The emerging designers series is a brand product of internationally acclaimed powerhouse; the BlackNBold Fashion House. The series is geared towards the recognition and promotion of Nigerian designers who are doing pretty well in their field. The series debuted in 2013, and the fashion house has gone on to produce three successful emerging designers’ series that have been publicized on major blogs and magazines in Nigeria.
Since its emergence, the series has grown in size from its original ‘Top Ten Emerging Designers” to becoming “Top 15 Emerging Designers in 2015”. The increase in number is undoubtedly a positive growth as the fashion industry has since grown between 2014 and 2015.
The Top 15 Emerging Designers is aimed at encouraging, promoting and celebrating outstanding young designers who have been able to distinguish themselves from their peers. The selection of designers is done by a council of fashion elders who surf through designers and eventually come to a conclusive last 15.
The members of the council include a fashion elder from Genevieve magazine, Complete Fashion Magazine, OloriSupergal.com, Goldmyne, Stylevitae.com, 360 nobs, Pulse.ng, Sharonojong.com and other individual elders. The members of the council sent in their top 15 names and the most recurring fifteen names were reviewed and finally contacted. The top 15 designers will be officially unveiled and awarded during the BlackNBold Man of the Year and Woman of the Year award ceremony in Lagos.
African women are making louder statement with their Asoebi style, embracing diversity in colour and succeeding in wowing us at all times. Are you striving so hard to make a statement with your fashion amidst (African women) most fashionable people in the world? Don’t despair, just embrace the Purple Uniqueness! Purple is very unique and its very easy to pull-off whether lace, Ankara, or any other fabric. This lovely tone can make a grounded statement either worn as monotone or mixed with other colours. Also, Purple is royalty and there is no reason we shouldn’t make you feel like a queen with your fashion.
Get inspired from purple Asoebi style ideas below…
Nigeria’s most anticipated event this year – the 2015 Music Meets Runway (MMR) which takes place on Tuesday 22 December at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria is looking for the stars of tomorrow.
Run by Le Reve Events, the annual MMR celebration, which has been running since 2011 fuses the best of fashion and music in Africa, bringing together some of Africa’s finest creative artists and showcasing their talents to a huge audience.
The Rising Icon and Face of MMR competitions are run by the MMR Foundation, a charitable foundation which aims to support and empower emerging talent across the arts through the provision of grants for young entrepreneurs and models, giving them more opportunities to break into this very challenging market.
The Rising Icon competition gives emerging designers from Nigeria the opportunity to showcase their talents in a way that can benefit their careers by providing them with extra exposure and support.
First launched in 2013, with the help of sponsors Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, a grant of 3 million naira was given to the winner Olakunbi Oyelese, the Creative Director of fashion label April by Kunbi.
Last year, Ogochukwu Akabogu, the Creative Director of the brand Lines by Chaab won the competition. Ogochukwu received an all-expense sponsored trip to New York for an internship with a fashion house to gain further experience abroad.
“Winning the MMR Rising Icon competition gave me an indescribable experience, my status as a fashion designer has taken on a whole different and better level, the number of clients I’ve gotten since I won has escalated, the publicity has been awesome and the internship in New York is truly a great initiative, I can’t wait to put all my experience to good use on getting back to Nigeria. Thank you MMR for giving young fashion designers like myself the opportunity to pursue my career in the fashion industry whole heartedly”
To enter the MMR Rising Icon competition, please follow the instructions below:
Attach a mini biography of yourself and your brand.
The deadline for all applications is 30th of November 2015
For the Face of MMR competition, the team scouts for a model through a public appeal. Winning the competition will help that person enhance their modelling career through becoming an MMR ambassador.
2012’s Face of MMR winner Nkem Okafor was the main model for all of the MMR 2013 campaign images, and the MMR Foundation sponsored her trip to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week South Africa.
