Wednesday, February 07, 2007

TEEz ME

Nigerian designers are not all about ankara and elaborate dresses.
Some designers have decided to explore the world of casual wear or lounge wear or sports wear as some people call it.
Whatever you call it, one thing is clear - these tees, hoodies, jersey dresses and cashmere tops are anything but boring. They all have that added kick and spice that is quintessentially Nigerian.
Check out my fav Nigerian casual wear designers - TEEz ME, TEEz ME, TEEz ME...baby!

SCINQ by Zemaye and Kemdi
Scinq is very influenced by Nigeria and Africa despite being based in Washington DC.
Art and top-notch fabrics merge and SCINQ tees are born! You can see more HERE


AZARIA by Buki de la Zaria
Conceived in the UK and now based in Lagos, Nigeria. Buki de la Zaria's Azaria is known for their accessories and their 'Lagos' tees. Their tees try to capture the essence of Lagos with bright colours and bold lettering.


SOUL BOUTIQUE by Aghogho Sowho
Based in MD/DC, this designer is known for ger colourful yet socially-conscious tees.
Definitely worth checking out - HERE




NS 1463
I've been hold that NS1463 is all about changing attitudes...if that is their goal then they have already achieved it.
From cheeky to inspiring, I luv NS1463 tees and hoodies!
Check out their website and blog.




DOBALE by the Elders
Go ahead 'Dobale' for the elders....this label is all about edge and rock 'n' roll.
I luv their spin on the famous Benin artifact. Check out their blog - HERE


TWO GREEN GIRLS FOR IMEKURA
I luv the name of this brand, dont u? They are based in Lagos and make simple funky tees.


AIMAS by Tayo Shonekan
This has got to be my favourite of the lot.
Simple yet packed with flair! Tayo Shonekan's Aimas is absolutely fabulous...
Check out their website HERE



KANAYO ADIBE
Do we have a Nigerian version of 'A Bathing Ape'? Maybe not yet but if Kanayo Adibe's label should stay on the path of creativity, u never know how far the label might go. I'm lovin it.



ONE3Snapshot
By a collective of young artistic people, I'm really lovin' their tees. Just another reminder of how talented 'we' are! Thanks Ineka!
Their website HERE


MR. KING by Saze Osayande
Based in Manchester UK, this label is one of my favs.
I like their unique colour combinations and crazy slogans like 'Tear Tear Patch Patch Omo Baba Shoe Maker' LMAO. Luv it!




STONE CROWN by Tayo Abidoye and partners
Stone Crown is the most commercially successful of the designers featured.
Using luxe fabrics such as cashmere, Stone Crown is loungewear at its best. They have been featured in Italian Vogue and rocked by various celebrities such as Sean Penn.
I luv it! Check them out HERE



Thanks to True Love and Yemi Akerele for the Two Green Girls and Azaria pics
Also check out: teesontheweb

Luv it, hate it or do u even already rock it?
I luv them all but if I had to pick my favs, it'd be Aimas, Soul Boutique, NS1463, Two Green Girls and Soul Crown...did I just mention all of them?...lol!
Please let us know what u think!

Monday, February 05, 2007

NOLLYWOOD: GENERATION NOW

The mere mention of the word, ‘Nollywood’ makes some people break out in hives – they just hate it! While for others, Nollywood is much more than watching movies – it is a lifestyle. They know the names and personal details of their favourite stars and cannot let a day go by without viewing a Nollywood movie.
Welcome to the world of Nigerian movies – the industry is growing in terms of fans and quantity of movies produced but many are complaining that the quality of Nollywood movies is simply deplorable.
Whatever your side of the fence, you have to admit that Nollywood’s impact is growing. It is considered the 3rd largest movie industry in the world (only eclipsed by Hollywood and Bollywood).
Almost every African knows the Nollywood major stars - Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola and RMD but do u know the new generation of stars?
While Nollywood’s major players were ‘banned’ by movie marketers for over 2 years, this was an opportunity for some new stars to emerge.
I present – Nollywood: Generation Now!

Ini Edo is known as the ‘bad girl of Nollywood’ with her skimpy style and various rumoured romances; Ini is always in the press.
She is rumoured to be dating D’Banj and is one of Nollywood’s most sought after actresses. Check out her website - HERE

Fun Facts
From Akwa Ibom State
Is 24 Years old – Born 19 April 1982
Attends the University of Calabar and is studying Theatre Arts
You can see her in the new movie, ‘Girls Cot’




Nonso Diobi’s movie career is growing from strength to strength. Ever since he moved to Lagos from Eastern Nigeria about 5 years ago, Nonso has not looked back.
He is selective about his movie roles and always brings something special to the characters he plays.

Fun Facts
Is 26 Years Old
He’s a ladies man
Signed with a US talent agency
Watch him in ‘Black Bra’


Chioma Chukwuka is considered a ‘good girl’ in Nollywood. Ever since she started acting, Chioma has not been involved in any scandal or rumoured romance with co-stars. She got married last year and is still riding on a wave of success.

