Tropics Magazine (March/Mars 2012)

Ed’s Note ‘Reshape your life and follow your dreams…’

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth.

But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back. List them and open the door to change…

Dear readers of Tropics Magazine, here we are again. March is here and we are very thrilled for another awesome ride, new beginnings and discoveries. We, at Tropics Magazine, are not yet ready to say 'Happy 2nd birthday’ yet but it is just 10 days to go, yes you are right.

We are preparing a very special issue to celebrate African Women Day which is celebrated every March 8th, worldwide, and also our second anniversary! Happy are we to have launched a very diversified magazine and glad we are to have all of you now on our pages.

We salute your fidelity and we hope to have you glued on your screens this 11th March.

Have you noticed our amazing ladies features in this month's issue? If not, please hurry and go read our one-on-one with „Commander in Chic‟ Mikky Taylor and our second interview with Ghanaian Model, Afua Boni, who is conquering the world. These are our own icons and proud are we to inform you, our readers, about them and may you be inspired after reading their stories.

As we know you love Fashion - this is also a time for all fashion gurus to find closure and feel the vibes from fashion events that have took place in Africa, Europe and America. We take this opportunity to congratulate the efforts of Fashions Finest – they put together a great event in London. We attended the London Fashion Week as VIPs and it was a success!

Let’s hold it right there. Here is to you getting the very best you deserve and Stay Tropics!

Vénicia Guinot Editorial Director & Founder

Contents MARCH 2012

Features Our favorite things Podium des Jeunes Créateurs FF London Fashion Week Ottawa Fashion Week

On the cover Afua Boni Interview ‘Commander in Chic’ chats to Africa

Fashion & Beauty Classics – Inside your wardrobe Le Moulin Rouge de Sadio Bee Afric Collection The Afro-Caribbean models Summer favorites Fall Fashion for South Africa Beaute – Utilisez les fruits pour votre peau Hair – Chrisette Michelle hairstyles

Plus sizes Biographie Fat Joe, Artiste Musicien/Rappeur Style – Amber Riley, the new pearl

GO TO TROPICSMAGAZINE.OVER-BLOG.COM FOR MORE VIBES!

Wellbeing & Health Bring balance in your life Les maladies dont on ne vous parle jamais Découvrez un fruit : l’ananas Why are you tired all the time?

Kitchen Entrees Wine news Idées de repas 1 fruit = 2 recipes Les desserts du mois de Mars Decoration Inspirational home Why yous should use green in deco ?

Inspiration Entertainment Livres – Choix de l’Editeur

Voyages Asian getaways you should see Every month…

Inbox Twitter & Facebook feeds Celebrities’ style we love…

GO TO TROPICSMAGAZINE.OVER-BLOG.COM FOR MORE VIBES! FOR MORE VIBES!

Tropics Inbox We love hearing from you…

Hi Tropics. I know Christmas has been long gone but my wish is to appear in one the issues in your magazine.

Please let my dreams come true :) x.o.x Ogechi (Birmingham, UK)

~Dear Ogechi, we have made sure to add your feedback in this issue. This comment has made us smile & thank you for the support. We love you!

Saludos a todos los lectores de la revista Trópico, en todo el mundo. Mi nombre es Alejandro C. y yo hemos estado siguiendo tus mensajes desde hace mucho tiempo. Sus publicaciones son muy buenos y que hacen un gran uso de los medios de comunicación social. No pasa un día y me siento aburrido de lo que se publica. Se puede hacer una publicación especial de la Revista Trópico en español para todos los lectores españoles? Nos encanta África aquí y siempre es un placer leer lo que está sucediendo allí. Aunque usted no lo hace pronto, por favor, publicar algunos artículos sobre España y los modelos españoles, son también incredíble. Eso me hace sentir muy orgulloso. Por ahora, muchas gracias por una gran revista, sigue así.

