Allure 15112015

November 15, 2015

Healthy Living How To Tighten Loose Skin After Weightloss

HLFDW 2015 - Analysing The Show That Rocked The Marquee

Pamela Peter Vigboro Leesi Wins Miss Nigeria Pageant 2015

MAY IKEORA - Uncommon Beauty Queen

15/11 Contents FAS H I O N

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e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m

FASHION 6

HLFADW- Analysing The Show That Rocked The Marquee

FEATURE 4

• Pamela Peter Vigboro Wins Miss Nigeria Pageant 2015

Editor’s Note It would appear that the President has soft-pedalled on the ‘Office of the First Lady’. Call it ‘Wife-of-the-President’, if you may, the roles are same – the only thing that changed is the title. That sorted out, the Wife of the President was in Enugu State to screen 3,000 women for what is commonly referred to as ‘vitals’. Mrs. Buhari arrived in the presidential plane and proceeded to the business of screening.

What got my ire was the crass statement of the Enugu State First Lady or Wife of the Governor. In her ‘thank you’ address, she referred to the exercise as ‘nothing short of a miracle’. Really, Madam Wife of the Governor? In a country where one woman dies of cancer every minute; where there is no dedicated cancer treatment centre?

The gravity of cancer in the country has not dawned on these women leaders. Otherwise, screening of vitals would not attract so much furore.

What we need is to have the First Lady commission dedicated cancer treatment centres in the six geo-political regions! That would be ‘nothing short of a miracle. That is better.

May Ikeora has shattered the glass ceiling! So, impressed by her formidable achievements, Jemi Ekunkunbor put in a call. It didn’t take much convincing. May Ikeora had to be featured – an inspiration to many a young girl.

At 19, she went in for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 2003 but came second runner-up. Rather than become society-girlabout-town, she finished her degree and went on up to her Ph.D. Today, Dr. May Nkiru Ikeora, fondly called Pencil by friends for her painting skills, is a gender and human trafficking expert, who has been working in the UK, consulting for international organisations and conducting research on her area of specialty. Read her inspiring story on pp. 8-10.

On fashion, we asked some celebrities to analyse the just ended HLDFW. One truth ran through their analyses: the event really rocked.

See pp. 6-7 & 11.

Miss Nigeria held at the weekend. Jemi Ekunkunbor reports how an unknown Pamela Peter Vigboro Leesi found fame as winner and Miss Nigeria. See pp 4-5.

Our regulars, as usual, have cooked up a good soup!

Enjoy your week!

CHIBOK GIRLS: 500 days and counting.

R.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

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COVER STORY

MAY IKEORA

Quotes...

“All the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue.”

- Plato

“A person’s is a person no matter how small.”

- Dr. Seuss

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

- Audrey Hepburn

“You can’t truly hate someone until you’ve cared about them.

Until you’ve loved them.”

COVER PHOTO: BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA

- Kirsten Hubbard

STYLIST: TEMI CONDE

TEAM

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

PAMELA ECHEMUNOR

YEMISI SULEIMAN

FATIMA GARBA

EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN STYLE REPORTER PAMELA ECHEMUNOR CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

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ALLURE’S

FA S H I ON

WEEKLY FAB LIST! by - Fatima Garba Looking for the latest trends to transition into? Hopefully our weekly fab list will help you decide the major trends to keep you looking fab all day and all week.

christian louboutin red clutch

RED TREND ASSYMETRIC HEMS christian louboutin red clutch

Sex appeal took a whole new shape this season in the guise of the sensual assymetrical hems.

Either super hot,casual cool or flirty,this trend is ready to spell out sexy.

This year this sunset hue made a come back,to amp up your look this trend will surely leave you looking ravishing

Topshop assymetric dress

Rihanna in Red Givenchy dress

Coast& Weber ruffle blouse

RUFFLES

Alexander mc queen mettalic silver bag

More of the romanticstrings waiting to put a hold on this season,take the shape of ruffles adorning both daytime and evening silhouettes.Complete with floral prints and exquisite embroideries,ruffles are the next big thing Marchesa ruffle dress

METALLIC SILVER

Jimmy Choo metallic silver shoes

If there is ever a time to shine,it is certainly now especially on the red carpet.This trend is radiating and elegant,no matter the outfit or accessory you decide on you can never go wrong.

November 15, 2015 /

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SPE CIAL REPORT evening dresses.

