Couple Flow – the other T Squared! Toolz & Tunde Demuren
*This is the day!*
Tiwa Savage and Tunji Balogun aka “Tee Billz” are having their white wedding in Dubai at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, planned by Prive Events.
While we’re waiting on official photos of the beautiful couple from Alakija Studios, here are their stunning guests who flew from Nigeria to celebrate with their industry colleague and friend.
Keep refreshing this page for more!!!
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Tope, designer FnR – Frock It Rock It
Andrea Giaccaglia – dress by CLAN
Kunbi Oyelese – Designer, April by Kunbi
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi in April by Kunbi
Toju Foyeh
Don Jazzy & Eku Edewor
Seyi Shay in April by Kunbi
Bolanle Balogun – Tee Billz sister
Lola Omotayo-Okoye, Tracy, Eku Edewor
Bridget Awosika & Toke Makinwa
Eku Edewor
Toke Makinwa in April by Kunbi
Toke Makinwa, makeup by Doranne Beauty
Simi Osomo
Soon to wed! Dr Sid & Simi Osomo
Andrea Giaccaglia
Tolu in FnR
Don Jazzy & Tracy
Tania Omotayo, Papa Omisore & Femi Ahmed
Kaffy and N6
Seyi Shay in April by Kunbi
Papa Omisore, Peju, Afolabi & Don Jazzy
Patoranking, Bizzle, Peju
Toolz
N6 talking to Hip TV
Kiki
Lola Omotayo-Okoye, Toke Makinwa & Freda Francis
Dr Sid, Papa & Andrew Esiri
Dija, Simi Osomo, photo bombed by Reekado Banks
Couple Flow! Onohi and Tola Odunsi
Don Jazzy
Mavin Crew! Don Jazzy, Dija, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello
The Fayrouz L’Original finale is here and a number of Nigeria’s hottest stars are coming out to play.
Mai Atafo, Kinabuti, Kunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi, IK Osakioduwa, Wande Coal, Phyno, Chidinma, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Toke Makinwa, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Uti Nwachukwu and more are among the star studded guest list attending the event.
The fashion competition which kicked off in April 2014 will see the final 2 teams – Elan and Loud Tribe – go head to head to be named the best style team and go home with a grand prize of $20,000 and various fashion opportunities.
Guests have been promised a great experience as Wande Coal, Phyno and Chidinma will take the stage with IK Osakioduwa as the main event host and Toke Makinwa and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on the red carpet. Guests also stand the chance to win designer outfits from Mai Atafo, Kinabuti, April by Kunbi, Orange Culture and Gozel Green; who were among the competitions’ judges.
For the drinks, originally dressed guests Beat FM‘s OAP Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and Uti Nwachukwu will be mixing the drinks for the night.
According to the Brand Manager, Fayrouz, Nenna Ifebigh-Hemson“It has been an exciting four months since we announced the “Be Original” campaign…The L’Original Expression show was created to encourage creativity and originality, as well as promote young and aspiring fashion lovers in Nigeria by giving them the necessary platform to exhibit their style to the world. With the finale just less than two weeks away, we can’t wait to see which team wins the competition.”
The L’Original team has also unveiled that the winning team will showcase their 1st collection at the next Lagos Fashion & Design Week.
Date: Saturday 5th July 2014 Time: 5PM Venue: The Oriental Hotel, 3 Maroko Road, Lekki, Lagos
To follow the conversation on Fayrouz L’Original, visit www.fayrouzloriginal.com to get scoop on the competition and win VIP tickets to the finale.
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On Friday 18th July 2014, one of Nigeria’s fave on-air-personalities Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi was 30. BN brought you all the first photos, now we have the official snaps.
An intimate dinner party was held at the Otres Restaurant in Lagos, and the stars came out to support in style.
For the party, Gbemi sizzled in a gold embellished long sleeve dress from April by Kunbi
Guests spotted at the event were Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Omawumi, Toolz, Tunde Demuren, Chris Ubosi, Olisa Adibua, Lamide Akintobi, Steve Babaeko, Mo’Cheddah, Chris Ihidero, Koch Okoye, Maria Okanrende, Tosyn Bucknor, Lilian Unachukwu, Niyola, Asa Asika, BOJ, Audu Maikori, Olamide Adedeji, Tola Odunsi, and Asa Asika.
Her mother, her father and her younger brother Bukunyi Olateru-Olagbegi were also present.
