OMOTOLA COVERS MANIA MAGAZINE MARCH COVER

  Omotola is on the cover of March 2012 of Mania magazine.According to the editors of Mania magazine, it is now a monthly publication. Get a copy fast!

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

EX-BEAUTY QUEEN VANNESSA EKEKE SHOOTS DOCUMENTARY FILM ON DELE GIWA

To many Vannessa Ekeke should be refered to as an ex-beauty queen because she is still as pretty as ever.Graceful and elegant, Vannessa won Miss Commonwealth organised by man about town, Venat Omigie some years ago.

 The reason much has not been heard about Vannessa is because she has been busy abroad studying  Documentary, Film and History at the University of Syracuse. When we got in contact with the former Miss Commonwealth, she disclosed that she has been busy with a project that will indeed give her great joy when it is finally released to the public by October 2012.      However, she sent us a 'rough' trailer of the documentary film entitled ' A General's Burden'
  The film is in honour of veteran journalist, Mr. Dele Giwa,who was murdered through a letter bomb by unknown persons more than two decades ago. In her words, Vannessa told gistmaster that the film is the story of Dele Giwa and the circumstances that led to his death.

-By Niyi Tabiti
  

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

INTERVIEW WITH BINTA SHUAIBU,MTN/BRITISH COUCIL DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

In this interview with Binta Shuaibu, the winner of MTN/British Council designer of the year, she opened up about her strong passion for fashion, her rising profile and how women can be stylish without having to expose their body. You can click here to see the photos and read the interesting interview 
 To become a successful fashion designer, like Binta,find fashion related courses in online technical schools

-Niyi Tabiti
niyi@gistmaster.com

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.

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

BUSINESS CONSORTIUM GRABS DEAL TO TAKE NIGERIAN DESIGNERS AND MODELS TO LONDON FASHION WEEK

Joan Okorodudu the ceo  of  Business Consortium

All hands are already on deck to unveil LONDON FASHION WEEK come February 2012 calendar, as INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONSORTIUM NIGERIA LTD and SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST MANAGEMENT LLP London has signed agreement to bring Fashion Designers and Models from Nigeria to showcase in the forth-coming London Fashion Week 2012. 
 The CEO of Business Consortium, Mrs. Joan Okorodudu is very elated about the new deal.
The partnership emerged as a result of the success stories of Nigeria fashion industry. "the partnership is important especially now that we are aware Africa can offer so much across the fashion supply chain-not only within the design and manufacturing but also as a supplier of major new talent within the people itself.". These were the words of Errol Hendrickse, the Operation Director of South African Artist Management LLP.
The South African Artist Management LLP primary objective is to see the success of its project that will incorporate PR, exhibition and fashion showcase, seminars, forecast, creation of new design led aesthetic from the concept development to launch. The first quater of the project is to develop and crate an international South African design led aesthetic, international promotion and high visibility PR campaign.

In Nigeria alone, fifteen models will be selected to hit the runway during the London Fashion Week. five out of the fifteen are expected to be male Models while the remaining are expected to be females.The selection process will take two streams. Selection by Z-cards (in London) and physical selection in Nigeria.
Top media organizations in Nigeria will be there to cover the event.
The VAUXHALL SCOUTS London will also be on ground to capture every moments from casting to the runway. This is a big opportunity for participating Models to make their dreams come true.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout is the leading independent event at London Fashion Week, showcasing the mot innovative and exciting fashion designers to an international audience of media, buyers, celebrities and VIPs.
Labelled a "talent goldmine" by vogue.com, Vauxhall Fashion Scout is an integral part of London Fashion Week and a major media attraction. Over 10,000 guests attend the six-day event making it a major part of LFW, generating substantial press and social media coverage.
Vauxhall Fashion Scout selects the exciting designers and showcases them through catwalk shows, salon shows, presentations, fashion film and exhibition, and since its conception, and since its conception ten seasons ago, Vauxhall Fashion Scout has held over 280 shows.
The first to support bloggers and a leader in fashion presentations, Vauxhall Fashion Scout is also the only independent event to host men's catwalk shows as part of LFW.

