~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