FASHION PROMOTER LEXY MOJO EYES TO ADDRESS UNITED NATIONS SEMINAR

Following his continuous contribution to the development and growth of

global fashion, Lexy Mojo Eyes, President/CEO of Legendary Gold Limited

has been invited as a VIP Guest Speaker at the United Nations – Commission

session on the 2nd of March in New York. He will be addressing a seminar

on ‘Empowering Creative Rural Women through Enterprise Development and

Global Fashion Opportunities’

This is coming after the very successful hosting of the Nigeria Fashion

Week November 16th – 19th, 2011. The event organized in collaboration with

the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the World Fashion

Organization hosted 42 designers and 39 Exhibitors from 22 countries.

The United Nations seminar is being co-ordinated by TCF Global, Belmont

BEC and BPW International and is an accredited event being ran during CSW

NGO Sessions. TCF Global and Belmont BEC are non-profit community

ARISE AFRICA FASHION WEEK DESIGNER LIST OUT

Due to the phenomenal response to participate in the much anticipated, ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, which last year hosted 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models, 5 musical acts over three days – ARISE organisers have announced that it will return to Lagos in March 2012, only this time it will feature 77 participants from 6 continents – including designers as far away as India, the Caribbean, USA, Europe and Africa.

The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week – Lagos 2012 fashion extravaganza will run for an extended period of SIX days from Tuesday 6th March to Sunday 11th March 2012 in THREE tents on the grounds of the luxurious 5-Star Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria.

The much-anticipated designers selected to participate include:

Adama-Paris (Senegal/France), Amine Bendriouich Couture and BS (Germany/Morocco), Amrapali (India), Angelo Van Mol (Belgium/Ghana), Be-Grey (Nigeria), Bestow Elan (UK/Ghana), Bridget Awosika (Nigeria), Buki Akib (UK/Nigeria), CHICHIA (UK/Tanzania), Christie Brown (Ghana), CLAN (Nigeria), David David London (UK), Davida (Nigeria), Duaba Serwa (Ghana), Ejiro Amos Tafiri (Nigeria), Eki Orleans (UK/Nigeria), Frank Osodi (Nigeria), Funlayo Déri (UK/Nigeria), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Gloria Wavamuno (Uganda), HOUSE of DIVAS (Nigeria), House of Farrah (Nigeria), House of Nwocha (Nigeria), ICONIC INVANITY (Nigeria), Imane Ayissi (France/Cameroon), Jacob Kimmie (UK/South Africa), Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria), Kastle Designs & Treasure

WOMEN CAN BE CONSERVATIVE YET STYLISH-BINTA SHUAIBU,DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Binta Shuaibu is the Creative Director of Vintage Colette (VC), a Kano based fashion house. She believes a woman can be conservative yet stylish, beautiful and very fashionable. Shuaibu won the MTN/British Council Young Designer Award for 2011 at the recently held MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week in November last year. In this interview she shares her passion for fashion and other things. (Excerpt)

What does the word fashion mean to you?

Fashion means three basic things to me; comfortable, artistic and stylish. Fashion is a personal self expression that reflects the radiance from within one’s individuality.

How would you describe the Nigerian fashion industry as it is today?

The Nigerian fashion industry has really improved over the decades and is still on the verge for more improvement. Nigeria is a country with a lot of talented and creative minds. The last decade has unveiled a lot of potentials from the Nigerian fashion industry featuring in the most famous fashion shows in the world.

What are the kinds of fabrics you work with?

Most times I work with silk, cotton and some other fabrics but usually Nigerian, African and western fabrics.

What is your personal style?

My personal style is simple and artistic.

Tell us a little about your background, education, career and how your fashion career started?

I am an indigene of Gombe state but was born and raised in Kano State. I attended St. Louis primary and secondary schools in Kano. I studied Biochemistry and also had my Cisco certified networking academy course from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After serving in FCT I got married and moved back to Kano where I enrolled at Alliance francaise and obtained an equivalent degree certificate in French language. I then enrolled for a Masters course in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria which I completed earlier last year that is 2011.

My fashion career was something that started as a hobby from the age of eight when I watched the late Maryam Babangida on television. I began sketching and my fashionable parents also helped me with styling my wardrobe and dressing smartly from a tender age. At the age of 13, my mum sent me to a tailoring school at the women’s centre in FCT for a three month course. I didn’t like the classes because I preferred the cookery classes and also because I was the youngest in the class and was constantly teased by the other women that my parents sent me there because they had plans of marrying me off as soon as I completed my secondary school. They teased me and said I was going to be a tailor in the future. I hated going for the classes.

I eventually continued to sketch as a hobby for myself, family and friends but stopped after a while because people thought my designs were too eccentric. Later on, after having a baby I decided to continue without worrying so much about what others thought. I simply focused on what I felt from the inside and put it down on a piece of paper.

Asides fashion and designing what are your other interest?

