Who - Mali-born Model, Nana Keita

Shot by – Eric Hason

Wearing – Custom Made Jewellery by Shell Weinzirl

PhotoCredit: BeautyisDiverse

Photography: Eric Hason

Tags: african model, african model nana, African Models, african models photos, aids in africa fashion, Mali, Nana Keita, natural african models

Ejiro Amos Tafiri is an emerging brand on the Nigerian fashion scene; a mission-driven brand with a mission to create Ready-To-wear pieces of unique & superior quality. Having had the chance to study Fashion at a College of Technology and intern with a couple of big label designers in Nigeria, Ejiro Amos Tafiri( Head Designer and Creative Director of the Brand) knows a million and one things about fashion and Ejiro Amos Tafiri: The Brand has always been her dream.

HauTe FashionAfrica caught up with Ejiro in the interview below to discuss  the actualization of this dream and how far the brand has come. Enjoy!

HauTeFashionAfrica: Tell us a bit about you; Who is Ejiro Amos-Tafiri?

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri: I’m a young Nigerian woman living her dream, loving it and hoping to leave my footprints in the sands of time.

HFA: So tell us how it all began? (Fashion, The Brand)

E.A.T: The love for fashion started in secondary school. I was a science student hoping to become a doctor when I signed up for clothing and textile class – my life changed forever. The brand has always been my dream hence I did all that I realized would get me there on a soft landing. I studied fashion at YABATECH, interned at Zizi Ethnic clothing and Tiffany Amber. Upon Graduation worked at Out of Africa (Nouveau Collections) and then Tiffany Amber before starting my Label in March this year.

HFA: Where and how do u draw inspiration?

E.A.T: Inspiration is basically God given. I draw inspiration from everything around me – people and their cultures, nature, art forms e.t.c.

HFA: Would you say that being African or being Nigerian has influenced your creativity in any way?

E.A.T: Of course, Its who I am and my work is a reflection of my expressions, my creativity.

HFA: Being a designer and creative director must be challenging, how do you pull through your daily challenges?

E.A.T: I must say it has not been easy but God has been faithful to me. Setting out on daily basis with a pile of work to be done, I pray, have faith and trust that He will bless with the strength, and with required to the job done.

HFA: I must say your debut collection is a very impressive one; very well structured and detailed. What reason(s) would you attach to the success of this collection?

E.A.T: We defined who we are and the kind of pieces we wanted to put out.

“We pride ourselves in our production of wearable clothing and accessories inspired by the vibrant, fun loving, joie de vivre culture of the Lagos people and the cultural diversity of its populace which spans the globe. Creativity and excellent craftsmanship are our watchword.”

The collection is the result

HFA: What is the aesthetic of the brand?

E.A.T: Fun, modern, stylish and Chic

HFA: Would you be looking into working on a men’s collection for the brand later on?.

E.A.T: Yes its part of the dream

HFA: So many talented African designers out there these days, Would do you think gives your brand the stand out factor?

E.A.T: We are fresh and unique in our on we way. We intend to keep on researching, so as to continuously stay fresh.

HFA: Who are your fashion influences?

E.A.T: I respect and admire works of several great designers internationally and locally, a few of which are the late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Mathew Williamson, Tiffany Amber.  Like I said earlier I am influenced by art forms, fashion being one of. Therefore I am influenced by anything in fashion that registers in my sub conscious.

HFA: How far has Ejiro Amos Tafiri come? And where do you see your brand in five years?

E.A.T: We have grown so much, thank God, some times I can’t believe how much and how soon.

We currently have a store carrying our clothes; hope to make that two at least before the years winds down. People are actually wearing and loving the clothes even red carpets! It’s awesome.

In 5 years we hope to have become an institutionalized household brand in the business locally and internationally

HFA: Any regrets so far from being in fashion?

E.A.T: No, no, no, no regrets just fulfilment and blessings.

HFA: What was your very first thought when you got the email from HauTeFashionAfrica asking for you to be featured?

E.A.T: I thought oh wow, my hard work is paying off people are noticing.

HFA: Have you currently got stockists or is there a avenue to which people could access to purchase your pieces?

E.A.T: Yes, O&A Lifestyle shop 24 Isaac John street G.R.A Ikeja by Visafone Outlet , Le Petit Marche Get Arena Oniru Victoria Island opposite Oriental hotel – last Sundays of the Month.

HFA: Further information you wanted to pass on to readers and fans of Ejiro Amos Tafiri?

E.A.T: Please check out our website www.ejiroamostafiri.com and let’s have your comments, join your facebook official page and follow on twitter.  Thank you for your support, please support Nigerian/African entrepreneurs – we are doing great things.

