THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 23TH MAY 2021

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

TOLU OWO OLOWOF

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

FIKAYO ADEOLA HAMID A BRAHIM

S ’ N O I T A M I S N A NG STAR I S RI T! S R WO D AN T S E B R I THE

CONTENT

Society KEHINDE FADAYOMI LAID TO REST PG 6-7 SUJIMOTO @ 40 PG 8 -9

Fashion THE SEVEN YEAR JOURNEY PG 10 MAKING WOOL COOL! PG 16-17

YOU BE THE JUDGE PG 18-19 Have you heard of Kugali? The entertainment company that recently signed with Disney to produce ‘Iwájú,’ an afro-futurism animation series set in Lagos. It’s slated to be released on Dinsey+ in 2022 and marks the first time Disney will partner with African storytellers on a long-form animation series.

Guest correspondent, KENIM OBAiGBENA, interviewed the dream team, Fikayo Adeola, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku and Hamid Ibrahim

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

08111847085

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

08111847086

08111847087

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

XL SLEEVES PG 20-21 STYLE NEWS PG 22

Everyone knows that Nigeria is a tough place to survive. Everyday we hear stories of woe and are discouraged by the need to tighten one’s belt on a daily basis. So much so that being able to afford the little pleasures of life is becoming an uphill task for those who can and a very far-fetched dream for those who cannot. But regardless of how bleak things are here, Nigerians are well represented when it comes to some of the greatest achievers on the global stage which just goes to show that in the right environment, we can thrive and excel way beyond our wildest dreams. So it comes as no surprise that we celebrate those who are making these major feats.

The dream team trio, FIKAYO ADEOLA, TOLUWALAKIN OLOWOFOYEKU, HAMID IBRAHIM, have an entertainment company called Kugali and they recently signed with Walt Disney to produce IWAJU, an Afro-fusion animation series set in Lagos. This is the first time ever for Disney to partner with any African company for animated series. It is a very big deal because animated series, especially about and from Africa, have never gotten exposure of this magnitude. We should raise our heads and beat our chest with pride at such an achievement from young men such as these. More grease to their elbows.

Speaking of raising eyebrows, in the realm of fashion, our love for dramatic attire is second to none. If it can be worn, we will wear it and strut in it majestically like the world is our stage. We care not for mediocrity or simplicity. This leads us directly to our piece, XL SLEEVES. The bigger the better. Nothing catches attention when other parts of your outfit take a back seat and let the sleeves do the talking. Many a sleeve have caused sensations in their day and they still do till date! Dramatic sleeves are certainly attention grabbing and you cannot but always take a second look!

Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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FUNMI ONAFOWOKAN

DOLAPO PHILLIPS

PEJU KAYODE-ALUKO & ANGELLA ESEKA

DEMEJI EDWARDS

KEHINDE ODUFUYE & BIMBO OLAWOYIN

LOLA SHONUBI HELENE IBRU ABIMBOLA BODE-THOMAS

OSOSANYA AJIKE

ABIOLA OYELEYE

BISI & SUBUOL OYELEYE

ADO OSERAGBAJE

FEMI AKANDE

ABU FADAYOMI

SARATU & OLUMIDE DALLAS

OTI HARRIMAN

TEJIRO IBRU

SABI & TAIWO AYOKU

MOFE ATAKE

DEMOLA AKINRELE BIDEMI FADAYOMI

KEMI BALOGUN

DERIN OLUSEGUN OSOBA

OMOBOLANLE AKERELE

RONKE FETUGA

FOLUKE ALAKIJA

MR & MRS TALABI

EMEKA NWEZE & DEOYE ADEFULU

KEHINDE FADAYOMI LAID TO REST Recently, family and close friends of late Architect Kehinde Oludayomi Fadayomi; husband to the present Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, gathered to laid to rest his remains at Ebony Vaults Ikoyi, Lagos.

In compliance with the Covid restrictions on public gathering, a mini reception was held at The Wings Complex, Victoria Island. There was an impressive turn out of those who came to pay their last respect to the Father, son, brother, relative and friend who passed on to greater glory. May God give the bereaved the strength to bear their loss.

