its all about fashion!!!

Dressing for model casting calls: how to get noticed

By: Ali Afegbua

I have been writing on this blog for a while now, and the tips i have been giving to you seem to be working due to the feed back i have received, thanks for being a fan of this blog, its nice to know that you take time out to actually read the whole posts.
today i want to advice you models out there on how to dress to casting calls, it seems like a simple topic, but is it really?? Now many of have missed good opportunities due to the way you presented yourselves at models castings, even though you have great potential.
Here are some tips to remember:
*Look as simple as possible.
*Plain clothes are the best.
*PLEASE NO JEWELERY!
*Little to NO MAKEUP!
*Wear your hair down/natural. Bring a hair tie just in case.
*Always be ontime or early!
*Bring your agency book/pictures/comp cards!
*Wear strapless NUDE bra, and wear NUDE underwear!
*No pattern preferably.If client wants to see you in a bathing suit, arrive with it underneath your clothes! 

<<<<FOR GUYS:

* NO BAGGY CLOTHES!

*shave your chest, armpit and pubic hair….PLEASE!!

*put on briefs not boxers

*bring hard soled shoes, no sneakers if its runway.

Here are the some outfits to try for casting call!

Tank top, skinny jeans and black heels
Client wants to see fitted shirts/pants for a better look at what your body shape is like. Tall and lean is the KEY! Don’t wear anything baggy or loose. Also, keep the layers to a MINIMUM! It will make you look bigger than usual. Tank tops are a must because clients WANT to see bare shoulders.**

Black dress Perfect for Runway casting or your regular casting call.
Dresses are ideal for runway castings because the movement and flow of the dress can help determine what the designers clothes will look like on you. Nothing too short of a dress, or too puffy works best. And showing legs are a HUGE plus! Clients want to see length! Don’t forget, black heels are a MUST!

Tank top, skirt and black heels.Also ideal for runway castings! Fitted skirts are workable because you can see your body shape easily. Nothing too short, or it will be inappropriate. Business, upscale, and model-esque is key. PLEASE Not TRASHY!
These are just a few pictures to help you decide on what to wear to the castings, and please remember apart from your looks and dressing, your confidence and personality will determine if you get selected or not, so relax and enjoy it, i wish you the best!

How to rock the polka dot look!!

Polka dots are perfectly pretty for spring styles, and can be worn for creatively colourful date and weekend looks, especially when accessorized with modern touches and a stellar smile!

Let’s see some ways we can go about wearing polka dots and pulling it off:

1. Retro Style

One of my favorite ways to wear polka dots is in classic shapes. Polka dots equal retro styling for me – think pin-up girls, full-coverage bathing suits and old-school glamour. When paired with items in classic shapes, polka dots can look downright demure.

2. With Patterns

In most cases, wearing polka dots with patterns is a big no. Polka dots with paisley or plaids? Hmmmmm! Not so much. There are, however, two very sweet exceptions to this rule: floral and stripes. This is sort of an “advanced” look fashion-wise, so if you’re just starting out experimenting with polka dots you may want to hold off before trying this. It doesn’t always work and can go WAY wrong. When pulled off, however, polka dots with stripes look very cool and give off that “this old thing?” vibe. Paired with floral, polka dots become very sweet – these looks often make their way into fashion magazines come spring, when fluttery sundresses are making the rounds. Here are some examples of patterns paired correctly.

3. Colour Chic

If the retro look is a little too much for you, wear polka dots with colour! Not all polka dot looks will look good with colours, so make sure to stick to a basic palette. Go for classic-colored polka dots with brightly coloured separates, or vice versa. If your polka-dotted item contains a loud colour like red or yellow, you’ll want to make that your “colourful” item too and stick to neutrals elsewhere. This will keep you from looking like a clown. Polka dots are very fun and charming when worn right, but take it too far and you’ll look ridiculous. Here are some examples that combine polka dots with colour and manage to get it right.

These are some of the many ways you can work a polka dot look into your wardrobe. You can accessorize with a scarf, bag, or pair of sunglasses, which will let you test drive the pattern without making a huge investment.

