THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 12TH DECEMBER 2021

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

N, N ICOLL O I H S AL FA MPBE GLOBNAOMI CALOOK OF IYO THE SING SA FOLAW A C W SHO IGNER LI DES

I F A O B T U S E D B N E O TH I H S G! FA E S I R A #

N O C D N A G N I RIS

IN R E QU

Made in Nigeria: Conquering the World An Event Like No Other Meet Nigeria’s Best Designers…on Show in Dubai ARISE TEAM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER NDUKA OBAIGBENA

HAIR AND MAKE-UP STYLISTS

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

As usual, it was high and fast fashion when models took to the runway in Designs from some of Nigeria’s most talented designers at the ARISE FASHION WEEK 2021 recently in the jewel city of Dubai. The runway show which held at Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa, once more echoed to the world that Nigeria fashion and music talents are a force to reckon with in this new millennial phase.

From Kenneth Ize’s signature handwoven silk Aso-oke designs to Banke Kuku’s silk, Aso-oke and organza fabrics not to mention the eclectic mix of Odio Mimonet’s collection and much more, Nigeria was well represented by all whose designs graced the runway.

Super Model and friend of the house, Naomi Campbell alongside Alton Maison and the Nigerian Models, strutted their stuff in eye-catching ensembles intricately designed by the likes of Lanre Dasilva-Ajayi, Lisa Folawiyo, Yutee Ronee, Hudayya and many more.

Music performances by award-winning crooners D-Banj (Nigeria) and Akon (America-Senegalese) were one of the highlights of the event. Dbanj gave a captivating performance that reiterated him as an A-list entertainer and put Nigeria in a positive light, and Akon finished the night off belting out hit songs that got the crowd on their feet. cover photo KUNLE OGUNFUYI

The Arise Fashion Week in collaboration with Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, which took place on Nigeria Day at Dubai Expo 2020 last Friday, 3rd of December has come and gone but the wonderful and exciting evening still lingers in the minds of those who attended the most exciting events. As to be expected, the show lived up to its billing with the wonderful array of scintillating creations that strutted the stage much to everyone’s delight. As if that wasn’t enough, the evening also included performances from one of Nigeria’s finest, DBanj and also one of Africa’s greatest musicians Akon.

The night could not have been complete without other aspects, the speeches given by the Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the Governor of CBN, Godwin Emiefele and the MD of Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya. Arise Play was also further introduced to the guests with a comprehensive but short report and profile ofthe platform featured on the screen.

There was no dull moment as the fashion envelope was pushed even further to show just how high the ante has been raised when it comes to the industry. This week we have decided to show you snippets from the event, the many faces from the event and the fashion on ground to feed your eyes! Next week, we will showcase the collections of the designers who partook in the show.

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

CAROLE OZIOMA IBE CHARITY AMARACHI UMEH DESIREE EJOH FERDINARD ODINAKA RUTH OSIME IYABODE BEAUTY ASEMOTA MAC (DAVID MUTHENGI MASAI), ARTISTIC DIRECTOR (FATIHA TABAN), (LILIAN SHEILA JENKE AHMED TAILLY Ituen Basi Banke Kuku Lisa Folawiyo WANJIKU GATHUKU), (MARLENE One of the leading names in Ituen Bassey is known for Banke creates bespoke NERIMA ADHIAMBO KONGANI), STYLIST the industry. She is celebrated her unique use of Ankara patterns and textiles rich with for her colourful collections that to produce exceptional but WARUHIU) colour and texture. Intricate (SHEILA WANJIRU JOSEPH FRANCOIS COSTES fuse traditional West African wearable art pieces, which are and luxurious, her signature OLUWAKEMI ONYEKACHI AWOYEMI ALEXANDRA CHARLOTTE fabrics with modern tailoring LEFEVREcontemporary expressions of prints are emblazoned upon and beaded embellishments. enduring sophistication. silk fabric and include adireSTEPHEN AIGBOLOGA IGBARUMAH inspired splatter designs, animal print, and leaf motifs.