Before auditioning for the MTN LFDW, I only worked as an event planner and also did some creative writing. I was asked at the audition how I joggle all that up with family life and my designs too. It is quite simple actually for me because everything I do is creative and I get inspirations from all over. Life itself is also creative from my own perspective. Fashion design is something I have always done effortlessly but I now intend to take it up as a full career and give it my best shot.

What would you say inspires your work, that is, your designs?

I derive my inspiration from the simplest things to the most complicated. It could be architectural, nature based, art or lifestyle.

How do you keep fit?

My personal regimen for keeping fit is dieting and a high metabolic rate which by the way I think is genetic. The combination of these two things helps me keep in shape.

What is your area of specialisation in fashion designing and why do you focus on that aspect of designing?

My area of specialisation at the moment is haute couture. It a bit complex while putting together because of the amount of detailing involved in creating one dress but it’s something I am passionate about and well worth it at the end. I absolutely love it.

Why do you feel you can make success out of a career in fashion and just how confident are you about this?

I am very confident that I would make a wonderful career out of the fashion industry because I am hardworking, and also a perfectionist. From the age of 8, my primary school teacher thought me a poem by Mamman J. Vasta that ended with the words ‘from beginning to end must leave nothing pending’. I have always entwined these words into my daily life and career as a human being, the results have always left me with a smile on my face.

Vintage Colette is the name of your fashion label, when and how did you come about the name?

Vintage Colette is the brand name I came up with for my design house which infuses the use of Vintage designs with contemporary concepts to make any woman between the ages of 19-55 feeling comfortable, stylish and sexy without revealing too much. A woman can be conservative yet stylish, sexy and fashionable without indecent exposure.

What is your take on love, marriage and relationship?

I think it’s best to be married to your friend and someone who deeply understands you. Love is an important ingredient in the equation but in the long run it’s those two things that keep a relation or marriage going.

Locally and internationally, who are some of the people you consider your role models?

Late Maryam Babangida, my parents, Ituen Basi, Coco Chanel, Balenciaga, John Galliano, Elie Saab, Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta.

How do you unwind?

I hang out with my close friends and family. Sometimes we go to the movies but generally I enjoy hang outs with my family and close friends.

How do you balance your personal life, home and family with your job?

The same with every woman with an ambitious drive, it’s hectic, but I’m neither the first nor the only woman in this position. I enjoy the full support of my family on this job, adjusting might be tough initially. If there’s anything I’ve come to learn in my few years of experience is that eventually things work out and you’ll reap the fruit of your labour.

What are your dreams and aspirations for Vintage Colette?

You can bet I’m already dreaming big because the journey towards a wonderful career has just begun. My vision is that in a few years from now Vintage Colette would be on all the continents in the world and it all started from the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011 competition.

AWARD FOR CELEBRITY FASHION DESIGNER,MUDI

   CELEBRITY fashion designer Mudiaga Enajemo popularly known as Mudi is the recipient of O’jez Entertainment Awards for February, and the foremost designer who hails from Delta State, has assured he would be present to receive one of the industry’s most prestigious awards on Sunday, February 26 at the celebrity restaurant, O’jez, inside National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Mudi is being honoured for his invaluable contributions to both the fashion and entertainment industries in Nigeria according to O’jez’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Joseph Odobeatu in a statement. “Mudi is one young Nigerian that has made this country proud across Africa.

His Mudi label has gained grounds in East, West and South Africa and he makes clothes for all celebrities and all classes of people in the continent. Like I always reiterate, O’jez Entertainment Awards was instituted to celebrate Nigerians that have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavours. Consequently, we are celebrating Mudi on February 26 here at the only celebrity restaurant in Nigeria, for his achievements so far while encouraging him to strive more.”
O’jez and Evergreen bands will be on call to dish out soul lifting highlife tunes to Mudi and other invited guests while comedians MC Shakara, Elenu and compere Charles Inojie will all entertain the award recipient. Odobeatu said: “O’jez Entertainment Awards is fast carving out a niche for itself as one of the industry’s most credible awards.

It is given on merit to well deserving people in the society, it is not solicited for and cannot be bought like some many awards around that is why someone like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Femi Osofisan, Bahorun Dele Momodu, Ken Calebs Olumese, and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur among many others can proudly display our plaques in their homes and offices.

For over a decade now, we have consistently given this monthly award, (I don’t think there is any monthly award around) to achievers in the society. A time will soon come that if you are an achiever and you have not received the O’jez awards, you are not yet an achiever because the awards committee made up of people like Nollywood actors Zach Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Charles Inojie and media lobbyist Justin Akpovi-Esade among many others ensures the right person is chosen monthly.

I am proud of the O’jez awards,” Odobeatu said.
Mudi in accepting the nomination for the awards in a statement posted on his Media Company, Media Image Managers’ website; www.mymediaimage.net and Facebook page, Media Image Managers, said he was indeed honoured to be O’jez’s award recipient for February. “I am honoured and I feel proud to be nominated for the O’jez Entertainment Awards.