ENIOLA FADAYOMI

PHOTOS: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

MAIDEN ALEX-IBRU & JUDITH ALAKIJA

LANDE AKINLUYI & ALEXANDER THOMOPULOS

MODELE & ERIC IDIAHI, BOROJI & YEMI OSINDERO

WOLE & TITI OSHIN

TIM TREVARI NICOLE TAFAWA BALEWA FREDERICK NADER & HABEEB OKUNOLA

UDY KALU & CHARLES NKATA ABBEY & LOLADE

CHRIS NKWONTA

MARY DINAH

CHEF EROS

BABAJIDE BALOGUN & SHINA PELLER

OLUMIDE & STEPHANIE ADERINOKUN

UBI FRANKLIN

BOVI, KANMI OGUNDELE, FOLAJIMI LAI MOHAMMAD & AKIN COLE ONITIRI

TIVE & OLOROGUN OSCAR IBRU

ADEDOYIN ALATISHE

KABIRU RABIU

LUNA & ARTHIE

BIDEMI

MARIAM TIMMER

SUJIMOTO @ 40 Recently, friends of Sijibomi Ogundele came together to celebrate his 40th birthday by throwing him a lavish surprise dinner at OX restaurant and lounge in Lagos. It was a fun and nostalgic outing for all who attended as they reminisced on their special relationship with Suji amidst great food and exotic drinks.

Sijibomi Ogundele is the MD of Sujimoto Construction Limited, a Luxury Real Estate Company in Nigeria. He is immensely popular and has a vast array of friends of all ages and from all sectors of business. Being a high-flyer himself, the caliber of guests at his surprise party confirmed that. Suji, as he is fondly called is loved and respected by many as a very successful real estate magnate.

SIJIBOMI OGUNDELE

ADEBUKOLA VICTORIA IDAYAT (MOTHER)

MBADIWE TWINS

ENIOLA ADENUGA & MAURICA KHAWAM

DABOTA LAWSON

CHIOMA GOODHAIR

STYLE & DESIGN

C

rash. Crash. I looked down.

My legs were shaped like scythes. Instantly, I knew that something was wrong.

A chill ran down my spine. I asked the people who rescued me from the car, “Am I going to die?” They assured me that I wasn’t. Today was 21st April 2014 (aka Easter Monday), I would be fine.

A frantic call to my father ensured that help was on the way. I stared up at the sky, thinking, my life was never going to be the same.

After five days of being rushed to different horrible hospitals; each one worse than its predecessor, flat on my back in excruciating agony, I was ready to be flown out to London in the air ambulance I knew was coming. The Chinese and German doctors in the air ambulance, skilfully wrapped me in a cocoon and gave me the good drugs to put me to sleep.

The first surgery was to decompress and stabilise my spine. The diagnosis given to me and my parents was a T4/T5 spinal cord injury (T stands for thoracic vertebrae). After a rather demeaning test, I was told I would never walk again. My mother burst into tears and my godmother bought me a hamburger to distract me. I was in shock, not sure what to do, I just knew in the very depths of my soul, that they were wrong. I was going to be in a wheelchair for now but a miracle was going to happen. The God I served would heal me. This was confirmed a few days later when a pastor prophesied that I would walk again.

Four and half months spent in hospital with a team of lovely, qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists (who teach you how to live life after injuries) and a month spent as an outpatient were exciting and therapeutic. After being discharged from the outpatient program and moving home, I was suddenly experiencing chronic, unrelenting pain. October 2014 was four weeks in indescribable agony, confined to my bed, popping 12 Hydrocodone pills a day.

We had divinely heard about Mr Hilali Noordeen, an angel in human form, who looked at my scans and decided that he must help. He was a nerves and spinal cord specialist. On November 6th, a second surgery was performed. Further decompression and stabilisation, clearing of the spinal canal as well as a change of the metal rod to a wire mesh cage took away the pain for a time and gave me greater mobility. The doctor confirmed what I knew all along, it was an incomplete injury meaning my spinal cord was intact.

The recovery from this surgery was hell on wheels. For instance, the muscles in my shoulders were tender and stiff because I spent 7 hours with my hands above my head in the OR (operating room). Whenever I turned my head, an extremely agonising migraine would consume me because cerebro-spinal fluid was leaking from my spinal dura, causing my brain to lightly graze my skull. You can’t imagine

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

THE SEVEN YEAR JOURNEY

By Efena Otobo

Featuring FEMI KUTI Practicing a similar style of Afrobeat as his father, Femi helped introduce the percussive blend of jazz and funk music to the international masses beginning in the mid-'90s, along with his father's same sense of political activism.