This year’s edition, was different in terms of planning and attendees and it was deliberate. According to the organizers, it was aimed at restoring the glory of Daily Times as well as repositioning Miss Nigeria Pageant as the pioneer beauty pageant in Nigeria. Earlier in a welcome address, Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelix Anosike, commended the founders of Miss Nigeria Pageant for establishing such a legacy. He also charged the judges to be fair in their assessment of the contestants as their decision will “change the life of a young girl for good”.

For members of the Daily Times family, past and present, it was a reunion of some sort as former top executives, stormed the event to lend support to their own. Led by two- time governor of Ogun State and former MD of the paper, Chief Segun Osoba, were Yemi Ogunbiyi and Dele Cole and a host of others.

Also present to watch the show which was beamed life on AIT, was the first Miss Nigeria queen of 1957, 80 year old Mrs. Grace Oyelude.

Compared by Yibo Koko and Osas Ajibade, the event was spiced with musical performances by KC Presh, Aida the fire dancer, Span and 11 year old rapper, Young Star.

TOP 5 CONTESTANTS

SOME GUESTS AT THE EVENT

Mr. Innocent Oparadike AND Chief Segun Osoba

MUNACHI ABI

BINTA SUKAI

JESSICA ULO OPUTA

MIMI ONALAJA

NECE HAWKINS

OBI OBIJIAKO

KONNIE AGU

OSAS AJIBADE

JENIFER BROWN

November 15, 2015 /

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FA S H I O N

W D F HL 2015 - Analysing The Show That Rocked The Marquee By - Yemisi Suleman The recently concluded Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week (HLFDW) 2015, was one week of fashion, beauty and drama with some designers really pushing the boundaries. As (HLFDW) draws the curtain on fashion shows for the year, we speak with celebrities and fashion enthusiasts on their opinion of the fashion week and more.

From all you saw, who were the designers that made your day and which were some of the best looks for you?

Major designers like Tiffany Amber, Lanre Da silva, Mai Atafo and Maki Oh were always a treat of creativity to watch. However, other designers like Meena, Moofa, Bridget Awosika, Tse Banite and others were a delight too. I also loved watching the creativity of the young designers on fashion focus.

What is your most memorable moment of the fashion week?

The most memorable moment is when Omoyemi Akerele the founder came out and said her thank you speech. She has worked hard for the last 5 years to bring the best out of our designers for the world to see.

Bola Balogun

CEO and Founder of Glam Brand Agency and Glam Networks

Emerging Designers Are Really Stepping Up Their Game...

What would you like the organizers to improve on generally?

The organizers have always done a really great job, maybe they can add 2 extra days so we can enjoy more designers and African creativity.

How would you describe the fashion industry generally in Nigeria?

The fashion industry has gone global and we need to focus on the infrastructure and of sustaining it as a business through factories to make clothes, bank loans for designers and more business and creative trainings for the designers.

What is your opinion on the just concluded (HLFDW)?

HLFDW is a very exciting time of the year in the fashion industry and we all look forward to discovering the new designers, alongside the work of our beloved designers. This year, like all the previous years this was well organized and exciting.

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MEENA

How would you describe the quality of designers and clothes so far?

As I stated previously, the quality of all the designers are top notch and the younger and emerging designers are really stepping up their game

TIFFANY AMBER

In your opinion have there been any improvements, so far?

There have been several improvements especially with the younger designers. The younger designers are getting more and more creative and the fashion week was very active on social media.

FA S H I ON

It Was An Awesome Platform For Upcoming Designers...

What is your opinion on the just concluded fashion week?

I was there on Day 2 and I was blown away by the creativity on show that night, the street style, the atmosphere and I followed the other shows keenly on the blogs and on Instagram. I was at LFDW last year while filming a scene for “Fifty” and it seemed very well organized then and it was pretty much the same this year.

How would you describe the quality of designers and clothes so far?

I really want to applaud each and everyone that showed this year. The standard and quality of the fabrics were top notch. As expected, the more established designers had more attention to detail overall, but it wasn’t glaringly obvious because even the newcomers were motivated to step up their game.

What would you like the organizers to improve on generally?

I want to encourage the organizers to keep up the great work because putting up a show of that magnitude would not be an easy task and they managed to pull off a show that is our own version of London, New York or Milan fashion week, more importantly, for giving our upcoming designers an awesome platform to express and harness their creativity.