UCHENNA ANDREW ENYOKWA PRODUCERS ADEYEMISI ADEDOYIN BALOGUN BACCHUS AZUBUIKE CHIOGO ENEOMA OBEBE OJEIFO NMESOMACHI GIFT UBADIRE ADEOLA KINGSLEY-JAMES OLUWAYOMI MOTUNRAYO ODU LUMMIE EDEVBIE ONIKOSI JUDITA DA SILVA SAKINA RENNEYE AYOMIDE OLUFAWO ESE AMROMAWHE NOGOSA OGHOBAGHASE NELLIE OKORO ÉTÉ ` Tzar Studios FAUZIYA ALI MOHAMMED Tzar Studios is a brand inspired ATIKU JR by theABUBAKAR ethos of the metrosexual man.

The brand challenges FUNKE BABS KUFEJI the conventional approach to KONYE NWABOGOR menswear, creating unique items that embody the purpose ZINAofANUMUDU form and functionality.

ENIAFE MOMODU OROMA JUMBO USIADE ISIOMA JESSICA DURU OLUWASEUN PINHEIRO HAMRA OBAIGBENA OLUWATOYIN KESSINGTON ABDULMUIZZ BELLO

Lanre da Silva Ajayi (LDA)

Kenneth Ize

LDA is a modern and cuttingedge brand and a full-blown fashion house with global recognition. Her style is rich in femininity with a multitude of embellishments.

Kenneth Ize is reinterpreting traditional West African fabrics and Nigerian craft. He was a finalist of the LVMH Prize 2019, a joint winner of the Arise Fashion Week Award for “Designer of the Year” in 2019 and the winner of the Arise Fashion Week 30 under 30 competition in 2020.

Lagos Space Programme

Hudayya

Onalaja

Lagos Space Programme (LPS) is a genderless brand with an eye for craftsmanship that deconstructs societal norms and champions a new African future in fashion.

Hudayya is a bespoke ready-to-wear fashion brand that provides high-end class tailoring and luxury dressing.

Onalaja is a contemporary women’s-wear brand with semicouture elements. The brand blends the designer’s Nigerian heritage with Italian design aesthetics and a contemporary appreciation of beauty in its beautifully crafted pieces.

PHOTOGRAPHERS KUNLE OGUNFUYI NAVID Yutee Rone

ART DIRECTORS

Yutee Rone designs unique CHUKS ONWUDINJO structural pieces from the finest quality fabrics and exceptional MATHIAS ARCHIBONG attention to detail. Known for FRANCIS AMANZERE her use of experimental fabrics and well-detailed craftsmanship, the pieces aim to empower the woman wearing them.

TECHNICAL TEAM JOSEPH AYOADE ADETUNJI MATTHEW OLUTAYO DAVID OLUGBEMI FRANCIS ONUOHA KELVIN OGECHI UGWUODO UCHENNA SOPURUM

TJWHO

Odio Mimonet

Ziva Lagos

Syari Bespoke

Titi Adesa

A minimalist menswear brand that aims to blur the lines between the past, the present and the future. It explores a blend of West African, European and Japanese culture offering refreshing interpretations that withstand time and trend.

A couture brand that seeks to fuse the beauty of art on women.

The brand’s constant focus is to highlight the many elements and motifs that directly reflects the African woman, her style choices, culture, heritage and love for the arts.

A young Nigerian fashion brand by Tania Omotayo. Her collections boast of printfocused, trend-led fashion pieces perfect for the stylish everyday woman.

The bespoke design house draws its inspiration from abstract and contemporary influences and infuse them with traditional approaches to create a diverse range of unique designs.

Creative director and founder, Titi Adesanya, is a designer whose appreciation for luxury footwear and impeccable craftsmanship inspired the creation of her footwear brand.

CONTENT DESIGNERS

PG 6-17

INTERVIEWS

PG 18-19

QUOTES

PG 20-21

3rd December 2021 – Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai

BACK STAGE

PG 23

www.arisefashionweek.world

Win Merch!