South African Artist Management LLP who is also instrumental in bringing top south africa designers last year under the Ubuntu project is the brainchild of Theo Omambala and South African borne-designer and lifetime architect Errol Hendrickst.
The designers Stiaan, Loouw, Heni Este - Hijze and Maxhosa Knitwear and now very well known in the fashion industry in Europe and America while designer like Bunmi Koko is a regular with the Vauxhall Fashion Scout London Fashion Week. According to Errol, we are very excited about working with Nigeria and exporting the best talent that african can offer an international fashion market.

TOMMOROW IS FAB NIGHT OUT-DON'T MISS IT!!!

Dencia a.k.a Range Rover at Last year's edition of fab Night out

Jumai Shaba

This Sunday, FAB Magazine will be celebrating a successful 2011 with its
annual, highly anticipated awards event – 'FAB Night Out'.

A fusion of all things that represent the budding FAB brand, the FAB
Night Out will include a unique fashion show from Vonne Couture, Orange
Culture, Phunk Afrique and Mimi Lee London - who have crafted a special
collection just for the event, entirely from Vlisco fabric - and special
performances from Nigerian music stars Wizkid, Soundsultan, Praiz, Yemi
Alade, Brymo and Zaina. As if that's not FABulous enough, comic acts Yaw
and Ushbebe will also entertain guests at the event, which will be
recorded and streamed live on Hibuzz.com

The invite-only soiree will be hosted by Jumai Shaba of MNET and Big
Brother housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and is being held at the Landmark
Village on Sunday 11th December 2011. African celebrities from the world
of fashion, music and entertainment will be attending the event and FAB
Magazine is rolling out a special 'black carpet' for the occasion.

In addition to exclusive fashion and exciting music performances, FAB
will be giving out 26 special FAB Awards, which aim to recognise the
most fabulous fashion and lifestyle brands and talents in Africa.

FAB Founder, Familusi Akin Babajide says, ‘‘Guests should look forward
to a fun-packed evening. Only in its second year, FAB Night Out is an
event you cannot afford to miss. If you cannot be there, be sure to
watch live on hibuzz.com!"

FAB Magazine is a quarterly fashion and lifestyle magazine targeted at
the Cosmopolitan African, based at home and in the Diaspora. The unisex
publication's goal is to bring to light the best of Africa and celebrate
the continent's many achievements.

FAB Night Out, 2011 is brought to you by FAB Magazine in conjunction
with Trace Urban and is supported by Vlisco, Pattaya Oriental
Restaurants, Zapphaire Events, Bacardi, Furtullah Concepts and Designs,
Nokia, Beat FM, MTN, First Bank, Nigerian Breweries and Hibuzz.

MUNACHI ABII, KATE HENSHAW,MOSUN FILANI OTHERS ROCK THE RUNWAY ON DECEMBER 11 AS MEG ALABI HOST HOUSE OF GOLD CHARITY EVENT

Meg Alabi

 By Niyi Tabiti

Within the short period that ex-Nigerian top model Meg Alabi launched her own fashion label called ALABI Couture, she has made remarkable impact.
 Her label is fast becoming a household name.Just recently, she returned from the UK where her designs was like hot cake as a lot of big girls wanted to have a piece of her work.
 The latest news about Meg revolves around her celebrity event, which would be jointly hosted by the house of gold hospice in Surulere under the leadership of Mrs.Laja Adedoyin.
It is a charity event that is slated to hold inside the house of gold hospice on 11 December 2011.
 It would be a fashion show with celebrities also strutting the runway. The Lagos State Government has also given it blessings to the Heart of Gold charity show.

Munachi Abii

 The list of celebs expected on the runway includes Mosun Filani, Munachi Abii,Uti Nwachukwu, Kunle Afolayan,Halima Abubakar,Eucharia Anunobi,Alariwo of Africa,Kate Henshaw,Frank Mba,Yinka Davies,Ufoma Ejenobor,Iyanya and Rykardo Agbor.
 

