Xuly Bet

The joys of the fashion industry are never ending just knowing that there’s a new trend just round the corner to look forward to. Africa fashion week just passed held in South Africa was a successful event with results to show for it,FashionAfrica has spotted some recurring ’seams and hems’, see below:

Sequins and Embellishments – TOP TREND

This has got to be the most exciting and we are very pleased that almost every designer showcased some work a la sequins/embellishments/jewels. It appears to me that for the rest of the season, sequins will be big and can be worn casually or could be jazzed up for dressy occasions.

 

Ruffles, Frills and Fringy Benefits

This is where the drama of a fashion show starts, heavy frills and ruffles were seen on the ramps in Sandton Convention Centre as David Tlale,Kluk CGdt did a ‘frill-ruff’ redefinition. We were also opportuned to some fringy benefits as Ituen Basi took the lead.

 

Here Comes the Bride

Designers like Abigail Betz created an atmosphere for  bridal-themed looks. Many, other designers like David Tlale, KLUK CgDT, Soucha seem to have thought in the same direction as well. With these varied designs on th runway, bridal dresses have never looked anymore revamped.

 

Drapings

Most people are never too keen on Drapings but designers like Soucha, Bunmi Koko, Errol,Kluk CgDT, Maatano earned strong points for being able to manoeuvre their way round the drapes.

 

Code Noir

Black just got colourful with designs from almost every designer from the fashion week, there was at least one black frock to showcase in their catwalk; see images below as black was used and made into Ready-to-wear designs. Some designers infused BLACK into their entire collections; Noir and Xuly Bet embraced the Goths’ favourite colour black!

 

Body-Conscious

Figure-hugging, Curve-accentuating, clinched-waists, 50’s swing skirts ; all made the trend lists at the Africa Fashion Week. Deola Sagoe,Thula Sindi, Mataano,Errol, Ituen Basi

 

Lacy Bits

Yes,Lacy bits & Sheer tailoring; Forget Autumn/winter..Lace looks good so does sheer ! Thanks to Mataano, Deola Sagoe, Thula Sindi, Soucha

 

Leather/Metallics/Fur

KlukCGdt, Deola Sagoe, Bunmi Koko, Xuly Bet, Boudoir D’huitres

 

Bustiers/Corsets/High-Necks

Female-friendly designs which reminds us of the 90’s. Mataano, Heni and Errol dominated this bit.

 

Kluk CGdt

The 4-day Fashion event ( Africa Fashion Week) drew to a close on Day 4- 03/07/2010 with a TRAMPS production for Thula Sindi, Boudoir D’Huitres, Carducci man & Carducci woman, Kluk Cgdt.

BOUDOIR D’HUITRES

 

THULA SINDI

 

CARDUCCI MAN & WOMAN

 

KLUK CGDT

 

Gloria Wavamunno

Day 3 of Africa Fashion Week, designers present; South African designer Sandra Muendane, Suzaan Hayes , Somalian sisters Mataano and Ugandan designer Gloria Wavamunno

SANDRA MUENDANE

 

SUZAAN HEYNS

 

GLORIA WAVAMUNNO

 

MATAANO

 

-RomolaSadiq

Photo Credit: Simon {SDR Images}

Fabiani

Day1 was spectacular, Day 2 is even much more fabulous. LaQuan Smith and Nigerian designer Bunmi Koko started the day off with exciting designs. Fabiani then took over the ramps, South African designers Marianne Fassler, Couturier Errol Arendz and another local designer Abigail Betz made a presence. For a more detailed report please visit out HauTeBlog

LAQUAN SMITH

 

BUNMI KOKO

 

FABIANI

 

MARIANNE FASSLER

 

ERROL ARENDZ

 

ABIGAIL BETZ

 

PhotoCredit: Simon {SDR Images)

Ituen Basi

The much anticipated Africa Fashion Week 2010 kicked off in Johannesburg on the 30th June, 2010 opening with Mali-born designer Xuly Bet and then the ramp got even more interesting in the day and later on at night with Nigerian designers Ituen Basi and Deola Sagoe. Local designer David Tlale was there to make his mark, Sakina Msa, Soucha, Heni and Noir were also present. For detailed report please go to our HauTe Blog

XULY BET

 

DAVID TLALE

 

SAKINA MSA/ ITUEN BASI

 

DEOLA SAGOE

 

SOUCHA & HENI

 

NOIR

 

PhotoCredit: Simon {SDR Images}

La Diosa is the creation of partners Natasha Faith and Semhal Zemikael. La Diosa specialises in creating luxurious jewellery using refreshingly rare and unique gemstones. The talented London based duo travelled the world to seek inspiration for their multi-award winning business, La Diosa. Their travels took them to the Mayan ruins of Mexico, the exotic islands of Thailand and electrifying destinations such as Tokyo, Singapore and Malaysia.