How would you describe the fashion industry generally in Nigeria?

The fashion industry has exploded in a major way. A few years ago we were wearing primarily western clothes, but now there are so many options to cater to different price points and tastes which is remarkable. Also, the recognition our designers enjoy internationally is encouraging and makes us a force to reckon with, as well as the economic empowerment and fulfillment for our youth in the process is an awesome bonus.

Actress

ONO BELLO

I Think It Was A Good Show This Year...

What is your opinion on the just concluded fashion week?

For me, I think this was the most interesting so far, there were lots of improvements. The designers improved on their collections, the organization and planning was better, as timing to the shows were not too delayed. Generally, I think it was a good show this year.

How would you describe the quality of designers and clothes so far?

Like I said, the designers improved on their collections in terms of designs, creativity and finishing, compared to previous collections, but a lot more could still be done in that angle.

MOOFA

DAKORE EGBUSON AKANDE

Which is your most memorable moment of the fashion week?

Catching up with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while and sipping drinks at the Heineken VIP section.

MAKI OH

From all you saw, which of the designers stood out for you?

The designers that stood out for me were Moofa, Lanre DaSilva, Maki Oh, Tiffany Amber, Meena, Meddlelane and so many more I am sure I have left many out, but those are the ones I remember at the moment.

Founder PR UNO

designers.

How would you describe the fashion industry generally in Nigeria?

The Nigerian fashion industry is still in the baby steps stage I must admit, however, I can confidently say that anyone that takes the business of fashion seriously can confidently make a living from the income, and also create job opportunities for many more. That is a huge plus to the economy. It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but compared to 10 years ago, designers, stylists, etc are making a living off fashion. It simply shows that we are adding to the Nigerian economy.

What would you like the organizers to improve on generally?

Generally, I think they could include a lot more

LANRE DA SILVA

Which is your most memorable moment of the fashion week?

Lanre DaSilva Ajayi closing the fashion week, her Spring/Summer collection titled “Geometric Fusion” was absolutely amazing.

ANDREA IYAMAH

From all you saw, which of the designers stood out for you?

I loved most of what I saw, however a few designers stood out for me; Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Mai Atafo, Ejiro Amos- Tafiri, Iconic Invanity, Tsemaye Binitie, Kiki Kamanu, Sisiano, Meena, Maki Oh, Andrea Iyamah and a few others.

Continued on pg 11 November 15, 2015 /

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REPORTAGE

May Ikeora

- Uncommon Beauty Queen By - Jemi Ekunkunbor

S

he was 19 going on 20 years old when she emerged first runner up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 2003. As part of her prize, she went on to contest at the Miss ECOWAS pageant and won. Realising early on that being a queen wasn’t an end but a means to and end, she decided education was key. A product of Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, where she completed her degree programme graduating Psychology graduating in 2004.

When it came to education and how much she wanted to improve on herself, there was no stopping her. The native of Anambra State followed up with a Masters in 8

/ November 15, 2015

Peace Studies based on International and Humanitarian Law from the University of Bradford in the UK. She capped her studies with a Ph.D. from the University of Hull.

Dr. May Nkiru Ikeora, fondly called ‘Pencil’ by friends for her painting skills, is a gender and human trafficking expert. She has been working in the UK, consulting for international organisations and conducting research on her area of specialty.

She was recently in Nigeria to inspire contestants at the just concluded Miss Nigeria pageant. In this encounter, she shares her inspiring story that fired the contestants to bring their A-game unto the stage.

REPORTAGE It’s been quite some time since your reign as Miss ECOWAS. How has it been?

It’s been great. I thank God for where I am today.

As you know, I was queen for two years. The first year, I focused on my studies and some activities but the second year was when I decided to do a bit more things. I think my reign helped to set the foundation for the rest of my life. I knew there were other things waiting for me. I pursued those things.

Today, the work that I do, the sort of person that I am, has continued to improve, going from strength to strength and gaining valuable skills that feed me. It’s been great.

How did you pick up the thread of your life? What were the things that you went on to do?

Well, because of the foundation I set up and the work that I did with ECOWAS and other civil society organisations; and, the skills that I gained travelling to war-torn countries, after my reign, I went on to gain my Masters at the University of Brackford. The department was very keen to get those who have practical skills in what they’ve learnt. They were very specific in the admission letter I got. It just said we are admitting you because we feel that your experience can add some benefit to discussions in class.

