Abuja-based designer and CEO of eponymous fashion label Nene Kester, recently pulled a brilliant performance when she presented her Vibrant Collection at Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. We spotted some of the stunning models (from ISIS MODELS) backstage during their makeup sessions and fittings. Bayo Haastrup and his team were unbelievably fantastic with their job as they gave the models their respective divaesque looks! Check out some of the backstage pictures we scooped!
Bayo Haastrup making up Nene Kester
Winner, NNSM 2012, Miss Favour Lucky
N/B: Runway pictures from Nene KesterShow will be published soon. Watch out guys!
From what we gathered, France-based construction giant and major sponsor of Nigeria’s Next Super Model, BOUYGUES CONSTRUCTION NIGERIA LIMITED (BCNL) is set to sponsor a monthly fashion show in Abuja. For the monthly show, ISIS MODELS, one of Africa’s top modelling agencies will be featuring its models. The maiden edition is coming up this Saturday (2nd February, 2013) and the BCNL Calender girls (comprising Bunmi Ademokoya, Claudia Adelu, Binta Madaki, Jessica Okpo, Imade Ogbewi and Aisha Bello) will be used together with other Abuja-based models.
In a brief interview with Joan Okorodudu, Founder/Visioner, NNSM regarding this deal, she states:
I’m so excited and happy about this development with BOUYGUES, one of the world’s largest construction company with offices all over the world. This is to show that people are listening and watching what is happening. And for BOUYGUES to identify with us, this is a welcome development… .
On whether Lagos models will be used subsequently (after the maiden edition), Mrs. Okorodudu says:
There will be an exchange of models based in Lagos and Abuja. All fully registered ISIS Models will participate in this show for the next one year.
In related development, after the successful NNSM 2012 which held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, NNSM is now regarded as Africa’s biggest model search and its reality show will soon start to run on Africa Magic ,TVC and Star Times. The company is already negotiating with international TV content buyers to show its content in the UK and USA. Last year saw Favour Lucky emerging as the winner, NNSM 2012 while Bunmi Ademokoya emerged Dark and Lovely “Model of the Year”. Two brand new cars were given out to these winners. Forms for NNSM 2013 are now available. Visit this website for all the necessary details.
For the full BCNL calender view with ISIS Models, check them out here.
COVER IMAGE: Claudia Adelu; MAKE UP: Bimpe Onakoya; STYLING: Mr. Cornells; PHOTOGRAPHY: Arinze Ogbunagu
HAIR-RAISING: Models sporting outfits made with human hair strutted down a Paris runway Monday night to present Charlie Le Mindu’s spring-summer “haute coiffeur” collection. Hair dangled from sleeves, hats, necklines and skirts in the black-and-white-colored line, called Metal Queen. It took a cue from female musicians, such as Lee Aaron and Nina Hagen.
After a week off, “Naija Runs Girl” Lolita is back with a new video. This one focuses on “London Runs Girls”
Types of “London Runs Girls” - The Independent Women: She has money but she wan chop your own - De Tun Up PumPum Gyal: Her self worth is based on her honey pot - Old Fashioned Woman: With modern day values - Demanding Diva: Her list of demands is longer than river Nile
What: Bollywood actress Deepika attended the 2013 Idea FilmFare Awards earlier this week in Mumbai.
Dress: She’s wearing Prabal Gurung fall 2012 black silk, sheer panel cut-out gown. Remember Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana wore it with the designer himself to attend the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York last year.
Slick back Up do, matte orange lip color, and black nail polish similar to the runway model completed her look.
Credit: Sanskriti Media and Entertainment, Vogue.com
It’s the month of January, one of the peaks of the retail sales season in London and Nigerians are amongst the leading pack of top spenders.
Below is the article from CNN Shopping is a serious business in London whatever the season — but it doesn’t get much more serious than this time of year.
The UK capital’s January sales sees throngs of dedicated shopaholics cram its countless department stores, quirky boutiques and market stalls, keen to get their hands on the latest fashion trends and product offers. But it’s not just domestic spend that’s keeping the tills ringing in London. While the vibrant city’s high-end stores are no strangers to overseas visitors, with those from the Middle East typically spending the most, a surprising new contender has emerged in recent times as a big spender in the international market — Nigeria.
“Africa is growing from strength to strength and particularly in the last 12 to 18 months we’ve seen Nigeria come through incredibly strongly,” explains Sue West, director of operations at up-market London department store Selfridges.
“It is a very broad base so we still very much have a strong Chinese base, a strong Middle East base, Russia is there, the BRICs nations as you imagine, but Nigeria seems to be coming through very strongly at the moment as well,” she adds.
The former British colony is Africa’s most populous nation as well as the continent’s top oil producer. According to African Economic Outlook (AEO), Nigeria’s economic growth has averaged about 7.4% annually over the past decade, creating a wealthier Nigerian elite with a large spending power. At the same time, however, AEO says that robust economic growth has not reduced poverty in the country, with about two thirds of its population living on less than $1 per day.
Home to a large African diaspora, the UK is a popular travel destination for Nigerians visiting friends and relatives, going on holidays or conducting business. Daily flights between Nigeria and the UK have increased in recent years, with airlines such as British Airways allowing Nigerian customers an additional 23kg of baggage free of charge.
They’re getting on a plane and coming to London to buy things they cannot immediately find in Nigeria.
According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, some 142,000 Nigerians visited the UK in 2011, spending an average £107 ($172) per day. From January to September last year, Nigeria’s tax-free spend in the UK grew by 11% year on year, according to tourism services provider Global Blue.