La Diosa which translates ‘The Goddess’ in English evokes the three main characteristics in its brand; Power, beauty and mystery. La Diosa jewellery is meant for the stylish and confident woman whom by wearing this jewellery, it empowers her and enriches her with opulence.

La Diosa jewellery evokes empowerment. Jewellery is not simply an accessory to be admired, but rather an extension of your personality.‘

Semhal Zemikael

‘Beauty inspires me. It has no boundaries and requires no explanation, it simply speaks for itself – like La Diosa jewellery.’

Natasha Faith

FashionAfrica: Tell us how it all started! On meeting each other to deciding on starting a brand together.

NatashaFaith : We met whilst at Sir George Monoux College. We were in the same Philosophy class togther. We really spoke after the first year and it was in that conversation that we knew we shared a lot of interests, particularly fashion and jewellery.

FashionAfrica: Tell us a bit about yourselves? Background/Origin

SemhalZemikael : My mother is from Ethiopia and my father is from Eritrea. I was born in London.

NatashaFaith : I was born in Uganda and came here as a toddler with my mother. My father was a fashion designer in Uganda. He was extremely talented and designed clothes for the first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, amongst others. I feel I gained my creativity from him.

FA: Have you both always had special interests for jewellery / fashion?

SZ: I have had a love for fashion and jewellery from a young age. I would constantly be drawing designs and longed to bring my visions to life.  Jewellery is such a great expression of self and that has always been endearing to me.

NF: I am and always have been very creative. Fashion and jewellery are an invaluable way to express yourself and La Diosa allows me to channel these expressions. The designs are representative of our innate creativity, they reflect empowerment, beauty and strength.

FA: How has it been so far working with each other?

SZ: Natasha and I have been through a lot with each other and I can think of no one better who I could share my business relationship and creative expression with.

NF: It’s an honour to share my work with someone who has the same vision.

FA: Now, speaking of the brand La Diosa, why have you chosen that name and what does it mean? How long have you been in business ?

NF: La Diosa means The Goddess in Spanish. The story as to how we chose the name will remain a mystery. However, the name represents our main values, empowerment, beauty and exclusivity. Anything we create will always exude these values.

FA: How well is the brand doing? How well has it been accepted?

NF: La Diosa is a multi-award winning brand and has been worn by a number of celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Sarah Brown and Naomi Campbell. We are currently finalists for New Designer of The Year at the UK Jewellery Awards which is a great achievement for us. I am so proud of how far we have come and I want us to sustain our achievements and raise more awareness of La Diosa. It would be amazing if we could gather more awareness in Africa too!

FA: What inspires your designs?

SZ: Travelling plays a big part on the inspiration for our designs. Our previous collection, Mariposa, which means Butterfly in Spanish; was inspired by a beautiful butterfly garden which we visited in Koh Samui in Thailand.

NF: Each collection has a huge amount of thought put into it. We want to feel its theme before we create it. It’s very important to feel connected to our designs. La Diosa does not follow trends either, we create designs for a customer who has discerning taste and appreciates exclusivity.

FA: When either of you gets inspired/ has an idea, do you sometimes have conflicting point of views?

SZ: The great thing about having a partnership is you can bounce ideas off someone and debate if necessary. Natasha and I both know the vision for La Diosa jewellery so that avoids any conflict.

FA: Would you say that your different backgrounds influence your creative minds (positively)?

NF: Creativity knows no boundaries and that’s the beauty of it. I would say that Sem and I shared a very similar passion, had the necessary talents and the determination to see it through.

FA: According to what we’ve heard, you both spent some time in the Ruins of Mexico getting inspiration? How well has or did that help the brand?

NF: Mexico was the catalyst for our brands inspiration. All the countries we visit maintain that inspiration, the world is a beautiful place and has many hidden gems.

FA:What techniques and materials do you most enjoy using in your work?

SZ: We love working with unusual shaped gemstones and vibrant colours. La Diosa’s necklace designs are very meticulous and we use a variety of stones within one piece. My favourite stones to work with are Labradorite, Lapis and opal.

FA: What was the concept behind your most recent collection?