HFA: Thanks and Good luck with future plans

E.A.T: Thank you!

Debut Collection:

-Romola Sadiq

Tags: african boubou fafhion, African Designers, african fashion designers, african fashionable boubou illustrations, boubou fashion, Ejiro AMos Tafiri, fashion boubou, fashion designers from africa, fashion designers of africa, Nigerian

Dawn Richard

     

Lydia Hearst

These ladies have been spotted at different events wearing same outfit designed by Nigerian designer, Deola Sagoe.

Lydia Hearst (Right) model and Heiress to the Multimedia Publishing Firm, Hearst Corporation at the E! 20th anniversary, rocking this ‘aso-oke‘ number with leopard print tights and some high-heeled pumps.

Dawn Richard (Left) Singer and Member of the Dirty Money group was later spotted sporting the structured D.Sagoe number and the African American Literary Awards, Ms Richard ditched tights and  opted for jet black thigh-high boots..

What do you say? WHO WORE IT BETTER?

PhotoCredit: GoogleImages

Tags: Africa inspired, Dawn Richard, Deola Sagoe, Lydia Hearst, Spotted

Earlier this month, Ethiopian Super Model Liya Kebede was named One of the best dressed of the year by Vogue Magazine, Liya was mentioned as best dressed amongst others – { Michelle Obama, Blacke Lively, Shala Monroque were also mentioned} – Liya was labelled ‘ The Conscious Chic‘ by Vogue, she caught the eye of the editor with the Sequinned Stunner she has on in the above pic ( Where: Cannes Film Festival, May 2010) .

PhotoCredit: WireImages

Vogue.com

- Romola

Tags: Best Dressed List, Liya Kebede, liya kebede arise, liya kebede et son fils, liya kebede et son garcon, Vogue, vogue top 10 dressed

Who: Singer, Dawn Richards ( Former member of Danity Kane, Now part of Diddy’s Dirty Money Group)

Wearing: Deola Sagoe (One of Nigeria’s Top Designers)

Styled by: Ugo ‘Aston’ Mozie

Who: Singer, Dawn Richard (Former member of Danity Kane, Now part of Diddy’s Dirty Money group)

Where: Concrete Loop‘s 5th anniversary event

Wearing: Jewel by Lisa by Lisa Folawiyo ( One of Nigeria’s leading designers)

Styled by: Ugo ‘Aston’ Mohzie

PhotoCredit: That1960Chick

Film Magic

-Romola

Tags: danity fashion, danity kane now, dawn richard fashion, Deola Sagoe, deola sagoe designs, Inspired by Afric, Jewel by Lisa, Spotted

Far from home in Africa and into the land down under, you will find a little jewel labeled Bangili Jangili. A fresh fashion pearl that brings two emerging Kenyan designers to the community. Based in Sydney, Bangili Jangili are walking an exciting and colorful line of contemporary African accessories, bringing together rich elegance, fun patterns, super bright colors and an ingenious use of African fabric to create an exotic yet chic look…. a look you will not find as easily across the globe. 

“Out of a bubbling desire to create a timeless and meaningful trend, a true signature has been born!”

BJ is committed to creating a unique style of accessories that lets BJ’s clientele wear their fantasies. With the immense knowledge and exposure to both African and Western style, BJ creates exotic, elegant and exclusive looks that pay tribute to the cheerful and mood-boosting power of radiating and vibrating shades…colors that make you pop!

BJ’s key pieces include bags, belts and the escape to Africa wrap skirts. These are artistically designed and handmade in Australia using traditional African fabrics combined with quality genuine leather and other exciting materials to create a contemporary look but still preserve a piece of African textile history. The materials and colors used often inform the design and also reflect the philosophy behind the collection name.

http://bangilijangiliaccessoriesjunkie.blogspot.com

PhotoCredit: BJ FacebookPage

-Romola

Tags: Accessories, bangili jangili, BangiliJangili, Kenya, khanga fashion, khanga fashion in nigeria, khanga fashion nigeria, khanga fasion, www.bangilijangili.com.au, www.khanga fashion

The moment Haute Couture met High street was the moment Lanvin introduced its collaboration with H&M, Last week at the The ballroom of The Pierre in New York, On the flower-painted catwalk, under two dozen chandeliers, were Pixie Geldof, in a man’s tux; budding supermodel Lindsey Wixson ; Italian style icon Anna Dello Russo with a poodle; and a bride in a T-shirt. Lanvin for H&M hosted a catwalk show showcasing haute couture pieces created from the original collection created for the High Street brand, H&M. The runway witnessed some  models having fun whilst strutting their stuff in bright coloured frocks, others in feminine-esque traditional tuxedos, and some more in structured/symmetric dresses all accessorized with animal print tights, overloads of pearls, OTT hairpieces. Hair styled in a very high fashion manner, make-up is said to have been controlled by Pat McGrath and team!