Photos
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi
Niyola
Tiwa Savage
Toke Makinwa
Onohi Odunsi
Jimmie Akinsola
Niyola & Theodora Mogo
Olisa Adibua
Steve Babaeko
Andrea Manuela Giaccaglia & Banky W
Mo’Cheddah & Bukunyi Olateru-Olagbegi
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu & Olamide Adedeji
Noble Igwe
Toke Makinwa & Kunbi Oyelese
Maria Okanrende & Koch Okoye
Asa Asika & BOJ
Lola Oni, Tosyn Bucknor & Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Omawumi, Tunde Demuren & Toolz
Awww…a sweet note from a guest
Gbemi’s BFF Kunbi Oyelese
Omawumi
Lilian Unachukwu & Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi & DJ Jimmy Jatt
Kunbi Oyelese & Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi & Olamide Adedeji
Onohi Odunsi, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Tola Odunsi
Sola “Schullzz” Mogaji, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Bukola Sawyerr Izeogu
Hey BellaNaija Style Watchers, let’s kick off Wednesday with another edition of BN Pick Your Fave.
Today, we have actress Beverly Naya and the MBGN Tourism 2014 Chinyere Adogu in the same April by Kunbi dress. The black sequined dress features sheer detailing from the thighs.
Beverly Naya
The founder of the #FiftyShadesofBlack campaign stepped on the yellow carpet at the launch of Mo Abudu‘s Ebony Life TV in June 2013 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos in the dress.
It was styled with silver earrings and a gold cocktail ring. She opted for a sleek top knot, smokey eyes and pink lipstick.
Chinyere Adogu
The MBGN Tourism 2014 arrived the Miss Charismatic Nigeria 2014 finale on Saturday 9th August 2014 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos in the same dress.
Chinyere who let down her wavy dark locks and opted for a red pout, accessorised with gold earrings, and a silver ring.
To celebrate their 5th year anniversary fashion retail store – Le Petit Marche partnered with African fashion website HauTeFashionAfrica.com to introduce LPM Nigeria‘s next step in harnessing the buying power and desire to access other African brands that are inaccessible to the Nigerian market and LPM community – LPM Africa.
The inauguration was hosted by Nigerian Supermodel and Natures Gentle Touch Ambassador, Oluchi Orlandi; and saw fashionistas, individuals in the business of fashion show up to shop and have a fabulous time.
This inauguration brought about an exciting mix of brands such as Ghana’s Osei Duro, Nigeria’s Lisa Folawiyo‘s ( Formerly Jewel By Lisa) J Label, South Africa’s Thula Sindi, Nigeria’s GREY, and Senegal’s Sophie Zinga in a pop-up atmosphere for Lagos’s Fashionistas such Omoyemi Akerele, Chalya Shagaya, Tokini Peterside, Italian Nigerian Designer – Caterina Bortolussi of Kinabuti, Genevieve Nnaji, Toke Makinwa and the Fashion Protégé Host, Fade Ogunro to name a few.
See photos of the fabulous people & more from the LPM Africa Inaugural launch.
Oluchi Orlandi
Genevieve Nnaji
Toke Makinwa
Zina Anumudu
Noble Igwe
Veronica Ebie-Odeka
Olakunbi Oyelese
Omoyemi Akerele
Ngozi Zed-Eye
Kaylah Oniwo
Liz Yemoja
Fade Ogunro
Yomi Agoro
Sika Osei
Falobi Bukola
Wonu Okoye
Tokini Peterside
Omotara Odunsi
Temi Akingbe
Kemi Akindoju
Rekena Sharon Ojong
Vanessa Banigo
Omorinsola Arogundade
Ifan Ifeanyi Michael
Oyindamola Fakeye
Joke Ladoja
Liz Yemoja & Ann Ogunsulire
Caterina Bortolussi of Kinabuti
Yewande Kazeem
Oyinkan & Sanya Odunsi
Ugonna Madueke & Isoken Ogiemwonyi
Chalya Shagaya & Oluchi Orlandi
Genevieve Nnaji & Adebola Williams
Kaylah Oniwo, Zara Okpara & Oluchi Orlandi
Check out photos of the fabulous shoppers and African pieces on display!
L’Espace is located at 19A Olosa Street, Victoria Island Lagos. Photo Credit: Ebenezer Dada for Insigna
It’s 2 days and counting to one of the hottest fashion events of the year – the GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2014.
The event is set to take place from Wednesday 29th October to Saturday 1st November 2014 and will have some of the best in fashion showcasing their stellar collections live on the runway.
See the schedule below!