NF: The Delphinus Collection has a beautiful charm to it. It’s named after one of our universes most special constellations. In respect, each design was created with more raw gemstones which are vibrantly coloured and each creation was named after a relevant star in the cosmos. We introduced sterling silver and gold chain into some of the designs to represent the allure of the stars and our galaxy. Our approach to this collection was no different to past collections, we felt really connected to its concept and the stones we used fit the representation perfectly. Due to the rarity of the gemstones we used for this collection, every single necklace was a one-of-a-kind, just like the stars they were representing.

FA: We are well aware that your brand is an award winning one, but are there other designers that you admire their stuff or look up to?

SZ: I admire great craftsmanship and visually beautiful pieces. My favourite designers include Pippa Small, Zac Posen and Issa.

FA: What would you say your favourite piece  is from your brand? Natasha? Semhal?

SZ: At the moment I am in love with La Diosa’s Luna rings! They are cocktail rings at their best. The Chalcedony and Vermeil ring is stunning on all skin tones.

NF: I am truly in love with each and every La Diosa piece. Every necklace has its own story and our Luna rings are simply delicious, they dress up the simplest outfit and add a finishing touch to a fabulous ensemble.

FA: What are your typical days like ladies?

SZ: Every day is different. It varies from designing new collections, clients visiting our London showroom, meeting with accountants or award ceremonies and dinner parties.

NF: Literally every day is incredibly different and that in itself is a blessing! We are able to travel as well as design and go to glamorous events as well as take on our roles as mentors and ambassadors for the Princes Trust and Enterprise UK

FA: What is most significant thing about each jewellery designed by La Diosa?

SZ: Every piece of jewellery has a different story to tell. All our pieces are one of a kind, meaning that no one else in the world will have the same jewellery as you. That is very special.

FA: If you both could wish for 2 things now separately what would it be?

SZ: 1 – More free time to be able to travel to my favourite destinations.

2 -  A manicure, as I have been making jewellery all day!

NF: 1- To meet Oprah.

2- Make a necklace for Michelle Obama

FA: Any upcoming shows, exhibitions, events you wanted FashionAfrica readers and your fans to look forward to?

NF: La Diosa holds private events in exclusive locations. You can find out if you subscribe with La Diosa: http://www.ladiosa.co.uk/store/register.php

FA: Many thanks for your time, Ladies.

 

MimiPlange: Boudoir D’huitres translates to Bed of Oysters, or Boudoir of Oysters.  I chose this name because oysters are naturally imperfect on the outside, but yet through a mistake of a grain of sand or particle being caught up in their shell, they yield a perfect pearl.  I love this idea of imperfection creating perfection.  I use this idea in my design process.  The “Boudoir” aspect of the name stems from my love of the Victorian period, lingerie, mystery and intimacy.  I decided to combine the two, and came up with Boudoir D’huitres.

FA: Now, please tell us about you; real name, background, a little bit of your transition between growing up and becoming a fashion designer.

MP: I simply go by Mimi Plange.  I was born in Ghana, and moved to the states at age 5.  I grew up in Southern California, went to UC Berkeley, and graduated with Bachelors in Architecture and minor in Dramatic Art.  Directly after University, I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, and got my degree in Fashion Design.  I moved to New York directly after and began working in the industry as a merchandiser.  I soon became an assistant designer, and eventually became a Creative Director, then a V.P of Design and Merchandising, and finally decided to start my own Design Consulting company, SB&P Designs, LLC, of which I have used to consult for major brands in the fashion industry.

FA: How long have you been in fashion?

MP: I have been in Fashion all my life.  It has been what I have breathed and dreamed about.  I always have watched and analyzed how people speak their own language through clothing.  But I have been in the fashion industry for about 12 years now.

FA: When did you eventually decide that you wanted to take up fashion design as a career and not just a hobby?

MP: I knew from the time I was 11 years old that I wanted to be a fashion designer.  I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I wanted that path for myself.  I decided to always keep my eyes open, and even though, I didn’t believe my path had to be a direct one to fashion design as a career, every choice I made, from majoring in Architecture, to art classes, and music, everything I did was setting me up for a career in fashion.  I was building myself up on different levels.  Fashion is about the world, and how we see ourselves.  Just interacting and living life amongst others can give you great insight to what people want and desire-as well as how they want to express those desires through their clothing.

FA: Did you attend any fashion schools or did you apprentice with any top designers?