27

THE THRONE, NEXT GEN MAMA MIA, THE PLAY

29 EAT. DRINK. FESTIVAL

28

16

MAMA MIA, THE PLAY

30

23

THE CAVE MEN LIVE, LA UFOK IBAN AKWA IBOM RYTHM UNPLUGGED

LIVESPOT FESTIVAL X TEMS LAGOS XMAS VILLAGE

17

31

MAMA MIA, THE PLAY

UFOK IBAN AKWA IBOM DAVIDO @ 10 WORLD VYBZ: ALL WHITE

24

A TRUE XMAS STORY AFRICA UNITED NIGHT LAGOS XMAS VILLAGE

11

MAMA MIA, THE PLAY ALI BABA SHOW

01

25

UFOK IBAN AKWA IBOM OSAMEDE, THE PLAY ADESUA, EDO STATE

18

THE CAVE MEN LIVE, AB A TRUE XMAS STORY XMAS FAMILY FUNFAIR

THE CAVE MEN LIVE, EG KOFFI: I STAND CORCTD LA VENTANA DEL ALMA

12

More events in Januray 2022

26

OSAMEDE, THE PLAY ADESUA, EDO STATE PATORANKING, BIG NAME

STREET SOUK FOOD ISLAND VIOLA BLACK TIE XMAS

19

THE CAVE MEN LIVE, PH SINACH & FRIENDS GARDEN FLOWER SHOW

#VYBEDBYFIRSTBANK

#FIRSTBANKISSAVYBE

#31DAYSLOADED

#STAYSAFE

#MASKUP

#GETVACCINATED

Follow FirstBank on social media to win tickets to the hottest shows, plays and concerts this December

DISCLAIMER: This is a calendar showing selected activities holding in December 2021. Not all of the above events are sponsored by FirstBank

BURNA BOY CONCERT

22

UFOK IBAN AKWA IBOM FLYTIME: NEYO & ASA

21

20

JOEBOY LIVE MINZ CONCERT LAGOS XMAS VILLAGE

15

PARTY OF YOUR DREAMS

LAGOS XMAS VILLAGE

LIVESPOT XCLUSIVE GIDI CRUISE: AQUAMARINE

14 LAGOS XMAS VILLAGE

ARTPEDIA'S ART EXHIBITION REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE NBA 2021 LAW DINNER BREAKING THE DEADLOCKS

13

10 THE CAVE MEN LIVE, OW FUJI: A OPERA AFRICA UNITED NIGHT

09

THE CAVE MEN LIVE, IBD

NTA CHILDRENS' FIESTA

05 AFRICA FASHION WEEK NG MAINLAND LAFFS 2.0 FUJI: A OPERA

04

SUNDAY CULTURATTI FUJI: A OPERA THE XPERIENCE

SATURDAY 03

FRIDAY

08

THURSDAY

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE ONE WILD NIGHT

WEDNESDAY

WIN TICKETS

07

TUESDAY

INFO ONLY

06

Your guide to FREE Tickets

MONDAY

DATE ELAPSED

DECEMBER 2021 VYBES

You First

Win Super Gifts Everyday!

COVER

6

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Banke Kuku

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Hudayya

7

COVER

8

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Kenneth Ize

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Odion Mimonet

9

COVER

10

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Onalaja

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Yutee Rone

11

building Africa's exclusive beachfront city The Azuri Towers offer you world-class infrastructure with unparalleled quality.

Enjoy residing in beautifully crafted structures with spectacular aerial views of the ocean.

Take a virtual tour today, visit www.eko-development.com or call 09053987888.

In partnership with

sales@azuritowers.com

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

kids NEW TITLES AVAILABLE TO

STREAM NOW

EXCLUSIVELY ON ARISEPLAY

14

Ziva Lagos

JOIN A BOLD NEW WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM

15

COVER

16

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Lisa Folawiyo

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

Lanre Dasilva-Ajayi

17

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

@ariseplay

SUBSCRIBE TODAY WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM

NEW TITLES AVAILABLE TO

STREAM NOW

EXCLUSIVELY ON ARISEPLAY

VISIT THE WEBSITE DOWNLOAD THE APP

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

OUR SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER IS ENDING SOON

LAUNCH OFFER

1 FREE 3 FREE MONTH

WHEN YOU PAY THE FIRST MONTH [$3.00 USD]

MONTHS WHEN YOU PAY

18

FOR THE FIRST YEAR [$27.00 USD]

19

li d s ra al in tu tho b on at the na r S e e The nti cre dy ctio a Tz th an. nve ar, bo fun by m co swe em nd t a e th en tha rm m s o f m f ite o

d s re l io nspi xua d e s i s u d e St ran etroleng ch to e

Y

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

r fo a n w kar ut e o b ar n f kn An al ue ey is se of tion hich ns o. t o p I w i s n u ce s, ss o s Ba que ex ce re ati en uni uce t pie exp istic u It er od ar ry ph h pr le ora so b to ara mp ring e e w ont ndu c e

i as

ee M

from Nigeria, and carter for them as well. So, it would be amazing if we see like an Emirati or an Afghani woman on the streets of London wearing Hudayya collection.