Alessandro C (Madrid, España)

Je tiens à féliciter l’équipe de choc de Tropics Magazine pour le travail de fond que vous abattez. Je suis devenu ‘addict’ à vos posts, et c’est presqu’une tradition, le matin, de venir sur votre page et de lire la pensée du jour. L’album GOOD MORNING est un vrai régal. Je vous souhaite plein succès et que vive ce magazine qui présente le continent sous un beau ciel bleu.

Louise Noeth (Rio de Janeiro, Brésil) ~Chère Louise, nous ne savions pas que nous sommes lus au Brésil. Merci pour votre fidélité & surtout Restez Tropics !

Thank you Tropics Magazine for featuring those strong, independent women in your issues.

Finally Africa has put on track an intelligent magazine I can proudly compare to ESSENCE. Thank you TM for adding value to my life.

Theo S. (Durban, South Africa)

Tweet Feedies

TROPICS MAGAZINE

KUZU Space AFRICA : @tropicsmagazine Tropics Magazine always in time Alex Raymond @XandraRaymondIV : GM/ Bonjour hope to see u write some positive feedback about Usher tx! “@tropicsmagazine: @XandraRaymondIV @UsherRaymondIV DVS Entertainment: Good afternoon @tropicsmagazine Please shout our name & let those who are looking for an event agency to follow us.Thank you, you rock!

Afua Boni : My interview w/ @tropicsmagazine March cover story! Month of Ghanaian 55th Anniversary #TeamGhana suzy so:sweet: "@tropicsmagazine: Très belle photo du mannequin Shaun Ollison fb.me/UAcYt002" @Internationalms beautiful!

Milly : @tropicsmagazine TropicsMagazine the bestttttttt May the Lord almighty bless it

Our gift to you! nd

Because we are celebrating our 2 birthday, the best letter of this month sent by Allessandro C. has won a ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Watch.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Venicia Guinot ART DIRECTOR Stelle Raymonde FEATURES EDITOR Valerie Sosso Moukouelle Adamou Banoufe COLLABORATORS Marc Richez Des Richards Andre Bergeron

INSCRIVEZ-VOUS! Treat yourself to a TROPICS subscription this month and stand a chance to win 2 REY M. articles. How can you win?

-Join their fan page on Facebook -Invite 2 friends to join REY M. page

Congratulations!

-Subscribe to TROPICS MAGAZINE's website by visiting http://tropicsmagazine.over-blog.com

TROPICS loves‌

~LE PODIUM DES JEUNES CREATEURS~ Reportage by: Marc Richez (France)

www.tropicsmagazine.over-blog.com

FASHION

‘LE PODIUM DES JEUNES CREATEURS’ Pour la 3ème année consécutive à Paris, le PODIUM Jeunes Stylistes présente 15 jeunes artistes sélectionnés parmi plus de 200 candidats à savoir : Nashua El Tantawi, Mohamed Ramzy Hafi, Sarah Delannoy, Célina Bailly, Emilie Bernstein, Laura Vallé, Paul May, Tran Thi Tanh Nga, Nida Chairatanalerkd, Prescilla Teixeira, Lou de Testa (gagnate), Laureline Tschanz, Noémie Ravard, Renaud Aivialotis et enfin Shuko Inaba

Cet événement a eu lieu le mercredi 8 Février 2012 à l'Hôtel Westin Paris-Vendôme. Le commanditaire de la 3ème édition est Christophe Josse, directeur artistique de la Maison de Christophe Josse et membre permanent de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Haute. Le vainqueur de cette année s'appelle Lou de Testa (#11). Cette 3ème édition a été spectaculaire et nous avons assiste a un défilé riche où chaque candidat a présenté 3 robes d'affilés.

FATROPICS MAGAZINE

FASHION

FATROPICS MAGAZINE

FASHION

TROPICS loves‌

~FF LONDON FASHION WEEK~ Reportage by: Des Richards Valerie Sosso Moukouelle (United Kingdom)

www.tropicsmagazine.over-blog.com

FASHION

FASHIONS FINEST London Fashion Week (LFW) 18 & 19 February 2012 Fashions Finest LFW shows continue to grow from strength to strength attracting designers from across the globe from as far afield as India, Nigeria, Poland, Zambia and numerous emerging and established designers from across the UK. Fashions Finest is not your ordinary London Fashion Week show as it continuously pushes the boundaries and gives opportunities to new, aspiring and emerging designers that would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week.