I have attended same awards ceremony in the past where others were celebrated but I never knew it would be my turn. Truth is, I feel proud that some group of people somewhere are taking note of what others are doing and have decided to recognise these efforts. I will have to cut short my trip overseas to be here in person to receive this award.”
The show is expected to start by 7.30pm.

MEET GRETA WALLACE:THE DESIGNER WITH A DIFFERENCE

Greta Wallace is an independent fashion design professional who retails the Simply Greta fashion line from a Brooklyn, New York brownstone. Ms. Wallace manufactures some of her clothing in silk charmeuse, and her bias-cut skirts are as luxurious as anything you would find on Madison Avenue. The Simply Greta line tends towards loose-fitting skirts and shirts topped by her signature shrug, long tubular pieces with an opening for the torso, one for the head and two for the hands. If your looking for a resort-wear, or a relaxed style that can transition from work to recreation; Simply Greta has styles that compliment every body figure.

SIMPLY GRETA 2012
Studio: 718-257-1283
Mobile: 917 340-2347

HERE IS A CHANCE TO WIN SIX FANTASTIC GIFTS FROM 6 DESIGNERS COURTESY SPICE TV

As it’s February, the month of love and romance Spice TV has decided to ‘treat’ our lovely readers dearly by giving out fantastic gifts courtesy of six A-list Nigerian designers…Oh did we mention they’re fabulous gifts you will love?

Great!

It’s simple and precise. Follow the simple steps below and you’ll probably be wining a real gift from amazing Nigerian designers this February.

First step: Follow Spice TV on Twitter @SpiceTVOnline

Second Step: Join the Spice TV Facebook group here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/206849459354027/

Third Step: Two different questions will be posted daily within the next seven (7) days on Spice TV Twitter handle - @SpiceTVOnline , answer the questions correctly and you stand a chance of winning lovely items from fabulous designers like; Pearl 1130, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Marayah. O, Viv La Resistance, Alali Boutique, Beatrice Black Atari.

Contestants should however note the following;

Images of the two pieces to be won daily will be tweeted alongside info about the designers, so you get a chance to get familiar with the designers.

It gets even more interesting …

All 14 winners get invited for a fashion shoot with top of the range photographers like - Hakeem Salaam, Yinka Obebe, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Obi Somto, Yetunde Ayeni Babaeko, Mousa Mousa and Toni Tones ; makeup artists, stylists and as well get to meet the designers.  All the razzmatazz, makeup, styling, photo shoot, Champagne gets you on TV as all 14 episodes of the making of the shoot will be created for TV and the Web giving you your own mini reality TV show!

 

It starts from the 7^th of February till the 14^th of February 2012; all you need is a first step, follow @SpiceTVOnline on Twitter.

ARISE FASHION WEEK VS JOBURG FASHION WEEK

[caption id="attachment_6712" align="alignleft" width="600" caption="Nduka Obaigbena"][/caption]

'Now, lets see which of us is the biggest' seem to be the slogan between the organizers of the Arise Africa Fashion week and Joborg Fashion week.

Two of the top fashion weeks in Africa has been slated for the same period.While the Joburg Fashion Week is slated to hold between 7 and 10 March 2012, Arise would start one 6 March and ends on 11 March 2012 in Nigeria.

A source who spoke with gistmaster.com last weekend said "This could just be another way that African Fashion International and Arise wants to lock up their battle of supremacy. You know they had a major disagreement durning the first Arise Africa Fashion Week in 2009. That is why they have not been able to collaborate on it again. Instead Nduka decided to organise subsequent ones in Nigeria and invited some South African designers and directors for the second one"

Another person who spoke to gistmaster under the condition of anonymity however saw things differently. She said, it does not matter.The two Fashion Weeks are prestigious and those who can't make it to one will go for the other.People should stop spreading false information and creating enemity.

"It is true that Nduka Obaigbena and his people in Arise magazine had issues with the people in Africa Fashion International organizers of Jobourg Fashion week had issues durning the Arise Africa Fashion Week in 2009 but that is not to say they are now using the same calendar to get back to one another. Arise  took place this same time last year, so whats the big deal" she asked rhetorically.

