Few months ago, we brought you the exciting news that Africa had joined the ANTM franchise with Africa’s Next Top Model. The competition will be hosted by supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi [Read details here]
The application form is now available for download. Auditions will take place in the following countries:
Angola
Ghana
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
South Africa
If your country is not on this list, you can audition in any of the countries listed that is closer to you.
June 8th 2013, was another major proud moment for the Nigerian Fashion Industry, as Nancy Nwadire, Creative Designer of Luxury Label, Iconic Invanity was honored with the Best Brand Award at the Mediterranean Design and Fashion Week (MADEINMEDI) in Noto (Sicily), Italy. The award was presented by the Mayor of Noto (UNESCO world heritage), Mr. Corrado Bonfanti.
Iconic Invanity showed its A/W13 collection at the show to tumultuous applause and overwhelming positive feedback. The designer, Nancy Nwadire had this to say about the experience.
“I feel honored, humbled and grateful. The organizers of the event and the people of Noto are really nice, they made us feel welcome and at home. I feel most especially honored to be recognized by the Italians, who in my eyes are the “gurus” of fashion. I am grateful and thankful to all who have been involved in the journey of the Iconic Invanity brand”.
I remember the first time I saw Iconic Invanity pieces. It was at Arise Fashion Week 2012 and it was love at first sight. It’s great to see how much the brand has grown since then.
Congratulations to Nancy Nwadire and the Iconic Invanity team.
The Miss Nigeria 2013 press conference and unveiling of the finalists held at the new, beautiful and prestigious Intercontinental hotel,Victoria Island. As we walked into the hotel, we were greeted with workers dressed in African attires and lovely smiles. Definitely a warm welcome.
The press conference began with the lovely people at Intercontinental hotel stating that the hotel is an official sponsor for the event. This means that the hotel will serve as a home for the gorgeous finalists and the grand finale will take place there as well.
The 36 finalists will feature in a two-week reality TV show titled ‘THE MAKING OF A QUEEN”.
THE MAKING OF THE QUEEN will see the 36 contestants undergo grooming and preparation for the role of Miss Nigeria. The finalists will perform different tasks , there will be nominations based on their performances at each task and eliminations. After this period, only 21 ladies will be left who will then go on to compete for the Miss Nigeria crown at the Grand finale where a winner will be chosen based on elegance, poise, talent, intelligence and beauty.
According to Mrs Elohor Aisien, the winner of Miss Nigeria will take home a cash prize of 3million naira, a car, a trip to Carlifornia sponsored by MUD Cosmetics, paid trips to any part of the country sponsored by Aero contractors amongst other prizes from various sponsors.
Mrs Elohor Aisien, CEO Beth Models and Creative Director for Miss Nigeria Beauty Paegent
Zainab from African Times(Mother Company Of Miss Nigeria)
It’s summer time!! The perfect season for beaches, vacation, fun and ofcourse, to show off your bikini bodies.
Recently spotted at her vacation in Anguilla showing off her bikini body is Angela Simmons (daughter of legendary rap artist and pioneer Reverend Run of Run-DMC). She was spotted rocking high waisted bikinis by Nigerian design label and one of our fab members, Andrea Iyamah Swimwear.
Totally love both bikinis. Love the cuts , the print and the fact that they are high waisted.
Madeinmedi – Mediterranean Design & Fashion Week comes back to Noto from the 3rd to the 9th of June 2013. At its seventh edition, it has become a cult “Made in Sicily” event that, for seven days, will transform the UNESCO World Heritage city of Noto to a prestigious location for fashion and design.
Produced by Marco Aloisi and sponsored by the Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali (MIBAC) and the city of Noto, the Madeinmedi has become a reference point and an important showcase for well-known fashion designers and upcoming Mediterranean creative talents.
Designer Carnazza- MadeinMedi 2012
This year the Madeinmedi, Mediterranean Design & Fashion Week, meets the creativity of international artists and of the fashion designer of Sood Generation. In fact, on the 7th and the 8th of June 2013, the Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Noto will turn into an exceptional catwalk that will host important names of the international fashion system and creative young fashion designers.
From Nigeria, Nancy Nwadire of Iconic Invanity will showcase her collection: colours, laces, embroideries, pearls rule the roost in the clothes made with ankara fabrics, typical of the place of origin of the designer and her brand.