Tips:

1. Limit yourself to one piece of polka at a time.

2. Pair your polka attire with solid shoes

3. Stick to styles that are Classic and not Cutesy.

4. If you choose to carry a polka dot handbag, wear with a solid dress.

5. Search out polka dot clothing with understated styles and avoid harsh colours.

6. This structured strapless dress is a classic summer favourite in deep scarlet with white polka dots. It’s a sophisticated 50′s look with an angular sweetheart neck, fitted bodice, and gathered waist look with any black patent shoes and accessories.

7. Accessories are the easiest way for women to work some polka dots into their outfits without worrying about going overboard.

8. You can experiment with everything from hair accessories to shoes.

So women, get your groove on this Season and glam your look with a little bit of polka dot in your wardrobe. Follow these tips and you can do no wrong.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg married his longtime girlfriend on saturday

 

For Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it was quite a week - from birthday, to IPO, to I DO. A day after the historic Facebook stock offering, Zuckerberg on Saturday wed 27-year-old Priscilla Chan, his girlfriend of nearly a decade, according to a guest authorized to speak for the couple. The person spoke only on the condition of anonymity.

Zuckerberg gave his new bride a ring he had designed with a "very simple ruby" to end an incredibly eventful week, according to the guest.
The couple married at his Palo Alto, Calif. home in front of fewer than 100 stunned guests who thought they would be attending a party to celebrate Chan's graduation from medical school.
On Monday, Zuckerberg turned 28 and Chan graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, where she'd studied pediatrics.

Then on Friday, Zuckerberg took his blue-and-white web behemoth public in one of the most anticipated IPOs in Wall Street history.
The seemingly well-coordinated timing was largely a coincidence, the guest said. The wedding had been planned for months and the couple was waiting for Chan to finish medical school, but the date of the IPO was a "moving target" not known when the wedding was set.

Attendees, including Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, were told after they arrived that they were not mere party guests but wedding guests.
"Everybody was shocked," the guest said.

The person would not discuss the names of others who attended to protect their privacy.
Ditching his trademark hoodie and sneakers, Zuckerberg sported a dark blue suit and tie with a white shirt for the ceremony, while Chan wore a traditional white wedding dress with veil and lace.
Food was served family-style and included dishes from the couple's favorite Palo Alto sushi restaurant.
Zuckerberg met Chan at Harvard, where he founded Facebook in a dorm room in 2004, and have been together for more than nine years.

Tiwa Savage is blazing Hot!!

By: Ali Afegbua

Lets face it people, when it comes to female artists or celebrities in Nigeria, Tiwa Savage stands out as the hottest female act right now...with that lovely voice, plus she has an air of sensuality around her and entertains her audience with a lot of energy with out holding back. this makes her incredibly sexy and looking at the way she is progressing in her career, i must say she really took her time to understand the music industry before diving in...i cant say the same for some other "diva's" we had in the past.

Tiwa's wardrobe is as sexy and confident as she is on stage, and she is not afraid to flaunt her endowments...face it ladies Tiwa has an incredible body and she can get away with the sometimes skimpy numbers she shows up in, i must say she is one beauty that has no where else to go but up! 

“How to Start Your Own Clothing Line: A Look at the Clothing Production Process” – The Theme of Martwayne’s Fashion Entrepreneurship Course (Vol. 4)

BY: Ali Afegbua.

the fashion entrepreneurship course is here again in the month of may, as a fashion designer myself, i must say its one of those trainings that will certainly help build your fashion business from scratch, i certainly learnt a lot at the last edition, cant wait for this one. DON'T MISS IT!!

WHAT FEC4 IS ABOUT:

Understanding the process behind turning your creative ideas into wearable garments.

THEME: Developing Your Own Clothing Line: A Look at the Clothing Production Process

MODULES:

1. Understanding & Developing Your Own Clothing Production Process
2. Documentation Required in the Production Process
3. Saving Production Costs Through Effective Networking

WHO IT IS FOR:

Anyone interested in owning a fashion label, setting up a clothing production unit or plugging into any stage of the garment manufacturing process such as seamstresses, machinists, patternmakers, etc.

DATE: Saturday, 26 May, 2012
TIME: 12 noon - 5pm (participants to arrive at 11.30am)
VENUE: Tom Associates, 5/7 Alade Lawal Street, Anthony Village (opposite the Anthony Police Station), Ikorodu Road, Lagos COURSE FEES: N15,000 (includes training materials & light refreshments)

REGISTRATION DETAILS: Cash Deposits or online transfer into the “Martwayne Dynamiques” account, No: 101 223 3897 at any Zenith Bank branch reserves your place on the Course.