Femi has been nominated 3 times for the Grammy and is also a spokesperson for UNICEF’s crusade for the rights of children and an advocate for HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Today, Fela Kuti’s son and grandson are modernising the dynasty. Femi and his eldest son Made, released Legacy+ in February 2021 a double record comprising Femi’s "Stop the Hate" (his 11th album) and Made’s debut, "For(e)ward", linking three generations of the Kuti dynasty.

the pain.

After two weeks, I was released from hospital. It took a while to get into the swing of things but I recovered nicely.

A couple of months later, there was another divine orchestration and I ended up at Project Walk San Diego in Carlsbad, California in February 2015. I loved Carlsbad. The weather was sunny and perfect, the people were friendly, everywhere and everything was wheelchair accessible. I could kayak, go to the beach, sky-dive; nothing was off limits. The atmosphere in Project Walk was healing and therapeutic.

The trainers pushed you and they became my closest American friends.

The inaccessibility in Nigeria compared to America is something that needs to desperately change. I am speaking up for my community and looking for ways to solve this problem.

One day, whilst searching for a place to live, I bumped into Daniela Schirmer.

She was dressed in a sleeveless peasant top, midnight-coloured leggings and coffee-coloured ankle-length high-heeled boots, hanging out in a wheelchair with a cute cat on her lap.

This was a huge surprise because in the London hospital, I was told I had

to wear baggy clothes and trainers.

She was a huge influence on my sexy dress sense in today’s times. Dani is still a close friend, married to a lovely man with one-year old twins. Watching Dani gives me hope that there is life after spinal cord injuries. That I can have a family of my own. It’s inspiring.

We went back to California that summer and our adventures began which spanned over two years. My bosom buddy, Hope Olaide Wilson, took me to Comic Con San Diego! I met several famous actors and sat in panels with Seth Macfarlane and the cast of Family Guy and American Dad, Paul Rudd and the cast of Ant-Man and the cast of Supernatural (one of my fave TV shows). We saw many movies at an accessible luxury cinema with leather recliners. We explored Southern California and took advantage of all it had to offer.

My mother was my rock. She drove, cooked, cared for me, helped me with my shower routine etc. Without her, I wouldn’t have thrived in Carlsbad.

It was like I could breathe again. Life was being lived at a 10. I met other wheelchair people like me and fostered a community.

We took a road trip from Rancho Santa Fe to San Francisco. We flew to Redding 5 times for Bethel Church Conferences. Atlanta was our next destination. My male bestie lived just outside ATL. What I loved about him is that he treated me like I wasn’t a wheelchair girl. I saw the beauty in life once again. I knew everything was going to be okay. When people go through trauma, location and being surrounded by people who support them speeds up healing.

Perseverance. Determination.

Willpower (PDW). These words became my mantra. Being away gave me an overcomer’s spirit. I was determined to prove the doctors wrong. It didn’t matter how long it took; I knew I would walk again. God has already healed me. Human time just has to catch up. Reflecting on the past seven years on the anniversary of the accident (21st of April 2014), I have seen a growth and an evolution in me. Even during my low points, when I’m wailing, in a pit of despair, PDW keeps me going. My faith in God has deepened and I know that one day, there will be a testimony that will touch and inspire a generation.

In the PLAYRoom, he talks about his life, his music, his memories, his aspirations and the future of the Kuti’s unique sound as younger Kutis begin to rise.

WATCH HIS EXCLUSIVE SESSION IN THE PLAYROOM NOW ONLY ON ARISEPLAY.COM

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COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9502 Sunday, May 16, 2021

ANIMATION’S RISING STARS

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9502 Sunday, May 16, 2021

Disney is a significant achievement. Well done! Was this the first studio you signed a deal with? What did it take to secure a series with Disney, and how is that process going?

Fikayo Adeola, CEO : Yes, Disney Animation is

the first animation studio we’ve collaborated with.

Ultimately, this deal is the culmination of all the hard work we put in since day one.