Nancy Nwadire Of Iconic Invanity
Iconic Invanity At Lagos Fashion And Design Week 2012
Other African designers that will be showcasing their collection at the fashion week are:
Designers Foundry (DF) presents ‘Fashion Rhapsody’, an invite-only, cocktail party and fashion presentation of the capsule collections of two exciting emerging designers, Agu and Orange Culture.
Taking place at one of Lagos’ most stylish new venues: Rhapsody’s V.I on May 21st 2013, ‘Fashion Rhapsody’ marks DF’s first showcase in support of its 2013 awardees. The presentation will feature limited edition collections by Agu (womenswear) and Orange Culture and Olekouture, an artistic twist on the 70s dress trend in collaboration with Blooms Boudoir.
Each collection showcases fabrics with original and exclusive prints, designed by Bukie Aje Lloyd and her graphic design team based in London. Special guest filmmaker Nina Carr will direct a short fashion film live at the event, for an online ad campaign for the collections. A New Yorker based in London, Nina has executive produced and directed global TV series for The Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel and the UK’s Channels Four and Five, including short documentaries in fashion. Fashion shows will take place through to close of evening around a cocktail party offering a selection of culinary delights and drinks.
According to DF Founder and Director, Bukie Aje Lloyd “Our aim is to give up and coming designers access to a new platform that showcases their creativity and gives them the opportunity to establish connections with consumers. The prints for the collections have a noticeable, signature look and showcase something new and unique: perfectly edited collections that allow people to create a highly individual style statement based on designs that will never be repeated.”
Designers Foundry is a pioneering business incubator and talent hub for designers in Nigeria and Africa. Founded by Bukie Aje Lloyd, it was created to support designers in the difficult early stages of their career through a unique programme of mentoring, production support, and sales and promotional opportunities. Contact: Bukie Aje Lloyd bukie@designersfoundry.com
Africa has some of the fastest growing economies in the world and women are playing a key role in that growth. The WIE Power Influencers showcases the women shaping Africa’s future. Listed under “Fashion and Entertainment” in WIE’s 2013 power list are Nigerian fashion designers, Folake Folarin-Coker of Tiffany Amber and Lisa Folawiyo of Jewel By Lisa. Also listed in this category is the beautiful Nigerian actress, Genevieve Nnaji.
On May 6th, 2013, WIE launches the inaugural WIE Africa in Cape Town. You can follow via twitter using the hashtag #wieafrica or follow @WIENetwork
WIE Africa aims to contribute to changing the perceptions of Africa as a whole by showcasing successful African women and innovation connecting with the next generation of African leaders through a series of fully interactive, informative and exciting sessions.
WIE will hold for two days with 39 speakers (including Nigerian designer, Folake Folarin – Coker of Tiffany Amber) through the 6th & 7th of May, 2013 spanning with career talks from top women in their fields from Fashion to Banking, and will end with an exclusive dinner in honour of Graca Machel & the WIE Power Influence list.
WIE Africa is partnering with Toyin Saraki‘s organization, the Wellbeing Foundation.
The WIE Symposium is an ambitious and innovative event that brings together smart, engaged, forward thinking women interested in meeting like-minded individuals, expanding their knowledge and making a difference. Over the years, the WIE Symposium has attracted an incredible lineup of thought leaders such as Nancy Pelosi, Jill Biden, Arianna Huffington, Melinda Gates, Sarah Brown, Queen Rania, Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Aerin Lauder, Jennifer Buffett, Ted Turner, Lauren Bush, Christy Turlington, Iman, Rosario Dawson and Nora Ephron.
On Friday, the 26th of April 2013, popular American production and distribution company, CBS released the official press release, introducing ‘Africa’s Next Top Model’.
Africa’s Next Top Model will be produced by Lulu Productions along with Never Machine Productions and will air pan-regionally throughout Africa in 2013 on MNET Africa Magic channels.
Africa’s Next Top Model will begin production in August in Cape Town and the English-language series will be shot primarily on location in South Africa, sponsored by South African Tourism. Aspiring models will be selected from casting calls in eight countries throughout Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Angola and Tanzania.
In Africa’s Next Top Model, eight models from across Africa compete for the title with Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi filling in the Tyra Banks role as presenter, producer and mentor to the models.