This season Fashions Finest added an extra dimension to its shows by for the first time having solo shows alongside the group shows. John Peter and Yes London showed male and female collections respectively. These two shows were absolute road blocks with guests being turned away in large numbers, All of the shows attracted celebrities such as celebrity hair dresser Stuart Phillips, fashion Icon Emmanuelle Ray and a lot of the top media outlets and buyers from across the world.

Detailed Information on the designers can be found on Fashions Finest: www.fashionsfinest.com

TROPICS MAGAZINE

FASHION

HOUSE OF SILK COLLECTION

TROPICS MAGAZINE

BLESSED ZION RUNWAY

TROPICS loves‌

~OTTAWA FASHION WEEK~ Reportage by: Andre Bergeron (Canada)

www.tropicsmagazine.over-blog.com

FASHION

OTTAWA FASHION WEEK Autumn / Hiver 2012

The A/W 2012 season of Ottawa Fashion Week will take place at the Westin Ottawa from February 16th to 19th, 2012.

Ottawa Fashion Week seeks to create a platform for designers and artists to showcase their talent. It also aims to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Ottawa to actively participate in the intriguing world of fashion.

Ottawa is filled with style conscious individuals who seek new and innovative ways to experience fashion.

The designers taking part in OFW meet this demand by presenting designs that combine sophistication with creativity

To learn more about the event and to register as a designer, media, or buyer, please visit OFW's official Website at www.ottawafashionweek.ca

TROPICS MAGAZINE

Revivez OTTAWA FASHION WEEK en images‌

Reportage: Andre Bergeron (Canada)

INTERVIEW

L’AFUA talks to us…

What was the best part of the experience for you?

I was flattered and couldn't stop smiling.

Especially as a young African in Germany. You didn't see many blacks in the modeling/fashion industry, back then.

How has your life changed over the years?

My life has changed a lot. I am kinda surprised at times, when people recognize me and come over to say hello or even want my autographs. I am very grateful for being able to do what I love. I always keep deep to my roots and humble no matter what.

How is Africa’s fashion scene different from the American fashion scene?

The African Fashion Scene is quiet traditional. It is reinventing itself...which is what Africa has to do in general. The American Fashion Scene is very glamorous. However when an American celebrity wears African pattern it is always more dramatic, than the other way around.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I look up to those who are fearless and don't let anybody push them down…Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Alek Wek, Tyra Banks and Beverly Johnson

INTERVIEW

What is the best part of the job for you?

I love meeting new people...and the most important thing is to be able to create a story in images that will last forever.

Is there anything you haven‟t accomplished yet that you‟d like to?

Yes, I have a lot in store I would like to do, but one day at a time. I am working on them as we speak What do you like to do when you‟re not modeling?

I love reading about spirituality, I am into decorating, I love to swimming, playing volleyball and my favorite is going to the beach and watch the ocean How often do you go back to Ghana?

Unfortunately I only been back once, since I left! *Reach Model AFUA BONI* Facebook: L’Afua Website:www.lafua.viewbook.com/books

INTERVIEW

MIKKI TAYLOR „The Commander in Chic!‟ Recently, we sat down with Mikki Taylor – Mikki Taylor is the quintessential authority on all matters regarding beauty and style. From A-list celebrities and world-renowned cover models, to women in-the-know, Mikki influences all types of women with her vision of beauty and style. She has devoted a lifetime to helping women manage their inner and outer beauty and inspiring them to own their lives to the fullest.

For 30 years, Taylor served as ESSENCE Magazine’s groundbreaking Beauty & Cover Director, and is now Editor-at-Large for the publication. In addition, she is the Founder and President of Mikki Taylor Enterprises, LLC, which serves as a holding company for a number of vertical businesses, including Satin Doll Productions, a full-service image building and consulting division, and MT Communications, a strategic communications and branding company.

First of all, from which part of the United States of America are you from? Do your roots play an important role in your life?