‘When I heard my name announced on stage, and all I thought was all my hard work and dedication has finally paid off. I tried not to cry but I did privately. Till today, this has been the best experience of my life. After the show, I did loads of interviews; my name and face were all around the country on billboards, blogs, magazines etc. My career skyrocketed; I was being called for shows everywhere, got booked for look books and several magazines. My career and my entire life changed after winning The Face of MMR, this gave me validation that I was in the right path with my career and this motivated me further to do more. Thank you MMR for believing in a small town girl and changing my life, I will be forever grateful’.
Last year, Nneka ‘Nikki’ Anyansi became the Face of MMR 2014. Nikki featured in all the MMR Africa campaign images. Since then, she has emerged as one of the top models in Nigeria.
If you would like to be the face of MMR, the team are looking for a male or female model with striking features who is aged between 16 and 25, and who believes he or she has what it takes to be an ambassador for MMR.
The deadline for all applications is 30th of November 2015
Jennifer Olize, Founder and Creative Director of MMR, said: “Becoming the face of MMR can be a real jump start for a career in modelling. Modelling is very competitive, but entering our face of MMR competition can give you the head start you need. We can’t wait to see all the entries for the competition.”
For more information about Music Meets Runway, please see the website – www.musicmeetsrunway.com
Marcie Bain of B.JASH.I (back), Territa Torres of Territa Torres Design (left) and Fatsani Dogani of TaSanni at the pop-up shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
There are few things more powerful than a woman with enough fire inside of her to realize multiple dreams in one lifetime.
These ladies have each caught their second wind, now racing forward with fabric, thread and a clear vision for a new future in fashion. Meet the three winners of Fashion Week San Diego 2015.
The designers have been given the opportunity to show and sell pieces from their collections at a pop-up shop in La Plaza La Jolla (7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla) until Nov. 24, open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Marcie Bain - B.JASH.I
Marcie Bain of B.JASH.I at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
Drawing from both Native American and Danish backgrounds, Marcie Bain designs with a reflection of her deeply diverse cultural roots and creative impulses. Bain is the force behind B.JASH.I, an apparel label in San Diego named after her four children: Bradley Jon, Ashleah, Ashawnee and Ishi.
“One reason that I make couture wear is because of my family; my aunties and elders were always basket weaving, doing all the intricate work by hand,” said Bain. “Something of quality cannot be replicated. Some of my pieces take three to four days to make, and some take two weeks to a month.”
This devotion to the art started when Bain attended FCC, Fashion Careers of California, but her designs were quickly put on hold for her children and career. In a fresh wave of inspiration, Bain applied to show at Fashion Week San Diego in 2013, but wasn’t accepted. She returned in 2014 though, and made the cut as director Allison Andrews said to her, “I’m so glad you came back. I want you in the show this year.” “I always continued to sketch and do textile designs. I never gave up on that passion,” said Bain.
This year, Bain was voted the number-one designer at Fashion Week San Diego 2015.
“I think I was out of the loop for 15 years,” remarked Bain on the power of persistence. “All of my stuff has been on trend this year though, with bright hues and colors inspired from the medicine world.”
Dress from Marcie Bain of B.JASH.I at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
Much of Bain’s heritage is revealed in her pieces, which span the gamut from showy, bright gowns to versatile, cozy ponchos. Growing up in Happy Camp, a rural town in Northern California, she was surrounded by nature and drew inspiration from the outdoors.
“For me the hardest part is narrowing down an idea,” said Bain. “Right now, I am thinking about the sage plant and trying to turn that into a 3D textile. I’m trying to think of new ways to bring those to life on the garment without looking too costume-y and trying to make jewelry pieces that will go with that.”
What’s up next for B.JASH.I? Bain plans on moving to the East Coast to open a storefront in New York. She’s also adding leather handbags and clutches in her next fall line and wants to try a shoe line, as well. “My fall 2016 collection will feature more of my luxury knitwear. I have my own knit machine. I’ll be doing everything in-house.”