 

 

PLANS IN TOP GEAR FOR AFRICA FASHION WEEK,LONDON 2012

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) kicked of f to a f lamboyant star t for i ts debut launch in London dur ing August 2011.
With an impressive turnout of over 4,700 at tendees, the 2-day ext ravaganza created an unprecedented plat form for over
50 international designers to showcase thei r col lect ions.
Glowing press reviews and high at tendance f igures in 2011 have boosted AFWL prof i le and now led to capt ivate a wider
internat ional audience in 2012, benef iciat ing of an est imated 7 mi l l ion London visi tors set to be in the capi tal for the
Olympics. AFWL pledged to cont inue of fer ing equal oppor tuni t ies & exposure to designers f rom al l backgrounds whom
are inspi red by Af r ican designs, pr ints & text i les.
Of fer ing cut t ing edge fashion, inter iors, or iginal ar tworks as wel l as food, Spi tal f ields Market, winner of the 2007 Best
New Open Space, is sur rounded by independent shops, cafes, bars and awarding winning restaurants such as Canteen,
Galvin La Chapel l and Gi raf fe to name a few. Wi th a capaci ty of over 10,000 visi tors, Spi taf ields wi l l of fer Af r ica
Fashion Week London (AFWL) the per fect locat ion for a 2 day display of Fashion, Ar t , Music & Food.
Karine Laudort-

-Niyi Tabiti

news@gistmaster.com

NIGERIAN FIRST LADIES:WHO'S GOT THE MOST STUNNING LOOK?

Olufunsho Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti

When it comes to Fashuon, most Nigerian women are always in their best. Durning the first and second tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, Onari Duke was adjudged the most beautiful of all the first ladies.

The effortless elegance of Mrs. Onari Duke made her the favorite of many fashion followers.

In Our special edition that is coming up soon, Gistmaster.com would be taking a look at the new first ladies and how they they have been promoting the dress African culture. What more?We are also going to take a look at who is truly the Most Beautiful First lady. We are also going to take a look at various projects they are doing to alleviate the lives of the less priviledged.It would be published as part of our special lifetyle package.

Click here to read Inside Patience Jonathan's Fashion Cabinet

[caption id="attachment_6641" align="alignleft" width="336" caption="Obioma Imoke, wife of Cross River state GovernorBisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti State governor"][/caption]

NNSM WINNER READY TO HIT LONDON FASHION WEEK

[caption id="attachment_6569" align="alignleft" width="479" caption="Imade Ogbewi"][/caption]

After her marvelous debut at the South Africa Fashion Week and subsequent appearance at the Gambia Fashion Week, the new star of Nigeria's runway, Imade Ogbewi is prepared 'hug' the limelight in europe as she look forward to the London Fashion Week this February in the United Kingdom.

The 18 year old model from Edo State Nigeria was the winner of the Nigeria Next Supermodel 2011 in Lagos Nigeria.When gistmaster.com met her recently, she was very confident about what the future holds in stock for her with her modelling career. The model told our correspondent that she has not been sexually harrassed but confirmed that since she won a lot of guys have been pestering to date her but for now, she is only going to 'date' her career.

Other models from Isis Modelling agency such as Aishetu Bello, Bunmi Ademokoya are also going to feature at the prestigious London Fashion Week

-By Niyi Tabiti

 

 

 

SA FASHION WEEK WINTER AND SUMMER COLLECTIONS-SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2011

The South Africa Fashion Week winter and summer collections is set to take place between October 2011. According to information sent to gistmaster.com today,the winter collections would be showcased at Crowne Plaza, Rosebank between September 22 and 25.

The SA Fashion Week Summer pop up shop 201 collections would hold at Sandton City Fountain Court between October 30 and 2 October.



SNEAK PEAK-GUGULUM

South African designer, Gugulum dream is to create timeless designs. She was a stylist for Soul magazine before setting up her label in 2008.

Where did you study?
I studied at the Wits Technikon.

How long have you been designing.
I have been a designer for many years but my label has been operation for three years now.

When you start with a collection do you start from scratch or build on an existing collections?
I start my collection from scratch and then pull in some ideas from my other collections if necessary.

Does your culture have an influence in your design aesthetic?
The world cultures are my culture, so yes it does.

Do you think a designer can stay completely true to themselves in the South African Fashion Industry and if so how difficult is it for you to do that?
I do try to stay true as much as I can, but what the buyers expect does affect what you put out to the public.

In your opinion is design a talent or do you think someone can learn to design?
For me personally I believe it is a talent, but I have seen people learn design tricks and survive.

-Gistmaster.com

Newsroom: news@gistmaster.com

Related links

Arise Africa Fashion Week -Sandton, South Africa 2009

 

BOLA AKINBOADE, CITY PEOPLE MAGAZINE EX-FASHION EDITOR TALKS ABOUT THENEXT LEVEL

By Niyi Tabiti

I spent sometime asking questions about whats next for ex- Fashion Editor of City People magazine, Miss Bola Akinboade recently.

Here is the interview

Gistmaster: What are the things you intend doing now after resigning from your position as city people magazine's fashion editor?

Right now my dream is to have my event outfit and also have a fashion label. I have always loved fashion designing; I have attended a fashion school couple of years back, I am just waiting for the right timing. I didn’t just want to start and end up being like just another designer coming up so for now, I am starting with my event/PR outfit, reason because that is much easier for me to start with and with my years with City People, i have been exposed.

