MTNLFDW

This is the video from the MTN – BRITISH COUNCIL LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK 2011, Auditions the videos was Produced and Directed by Bola Balogun For Glam Networks.

INTRODUCTION:

Videos from the MTN LFDW Awards screening process in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos.

LFDW Abuja Screening Part 1

LFDW Abuja Screening Part 2

LFDW PortHacourt Screening Part 1

LFDW PortHacourt Screening Part 2

LFDW – Lagos Screening

Frank Oshodi

Beyond Trade – Austrian Lace Nigerian Fashion is a documentary that statrted in 2009 as an initiative to document the history of Lace – especially Austrian Lace in Nigeria, by the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna, has since developed into a cooperation project merging culture, trade and fashion. The Austrian Embroidery Association in collaboration with the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy, recently celebrated history, culture, fashion and trade relationship between Austria and Nigeria for the last 50 years in Nigeria. The documentary takes one on a journey that spans the last (5) five decades – building, strengthening, promoting and celebrating Nigeria
through what we have come to know and love as ‘African Lace’ with a brief story of the Austrian – Nigerian lace trade from inception – the manufacturers’ first foray into Nigeria in search of new business opportunities, to the close ties that have been formed with some
of these ‘lace ladies’ who have passed the trade on to their next generation and how Austrian /Nigerian relationship has grown beyond trade into culture with the ‘aso – ebi’ phenomenon and gradually, into fashion through the recent collaboration between the Austrian Embroidery Association and four Nigerian designers – Tiffany Amber, Ituen Basi, Frank Osodi and Godwin Mekwuye.

Watch Video Documentary below:

SHF video credit – Glam Networks

Mustafa and Naomi

Mustafa Hassanali, a creative entrepreneur from Tanzania believes in the ‘never say die’ attitude and uses his talent and creativity in making a better today and tomorrow for the fashion fraternity along various social causes very close to his heart. Mustafa is truly a fashionista personified!

Mustafa Hassanali has been invited to the Arise Magazine Fashion Week to be held from the today 10th to the 13th March 2011 in Lagos, Nigeria. The fashion week organized by Nigeria’s This day newspaper through its brand Arise Magazine will see 52 of the finest African and Diaspora based designers showcasing their collection amongst celebrity performance by the likes of D’banj, Keri Hilson and Estelle at this star studded fashion week.

“I am very thrilled and excited to be part of this magnamonous event especially by Arise Magazine which is the “Vogue” of Africa. Being another First for Tanzania and Mustafa Hassanali to be invited to this major pan African event just attributes the acceptance of its designer by the international fashion community” stated Mustafa Hassanali

Mustafa Hassanali will showcase his “Afroglam” collection unveiled in Dar es Salaam on 4 March at Mamma Mia event in aid of the White Ribbon Alliance. The collection has been inspired by the beautiful senses of the African continent, the hues of the morning sunrise, the shades of the serene sunset, the vibe of the African festivity and the versatility of its people.

“As per my tagline, if your ensemble isn’t embellished with bling and your gown don’t have a trail, that’s not a Mustafa Hassanali gown. Coupled with flamboyant fabrics and cheerful colours, this collection has been made using Tanzania’s national fabric, Khanga fused with luxurious taffeta.” added Hassanali

Mustafa Hassanali Showcase at Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel on Friday 11 March at 1900HRS ( 2100HRS East African standard time).

Mustafa’s work has been highly appreciated at international levels. His showing at the Fashion Business Angola, FAFA (Festival of African Fashion and Arts in Kenya), Africa Collection in Douala, Cameroon, India International Fashion Week 20009, Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief 2009, Arise Africa Fashion week 2009, Durban & Cape Town Fashion Weeks, Vukani Fashion Awards in Pretoria, Miss Ethiopia Beauty Pageant, Mediterranean Fashion Festival in Sicily, Italy; M’Net Face of Africa, Mozambique, Uganda & Kenya Fashion Weeks has brought him immense adulation.

Feminine, wearable and playfully sophisticated are words that best describe Akpos Okudu pieces. Every Akpos Okudu piece shows a love for lush fabric, intricate details and colour. With this collection, the designer is clearer about her clients’ needs and what they are about and has made clothes that women love to wear, want to wear & CAN afford to wear.

Body

Remember the picture of the ladies in pink having a tea party on the lawn? Designer Akpos Okudu is back injecting a little bit of sunshine in the world one pretty little thing at a time! It’s been a whirlwind year; numerous exhibitions, editorials in ThisDay Style, FAB and Complete Fashion magazines, dressing celebrities including Joke Silva, Stephanie Okereke and Omowunmi Akinnifesi and a nomination at The Future Awards for “Designer of the Year”!
With the release of the long awaited lookbook for this collection, Akpos Okudu has grown as a designer and confidently creates the type of clothes she passionate about; pieces that women LOVE to wear, WANT to wear and CAN afford to wear. For the first time, she also delves into the world of accessories with a unique range due to be launched shortly.

