Monday, January 01, 2007

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~ THE BEST OF...

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!
Wow, its 2007! I can hardly believe it!
I just thank God for sustaining us to experience this day.
I pray everyone has a blessed and fulfilled 2007, every facet of your lives – Health, Family, Finances, Career, Relationships etc will be blessed – AMEN

Anyways, I have to admit that I had one of the most boring holidays that I can ever remember…I will have more on that some other time.
I am sure u guys had (and are still having) mad fun! I have to admit that I’m hating…lol

I think that a great way to kick off the new year us to celebrate the best of 2006.
2006 was a FAB year! It had its trails but a lot more tribulations.
Here are some of the best of 2006…

THE CHANGEMAKERS

A change-maker is someone who effects change. Funmi Iyanda and Ndidi Nwuneli are definitely women who effect change.
Through her TV Show and blog, Funmi has highlighted the plights and struggles of the ordinary Nigerian. From poverty to HIV, no topic is taboo.
Funmi doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. Through initiatives such as sponsoring orphans, Funmi has shown that she is the changemaker of 2006.
Ndidi Nwuneli has well-known within the business and non-profit communities for some years but over the last couple of months, her Genevieve Mag cover and ThisDay Young Manager of the Year award has thrust her into the mainstream spotlight. Ndidi is passionate about leadership and youth initiatives and effects change through her, LEAP Africa organization.

THE MOVEMENT
The movement of the year is Blogging!
Blogs about religion, blogs about fashion, blogs about you, blogs about me – 2006 saw the explosion of blogging!
I am so proud to be part of this movement. I hope 2007 brings forth more fabulous, interesting, ehm…scandalous blogs. Much Luv to all my fellow bloggers!!!








THE STYLESTAR

If you hadn’t heard the name, Chalya Shagaya on the 1st of Jan 2006, you have surely heard about or seen her picture by now. Over the last 365 days, Chalya has dominated the Nigerian style pages and events with her fab style. She is never afraid to take risks and makes very bold style choices. She’s an event planner/stylist/PR exec and now a stylestar. Fab!

THE DESIGNER
Without a flicker of doubt, the hottest designer of 2006 was Deola Sagoe. From being the 1st designer EVER to be chosen as a UN Goodwill Ambassador to headlining the CatWalk the World – Fashion for Food Shows to showing a full collection at the Cape Town Fashion Week and the ThisDay Fashion Weekends…
This woman has done it all in 2006. All this while maintaining her humility and down-to-earth attitude – Deola Sagoe is definitely THE Nigerian designer of 2006.







THE MOVIES

Nollywood was in the news in 2006. While new stars like Ini Edo and Monalisa Chinda blew up.Veterens like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola were banned for most of the year.
These factors didn’t stop Jeta Amata, Mildred Okwo and Ego Boyo from creating masterpieces. Amazing Grace and 30 Days have gained critical acclaim and great buzz among movie fans. I hope 2007 will bring even more hot movies and improved material from Nollywood.

THE TV SHOW
Big Brother Nigeria was not just a TV show, it was a PHENONENON!
We were all glued to our TVs and Laptops for those months…
This time last year we hadn’t heard of Katung, Ify, Ebuka and co. but they are now embedded in Nigerian pop-culture history.
I hope there are subsequent seasons of the show. I can’t wait!


THE TREND
Ankara, Ankara and more Ankara.
Skirts, Tops, Dresses, any item you can think of was created using ankara fabric last year.
Peridot and Ruby, Jewel by Lisa, Tae etc…they all made remarkable creations in ankara and the results were fabulous!
Will 2007 see the death of ankara? Let’s wait and see!










THE EVENTS

Nigeria experienced so many amazing events this year. At least these events allowed us to be featured in the international press for something other than a tragedy or negative event.
There were so many events to choose from but these two blew the rest out of the water.
The UN CatWalk the World – Fashion for Food event which featured Deola Sagoe, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi, Agbani Darego and many other fab people.
ThisDay Music Festival which featured Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ciara, Missy, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and many others.

THE MAGS
2006 was the year of the magazine. So many new mags - covering every niche, genre and taste. I am proud off the magazine editors, contributors, photographers etc…
It was hard to narrow down my favs but here goes.
Women/Lifestyle – True Love West Africa – Editor: Bola Atta
Social/Style – ThisDay Style – Editor: Ruth Osime
Fashion – HauTe – Editor: Dammie Amolegbe

THE CAREER
I met so many makeup artists last year and that simply highlights the fact that this career is HOT. From Banke Meshida to Tara Fela-Durotoye to The Chiori Sisters to the thousands of up and coming makeup artists…
2006 was the year of the makeup artist. Banke launched her makeup line, Tara launched her line of brushes and makeup. They also trained hundreds of young women (and men).
Kudos to all the makeup artists out there. I wonder what the hot career of 2007 will be!







