Kehinde F

Fashion Week Series: Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson is always a breath of fresh air. He’s never too scared to dive into a splodge of colour and every time he unveils a new collection, I’m overwhelmed by the same refreshing feeling of his previous collection. What can I say…? The man’s Genius! He unlocks realms in fashion, the every day woman only dreamed existed and this season is no different.

Williamson’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection consists of colours that could only depict the beginning of a beautiful summer. His fiery oranges, sunshine yellows and his hint of electric blue are a rainbow dream only existent in fantasies. His rope belts and cultural prints are loosely based on Japanese influences and the nonchalant attitude that lingers in every perfect piece is ideal for the fortunate few amongst our dual population. Here are a few of my favourite pieces from his London Fashion Week collection….

xXx

Ps: Yes, you guessed it. It’s Milan Fashion Week 🙂

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards

Last Sunday night was the 63rd Primetime Emmy awards and despite my ill health, Taiwo deemed it necessary to wake me. For this reason alone, I will be eternally indebted to her lol.

Incase you were unaware, the Emmy’s red carpet is my all-time favourite red carpet beating the VMA’s, the Oscars and the Grammy’s!!! I’m not sure whether it’s E!’s incredible 360 degree camera or their ingenious stiletto camera that quite serves as the icing on the cake, but the Emmy’s just do it for me (whatever ‘it’ might be).

This year welcomed a lot more reds than I was used to on any red carpet and although myself, I’d have been sceptical about the blend, it appeared to work quite the treat last Sunday night. The likes of Vampire Diaries’ Nina Dobrev looked stunning in a floor length Donna Karen dress with an origami finish; Glee’s Lea Michele was ever the poser in a low draped back, rosette sleeved Marchesa dress; and Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara was dressed in a coral one shoulder chiffon Vera Wang dress.

Heidi Klum was looking every inch the supermodel in her Christian Siriano custom made dress, proving that with a little silk tulle, a bit of vintage lace and a splash of organza, a dress can be transformed into art.

Finally, Evan Rachel Wood depicted sex appeal in her Elie Saab couture dress proving that sexy needn’t be slutty. She looked absolutely gorgeous with her Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and minimal accessories, after all, the dress did do most of the talking. Here are my favourite looks from the Emmy’s 2011……..

xXx

Ps: I tried blogging using wordpress’s app today so forgive me for not referencing my sources and please forgive the different sizes of the images, I’m yet to master how to effectively use this app. Until next time……

Fashion Week Series: Emilia Wickstead

Emilia Wickstead is my latest discovery in the fashion realm and having just unearthed her remarkable talent, I’m disappointed in myself to say the least. This Central Saint Martin graduate has astounded me with her somewhat preppy collection and seeing as my style is what my friend, Mayuri, refers to as “Mrs President” it’s no surprise that Emilia Wickstead has sky-rocketed to the top of my designer watch list.

Supposing I was to interpret this Spring/Summer story, I’d make it one for the demure princess, her elegance speaking volumes that needn’t be garish; her class exemplary of why less is always more; and her body, an eternal beauty, never aging. From the structured pleats to the floral prints, this designer has nailed what it means to be a perfect woman.

xXx

Ps: Tonight is the Primetime Emmy Awards!!!!!!!!!!!! Wohoooo!!!

Fashion Week Series: Diane von Furstenberg

In honour of fashion week, I have decided to do a series of blogs on some of my most iconic designers of all time, throwing in a couple of my most wanted pieces from this season’s collections.

First in the series is Belgian-born New Yorker, Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF). Although known for her iconic wrap dresses, I’m rapt by her use of colour and her infallible eye for amazing fabric patterns. Never complicated, her simple yet clever designs display that simplicity is strictly for the sophisticated woman.

