alpha Arbutin
treat and often leads to a negative impact on a
Extracted from bearberries, this
person’s psychological well-being. This is why, I have
natural
the
put a lot of time into researching and developing
behavior of Hydroquinone without
Phyto-Effective Treatments that work to control and
exposing the dermis to the risk of
treated unwanted pigment.
ingredient
mimics
rebound hyperpigmentation.
Liquorice Extract HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN CELLS
the darker discoloration areas of hyper-pigmentation effectively, breaking down the melanin and inhibiting transfer of melanosomes into the top layer of skin. Witch Hazel and Elder Tree phyto-extracts lighten and brighten uneven skin tone while Alpha Arbutin lightens skin tone and increases overall luminosity.
Alpha Bright Cream Our unique formulation of Alpha Bright Cream contains superior Oligopeptides, which inhibits the excessive production of melanin. Effectively treat the hyperpigmentation areas naturally with added Mulberry Root extract.
and active molecule that addresses
as the key active ingredient. Recent studies have
used in topical applications for hyperpigmentation
Our highly concentrated Phyto-Bright Serum targets
together to create a highly efficient
transfer of melanosomes to new
ingredients. Some of the newer ingredients being
Phyto-Bright Serum
consisting of 13 amino acids strung
Many skin lightning products use Hydroquinone,
so we have seen a move to more natural plant-based
Skin Brightening Skincare Products.
SPEAK TO US! +234 09 2909689 +234 08180363228 +234 08129435728 (w) www.kalaharinigeria.com (e) info@kalaharinigeria.com (f) facebook.com/kalahariafrica
One thing to keep in mind is that these treatments don’t work overnight. It takes time, and therefore BEFORE AND AFTER 8 WEEKS ON KALAHARI HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT
Carina Franck
by
Before Treatment
8 weeks after treatment
Hyperpigmentation Treatment for a period of 8 weeks • Cleansing Milk • Toning Lotion • Enzyme Face Buff • Phyto-Bright Serum • Alpha Bright Cream • SPF 40
6
by
steps to beautiful skin...
For a healthy looking skin it is essential to follow a basic skincare routine.
STEP 1 - WASH •
Facial Cleanser – 160ml or
•
Gentle Cleansing Milk – 160ml
STEP 2 - TONE •
Toning Lotion – 160ml
STEP 3 - BUFF •
Enzyme Face Buff – 50ml
STEP 4 - MASK •
Nourishing Face and Neck Mask – 50ml
STEP 5 - MOISTURISE • • •
Essential Daily Moisturiser – 50ml Evening Moisturiser – 50ml Hydralite Moisturiser – 50ml
STEP 6 - PROTECT •
SPF40 – 50ml
047
PERFECTION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! WORDS SONETTE VAN RENSBURG
TALKING ABOUT, FACE BOOK, FASHION BLOG’S, THE CATWALKS AND FASHION MAGAZINES, NAILS ARE PREVALENT EVERYWHERE. SO MUCH INFORMATION AT HAND TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT’S TRENDING, WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT TO GET YOUR LATEST NAIL LOOK ON! WITH THE NEW YEAR THAT HAS COME ABOUT AND SEASONS THAT ARE CHANGING, SO TOO WILL NAIL TRENDS, WITH FASHION SETTING THE LATEST IN TRENDS The Golden Globe Awards, Film festivals, Oscars and Grammy’s are certainly the place to be seen, with celebs hitting the red carpet in the latest and trendiest, outfits, hairstyles and nail styles. An assortment of various different and interesting nail trends can be seen, from the barely there nudes, to the more daring and bold dark reds and even some quirky designs. Some of them may prefer to stay a little more conservative and stick with just colour on their nails and others again, wearing something a little more unique, fun and funky to draw attention. It is slowly but surely coming up to that time of the year and to get ready for the Autumn/Winter season. As the air starts to chill and we say goodbye to the hot sunny days, your look most certainly does not have to become boring or drab and neither does your choice of nail colour and style. There is something really magical and exciting about welcoming the cooler weather, and so is the colour palette for the upcoming season, with some stunning colours to choose from and inspiring you to have some fun, ranging from dark and sexy, to natural neutrals and posh pastels, even some fun brighter colours are making their presence, along with combinations of glossy, matte and shimmering shades, which are proving to be more and more popular and a must for the season. There is a little something of everything for everyone, so why not transform your nail look to something a little more picture perfect and updated, with stylish and trendy ideas, to turn a simple nude or pastel manicure into something really extraordinary. COLOURS & SHADES With a varied and exhilarating lineup of colours and shades to choose from, the choice will be entirely up to you. There are umpteen color combinations that can be used to spice things up a bit to create the perfect look just for you, whether it’s a single colour, contrasting shades of natural nudes and rich reds on fingers and toes for a more fashion conscious look, creating a unique design or adding a bit of glitz and glamour by lay-