5% Discounts for:

- Registrations by Wednesday, 23 May, 2012;
- Current or previous Martwayne students; and
- If you bring a friend (to be refunded at the venue).

For more details, please visit www.fashionbeyondstitches.com OR contact me on 0809 787 6075; 0813 298 7824 or 0819 142 0983 or via e-mail at twilliams@martwayne.com or via BB Chat: PIN 2156A776.

Please inform friends and family who wish to turn their love for fashion into a viable business or anyone who wishes to sponsor a loved one.

See you on the 26th @ Tom Associates!

ARTSY LASHES AND NAILS

There are new and wonderful ways to wear your false lashes and nails, but some of these designs like the lashes here...are for the runway and fashion shoots, unless you are ladygaga... the nails on the other hand,are really HOT....black and white stripes is soooo in right now!!!

WHO BECOMES THE FACE OF MODELSVILLAGE??…GET DISCOVERED!!!

April 26th, 2012 Ali Afegbua 

The face of modelsvillage is a models search coming from the stables of www.modelsvillage.tv, the only online platform that has been catering to the promotional needs of models,photographers,fashion designers and graphic artists for years…in Africa and around the world!

this contest is designed to look for promising and outstanding models in Nigeria, to get them more opportunities…plus there are fabulous prizes to be won.
registrations starts soon on the website, we will keep you informed on the details.
for inquiries please reach us, we will be glad to answer your questions.
07026260092, 07044639415
info@modelsvillage.tv
support@modelsvillage.tv

DAWNTROVERSIAL: CUSTOMISED SHOES FOR THAT SPECIAL LOOK!!!

By: Ali Afegbua  ;)

WHERE ARE MY FASHION FREAKS???

Want to try something more colourful, do you find shoes in the stores too plain and boring for you??
then you need look at these incredibly creative foot wear on display...LOVELY!

Glasgow based Architect-turned shoe manipulator, Dawn creates one-of-a-kind, intricately hand-painted and customised shoes. These come in all shapes, sizes, forms and colours, including space inspired colourful galaxies, studs/spikes, altering the shoe shape/design/colours/adding embellishments, customising as crazy as you dare! For ladies and men, and kids too!

Prices on request - all made bespoke by Dawn in Glasgow, commissions welcome. Contact Dawn with your shoe size, the style of shoe you'd prefer, and what colours and designs you'd like, or if you are enquiring about getting some commissioned or making a line of shoes for your company, or borrowing shoes for photo shoots.
contact : dawntroversial@hotmail.co.uk

Fashion Entrepreneurship Course (FEC vol 3), themed Colours & Fabrics

 The Fashion Entrepreneurship Course, themed "Colours & Fabrics" in this month of April promises to be even more informative in getting you ready for a career in fashion.its just this weekend so get yourself registered NOW...! all the information you need is written below, I WILL DEFINITELY BE THERE, get empowered today...have a lovely time!!!


THEME: Colours & Fabrics

MODULES:

-  Understanding Colour, its Psychological Effects & How to Effectively Combine Colours

-  Understanding Fabrics, Fabric Properties, Uses & Care

-  Developing Your Colour Wheen & Swatch Book for Own Use

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Anyone who wears clothes or deals with colours and fabrics in their line of work... which is pretty much everyone!!!

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Designers, Business Professionals, Interior Decorators, Event Planners, Students and even Brides to be!

DATE:  Saturday, 28 April, 2012

TIME: 12 noon (participants to arrive at 11.30am)

VENUE: Planet 1 Hospitality, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikeja

COURSE FEES: N15,000 (includes training materials and light refreshments)

REGISTRATION DETAILS: 

Payment of the fees into the "Martwayne Dynamiques" account, number 101 223 3897 at any Zenith Bank branch reserves your place on the Course.  

5% discounts for:

- Early registrations / payments received by Wednesday, 25 April, 2012;

- Previous FEC participants & Students.

- If you bring a friend.

CONTACT DETAILS:

0809 787 6075 / 0813 298 7824 / 0819 142 0983

E-Mail: twilliams@martwayne.com

BB Chat: PIN 2156A776.