That marked the beginning of my pursuit of my career in Law. Before I got the admission, there was a kind of competition for everyone seeking admission to become a volunteer mediator. I was one of the two students who won that competition. So, I had a chance with the Bradford Council, where I was studying. It was like something added to what I had on my CV. That also led me to getting a job before I finished, working on women’s rights issues in London.

I was planning to come back to Nigeria after my Masters but you can see how all these things were unfolding. After that, I got to work with another organisation on the Niger Delta conflicts, which was what I worked on for my Masters. Before I finished this, I got another job to work with a child rights organisation. They look into child protection – and with that job, I got really exposed to the African community in the UK. I worked with a lot of families; children who are abused as well as trafficking issues. Funny enough, a lot of my cases were Nigerian cases and that got me thinking: a lot of Nigerians come into the UK and they have all these family issues.

I worked with over 2,000 families and I was awarded at the House of Lords for my work with the communities. Also, the Women’s Peace Federation gave me an award for my contribution as a young person doing a lot of work in the community.

During that year, I got a scholarship to do a Ph.D. based on the work I was doing. One of the cases I looked at was trafficking. I found out that nobody was looking at how a lot of Nigerians are trafficked into the UK. People tend to look at Italy.

There are other destinations apart from Italy. So, I applied for the scholarship and got it. I was really surprised. It was by the University of Hull Law School and the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation. That was where slavery ended but they were looking at contemporary slavery and that was why I got the admission.

This whole journey started with your work with ECOWAS. How did that happen?

I knew what I wanted to do from the beginning.

Because I was Miss ECOWAS, it made sense to have some dealings with ECOWAS but that connection was not there. As you know, because we are very ceremonious and pageantry is very glamorous, they endorsed the pageant but nothing more.

They welcomed me and had a party for me – what they usually do for (beauty) queens. But I wanted something beyond that. They asked me what I wanted and I wrote a proposal to them that I wanted

to work with them and gain experience as a queen. I then started writing to them about Miss ECOWAS being able to speak at the Peace Summit. I kept writing to them and, one day, I got a call from ECOWAS telling me that finally, they’ve allowed Miss ECOWAS to speak at the Peace Summit but I was not there to see what I pioneered.

I got to work with them, though, in one of the departments, talking to young people about the role of ECOWAS in West Africa, talking to them about their careers and peace-related issues. I went to Guinea Bissau. I went to Togo, Senegal, Liberia just after the war. I went to Cote d’Ivoire a lot. I did go to a lot of countries, all funded by them.

After my Ph.D., I did a bit of teaching in the University. I still work as a consultant for some international organisations. Basically, I am a gender and human trafficking expert. I am a senior research associate for two consulting firms in the UK. These are things that keep me going.

I recently started a skin care line to exercise the entrepreneurial side of me. It’s very important that you know what you are putting on your skin because a lot of people are making money out of people’s ignorance. So, what I am doing differently is, basically, looking at honest skin care; telling you everything that is in there.

Next month, in Lagos, I will be running a master class. I do that a lot in the UK. My product is called ‘Laviana’. It means ‘strong, beautiful woman’.

What you have achieved as a beauty queen is uncommon. How would you advice young queens on life after reign?

I would say: never forget your roots. We all come from different backgrounds when we come to contest; some from wealthy families and some not from wealthy families. The funny thing is that when we become beauty queens, we actually align ourselves as the same. We think we are the same, we think our journey has to be the same. But it doesn’t have to be.

What I kept reminding myself was why I went into the pageant. I went into the pageant because I wanted to be able to pay my school fees which had just been increased at that time. Now, to escape

school because I won does not make sense to me. It actually defeats the whole purpose.

As runner up, I got about N250,000 and, then, as Miss ECOWAS, I got about C2.5million. That more than met my needs at the time. That week of the pageant, I got gifts worth a million naira in cash. I realised that the pageant is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Those with dreams must not let them die because they won.

This was the reason I was invited to Miss Nigeria pageant this year and why I was part of the judges for MBGN last year. Silverbird invited me last year to be part of the judges. They’ve been very proud of me, that I went ahead to do other things. Miss Nigeria brought me in to mentor the girls exactly for the same reason.

What was the response like from the girls?