Shot on location at the gorgeous Bishop’s Cottage, Lagos, the pieces explode with colour, zest and joie de vivre. Working with signature fabrics like brocade, silk and satin, the designer plays with colour blocking (with the jewel tone Eki dress and Eniye tanks), structure (with the Oroma jacket and shorts) and draping (with the April dress). The results are fun, easy pieces that flatter and translate easily from day to evening. And at affordable prices, yanga doesn’t have to pain J

Exclusive pictures from the “Cocktail Hour” themed photoshoot at the impressive Novotel Hotel, Port Harcourt.

Zara

Tayo and Bella

Tariye and Tarela

Saze Cape worn over dress. Belt sold separately

Sade Dress. Belt sold separately

Oroma Jacket and Shorts with Eniye Metallic Tank and Wummi Pants

Ms Sylva and Eki

Mimi back

Layla

Gbemi

Folake in two colourways

Eniye Multicoloured and Gold tanks with Taiye Pencil Skirt and Kehinde Full Skirt

Eniye Gold and Metalic Tanks with Elohor Full and Mini Skirts

Emma and Eva

April

For orders and enquiries, please call 08076256599 or email info@akposokudu.com. Also check out Akpos Okudu stalls at the monthly Le Petit Marche, Lagos

Photography: Victor Udoh.
Art Direction and Styling: Saze Osayande.
Location: Bishop’s Cottage- Bishop Oluwole Street, VI, Lagos; Novotel Hotel- 3 Stadium Road Rumuomasi, PH, Rivers

Deola S. and Rapper. M.I. at the event

At the ‘Just before Christmas’ event in December 2010, Deola Sagoe introduced her new denim line and polos with rapper M.I. signing copies of his CDs. Singer Nneka and rapper M.I provided the music.
Sagoe  introduced her new denim line GIDA as well as sign on her Jeans and her ‘Se Bi Na Deola’ Polos.

A Shot of DS jean from behind...

[VIA]

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Looking at the images above you can’t help but say, Yes! Early this summer African Photographer Mario Epanya petitioned vigorously to get Vogue Africa on Condenast, Vogue’s parent company, but his petition was rejected. Vogue does not think Africa is ready or maybe Vogue is not ready? The rejection led to immense outrage all over the web, was it a major fail on Vogue’s part? It would be tough to create a magazine that deals with 53 independent countries and truly capture the diverse styles and culture in Africa.

The most shocking comment that I came across on the web over Vogue Africa’s rejection, I found on Tanzanian Stylist Fashion Junkii’s blog:

‘Are you kidding me? In a continent ripped with poverty, starvation, rape, abuse and a multitude of issues that we can not fathom, we’re actually rooting for a fashion magazine as a symbol of triumph over these issues? There are much more critical things to achieve than touting some fashion magazine.’

Naturally, I am appalled by this comment because America, perhaps not equally, is a continent that deals with poverty, starvation, rape, abuse and a multitude of issues, same with India but there is a Vogue India! Most importantly, fashion magazines do not contain only fashion news but also feature stories on different issues across the world. A Vogue Africa would not only finally dispel the negative attitude and perception of Africa as just desperately helpless continent but it would also bring to light the real issues that Africa faces today.

Nevertheless the question still remains, is Africa not fashionable enough? My opinion is simply that the direction and the message behind African fashion is not clear. There is no trend guidance or forecast, there is not enough African and sometimes there is too much. There needs to be a point in African fashion where cultural style meets with contemporary. It can be done and it is done in India, just check out Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra.

Tomi Talabi – BHFMagazine

Luruxy fashion house BUNMI KOKO, brain child of designer Bunmi Olaye and her partner Francis Udom, has been making all the right headlines lately.

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Bunmi Olaye is a recent graduate, with honors, of the University of East London (UEL). She burst into the scene with the Geisha Reform Collection during Young Africa Fashion Weekend 2009 (YAFW) and Matriarchy Collection during ARISE Africa Fashion Week 2011 in Johannesburg, where she won Emerging Designer of the Year – International Award. To add to this impressive repertoire of awards celebrating the creativity of Olaye, she has also won the Women’s Entrepreneurship 2009/2010 from UEL.

A rising star in the African fashion industry, Bunmi is flying the flag high and gaining a lot of needed and overdue attention to the industry. The latest accomplishment is being selected for the KPMG Mentorship Session as part of VIBE (Volunteers Inspiring Black Communities) Projects. This is a project that gives pro-bono advice to start-ups from London’s black communities, and access to KPMG’s partners and directors of the business advisory team. With the astounding creativity of Bunmi Koko, coupled with ambition and high quality, a sharp business sense will make it one of the most successful fashion and art house from Africa.

In an interview, Bunmi describes the brand:

“Bunmi Koko offers luxury couture fashion with contemporary elegance and sophisticated edginess, combined with eclectic and whimsical style of artworks and illustrations. Our design slogan is ‘Luxuria, Art, Elegans’, and is ingrained in all our products and services. This is what we want to communicate through our design and fashion label.”