Please inform friends and family or anyone who wishes to sponsor a loved one.

Many thanks and we look forward to welcoming you on the 28th!

LOVELY WORK OF ART!!!

Remembering Yves Saint Laurent:Fashion dies, but style remains

 

    Yves Saint Laurent (August 1, 1936 – June 1, 2008)

Yves Saint Laurent (August 1, 1936 – June 1, 2008) was one of the most fashionable designers of our time: with his signature feathers, boho chic and gender bending tux, he’s left a mark in the industry. Creativity at its best!

Every fashionable person should have at least one YSL piece in their wardrobe. Here are some of the things he had to say as he relates it to fashion:

‘We must never confuse ELEGANCE with SNOBBERY’.

‘The difference between day and evening clothes is OUTDATED’.

‘My evolution began in the late 60′s and early 70′s. THE WHOLE WORLD CHANGED and so did we’.

‘Over the years I’ve learned that what is important in a dress IS THE WOMAN THAT’S WEARING IT’.

‘It was my wish to accompany women in that great MOVEMENT OF LIBERATION that occurred during the last century’.

Indeed a man of knowledge.

His first collection in 1958 was called the LING TRAPEZE. In 1960 Spring/Summer collection was called BEATNIK – all motor bike jackets made of alligator skin, mink coats with ribbed sweater sleeves and turtle necks under finely cut suits.

YSL’s muse is exquisite French actress, Catherine Deneuve. One of his greatest talents is colours, from his Mondrain-Inspired dresses to his ballet Russes collection in the 70′s.

He repeats what Chanel says: Fashion Changes, Style Remains.

He was known to create clothes that made a woman feel great and feel the height of elegance.

Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2012 Collection

HOT TREND:The black and white stripe clothes!!

Monochrome clothes come in a distinctive pattern and as the name applies in this context, usually with black and white and shades of grey.  Let’s talk about stripes.

HOW TO WEAR:

ACCESSORIZING  A BLACK AND WHITE DRESS

So there’s an upcoming party and you have an absolutely fabulous black and white dress, and you can’t wait to wear it. Most likely because you are wondering about the right way to accessorize the dress, and whether you should stay monochromatic or go bold.

There is no simple answer to guide you without worrying about breaking any hard and fast rules of fashion, but you can use your creativity to personalise your outfit.

HOW BOLD CAN YOU GO?

Decide on one bright colour to use to accessorize your dress. Most people always tend to combine red with black and white, it’s become very cliché, as it’s easily expected. Experiment with other colours like yellow, teal, emerald green, hot pink or any other colour you like.

In the choice of shoes, a handbag and jewellery, relate it to the accessory colour you’ve chosen. They mustn’t be the exact same shade, but they should be related enough that they all go well together. Also, they do not have to be solid colours; you could choose a black handbag with hot pink trim, or a silver necklace with a turquoise pendant.

The makeup should be toned-down for the subtle look, if you want to go sassy, then red is a good choice. Bright yellow accessories can be fashionable, but bright yellow accessories with matching eye shadow cross the border.

Rule: don’t match the colour of your accessories with your make up.

SAFE MONOCHROMATIC

 Here you play neutral throughout. Accessories are in black, white or grey to strike the monochromatic look.

Patterns are used here since you aren’t playing with colours. For example, if your dress has black and white stripes, consider carrying a white purse with black polka dots, or wearing black shoes with a white floral print.

It kind of sets it off.

To add that bit of colour, apply colourful and dramatic makeup, bringing the look to life as well as continuing the dramatic theme of a monochromatic outfit.

METAL CHIC

Gold, Silver or Copper are all metal tones. So accessories either made of that metal, or in a matching colour is applicable and can be used.

Adding a belt in the colour of the metal you chose to pull the whole look together can be considered.

For makeup; you can wear eye shadow in the metallic colour you chose.

The rules of wearing stripes are often overlooked and go overboard. People simply fall for the beauty and elegance of wearing stripes. Stripe patterned clothes can go well with any statement, no matter how big or small the layers and lines are.