At the pop-up shop in La Plaza La Jolla, shoppers can purchase her tribal ponchos, shawls, plaid scarves and place orders on some of the couture pieces.
Fatsani Dogani – TaSanni
Fatsani Dogani of TaSanni at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
Africa isn’t largely recognized as a main fashion hub, at least not yet. But San Diego designer Fatsani Dogani (and her partner Tariro based in Dallas) is seeking to change all that with their label, TaSanni.
The collaboration between the two childhood friends from Africa started just a year-and-a-half ago when Dogani had a revelation after receiving colorful, traditional clothing from her mother in Malawi.
“She would send me outfits made from prints that I don’t normally wear here,” said Dogani, who is also a full-time nurse in San Diego at Sharp Memorial Hospital. “For me, having grown up all over the place, I just don’t relate to that kind of style.” So Dogani, with no background in fashion whatsoever, decided to create a collection using the African prints in apparel made for modern women on-the-go.
The catch? Dogani wanted to ensure that all of the clothes would be manufactured in Africa. The entire TaSanni line in fact, is designed in the U.S., but manufactured in limited quantities in Southern Africa, as the two founders of TaSanni seek to give back to the continent economically. That means multiple trips each year for Dogani to supervise production and ensure ethical business practices are in play.
Fatsani Dogani of TaSanni at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup— Brogen Jessup
The challenges Dogani faces with this long-distance partnership include overcoming the style traditions in Africa, where up until very recently, women were not allowed to wear pants or shorts. The pieces from the TaSanni collection may defy some of the African customs, but Dogani is persistent to make sure they’re constructed correctly despite cultural differences.
“I think the biggest thing is that people have an image of African designs in their head, and then they see our clothes and how we’ve used the African print into everyday wear. They realize they can actually wear it,” said Dogani. “We were trying to be practical because we are working women and moms, and we think about how to transform a look into something else just by adding a blazer or jewelry.”
Dogani’s vision is to have other designers follow her lead and manufacture in Africa, providing employment possibilities in the communities there. “We were fortunate to come to the States to find education and work. The focus has to change from us always giving a handout. That’s where we come in and say that we have opportunities for them to grow.”
In the meantime, the duo is just starting out as a women’s clothing line and eventually plans to add a maternity line. At the recent Fashion Week San Diego 2015 show, TaSanni was voted the second place collection, leading Dogani to gain exposure through events and learn the business side of running a store, an invaluable experience for this emerging designer.
At the shop in La Plaza La Jolla, she is taking pre-orders on the spring collection and selling some items from the runway, including handcrafted jewelry.
Territa Torres – Territa Torres Designs
Territa Torres of Territa Torres Design at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
Territa Torres knew that once she set her mind on designing, she would jump in feet first with one big end goal: to one day see her designs displayed on a mannequin at the Smithsonian.
It’s the kind of determination you might only see in someone who has worked in the United States Navy for nine years as an Information Systems Technician, as Torres did before pumping the breaks and veering into the world of fashion.
“I really learned how to sew and thread a machine when I started attending The Art Institute of California - San Diego,” said Torres. “I wanted to make sure that I was considered a respectable designer and took my classes very seriously. I pretty much went into orientation with a mindset that I was going to learn the craft inside and out and respect all of the tools.”
Torres’ first full fashion show was at Fashion Week San Diego earlier this year, and her collection took third place in the competition. The sleek silhouettes tailored to perfection on the runway showed off her eye for design, with pleating strategically placed to create slimming looks and lightweight fabrics clinging to every curve. Fitted dresses and separates such as pants, shorts and tops are created by Torres with a confident, sexy woman in mind.
“I’ve always been a fan of architecture. In school, I learned about pleats, and I thought they were a nice detail, but you only see them on bridesmaid dresses and cheerleader outfits,” said Torres. “I wanted to try and reinterpret the pleat. I would sit and sketch and try and put the pleat in different areas. That grew into a bunch of new designs in my collection.”