ering with shimmering sheer shades, to create a more toned down effect. Rich earthy colours are quite a big feature for the season, with Marsala making it’s debut as the Pantone colour for the year, this rich robust redish, earthy brown hue has, a hearty shade that emanates sophistication and style, at the same time conveying a message of glamour and luxury. However don’t think that the Autumn/Winter trends should only be about darker, deeper, bolder colours and shades, they are back to basics with softer more neutral shades, as well as some awesome metallic polishes which are making their appearance in luxurious precious jewel and liquid metal like colours. These colour tones need not be boring and can be worn in many different ways to make it a little more interesting and at least noticeable, for example an ombre manicure done in muted tones to contrast, this look has been trending for awhile now and is perfect for a more modest look, achieved by creating a color fade from the cuticle area down towards the tips of the nails. When you think of Rita Hayworth, Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, you think… Sophistication, Style, Elegance and Grace! Considered to have been some of the most beautiful and glamorous woman in the world, each of them with a unique quality and daring charm that stood out. Having set a very specific and classic trend in their time, it was one that was admired and mirrored by both men and woman. Still being the inspiration for many of the fashion, make-up and nail trends that we see to this day, from your more earthy shades to your richest and darkest berry reds. Rita Hayworth’s long, red nails brought a new shape to nail fashion in the 1940’s being longer than previously worn, more oval than pointed, and were fully covered with red polish. TRENDS & STYLES Nail trends and looks are not just all about the hottest and most up to date colours of the season it’s about design and texture too. Let’s face it colours repeat themselves and go full
FROM COLOUR, TO SHAPE AND ALSO DESIGN, IT IS LIKE HAUTE COUTURE FOR YOUR NAILS. EACH YEAR NEW COLOURS, TEXTURES, SHAPES AND STYLES COME TO LIGHT, WITH SOME BEING FORGOTTEN AND OTHERS TAKEN TO NEWER LEVELS, WITH THE INSPIRATION BEHIND MANY OF THESE COMING FROM THE LATEST FASHIONS SEEN ON THE CATWALKS AND BEING TRANSLATED INTO FASHION FOR YOUR FINGERTIPS! circle every year and every season, from Nudes, to Pastels, to Neon’s and Metallics, just varying in shades and tones. Fashionista’s are constantly on the lookout for something a little more unique to set the trend, past trends have seen a variety of textured finishes, such as the caviar manicure, the velvet manicure, liquid sand and nails studded and encrusted with gems, crystals and even feathers. Who knows what’s next, just when you think it’s all been done and discovered, a new trend comes to light to completely blow your mind. Celebrities can often be a great inspiration, always showcasing something new, unusual, or funky, some sporting more sophisticated, classic nail styles, while the more rebellious few love to show off more daring in your face looks. Sometimes showing us what’s not so hot, but for the most part making woman want to follow in their footsteps as they set the trends with their stylish, tantalizing talons. One look which stood out and came into the limelight recently and was definitely not so cool….! Was the half finished nail art spotted on Brad Pitt while handing over an award at the Palm Springs international film festival, with a strange zig zag pattern on a few of his nails, not a good look when you are meant to be classed as one of the sexiest men on the planet. Nail design seems to have shifted into a new and different dimension for now and has taken on a more sophisticated look, with subtle, barely there designs, like the side swipes which could hardly be seen at “Parabal Gurung” unless you looked really carefully – with fine lines which were lightly feathered across a nude nail, to lacey effects and more bright and bold but beautiful, intricate flower power designs which models wore at “Desigual.” Some trends to try out this season include Half-moon designs, frosted tips and combinations of matte and shiny enamels, along with almond-shaped talons. Even dabble with a little nail art and use your fingernails as the perfect canvas to play and have some fun! Using same toned matt and shiny