Mosun Filani

  Meg told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com recently that fashion show at the Hospice in December of this year in aid of the children, and I have their enthusiastic support. The show will be focused on the children, to give them fun and excitement. 
 They will get newly made clothes, and be able to relate with celebrities, the public and the media who will attend. Fabrics for the clothes will be provided by Da Viva Limited, a fast-growing Lagos based company; the design and sewing of these fabrics will be by ‘ALABI’ Couture. The entire show is targeted on the children as they have the opportunity to relate, play and feel love with affections and showers of gifts. We will have celebrities from all works of life, modelling for the children. We would have few companies donating gifts to the Home from time to time.
 The brain behind MEG ALABI COUTURE has  been involved in the entertainment industry for over two decades; she was a runway model for over 16 years both in and outside Nigeria. At the moment, she is the official chaperone and catwalk instructor for the Nigeria’s Next Supermodel competition. She was recently in London this August to promote my clothing line (ALABI COUTURE) at this year’s Africa Fashion Week 2011.
 

FASHION RESPONSIBILITY:BEN BRUCE,TONYE COLE,EKU EDEWOR AT GREY GOOSE KINABUTI GARDEN PARTY

Caterina Bortolussi, Kinabuti founder

Fashion, entertainment, and business icons converged in Lagos on Saturday,
3rd December at the GREY GOOSE KINABUTI GARDEN PARTY, to mark the first
anniversary of KINABUTI - the ethical fashion label that has been
garnering frenzied media attention recently for its fashion social
responsibility efforts in the ghettoes of Nigeria – discovering talented
young models, designers, and tailors from the ghettoes of the Niger Delta,
and giving them the opportunity to live a better and glamorous life
through life-coaching, skills acquisition and development initiatives -
and afterwards, exposing their skills to an international audience with
the help of “Kinabuti’s Godfather”. 

Led by Caterina Bortolussi, an Italian
designer, Kinabuti collaborated with Grey Goose a year ago, to pioneer
this initiative which kicked off with the launch of KINABUTI’s first
collection. And since then, Kinabuti has discovered and trained many young
Nigerian girls, including four super models who now work with established
international designers.


Tonye Cole (co-founder, Sahara Group; brainchild of The Nehemiah Project)
who was one of the special guests at the party, praised Grey Goose for
supporting KINABUTI’s drive, saying “when you undertake a social project
like this, which is reaching out to touch lives – what you need is to be
supported by a global brand like Grey Goose – a brand that can take you
out there and show the world that they care, a brand that is not just
about making sales, but a brand that passionately cares about the kind of
social project that KINABUTI is doing – mixing high fashion with laudable
CSR”


Despite not being a charity organization, profit is not exactly what
drives KINABUTI, according to Francesca Rosset, Kinabuti’s Chief Operating
Officer, “We’re passionate about our CSR, because what we run is an
ethical business model, where we have to make money in order to continue
giving back – to continue discovering and coaching more girls from
impoverished backgrounds”. 

James Amuta

L-R, Nonso Orizu(Kinabuti Modeling Agency), Tonye Cole (Sahara Group)

Continuing excitedly, as she explained
Kinabuti’s relationship with Grey Goose Vodka, Francesca Rosset informs
us, “it’s our first anniversary today, we’re one year old in Nigeria…we
started this partnership with Grey Goose a year ago, and it’s been a
wonderful marriage – and that’s why we say to anyone who asks: ‘Grey Goose
is Kinabuti’s Godfather’ – because we make beautiful clothes and they make
the world’s best vodka – and we share the same passion for touching lives,
so it’s a perfect marriage”