This is your first Arise fashion show in the middle East, what are your expectations and what do you hope the fashion platform would do for your brand?

Yes, it is. A typical client, a woman is looking for something modest or something that is quite contemporary, and obviously from there, the fact that that’s has spilled over into the women in Lagos are interested in this style of dressing. And from there now having done Arise, which obviously has provided a global platform, you have a situation where the brand is now showcased in Dubai, which is the heart of fashion that is targeted at women who dress in a modest contemporary way. We see a lot of Arab women in London and Paris. We see how they dress and we love how they dress.

A lot of Northern Nigerian women, not just Nigerian women, but also like, you have to think of the fact that there are other West Africans, for example, that are interested in that type of dressing. This has now opened their eyes to the fact that there is a brand that caters to them within their facility. They don’t have to order from a faraway country for it. We’re very close by.

With the Middle Eastern markets, for example, they now see that there’s a brand that doesn’t originate from their own territory, but originated

What was the inspiration behind this collection?

The inspiration behind the collection came from the fact that Hudayya has always inspired by fabrics and there’s one thing that if you look well at a collection, you notice that there’s always movements in our collection, which means that whenever I see fabric, I also wants to see flow and movement in the fabric itself. The plunging in the design flattens your curve, whatever type of curves or whether you don’t have curves, it will sculpt nothing because flow will move alongside of you no matter what you do even if you’re just standing it will flatter you and whatever shape and all you need to do is accentuate the waist of the belt for example like there were a couple of pieces that you saw that we accentuated with a belt. There are a couple that we just decided to leave off the belts but we had belt option we just said no even if it’s like a thin model the way the fabric is around the body already accentuates the body well enough, we don’t need to add a belt to cinch the waist or some kind of piece of material.

Do you have a favorite piece in the collection?

That’s so difficult. Before the models fitted their clothes, I couldn’t say much but I predicted when they fitted and they all lined up I just said oh, we’ve got a gunmetal army. So, all of a sudden, my mind shifted from the flowy ping we provide to a more structured looks, which obviously when you wear them, you can turn them down for a casual day look, but once you wear heels and add some jewelry it adds a bit of bling. You automatically have an evening collection. I would probably say my favorite is all of them or maybe the gunmetal gray pieces.

a

o in d iy s w ame rate that a l n leb ns n ng ce io ica Fo

i t r ng ad is c Af ri s. le he olle st ailo ent e S c e t th y. ul W rn hm of str urf nal de llis ne ndu olo itio mo be O i rc d h em e a t th he e tr wi ed r s d s fo fu ric ea b fa d b an

B

d l ow r : h S a o i n r e W …o e rs e ig th n N g ig s in rin st De e e e B d u s a q a’ i M on iger C tN

in

D

ai b u

B

designers’take s Li

hudayya

ziva lagos

What do you hope the fashion platform would do for your brand?

Arise fashion show has continued to take us worldwide; it has made us meet a lot of people. Today is huge, it’s incredible and here Arise keeps taking us further.

The Dubai Expo theme this here is about connecting mind, how does this show help to connect minds in fashion?

Connecting women to everyday fashion that is affordable and that is sustainable and comfortable.

I think that’s very big to be destroyed.

In an industry as competitive as fashion, how have you prepared your ‘Made in Nigeria collections’ to showcase your country’s uniqueness?

I think passion, I stay true to myself I don’t try to do what is not me, my collections are ready to wear.

collection?

The modern Nigeria woman.

What was the inspiration behind this

Which is your favourite piece in tonight’s collections?

The closing look is my favourite, so look out for that.

What advice would you give to young designers like you just starting and hoping to make it in the industry and possibly get on the Arise fashion week platform.

To never give up, if I had given up or listen to people that told me not to do it because so many other people are doing it, I wouldn’t be here today. So, stay determined. Stay focus. Keep working one day someone will notice you.

yutee rone This is your first Arise fashion show in the middle East, what are your expectations and what do you hope the fashion platform would do for your brand?

My expectation is mostly exposure and generally just be able to show that people understand what your work is.