polishes combined to create an understated French effect, is currently a very popular look and trend for the season, as is the half finished manicure, looking something like distressed wood. A very well liked, fashionable trend and a quick easy look to try for those who like a little less fuss and don’t want to draw too much attention to their nails, is to polish them in one colour and then polish one of the fingers on both hands in a completely different or even metallic or glitter based shade, to accent and make it stand out from the rest. Another easy stress free time saving trend is the naked nail, with no polish whatsoever, but professionally groomed and manicured to perfection with a super buff and shine. However make sure you have good healthy nails, cuticles and nail beds, with well nourished and hydrated skin to flaunt and pull off this look, nails should all be the same length and shape, or else this look could well be mistaken for poorly taken care of hands and nails. Whichever colour or nail style you choose to wear this season, remember to wear it with class and confidence and make sure those hands, feet and nails are groomed to perfection. It’s not so much about what you wear, but how you wear it! Sonette van Rensburg Elements Beauty Concepts 076 585 4191 sonettevr@gmail.com
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15 Secrets to Getting People to Like You
by EMILY WOODRUFF | MAFBE
RELATIONSHIPS
15 SECRETS TO GETTINåG PEOPLE TO LIKE YOU THESE TINY TWEAKS ARE THE SECRETS BEHIND MAKING EVERYONE WANT TO FRIEND YOU ON FACEBOOK AND IN REAL LIFE
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To get people to like you, let them talk about their favorite subject: themselves. Studies show that talking about one’s self stimulates the same sensation in the brain as food or money. So, to make someone feel like they just won the lottery by striking up a conversation with you, ask them questions about their career, significant other, family or pets. Continue to ask questions until you strike upon something they light up about.
Save the Bragging for Your Holiday Card Humans have a natural inclination to out-do each other. Oh, you went backpacking through France for a month? The one-upper will respond that he or she lived there for a year. Put your ego aside and allow them to have the glory. Instead of using it as an opportunity to bring up your own experiences, keep the attention focused on the other person.
Science shows that contradiction triggers the shutdown of the logical side of the brain and puts the brain into fight-or-flight mode. It’s hard to get people to like you when they’re running away or preparing for a fight, so when possible, avoid pointing out when someone is incorrect. When someone says something you disagree with, seek first to understand. Say something like, “Wow, that’s fascinating. I’ve never heard that perspective. How did you come up with that?”
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Ask for Advice. Studies show that in the workplace, seeking advice is one of the best ways to influence people. It suggests that you value that person’s opinion, which makes them feel important. Also, confiding in someone about a problem makes you appear vulnerable -- meaning you’re a friend, not a threatening foe.
Match Your Body Language to Your Words. People like other people most when their words are non-judgmental and positive -- and your body language should reflect the same. When there’s a disconnect between your words and your body language, people regard you as insincere. The best stance to convey openness and agreeability: -Keep your palms up and open. This signals that you’re open to what they have to say. -Smile. It develops trust. -Keep your body angled towards the person. Don’t cross your arms or legs -- this suggests that you’re closed off.
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Ask a Question Instead of Giving an Order. Studies show that asking a question when you need something elicits the same response as giving an order -- and without the attitude you’ll get from ordering someone around. Instead of telling a coworker, “I need an answer from you by 3 p.m. today,” ask, “Do you think you can get me an answer by 3 p.m.? It’d be a huge help.”
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Tilt Your Head This tip goes back to cave people days. Tilting your head while conversing with someone is a way of showing that you’re yielding power. It exposes your carotid, signaling that you’re not posing a threat. It also tells people that you’re interested in what they have to say.
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Laugh at Their Jokes The trick to getting people to like you is making people feel understood. There’s no quicker way to show someone you’re on the same page than laughing at their joke.
Ask for a Favor. Doing things for others makes people feel good -that’s a scientific fact. When you ask someone for a favor, you’re giving him or her the opportunity to feel great about themselves, which they’ll associate with your interaction. Just make sure it’s a small favor. Asking to borrow a pen is more likely to win you friendship than asking to borrow a car.
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Be Generally Enthusiastic People prefer being happy to being sad, so they naturally gravitate toward people who point out the good things about life. Instead of complaining about the weather (often a go-to topic of conversation between people who don’t know each other well), mention how great it is that the dry spell is over.