Day 1 – Wednesday 29th October 2014
5PM – Teola 1926 + Otumemine
5:40PM – Pablo Sisiano + Weiz Dhurm Franklyn
6:20PM – April by Kunbi
6:30PM – LFDW X Retail Merchandising + Caven Etomi
7:30PM – Phunk Afrique + Orente Ayaba
8:10PM – Amede + Samson Soboye
8:40PM – LFDW Fashion Focus
Day 2 – Thursday 30th October 2014
5PM – Fayrouz L’Original presents Team Elan
5:40PM – Mi-Le + Dzyn
6:20PM – McMeka + Kenneth Ize
6:30PM – LFDW X Retail + Stranger
7:30PM – Washington Roberts
8PM – Grey
8:30PM – Sunny Rose
9PM – Maki Oh
Day 3 – Friday 31st October 2014
5PM – Ella & Gabby + Kiki Kamanu
5:40PM – ROF (Republic of Foreigner)
6:20PM – Re Bahia + IAmIsigo
6:30PM – LFDW X Retail + L’Espace
7:30PM – Orange Culture
8PM – Maybelline Presents
8:30PM – Iconic Invanity
9PM – Tsemaye Binitie
9:40PM – Lisa Folawiyo
Day 4 – Saturday 1st November 2014
4PM – GTBank Capsule Collection
4:40PM – Ade Bakare
5:20PM – Mai Atafo
5:30PM – LFDW X Retail + Faspa
6:30PM – Wana Sambo + Meena
7:10PM – Bridget Awosika + Ejiro Amos Tafiri
7:40PM – Sophie Zinga
8:20PM – Okunoren Twins
9PM – Lanre Da Silva Ajayi
9:40PM – Tiffany Amber
The GTBank LFDW is set to take place at the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Africa’s fashion weeks have officially commenced and we are super excited to see all the fashion that she has to offer. From the GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2014, which both started today, we can safely say the next couple of days will definitely be filled with all things fabulous.
Today, the GTBankLFDW kicked off and had showcases from designers – Teola 1926, Otumemine, Pablo Sisiano, Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, April by Kunbi, Phunk Afrique, Orente Ayaba, Amede, Samson Soboye & the 2014 GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week Fashion Focus Finalists.
From makeup designers bringing the models to life, to designers going over their showcases; as coveted as the front row is at these shows, most say all the action really takes place backstage. So take a look at the fashion madness that went down tonight backstage at GTBankLFDW 2014.
Enjoy!
We have got collections, street style, reviews and more to come so keep it locked on Bellanaija for more. And don’t forget to follow our official style page on Instagram: @Bellanaijastyle for live feed.
April by Kunbi came, saw and conquered the 2014 GTBank Lagos Fashion & Design Week’s first day.
The fashion brand, owned by Kunbi Oyelese, had a little bit of everything in the collection showcased. From crop tops, asymmetrical ball skirts, glittery floor-length dress, a mustard coloured ball gown (modeled by Makida Moka – this dress was the best look of the night) and a few bridal inspired pieces, April by Kunbi rocked the runway.
April by Kunbi also showcased some sweet summer worthy floral pieces. This collection was everything fab!
Women who have demonstrated hard work and diligence in their various fields of endeavors were last weekend recognized by Exquisite Magazine at the Exquisite Ladies of the Year Awards (ELOY). The award ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.
The event, which was sponsored by Baileys, was indeed a night to remember as members of the entertainment, fashion, and music industries attended. Some of these included Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Ireti Doyle, Osas Ighodaro, DJ Nana, Funke Akindele, Elvina Ibru, Kenny Saint Brown, Mimi Onalaja, DJ Lambo, and several others.
Osas Ighodaro
Bolanle Olukanni
Sharon Ojong
Yeni Kuti
Mercy Ajisafe
Linda Ejiofor
Kaylah Oniwo
Samantha Dimka
Blessing Offiom
Elvina Ibru
DJ Lambo
Sisi Yemmie & Yomi Odusanya
DJ Lambo & Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett
Adaora Ukoh, Tewa Onasanya & Tosin Ajibade
Explaining why Baileys supported the awards, Ufuoma Udjoh (Brand Manager, Baileys) said that the success story of Baileys is to celebrate stylish and contemporary women in their various fields of endeavors. “Baileys is always ready to create a platform to celebrate our women and ELOY has provided the right platform to value and celebrate women” she said.
“As the spotlight for women is building all over the world, Baileys is ready to celebrate their achievements and to also inspire others to stay focused and be diligent in their endeavours because they will be rewarded in no time,” Ufuoma added.
Also speaking at the event, Tewa Onasanya, (Publisher of Exquisite Magazine and Organizer of the ELOY Award) said the initiative of the award is to celebrate all women as they make impact in their endeavors. “All over the world women are taking giant strides and it is important to appreciate them because of their significance in the society“.