It was amazing. I have never met a group of girls so brilliant and with such passion. I have a mind set about this but these girls were different. They stayed awake to study. You would think they were preparing for an exam. If you had come back stage, they studied and asked questions never asked at a beauty pageant. I watched them interviewing one another, preparing for the event.

Is this a new phase in pageantry?

Definitely! That angle with doing a business plan has never been done. It’s a dimension that should be sustained. It will allow families restore confidence in pageantry again. I can’t imagine a parent saying ‘no’ to their children going to gain certain skills. If you look at the past queens, they seem quite grounded.

I think that was why I was brought here; to help them with the way they think. That is important to them so that nobody hides behind the glamour of a beautiful dress.

If the pageant is not an end like you said, from your interactions with the girls, what do they have going for them now that can sustain them?

A lot of the girls have graduated and some of them are in their final year in the university. So, they are quite mature. I think it was done that way deliberately because I don’t think an 18-year old girl is mature

I would say never forget your roots.

We all come from different backgrounds when we come to contest.

•Ikeora November 15, 2015 /

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REPORTAGE

enough to face what comes with the crown in a place like Nigeria. With what the BOI is doing for them, there is great hope.

What challenges do beauty queens face?

Everybody has his or her challenge but to be a beauty queen, especially in Nigeria, is just not easy.

That is why a girl has to be a bit mature. There are situations where some people just wait for you to win and prey on you.

I will just say that when you win, you are going to have a lot of fake friends and you are going to have all these fake men who just want to prey on you. There are so many things that go with it, which is why you should be mature to go into a beauty pageant.

There are situations that could be quite overwhelming when you meet people that you are probably in awe of start acting like everyone else.

Women also find themselves in this situation, not to talk of beauty queens.

You see people so wealthy wanting you. I worry about this generation. People now are too boastful and proud so, if they find themselves with these kinds of men, they will fall. There is no way they will be able to resist the temptation.

Having been on the stage as a queen and now doing very serious academic work, do you still take image very seriously?

The way I look is very important to me. In fact, while I was doing my Ph.D., a lot of people thought I was not serious because I really dressed well. But that never compromised my ability to think intellectually.

Simplicity is very important to me. I am not a trendy person per se. I like classic things. I like the ‘50s fashion. My favourite are dresses. Now, I am loving midi-dresses.

How has living outside influenced the way you dress?

A lot. You’ve seen me today, you’ve seen the way I dressed. The person wearing a dress is more important than the dress she is wearing. A lot of people dress to prove a point. I have no point to prove.

Simplicity is something that is achievable outside this country. People like to be practical. They dress up as well but there is a place and time for it. One of the things I really learnt living outside the country is the ability to be more sensitive to people, knowing when I offend people.

Here, we don’t care about people. The way we drive shows that. We should do things appropriately. We don’t do that here.

What won’t you do in the name of fashion?

I won’t dress indecently for attention. When you say indecently dressed 20 years ago is totally different.

What would you like to say for the future?

I look forward to a very adventurous next few years, to venture into business, coming back to Nigeria and, actually, claiming my place in the country.

Where is your favourite travel destination?

I like to go to different places. I don’t like to repeat a destination. There are some places that I like to go to all the time. I like Canada a lot, even though it is so cold.

There are several places that I’d like to try out. I have been to a lot of places; some places are fun and some are totally disappointing. But I’d like to go back to Cape Verde. I love the place.

Now that you’ve seen this what do you look forward to?

Well, they need to go back to the drawing board. But there hasn’t been stability with the pageant and there is that quest for stability. That was why they brought in a lot of people to offer service, to see how stability can be achieved.

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•Ikeora

COVER PHOTO: BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA STYLIST: TEMI CONDE

FA S H I ON

...Continued from pg 6

They Should Create An Award Category For Brand New Designers...

What is your opinion on the just concluded HLFDW? It was ok. I think it was successful event. I have seen a lot of fashion shows and I am just glad we are doing something like that in Nigeria, that is up to standards internationally.

From all you saw, who were the designers that made your day and which were some of the best looks for you?

I liked a lot of the designers, specifically, Kiki Kamanu, April by Kunbi and a few others. Everybody put up a good show, I am not just saying that, because I want to please anyone, but all the designers worked hard in their own way.

band new designers’ award, to give people something to look forward to. There is competition between old designers already, so it is always nice to have new designers competing in a positive way.