Fun Facts
Studied Banking and Finance at the Lagos State University
Attends House on the Rock church
Watch ‘Growing Up’


Monalisa Chinda’s profile has been rising steadily over the last couple of years. With various well-reviewed performance, Monalisa has solidified her place on Nollywood’s A-List

Fun Facts
Married
Studied Theatre Arts at University of Port Harcourt
You can see her in ‘Girls in the Hood’


Michael (Mike) Ezuruonye is Nollywood’s #1 new heartthrob. He has so many female fans that he reportedly has to change his phone number very often.
‘Fair Mike’ as he is fondly called entered Nollywood a short time ago but has delivered in quite a number of movies.

Fun Facts
Studied Accounting at Federal Polytechnic Oko and Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Reportedly dated Ini Edo
Known as Nollywood’s golden boy


Oge Okoye has been acting for a couple of years but the last 2 years have been exceptionally recognized. She has played the lead role in several high profile movies and hads legions of fans. Oge recently gave birth to a baby girl in London.

Fun Facts
Her husband’s name is Stanley
She is a Theatre Arts graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Check out ‘Face of Africa’


Caroline Ekanem is one of the most stunning actresses in Nollywood. This Scottish/Nigerian lady is proudly from Cross River state which is one of the reasons she decided to use her mother’s maiden name rather than her father’s surname. Caroline is currently heavily pregnant.

Fun Facts
Attends the University of Calabar
Dated 2Face
Baby Daddy is reportedly Musa Danjuma, the younger brother to Rtd Gen. Theophilus Danjuma


Uche Jumbo is not new to Nollywood but she has really made a huge impact recently. Uche delivered her best performance ever in the movie ‘Games Men Play’ where she played a wife with a trifling husband.

Fun Facts
A graduate of Mathematics/Statistics from the University of Calabar
In a relationship
From Abia State
Also writes and produces movies
See her great performance in ‘Games Men Play’ which she co-wrote


Check out Mona’s Nollywood blog – HERE

Let us know what u think.
Nollywood – Love it or hate it?
Would you encourage your younger sister/brother to pursue a career in Nollywood?
What do u think about these actors and actresses…let us know!
Have a great week!

Friday, February 02, 2007

WEEKEND LUV - THE INTERNATIONAL EDITION


Model of the Week - Steeve Clairicia

Hey Everyone,
How was your week?
I had one of those weeks where everything just seemed extra stressful….u know how it is sometimes….Anyways, I am glad it is over!
So what are your plans for the weekend? I think I’ll just have to go out on Saturday…its been a while really.
Anyways, here is Weekend Luv – The International Edition

Blogs
Sebah Tubman’s Blog
Sebah is a Liberian sista based in the USA…I absolutely luv her blog. It covers fashion, music etc…Just check it out

Linda Ikeji’s Blog
Linda is a young Nigerian entrepreneur doing big things for herself. She owns a modelling agency and a recently started a magazine! I just luv her blog + she is such a sweetheart…what more could u ask for…Just check out her blog

NS1463 – the blog
NS1463 is an apparel company by a young Nigerian entrepreneur. He just moved to Nigeria to set up his flagship store and is blogging all about it! This is a must read for all you future entrepreneurs and people who want to move back to naij. You can also visit their website HERE…I luv their tees – especially the one that says ‘Your Mama Go Luv Me!’ lolz..LUV IT

Peep This
Here are some pics of Boris Kodjoe’s new baby, Nicolas Neruda Kodjoe, who was born October 31, 2006. They just released his pics! I also included a pic of his daughter, Sophie Tei Naaki Lee Kodjoe…very cute!
I luv Boris and the kids sooooo cute!



Here are pics of Diddy (Sean Combs) and Kim Porter’s new babies…..Just thot some people might like to see them. Their names are D'Lila Star Combs (named after Kim's grandmother, Lila Star) & Jessie James Combs (named after Sean's grandmother, Jessie Smalls) – CUTE!





Some new pics of Nnenna Agba – hope her modelling career is going well.



What’s Hot
'History of Love 101 Valentine’s Show' in Lagos on February 10th. The artists performing include: Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, 112, Donell Jones, D’banj, Asa etc. This show will be held at Oceanview Restaurant and the gate fee is N60,000 (For Couples) - Gate Fee also includes a 3 course dinner. Uzo is thinking of attending. What do u think? – Check on it. HERE

Soul has an AMAZING playlist on her blog! Absolutely awe-inspiring music - HERE

Nike Osinowo now Mrs. Soleye? - HERE

The Hits
I am in a very reflective mood hence the selection of songs today…
Might not be everyone’s thing but would luv if u check them out.

Infinity – Aye Ole
I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love this song.
If you don’t listen to any of the others – please listen to this one and let me know what u think!

Asha – Baba
I’ve had this up before. Just a nice spiritual song. Giving thanks to Baba!

Robin Thicke – Superman
Uzo led me to Soul’s playlist last week and I heard this song and just fell in luv. I know its not a Nigerian song but I just had to put it up. BEAUTIFUL…U must listen to this.

Have a great weekend!
Take care - Ciao
Bella