“Africa’s Next Top Model is sure to be an entertaining celebration of the great beauty, fashion and unique stories of aspiring models from across the African continent,” said Roxanne Pompa, Vice President of International Formats Sales and Production, CBS Studios International. “This is a testament to the universal popularity of the ever-growing ‘America’s Next Top Model’ franchise.”
“I am excited to be hosting AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and it is great to be part of the successful ‘America’s Next Top Model’ franchise that Tyra Banks created and has hosted for an impressive 20 cycles thus far in the U.S.,” said Oluchi. “The African version of the franchise is long overdue and I expect the show to be a smashing success across the continent. My company, LuLu Productions, will be partnering with Never Machine productions with Gavin Wratten as Co-Executive Producer and also one of the giant media houses to help make this show a big success.”
Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, said, “South Africa is proud and delighted to be the host destination of AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL. We welcome the AFRICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL contestants, crew and eager African viewers to South Africa. We know they are going to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our land, the warmth of our welcoming people who call it home, the sophistication and capability of our cities and the abundance of beautiful experiences that await them in South Africa. We wish them a memorable visit!”
Photo Credits: HauteFashionAfrica
This is great news and we can’t wait for the first season to hit the screens!!
Clan is a fashion label with a fresh and irreverent style, for edgy, style-conscious girls and guys who like to stay ahead of the fashion curve. Sisters, Teni, Aba and Tiwa Sagoe, daughters to Deola Sagoe, of the eponymous and legendary fashion house, have channelled their collective fashion heritage to bring their own vision to the fore.
Here’s the press release for their yet to be released collection-
This collection is a direct response to the rapid globalization around us. There is a rich heritage of culture and tradition in Nigeria that is inextricably linked to fashion. Our country today is transitioning into an unexpected hub of commercial and corporate activity and as a result Nigeria is now capable of refining its natural resources and transforming them into world-class products by virtue of a growing skilled and creative workforce. This collection will physically project our socio-economic growth as well as uphold Africa’s rich and opulent culture as a whole.
In conception, we were inspired by the minimalist culture that is currently trending. Minimalism is described as any design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect. Da Vinci famously said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Selfridges, one of the biggest department stores in the fashion capital of London has embraced this movement by implementing a de-branding project that they have aptly termed “No Noise”. Under this initiative, the Selfridges logo will be removed from its iconic yellow bags but will still retain the prestige and heritage associated with this very popular department store. They all celebrate the beauty of a minimalist aesthetic and focus on a product’s quality and function rather than its packaging or advertised image. The quote “less is always more” thus means more right now than it ever has.
Designing from the zesty city of Lagos, we are surrounded by constant activity and change. Lagos has recently been adorned with new glass high-rise buildings and sophisticated structures such as our first ever suspension bridge that was erected late last year. We have in this light, drawn inspiration from these simple structures which feature clean lines, basic shapes and natural textures and colours but are nevertheless striking and picturesque. By eliminating all non-essential forms, features and concepts, this collection will show that fewer elements can be used to create a maximum effect.
Clan can be found at: the Deola Sagoe Flagship Store 292F, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island,
Lagos Nigeria.
Tel No : +234(1) 854 5315
Please click here to view Clan’s page on Styljunki and be assured that the page will be updated as soon as this new collection is out.
For those unaware, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is on Time’s 2013 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Yesterday, the Nigerian actress attended the 2013 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center in this lovely black dress by Nigerian Designer label, Iconic Invanity.
It is safe to say, Omotola definitely loves Iconic Invanity as we’ve seen her several times rocking designs from the label.
we love her choice of make-up, hair and dress. we think she looked stunning. what do you think?
Agbani Darego, the Beauty Queen turned Entrepreneur releases the promotional campaign for her denim line AD by Agbani Darego.
The denim line embraces a luxurious and chic aesthetic that’s affordable with cuts and styles that are flattering to a range of body types.
“Launching AD by Agbani Darego is a dream come true for me. Jeans are my loved go-to everyday look and it’s a love I share with a lot of young girls and women for its comfort and simplicity. AD by Agbani Darego is a line that caters to the ease we require of our personal style and it has been a pleasure creating a line that’s intuitive to our body, style and pocket needs. I am excited about it and I hope that it will be well received” says Agbani.