MP: I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, California. I have not apprenticed with any top designers, but I have cultivated my own style and studied the construction techniques of period clothing, hand finishing techniques, and modern tailoring.  I am looking to cultivate my own clear voice in fashion.

FA: What inspires your designs?

MP: My design aesthetic stems from the English and French Victorian period.  I love historical fashion from the Roman toga, to early Egyptian and primitive fashions.  Everything comes from an ideal to honour the hourglass figure, and my desire to accentuate it or hide it.  I love the handwork of various beading techniques from Africa and India.  I am interested in “decorated” clothes, but in a modern and seemingly minimalist way.

FA: Why have you particularly chosen the 18^th century to be your centre of design-focus?

MP: The Victorian period is a passion of mine.  Women were more individual with their Fashion.  The time period was curious and tempting.  It was all about exploration and awareness, and ultimately, it was a very inspiring time.  Today is a very inspiring time for fashion.  I think we are ready to explore our own individual creativity, and I want to use my fashions to speak to that.  I would like to give women, a new way to express themselves-a point of view that has a historical reference but in a new and futurist way.

FA: We noticed that you incorporated a lot of edge, structure, bold colours, tail coats, drapes, satin into your most recent collection, what is this collection aimed at reflecting?

MP: Well, speaking to my inspiration, I would say the collection is referencing the Victorian era.  Draped satin, menswear inspired tailcoats, and bold red.  These elements were taken moulded into modern silhouettes that were sleek and forward.  I used the inspiration to reflect on Mozart’s the Magic Flute, Queen of the Night.  There were a lot of symbolic embroidered florals , pyramids, and number 3 references.  I wanted a dark mood that was mysterious and inner reflective.  I wanted to create something that was beautifully haunting.

FA: Would you say being of African Origin, it influences your ideas in anyway whatsoever?

MP: Being African definitely influences my ideas because it’s who I am.  When I am designing, I try to incorporate my essence into my work.  I could not work without this influence.

FA: Describe your brand in 5 words!

MP: Exclusive Future Victorian Craftsmanship Today

FA: Rihanna as we know is a fashion darling and does have a unique and respectable style, seeing her in one of your designs, how did that make you feel?

MP: I was very excited to see Rihanna wearing Boudoir D’huitres!  I love her edgy individual style, and loved the dress she chose for herself.  The colour and cut complemented her perfectly, and it felt amazing!

FA: How well is your brand doing currently? (Commercially)

MP: Our brand is doing wonderful right now.  We have had a tremendous response with Boudoir D’huitres.  We just got back from a trunk show in Belgium showcasing our designs in Roggwiller Boutique a luxury boutique; we sell in Kuwait, in Paris, in the US and also in our online boutique.  We are growing our business in a slow economy.  I think there is a lot to be said about a brand that has been able to maintain in this economic environment, and every season, we have been adding new stores to our roster.

FA: We have heard that you will be showcasing your work at the Africa Fashion Week in S.A, Looking forward to that? Asides this, do you intend to make waves across the Diaspora(Africa) or would you rather stick to the western community?

MP: I am very much so looking forward to Africa Fashion Week, in South Africa.  I believe Africa is the future.  Boudoir D’huitres is a global brand.  We would like to make waves all around the world-we want to stick to the world community.  Staying in the west would be a mistake for anyone.  There are luxury consumers all around the globe, and I would like to speak to them everywhere!

FA: What’s your typical day like?

MP: I wake up every day at 6:30am, have breakfast, read the New York Times to see what is going in the world then read the WWD newspaper to see what is happening in fashion. I head to the Boudoir D’huitres offices, answer my emails, sketch new design ideas and attend fittings.  I also spend a lot of time researching art, photographers, current events, cultures, old books, and religions.

FA: How do you combine living in NY, Fashion designing and your day to day lifestyle?

MP: New York is the best place to bring your passion into fruition.  I love the energy of New York, everyone is working and trying to make their dreams come true.  Everything that I do, just seems to make sense here.  I have the resources to design, to live, and to be inspired daily in this city.  There are museums, neighbourhoods, imaginative eateries. . .everything.

FA: What’s most enjoyable for you in fashion?

MP: Doing what I love.  I love creating, designing, and the overall process.  I find it enjoyable that I am working my art and myself, and getting the opportunity to share it with people. I love the beauty of fashion-the expression of it.

FA: Would you consider a releasing a men’s collection anytime in the future?

MP: Definitely!  I love menswear and believe the Victorian theme can translate well there also.  I would love to have menswear, accessories, perfume. . .a global brand.