Yours truly is an East Coast girl. I was born and raised in Newark, NJ as my mother was wardrobe stylist, hairstylist and makeup artist to the late Sarah Vaughan and she bought the house we lived in (across the street from her) so my mother could be near. My mother‟s travels with her, the beauty finds from her trips around the world as well as the empowered women in her circle like Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and others had quite an impact on me.

In your opinion, which beauty brand exudes the epitome of luxury and more importantly, pulls it off?

That‟s a challenge as I think this happens more collectively across brands than at any one brand in particular.

Looking to the part of a Beauty Editor is all about portraying luxury and living the lifestyle that you promote. Was it easy for you to practice what you preached with the readers?

I actually didn‟t have to practice – “beauty” is a way of life for me – from mastering great style from within to taking great care of my temple to enjoying the pleasures of self-expression through the best makeup and hair picks. Because I‟m always in “editor –mode,” looking for great finds for me and the millions of women who follow me is a real treat.

TROPICS MAGAZINE The first sentence in your biography reads: “Mikki Taylor is the quintessential authority on all matters regarding beauty and style.” Can you please give us few names of models and partners who have helped your brand grow very fast and the type of relation you cherish with them up to today?

Certainly the joy of empowering millions of women through the pages of ESSENCE was an amazing platform – one that created a trust with women everywhere as I became their personal beauty authority and the link to the best products in the world. In my former role as Cover Director, I‟ve worked with just about every AA celebrity in the last 30 years and through my goal to bring distinction to ESSENCE covers thus created a standard for imaging with distinction. In terms of models and individuals, it was a thrill for me to have women like Iman, Kerry Washington and Soledad O‟Brien support my latest work –“ Commander in Chic, Every Woman‟s Guide to Managing Her Style Like A First Lady.” It is also so empowering to be the brand Ambassador for Ambi Skin Care whom I‟ve partnered with to inspire new generations of flawless females.

As a magazine editor, you spent the last 30 years helping to set the bar for black beauty and fashion. Now you have trained your eye on Michelle Obama. What have been the challenges that you faced while writing this book?

The biggest challenge I faced while writing this book was the issue of time! It was a major challenge to create the book I wanted to give to women in the midst of working and traveling. I can tell you there were many days when I so wished for a clone!

How did your creative flow work and what really sparked your imagination?

My creative flow soars when I can step fully into “the zone” as I call it whereas I have that essential still time where I can get lost in the writing without interruption which is almost impossible during the kind of hectic days I usually have. What sparked my imagination to write the book was Mrs. Obama herself who became a muse for me as I observed the way she lives her life and defines style across the board for herself.

Why did you name this book „Commander in Chic‟? What was the influence behind that name?

I titled the book “Commander in Chic” because I want everywoman to be the Commander in Chic of her life. Simply put, a CIC is one who owns her life and masters her style with distinction.

Can you give us a sneak peek of the book itself and when will it be available in South Africa?

Commander-in-Chic is like a personal style diary – one where you‟ll find everything you need to know to possess great style – simply, effortlessly and for keeps. Cover-to-cover, the book is full of stunning photographs that take the guesswork out of what works. In truth, it‟s like having yours truly with you day-in and day-out guiding you on your style and beauty choices, and sharing those covetable secrets -- from where and when to shop to what to buy. Every chapter in the book shares the kinds of concrete information and inspiring style ideas that not only make getting dressed a fabulous experience, but defines what‟ll make you a woman to remember! And the special chapters on beauty are filled with the kinds of customized information only someone who knows you well could share.”

In Commander in Chic, I also took great care in talking to the experts about what we need to know to manage our lives from the inside out – from our mental and physical health and wellness to the importance of self-nurturing. All in all, this book is a goldmine of information that will inspire women on how to truly style – from head –to-toe, inside and out, now and for years to come and I hope it will be available in Africa soon.

INTERVIEW You have offered beauty and style advice through all types of media, including broadcast, digital and of course, print outlets, which culminated in your wildly successful book, Self-Seduction: Your Ultimate Path to Inner and Outer Beauty (Ballantine Books/One World). What haven‟t we seen from you yet?

