oyindamolalawal

well, i sorry i dont hav pics to illustrate my stories. hahahhahaha.... i'm a new blogger, will be better. here are some fashion stories, designer, celebrities and many more. read on
Nigerian designers are making us proud so i decided to feature some, on of which is Godwin Essien. last year he emerged the lagos State Best Corporate Designer of the Year, an award that was Given by the wife of the former governor of lago Sate, Mrs Remi Tinubu.

Godwin greens the couture
BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
AFTER he clinched Lagos State Best Corporate Designer Award in 2007, Godwin Essien upped the scale, carving a niche for himself in creative designs.
The dude behind Godwin Green Couture, who studied Business Administration and Management at the Kwara State Polytechnic, says, “it has been one level of deliberate transformation to another. I got exposure to the professional setting which had made me sit up to maintain the momentum.”
Speaking on his foray into fashion designing, Essien says, “after I graduated from school, I couldn't get a good job but wanted a better life. I was in the house one day when I got the inspiration from God. He had said to me 'go and learn how to sew', so, I obeyed.”
To Essien, green motivates and inspires. He says of the colour and what it portends: “The bright future of Nigeria. The foresight of a truly Green Nigeria motivates me. I get inspirations from the things around me, above the all from God.”

THE last of his parents' four children, Essien uses both African and western fabrics, and among the events he has showcased his designs are Nigerian Television Fashion show April 2007; Law Cultural Night 2007, celebrating Nigeria's Independence Day show October 1, 2007; and also Nigerian Television show Award December 2007.
In the nearest future, Essien intend to take deliberate action to increase his spiritual life, because that is the main source. He adds, “ secondly that Godwin will be a household name by going into large scale production and selling ready to wear at affordable prices. Thirdly, become the winner of the Nigerian Fashion Award.”
Every person has his own style, and this, Essien says has shaped his unique styles. His words: “My styles and designs are fresh and original. They never go out of season... always in style.”


i know it's stale, but felt i shd share with you what i wrote about the fashion at the MBGN event. enjoy.

Sassy rocks on red carpet
BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
THE red carpet had some fierce competition on last Friday, when a slew of stars turned out in bold scarlet gowns and well-tailored suits at the 21st edition of the Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria 2008 beauty pageant.
Fashion at the event was extremely gorgeous and sassy, with some of the contestants coming out in gowns that almost stole the night. For the ex beauty beauty queen, some models, presenters, celebrities and fashionistas… smashy was just the word to describe their appearance.
Though Miss Ekiti did not win the best evening outfit at the pageant, the Miss Lacasera Gown was indeed striking and splendid.
In her long brown and pink halter neck gown made with taffeta, the damsels looked catching and winsome.
For those who are not used to attending pageants because they do not have evening dresses in their wardrobes, Jean can also stand you out. At the event, a lot of ladies also stepped in trendy pairs of jeans with matching shirts and tops and still stood out in the crowd.
A lot of ladies also stepped in the 50s and 80s fashion trend, looking chic, smart and cute.
The dynamic colour was about the only standout feature as most opted for pretty, but safe selections, from ex-runner up and actor, Stephanie Okereke’s white bustier gown.
The out-gone queen, Murachi Abii, looked outstanding in a brown beaded halter neck top and a long flair skirt to go designed by Momo. She also enhanced it with a brown wristwatch.
Models are known to go away with any dressing, two models painted the event in their black and white short gown, some in jean and others in sexy and colourful evening gowns.
‘Dangerous’ fame artist, Barbara was dressed in a knee-length flowery gown. Model and presenter, Ronke Apampa was caught in a short red spaghetti gown. However the camera did not fail to pick one of Nigeria’s sexy artist, Kween Onakala, she stepped on the red carpet majestically in her black and green patterned ankara shirt and a sexy hot pant to go, flaunting her legs.
The host of the day, Wildchild was also seen in his well-tailored black suit and a black neck bow, with a black shoe to go. Ace comedian, AY gave his dressing a unique touch, for the first time, he was seen in black pony-tail tuxedo suit
The fashionable actor, RMD stepped on the red carpet stylishly in a blue pair of shirt, black suit, and black shoe with a touch of blue at the buckle. More so, Basket Mouth was casually dressed in his purple shirt, blue jeans and a white shoe.

he his the son of a Logal Govertment Chairman in lagos, who is also a journalist. well the dude his into music.