I have handled couple of event and it has given me confidence that I can also do that and for the fashion label that is CHANTALLE, I am still hoping to do an advanced training before I start officially. Hopefully, towards the end of the year, I will be launching my clothing line by the special grace of God.

What are those things that you have in line at the moment that you want to start with? Like sometimes ago, people were speculating that you already have a shop somewhere.

Shop ke? I don’t have a shop yet. Like I just said now, my life is going to between events, PR, fashion and maybe blog. I also enjoy blogging so definitely I will do more. I know I can a lot of things maybe that’s why people think Bola will soon open a make-up shop or start selling hair products and all that but really, that’s not what I’m passionate about.

I am passionate about event and fashion; these are the two things I really want to do. I can do other things because you will always want other streams of income but fashion and event is going to be my core basic business line. You have to be a specialist in whatever you are doing. I just don’t want to do everything, Jack of all trade and not good at anything. So, that is why I am streamlining into those two.

Gistmaster.com: How do you like to dress and what do you like to wear?

BA: I just wear things that enhance me. You know I am slim, have always been a slim person and I have never added, I tried adding weight but I think my dream for now is being slim and I think I’m very lucky because a lot of people actually dream of having a slim figure. I try not to wear anything too big because I don’t have the body to carry it but I feel like anytime I put on anything, if it is a dress, let it be fitted, if it is a top, let it be fitted. I don’t do too much of boubous except it is a flowing dress and even when it is a flowing dress, it must have fit in it.

Gistmaster: There’s this speculation that female journalist are generally wayward. What is your view?

It depends on your background. I think most of the story people carry about us is just mere speculation. A lot of those stories are not true because if you get to hear some nasty things people say behind you and you are wondering, blood of Jesus! I don’t even have a clue of where this person’s office is and you know people will just try to link A and B together because they feel maybe she’s this or that.

To me I don’t think all those stories are actually true because if you have a purpose of coming into journalism; that is to grow and develop yourself, you will not even think of being wayward. Journalism helps you to be independent, it nurtures and improves you. Is not even about what those men are giving you, it is the grace of God that helps and sustains. Well, I think I can only speak for myself.

Gistmaster:How is it now because you have been doing journalism for many years and now you are going off?

I am not going off. I still hope to be a contributor in a national paper. I like writing that is why I said that I am also going to be blogging because I am passionate about writing, I can never stop writing, it gives me joy. It is a way of expressing myself. So I am not going off journalism, Oh! I am not going off media. Let me put it that way. Of course I can’t be a full time journalist again.

Gistmaster: From experience, most fashion editors leave their profession to become a fashion designer. What is the reason for this?

Bola Akinboade: Is like most of the time before you can ever say “Oh! I want to become a fashion editor. So there’s always this thing at the back of your mind that maybe along the line, I am going to do this thing. As for me for instance, I have been making clothes ever before I even dreamt of working with City People.

I have been making clothes for 15 years now and one of the reasons that made me to become a fashion reporter is because of the idea I have in my mind that in the next couple of years I am going to have my clothing line, so I just saw it as an opportunity to mix with people and share their views about fashion.

Initially when I was younger, I used to think that having a fashion label is going to be very difficult but in the course of working, I noticed that talking with a big designer that started small like Frank Oshodi helped to change my orientation that I don’t need a lot of money to start and that if this person can do it then I can do it better.

So it’s not because I am a fashion reporter, then that means I can be a fashion designer. All the things I did along the line was just preparing me for the next level of my life.

So when is Bola getting married?

BA: Very soon

GM: How soon?

BA: For me, I have discovered that marriage has been misconceived, the idea most people have about marriage is wrong and bad. One of the things a lot of people believe is that marriages are no longer working and these days, men don’t want to commit themselves. So, marriage and relationship is not something I can just say I’m getting married tomorrow or next year. When it is God’s time you will know about it.

GM: Aside journalism and what you do, you also have passion to assist young people. Can you tell us a little about this?

BA: I am also hoping that very soon, before the end of the year, I will start a ministry. I have a name already but I haven’t registered it. I don’t want to mention the name because I don’t know if the name is accessible or not.

I just want to do something for the teenage girls. I notice that a lot of things are wrong morally. If you notice these days, most men go for these teenage girls and maybe because every woman is a working mother, we are not spending time with our teenagers. These girls sleep around for ridiculous amount-#200.

I am looking at a coming generation of where you would see a sixteen year old girl achieving great things that are amazing. I am trying to do something interesting, interactive, something to empower and change the lives of people and make a better tomorrow.

Somebody invested in me years back and that is why I am who I am today. I started making clothes as a teenager because I was focused. These girls need to be focused. You can imagine a young girl making beads; you train her on how to make it better. She doesn’t have to sleep around; she can start making money at a young age. I am thinking of getting organizations involved to see how we can change the lives of these young girls for good. It is going to be like a club, so I am hoping of going to schools to get girls registered and during vacation; we will have different interactive activities just to make these girls better and the society better in the long run.