The traction we gained from making comics was what helped put us on the map. We had quite a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, which caught the attention of the BBC. Afterward, BBC did a feature with us, which then caught Disney Animation’s attention. They then looked at all the work we had done thus far and felt like we would be an ideal team to collaborate with.

What was your work experience before Kugali?

Fikayo Adeola, CEO: I’ve always been

passionate about comics and cartoons, so working in animation makes a lot of sense for me. Initially, I studied economics and had a brief stint in banking and finance. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t for me, so I did a master’s in screenwriting and decided to combine my business acumen with my creative flair to start Kugali.

Hamid Ibrahim, Creative Director: Working

on big blockbusters was my dream from when I was young, and I was fortunate to achieve it. I didn’t think it was possible from someone who came from my background.

After that, I noticed African visual entertainment had been left behind by the world.

A new dream was then born, and my journey with African visual entertainment started.

FIKAYO ADEOLA

HAMID ABRAHIM

TOLU OWO OLOWOF

While Nollywood is expanding rapidly, and Netflix has conveniently imprinted itself in Nigeria, further elevating the industry by producing higher quality productions, animation has been quietly emerging.

It’s not entirely clear why more investment hasn’t yet gone into children’s content, as children are undoubtedly the largest consumers. As such, Nigeria’s animation sub-industry has its roots in comics books, where they have built a healthy audience that has now translated to a demand for it. Much like Nollywood at large, animation studios were resourceful self-starters who built their industry from nothing.

A lack of resources is typically a significant factor in all businesses in Nigeria, which is no different with animation. On average, it takes more resources and technology to produce high-quality animations, so this might explain why the sub-industry hasn’t caught up with Nollywood at large. But don’t underestimate this silent giant as its time is approaching rapidly.

Have you heard of Kugali? The entertainment company that recently signed with Disney to produce ‘Iwájú,’ an afro-futurism animation series set in Lagos. It’s slated to be released on Dinsey+ in 2022 and marks the first time Disney will partner with African storytellers on a long-form animation series.

Guest correspondent, KENIM OBAiGBENA, interviewed the dream team, Fikayo Adeola, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku and Hamid Ibrahim.Three African go-getters - two of whom are Nigerians- who figured out how to crack one of the most challenging codes in the entertainment industry—executing an animation series with THE juggernaut studio, Disney. While I could write a dissertation as to why creating an animation series is one of the hardest things one can do, instead, let’s celebrate because when Nigerians meet opportunity, we don’t carry last.

14

takes to execute a high-quality animation, please break it down for us.

Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, CTO : The

specifics of this process differ from studio to studio, and there is no one size fits all approach.

Apart from being CTO, I also work with the editorial department at Kugali, and before we draw a single page of any comic, we have already spent a lot of time scrutinizing and polishing the core ideas and themes of the comic. This process is even much more rigorous in animation, because the camera can catch a lot more detail than still images can. One could write a whole book on this, so I will just summarize by saying it is similar to the editorial process of writing a book, but with an extra layer for visual development, and an extra layer for audio, and an extra layer for lighting, and an extra layer for camera angles and so on.

It takes years to develop a series, from the storytelling to the themes and the aesthetics. What does it take to put together a show with the likes of Disney?

Hamid Ibrahim, Creative Director: The

creation of a high-quality animation show falls under the labour of love category, with multiple departments handling different creation areas.

Both technical and artistic layered on top of the fact that the team is living on different continents. It takes a lot of creativity, project management, and love for multiple years.

Fortunately, our project is awesome enough to keep us going.

Where did the concept for ‘Iwájú’ come from?

Fikayo Adeola, CEO: I grew up in Lagos, and I’ve always wanted to tell a story that shows the full breadth of what the city is about.

The science-fiction allows me to be more imaginative and push the envelope.

How did you set up Kugali? What resources did it take, and how were you able to raise funds to put it together?

Fikayo Adeola, CEO: Kugali started as a pet

project between myself and my two co-founders.

Initially, we all bootstrapped working on it as a side project while we continued our day jobs.

Eventually, we started to gain traction, which helped us raise some pre-seed investment. We also managed to get several government grants, which were a huge help.

Tell us about the Kugali app you’re developing.

Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, CTO : Nowadays, most of us [businesses] need a website and an app as well if we’re going to reach large audiences. Our app is currently in alpha on Patreon so go check that out. As CTO, I’m responsible for planning and managing everything needed under the hood to make those things work smoothly.