“It’s a tough journey that Kinabuti has embarked upon” Tonye Cole said, “I
sometimes refer to Caterina as ‘my daughter’, because I can identify with
her kind spirit and resilience– she started this project from my home
state, Rivers State – for an Italian lady to be this emotional and
passionate about giving back to society, I’ve made it my job to encourage
Kinabuti when they feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead – I
remind them of their blessings – for instance, it’s a good thing they have
Grey Goose as sponsors, because for every talent Kinabuti picks out of
these ghettoes there’s a hundred more waiting…hoping”


The garden party also paraded personalities like Eku Edewor (model, and
presenter of MNET’s 53 Extra) Ego Boyo (iconic actress), Ben Bruce
(Founder, Silverbird Group), Alex Kothoor (MD of GDN Nigeria Ltd); General
Pype (reggae musician); James Amuta (author, Enigma: Beyond the Poet/
filmmaker) and many others who came out to felicitate with Kinabuti on its
graceful first anniversary.

LATEST NEWS:NAIJA HOT AND SEXY ACTRESS SUSAN PETERS HIT ZEN MAGAZINE COVER

 This is certainly a great year for hot and sexy Nigerian actress,Susan Peters.Winning awards,making more money, upgrading her auto garage and other wonderful things came her way.This month,Susan is the cover face of the popular Zen magazine publsihed by Arinze Nwokolo
Anybody who has ever been in the entertainment spotlight before can confidently tell you that fame attracts both good & bad publicity. Sometimes, it seems impossible to escape such media frenzy when your head is on the chopping block but been able to be part of the industry in any way is a very fun experience. 

IMADE OGBEWI WINS NIGERIA NEXT SUPERMODEL+WHAT OTHERS WONT TELL YOU ABOUT THE CONTEST

Imade Ogbewi made her way into Nigeria celebrity league recently as she was declared the winner of Nigeria Next Suoermodel competition organized by Mrs. Joan Okorodudu.
 Imade, who was shedding tears of joy shortly after she was declared the winner, was full of praises for the organizers of NNSM for the positive impact in her life within a short time starting from when she was shortlisted at the screening. 
 She was presented with a brand new car with lot of other juicy prizes courtesy Virgin Atlantic, First Group Dubai, Swarovski, Loreal Paris and several other corporate sponsors of the event.

Guest at the event-Linda Ikeji

PHOTOS:ALEXANDRA NWOKEDI WINS FACE OF SLEEK 2011

winner face of sleek Alendra Nwokedi

A young Nigerian model Alexandra Nwokedi has emerged winner face of sleek 2011. The event took place at Harbour Point near Silverbird galleria, Victoria Island Lagos.
   Gistmaster brings you photos from the event. Thanks to Tyna Ezenna.

SEXY MAKE UP ARTIST LOLA SHON DELIVERS BABY BOY

Congratulations to Lola Shonowo the beautiful make up artist who goes by the name Lola Shon was delivered of a bouncing baby boy recently.
  Lola once contested for Miss Lasu (Lagos State University) and she is doing well in her make up business. She has handled many jobs in the past. 
 She handled make up for Michael Power when he was in Nigeria some years back on the invitation of Guinness Nigeria Plc.
Click here to read Lola Shon on the runway story
       -Niyi Tabiti

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MTN YOUNG MODEL OF THE YEAR,JENEVIEVE AKEN

Jenevieve Aken is a 22 year old orphan from Nnem Alok Ikom Local Government Area in Cross River State. In 2005 she lost her mother at the age of 16 and her father only years later. Her strong will to make something of her life has been the driving force over the years. She entered for the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week, MTN Young Model of the Year Award competition geared with only this will to excel, and fortune indeed smiled on her. Jenevieve walked away with the award of the MTN Young Model for 2011, N1 million cash prize, contract with Nigeria’s leading modelling agencies, Beth Africa Modelling Agency and a chance to enter for the Beth Model’s Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012. This 5 feet, 7 inches ebony beauty tells ADENIKE SOTADE how it happened.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself??

My name is Jenevieve Ebele ken. I was born on the 8th of June 1989, in Nnem Alok Ikom local government, Cross River State. I live in Abuja but I’m currently studying photography in Johannesburg, South Africa which I deferred to come back for the Model of the Year competition. I’m from a polygamous home and the last from my mum, but fourth child in the family.