'I love my bling… but no tight jeans for me'
THE tall and handsome dude, Bababunmi Ositelu, is gradually paving a way for himself with his kind of music. Popularly known as Oshit-T aka D Swag Master because of his sweet voice, the upcoming artiste, Bababunmi, has performed in many shows. He tells OYINDAMOLA LAWAL the secrets of his dresssense.
Family and background
My name is Ositelu Bababunmi,. My parents are Deacon Ayo Ositelu, chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area and Prof. (Mrs) Adefule Ositelu, an opthamologist in Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Idi Araba. I am a 300 level student of Philosophy at the University of Lagos.
Definition of fashion
My definition of fashion is: always look smart. I always look smart and comfortable.
Most cherished possession
My shoes and my jewelry,
Uniqueness of your style
I do my own thing every time. I don't look at anyone before I do any thing. I have my own swag. That's why I am aka D Swag master...
Most expensive item
My (blings) — my jewelry — and my frames.
Role model and why
D' Banj. I love his style and his stagecraft. It makes me go crazy. My friends always say I look like him when I wear my frames.
Favourite piece of clothing
All my clothes are my favourite. I pick anyone when I want to wear.
What you won't be caught dead wearing
I can't be seen wearing tight jeans
Signature scent/perfume
Givenchy Gentleman. I got it from my dad. He has been wearing it since 1979. It’s so unique.
Favourite designers
Prada, Gucci, Fendi and Just Cavalli.
Aspiration
To be a very influential person and also to be looked upon.
Philosophy of life
Do unto people what you want them to do to you.
Why did you venture into music?
Well, music has been part of my family. My parents sing very well. I also sing and drum in my church. I beat any kind of drum. People say I look like a musician, (trust me I have the voice) and that really gave me the opportunity to express myself in the musical genre, so, I went to the studio for my first single, Ahead Of The Game, which received good acceptance from music buffs. From there, I made up my mind to continue and no matter what happens, I won’t stop singing.
Inspiration
God is my inspiration. Without God, I'm nothing. And I also thank God for what he has been doing in my life.
Motivations
My family for sure motivates me. My friends in Unilag also motivate me.
Projection into the future
I want to be a star of course and to be one of the top five artistes in Nigeria.

Ismail is a Nigeria designer----

Ishy Couture
BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
BREAKING into the industry, Ismail Alhassan debuted the grunge-inspired look that became his signature. With bright colours, layered looks, empire lines, rugby stripes, and casual outfit, formal wears and pretty prom-like party dresses has gained himself high- profile clienteles.
His passion for fashion grew gradually as a child but he ventured into it professionally in 2000 when he established ISHY couture. His outfit was coined from his first name Ismail. Alhassan studied computer science both in Ghana and Nigeria, more so, he has worked with top Fashion houses in Lagos
Eight years into the industry, he has been counted among one of the top Nigeria designers. One unique thing about ISHY is that he plays a lot with all fabrics both African and western fabrics. However, he uses African Fabrics mostly for his couture and ready to wear clothes. Most of the fabrics he uses are woodin, Ankara, Kente, Aso-oke, brocade, and some western fabrics.
Alhassan has also featured in the big leagues like the Nigerian Fashion Show 2006, selected to participate in L'Afrique 'est a la mode 2007 in Neamey, Niger by renown designers, Modela; Brass & Fashion Award Nite - April, 2006 – Ibadan. Others includes, Nigerian Fashion Show - September, 2006 – Lagos, Nigeria Motor Fair - December, 2006 – Lagos, Dove Fashion Show – Lagos, Nigerian Fashion Week - August, 2007 – Lagos, ESO Fashion Show - September, 2007 – Joburg, Charity Show - October, 2007 - ShopRite La Palm, Lagos and Nigeria Motto Show - 2007 - Ocean View Resturant, Lagos.

i met her at a show once, saw her collection, they are fantastic.