Lack of resources is often a significant factor in Nollywood. Is that the reason Nigerian animations don’t quite match the quality we see in Hollywood? What would it take for us to get to that standard?

Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, CTO: Yes. We

certainly have the artistic skill in Nigeria to create world-class quality. But the animation industry does not have nearly enough funding to do this. Hollywood is almost twice as old as Nollywood, so this is akin to comparing a high school athlete with an Olympic athlete. To get Nigerian Animation to the standard of the current Hollywood, we would need to tread a similar path to them: consistently improving our craft through years and years of iteration. Most animation studios in Nigeria now cannot afford to do this because the only animation jobs here that pay now are short animated adverts. There are hardly any Nollywood studios hiring animation studios to produce animated movies or series. We’re happy we have a chance to pique their interest in this. As we say in Nigeria, I’m sure those with the resources to follow in our footsteps will not want to “carry last”.

For those that don’t understand the attention to detail and time it

Any final words?

Hamid Ibrahim, Creative Director: I hope to take African visual entertainment to heights most people cannot imagine. Kugali is the rocket I am using to get us there.

Fikayo Adeola, CEO: The only other thing to add is that patience is paramount. These deals can take a lot of time to hammer out.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

t e perfec h t e r a s reezier ardigan b c , o r t a s e g y n he ni ime of t illy mor time and the t h e c h t m r o e r er No matt e, taking you f e summ cover up with h t n i c n e i r es dow onal p ou can in an ai transiti s. As the sun go n your skin, y k r o w t a th so nd night sebump igan. For those n on ha o a o g i g d s r t i a c c e d li o keep a cold. And in th breeze e knit car t t d h e g i e l n y r u o e a cos office yo when it gets to a cardigan ov d e n o i t i r h it ye oth cond urself w u can la armth that’s b n o o y y p , s a r h t to w of w mon diga raining a double layer nal. Ahead, car you er io or a knit f able and funct fect for whatev ned. an fashion s that are per have pl a e outfit id

ZAI JARIATU DANITA

HAFSAH

TECNICA

NESSA KAYY

AGATHA

DAMILOLA KATLEGO TEFU

MODEL OFFDUTY

Channel your inner Bella Hadid with this funky look. The key to achieving her enviable off-duty style is to mix luxe high-end items like a cardigan with edgy formal pieces like loose pant suits.

Balance your look by layering on accessories.

16

LAID-BACK LADY

This striped knit cardigan will take centerstage in your outfit. The natural stripes allow you to keep the rest of your summer look simple and comfortable. Pair with colourful cropped pants, a few accessories and funky brown mules, perfect complements to this laid-back look.

PUNK MEETS PREP

Offset your favourite preppy pieces like a military jacket and boots with a punk-inspired wool cardigan top and a pleat mini skirt.

Finish off with some sleek accessories for the perfect balance.

STREET STYLE STAR

The conservative style got an update this year, so you can leave the pearls at home.

Pair a knit cardigan with hoodie with a pair of sleek leather pants. This girl look is not complete without the hottest accessories, finish off with ankle boots, a chic shearling bag, and of course sunnies. This outfit is most definitely Instagramapproved.

A TOUCH OF BOHO

Give your ladylike look a boho spin by adding some fun accessories.

A turtle neck cardigan and midi skirt are classic items that can be worn in many different ways.

Worn with a belt and a pair of statement accessories, totally transforms these pieces into a boho chic look.

GETAWAY CHIC

These linen pants and knit scream Italian chic getaway. Incorporate natural elements when accessorizing, like a small metallic necklace and a palm leaf woven hat. Offset your earthy accessories with a unique white bag for a touch of glam and you have your pictureperfect getaway look.

GARDEN PARTY

Take the high-fashion approach when styling your summertime cardigan. Create an ensemble with a sleeveless mini dress in a breezy fabric. Elevate the sweet look by adding neutral knee boots. This outfit is perfect for any garden party.

FULL CIRCLE FASHION

Everything comes full circle in fashion and the ‘90s and early 2000’s are back in a big way. Let’s combine some classics from the two eras.

Pay homage to the ‘90s with a turtle neck cardigan and a silk slip skirt, add an iconic ankle boot for that quintessential 2000’s touch. Finally, tie it all together with some cool-girl sunnies and a sleek dropping earring.