Everyone is different, aesthetics is different, but with the exposure on a platform like this you have to show what you’re good at, at you do and people can understand your brand.

This is the first Arise fashion week in the middle east; how do you intend to harness the opportunity given to you to break into the market?

20

b l a e m ha roa iqu os ar Tz ios is of th nd c app g un purp ty.

st

c e nd ex t er nk s a d t s, h lazo a B rn an iou b n t t e u r ur e m d i pa olo lux are an la c d s ric sp an int ab ed n pr ilk f pir pri s ins al im an

ke es b les r Intri an reat texti ure. sig

u ke i uk K espo ich w

STYLE & DESIGN

I don’t think anybody can actually say for certain what they’re able to do with it. We just show your talents, work, your creativity and just hope for the best. But so far, it’s a different platform obviously is international. So, we’re just looking for the best.

What was the inspiration behind this collection?

My collection is called the wandering thoughts, so it’s basically how your thoughts flow. We generally think of things, there was a point that I traveled at that point when you’ve got rivers flowing and you see lots of stuff. So, for me, it was basically dealing with having to go to that point to work with flow because there are a lot of drips, flowing stuff.

So, they’re basically my thoughts wandering on, mostly nature.

Sustainability has become a vital topic in the

For the first time, Africa’s most significant fashion show, Arise Fashion Week 2021, was held at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, collaborating with the Nigeria Pavillion and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment at the Dubai expo 2020 to celebrate Nigeria day. Many designers took to the runway to exhibit their talent and hard work to showcase their Nigerian heritage and talent to the world. Just before the show began and after, Funke Babs-Kufeji and Isioma Usiade got an opportunity to have a little chat with a few of the designers, models and head stylist and here is what they had to say about AFW being in at the Dubai Expo 2020.

kenneth ize Is this your first Arise fashion week in the middle east; What do you think about the Arise fashion week?

At first when I got the news to show with Arise in Dubai, I thought it was the end of the year, I think was something to truly celebrate. And I thought about my long journey also with Arise and how far I’ve come from this platform. And he was worth it for me to also be here. And I’m very happy that to be showing in the Middle East is the first time ever. It was just like what am I expecting, what am I about to give or I was just ready to just keep what the brand does and also support the Arise family.

why?

I think Nigeria fashion will sell everywhere in the world. You know, we very vibrant people. We fill up diversity. We also have so many diasporas and we actually Pan African. So, I think that is what pushes the Nigerian fashion in the African fashion. It’s the diversity that we have been playing around with things.

How do you intend to harness the opportunity given to you to break into the market?

You know, fashion is like communication. And I believe that the communication that would happen through this life is meeting people see if the collection could bring something. I don’t know what’s yet, because fashion is very surprising as well. Yeah, I’m leaving my doors open

Do you have a favorite piece in the whole collections and which is most challenging for you?

Honestly there’s no, I can’t say specify. The dresses I really loved so much. And also, the bridal dress because we’ve not done anything bridal before. The bridal with the gold ornaments. It was for me, you know, just embracing more women and how they grow and how they change their body and how things are changed around them.

Do you think Nigerian fashion will sell here in the middle east and

What is the inspiration behind these collections?

Well, it’s a long story. It’s about the cape coast, I really don’t want to go into details, I will really burst out tears.

fashion industry, and informed international consumers are researching the practices of brands before spending money with them. What is your brand doing to make itself more sustainable?

What limit us sometimes is foreign exchange. When it comes to getting fabrics and all that so we can say for sure, because these things we can’t handle. we try to stay true to ourselves and try to go local. Let’s say you’re doing production international; I’m speaking personally now I’ve been able to put my production locally and just able to stay and sustain my brand to put things that are meant to be so nothing changes even if we having to deal with local production, like local fabrics and still put yourself out there and just so that it’s not the prices or I mean depends on your production doesn’t change as much.

Which piece is your favourite and why?

There’s going to be a lot of favorites. I won’t be able

banke kuku What do you hope the fashion platform would do for your brand?

Arise platform is amazing. And I think it’s great because it reaches different parts of the world, not just Nigeria. Although my core customer the moment is Nigerian, so of course, love and appreciation for my Nigerian customers and without them you know, where would we be?

But I think it’s important to take African design, Nigerian design global and I think that Arise is doing just that.

This is the first Arise fashion week in the middle east; how do you intend to harness the opportunity given to you to break into the market?