What do you do for a living?

I am a model and a photographer.

How did you hear about the MTN LFDW 2011 show?

I heard about the MTN Fashion and Design Week from a friend of mine, who also happens to be a photographer.

Prior to the MTN LFDW, had you  done any runway modelling, or any modelling at all?

Yes, I had done runway.

How would you describe your experience on this show, starting from your auditioning leading to the point when you were declared the winner of the MTN Young Model of the Year? 

My experience at the auditioning was different as I did not know what the judges were looking for. Till this very moment that I am talking to you and after I have been awarded the MTN model of the year, I can’t say precisely what they adjudged us on but I do know that I love the runway and I gave the competition my very all. Thank goodness my best was enough on the day it mattered most.

Have you always wanted to model?

Oh Yes! Like I said earlier, I love the runway. I have always wanted to model; as a matter of fact, my dream is not just to model, but to be a supermodel. That is why winning the MTN Model of the Year is so important to me.It’s a step closer to achieving my dream and it has boosted my confidence.

 

What does the word fashion mean to you?

Fashion to me means an art of physical expression, an outburst of how you feel about yourself, like a certain way of dressing and hair style.

Do you love clothes?

Yes I love clothes, most especially dresses. (Chuckles)

How would you describe your personal style?

I will describe myself as a determined person, fashionable person, elegant life style, outgoing and energetic person. 

Aside modelling what else interests you?

Aside modelling some of my other interests are photography and sound production in movie and television production work.

Would you love to pursue modelling as a full time career?

Yes, I would love to pursue modelling as a full time carrier.

How supportive are your parents to your modelling career and what was there reaction to the news that you won the MTN Model of the Year award?

Well I am an orphan; I lost both of my parents. But I really wished they were alive today to see my happy moment.

Locally and internationally who are your role models?

Locally, there are two people that I really admire and can call my role models. They are, Agbani Darego and Oluchi. Internationally, it’s the ever graceful Tyra Banks, who is an accomplished model, a TV presenter, a successful entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

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

I would describe the Nigerian fashion industry as it is today as looking up, growing, evolving and gaining better recognition from within the country as well as abroad.  Industry practitioners are now better treated as professionals; so whether a stylist, make-up artist, runway set designer, fashion designer, model, photographer, we all are getting the courtesy and respect deserving for our roles in growing the industry. If the tempo is sustained, I believe that in no time the fashion industry will be strong enough to attract investments from foreign countries.

What inspires you?

Almighty God is my number one inspiration; watching fashion TV, studying and seeing what other models around the world are doing.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

I see myself walking on that platform where I want to be, working with top designers and photographers. I see myself as a Supermodel owning my own modelling agency, reaching out to mentor and nurturing young girls and boys aspiring to be professional models.

PARTY WITH BANKE MESHIDA AND UGONNA OMERUO THIS DECEMBER

By Niyi Tabiti

 Come december 2011, the duo of Banke Meshida and Ugonna Omeruo would be hosted because of what is considered as their valuable contributions to the Nigerian fashion and beauty industry. 
Banke Meshida is one of Nigeria's most successful make-up atists.
 She has been in the industry for more than a decade, doing make up for high profile personalities. Just recently, Banke joined the fashion cabinet of Nigeria's first lady, Mrs. Patience Goodluck Jonathan as her official make up artist.
 When it comes to make up, believe me you can bank on Banke!
  If you want to be a top makeup artist like her, cosmetology schools can help you enter this exciting profession.

City People would be hosting Banke @ Ember Creek , Awolowo road, Ikoyi on 5 December 2011.
 Ugonna Omeruo would be hosted to a lavish party by City People magazine on 10 December 2011 @ Ember Creek.According to the invitation Ugonna is being hosted because of her remarkable rise in Nigeria's Fashion Industry.
Dress Code is look simply glamorous.