Generally, I believe the show was a success. It’s always musical shows, so it’s nice to have something that is strictly fashion, and I commend Omoyemi Akerele for that, she is doing a great job.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria

KIKI KAMANU

What would you like the organizers to improve on generally?

They should give more new designers awards to encourage them. I know that they have been doing that, but they should create a category for

The Show Has Found Its Rhythm And Has Evolved Over The Years...

What is your opinion on the just concluded HLFDW? It was well put together.

In your opinion have there been any improvements, so far?

Clearly, it has found its fashion rhythm and has evolved over the last 5 years gaining grounds, as one of the fashion focus that has emerged in Nigeria (Out of Africa). Knowing how banks in Nigeria have been paranoid alongside other big organizations, to

Sunny Rose

ANDY OGBECHI

A Squared Network

be associated with the fashion and modeling and creative arts industry, as opposed the sports sector e.g. football, the fashion industry is beginning to experience the support and flexible attachments needed to ensure that the awareness growth and better structures professionalism through funding brings about change in the industry.

How would you describe the quality of designers and clothes so far?

What brings about the quality of a designer and his or her clothes is strictly Passion and Creativity, which brings business to play, some showed it through their designs regardless of who they are, where they are from, or whatever their individual challenges are, they put all of these ingredients and more to give the best of their creativity.

From all you saw, who were the designers that made your day and which were some of the best looks for you?

Sunny Rose, Kiki Kamanu, Meena, Mai Atafo, Sisiano, Tsmaiye Binitie, Ade Bakare, April by Kunbi, Tiffany Amber, Lanre Da Silva, DNA by Iconic Invanity`s Daughter.

Tsmaiye Binitie

APRIL BY KUNBI

How would you describe the quality of designers and clothes so far?

The quality of clothes were good, people are stepping up their game and it was quite impressive.

Which is your most memorable moment of the fashion week?

Each day had its moments.

What would you like the organizers to improve on generally?

To whom much is given, much is expected, and

with God on their side, the encouragement and support they get by staying consistent and relevant, improvement is endless.

How would you describe the fashion industry generally in Nigeria?

We are taking it step by step. We are going through it gradually, even though the odds stares at us in the face with all the mediocres filtrating and trying to run the industry down, the Real McCoy’s by hand count, are just a few and they have come to help raise the growth and evolve the standards of the fashion industry in Nigeria.

November 15, 2015 /

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H EALT H

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

How To Tighten Loose Skin After Weightloss - part 2 CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK…

10. Calisthenics are great for building lean muscle, great for your heart, and they’re even great for tightening skin after weight loss! Add a round of calisthenics to your weekly routine, three or four times a week, and enjoy the jumping jacks, push-ups, windmills, and more… they can be fun, and they’re helping your skin readjust at the same time.

11. Lean Protein.

Adding lean protein to your diet will also help tighten skin after weight loss. How? First of all, it helps build lean muscle, which will make you appear more toned (well, you WILL be more toned!). But lean protein also contains the collagen and other nutrients your skin needs to stay elastic. TIP: consuming lean protein after a workout will help boost the musclebuilding effect.

12. Tightening Masks: I know that it might be weird, but have you ever tried to put a mask on your stomach? Tightening masks work wonders for your face, why wouldn’t they work for your stomach? For me, I use a single egg white mask on my stomach at least three times a week. You let it dry and then rinse it off and gently scrub it dry.

Within a few months (it does take a while), you’ll see a difference!

6. Moisturize your skin.

Use a moisturizer that has vitamin E in it, so that your skin will stay moist, as this allows for new skin cells to grow. Moisturizing also helps with minimizing wrinkles. You can even use coconut oil on your skin.

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and has antibacterial properties to soothe the skin. It is often used in commercial and DIY body lotions, but it can be used on its own as well. Skin tightening creams with herbal formulas and ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, yeast extract, soy protein, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A can help to hydrate and increase collagen and elastin formation in skin 7. Sea Salt Scrubs & Sea Weed Wraps Scientists think the reason using sea salt scrubs (or other scrubs) helps tighten skin after weight loss is that they encourage increased blood flow, which in turn encourages healthy, elastic skin. Whatever the exact reason, it does seem to work for many people… try using a good scrub in the shower twice a day, at least three times a week, and see if it helps you!