The collaboration of Lanvin with H&M was one of the most anticipated events this year in the fashion industry, it is finally upon us and it is the most talked about topic around at the  moment.

The video below is said to have been filmed by Barracuda Film & TV

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Images from event:

Alber Elbaz

PhotoCredit:TelegraphFashion

Video: MarianKihogo

Tags: Alber Elbaz, Lanvin for H&M, Lanvn, NewYork

The Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos has, over the course of the last year (2009-2010), tailored all of its programming to interact with notions of post-coloniality and its related ambivalence. In so doing, we developed a series of projects under the thematic rubric of “On Independence and the Ambivalence of Promise.” One such project concerns exploring the intersections of art, fashion and identity, and how these relations might enable us to critically interact with the present while remaining mindful of both our past and future. Given this, we present J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere: Sartorial Moments and the Nearness of Yesterday, a vibrant, yet topical, exhibition that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence and cultural heritage from the perspective of one of the country’s most esteemed and talented artists.

With a body of photographic work spanning sixty years, Ojeikere captured a glimpse into the post-colonial Nigerian identity as represented through fashion and style.  Like his contemporaries Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé, his work reveals an astute sensibility and keen willingness to capture the subtle transformations in style and dress. His work with individuals and group subjects makes for a cultural commentary on people’s behaviour, cultural identity and social relations, providing an insight into understanding the many changes in style that have occurred over time.On display is a selection of images relating to trends in hair, gele tying and clothing styles.

In the exhibition we encounter a selection of large studio-based images that, with their visual resemblance to the blaxsploitation movement, depict women donning dresses of Western influence. These works are supplemented by a section dedicated to images depicting men in various styles of dress, thus signaling that these sartorial transformations were in no way exclusive to women. Images from important events—those capturing traditional ‘Aso Oke’ at weddings, husbands and wives in their often matching garments, and various group gatherings where dress played a role—trigger off memories like pictures in an album.

The notion of the photo album is quite germane, for it calls to mind impressions of the past and memory, or documentation and archive. Such thoughts highlight the intimacy that often results from processes of reflection. It is with this sense of proximity that this exhibition—in broaching history through its various sartorial moments—attempts to inspire the viewer to establish a sense of nearness with his or her own past, as well as the past of Nigeria.

J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere: Sartorial Moments and the Nearness of Yesterday closes Saturday 27tth November 2010

Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos

9 McEwen Street, off Herbert Macaulay, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos

Photo Credit: Ojeikere & The Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos

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British model Betty Adewole of Elite Models , Betty is of Nigerian descent.  See images of her in various looks by Lanvin for H&M, with Photography by Adriano Russo, Hair & make up Lorenzo Cherubini

PhotoCredit: BeautyisDiverse

Tags: Betty Adewole, betty adewole in lanvin for h&m, betty adewoleborn, h&m lanvin, Lanvin, lanvin h&m, lanvin h&m shop

Sasha Boyo is the Award winning jewelry designer and entrepreneur behind Shalewa Jewellery which was founded in 2006. Sasha studied Art and Design, Silversmithing and Jewelry Design at London Guildhall University within the Sir John Cass Department of Art. Sasha’s collections are inspired by African and Celtic Art, Sasha makes innovative jewellery using sterling silver and Perspex, and she incorporates West African cloths and kilt into her designs to reflect her African and Celtic cultural heritage using traditional jewelry making methods. Her designs are popular with people who enjoy buying designer jewellery at an accessible price point.

“I hope my jewelry enables people to make a fashion statement that reflects different elements of their cultural identity.”

Sasha Boyo will be launching her jewelry line in Lagos in December to much anticipation as it is being looked at as a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian Jewelry market. Details of the event are coming soon.

For more information:

www.myspace.com/shalewajewellery
+44(0)7930 622 286
shalewaboyo@hotmail.com

Tags: Africa inspired, african designers jewelry, african fashion jewelry, african inspired bangles, african inspired earings design, african inspired jewellery, african inspired jewelry, african inspired jewelry designers, african inspired jewelry for men, african inspired jewelry makers, african inspired silver jewellery, african inspired silver jewelry, african jewellery design, african jewelry designers, african jewelry designs, africaninspired jewelery designs, award winning jewelry designs, innovative jewelry design, Jewellery, necklace award, nigerian jewellery, nigerian jewelry, Sasha Boyo, shasha boyo, tartan bracelet bangle, tartan jewellery, tartan jewellerysasha boyo, tartan jewelry, tartan plaid bangles