GM: For the commencement, you will spending money but is this not also an avenue to make more money for yourself?

BA: I don’t even mind spending my money because it is something I’m passionate about. I know that I am gifted with relating with children, it is my calling. The society is getting somehow with our children especially with our girls keeping men. Girls don’t have to sleep around, they can close up.

At times when girls come to me and say they are pregnant for a guy, I tell them you should have said no and you won’t find yourself in this situation. The worst that can happen is that the guy sees her the next morning and doesn’t say ‘hello’ but at least she has protected her future.

I am passionate about changing the future positively and not making money from it. I see a lot of things because I interact with these girls. For example, there’s this 16 years old girl who had done 6 abortions and how much do you think they give her, #200! When you see things like this you will want to cry, I am trying to help the girl now but she’s so addicted to it and she doesn’t even want my help. She still want the #200, her mind is into it.

I know this change in some girls might not be easy; I will also include prayers because for some people it might be ancestral curse or different factors. I will have to do a lot of motivational talking and I believe that God who gave me the call is also going to show me ways to go about it and also send people to help me actualize the dream.

gistmaster.com

AGBANI DAREGO EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GISTMASTER-NO ENGAGEMENT RING YET, THE RING IS JUST FOR FASHION

[caption id="attachment_6396" align="alignleft" width="388" caption="Agbani Darego"][/caption]Agbani Darego belong to the league of the swankiest, the sexiest and record breakers. Still pretty and lively as ever, Gistmaster.com spotted Agbani at the autograph session for Mania magazine.
Agbani Darego seated quietly at the Natures Gentle Touch corner in the Silver Bird Galleria on Sunday, 17 July, 2011.
Agbani who graced the cover of the second edition of Mania Magazine was happy as admirers, both young and old trooped in from every corner to get autographed copies.
The elegant-looking beauty recently joined Oluchi Onweagba in becoming a brand ambassador.
The former Miss World queen who many believed has been on the quite side ever since her completed her reign, told gistmaster.com in an interview with gistmaster.com that “I have doing modeling jobs abroad and also trying to get education”
When asked how long the contract with Gentle Touch is going to last, she said it would be for a couple of years but she was not specific.“Well for a couple of years and it can be renewed”
On how she keeps in shape, Agbani told gistmaster.com “I am so conscious of what I put inside my tummy; I make sure my nutrition is right and I try not to miss my workout routine.
Many of Agbani’s fans wants to know the reason she posed nude in the launch of CATWALK THE WORLD- FASHION FOR FOOD-a global campaign which raised over $3 Million for poor African children, her response “ I have said it and I will keep saying it that it was a dress malfunction”
Speaking on her achievement so far as a model, the beauty queen says “I thank God for everything, he made the Miss World Day a good day for me and also a blessing to me and ever since that time I have been enjoying what I do. You know, the joy of modeling is being busy and I think I have been busy for a while now (laughs)”
On the issue of Non for profit organization, she noted that she has none at the moment but soon she would.
Agbani said, “Well, the truth is I don’t have an NGO at present but I intend to start one when I settle down fully in the country”
“My NGO will target African Women and not just the Nigerian Women. My NGO will address diseases. As you know, my mum passed away due to breasts cancer, so addressing cancer is a must for me. I want to create awareness on diseases and educate people on how regular routine can help prevent such diseases.
When asked about her love life, Agbani said “Oh! That is my private life and I will not like to talk about it. Well this ring is just fashion jewellery that I like to wear, that’s all”.
Those at present at the meet and greet autograph session put together by Mania magazine said, she is beautiful and has really made her father land proud. They also also said she has been on the quiet side she should try and come out of her shell and mix more with her people (fans).
Agbani was crowned the 51st Miss World in November 2001and also became the first Black African winner of the Miss World Pageantry which was held on the at Sun City South Africa. A native of Abonnema, Rivers State who was born on the 22nd October, 1982 has always longed to be a model. She entered the M-Net Face of Africa modeling competition but didn’t pass the first round. Luck shone her way when she won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2001, thus, qualifying her to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition held in Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 2001and she finished up in the seventh place.
Agbani was once signed to Next Model Management and later Ford Models in New York. She became the spokesperson for L’Oreal Cosmetics from 2002-2004 and presently she is a brand Ambassador for Arik Air Airline.
Story by Funmi Adenugba/gistmaster.com
news@gistmaster.com
News Editor:Niyi Tabiti
niyi@gistmaster.com