Winners in the twelve (12) categories of the 2014 ELOY Awards were:
Labizzy Jojo of Rainbow FM and Anita Omalicha of Rhythm FM – On-Air Personalities of the Year Tenny Coco Kashaam for Beauty by Coco – Makeup Artist of the Year Funke Akindele – Brand Ambassador of the Year Sisi Yemmie – Blogger of the Year April by Kunbi by Olakunbi Oyelesi – Fashion Designer of the Year Toyin Lawani – Stylist of the Year House of Tara – Beauty Brand of the Year Omoni Oboli – Actress (big screen) of the Year Osas Ighodaro – TV Actress of the Year Blessing Egbe – Female Film Producer of the Year Shola Soyele and Stephanie Coker – TV Presenters of the Year Omawumi – Female Music Artist of the Year DJ Mystelle -Female DJ of the Year
It’s election season and it’s time for everyone to be more vigilant, more safety conscious.
Nigerian designer Olakunbi Oyelese of ‘April by Kunbi’ fashion brand shared her experience at the hands of armed robbers in broad daylight, in Lagos.
Read her words below:
Sooo I wasn’t going to put this out here but I spoke to a few people recently that have had or heard of a similar experience.
Years ago we felt safe enough driving in Lagos as long as your windows were up and you’re locked in the car… Even the people with no ac in their cars would sweat it out, literally.
The picture above was an attack/robbery that happened to me in broad day light last week Thursday (8th January). Going home via CMS area, there was heavy traffic due to the campaign. I didn’t really mind as I had someone driving… All of a sudden I saw people running so I knew for sure something was happening ahead… Checked to make sure my doors were locked. Next thing I see is bunch of thugs going to car windows, my driver asked me to keep my iPad and threw my bag to the back. He hadn’t even finished saying “they are robbing” before one of the thugs started banging the driver’s window demanding for money…he cracked the glass open a little and quickly gave him N500… Then he started demanding for phones, more money. By this time there were 2 of them by my side banging at my window, asking me for my phones and my bag. Next thing I hear is glass shattering and I see the thug holding a cutlass, he leans in to grab the drivers phone (he was charging it) and was reaching for my bag. I honestly don’t know HOW my car got on the curb as there was nowhere else to turn to..But thank God we escaped, saw bags littered all over the ground.. Vandalized cars parked with no one inside…. My drivers hand bleeding.. Brings me to the point of this long story… We are not safe, no one is Safe. Either we accept it or not, Nigeria is in trouble! To think that was child’s play compared to what people are going through in the North is terrifying.
There was a time poverty was our only big problem, I strongly believe even the less privileged people will take being safe over anything right now.
The numbers are disturbing! 20,200,500,2000!!! Killed in cold blood all because of what exactly?? Power? Religion? I love Nigeria.. No matter where I go I always miss home. How do we take our Nigeria back?? I want to be able to drive at night with my windows Down! I Just might be standing in the Sun to vote, and hope whoever I vote for lives up to their promise for once!! They might rig it but at least I know I didn’t sit down complaining but doing nothing. No one should ask me to march because that hasn’t done anything/solved anything in the past but create awareness for something we all KNOW already. #PrayForNigeria#HumanLivesMatter#PrayandVote#EnoughIsEnough.
It’s time for another edition of BN Pick Your Fave and today we have two music divas rocking a gorgeous yellow dress by Nigerian fashion brand April by Kunbi.
Mo’Cheddah
The ever stylish Mo’Cheddah wore this dress a few weeks ago as she attended the wedding ceremony of her pastor, Poju Oyemade (click here if you missed it).
She kept things simple as she opted for a pair of sparkly earrings and a belt.
For her beauty look she went with smokey eyes and a pretty pink matte lipstick.
Niyola
EME’s ‘First Lady’ Niyola rocked the same dress for the shoot of her latest music video titled ‘The Word’ (click here if you missed it).
She kept things as natural as possible for this look as she opted for no jewelry and a completely makeup-free face.
One of the most exciting things to happen this weekend was the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards that held on Saturday, 7 March 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos
BN was on the scene and we have all the photos – ALL the stars at the 2015 AMVCAs.
The awards ceremony was hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Vimbai Mutinhiri. If you missed our BellaNaija AMVCA 2015 Best Dressed List, you are missing out! – click HERE.
This year we also took a look at some of the Most Controversial Looks at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. These were looks that got people talking on social media – click HERE.
Check out the red carpet shots and keep refreshing for all the must see inside photos of the event.
If you followed the Fayrouz L’Original Expression Show maiden edition in 2014, brace yourself for more creativity as organisers have revealed four top shots in the Nigerian fashion and lifestyle industry as this year’s team.
Omoyemi Akerele, CEO of Style House Files returns as Art Director for the second year alongside fashion icons, Mai Atafo,Kunbi Oyelese of April By Kunbi. Ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi joins the team for the first time on this year’s edition.
The competition which will also feature guest judges at different stages of the show has received over a thousand entries since its announcement on Thursday, April 2nd. The judges have also assured guests and competitors of another amazing experience at the grand finale later in the year.