Mineral scrubs are also extremely good, just a little bit

of sand can go a very long way! A friend tells me his skin was tightened when he got a seaweed wrap at a local spa, and now he goes every 6 to 8 weeks to enjoy its benefits 8. Massage therapy I have a particular friend who swears her weekly massage therapy helped her tighten skin after weight loss. She complained of sagging skin, particularly on her upper arms and upper thighs, and is delighted to show off her non-saggy parts now. Why not give it a go? At best, it will help tighten your skin, at worst, you get an invigorating massage. Massages help stimulate the blood cells and really help your skin feel much firmer!

9. Yoga will help you relieve stress, be more flexible, lose weight, and can even help your skin rebound after weight loss! The key with yoga, and any other regimen for that matter, is to start off slow. Within a few weeks, you’ll be surprised how much more flexible you, and your skin, can be.

TERI Speaks Dear Teri, Thanks for giving this topic light, I am female, and I have been battling with bumps and dark underarms for about 2yrs and counting. I don’t even know where I went wrong. Please I would like to know what is accessible to an average Nigerian woman with regards to shaving sticks and cream. Thank you H

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13. Essential Oils Whether you’ve lost weight because you were pregnant or you just want to get to your goal weight, tightening up your skin is so important! Essential oils can really help your skin tighten up, if you are using the right ones! Lavender essential oil is truly one of the best! Just a few teaspoons every night along your stomach can work wonders!

14. Sulfates are used in lots of body washes, soaps, and shampoos because they’re good, cheap cleansers and they make lush lather. But sulfates can also over-dry and irritate skin, stripping it of vital moisture and making it less elastic. If you’re trying to tighten skin after weight loss, shop around for sulfatefree products That is it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Remember you read it here first!

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail. com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

Dear H, Thanks for writing in. Hope you were able to find a solution to questions from the following Sunday’s article which had preventative steps to dark pits.

I always say avoid too much use of hair removing creams and eventually you will notice that your under arms will start to lighten.

These hair removing agents contain acids that can darken the skin.

Let me know how you get on. And keep writing in!

Best wishes, Ms Mendes

FOOD E

luxury

wines spirits With Pamela Echemunor

FAMOUS WINES IN DEMAND AROUND THE WORLD Wine has spanned over the course of time, from decade to decade and generation after generation, up to the point where the saying “Pray that one day you age like fine wine” came to be. Wine is a people pleaser, in a literal sense. There are a vast number of flavours, in wide commodities. But wine varies from region to region, all with their own distinct natures. Here are a few top wines in demand around the world.

Chardonnay

Bordeaux Wines The name Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France. Bordeaux is known for producing one of the best wines in the world. The Bordeaux wine is one of the most in-demand wines in the world.

Bordeaux wine consists of red and white wines. Red Bordeaux red wine is always made from blending Cabernet Sauvignon wine and Merlot wine together. The little city Bordeaux not only possess an idyllic climate and soil for growing grapes, but, due to the fact that it’s served as a major port city for centuries, it allows local winemakers the chance to access diverse parts of the world via its visitors.

Grüner Veltliner Grüner Veltliner is a peppery, dry white wine, consisting of lemons, limes and grapefruit.

This Austrian wine is also high in demand but incredibly rare.

The Grüner Veltliner is incredibly age-worthy just like Chardonnay.

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By Pamela Echemunor

Healthy Squash recipes Very few people are accustomed to the spaghetti squash. The squash is gotten from the inside of the spaghetti squash or golden apple as it is popularly called, and the fruit is highly nutritious. Here are some delicious recipes made from squash.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH ALFREDO Ingredients • 1 spaghetti squash/ large golden apple (medium, about 1 pound) • 2 tbsps butter • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour • 1 cup 1% low-fat milk • 1/2 tsp chicken stock (powdered) 1 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsps parsley (roughly chopped) • 2 spring onions (finely chopped) • 2 tbsps chives (finely chopped) • Grated parmesan cheese (freshly, for sauce and as topping, optional)

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world.

Chardonnay is a wine that can be simple or ceremonial.

Chardonnay can be aged for many years or consumed immediately.

This glistening wine was born in the Burgundy region of France, where it is known as White Burgundy where it first claimed its domain. The Chardonnay grapes took on very different characteristics when used in making champagne; Winemakers realized that the grape had a unique capability to really embody the region and area where the wine is grown. It was discovered that no two places that grow Chardonnay produce the exact same wine, yet every region finds it is rather easy to grow. This discovery quickly increased its popularity worldwide.