The first products to be launched are its range of Jeans, Polo shirts and its Zip front Shirt Dress. Named after the Nigerian woman, the Jeans will come in four styles; Bola- “Trouser Leg”, Aisha-“Classic Cut”, Ify-“Boyfriend Jeans”, Nosa-“Skinny Jeans” and in a variety of washes. Prices of products range from 6,500 Naira – 12,500 Naira.
AD by Agbani Darego will be available in stores and on-line in June, 2013.
I absolutely love the Zip front shirt dress and can’t wait to see what else Agbani has in store for us. June seems faraway though but I shall be waiting patiently. What do you think?
Credits:
Photography: Obi Somto
Make-Up: Bimpe Onakoya
Stylist: Ebun Aboderin
Graphic Design: Otoide Ayemere | RVO Media
Style Night is pleased to present 2nd Lifestyle Event- Photography Exhibition.
This exhibition is a diverse expression of beauty, African godess history and Art of 26 year old photographer from Abia State. He shares a common interest in capturing specific moments and situation using the photographic image as a starting point with a variety of ending goals. He started as a documentary photographer and presently settling in Fashion and Art photography.
Ogbanje Exhibition depicts the divine beauty of the African woman that seems so perfect. Paul feels there is so much interesting and exciting work being done today in photography and that part of Nigeria’s lifestyle history on beauty in Africa shares a connection with mermaid.
Curated by Priscilla Philips.
Art Gallery: Tribe Africa
Venue: Posh Café
Date: April 12th, 2013.
Paul Ukonu is a Styljunki Member.
Check out his profile(portfolio + Contact details) HERE
Personally, Maki Oh is one of my favorite designer labels. Amaka Osakwe is simply a brilliant designer. There’s always something exciting about every Maki Oh collection and most importantly, you can tell she is very detailed about how she wants us to see her brand. I also love that she stays true to her motherland and lets it show in every collection.
Screenshot From The Video
Trust Designer Amaka Osakwe to do something totally different in this video. The video for her Autumn/Winter 2013 collection shows stunning model and Styljunki member Uju Nwobodoh having her hair locally done(thread) in different local Lagos salons.
Soundtrack is Solange’s Look Good With Trouble.
Solange tweeted some hours ago ”This is so beautifully ill. Honored to have been the backdrop. “
I like the concept although it was a bit dark at some point so one might not get to really appreciate each piece. I actually love the bit at the end where Uju loosens one thread, very nice “efizi”. . If you were confused on whether or not the pieces are wearable, I guess this video shows they are and can be worn to anywhere too.
This collection is inspired by the art of hair threading. Amaka uses the ‘Adire‘ material to create fine pieces in white, lilac and blue tones. The pieces have asymmetrical hems, a couple of jackets to appeal to its foreign audience in the fall season.
About The A/W 2013 Collection
I am not blown away by all the pieces so I’ll just share my five favorite looks with you.
So what do you think about the video and the pieces in the collection?
It was only a year ago that Grey Velvet first opened up its doors, inviting Lagos into a realm of fashion and a world of style predisposed to the Nigerian designer. Fast-forwarding a year on and the concession is set to celebrate its first anniversary with the launch of yet another store, in the affluent and vibrant heart of Lekki Phase 1.
Showcasing exclusive African designers with cutting edge pieces, the new store is set to feature couture and accessories from the likes of Odio Mimonet, Nkwo, Eki Orleans, Nikki Khiran, Kiki Kamanu, CLAN, Re Bahia, Alter Ego, Isi Brown, Mak Nisy, Ariaba and Emisara. This extension of creativity is aimed to fit right into the modishly inclined island and its “upper east-side” life style. The new store is set to open on Saturday 6th of April 2013.
Notwithstanding, the Ikeja store will be celebrating its first year anniversary treating customers to drinks courtesy of Baileys. A raffle draw will also be featured, automatically entering every purchaser with the chance to win goody bags of up to N100,000.00. As expected, sales will also be on inviting customers to shop the trends available in store with up to 50% discount off items. Join Grey Velvet in their Ikeja store every day from Good Friday the 29th of March to the 6th of April 2013 for the opportunity to win one of the goody bags.
Contact Details
Ikeja: L34 Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja
Lekki: Centro Lekki Shopping Plaza, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