Meet The Fayrouz L’Original Team:
Interested participants can visit the Fayrouz website to sign up as registration will end on the 30th of April while auditions will kick off in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Enugu in May.
Niyola is out with the video of her latest single ‘Last Bus Stop’ and she pulled out all the stops.
The video for the song (produced by Oscar Herman-Ackah) was shot by Kemi Adetiba and features other faces in the entertainment industry like Di’Ja, Beverly Osu, Banky W, Ali Baba, Iceberg Slim, Funsho Adeolu, Vina, Yvonne Ekwere, Gideon Okeke and more.
According to Niyola, “In my usual style of telling every girl’s tale with my music, I choose to express every girl’s wedding day fantasy in this video – the joy and excitement of being united finally and forever having reached their last bus stopin love.”
For the video the bride and bridesmaids’ costumes were by April by Kunbi while the groomsmen and the groom were in Rhobes Clothing, and beautifully made up and styled respectively by Beauty Cook Studios and Karkafi Hair.
The locations in the video were decorated by IJP Bespoke Events with photos by Abdusalami Pictures.
Here are first photos from their wedding in Abuja today. The bride went for ‘Made in Nigeria’ with her April by Kunbi wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses.
Shop and Play Abuja is a fashion and lifestyle house that showcases the leading trends in fashion with a theatrical installation of cutting-edge couture and ready-to-wear garments as well as accessories and decor.
Our monthly exhibition explores from witty and boundary pushing designs to our ceaseless interest in society, identity and beauty borne of difference; featuring the most trending fashion and lifestyle statements from around Africa with designers such as Kiki Kamanu, Mai Atafo, April by Kunbi, Deola Sagoe, Monarki, Eccentric and a host of others with breathtaking material.
This next exhibition will hold on Saturday the 1st of August, 2015, showcasing Kiki Kamanu’s ‘Whimsical style to Enliven your Wardrobe’; a sophisticated collection of class, style, culture, beauty and elegance.
As an added bonus, there will be a clearance sale for Kiki Kamanu’s summer collection.
It was a grand wedding ceremony as Izebike and her beau Daniel got married in the beautiful city of Benin.
The traditional wedding was an intimate ceremony which is typical to the Edo culture. This event involves a bride price collection from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. This amount is usually a token which symbolizes that the bride’s family is putting the bride in care of the groom and his family. Izebike and Daniel’s traditional wedding ceremony took place in the bride’s family home and was followed by a colourful reception.
On Saturday, the couple invited family and friends to celebrate with them once again and they completed their Christian marriage ceremony. The bride Izebike looked amazing in a white lace dress by April by Kunbi while the groom Daniel made a sartorial statement in his white tuxedo with a black lapel. After the church service, the wedding party moved on at the reception where the lovebirds danced the night away!
It’s a New Year, and for Nigerian Fashion, I am looking forward to being blown away by amazing, fresh and groundbreaking talent. Last year, here on Bella Naija Style, we featured quite a few emerging designers – not just that, many of their designs rocked the red carpets as we saw on BN Red Carpet Fab. While we look into the future for brand new design talent, we hope the current players continue to push the style boundaries to propel the development of the African Fashion Industry.
Over the last few years, we have seen a crop of young designers make their way into Nigerian Fashion, and for the designers who made our LIST, we hope for accelerated growth in 2011. In the midst of an industry saturated with talent, there are those who stand out.
Putting together this list was an exciting experience for me, there has been an explosion of talent in the industry for the past few years and I am immensely proud of this! Maki Oh, Phunk Afrique, Zebra, Okunoren Twins, Eniola David and so many more have made a commendable impact.
I am glad to introduce this crop of designers to you; many have not released their first ‘official’ collections yet have caught out attention. It is a mixed bag – From Port Harcourt to Lagos and over to Abuja – These designers are definitely worth knowing and it is our hope that they will contribute towards making 2011 a wonderful year for Nigerian fashion.
The designers listed on this feature were picked based on design talent, the strength of their brand, our interest in what their brand has to offer in the future, and also PR , Marketing , Visibility and Identification of the brand. We considered how they are pushing their brand to the consumers and also the response from the target consumers – the fabulous fashion loving African stylistas and trend setters.
It should be an exciting year for Nigerian Fashion!
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BABUSHKA
Simi Osinubi
Babushka is a young label headed by Simi Osinubi. The label which launched in 2010, set alarms across the Nigerian fashion scene towards the end of the year with a constant flow of designs gracing the big events.
Simi initially started out sketching her designs and then over time she started making some of the designs for herself, and opened up a small studio at her home where she currently runs Babushka.