Setting herself apart from the flowy styles of other designers, Torres’ pieces are structured and form-fitting, stemming from her admiration of modern art and costumes in old films.
Currently, Torres is enjoying her recent recognition and spot in the pop-up shop at La Plaza La Jolla. She’s building up a clientele list with local celebrities, creating a website and hopes to start online orders soon.
Shoppers can purchase some of Torres’ most popular designs in the shop right now, including the Margaret navy blue pants with pleating and the Demi dress, both available in sizes four, six and eight.
Marcie Bain of B.JASH.I (back), Territa Torres of Territa Torres Design (left) and Fatsani Dogani of TaSann at popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup Popup shop at La Plaza La Jolla for winning designers of 2015 Fashion Week San Diego. Photography by Brogen Jessup — Brogen Jessup
Today we have two stylish ladies – Ono Bello and Rita Dominic – both rocking Nigerian womenswear designer Lanre DaSilva Ajayi.
Rita Dominic rocked her dress a couple of days ago for the Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week and she paired the floral tea-length dress with blue sandals and a black clutch.
Ono Bello rocked her dress over the weekend and she accessorized with gold peep-toe pumps and a gold round clutch.
Grandaughter is the brainchild of Amina Suinner; an emerging Fashion Designer based in Abuja. The brand is available locally at a strategically located Cosmopolitan Boutique/Lounge. The elegance and contemporary style of Grandaughter collections can be traced to her unique fashion vision of the modern woman in Nigeria. A glance of the collections emanating from the Grandaughter label is enough to endear the toughest fashion critiques to appreciate the intricate dexterity showcased by her craft.
Join Grandaughter as she displays her luxury fashion pieces at Shop and Play this month.
Date: Wednesday, November 18th Time: 6 PM Venue: Shop and Play, 145 Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse 2, Abuja
Established in 2014, Heveneiress London was created to fulfill a unique and singular vision “Provide premium services” which give “The Heveneiress Woman” a visually competitive edge.”
She is supremely elegant, exudes confident and is effortlessly regal. A woman who understands that “fashion” is what you buy and “style” is what you do with it. She holds quality, distinctiveness and uniqueness above all.
Luxury Retail Hand crafted bags with the finest Italian leather, every piece with its own distinctive aesthetics,” The Collection” from Heveneiress London offers style laced with quality and individuality.
Beauty - Bespoke Makeup Artistry With client satisfaction at the heart of the brand’s service provision, Heveneiress London understands the importance of creating bespoke themes to enhance the beautiful features clients already possess and goes beyond makeup application and hair styling to create an individual advisory platform for its vast clientele.
Fashion and Beauty News
Maktoub Publisher’s ‘Clan’ Well, she keeps causing a stare whenever she attends high profile events but I hear she hardly goes out though, but when she does, you cannot help but glance at her magnetic presence. She is the elegant publisher of leading glossy business/lifestyle magazine, Maktoub, Mariam Mohammed, who was spotted looking ravishing at the second convocation ceremony of Baze University, one of Nigeria’s premier private universities.
Mariam’s unique all-black fashion outfit complemented her so well that it was not difficult to notice her in the elite gathering of guests. The beautiful businesswoman was her usual reserved self. Obviously, this pretty lady does not like hugging the spotlight and prefers to work quietly.
It’s ironic because she is in the business of publicity (media/PR), but avoids publicity herself. Talk about a beautiful gold fish who likes to keep to herself in her lovely aquarium. Without doubt you can tell she is a workaholic, I stared so hard at the lovely black dress she wore and, clipped it the Deola Sagoe daughter’s brand ‘Clan’. Deola Sagoe is one of Nigeria’s leading designers and her daughters, who have towed her path, are the creative directors behind the fashion label Clan.