However, wearing stripes can be very limiting. As mentioned, there are rules in wearing such patterns that greatly depend on a person’s body built. There may be some who can safely play around with it and go beyond the recommended rule, yet they manage to look fabulous and fashionable. Express your style in solid patterns and colours layered in stripes to set off a cool, versatile and comfortable look. Consider the below guidelines and learn to strut your striped clothes beautifully.

KEEP THE STRIPES THIN

Wide and loud stripes for your dresses, polo’s or shirts, don’t look the best or stylish. Thin stripes are highly recommended especially for formal separates like dress shirts, and polo top.

COMPLEMENTARY COLOUR

Some striped clothes are designed and created in a monochrome, while others are layered with combined hues. If you prefer the latter, make sure that the colours complement each other. For the ladies, you can play around with colours by choosing a top with monochrome stripes and a bottom with a different colour but complements with your top. This way you can both flaunt the beauty of colours and stripes and create a magical illusion and shape to balance off your fashion. Just remember to pick colours that go well with the base colour of your attire.

GO VERTICAL

You have to learn that horizontal lines can make you look bigger if you have a wide body frame, so you can opt for vertical stripes to elevate your stance and make you look taller and thinner.

Now you can wear stripes with confidence and sheer elegance.

Dimeji Alara: ‘Nigerian fashion is pretentious, loud and unrealistic’

When we encountered stylist Dimeji Alara recently, we weren’t surprised to discover a huge dose of energy, drive and passion locked up in the person behind the name and face. Less than a minute with him and his funny nature became evident.

In this interview, the soft spoken editor of Mania Magazine takes us down a memory lane into his experience as a child and his achievements as an adult.

Tell us briefly, who is Dimeji Alara?

(laughs) So many people ask me that question every time. I’ve told myself, I am not going to answer that question. (laughs) Go and find out who Dimeji is.

There are times when we are reported to be who we really are not. And people go about with their opinion of us. The media does same. That’s why I want to hear your own opinion of who you are.

Well, I’m just me. I’m just the guy trying to make a living doing what I love to do best…

Which is…?

Which is Fashion. (laughs)

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was fun. I mean I had the opportunity of growing up in different environments. I was born in Paris. I grew up in Paris. I grew up partly in Nigeria too. I’ve also lived in a couple of different countries, so I’ve been able to see so many things. I try to take life not too seriously because I’ve seen a lot in life. I’ve been in different positions and situations both god and bad. I’m not from a rich home. I went through the trouble every Nigerian went through. I don’t regret my life. I have a lovely family, a few lovely friends too.

You studied fashion. This is one area very few guys venture in.  Why did you decide to?

I’ve always tried to stand out from the crowd. It’s what I wanted to do, so I decided to do it. I mean, I don’t have to do things because other people are doing it or because people want to study law, become doctors or professors. I don’t want to put myself into what the society believes is the norm. I wanted to do something and I did it regardless of whether men go into fashion or study fashion or not. It was what I wanted and I did it.

A typical Nigerian parent would have been like ‘Over my dead body’ when there are other professions and careers like being a doctor, an engineer or something they believe is a lot more dignifying. What were your parents’ reaction when you informed them of your decision to do fashion?

My parents are very open-minded and the way I was brought up, is to be able to stand on my own and make decisions for myself. They are always supportive and one thing I learnt from them was to be able to make decisions for myself and it is very important to have that kind of mentality when you are growing up else, you would never be a leader. To be able to lead, you need to be able to make decisions no matter how difficult it is.

So kudos to your parents then for helping you go get it. Don’t you think?

(laughs) Yes, of course.

You being somebody with a lot of exposure as regards fashion. I mean you studied fashion in the university, I’m a little bit curious. Of all areas in fashion, why did you choose Styling?

I think styling chose me actually, I don’t know if i chose styling. Sometimes I even wonder why am I doing it. I love to do it and that’s it. It’s something I love.

And since you started doing it, how has the experience been so far?

It’s been great. It’s been very interesting too. I mean like every other business, It’s very difficult to do business in Nigeria. There are a lot of challenges involved. I mean endless challenges, I don’t even know where to start from but when you are doing something you love, then it’s not work anymore, it’s easier for you to deal with the challenges then.

I’ve always wanted to know what Styling is exactly. Perhaps you could shed light on it. What does Styling entail?