This hands-on designer, who considers herself the muse of her label, favours simple clothing – clean lines and great attention to detail which she reflects in Babushka creations.
“The Babushka woman is one who is self-assured. She understands her own style and is never a fashion victim. When asked to describe my label I always say ‘wearable is the new couture’. I like to think our pieces are all very special but at the same time fit into the Babushka woman’s existing wardrobe and she can mix and match our pieces with items she already has in her wardrobe.”- Simi Osinubi
What I get from Babushka is this young, sexy, elevated modern spirit. It is well crafted, detail-oriented pieces, but they leave room for flexibility and for an individual’s personality to shine through, allowing the wearer to tell their own story through their deigns. The brand presents itself as very youthful, but with a deep sense of maturity and confidence in who they are and their style.
During a short period of time, Simi has managed to generate interest in the brand, and I am personally looking forward to what the brand has to offer and to Babushka continually validating its spot in Nigerian Fashion Industry as a hot newcomer.
Follow @simibabushka on twitter
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TOJU FOYEH
Designer Toju Foyeh is not exactly a newcomer to Nigerian Fashion. She’s been featured here on BellaNaija.com and MyAsho.com stocks her designs, so she’s been able to lay some ground on her label.
What I hope for all designers as they establish their brands in the midst of competing ones, is growth in their visual narratives, in the execution and presentation of their collections. I hope to watch them evolve, especially the young ones, and see how their personal growth transitions to their creative.
Toju Foyeh is one of those designers who started out young, her intrigue for the creative art of high fashion, compelled her to start putting her ideas on paper at the age of nine, and then she launched her label as an undergraduate student.
Earlier in 2010, the label seemed to have taken a back seat, but obtained revived interest with Tiwa Savage, who has been seen gracing event red carpets wearing Toju Foyeh. What we’ve seen from the brand is definitely an evolution, as we can see she’s become more confident as a designer. She’s discovering more of herself as a designer and she is using her label as a means of expression. We see bolder pieces form the brand, in colour and cut, and the brand expands beyond sleek cocktail dresses and is now more embracing of volume.
The Toju Foyeh label has managed to extend itself to a more mature audience, it still remains girly, but we an added appeal to its designs that is more likely to resonate with an older audience than previous designs did. I’ve seen two pieces and I’m already raving, hopefully she’ll continue the trend in 2011, if she does, I predict an amazing year for the brand.
Re Bahia is a brand conceived by 20 year old student of Art History at the University Of Manchester, Orire Omatsola. Re Bahia, which she describes as a mother-daughter brand, as her mum is greatly involved in executing the vision for the brand, got its name from her infusion of her love for Brazilian culture and the last bit of her name.
Orire though new to the Fashion Industry, got the conviction that this was the right path to follow at 17 after her experience at a summer fashion programme in Milan, thus, taking the plunge to start her label at an age most would consider quite young.
Re Bahia got thrown into the fashion spotlight after Orire took part in the FAB Night Out event which was in partnership with Vlisco. Her appearance at the show led to Eku Edewor and Dolapo Oni of Studio 53 Extra along with Silverbird’s Yvonne Ekwere showing up to the to the 2010 MAMA’s glamed up in Re Bahia creations.
In an interview with HauteFashionAfrica.com, when asked about the aesthetic of Re Bahia, Orire says: “The brand’s aesthetic is all about Simplicity. I love fabrics and I believe when you’ve got an amazing piece of fabric, keep the designing to the minimum. I commend people that can create new species of birds with their designs but that’s not me”.
Although a new label, the brand has already released two collections: ‘Non’ and ‘Lola’. When I saw both collections, I was genuinely excited, the work speaks for itself and Orire is definitely a talent. I love the colours, Re Bahia is a vibrant, engaging brand. I love how she uses textures, fabrics and prints. Re Bahia happens to have gotten the basics; cut, finish, aesthetic, brand personality right from the start, and as someone young in fashion, continuous improvement in her craft is key to keep her label in the spotlight. The question for Re Bahia becomes where do they go from here as a brand, how would she beat her last collections, and show growth in her vision and the brand’s style power. I can’t wait to see how she achieves that this year!
For someone whose inspiration comes from dreams, she’s definitely presented quite a few pieces which I’m sure will be haunting my dreams as they make their way on my wishlists.
Studio 53 extra girls: Eku Edewor & Dolapo Oni in Re Bahia
http://www.rebahia.com/
Follow @Re_Bahia on twitter
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BRIDGET AWOSIKA
Bridget Awosika
In December 2008, Bridget Awosika launched her brand in her home country, Nigeria with the preview of her Spring/Summer 2009 collection titled “art nouveau”, a collection I described as “ a breath of fresh fine air” because she was bringing something new to the Industry.