2-Some Uber-Stylish Good News A new larger than life website www.uberstyle.org aimed at satisfying the quest and hunger for all things fashion, style, lifestyle, entertainment and news-worthy by the self-actualising individual is set to launch this November. The new website combines a comprehensive listing of the best of style, fashion, lifestyle, global fashion, beauty, entertainment and all things pop culture.
“Having worked with some of the biggest and brightest names in fashion within the African continent, we are now channeling our energy into creating a digital space where authentic personalities from all works of life can spend quality time experiencing great value and excitement whilst getting informed with what’s buzzing within their spaces in fashion, lifestyle, entertainment, news and, of course, a follow up in the interesting lives of some of the world’s most exciting and premium celebrities through our convenient, user-friendly larger than life website,” said Efemena Tommy Adabamu, owner of UberStyle.
Uberstyle fills a void in the marketplace with soul, wit, and an unwavering respect for design and craftsmanship. Created for the utterly modern and highly discerning man/woman, the website plays on people’s desire to ‘look under the hood’ by highlighting the brands, products, designers and trailblazers making an impact in the world of style today. The website goes live this November as a gift to the world thisCHRISTMAS.
“We pride ourselves in keeping abreast with the changing nature of what’s happening in the entertainment, lifestyle and fashion & beauty industries and as we believe no two industries are the same no matter how “alike” they may appear. 

We are particularly interested in African brands, or brands with an African message or story from fashion to beauty, music to movies and lifestyle. There are many great African brands not getting there due brand mileage. It’s time we started promoting our local brands and letting the rest of the continent and globe know about them. Africa is Unlimited. But we will also hit stud points on other continents where the style and lifestyle flags are in high octane like London, New York, Paris and Dubai – merging each story with some African vibes, said Efemena.
Uberstyle is led by Nigeria’s media personality Efemena Tommy Adabamu-an award-winning TV presenter who in the course of his career as a TV presenter have interviewed some of the world biggest entertainers, including Wyclef Jean, Akon, T-Pain, Rick Ross, R&B duo Next, just to mention a few. He has also been privileged to meet with one of the most influential people in the world and former US president, Bill Clinton.
With an eye and passion for fashion, Efe Tommy has moonlighted alongside celebrity style and entertainment writer Azuka Ogujiuba in Thisday Newspaper and has also been a seasoned contributor for Nigeria’s #1 style pullout, Thisday Style. Indeed, from Nigeria’s movie star, Genevieve Nnaji to pop music star, 2face Idibia, it is difficult to find a Nigerian superstar that hasn’t fallen under Efe Tommy’s delightful spell.
The website www.uberstyle.org will expand the editorial focus of menswear, women’s wear and lifestyle beyond fashion and will take a journalistic look at what is happening in today’s pop cultural zeitgeist.
Bambata Footwears at African Fashion Reception in Paris Nigerian Multiple Award Winning celebrity shoemaker debuts at African Fashion Reception. Bambata Foot wears, which has been consistent for years, is a leading brand that embodies the strength and resilient spirit of the Nigerian people. Through the mix of intricate African patterns with modern shapes and styles to guarantee fun and functionality.”I want to share my unique designs with the world,” says Bamdele the creative Director of Bambata Footwears and Accessories, an upwardly-mobile and all-round creative footwear and accessory designer. He has an eye for trends, distinctive original style and a background in Information Technology, Art and natural flair for colours, patterns, designs, and proportions,
Bamidele is creating a globally relevant product that merges art and fashion. His vision is to make the Bambata brand one of the leading footwear makers of choice for all people. The Africa Fashion Reception is being positioned as the largest African FashionMARKET. The highly-anticipated fashion/exhibition show will be held at the Salle Wagram next to the sshistoric Arc de Triomphe in the heart of Paris, the world’s fashion capital.
Ghandour Cosmetics, a leading manufacturer of beauty products in West Africa has named international superstars from fashion and sport as brand ambassadors for Scent of Africa, Africa’s first luxury fragrance.