I have a very creative mind. For me, I see Styling very differently from…from maybe how others see it. I see Styling from an artiste’s point of view. For example, when am working on a shoot, let’s say for the magazine, I’m thinking okay, what direction are we looking at? First, you think of a story, you think of the girl, you try to build a story around her and you look at the clothes, how relevant are they? You think of what is relevant in terms of trend, you know, which is secondary. Yeah, then…uhm…(pause) I don’t know how to explain it. Creative stuffs are always very hard to explain.

Now, with your experience as a Stylist, which of all your shoot would you say is your most memorable?

Uhm…there was this shoot i did recently, not out yet. It’s going to be out in the next issue of Mania. I think that’s one of my most memorable. And there was also one we did for the first issue of Mania. I shot it with the lady inside…and that was the first shoot for Mania.

Has there ever been one that you didn’t like?

Oh yes! I mean a lot of times, am very hard with myself. Each time I do something, I always say it’s not good enough, so I try to push myself really hard. Most times, I always feel there’s something missing and I tell myself it could be better.

Now, tell me, how easy do you find it working with women?

Uhm…It’s very easy, you just need to be patient (laughs)

Perhaps I should put it this way. How easy is it for you understanding the woman’s body to be able to help her flaunt it? Is there a strategy you employ to get that done and make it perfect?

It’s about what she wants and also about what I want. If we both agree…then it’s up to the two of us to make it work. I mean it takes the two of us. I mean it takes the stylist and the person being styled. Once the person being styled has objections…then things start getting funny…(laughs)

Has there ever been a time when things got funny?

It always happens. I mean you are dealing with women. It’s how you handle it that’s important. You can’t take things personal with women; you have to know how to find your way out.

Most Stylists claim to have a distinctive personal style, and am sure you do too.

(laughs) Well, if you say so.

So how would you describe your style?

My Style is very simple. I usually don’t go shopping buying clothes. That’s not something I spend on. I wear whatever I have as long as it looks good and is okay. Whether it’s designers or not. I’m really not concerned about those things.

You do have a Styling company.

Yeah

Tell us about it.

It’s Styling Concept which I have put aside for a while, of course I still do Styling jobs but this is a company that would need my proper attention. Now I am putting more attention into Mania, as time goes on when I have more time and energy to cope with two things, then I would. I don’t like to do too many things at the same time. I like to be focused, not do all the styling jobs here and there and at the end, it would come out as crap.

What do you think is the prospect for upcoming Stylists considering the fact that Nigeria is a country where everybody has this idea of I can do it myself or my tailor can help.

But that is gradually changing now.

Interesting. So you think there is a reason for upcoming Stylists to still stick to their guns?

It depends on their reason for going into fashion. If they are going into fashion because it looks glamorous on the outside, then they have a problem. Whatever you do in life, you need to do it for the right reason and not because how glamorous or interesting it looks, because, it’s actually not glamorous.

You really mean that?

It’s not. Believe me, it’s not.

Well, if you said it, then…(laughs) Now, how would you convince me that I need the services of  Stylist.

I don’t have to convince you.

Really?

Yeah. You would realise it when it gets to a point. A lot of our people are beginning to realise that. Nobody needs to tell them. By the time you dress like a frog to an event and then the picture is posted on Bella and everybody is blasting you, then you will know that you definitely need a Stylist. I mean, the internet is also changing so many things. It gives people something to talk about whatever they see. You are a celebrity and you go to an event you think nobody is not looking at you and then the  picture lands on the internet and everybody is…you know, saying stuffs about you….(laughs)

Having worked with so many celebrities, who would you say is that celebrity that really brought your job to limelight?

No celebrity…I won’t say any celebrity made me.

Is there any that made your job appeal to you? One that you worked with and told yourself wow!

I’ve enjoyed working with a lot of people but it’s against my rules to talk about my clients. I’m sure they love their privacy and the people I’ve worked with over and over still…

Like who and who?

(laughs) No I won’t.

Nigeria, as a country is growing and so is her fashion industry. Every Nigerian has suddenly become fashion conscious, following trends so religiously. Now, as somebody who studied, understands and follows fashion, can you forecast the trend in let’s say three years?