MAYA

DOWNTOWN GIRL

Like the enviable French girl outfit, the “downtown girl” has an effortless formula too. Let’s start at the bottom with fitted crop leggings.

Next, focus on the top half of your outfit. Keep it cropped with this top layered under a crop cardigan. Now that you have your base, accessorize with cool-girl elements to complete your downtown girl outfit.

PRISCILLA

FRENCH GIRL

An ode to the enviable French-girl look.

Timeless and chic, this outfit has a no-brainer formula: a relaxed basic coffee brown cardigan, and jeans that fit to perfection, ensuring your outfit looks expensive. Add classic nude heels and gold earrings. Top off your look with a mini chic bag and a hat to match.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

YOU BE THE JUDGE FUNKE

ANITA LUKKY

ADEOLA ADEYEMI

KONYE

FUNKE

ISIOMA

18

Deola’s all-leather look is one to behold. The trousers is just the right fit and cut, the matching side cut out top shows just enough skin and the beret, I must say, adds that Parisian sass that finishes off her look. Très chic! 9/10 What is not to love about this look? If not done right, the all-leather look can look trampy but Adeola has got this look on lock down and I love it! I agree with Konye, her beret gives an added Parisian look. Very chic! 9/10 I am a big fan of this outfit and it does hug her in all the right places and shows off all her assets. Way to go girl! 10/10

CHIOMA IKOKWU

MAYA

JARIATU DANITA

A look! The hat, matching shoes and bag and the floral shirt, Anita looks damn good! 8/10

KONYE

Chioma stays serving us looks on the gram and this is leather styled to perfection. 9/10

KONYE

The oversized look is fast becoming a trend among the fashion pack and Jariatu has shown us how to make this look work in leather. 8 /10

KONYE

Brown is the new black, and Maya knows this. This look has been well thought out and it looks great too. 7/10

FUNKE

I love the hat, and I would never have thought to pair it like Anita has done but she looks very good.

FUNKE

It really hard to find Chioma step out not looking good. This outfit for me is great but there is something OTT about it for me. Otherwise, she looks good. 8/10

FUNKE

I’m so here for the oversized look because I know it hides a multitude of sins. I love this look and her glasses give it a quirky but nice twist to her look.

FUNKE

From the hat to the LV Boots, Chioma shows us how to put together an all leather look and I definitely love it. 9/10

I have followed Maya closely on the gram and her style is simple yet stunning. This is another look that shows her classy style. The pants suits her very well and the hood sweater matches everything else she has on. 8/10

ISIOMA

ISIOMA

A nice day time outfit.

ISIOMA

I like the hat, it gives the outfit the oomph it needs to stand out. 7/10

ISIOMA

9/10

Matchy-matchy is a thing now and this is bang ontrend. 8/10

ISIOMA

TOKE MAKINWA

KONYE

7/10

KO NYE

6/10

KONYE

FUNKE

ISIOMA

Sassy, bold and hot, Toke looks super sultry in this Wetlook leather outfit and with a body like hers, this outfit looks just right on her. 8/10 Toke always pushes fashion boundaries and I like this very much about her. This outfit could have looked otherwise but Toke has owned it and looks sassy and chic. The shawl gives the cover up the outfit needs to look chic. 8/10 I love this Ivy Park outfit on Toke, the colour suits her complexion and her hair colour also compliments the outfit. I would have loved that she paired it with the same colour shoes but the brown also pops 8/10

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

XL SLEEVES BY FUNKE BABSKUFEJI Go big or go home is the motto when we talk of XL sleeves.

This trend, let us warn you, is definitely not for the faint hearted because of the drama. So if you are one who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, this trend isn’t for you.

We’ve seen XL sleeves reappear on the runways for many seasons but now it seems to be getting bigger and better with more designers embracing the trend. If you are looking to make a statement this month of May, XL sleeves are the way to go.

Don’t sleep on it as the fashion pack have already gotten a head start and if you want to be a part of the bandwagon, now is the time to own a piece with some drama on your sleeves.

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Not for the faint hearted Go big or go home is the motto when we talk of XL sleeves. This trend, let us warn you, is definitely not for the faint hearted because of the drama. So if you are one who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, this trend isn’t for you.