Mirror Them. Taking on similar hand gestures and body stances is a subtle way to show another person you are in agreement with them.
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Reveal Yourself. There’s a reason Jennifer Lawrence is the most well-liked woman of Hollywood: She exposes her flaws. We love her not because she won an Oscar, but because she tripped on her way up to accepting it. Likewise, you need to drop the facade if you want to get people to like you. Reveal something embarrassing or funny about yourself, and people are more likely to trust you.
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Reveal Yourself. There’s a reason Jennifer Lawrence is the most well-liked woman of Hollywood: She exposes her flaws. We love her not because she won an Oscar, but because she tripped on her way up to accepting it. Likewise, you need to drop the facade if you want to get people to like you. Reveal something embarrassing or funny about yourself, and people are more likely to trust you.
Don’t Fidget. What do you do when you’re bored? Tap your foot, crack your knuckles or play with your hair, right? These universal signs of boredom are things to avoid when meeting new people, since they’re also typical habits when you’re nervous. Fidgeting makes people think you’re bored, lying or anxious -- all bad vibes to send when you’re trying to get someone to like you.
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Don’t Complain About Others Science shows that when you complain about the behavior of others, you become associated with those very traits. Instead, talk about the virtues of others. By saying you love that your boss is easy to approach, you’ll seem more approachable by association.
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FINDING
MR. RIGHT EVERY SINGLE WOMAN HAS WHAT SHE CALLS HER “IDEAL MAN”, OR HER MR. RIGHT AND HE DEFINITELY VARIES FROM LADY TO LADY. WORDS CHIAKA ORJIAKO PHOTOGRAPHY MA STUDIO
THE PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF WOMEN THESE DAYS IS THEIR EXPECTATIONS ARE SOMEWHAT UN-REALISTIC. BEING A NEW YEAR, A LOT OF SINGLE LADIES ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR MR. RIGHT BUT DON’T KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO HELP YOU SELECT MR. RIGHT IS A CHECKLIST. JOT DOWN A LIST OF THINGS YOU LOOK FOR IN A MAN, AND GIVE HIM A SCORE IF HE MEETS UP, BUT REMEMBER, NO ONE IS PERFECT. HERE ARE A FEW POINTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CHECKLIST:
es that come with marriage. That notwithstanding, it all boils down to one thing if he is under 30...
1. MORALITY:
5. MATURITY!
-What does he consider moral and immoral? - Are you of the same faith? If not, does he respect your difference in faith? - Are you spiritual or religious? If you are spiritual but he is religious, can you live with someone who is extremely religious?
2. EDUCATION/ INTELLECTUAL REASONING.
In this day and age, education is key in a lot of sectors, especially when looking for a white collar job. You may want to ask yourself the following questions: What’s his education level? What is your education level? Can you cope with someone who is less educated than yourself? Can you cope with someone who has a PhD but you just have a first degree? Can you have a reasonable intellectual conversation with him and feel like you are learning from him and vice versa?
3. FINANCIAL STATUS:
One of the biggest causes of divorce these days is financial issues. A lot of women do not like working once they get married, some women on the other hands do not want to sacrifice their job because of marriage. Madam, you have to come to a consensus before you jump the broom! What does he do for a living? How much is he worth? Is he secretive about his finances, or is he honest? Does he have a full time job, or is he self employed? If he is self employed are you comfortable with the fact that his income may not be as steady as someone who is fully employed? Is he wise with his finances? Has he made some good investments? What’s his spending pattern like? If he loses his job, or worst case scenario, if the marriage doesn’t work out, do you have a solid plan B in place?
4. AGE
Let’s face the truth; the majority of men under the age of 30 are not ready for marriage, in all ramifications. They are not emotionally ready, financially ready or mentally ready for some of the challeng-
So long as he is mature, and you can have a decent conversation with him, and he respects you, you should be “a bit comfortable”, remember, “A bit”... you still have other areas to look at. Some 28 year old men reason like 40 year old men because of their upbringing and association of friends. While some 40 year old men reason like 20 year old boys, again, association, upbringing, mental growth.