FA: Any further information you would love to share with readers, those aspiring to be like you?

MP: Believing in yourself will take you most of the way.

Learn as much as you can about everything, but mostly learn about yourself.

Be passionate about what you believe in, but don’t be too proud to listen.

Study those before you.

Make something new.

FA: Many Thanks and Good Luck

MP: Thank you so much!

Boudoir D’huitres Spring/Summer 2010 collection:

 

-Romola Sadiq

Afro-Chique is a ready-to-wear women’s clothing & accessories brand that combines the cultural identity of African prints with the stylish influence of contemporary London. The designer creates each collection with close attention to detail, resulting in bold, well-defined feminine designs. With distinctive designs that captivate the essence of African-Caribbean culture , every Afro-Chique piece is exclusive, desirable and made with fine quality fabric, cut and colours to ensure only the finest quality garments.  Afro-chique is set out to re-define modern feminity to be about Identity, Strength and Attitude.

FashionAfrica: Educate us, Who/What is Afro-Chique  ?

JaniceMorrison: Afro-Chique is a ready to wear clothing and accessory brand based in London. Afro-Chique combines the cultural identity of African prints with the stylish influence of contemporary London.

FA: Who are the people behind Afro-chique?

JM:The main person behind Afro-Chique is the creative director Janice Morrison

FA: How long has Afro-chique been around for and How well would you say the brand has done?

JM: Afro-Chique was launch in 2008 and has grown from strength to strength. 2010 has been a great year for the brand so far, we have taken part in many events such as African Fashion weekend in Dublin which was a great success.

FA: Why Fashion designing? And at what point did you decide you wanted a career in it?

JM: I’ve always loved fashion from a young age, my mum has always been creative and my aunt and grandma both sew, so I guess it’s in the blood.  After leaving school I went to college and then onto university to study fashion & textiles. This gave me the platform to start my own career within the fashion industry.

FA: Tell us briefly about your experience in the fashion Industry.

JM: After leaving university I worked in many different roles within the fashion industry, buying, visual merchandising , PR and personal shopping. I also trained to be a makeup artist, all of this experience has helped built the brand.

FA: What inspires your designs?

JM: I love art and culture so that would be my main inspiration. Also London, as it’s so creative everyday I’m inspired by what I see.

FA: Does your background influence your work as a designer? And How?

JM: Yes, I am very aware of my history and have made a conscious decision to reflect this through my choice of African textiles.

FA: There is quite a number of Afro designers in the industry at the moment, what makes your designs a  Stand Out?

JM: The selection of material’s and the way in which they are used.

FA: Are there designers that you look up to or that by any chance inspire some of your designs?

JM: I am inspired by any designers that use colour and print and are not afraid to take risk when designing their collections.

FA: Are looking to go into menswear anytime soon?

JM: I will be launching a small capsule menswear collection for S/S 11

FA: If you had to achieve three things in the fashion world within the year, what would they be?

JM: I’d have to say to reach a wider audience by becoming mainstream, for the brand to grow and to influence others in a positive way.

FA: Any future projects, shows you wanted to inform the readers about?

JM: The new website will go live at the end of May; you will be able to buy items from the new collections online from wherever you are in the world.  With regards to shows we will be showcasing at the Clothes show live in London June 25^th, 26^th and 27^th.

FA: There are some great things in the pipeline for Afro-Chique that will be happening this year, it’s all a bit hush hush at the moment but you’ll find out soon. Join the Facebook group Afro-Chique for more information on new and events.

JM: Many Thanks Janice and GoodLuck with everything!

 

-Romola Sadiq

Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo is one of the most successful and vibrant female entrepreneurs in Nigeria today. She is the brain behind Elizabeth R, a top event company in Nigeria. Over the years, she has planned major events in the country and because of the attention and detail she deploys to work, she tends to attract a strong clientele everywhere she goes.

In 1999 she emerged winner of the first Miss Lux Beauty Pageant, and associates the experience in horning her passion for ‘Event Planning’ “I MUST SAY THAT MY TENURE AS A BEAUTY QUEEN PULLED ME OUT OF MY SHELL CAUSE I HAD TO ATTEND A LOT OF FUNCTIONS THAT I ORDINARILY WOULDN’T ATTEND AND HENCE I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER MY PASSION FOR PLANNING EVENTS.”

In the year 2005, she bagged a certificate on weddings, events and floral decorations here in Nigeria and in 2006, she completed a course on Event management from the Universal Class Inc in the United States of America.