Her speech during graduation at UEL:

“This was a great year for all of my colleagues who sit in this room today. as we are truly fortunate to say that we have been part of this fantastic establishment, the hub of innovation and creativity. I feel very prviledged to be part of an institution hat has shown great belief in its young entrepreneurs by giving the right business support, and igniting confidence into female entrepreneurs.”

Keep an eye out for Bunmi Koko, I predict she will be THE luxury designer of Africa.

Do check out the Bunmi Koko website, www.bunmikoko.com, for more info.

Photo Credits: SDR Photography

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FAB - Editor-in-chief and Banky W

FAB Awards that took place at the Landmark village, Victoria Island Lagos on sunday December 5th was a star studded line up of celebrities in their most creative wears for a fabulous night of music, fashion with plenty to eat and drink.

FAB Night out began with a fashion show, showcasing recent designs from VLISCO collection; Gallery Of Poems by Nigeria’s own Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi and male designer MAI, Ghanaian label Jil Couture and budding Nigerian talent from the UK, Re Bahia.

The event was a turn out of celebrities with passion for Fashion.  Musical performances by Sasha, Eldee, Seyi Law, Bez and Mo’cheddah while Comedian Tee-A and Vixen were the anchors.  “It’s a honour to be able to bring all these great people together under one roof, to celebrate an art that is important to all of us. I’m excited about how everything has played out; and particularly happy about the FAB awards to 25 deserving recipients” Publisher Familusi Akin Babajide said of the event.

FAB awards honoured Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Banky W, Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi and Jimmy JATT.

The event was prowered by FAB Magazine, Nigeria’s leading international fashion journal.

Celebrity attendees at the event are Isio Wanoghio, Abbah Folawiyo, Chris Ubosi, Sam Onyemelukwe, Kunle Afolayan, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Chaz B, Omawunmi, Dimeji Alara, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, DJ Jimmy JATT, Sasha, Banky W, Timi Dakolo, Rita Dominic, Eldee, Adawre Achumba, Ayeni Adekunle, Rhecks, Lamide Akintobi, Tee A, Linda Ikeji and Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi.

FULL LIST OF FAB AWARDS WINNERS
Designer of the year (West Africa) – Lanre Da Silva
Designer of the year (South Africa) – David Tlale
Model of the year (Male) – TY Ogunkoya
Model of the year (Female) – Isio Wanoghio
Fashion Brand of the year – Mai Atafo Inspired
Lifestyle Brand of the year – Sixth Sense Interiors
Most Stylish Male Artist – Banky W
Most Stylish Female Artist – Sasha P
Most stylish Actor of the Year – Ramsey Noah
Most Stylish Actress of the year – Genevieve Nnaji
TV Show of the year – Tinsel
TV Presenter of the year – Adaure Achumba
Radio Station of the year – The Beat 99.9 FM
On Air Personality of the year – Chaz B
Car of the year – Porsche Cayenne
Restaurant of the year – Skyy Restaurant
Bar of the year – Play Sports Bar n Lounge
Disc Jockey of the year – DJ Jimmy Jatt
Club of the year – Club Play, Abuja
Hotel of the year – Lagos Oriental Hotel
Makeup artist of the year – Banke Meshida Lawal
Hair Stylist of the year – Ugo Igbokwe
Fashion Writer of the year – Ijeoma Ndekwu
Fashion Photographer of the year – Kelechi Amadi Obi
Fashion Stylist of the year – Dimeji Alara.

With activities being put in place for the must attend event this year and the biggest international modeling competition Elite model look Nigeria 2010, more sponsors are stepping on board to support the oncoming event. Mercedes Benz would be coming on board for the third time in a row. Other top of the rank sponsors are Quintessentially, Vizioe ltd ,Moet and Chandon, Black Up,Clarins, Temple Muse, Bella Naija and Scared Lashes. Like previous years, some top designers would be unveiling their new collection on the Elite model platform, giving each girl the opportunity to model lovely dresses on the runway. Some of the designers taking part this year are – Uk based Nigerian fashion designer -Nkwo, Vonne, Melisa Odabash & Jewel by Lisa, and there would be a grand comeback of the MYA label in Nigeria.The event which would be taking place on the 12th of September at the prestigious Federal Palace hotel, promises to have loads of surprises for invited guests, coupled with all the glamour that the event brings.

Nigeria - Ngozi Odalonu

Miss Mexico.

The 8 African representatives at the 2010 Miss Universe finals will begin their bid for the crown at the final ceremony-taking place tonight 23^rd August in Las Vegas, 9pm local time (2.00am GMT).

Representing Nigeria is 22 year old Ngozi Odalonu, the 1st runner up from the 2010 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant.

African contestants have won the crown thrice– Miss South Africa in 1978, Miss Namibia in 1992 and Miss Botswana in 1999.

22 year old Jimena Navarrete of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2010 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday night.

Pictures of the other 7 contestants:

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