I think, well, this is the first step.

The first step is showing, and I’m glad that we’ve done that. And then we’ll definitely work strategically with the right team to see what other opportunities we can take on whether it’s retail opportunities whether it’s showing more or making key relationships stronger.

So, we’ll just have to keep working

to say one is my favorite, they would be able but have got like top six picks which are related to me personally.

Do you think Nigerian fashion will do okay here in the middle east and why?

Everyone’s wearing Nigerian, we understand what we’re doing. We have so much culture, the culture is very rich and colorful. Nigeria fashion is the way forward. In the UAE, we have the same feel in fashion, the drape, the flowing effect, the caftan so it basically will do well here.

What is your honest opinion about the show, and were your expectations met?

I like the fact that there’s more organization.

We’ve got so much help. I had my fittings yesterday. So, I’m just trying to put things together but I’m not doing so much. I have got a

their way through.

What was the inspiration behind this collection?

So, the inspiration behind this collection was 1973 in Nigeria. And I think I chose that because that was like a time when in Nigeria the music industry is booming, the fashion industry is booming. economy was booming Naira and the dollar were the same value. Although the 70s also came with its hard times, I chose to celebrate the positives.

And so that’s what the connection is about.

Which is your favourite pieces, do you have one?

It’s so hard, I love all of them.

Do you think Nigeria fashion will sell well in the middle East?

Yes, Nigerian fashion will, I think Middle Eastern customers will definitely appreciate Nigerian pieces because they dress quite well. And I know women like to dress very elegantly and they’re quite regal in a way they dress and I think that was quite evident throughout all the collections tonight.

What do you love most about the fashion show?

It was an amazing experience for me and very intense. Very intense days for all of us, but the results are deafening.

lot of help which makes everything easier.

There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their most fabulous collection season after season.

What advice would you give to young designers just starting and hoping to make it in the industry and possibly get on the Arise fashion week platform.

I think competition is a thief of anything, you should always just be yourself. What drives you before you thought about designing there should be that instinct or passion that drove you to want to do that. But if you keep looking at another person or what the person is doing that just steals your joy, it will take every passion inside you. So, I’d advise anyone just stay true to yourself, this is what you want to do, you have to be passionate about it. You have to be able to put in more work. You don’t even know how someone else is actually looking at you. So, I just advise anyone that is interested in fashion to just keep going, do your thing and stop comparison.

21

Tz Tz by ar S ar th tu S d tu Itu e h en n B t er Ba we o p un ass r i si co ara odu que ey is n bl c us kn t e e en emp art exc e o ow du or pi ep f A n f rin ary ece tio nk or g s e s, na ara x o ph pre whic l bu ist ssi h t ica on ar tio s o e n. f

n p B a k t an e co ter ke Ku an lou ns a cre ku pr d lu r an nd ates sil ints xur d t text be Ba

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

stylist and model’s take si gn e r s… on

Sh ow

in

D

M C a on de i q n M u ee er Ni tN i ig ng ger er ia i ’ t sB he a: e s tD W e o r ld

(Ivorian Official Stylist)

‘’Being able to tell a specific narrative with different creators; focusing on empowering African culture is fascinating.’’ Jenke Ahmed Tailly on his role as Artistic Director/Official Stylist for Arise Fashion Week 2021.

You have a very successful career as a celebrity stylist. What has been your staying power in the industry?

Well, the blessing of the Almighty. I believe in the power of God, and I feel like when you are pure and believe in yourself, and you love others, you’re always blessed with things.

I’ve been blessed throughout my career, so I am so grateful.

You have worked with Arise Fashion Week on so several occasions. What was your experience like this time around?

Well, this one was special because I got to be the artistic director and stylist for the whole show. Being able to tell a specific narrative with different creators; focusing on empowering African culture is fascinating. To work with so many brilliant young talents and established talent in your country. It was a blessing.

muse Naomi is great. Everyone is fantastic.

What is your take on Nigerian fashion?

I think it’s absolutely made. I think it sets the pace for all the continents, and I feel like it’s so diverse because 200 million people and different tribes are so eclectic and rich and empowering, and I love it. I love Nigeria. And I think in one of my old lives, I was a Nigerian.

Which Designer’s pieces do you think will translate well here in the Middle East?