Among the many things that I‟m excited about is my forthcoming nail lacquers! Billed as The Forever Nude Collection by Mikki Taylor, it is a line of nudes for “discerning women with directional taste,” and the hues are based on our skin tones and undertones.

What advice would you give to men and women who struggle to coin a look that works for them?

First recognize that it‟s important and the key to doing so lies in knowing who you are and what works for you and what doesn‟t. Fashion is a simply another form of self-expression and so it really comes down to what you want to communicate, from within. Know that you‟ll be most comfortable if you stay true to yourself. To hone in on your personal style code, get still and ask yourself, what predominant style sensibility am I most comfortable with? How would you define this style ethic? From there you‟ll have the clarity you need to work your look! Begin by editing everything out of your closet that doesn‟t meet your defined dress code and shop only those pieces that allow you to express it well.

Do you have a trip or project lined up for Africa?

Currently I do not have a trip or project lined up for Africa. But it‟s on my “hope” list!

Any closing note for all our readers?

Remember you must be determined to own your life- every aspect of it. This is your fascinating journey and you just owe it to yourself to be in charge. Be your most bold, empowered self and use that awareness to color your world – from your inner and outer beauty to the way you master your purpose.

Interview conducted by Vénicia Guinot (South Africa)

TROPICS MAGAZINE

FEATURES

ROUGE PASSION

by SADIO BEE Vendredi dernier le styliste Sadio Bee présentait sa nouvelle collection "Rouge Passion".

Un public a répondu présent a son invitation et l‟a encouragée pour la pierre qu‟il apporte a l‟édifice de la mode Africaine au niveau international. „Passion Rouge‟ fut un défilé aux intéressantes nuances rouges qui nous a rappelé le fameux „Moulin Rouge‟ français.

Le show a été présente par Ayden et l‟on a compte dans la foule plusieurs autres personnalités de la diaspora noire en France a savoir : la Princesse Kamatari, Djoe Dunoyer, François Durpaire, Borro Sangui, Kreen, Rcfa, etc....(Article - Vénicia Guinot)

TROPICS MAGAZINE

‘PASSION ROUGE’

TROPICS MAGAZINE

‘PASSION ROUGE’

by SADIO BEE

FEATURES

AFRIC

E

Collection au Cameroun Troisième plus grand festival de mode en Afrique Francophone, Afric Collection, est un festival qui a su se pérenniser depuis au moins 7 ans. Sous l’impulsion de Monsieur Jean-Charles JOB, de nouveaux concepts se sont développé a partir de la deuxième année, faisant naitre de nouvelle activités et s’ouvrant de plus en plus a tous les métiers de la mode.

Cette huitième édition a été place sous le thème du Maghreb et a vue la participation de plusieurs invites venu d’ici et d’ailleurs.

Les trois premières soirées on été particulièrement marquer par le défilé des écoles (MODESTTA, JEMANN, CHRISTALIX, etc.), le concours des coiffeurs et les démonstrations de maquillages et défilé des maries.

La quatrième soirée laisse nous permet d’assister a un incroyable défilé de compétences diverses comptant pour le concours de jeunes stylistes et qui vois les sacres de NONGUE PATRICK (3eme Prix), ADY YOLANDE (2eme Prix) et NY’S KREAT (1er Prix) Pour la cinquième soirée, nous avons eu droit au défilé des accessoiristes marque par la maison de création IMEPA DESIGNED (Gabon), DJEIUNIK (Haiti), et VIEUX LOUX (Cameroun) dont les collections quelques peu exagère nous permettais de découvrir certaines variantes de la joaillerie Ethnique Africaine encore méconnu du grand publique.

La sixième soirée à laisser la place a une soirée de Gala au cours de laquelle se sont succédé sur la scène des Grands créateurs de mode dont ALVINE DMANOU avec son style ethnique chic ! Qu’elle-même appelle "world fashion" mélange de matériaux occidentaux et Africains.

