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.

Sinmi and Damola

Thank you so much for your time D&S. It was awesome meeting you both and I wish you all the best with House 38.

To find out more about House 38, visit: http://www.House38.com

House 38

Ground Floor,

289B Akin Olugbade,

Off Adeola Odeku,

Victoria Island

Lagos, Nigeria.

Tel: +234 (0) 8136617794

+234 (0) 7084053388

Twitter: @House_38

xXx

Ps: I’m currently interning at House of Marie and I can’t wait to blog about my experience.

Van Cleef and Arpels: ‘ORIENS’

My flight to Lagos departed last Wednesday morning and upon arrival at Heathrow, I realised I hadn’t packed any perfume whatsoever. Considering all of my life possessions were to be condensed to two measly boxes weighing no more than 23kg each, you must understand my predicament.

Post my tears of leaving everyone behind, I wondered round the bliss that is Duty Free with the hope of finding a new scent. Such a task usually takes me longer than necessary; however this time there was one bottle that was visually arresting.

It was a crowned jewel with colours that depict the sunset on a perfect day. The interesting use of silver rather than a gold tint works in a fashion I’d never have imagined and the pearl coloured box it’s enclosed in confirms its class. The scent is one of sophistication if ever such existed and without a doubt, my Heaven on Earth. Van Cleef & Arpels’ ‘ORIENS’ is my scent for the rest of the year and regardless of how I’m dressed, my state of mind, or my mood, I’m pretty sure it’ll do all the talking necessary 😉

xXx

Ps: Yesterday I went to House 38 a new fashion label in Lagos. Their pieces were amazing. Can’t wait to blog about it.

Pps: Yesterday I also went for lunch with Fifi and friends and it was fun fun FUN! Looking forward to more of those…. until next time

Sleek Sunset

Last weekend called for a mini shopping trip and seeing as I already had a ShoMya class under my belt, I decided to step-up my makeup game.

I headed to Sleek for a reasonably priced palette and soon enough settled on the Sunset i-Divine EyeShadow. Seeing as Nigeria will be my new home for the coming year, I reckon the Sunset palette is a befitting choice.

Below are pictures of my first attempt at applying eyeshadow. Go easy on me, after all I am still an amateur…..

xXx