Bridget Awosika brings experience, she’s worked with Donna Karen and Giorgio Armani. Over the years, she’s nurtured her talent, which has developed into a refined and assured sense of who she is as a designer and what her label has to offer.
Bridget is one of those designers whom you can relate with their personal style, and she uses it to express her point of view as a designer. While she’s taking her time to bring out her collection, her red carpet style has kept us all entertained and her brand in the loop as she is constantly in her own creations.
My expectations are quite high for the next collection from the brand, I was blown away by the first I had seen from her and I am hoping for a similar reaction when I’m confronted with the next.
Bridget Awosika is a brand I see emerging as a major player in the Nigerian fashion Industry. What I would hope for the brand, is consistency in delivery. 2011 will be a big year for the brand, as we look forward to an official collection from the brand, I expect to be dazzled.
Ejiro Amos Tafiri is an emerging brand in Nigerian Fashion. Her road to fashion began with a choice to take a clothing and textile class, which transformed this young lady from a wannabe doctor to a fashion designer.
Her interest in the industry led her to study fashion at YABATECH, and intern at Zizi Ethnic Clothing and then transition to a role with iconic Nigerian label, Tiffany Amber. Ejiro still has a few buns in the figurative oven, with plans to launch a menswear collection later in the future, though last year, Ejiro Amos Tarifi’s modern, stylish and chic ready-to-wear pieces was what got people talking.
“We pride ourselves in our production of wearable clothing and accessories inspired by the vibrant, fun loving, joie de vivre culture of the Lagos people and the cultural diversity of its populace which spans the globe. Creativity and excellent craftsmanship are our watchword.”– Ejiro Amos Tafiri
One of the reasons I love this brand, is because it is truly home grown and she proves that the development in Nigerian Fashion Industry is hitting at the grassroots, with fashion courses available, and internships with established designers.
With monthly appearances at Le Petite Marche, Ejiro Amos Tafiri is pushing her brand to fashion enthusiasts which has seen her pieces worn at major events and I predict that this will be a continuing trend in 2011.
Omawumi (left) & Gbemi Phillips (right) in Ejiro Amos Tafiri
Mariam Ilaka is a fashion brand owned by Istituto Marangoni trained designer Mariam Ilaka. Mariam Ilaka sells well tailored clothes for women as well as leather accessories. Her style of designing is “chic and original”.
Prior to starting her fashion company, Mariam Ilaka who is a CIPD certified HR professional worked in several blue chip organisations but decided to make a career of what come to her naturally….making women look good. She says “I have always created fashionable clothes right from my days in the University of Lagos where I graduated with a Second Class Upper in Geography”. She recently graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan and has returned to Nigeria in to make women feel and look beautiful in her pieces.
Mariam Ilaka’s debut collection put her on the BN watch list. The collection boasts of simple, structured pieces, some dabbed in embroidery and others with intense layers of tulle. She presented contemporary pieces, and long gowns with a vintage flair.
I see more pieces from the collection being worn in 2011, and they do deserve an audience, they are immaculately designed and are standout pieces in their own right.
Isoken Ogeimwonyi is the talented brain behind Obsidian – “An independent fashion line for the discerning lady with a flair for the bold and unusual but with her own individual style.
Sexy, fun and spunky, an Obsidian girl sets herself apart and is the epitome of all that is chic and elegant. A bold use of colour and attention to detail in all the garments ensures that when you wear Obsidian you STAND OUT”.
Last year, the label set a standard for creativeness and innovation in the Nigerian Fashion Industry, with the launch of a short film for the “Control” collection.
We’ve spotted Obsidian designs at events, and on Model & Muse of the brand, Nicole Chukwueke.
The brand has already done a tremendous job in positioning itself as a pacesetter for young upcoming designers. This year, I hope to see them take more steps forward in establishing their brand as a creative powerhouse in design and the mediums in which they choose to push their brand either to encourage individuals to buy Nigerian or to gain the attention of Nigerian fashion enthusiasts.
Nicole Chukwueke (left) and Onyinye Onwugbenu (right) in Obsidian
Check out a sneak peek of Obsidian’s new mini-collection courtesy HauTe Fashion Africa
APRIL by Kunbi is a fashion label that specialises in bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion for women who place a premium on the principles of fashion, fit, and functionality.
Founded in the spring of 2010, the brand is the brain-child of Olakunbi Oyelese, a graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Inspired by the month of April – the start of the Spring season, APRIL by Kunbi has been built on the philosophies of “newness, freshness and colour”.
With an ever-growing portfolio of prêt-a-porter and custom-made fashion items, APRIL aims to be a one stop source, a lifestyle brand for everything from Evening and Cocktail dresses to Casual/Active wear, Sleepwear, footwear,Accessories, and lingerie. The company aspires to be in a position to boldly assert; “You name it, APRIL by Kunbi has it”!