What I do is, I look at what is going to happen. What state people are going to be in financially, in terms of the state of the country? It plays a very big role in what colours people wear. You know, the colours you wear, depends on how you feel, how you feel depends on what is happening around you and also what the weather would be like in few months. It’s a matter of looking around you and putting people’s thoughts into consideration. All these things might sound useless but they all play huge factor in what people are wearing. For example, if the economic situation in the country is bad, people don’t want to wear expensive stuffs, they want to buy wearable stuffs, like black pieces which you can wear over and over and not what you would wear once because there are more things to spend money on than clothes. Things like that. It’s very easy to predict when you look at what is happening around you.

So what do you think is going to happen to Nigerian Fashion in the next three years?

The next three years, I can’t say for sure but with the way things are going, but let’s look at it, in the last two years, what are the changes? Did things get better or not?

But everything seems stable now, after the subsidy thing that happened recently, so I guess there is a fair level ground and possibility for predictions.

I can’t see the future. All I can do is predict and hope that it gets better..

Now, tell us about your job as the editor of Mania Magazine.

I do a lot. I edit the magazine, the stories, of course. I style almost all the shoot. I layout the pages, I look through the entire magazine in terms of content. What story goes in? Basically, that is what I do. From marketing to page layout, to styling to editing to writing.

Let’s get a little personal now. Is Dimeji married?

No, am not.

What’s your favourite fashion place in the world?

I told you am not a shopping person.

Somewhere you go to get all your fashion needs.

Buy things for myself?

Maybe or somewhere you would recommend anytime.

Hmm may be Temple Muse or Mango. I think those two.

What’s your favourite fashion accessory?

My favourite fashion accessory…I have this old belt I have owned for years now and it still looks nice. Yeah, that’s my favourite fashion accessory. Actually, my dad gave it to me.

Who is you favourite fashion designer?

I’ve been really really enthralled by the new designers and am very excited with the designs they parade every time. Talk of Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Bridget Awosika and others. They are really very good and I am proud of them.

Who would you like to trade closets with? Home and Abroad.

Hmmmm…I think that would be Carl Lagerback. We don’t really share the same style but I think I would be comfortable trading wardrobe with him. In Nigeria….(thinks) None.

Can you define Nigerian fashion in one word?

Nigerian fashion is…Pretentious, Loud and unrealistic.

Why do you think so?

Most Nigerians are afraid of being themselves, so they wear clothes to lie about their status and cover up for some things. Fashion overseas, is wild and marketable.

What advice do you have for wealthy people who wish to invest in Nigerian fashion?

I would advise them to invest in distribution. There are no distribution networks. Overseas, you find departmental stores everywhere. This is one area that needs to be looked into.

Finally, Dimeji. Be our style guide. A couple just got an invitation to a cocktail. What would you suggest they wear?

I think the man should have on a black tie and the lady, maybe a little black dress.

Just that?

Hmmm…(laughs) Yes, just that.

Alright thank you Dimeji for spending your time with us. Thank you.

You are welcome.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF KETO COUTURE 2012 FASHION COLLECTION

Kenny Eyitemi Okorie, the brain behind KETO Couture will play host to fashion enthusiasts, and some of the fashion industry’s biggest players, as she launches her fashion line ‘Keto Couture’ for the first time in Lagos.
KETO COUTURE  presents to all you fabulous people, the KETO COUTURE 2012 FASHION COLLECTION and also the official launch of TRUE STAR MAGAZINE, this event promises to thrill all in attendance with jaw dropping designs, on the hottest and most glamorous models you will see on the runway, plus lots of entertaining performances. this event is also powered by; TRUE STAR MAGAZINE, Good morning Africa, ISIS Models and Studio 24 photography. you cant miss this!!!

Time: 4pm

Date: Saturday 28th 2012

Venue: Oriental Hotel, Lekki Expressway, Lagos.

Before You Take On The Fashion Industry – Do Your Homework!

The Nigerian fashion industry can be described as a classic case of ‘getting ahead of one’s self’? Like in any case with life, one must crawl before walking. In the past decade, there has been an influx of fashion labels into the industry.There is a reason why apprentices and interns were created. An intern is one who shadows a person in a real job, gaining skills and experiencing what the job entails before going into it full time. This is a way for aspiring fashion designers  to learn the ropes/dynamics of the fashion industry.