6. FAITHFUL
Now listen up ladies, it is VERY HARD, and I repeat, extremely hard to find a man who will be 100% faithful to you. Men are naturally hunters and gatherers. They are explorative and adventurous. It is nearly impossible to find a man who will be 100% faithful to you. HOWEVER, it is important this man respects you both in your presence and out of your presence and “tries” his level best to be faithful to you. One of the ways of judging a man’s faithfulness without stepping on his toes is going clubbing together, taking him to pool parties, or just any social event where you are sure a lot of beautiful ladies will be roaming around. If he really loves you and respects you, he will not flirt with other ladies openly. He will not approach any other lady and ask for her number in your presence (Some men shamelessly do that!). He will try his best to fully focus on you and only you. Watch out for his mannerisms though. If he turns his head at every beautiful lass that passes him by, watch out. If he makes eye contact with another lady for more than 5 minutes then winks at her, also watch out. BUT, it does not mean you should confront him. Just take note and remember, no man is 100% faithful, so try not to think too much of him being faithful or unfaithful. However, so long as he tries to call you every day, checks on you, makes you laugh whenever you are down and tries to be there for you when you need company, he’s faithful.
7. HONESTY
Mind you, honesty does not directly translate into faithfulness. But he should be at least 95% honest with you! He shouldn’t hide things from you. Even if he there’s something about you he doesn’t like, he shouldn’t hide it just to please you. He should come clean.
8. COMPATIBILITY:
Are you two compatible? As yourself that question, and answer yourself as genuinely as possible. Take one good look at your man and try figure out if this is someone you can live with for the rest of your life. Some of the things that will help you determine your compatibility include things like: Beliefs Culture and norms Perception on life issues Hobbies and interests Style/ dress sense Intimacy: How intimate is he? (You know what I mean)...
9. CHARACTER/ ATTITUDE:
A lot of women get married to jerks believing they can change the man. Lady, you need to know, 90% of the time, it is you who will change not him. If your man had a big ego when you met him, don’t think one or two life experiences will humble him immediately. If your man is temperamental, ensure you are level headed. If you are temperamental, try and look for a man who is level headed. The last thing you would want is to have a husband who shouts when you shout, argues when you argue and throws things at you when you throw your tantrums. You also have to check if he is: Patient Empathetic A good listener Understanding Forgiving Remember, no one has a perfect character, but Mr. Right must certainly possess some of the above listed qualities. 10. TRACK RECORD Last but not least, you MUST know Mr. Right’s track record inside and out before you finally say I do. Has he been to jail before? If so why? Is he a divorcee? Why? Does he have children out of wedlock? Why? Where did he obtain his degree(s) from? Has he ever gone through a period of a mental breakdown? Why? Is he from a broken home or complete home? Where did he work first? Try asking him as many questions about himself before you finally say “I Do”. Remember, the real essence of marriage is: “For better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us apart.”
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Seychelles is an absolutely beautiful island off the Indian ocean. If you are obsessed with bright aqua-blue water and soft white sand, it’s a place you’d definitely want to visit and make the best out of your honey moon night. Many lovers choose Seychelles as it is still a developing country, SPARSELYpopulated, private and very romantic too.
Zanzibar like Seychelles is a picturesque island off the coast of the Indian ocean as well. Zanzibar has incredible beaches to visit, lots of Swahili jewellery and has some absolutely breathtaking scenes.
TOP SIX MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA
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SO FEBRUARY IS OVER BUT LOVE IS STILL LINGERING IN THE AIR. DID HE FINALLY PROPOSE TO YOU? ARE YOU ALREADY PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AND POSSIBLY AND EXOTIC HONEYMOON DESTINATION? WORDS MAFBE TEAM
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Tons of movies were IN EGYPT and the site is just breathtaking. The pyramids speak volumes, the heat is crazy but it’s still romantic and breathtaking too.
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Morocco has always been a breathtaking venue for tourists and lovers. If you like wild long deserts, sand dunes and a walk into history, it is a place definitely worth checking out and spending your blissful moments with your bobo.
The Zambezi waterfalls is also a mustvisit if you love mother nature. The waterfalls are just breath-taking, imagine you and your lover against the backdrop of such a sight. Wow.
If you are a lover of animals and wildlife, millions of stars and fresh air, visit the Masai Mara. Located in the heart of Kenya, millions of people go there annually to witness the wildebeest migration, fly on hot air balloons and just enjoy mother nature to the fullest!