We’ve seen XL sleeves reappear on the runways for many seasons but now it seems to be getting bigger and better with more designers embracing the trend. If you are looking to make a statement this month of May, XL sleeves are the way to go. Don’t sleep on it as the fashion pack have already gotten a head start and if you want to be a part of the bandwagon, now is the time to own a piece with some drama on your sleeves.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9509 Sunday, May 23, 2021

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

TEAM UP FOR EXCELLENCE ‐ THE FILM Rémy Martin announces a collaborative new campaign with multi‐Grammy award winning musical artist, Usher to celebrate the harmonious blending of two cultures of timeless excellence: Music and Cognac.

“Team Up For Excellence - The Film” highlights the cultural connection between Cognac and American music since 1917 in France, and how the two have been synonymous ever since.

In the Film imagined in collaboration with FRED &FARID New York, Usher narrates a story spanning the decades from the 1920’s to present day, which pays tribute to the multi‐cultural connections, celebrated styles and rhythms of the past. From Blues to Hip‐ Hop, Swing Dancing to Break‐Dancing; Usher and Rémy Martin®1738 Accord Royal travel through decades in France and the US, to honor these cultural figures; both rooted in a shared philosophy of aiming for the stars.

“Music doesn’t need Cognac to exist, and Cognac doesn’t need Music to exist,” states Usher, “but what is beautiful is that they were meant to meet and when they did, they created cultural harmony.”

Teaming up with Usher and Rémy Martin, are globally recognized creatives including Raphael Saadiq, world‐renowned musical composer; Marci Rodgers, Academy‐Award winning costume stylist; Aakomon Jones, award winning dance choreographer; and director of the production; Jake Nava.

“I was really inspired by creating the historical music scenes in a way that felt true to the spirit of that moment, but also relevant and eye‐catching to a young contemporary audience,” states Jake Nava, “This dual priority informed my direction of all the music, dance and Usher’s performance.”

The heart and soul of cultural movements throughout history paved the way for future artists to innovate, while paying homage to their roots and the musical styles that came before them. The same respect for heritage is honored by Rémy Martin and Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau, who has inherited the savoir‐ faire of the House from previous generations of cellar masters. Through this transmission of knowledge, Rémy Martin®1738 Accord Royal continues to encompass the spirit of celebrating depth of character and the excitement of

indulging in moments of collective success.

“Rémy Martin has been at the center of celebration for centuries, and the celebratory nature of Music is synonymous with our history of honoring communities and culture,” said Amaury Vinclet, Global Executive Director of Rémy Martin “Acknowledging this collective success has been at the heart of Rémy Martin since 1724.”

Historically, Rémy Martin and Usher teamed up during his 2010 “OMG” world tour, where the Cognac brand was the official sponsor of after parties across the United States, Canada and Europe. Additionally, Usher co‐hosted the launch dinner for Pro ducer Series with Jermaine Dupri in 2018.

“Team Up For Excellence – The Film is a monumental artistic achievement stemming from our collaboration and long‐standing relationship with our trusted creative global agency, FRED & FARID,” said Philippe Farnier, Chief Executive Officer for The House of Rémy Martin. “We celebrate this performance between

our brand, creative agency and artist Usher. At Rémy Martin, we team up with those sharing our same quest for excellence, rooted in our values of people, terroir and time.”

For almost 300 years, the story of Rémy Martin has been one of family, partners and collective success. Teamwork has always been at the heart of the brand, passing the spirit of collaboration on to younger generations. The desire to team up with others in a quest for excellence has been a part of the Rémy Martin ethos since 1724, with the constant dedication to creating premium Cognac. To continually go further and aspire to achieve more is a reflection of the Centaur, Rémy Martin’s brand figurehead f or 150 years.

Following the launch in the United States, the short film will be screened and showcased globally.

LOUIS VUITTON PLANE-SHAPED BAG COSTS MORE THAN AN ACTUAL PLANE The aviation-inspired men’s bag, part of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection, was designed by Virgil Abloh and sells for $39,000 (around £28,000). The brown bag features Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram pattern has wings, engines, a tail and a nose to form the shape of an aircraft. Abloh has been the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear since 2018 and it is not the first time one of Abloh’s designs has caught people’s attention.

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MASCARA WAND

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