Fashion designing goes beyond a trip to Lagos Island to purchase Ankara, hiring a tailor to sew clothes and putting it on the runway. Listening to  fashion designers in interviews saying things like ‘collar that covers the neck’ (mandarin collar) is just too painful to watch! If we plan to take our fashion industry to the next level, if we plan to be globally accepted, we must educate ourselves in fashion as we would in any other profession. I strongly believe that interning for a well-established fashion designer is the only way to last. Many designers might be here today, but do you honestly see them lasting over the years, after the creative designers die? Do you see their names carrying on?

The fashion scene in Nigeria has become a hobby for the cool and judging by the shows and poor quality of work, many of these upcoming designers tend to see this more as a mere social event rather than an actual job. Fashion designers need to focus on the quality and duplicity of their work. Making sure they produce top-notch clothing of impeccable quality including proper neat finishing.

I am not trying to knock anyone’s hustle because I must commend the dedication of fashion designers and enthusiasts alike in these past few years but there is a lot of room for improvement. Take a cue from successful fashion designers such as the late Yves Saint Laurent who started out as Christian Dior‘s assistant before later taking over the line and then going on to create his own self-named fashion line. He is till date one of the greatest names in fashion history. One is not saying that it is not possible to have a successful fashion label without interning first, but like any other job one must be trained properly before embarking on a career or job in that field especially here in Africa where the fashion industry is fast becoming competitive.

Things to consider before starting a fashion brand:

Educate Yourself: This is probably the first thing you should do. Take a short course in clothing and textiles. Learn the difference between organza and taffeta or a sweetheart neckline and a boat neckline. Learn what it means for fabric to be ‘cut on the bias’, basic colour blending and what fabric can be mixed with another. Knowing how to sketch is also a very important aspect of fashion designing. Knowing how to properly represent a client’s idea of an outfit on paper will always score you extra points. There are lots of online websites where you can learn fashion drawing for free.

Experience: Gain experience in the business before plunging right into it, risking your money and time. Perhaps by discussing with a friend who is into fashion as well you can learn a few things. I personally recommend interning with a fashion designer. That way you get first-hand knowledge on what it is really like behind the scene and you also get to forge strong friendships that would help you when you eventually launch your line.

Do The Math: Do you have available funds, are you financially stable? Do you want to apply for a loan from the bank? Do you want to borrow money from friends and family to start up your business? Or do you want your friends and family to invest in your business as partners? Do you plan on starting out in your house and then branching out into a rented store later on? You have to take into consideration the cost of rent and diesel or petrol for your generator as one cannot rely on PHCN. Or do you want to have an online store?

Work Out the Logistics: Do you want to hire some of our highly talented Eastern brothers and set them up in a warehouse? Or do you want to go all out and send your designs to China or India to be produced? Every fashion designer or high street line has to have its own individual essence that makes it stand out. Just as Jewel by Lisa is usually bedazzled and has the youthful flair or Ituen Basi is known for her patchwork and fringed dresses so also should your clients be able to tell your designs when they see it. Know your target market. You cannot produce skin hugging dresses mini dresses and expect Nigerian women in their 30s  to be flocking into your store.

Advertising/PR: You need PR to ensure word on your line gets out to the right people, to make sure you are interviewed by the right people and to make sure you get invited to the right fashion shows and parties. This way you meet loads of people and make valuble connections.  This will ensure your entry into the fashion scene is marginally easier. Also getting the right modelling agency to provide models for your fashion show.

Most importantly you have to be dedicated and truly passionate to last in the fashion industry. Underneath all the glamour and hot bods is sheer dedication and hard work. By the way I am not saying that you have to follow these exact rules for guaranteed success. You could always start out in your boys-quarters or better still sketch what you want to sew, send it along with fabric to your tailor in Mushin, put your own label on it and the get your skinny tall friends to model the clothes for you. For advertising, you could just make a twitter account and a Facebook account for your line and harass people to retweet and like your pages and frustrate people by sending Blackberry broadcasts three times a day. It is way cheaper: D

‘Unrivaled Elegance’- Andrea Iyamah presents “Plush” Collection

Dumebi Iyamah is the Nigerian designer behind Canadian-based label, Andrea Iyamah. The newest from the label- “Plush Collection”, which features long, chiffon, and velvet dresses highlighted with hand-made beading.

View the collection below:

Click to order pieces from the collection