That's it folks!
Cheers to a fabulous, fruitful, fun and fulfilled 2007!
Much Luv!!!
~Bella

41 comments:

ABBEY said...

Happy New Year Bella!!

Nice post! Yes oh...Bloggers made it as the TIME People Of 2006.

More grease to our elbows eh?

All the best in the New Year lady, may all your hearts desires be granted to you according to His will.

Anonymous said...

Weeeeeeeeeee, Happyyy new year!!!....and again a wonderful post!!....can't wait to see what you have in store for the year!! {heheheh}

XxKizzesxX
D.

LondonBuki said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR BELLA!!! :-)

TMinx said...

Happy New year Bella and congrats on receiving the best blogger award. View other results on my site.

In my head and around me said...

Happy New Year!!! Fab post as usual.

Mich said...

Happy new year bella... keep the 9ja flava rolling...

Favoured Girl said...

Happy New Year Bella! Hope this year is the best ever for you!

(the blogger formerly known as TP)

chainreader said...

Happy New Year, bella naija. keep doing you, 'cos you rock!

Nilla said...

Happy new year Bella!

Nice post.

Yankeenaijababe said...

Happy New Year Bella...............stay blessed 2007.

Anonymous said...

happy new year bella blogger of the year! keep up the inspiration:)

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Dear Bella! May all your wishes come true!

Anonymous said...

Chalya is uber classy!!! Check out her my space girls

http://www.myspace.com/chalya

Mari said...

Happy New Year Bella. May 2007 bring u more blessings.

Anonymous said...

yay happy new year bella!!! my holidays kinda sucked too =(

Anonymous said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR HUN. please give mammy a shout. we have a lot of catching up to do. Hope you had a good new year. all the best and remember to call. Don't let me call 999

Biodun said...

Happy new year belle!

Great post as usual, looking forward to more great post from u this year!

Unknown said...

happy new year ...
congratulations ....best blogger award

Moody Crab said...

Happy New year, babe and congrats on your award!!!

Dimples said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR all...2007..shall be a great year...of new beginnings and great joy…may the Lord grant us all our hearts desires according to his will for us.

Congrats hun on your award truly well deserved.

Aramide said...

I absolutely love this post! Happy new year lady!

Naija Vixen said...

Luvvn tha post!Happy new year 2 u,congrats on ur blogger award..is there a party being organized?;-)2006 was a fab year,Here's 2 a top 2007!!!

Icy PR said...

Happy New Year hun. Nice write up!

Elle Woods said...

Funmi is a hottie!

Anonymous said...

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Bella has delivered again oh! Thanks girl.

Anonymous said...

Anyone heard of Abiola Adams? I think she is going places...
http://www.thegoddessfactory.com/

Anonymous said...

happy new year :)

looking forward to reading your blog!

Vera Ezimora said...

I'm loving her make-up (the lady @ the end). Absolutely stunning!

Anonymous said...

happy new year bella, wish you all the best the new year brings. was at a wedding in naija and naija weddings are now on another level. check out the pictures
picasaweb.google.com/anandu.amamize

Confused Naija Girl said...

happy new year! congratulations on winning best blogger award!

UnNaked Soul said...

HNY Bella... You inspire me... seriously...

blog on!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Bella Naija and congratulations on winning the Best Blogger award!!

As usual you deliver your posts with poise, style and class. Bravo!!

Anonymous said...

Bella, u dey enjoy this award too much. Abeg post o! I miss you well well.

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

Happy new year bella - and absolutely loved your post. It is always good to encourage one another by showing others those who have also made it.

Vera Ezimora said...

Ah, Bella, this is unlike u oh! Hurry up and update

Daddy's Girl said...

Great post, Bella! Congrats on the well-deserved award.

chainreader said...

aaah? no weekend treat for me? chei! how shall i survive this?

Little Miss Media said...

bella,you're a star...pls call NV!

BeautyinBaltimore said...

Good Luck in the New Year. Please update soon.

Jennifer A. said...

Happy new year Bella naija...mennnn ur blog is too HOT! I can't help clicking for all the fashion news. If I don't click, then I'm not serious as I claim to love fashion very much....

pls, don't leave us hanging o in this 2007 oh...lol.

Anonymous said...

Banke Meshida Lawal is still in a league/class of her own. Ndidi Nwuneli more to her! Funmi Iyanda - with her slim figure. You go with ya bad self.

Chalya Shagaya... I wish her the best and nothing but the best. So help me, Jesus.