Kunbi Oyelese is a fortunate newcomer, as she is undoubtedly one of the most sought after young designers at the moment. The later part of 2010, saw numerous APRIL by Kunbi designs grace the red carpet, for one, we’ve seen Mo’ Cheddah in their designs for two major events; Channel O Awards and the MAMAs.
APRIL by Kunbi pieces ooze fun, flirty, and girly. Her pieces will continue to be embraced by young Nigeria and I look forward to official debut collection from the brand.
Mo'Cheddah (left), Agani Darego (middle) & Oreka Godis (right) in APRIL by Kunbi
Self trained designer, Alhassan Mohammed is the man behind Sidi Bespoke – A menswear label based in Abuja. His understanding of the perfect execution of a finely tailored suit can amazingly be attributed to lessons from Saville Row via Youtube and Google – Talk about the power of the internet!
Sidi Bespoke has gathered some press since its inception: The label was featured in Mode Men Magazine’s Black Night 2009 fashion show, Sidi Bespoke styled MI for the album cover of ‘Talk About It’. He also dressed and styled Jesse Jagz for the just concluded Dynamics awards.
In 2011, plans are already on the way to launch a ready to wear line that will feature, suits, jackets, pants, shirts, tunics, polos and leather products. The brand is also working on a flagship store in Abuja and another in Lagos to launch during the last quarter of 2011.
Akpos Okudu is a promising young designer based in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Her label: Akpos Okudu delivers ” romantic, flirty, feminine dresses in lots of bright colours; for the woman who wants to be elegant and confident without losing her soft feminine side”.
For Akpos, the interest in fashion runs in her family, with her grand mother as a dressmaker and her aunt a designer based in the Caribbeans.
In a recent interview, Akpos said, “I’m very inspired by colors and fabrics, especially bright colors. I also love pastels and warm colors, so I usually have a mix of bright and muted tones when designing a collection.” Celebrities including Omowunmi Akinnifesi and Joke Silva have been spotted in Akpos Okudu pieces and we envision even more to come from the Akpos Okudu label in 2011.
Grey was formed by the talented duo – Rukky Ladoja and Obi Obi in September 2008 by thoughwas not fully operational until 2009.
Rukky had design and styling experience prior to the start of Grey, and in choosing to start a line in Nigeria Obi Obi proved to be the perfect partner. Currently, Rukky handles the designing of their collections and Obi deals with all the the PR, the finance and customer relationships.
The label burst into the Nigerian Fashion Industry to satisfy a gap in the emerging market; the need for everyday pieces. The casual staples that occupy the most bits of the average woman’s closet. Focusing on classic style and the playful personality of the brand and affordable pricing, the duo have been able to build a seemingly sustainable brand.
Their pieces cut across a variety of individuals, and have a place in every woman’s closet. Grey is very “get-up-and-go” – to work, to lunch, on a date, and to a formal event and that’s the major attraction to the brand- the easiness and wearability of the pieces.
I love that they have identified a market for themselves, and one that they are excelling at. This year, all I want is more from Grey...I think I can do with no colours as far as there is some touch of Grey.
Uchenna Ezenna (left), Dolapo Oni (middle) & Dammie Amolegbe (right) in Grey
A trendy piece by April By Kunbi, one of the bright young talents on the Nigerian fashion scene caught our eye for this edition of BN Pick Your Fave.
Today, we have two gorgeous women rocking an April By Kunbi mini, the dress hugs their curves and the detailing of the sequined skirt sparkles up the look.
Today, the “Kele Kele Love” songstress Tiwa Savage and Marketing Exec Renny Akande battle it out in this edition of BN Pick Your Fave.
Tiwa Savage & Renny Akande in April by Kunbi
We spotted Renny Akande in this sassy mini at the 2010 MAMA Awards, Renny accessorized the dress with silver drop earrings, a bracelet, a black watch, a black clutch bag. She completed her look with black heels with gold buckles.
Then at Exquisite Magazine’s “Partying Against Cancer” event, Tiwa Savage rocked the same dress. Tiwa accessorized her look with pink feather earrings, a gold bracelet and black platform pumps. The finishing touch was a dazzling bright smile!
Brand spanking new video from Knighthouse star Mo’Cheddah.
The video for her track “See Me” featuring Phenom was directed by Clarence Peters and gives us a peek into the new Mo’Cheddah “era”.
Look out for her sophomore album in 2012.
Are you feeling it?
Credits Costume: April by Kunbi | Mai Atafo Inspired Makeup: Labelle’s Touch
Traditional Wedding