MTN ANNOUNCES AUDITION DATES AND VENUES FOR LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK

[caption id="attachment_6346" align="aligncenter" width="319" caption="Omoyemi Akerele"][/caption]Leading telecommunications company in Nigeria, MTN, in partnership with Style House Files and the British Council Nigeria, has announced the dates and venues of the regional auditions and interviews for the 12 young designers to feature at its high profile fashion and design event slated for October, MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week.
According to the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, the auditions will hold in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos to draw up a shortlist of applicants from which the 12 finalists will be selected for the four-day show.
Giving more details, Oyeyemi said the auditioning team will first berth in Port Harcourt on the 25th and 26th of July at the British Council Office, 127 Olu Obasanjo Road, GRA Phase 2. He said the next audition and interviews will hold in Abuja on the 28th and 29th of July at the British Council Office, Plot 3645, IBB Way, Maitama, Garki, while the last port of call of the team will be Lagos on the 2nd and 3rd of August at the British Council Office, 20 Thompson Avenue, Off Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos. All three auditions will hold between 10am through 5pm each day, he said.
Oyeyemi said a large number of entries have already been received by the organisers from across the country. “Public interest is high. We did envisage that several young local designers would show interest, but we are amazed and very pleased with the level of interest shown so far”, said Mr. Oyeyemi.
The MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week will feature a combination of fashion and design-focused activities, talent hunt for international modelling contracts and Young Designer of the Year as well as exhibitions of creative works ranging from arts, interior designs, photography, and architecture to technology, among others.
According to Oyeyemi, the decision to take the auditions around the three selected locations rather than limit it to Lagos was to give as many Nigerians as possible equal opportunity to participate and win the ultimate prize.
Mrs. Omoyemi Akerele, Managing Director, Style House File, promoters of the event, said the winner of the Young Designer of the Year Award will be presented with a brand new Hyundai Car worth N4.5million by MTN while the MTN/British Council Creative Entrepreneur of the Year will win N1million cash prize also from MTN, while the British Council will sponsor the winner to the London Fashion and Design Week. The MTN Model of the Year will also get N1million.

Mrs. Akerele said, “The window of opportunity is still open to interested young entrepreneurs and designers to log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek, download and fill out the application and send in their entries before the closing date, 24 July, 2011”.
Both Oyeyemi and Akerele urged all the interested applicants to take out time to read through the terms and conditions of the show clearly stated on the event website and ensure eligibility before they enter for the show.

AGBANI DAREGO FOR MANIA MAGAZINE AUTOGRAPH SESSION

By Niyi Tabiti
Former Miss World, Miss Agbani Darego would be the center of attraction at Silverbird Galleria on Sunday 17 July 2011 where she would be signing autograph on copies of Mania magazine.
Mania Magazine which debuted with Modupe Ozolua is now out with its second edition. The special travel issue which features Agbani Darego- the first black African miss world on the cover, celebrates the achievements of not just a supermodel, but a role model.

Mania magazine editors announced that this issue is 212 (Two Hundred and Twelve) pages of holiday fashion, travel destinations, trend and beauty reports, guides on packing right
and packing light, makeup to travel with, ageing antidotes, movies and
music reviews, events and many more for =N= 1000 only. There is also a
20% discount on all subscriptions.

LFDW ANNOUNCE ENTRIES FOR THE FASHION DESIGNER, MODEL AND YOUNG CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The organizers of Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW) has formally announced the take off of entries into various competition during the event.

MTN British Council Designer of the Year Competition

Are you a budding young designer with design talents that can be nurtured and developed to propel you into the Nigerian fashion industry’s limelight, log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek for a chance to win an opportunity to show your designs on the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011 runway, a brand new Hyundai Jeep provided by MTN and Master Fashion Design Classes facilitated by British Council. MTN British Council Designer of the Year 2011... Enriching lives. Apply NOW! Deadline for application - 24^th July 2011. Screening will take place across 3 locations in Nigeria - Port Harcourt 25^th and 26^th of July, Abuja 28^th and 29^th of July and Lagos, 2^nd and 3^rd of August. For more details, log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek

 

MTN British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Competition

In search of innovative emerging entrepreneurs in fashion’s creative sector - Stylists, Photographers, PR Consultants, Fashion and Style Writers, Fashion Retailers and Buyers to apply for MTN British Council Creative Entrepreneur of The Year Competition in collaboration with Style House Files. Download forms from www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek, prizes include N1,000,000 cash prize from MTN, A British Council guided tour of United Kingdom’s design sector during London fashion week and design week. MTN British Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2011... Enriching lives. Apply NOW! Deadline for application - 24^th July 2011. Screening will take place across 3 locations in Nigeria - Port Harcourt 25^th and 26^th of July, Abuja 28^th and 29^th of July and Lagos, 2^nd and 3^rd of August. For more details, log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek

To MTN Fashion and Design Week 2011.