Que dire de la ligne de ses accessoires, sacs et bijoux dans de matières authentiques comme le bogolan le Ndop conjugués avec du cuir qui rendent sa mode non seulement unique, mais lui confèrent une âme qui est celle de sa terre natale, l’Afrique ; JEMANN et son style qui reste sexy sans être vulgaire ; FAUVETTE NACTO et sa collection spécialement réservé aux hommes, OUARDA HELLI qui confection des tenues uniques, étonnante et sur mesure créées selon les gouts et la personnalité chacune de ses clientes.

Pour cette huitième édition, le pari fut gagne par la comite d’organisation dont l’objectif est démontrer la richesse culturelle du continent africain, inciter la population africaine a consommer véritablement Africain, sensibiliser la jeunesse sur les métiers de la mode et de la beauté mais surtout la possibilité pour les créateurs d’êtres mondialement reconnus.

Afric Collection, habillons nous africain une par semaine…

Article – Adamou Banoufe (Gabon)

TROPICS MAGAZINE

BEAUTE QUEL FRUIT POUR VOTRE PEAU?

Quels sont les besoins de la peau en nutriments ?

La peau a besoin de vitamines qui permettent le renouvellement des cellules cutanées (vitamine A), la protection contre les UV (caroténoïdes et vitamine C), la synthèse du collagène (vitamines B et C)...

Deuxième besoin de la peau : les oligoéléments, indispensables à la prévention du vieillissement cutané, la pigmentation de la peau, la communication entre les cellules, ou encore l'oxydation.

Enfin la peau a besoin d'acides gras essentiels. Les oméga-3 en particulier permettent d'assouplir les vaisseaux cutanés, facilitant ainsi le passage des nutriments vers la peau.

Quant aux oméga-6, ils aident à lutter contre le vieillissement de la peau et participent à la fabrication du film lipidique, le "ciment" entre les cellules.

TROPICS MAGAZINE Où trouver ces éléments ?

Les fruits et légumes sont les principaux aliments "santé" pour notre peau car ils sont riches en oligoéléments et en vitamines anti oxydantes. (NDLR : voir aussi notre conseil sur la consommation des fruits et légumes) . L'idéal est d'en consommer cinq par jours, et particulièrement les fruits et légumes orangés (orange, pamplemousse...), riches en bétacarotène.

Les deux principales sources de bonnes graisses ou acides gras insaturés sont les huiles végétales (de colza, de cassis, de noix, de soja...) et les poissons gras : le saumon, la sardine, le maquereau, l'anchois, le hareng, le thon. A noter cependant que le thon ne doit être consommé qu'une fois par semaine (au moins deux fois pour les autres), en raison de sa teneur éventuelle en produits toxiques comme le mercure et le plomb.

Quel est le menu quotidien idéal pour booster sa peau ?

Au petit déjeuner, préférez le thé au café, qui renferme plus d'antioxydants. Un fruit ou un jus de fruits frais et deux tranches de pain complet avec une pâte à tartiner riche en oméga3 vous permettront de tenir jusqu'au déjeuner. Un fruit à 10 heures comblera les petites fringales.

Au déjeuner, assaisonnez d'huile de colza et d'olive une assiette de crudités. Ensuite, une portion de poisson gras accompagné de légumes vapeur, relevés avec un peu d'épices ou des petites herbes. Terminez par un fruit frais.

En guise de collation dans l'après-midi, je vous conseille du thé vert, un fruit et un yaourt maigre.

Pour le dîner, usez et abusez de soupes, ajoutez une viande ou un poisson et des légumes, puis un yaourt. Jolie peau garantie tout au long de la journée !

COIFFURE

Usually, the idea of celebrities conjures images of starlets with short hair in ornate arrangements. But there have always been stars who marched to their own drummer when it comes to hair fashion. Often, they have been trendsetters with short haircuts, starting fads and trends that soon spread throughout the world. Here is a small book hair from Chrisette‌ Let’s go! ~Tropics Magazine

COIFFURE

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PLUS SIZE BOOK

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AMBER Hollywood pearl!

STYLE

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STYLE

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