Ituen Basi…
Steeped down on Onyonyo
BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
AFTER graduating from the London College of Fashion in 1991, Ituen Basi started fashion business, designing bridal wears. The label was patronised by a number of boutiques in London, including the Chelsea Collection Boutique. However, Ituen soon realised the challenges associated with producing for a local collection was equally shared by many other designers at the Chelsea Collection.
To this end, she set up a small manufacturing unit in West London, which was supported by Portobello Business Centre and LDA to cater for independent designers and micro fashion businesses requiring samples and small runs.
Her brand is a celebration of individuality and feminism, a stylish combination of timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.
Over the years, she has showcased her design both in UK, Nigeria and many others. Only last year, Ituen showed her ‘Rustic Chic’ and ‘Old Calabar’ collections.
In the ‘Old Calabar’ Collection, Ituen pays tribute to the Onyonyo, in a show that received rave receivews and critical acclaim. She interprets the age-old Efik traditional dress as a vibrant, yet delicate celebration of individuality and feminism. On the other hand, 'Rustic chic' is a clever collection, which combines traditional tailoring techniques with feminism silhouettes and rustic hand embroidery.

THE streamlined and uncluttered collection belies the intricate hand finished craftsmanship.
With inspiration drawn from traditional Hessian mats, it offers the ultimate in individual classics.
Each piece was designed to stand alone or as a complement to another. More so, stylish touches were added with hand embroidered organic twine as the only decoration to the clean modern design.
Inspired by the opulence of the traditional Efik dresses and infused with contemporary design details, her collections are elegant, modern, chic and especially easy to wear.
Key pieces include the ubiquitous jacket, the fluid ‘peacock’ skirt and the signature relaxed palazzo trousers. The collection has a clean silhouette with jackets skimming the body and shorts brief and neat. Bell sleeves come in two lengths on the jackets and dresses. The cut ensures that the dresses move with flattering fluidity. The tailoring is soft and the fit feminine.
As far as colour goes, black rules with a dramatic contrast of coarse, organic twine. The addition of white and tan cleverly softens the ‘blackness’ of the collection. The main fabric used in the collection sees a play on the extreme ends of linen - coarse heavyweight and lightweight handkerchief linen.
Ituen's mastery of timeless, wearable and effortlessly elegant designs is second to none. Her garments remain “fresh” because of her attention to detail conception through precision cutting, impeccable tailoring and fit that is akin to couture rather than ready to wear.
Speaking of her design, she says, "It is a stylish combination of eclectic, whimsical, quickly yet wearable garment.”
The collection, steeped in her heritage, bears the signature of the brand with greatest attention paid to detail, cut, fit and construction.
For Ituen, the Old Calabar collection originates from the Efiks of the Southern Eastern part of Nigeria, who have a rich culture, influenced to a large part by their early interactions, through commercial activities, with the Europeans. This influence is most evident in their women's fashions.
She adds, for the young Efik matron, the appropriate attire for formal outings was a Victorian-influenced full-length gown called the ‘Onyonyo.
“The cadence of the name suggests the pomp which attended the attire, because in Efik, ‘Onyo nyo connotes fullness, richness and certainly something greatly admired and desired,” Ituen states.