 

MTN Model of the Year Competition

Do you have what it takes to succeed in the demanding world of modeling? Are you quick to learn, 5ft 8 and above, British Size 8 and below, log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek to fill out the application forms. MTN British Council Designer of the Year 2011... Enriching lives. Apply NOW! Deadline for application - 24^th July 2011. Screening will take place across 3 locations in Nigeria - Port Harcourt 25^th and 26^th of July, Abuja 28^th and 29^th of July and Lagos, 2^nd and 3^rd of August. For more details, log on to www.mtnonline.com/fashionweek

FOUR DESIGNERS DISPLAY CREATIVITY AT ALLURE MAGAZINE EVENT

[caption id="attachment_6158" align="alignright" width="319" caption="La Bendelle Design"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6159" align="alignright" width="319" caption="Model"][/caption]

Four designers showcased their works at the Women on Wellness Seminar organized by Allure magazine produced by Vanguard Newspapers on Saturday 2 July 2011 in Lagos.

It is presented here as captured by Gistmaster.com

[caption id="attachment_6162" align="alignright" width="319" caption="model wearing native dress"][/caption]

The Four designers are Larry Kay Ojomo of Mon Ami Couture,Ngozi Onyeakwu of Vivis Design, House of Jonah led by Mrs. Joan Okorodudu and Imol Design led by Adeyinka Jonah. The Guests, which included Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, wife of Lagos State Governor and her Ondo State counterpart, Mrs. Olufunke Mimiko,Mrs. Abah Folawiyo, Mrs. Yetunde Onileere, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Mr. Larry Agotshe  and wife, Senator Florence Ita- Giwa,Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and several others applauded the designers for their creativity.

- Report and photos by Niyi Tabiti

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BEST OF HAUTE COUTURE AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: ISIS MODEL REVIEW ON FASHION TV

NEW YORK COUTURE FASHION WEEK 2011 REVIEW Nigerian models have shown  they have all it takes to be the best anywhere they find themselves in the world. In the recent review of Best of Haute Couture at New York Couture Fashion Week 2011 review by Fashion TV (FTV), Models from Isis, a modelling agency by Mrs. Joan Okorodudu came out to show their ingenuity on the runway. click on the link to see the video

NIGERIA BEAUTY QUEEN, JANE OGBE EMERGE 2ND RUNNER UP AT MISS WORLD CUP CONTEST IN GERMANY

[caption id="attachment_5977" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Jane Ogbe"][/caption]

Gistmaster.com

One of the activities that were held ahead of the ongoing Under 20
Female World Cup is the Miss World Cup Beauty Pageant. Gorgeous Miss
Jane Ogbe (former Miss International 2007), represented Nigeria and
emerged Second Runner-up at the competition.

The event was held last

Friday June 17, 2011 in Germany and had beauty queens from different
parts of the world in contention.

Tracing Jane’s career, we see a young girl who started as a video
girl, to a professional runway model for various fashion shows
including Omoyemi Akerele & Odion (2006) and Linda Ikeji’s Fashion
Show (2007).

Her first attempt to beauty pageantry was Miss Earth
2007 where she emerged First Runner-up and crowned Miss International
2007. According to her, this competition really gave her exposure and
several opportunities like representing Nigeria at the Miss Globe
International Beauty Pageant 2007 in Albania where she got the title –
Miss Cosmopolitan and a Diplomat certificate from the Mayor of
Tropoja. She was also part of the seven contestants whose pictures
were used to represent the continents of the world in a TV advert for
Albania’s historical postal stamps.

In 2009, Jane represented Nigeria at The Queens Of the World Contest
in Berlin – an experience that re-invited her to partake at the Miss
World Cup Beauty Pageant this year. “It was quite an experience and I
thank God for the opportunity. I am privileged and honoured to
represent Nigeria and our rich cultural heritage”, she says.

Miss Ogbe is from Benue State but was born in Jos, Plateau State. She
is a graduate from Lagos State University and currently based in Abuja
where she runs a modeling agency - grooming and mentoring other young
aspiring beauty models.

[caption id="attachment_5978" align="alignleft" width="480" caption="Jane Ogbe contesting at Miss World Cup"][/caption]

FASHIONHUB:EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF 'J LABEL' COLLECTIONS BY LISA FOLAWIYO

[caption id="attachment_5970" align="alignleft" width="317" caption="Lisa Folawiyo"][/caption]

By Gistmaster.com

If the name of Nigeria’s hottest trendsetters is to feature anywhere, Lisa Folawiyo would appear in colours.

Stylish and talented, her line ‘Jewel by Lisa' has proved to be one of the most outstanding market leaders in the fashion industry.

The latest gist about the owner of Jewel by Lisa, says all is set for the release of her brand new affordable diffusion line, ‘The J Label’

Toni Tones and her crew got an exclusive preview of Lisa’s new line of business. You can click here to see exclusive documentary as produced and directed by Toni Tones.

"I had a great time directing this documentary, it was all laughs,
jokes and sunny smiles on set as the JBL team were a pleasure to work
with", said Toni Tones

Aside featuring the creative director, Lisa Folawiyo and Makida Mouka a model and face of sleek winner, the documentary also featured Zara Okpara the PR manager reveals all you need to know about the J label

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