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OUT WITH THE BAD, IN WITH THE GOOD WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DETOX
TO MANY THE WORD DETOX IS JUST ONE OF TODAY’S BUZZWORDS--NOT A MEANS TO GAIN HEALTH. OTHERS THINK OF DETOXING AS A FORM OF STARVATION. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH--NOT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT. WE LIVE IN A WORLD FILLED WITH CHEMICALS. THEY ARE IN OUR WATER, IN OUR AIR, AND IN NEARLY EVERYTHING WE TOUCH. TOO MANY OF US BATHE AND SHAMPOO WITH PRODUCTS LACED WITH CHEMICALS, THEN USE CHEMICAL LADEN PRODUCTS TO SHAVE, TO SMELL GOOD, TO SOFTEN OUR SKIN, TO TREAT OUR BLEMISHES, AND
MORE. OUR SKIN SOAKS UP THESE CHEMICALS EVERY DAY. WE PICK UP PARASITES FROM OUR FOOD AND OUR SURROUNDINGS THAT TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN OUR BODIES. OUR BODIES STORE MERCURY, LEAD, AND OTHER HEAVY METALS. ALL OF THESE FREE RADICALS TAX OUR BODY’S RESOURCES AND INTERFERE WITH OUR HEALTH. THE PURPOSE OF A DETOX IS TO CLEANSE THE BODY OF THESE FREE RADICALS ALONG WITH ACCUMULATED WASTE IN ORDER TO OPTIMIZE HEALTHY BODILY FUNCTIONS AND HEALING.
WORDS OJOMAKPENE JOY IDOKO
A DETOX IS A SPECIFIC PROGRAM OF DIETARY CHANGES AND OFTEN HERBAL SUPPORT TO: • • •
Lower the amount of chemicals being ingested, To provide nutrients that enhance the body`s natural processes, Support the organs of elimination in clearing toxins out of the body quickly and safely
HOW THE DETOXIFICATION SYSTEM WORKS In a healthy individual, the body’s detoxification system is able to neutralize and eliminate toxins, which helps eliminate tissue damage and prevents illness. The system has two lines of defence, with specific organs preventing toxins from entering the body, while others neutralize and excrete the poisonous compounds that get through this initial line of defence. Key components of the detoxification system include the gastrointestinal barrier (including small and large intestines), lymphatic system, kidneys, bladder and other components of the urinary system as well as the skin (including the sweat glands) and the lungs. The gastrointestinal system serves as the first line of defence against toxins entering the body. When it becomes compromised, it allows other disease causing agents a place to breed, often to the point where they eventually break through the intestinal membrane and enter the bloodstream. Once the bowel is toxic, the rest of the body follows suit. At this point, undigested food particles, bacteria and other substances normally confined to the intestines escape into the bloodstream, triggering an immune system response and inflammation. If this continues, the liver, kidneys, skin and other organs involved in detoxification become overwhelmed. The liver bears most of the burden for eliminating toxins once they have entered the bloodstream. All free radicals are carried to the liver to be filtered and dispatched from the body. Using enzymes and antioxidants, the liver chemically transforms toxins into harmless substances that can be excreted through the urine and one’s stool. Others are eliminated through the lymphatic system, kidneys, skin and respiratory system. Before essential nutrients can become available to the cells for renewal and repair, we need to remove, Metabolic waste, Excess proteins (fibrosis), Mucous, Fat, Calcium, Heavy metals, Chemical residues, Drugs, Pollution, Radiation. HOW TO HELP YOUR BODY SUCCESSFULLY DETOX Many toxins are stored in the fat. As they are released into our bloodstream, our bodies deal with a new burden. Therefore, we must give the body a lot of fluids to help it dispose of these toxins. Spring water with lemon juice, cranberry juice, and cayenne powder sipped throughout the day is an excellent addition to your cleanse. A great detoxification program must focus on five major areas: the cells, blood, gut, liver and kidneys. There are many ways and many products that help the detoxification systems. However, very few are effective enough to address all five of the major areas with the essential nutrients they need to properly deactivate and eliminate toxins. Cellular detoxification: If the cells of the body are
not properly detoxifying, they end up accumulating toxins that damage DNA and intracellular organelles such as the mitochondria. This process creates abnormal cells and can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. The major antioxidants that protect the cellular components from toxins and free radical stress include glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. These antioxidants protect the DNA and mitochondria from oxidative stress. Every chronic degenerative disease is associated with lowered levels of these three intracellular antioxidants. Blood purification: Impurities that are able to flow through the bloodstream can interact with various cells, tissues and organs, including the brain, and cause major destruction. When the blood has high levels of unchecked toxins for an extended period of time, it leads to cardiovascular and neurological challenges.Blood purification comes from chlorophyll-rich foods such as wheat grass, oat grass, chlorella and spirulina, along with regular consumption of dark, green leafy veggies. Liver detoxification: The liver is the organ which does the most work during a detox. It takes pollut-