While styling the show, we thought about the Middle East market. If you look at all the big brands, I mean, Chanel just showed the last spring-summer 2020, So there is an excellent market here. It’s not really about adapting your aesthetic to a specific segment or target. I think we can translate that from all these amazing designers’ production.

What impact do you think this show has made in Dubai, and going forward, what is your advice to designers who are trying to break into this market?

Did the show’s location sway your styling decision when you put the pieces together? I think Nduka (Obaigbena)is smart at really putting the African culture out there. It’s about When you show in the continent, it has fashion, art, culture, economy, and literature. It’s a different vibe, but when you take the continent’s treasure and export it to the earth, about all of these things that make our continent great, my advice to each Designer is to master the it needs to be powerful. What’s great about the narrative today is that we understand our craftsmanship better. You can’t advice an artist.

You only give them a piece of your passion and power. We unapologetically own it, and we say, okay, this is you. I’ve been doing this for a long can tell our own story with our worlds with our poetry. And that’s really important. For me, time, and this is what I’m suggesting to you. what’s great is to work with my brothers and sisters from the continent and to show that we What was the most fun part about the show? have nothing to be ashamed of and should be And what did you find the most challenging?

The fittings and, of course, Lagos was fun because very proud of what we do. the space was great. We spent lots of time with the designers, some of whom we visited, while Which was your favourite piece and why? some came to us. It was great. I came with my No, that’s a tough one. I’m going to be really team from Paris, and we had a great time. The honest; I think everyone has something you challenging part is some of the designers are very can’t really compare; it’s quite subjective, but stubborn. For instance, after the fittings on the what’s really important is the message that final lineup. I will have surprises. They will add conveys the clothes because clothing is so empowering. The craftsmanship, the different things to the head and earrings. But it’s fun; they ideas they incorporate into the collection, is so own the story. And I think together as a team, we were able to tell the story. Those of us who are grand, and everybody has their way of doing behind the scenes see them trying to elevate each it. I’m passionate about what I do, so I find beauty in everything. So, it’s difficult for me to other, and it was great. say, oh, I like this. Of course, I’ve been working Just one last word, your last piece of advice for with Kenneth Ize, so we are a big advocate the designers of him. As an ambassador of the French, we made sure that he’s on an official calendar and Don’t be afraid and be inspired by everything you know. I love it. Thank you to be here also with my sister and my forever

22

models

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9712 Sunday, December 12, 2021

back stage

CHIKA “Arise Fashion Show this year

is quite interesting because the whole team had to come into Dubai for the Dubai Expo2020, and I’m really excited to see that the outcome of it. Also, the crew, designers and models are here having an amazing time together, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

AMINA AYINADE “I’m very much

excited. I’ve been doing Arise Fashion Week since 2009. It’s an honour to be here, always representing Africa. The platform has given me the ability to shine in my skin and my true form. It’s been a blessing just working with amazing Nigerian designers as well. I will say that Arise Fashion Week has been a great vehicle for me as a model. They do find a way to highlight and uplift us as Africans and show our legacy.”

ALTON MASON “What I

love about Arise Fashion Week is every show is bigger and better.

With more people, more designers, and everything is so unique, so special. Being here in Dubai speaks volumes, and it’s so important to see us in spaces like this and levels like this together. Thank you, Arise”

RITA FRANCIS “It’s my first

time on the Arise Fashion show and I’m so happy to be here. I love the experience, and I’m having fun getting to meet a lot of people, and it’s great. I love the dresses, they’re beautiful, and I’m so excited. Thank you, Arise”.

‘‘

L

I

ai

ub

jenke ahmed taily

is O a th ne F fo e in of ol r h d th aw fu er ust e le i fa se col ry. ad y o an bric trad ourf She ing n u i d s be wit tion l co is ce ame ad h m al le ll s ed o We ecti bra in em der st ons ted b n Af t e llis tailo rican hat hm ri en ng ts.

STYLE & DESIGN

ADUKE SHITTABEY

“Honestly, it’s been really amazing and very much fun. I love how they bring people together from different cultures, places, levels, and diverse mix. That is one thing I love and appreciate AFW for, when they bring everyone together, everyone’s on the same level, chilling and working. And, you know, it’s like positive energy and positive vibes, good vibes”.

UTO ROSMAN “I love the

fact that Arise Fashion Weem always wants to bring people together. They work with the best designers.”

23