This season, DVF’s runway palette consisted of earthy tones and a reflection of Africa where she says it all began. The collection had everything from androgynous blazers to feminine and floaty maxis, from playful drapes to fitted shirts. Here are some of my favourite pieces from her Spring Summer 2012 collection.

xXx

PS: Can you believe it’s London Fashion Week already….? *sigh*

Nobody’s Perfect

“Someone will always be prettier. Someone will always be smarter. Some of their houses will be bigger. Some will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house. So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it…. The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart. The most highly favoured woman on your job might be unable to have children. The richest woman you know, she’s got the car, the house, the clothes- might be lonely. And the Word says: “If I have not love, I am nothing.” So again, love you, love who you are. Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say: “I am too blessed to be stressed, and too anointed to be disappointed!” Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen.”

A friend of mine sent this to me in a broadcast ages ago and I kept because every once in a while we all need a reminder that nobody’s perfect.

xXx

Ps: New York Fashion Week…. Need I say more? *Sigh*

House Of Marie

House of Marie is a fashion label that has been on the streets of Lagos for about three years. Over a period of two weeks, I embarked on an internship with some of the most talented and warm-hearted members of the team and learnt a bit on everything from sketching to beading and even learnt how to make Harem Pants!!

The owner Mrs Joan Ibuzo was a pleasure to work with, never holding back on ways in which she felt I could develop. She maintains an amazing vision for the business. Jumoke Onifade, the very talented and tenacious designer, bears an eye for detail like I’ve never before seen and contributed immensely to my development there. Together, they will undoubtedly be conquering every fashion scene that struts their way.

Their latest collection is set to be Victorian inspired and judging from the pieces I saw, it’s set to turn heads in the fashion industry. I can’t wait till its launch. In the meantime, here are a few pictures I took during my time there.

House of Marie: http://www.HouseOfMarie.com

xXx

Rant of the day: Nigerian internet drives me mad! It’s taken almost 48hrs to upload this post. No joke.

Ps: This past week, I’ve missed the IFB Conference, Fashion’s Night Out and Lucky FABB! I’m one sad blogger 😦

PPs: RIP those that died as a result of the 9/11 suicide bombings

House 38

There’s something about fashion that makes my pupils dilate, I get these involuntary spasms and a bit of a twitch before my body manages some form of composure…. Well Saturday evening was no different.

Accompanied by Taiwo, I hunted down the store I’d been hearing about all over Twitter, House 38, and upon arrival at their opening week sales, we were welcomed by Sinmi, a co-owner of the label. She made us feel very much at home as we were fixated by the exquisite beading incorporated in their pieces. I was half way through the burst of colour when Damola, the second half of the brand, came out to greet us. Not only were the owners themselves an absolute pleasure to meet, but the effortless chic transcended in each impeccable piece was a rarity in modern day fashion. There was a piece for every occasion and I was thrilled to have found my Lagos shopping spot.

Here’s how my interview with House 38 went:

1. House 38 is an interesting name choice. What brought you to it?

We went through the process of trying to find a name that said something about both of us, that we both loved. The conversation went back & forth, until we decided on House 38 – which is the house we grew up in.

2. What do you hope your pieces say when others wear them and in a sense represent you?

We tend to design our clothes to showcase our love of timeless and classic style. So, in a sense, our pieces should not be seen as trendy but as clothes that would stand the test of time.

3. What’s the one accessory that would go with any House 38 outfit?

A pair of black pumps.

4. How would you describe Lagos fashion?

An amalgamation of so many influences that just creates this very vibrant scene. The best thing about Lagos fashion is that there are some people that follow trends, but at the same time there’s a class of people that you see on a daily basis that are not afraid to step outside of the norm. They are not afraid to experiment with color, texture, and fashion in general. So as designers, Lagos fashion is very inspiring because it creates this fearlessness, as you would sense that there’s someone out there who understands your vision.

5. I’m a fan of all things Harry Potter so I have to ask: If you stood in front of a boggart, what would be your biggest fashion faux pas?

[S says I LOVE YOU!!!] Unfortunately, D doesn’t watch or know anything about Harry Potter.]

S: Gosh! It’ll have to be this pink denim with a rainbow wash on it, and sequins.