body. If it becomes compromised, it allows disease causing agents to take root, often to the point that they break through the intestinal membrane and get into the bloodstream. Once the bowels have become toxic, the rest of the body will soon follow. If the intestines keep on letting toxins through, the liver will bear most of the burden of eliminating these toxins by filtering and rendering these substances harmless and excreting them out of the body through the urine and stool. This is why improving your digestion is critical, to ensure there is not an excessive and consistent stream of toxins for your liver to deal with, or it will eventually become severely compromised. Kidney Cleansing: The kidneys are an essential detoxification organ that pulls urea out of the body. Poorly functioning kidneys lead to elevated toxicity, particularly ammonia, which is extremely toxic to the brain. Poor kidney elimination is also related to blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The kidney filters and processes a large number of toxins. During a cleanse, drinking plenty of fluid supports kidney function, and using juices such as watermelon, celery, cucumber or black cherry can all enhance their detoxification ability. HOW WILL I FEEL AFTERWARDS? A proper detox program of at least a week`s duration once or twice a year works well. After spending that period of time cleansing, building your nutritive status, resting and healing, you will feel like a different person. Skin often becomes clearer, eyes become brighter, energy and vitality expands, sleep is improved, aches and pains are gone, the bowel works better, mental clarity and concentration is improved, and many people shed a few extra kilos over the week.
ants out of the bloodstream, identifies them and makes them safe for excretion.This is the primary organ that neutralizes and transforms toxins into a form that allows them to be successfully carried out of the body. When the body’s toxic burden gets too heavy, the liver can become overwhelmed and unable to neutralize hazardous debris in the blood stream.The liver has three detoxification steps to neutralize and eliminate toxins. Gut movement: Regular healthy bowel movements are absolutely essential for removing toxins from the body. We should be eliminating all toxic waste from the meals that we consume, along with the waste from the microorganisms in our gut, every 24-hour period. This means that, if you consume a meal at 12 pm on Monday, you should have eliminated all the waste from it by 12pm on Tuesday at the latest. If this does not happen, the waste creates a breeding ground for hazardous microorganisms and parasites. This leads to a petrification process and exponentially larger release of toxins throughout the bloodstream. This can then overwhelm the liver and create a vicious cycle of toxicity that affects everything in the body.By cleansing and supporting the gut, we ensure the maximum removal of toxic substances.The gastrointestinal tract serves as the first line of defence once toxins have entered the
To beef up your liver detoxification a bit more, focus on foods that are noted as being especially cleansing to the liver, including: Broccoli, Cabbage, Beet, Garlic, Onions, Walnuts, Avocados, Apples, Grapefruit, Leafy green, vegetables. Consuming these foods on a consistent basis will help support, detoxify, and nourish your liver so that it can become healthy again and remove toxins on a day-to-day basis. By lowering your body’s burden of toxins, you may very well be helping to prevent the chronic health consequences that can come from long term exposure to the thousands of chemical pollutants saturating our environment today, what a wonderful gift to give yourself! Detoxing a minimum of twice a year is suggested. Whether you embark on a 3-day cleanse or go all out and cleanse for 2 weeks, your body will be grateful. You can try our BURNOUT DETOX…….
THE CANCER DESTROYING SUPER SEED What it is: The gluten-free, grainlike seed you haven’t tried. Similar in texture to quinoa, amaranth has an earthy, nutty flavor. Although it looks and tastes a lot like a grain, amaranth is actually the seed of a vibrant red flower -- pretty is as pretty does, right? Health Perks: Have a family history of cancer? Amaranth is plentiful in lysine, an amino acid that has been shown to cause cancer cells to destroy themselves. A seed that causes cancer to
self-destruct? Essential amino acid, indeed. If you’re a gym rat, bulk up with amaranth instead of a protein shake -- there are 8 grams of protein in one serving (about 1/4 cup) of amaranth. If you’re looking for a fiber source, toss the prunes in favor of one serving of amaranth, which contains 7 grams of fiber. How to Eat It: So. Many. Ways. Eat it for breakfast (mix in honey and cinnamon) as a porridge, pop it like popcorn as a snack or topping or use it to make a protein-packed polenta or quiche.