Across the Fashion World- Adegboola
By Oyindamola Lawal
The world-class label, Ella brown couture is a classic brand end designer who specializes in haute couture clothing, cosmetics, bags, fragrance and accessories. The line, which was a part of Miami Fashion week and Chicago Fashion Week in 2007 that have 16 stores across the United States, 2 stores in Asia and Europe is own by a US based Nigerian, Adefunke Adegboola.
From the perfectly sophisticated feminity of the Ella Brown collections, one would never know she had no official formal training before starting the label.
Adefunke Adegboola trusted her instincts before getting into the fashion world. Her tour into fashion started in early age while in Nigeria. She recalls, “it all started for me at a very young age back home in Nigeria. I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer. I will cut, chop, snip, sew and tack anything that came my way. Of course with needle and thread, packing and hiding pieces of my family members clothing so I would not get caught. Imagine how they reacted two months later when they found out their favorite jeans had been turned into a skirt. My mother is one of my biggest inspirations, she is such a creative/ crafty individual and there is always a very nice touch that shows her personal style and the way she coordinates colours.”
No doubt her line is classic, elegant and very high fashion, with a collection ranging from ready to wear clothes, to sunglasses, to handbags to fine jewellery.
Adefunke finally decided in 2004 to launch her first collection while still running her clothing line in Chicago. As an executive producing member of the Gen Art Foundation of Los Angeles, she moved to Los Angeles California for more opportunities and also to develop the brand into something even bigger and better while opening her west coast showroom at the downtown Los Angeles fashion district.
Her collections, which include exotic skin and genuine leather bags, eyewear and fine jewellery, couture is all about styling the woman who loves to stand out and has an appreciation for luxury. According to her, “I love working with fabrics that compliments a woman’s anatomy, think fluid silk, Brazilian Chamuese, delicate chiffon and predominantly jewel tome with some spice of a gem stone hiding somewhere.”
She added, “I love sophisticated femininity with an exotic raw edge. Roberto Cavalli and Consuelo Castiglioni for Marni are my greatest influences because of their playful yet dangerously sexy designs for modern women. I also draw inspirations from baroque architecture, scrollwork and anything gold. The idea behind the design is to create elements alongside my clothing line to complete the Ella Brown Couture look.”
Speaking on her clothing line, she said, “ I just don't think the Ella Brown look is complete without the perfect clutch, sunglasses or jewellery. Even if you don't wear my clothing, you can still mix and match my accessories with pieces from your closet. 

Projecting into the nearest future, Agboola said, “My main goal is to grow the brand into something even more solid and sustainable which would continuously allow me to produce the work I believe in.

She further mention on how where her label name was coined from. “Ella Brown is a spiritual thing for me. When I was starting the line, I looked at different names and I thought Ella means . . . beautiful and Brown is for my skin tone. It was just one of those crazy brainstorming things. I then thought, “you know what? Ella Brown sounds kind of chic and cool.” She said.

Grab the high-waisted
By Oyindamola Lawal
HIGH-waist pants are gradually nudging themselves back into the scene and the dreaded bare-midriff bulge, and unsightly bum cracks that we see all too often, becoming a thing of the past.
Last year, the high-waist pants made efforts to save the world from the embarrasment of podgy girls with low-slung jeans, walking the streets with their flabby belly hanging out over belt buckles and those who had rings pirecing the belly button, making the 'poor' old belly button look like screwed up faces.
The high-waist pants were very popular in the 40s and sneaked in, in the 70s, when 40s fashion were reinvented.
On display now are styles ranging from belly button hiding type of waistline, skinny jeans and many others all possibly ready for different purposes whether casual, elegant or high-class events.
The following tips will help you in your classic touch of a fashinista:
Tall an d bodies are a prerequisite for the high-waist. This, however, does not mean that if you are petite you cannot wear the trend. You can do so perfectly well. All you need do is to get yourself some wide-leg high-rise pants, with fitting top and high heels. It is going to make you look taller.
The high waist are great on ladies with flat tummies, long torsos and hourglass shapes. More so, they can make midsections appear fluffier and hips wider.
It is not just about choosing the right pants, enhancing it with the best accessories matters. The long beaded necklace or the suspenders, with jeans or funky pants, spice up your look and also add a dash of sexiness and chic to your appearance.
It is important to know that when you have big breasts, you should not try to wear these two accessories, because they will just hang unattractively over your assets.
Important rule: High-waist pants, trousers or jeans should never be worn without a classy, rich in details top, if possible, tucked in them.
And if the high waist of the fashionable pants is not buttoned or bedecked with details, you can wear a belt with this clothing item.