Method:

Chianti

Method: Slice Spaghetti Squash in half and remove seeds. Place your squash halves flat into a microwave safe dish filled with about an inch of water. Cook for about 12 minutes in microwave until tender. Once the squash is cooked, take a fork and “rake” the squash inside to release the “spaghetti” like filling. Place the “raked” spaghetti squash and pasta sauce together in a bowl until the sauce is evenly distributed. Divide and re-add the saucy squash back into the squash into the “shells/boats”. Top with shredded cheese and pepperoni. Bake in oven until top is browned and bubbly.

Sodas are very high in sugar, they do not only dehydrate the skin, they cause fatigue. According to research, every human being should consume at least half their body weight in ounces. Avoiding sugar packed beverages is imperative; this includes sugar free sodas and sugar substitutes like artificial sweeteners.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Slice both ends of spaghetti squash and then slice in half vertically. Scrape off the seeds and place in a microwave-safe baking dish or tupperware, skin facing up. Fill the dish with one inch of water and microwave for 12-15 minutes, until spaghetti squash is soft. Gently fluff and separate the strings with a fork and transfer to a bowl. Place a small pot over medium high heat, melt butter and slowly add flour. Whisk for 1-2 minutes, until the flour turns light brown. Slowly add milk while whisking and add chicken stock powder and soy sauce.

Add 1 tbsp of parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer and whisk continuously until sauce has thicken for about 1-2 minutes. Turn the heat off and set aside. Serve spaghetti in bowl and top with alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese. Garnish with spring onions, scallions and parsley, spice with salt and pepper.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH PIZZA BOATS Ingredients • 1 spaghetti squash (Small to Medium in Size) • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 2 cups pasta Jar of tomato Sauce of Choice • 10 pieces pepperoni (depending on dish and squash)

Email: pamela.echemunor@gmail.com, Instagram: @nanya2207, Twitter @nanya2207.

PEO PL E

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

:08039675880

A-List Celebrities step out to launch House of Tara’s corporate headquarters By - Oscar Ochiogu

Africa’s leading beauty brand, House of Tara - iconic for setting up the first make up studio and establishing Nigeria’s first make up school in 2004 launched its new corporate office in Lekki on the 8th of November, 2015.

The corporate office launch was hosted by Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Chairman of the Board of Directors of House of Tara and Mrs Tara Fela Durotoye Chief Executive Director of House of Tara.

Other celebrities present at the event were; Fela Durotoye, Bolanle Olukanni, Adebola Williams, Mai Atafo, Funke Bucknor, Ndidi Nwuenli, Zanab Balogun, Sekou Coulibaly, Yvonne Ekwere amongst others.

Moet Abebe

Yemi Alade

Adetutu Onadeko

Dolapo Oni

THE YEMI ALADE COLLECTION/GET MENTED INITIATIVE LAUNCHES IN GRAND STYLE IN LAGOS By - Oscar Ochiogu

Adebola Williams

Ndidi Nwuneli Florence Ita-Giwa

Fela and Tara Durotoye

Funke Bucknor

Ibukun Awosika Lala and Enyi Omeruah

Tola Osazee

Yvonne Ekwere

Osayi Alilie

Mai Atafo

All roads led to the Civic centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Lagos as multiple award winning musician Yemi Alade unveiled her debut collection in collaboration with Bland2Glam. com.ng. The event which also heralded the launch of the Get Mented! Mentorship initiative for Nigerian women was hosted by Beat FM’s Maria Okanrende. A host of influential personalities in entertainment, politics, business and lifestyle came out in their throngs to support the singer.

Seyi Banigbe, creative director for Bland2Glam. com.ng said, “We are extremely grateful for the support of Nigerian women towards the Yemi Alade Collection and the Get Mented! Initiative.”

“There is nothing as lifting as seeing women supporting and helping other women up and cheering them on as they journey through life.”

Yemi Alade in her vote of thanks recollected her earlier days as an upcoming act and how women like Omawumi would encourage her to improve on herself constantly. She further encouraged other women to do the same since lifting another woman up is the same as lifting a whole nation up.

Former senator Florence Ita Giwa who was a special guest at the event lauded Yemi Alade on the Get Mented Initiative and pledged her support for her work. Lagos State commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs Lola Akande who was represented congratulated Bland2Glam.com.ng on the launch and promised their support for the Get Mented! Initiative.

Linda Osifo

November 15, 2015 /

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