Ibidun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Lagos Nigeria. Prior to establishing Elizabeth R, she worked with Athysolyn oil and gas and then Compact manifold engineering limited.

Hi Magazine’s Dammie sits with this Beauty with Brains, wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and discusses everything from Miss Lux to her new sizzling TV show “My Dream Wedding with Elizabeth R.” showing exclusively on Wedding TV ONLY on HiTV, whilst donning Nigerian Designer “Odio Mimonet” effortlessly.

 

To Read the full interview, and see other photos of Ibidun visit HiMagazine.TV

Join My Dream Wedding with Elizabeth R’s < – - Fan Page on Facebook by clicking on the LINK.

Funeka Ngwevela is totally obsessed with fashion and all that engulfs fashion, Only 22 and has chosen the fashion path she was to thread. The art of styling, she does not believe that one should have to sit in the a confined four-wall environment to know how to style; It should come from within. This South African beauty ignores the mockery and jests of the ”not-so-fashion-forward” friends and carries on her uniqueness! Funkela with her deep passion for the old school style of fashion, fashion photography, she’s out to take the fashion world by a storm!

FashionAfrica had the chance to catch up with this bubbly up and coming talent, here’s what she had to say..

FashionAfrica: What part of Southern Africa are you from exactly?

Funkela Ngwevela: I am from South Africa

FA: A lot of people know you as quirkystylista; Tell us a little more than we know about you already!( Your hobbies, your interests inclusive)

FN: My name is Funeka Ngwevela a 22 year old from Johannesburg. I am a vintage devotee. The 1920s and 1960s inspire me a lot. I have a muse for high fashion photography such as the works of Craig Mcdean . If am not vintage shopping I treat myself to live bands.

FA: How did this love/obsession for fashion come about?

FN: Spending a lot of time in a small town called Grahamstown has influenced me a lot. The town is rich of art and people with all walks of life and I felt compelled to take and learn something from everyone. That for me was fashion.

FA: How would you describe your style and what inspires this style of yours?

FN: My style is divided into two there is ‘the quirky stylista’ that is the quirky, carefree side of me and highly experimental when it comes to clothes. The other side is ‘Mademioselle Funi’ that is the classy, elegant and sophisticated side of me. ‘Mademoiselle funi’ explores the motto which says ‘how you dressed is how you will be addressed’.  I always “I feel like a French woman trapped in a Xhosa body”. So my style is Retro, Classic and effortless. The 1920s and 60s inspire and influence my wadrobe.

FA: What do you enjoy most about styling?

FN: I regard styling as art. Styling allows me to explore and experiment with clothes and create different looks.

FA: I would assume that being African could have put some strain on the ‘fashion lifestyle’ how did your community, family, friends accept this quirkiness?

FN: I have not yet been accepted by the community at large. I am always ridiculed and laughed at by those who have no sense of style. It does not really bother me because I believe we should all strive to be different and leave a mark!

FA: We noticed that you have done some styling for some photo shoots, did you at any point gone to Styling school?

FN: Yes, I have worked on a number of shoots such as the Charity Cases Show. I have never been to any styling. I believe that you cannot study styling because it is a talent from within.

FA: Have you had the opportunity to style any famous figures yet?

FN: No, not yet

FA: Are you into fashion full-time?

FN: No, I have other commitments like a regular job but that does not mean my dedication to fashion is waning. I put it first.

FA: You do some modelling as well, How do you balance everyday life, modelling, styling, blogging?

FN: Modelling and styling are not things I do everyday but given the chance I would.

FA: You were recently featured in an African Magazine, How did you feel about that?

FN: I am always looking for opportunities to put my name out there. One page of me in a magazine could be my launch pad. I am always happy.

FA: Do you see yourself doing so much more in the fashion Industry; where do you see your fashion career in 3 years?

FN: Yes!!! I would love to be behind fashion shows working with designers.

FA: Married, Single, Searching …. Which is your pick?

FN: I am single and searching for a French marquis

FA: What do you love most about your life and why?

FN: I love the people around me. They love and support what I do. Motivation goes a long way.

FA: If you had to choose a fashionista to follow their steps closely who would it be and why?

FN: Catherine Baba (the best dressed woman in Paris) I lover her work and her aura. She has captured lightening in a bottle as stylist.

FA: You have got fans, blog followers and readers who would like to be like you, what would you say to them in three words?

FN: Strive to be different (thats four words hey?)

FA: Thanks and Good Luck!

 

-‘Romola Sadiq