The trend has not gone unnoticed by UK retailers, some of which have responded by tailoring their offerings to their growing Nigerian customer base. “More recently we’re starting to introduce a lot more niche brands,” says West. “We’ve worked in collaboration with some very popular Nigerian brands,” she adds. “I think it’s not only important to demonstrate we can bring the big brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, but we can also really appeal to more of a niche market too.“
One such collaboration helping Selfridges further engage with its growing number of Nigerian customers is its recent team-up with Style House Files. The Lagos-based fashion company has just opened an installation inside Selfridges, giving Nigerian designers a chance to widen their market and showcase their creations outside the West African country.
Omoyemi Akerele, director of Style House Files, says that Nigeria is an emerging market, with Nigerians are among the five biggest spenders at the department store. Akerele argues the collaboration is a win-win situation for both parties. “This will give our designers a platform, an opportunity for their pieces to be in Selfridges, that’s a dream come true,” says Akerele. “For Selfridges, on the other hand, it would endear their Nigerian customers — and not just Nigerian customers, African in general — more to the brand.“
Akerele says that although the reality in Nigeria is that most people live in poverty, the rise of sectors such as telecommunications and the diversification of the Nigerian economy beyond oil and gas has created an emerging middle class with bigger spending power. “Their earning capacity is increasing and they’re spending on more things and not just the basic food and clothing,” she explains. “They’re getting on a plane and coming to London to buy things they cannot immediately find in Nigeria.” From CNN
NdaniTV‘s Platinum Standard features Jewel by Lisa Creative Director, Lisa Folawiyo this week. The interview was conducted at the JBL Studio/Retail Space in Ikoyi, Lagos. Lisa shared the story of the JBL journey including how the company started, the “embellished ankara” idea, her personal style and more.
Alicia Keys Wearing Michael Kors – Public Inaugural Ball 2013
Who: The always stunning Alicia Keys.
Dress: The 31 year old American singer/songwriter stunned in a red Michael Kors dress at the 2013 Public Inaugural Ball. The floor length gown features long sleeves and an open back. She looked stunning.
The eagerly anticipated GlamReport TV is hitting our screens soon. Complete Fashion Extra profiles the shows’ three vivacious hosts – Michelle Dede, Fade Ogunro and Didi Ocheja, as they provide an insight into their lives and what promises to be most invigorating beauty, fashion and lifestyle TV show to infiltrate our everyday lives.
Check on it!
We can’t wait! Can you?
Pick up the December issue of Complete Fashion Magazine for the full interview.
What: Ne-Yo attends the Versace Spring/Summer 2013 Haute-Couture show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Le Centorial on January 20, 2013 in Paris, France.
Suiting: Ne-Yo is wearing Givenchy layered Slim-Fit Wool Coat over Versace men’s fall 2012 midnight blue jacquard print suit, and Versace black cotton velvet branded logo t-shirt underneath.
The music star jacket features a shawl collar with a perfectly placed jeweled pin and a single gold button.
He styled his outfit with a black velvet Stetson hat, shades, and contrast color black and white kicks.
Staying with prints, remember he wore GUCCI fall 2012 printed oxblood suit to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert at Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2012 in Oslo, Norway.
You can purchase Ne-yo’s Givenchy coat at MrPorter.com
There were array of parties going on in DC for the Presidential Inauguration on Monday. One was The Hip Hop Inaugural Ball, with people like Angela Simmons, Rosario Dawson, and more...
These adorable ladies definitely shined in their gowns... Lala went with a piece from Lillie Rubin, Angela rocked a long-sleeve Devushka sequin gown, and Rosario wore a one shoulder sparkly dress. MC Lyte sported an all black ensemble, while Kerry opted for a crimson and black cashgora Michael Kors shift dress.
The fellas also did their thing at The Hip Hop Inaugural Ball...2 Chainz, Lance Gross, along with Swizz Beatz and John Legend, all looked suave and debonair in their suits and tuxes.
For the Kids' Inaugural Concert, Usher performed in a leather Balenciaga jacket and matching pants ensemble, paired with some very fly red, $425 Maison Martin Margiela Red 22 High Top Sneakers. Those sneakers are dope!!!
When First Lady Michelle Obama wore Jason Wu for the 2009 ‘Presidential Inaugural Ball’ the fashion world ask WHO, while the general public and first lady watchers applauded her bold choice for picking an unknown/up-and-coming designer.
Four years later Jason Wu owe much of his success to first Lady Michelle Obama.
The benefits were immediate, huge orders/sales, successful sold-out Jason Wu for Target launch, and most importantly name recognition as Michelle Obama’s favorite designer.
Forward to January 21, 2013 on the 2nd inauguration of her husband President Barack Obama, when most of the world thought the popular first lady would spread the love and give another designer the same opportunity given to WU, she threw a curve ball and wore Jason Wu AGAIN!
Call that luck for Mr. Wu but, it is also an affirmation for the designer.
Why make a new star when you have one who’s on your go-to-list?
With the Jason Wu choice Michelle’s place in fashion history is enshrine, and Jason is blessed with endless possibilities. He will now be a household name blending high-end and mass market appeal.
Just the right message the first lady has put forth the past four years in the white house.
After a departure from their signature aesthetic with 2012′s XUTRA, Ghanaian fashion label Christie Brownreturns with a 2013 Resort Collection. This collection is described as “flirtatious and whimsical“, we totally agree! This time Christie Brown’s designer, Aisha Obuobi experiments with tie dye and batik. She says she was inspired byGrace of Grazie Fabrics in Ghana who has successfully built a 20 year old batik/tie dye business by “fusing the most complementary of colours to make unique non-replicable prints.“
We love the fusion and collaborative story behind this collection.