MORINGA: THE TREE THAT FIGHTS DISEASE FOR YOU What It Is: A tree native to the foothills of the Himalayas and cultivated in South America and Africa. The tiny leaves are typically ground and consumed in tablet or powder form. Health Perks: This little plant contains 46 different antioxidants, which help fight, oh, every disease ever. Moringa was recently named the most antioxidant-potent source on earth in a study by Brunswick Laboratories. Anti-
THE CANCER FIGHTING, DISEASE PREVENTING SUPERFOODS YOU’VE GOTTA TRY NOW
oxidants help fight free radicals -- damaged cells -- and help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and even (gasp!) aging. In a gram-by-gram comparison, moringa leaves contain seven times the vitamin C of an orange, four times the calcium of a glass of milk, four times the vitamin A of a carrot and three times the potassium of a banana. How to Eat It: Fresh moringa leaves are hard to find in the US (unless you’re growing a tree in your back yard), but health food stores carry it in powder or tea form. Moringa enthusiasts add the leaves or powder to smoothies.
MOVE OVER, ACAI AND QUINOA. MEET THE NEW POWERHOUSE GRAINS, SEEDS AND BERRIES MAKING HEALTH NEWS HEADLINES WORDS MARK T SPRINGER
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CAMU CAMU: THE EDIBLE ANTI-AGING SUPERSTAR What It Is: A small, cherry-like fruit from a tree native to Peru and Brazil. Health Perks: Oranges ain’t got nothin’ on this little berry’s vitamin C content. The tiny fruit packs the highest recorded amount of natural vitamin C known on the planet. A one-teaspoon serving of camu camu powder contains 1180 percent of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C -- you’d have to eat 16 oranges for the same amount! Vitamin C supports immune health, and keeps colds from progressing to serious conditions like pneumonia. Besides keeping your sniffles under control, vitamin C is also one of the vitamins that make you look pretty. How to Eat It: Unless you’re near water in Peru or Brazil, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a fresh camu camu berry. You can find it in powder form at most health foods, which can be used to make a wrinkle-smoothing camu camu lemonade, scurvy-banishing smoothie or antioxidant-rich salad dressing.
BLACK SEED: NIBBLE YOUR WAY TO A SUDOKU CHAMPIONSHIP What It Is: Black seed, a.k.a. black cumin, is found on a flower native to south Asia. It’s used as a spice and medicinally in Asia and the Middle East. Health Perks: According to a recent study, these jet-colored gems have memory-sharpening properties. After taking a dose of pure ground black seed powder for nine weeks, a group of men in their 50s did substantially better on tests of memory, cognition and attention than the placebo-popping control group. Black seed has also been shown to reduce seizures in epileptic children, reduce symptoms of chemical weapons injuries, MRSA and asthma, allergies and arthritis, and suppress colon cancer. Chew on that, chia seeds. No, seriously, you should be chewing on these. How to Eat It: Middle-Easterners mix black seed oil with honey or boiled mint to dull the bitter flavor. Look for the pill form in health food stores.
February 12-19,2015 Fall 2015
Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall
LEANNE MARSHALL
Leanne Marshall
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Leanne Marshall
055
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
B MICHAEL AMERICA
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
B Michael America
B Michael America
B Michael America
B Michael America
B Michael America
B Michael America
B Michael America
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
Georgine
Georgine
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
LELA ROSE
Georgine
GEORGINE
Georgine
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Lela Rose
Georgine
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Georgine
Georgine
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
LUPE GAJARDO SHERRI HILL
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Lupe Gajardo
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Sherri Hill
Boss Womens
Boss Womens
Zang Toi
Zang Toi
Zang Toi
Zang Toi
Zang Toi
Zang Toi
ZANG TOI
Boss Womens
BOSS WOMENS
Boss Womens
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Zang Toi
Boss Womens
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
Boss Womens
Boss Womens
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
NY - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015
THE ART INSTITUTES IIJIN
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
IIJIN
BOSS Store The Palms Shopping Mall BIS, Way, Lekki, Lagos