Nigerian supermodel and fashion icon, Oluchi Orlandi who has graced the covers of Italian Vogue, i-D and ELLE magazines and featured in campaigns and runway shows for top names in fashion including Victoria’s Secret, John Galliano, Christian Dior, Costume National, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani, will represent Scent of Africa for Woman.
Ghanaian/French international football star, Marcel DeSailly, considered one of the most accomplished players of his generation and who represented top European clubs, Marseille, A.C. Milan and Chelsea as well as the France National football team winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 will represent Scent of Africafor Man.
The accomplished pair will be featured in the Scent of Africa ad campaigns, and host an exclusive product launch event on the 14th November in Accra, Ghana.
“Scent of Africa represents the success and richness of Africa. Both Oluchi and Marcel are true African success stories who have ascended to international icon status in their respective fields. These two were selected as brand ambassadors because they reflect our vision for Scent of Africa not just because of their achievements but also because of their commitment to give back to their homeland as philanthropists and entrepreneurs,” says Tanal Ghandour, the Founder and Managing Director of Ghana based Ghandour Cosmetics, which has operated for over 20 years in 14 African countries.
Brand ambassadors Oluchi Orlandi and Marcel Desailly will be on hand at the exclusive product launch event to be held at Kempiski’s, Ghana’s newest luxury hotel and conference center to unveil the fragrance and its advertising campaign to an audience of business, media and cultural influencers from across the continent.
Amanda Rabor is the founder and designer of the Isossy Children brand. She is part of the complete design process which has been very important as it’s a reflection of her creativity and growth. She uses plenty of African Ankara designs from West Africa as well as batiks from Thailand and India.
A product of different backgrounds in one, the Nigerian fashion designer is celebrating diversity through her clothing line, which infuses African, Western and Asian styles in all pieces.
Amanda is passionate about all aspects of personal development and personal evolution. Her belief in continually challenging herself led her to undertake a Psychology BSc Degree along with studying Counselling. Amanda loves living from a Spiritual base, her life experience has taught her that prayer, more recently meditation and lots of laughter help to keep her balanced.
Supported by sturdy family unit including her husband, the Londoner has found that her clothing line is transcending cultural barriers for all children. Amanda believes that it is empowering for children to see African prints in their day-to-day expression and in turn it promotes inclusion and understanding.
Isossy Children is a pioneering company. It has vision and it will grow dynamically around the world. Isossy Children is a brand that believes in, and promotes family values. Amanda believes in kids being kids and being allowed to be kids through the clothes they wear. The label offers something alternative, diverse and special for both parents and their children.
A jigsaw puzzle can be a fun pastime when you are the kind of person who loves to put together tiny pieces of an image. What visionary does not like the idea of seeing the bigger picture? However, the fun and games are not so fun when you encounter an unsolvable puzzle.
Not that that those exist in the jigsaw puzzle world, but imagine if they did. You would be playing a game you cannot win when the entire point of games, puzzles and life in general is to win. So what would you do? All the pieces of the puzzle are there but you just cannot figure out how to place them in order to form the bigger picture.
The Namibian fashion industry is a complex jigsaw puzzle that seems unsolvable. All the pieces of this industry are there, but we just cannot get it together.
We are like talented visionaries who are visually impaired. We do not understand the concept of building an industry as a team or as a networking resource, because it is truly about every man being for himself.
It baffles me that we think asking for help or giving help is a weakness; it is the notion that suggests that if I help you and you gain credibility, I will lose. This is what is keeping us from improving the stagnant ‘blah’ we call a fashion Industry.
A competitive character is critical, but what is the point if there is no one to compete with? What is the point if peers cannot support, critique and respect each other’s work? If this is the case, we will end up with a tiny industry with tiny ‘monopolies’ that are going nowhere fast. We are doing nothing for the greater good of the industry.
Style Mania magazine featured one of Nigeria’s foremost fashion pioneers, Omoyemi Akerele, who is the CEO of Style House Files and the brains behind...
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