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...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

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IT’S ALL ABOUT SAMUEL

Shade Thomas Fahm was one of Africa’s most influential designers and a pioneering figure in the Nigerian fashion industry. Shadé’s influence and contribution to the fashion industry cannot be undermined as her use of the local fabric has influenced her contemporaries and designers from younger generations to date. This same influence is behind her being celebrated by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, as a ‘Fashion Vanguard’ years after the Shade boutique era. KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR AND AZUKA OGUJUIBA spent an afternoon with the fashion pioneer, as she gives a peek into the Nigerian fashion scene of the 60s.

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CONTENT Society

Fashion

ADAAKU & UGOCHUKWU TIE THE KNOT PG 6-7

IRIS APFEL FASHION ICON DRIPS AT 100 PG 10

YOU BE THE JUDGE PG 20-21

JOLLOF FACE OFF

THE SURVIVOR

BLAZER DRESSES

PG 8

PG 11

BASIC CARE FOR HUMAN HAIR WIGS

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

08111847085

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

08111847086

08111847087

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

PG 19

BASIC CARE FOR HUMAN HAIR WIGS PG 22

PG 22-23

ONE LOOK TWO WAYS PG 23

These days we are quick to celebrate people who are globally acclaimed for their various endeavours and it’s always a thing of pride to acknowledge their achievements and sometimes even award them for it. But like everything in life, especially when based on success, it is sometimes worthy to also acknowledge the pioneers of such ventures. Those who went against the grain to forge a path for others to follow. One of such areas is the Fashion industry that has become so big now. Before it it gained the prominent recognition it has today, Fashion was never taken so seriously. Most saw it as a habit and tailors were paid next to nothing for their skills especially with clothes made in Nigeria. But some people already saw the potential of this business and took it to another level by operating it like so. In the early 60s, SHADE THOMAS FAHM returned to Nigeria after a spell overseas and brought with her, her skill and expertise in the Fashion business. She replicated the boutiques she had worked in abroad and made her various stores the place to visit for top of the range designs. Her designs were so popular that the high and mighty trooped into her various boutiques to patronize her. At a time when so few people thought about making Fashion designing a proper business, Pham took it to the next level by making clothes whose finishing was comparable to any other place in the world. Her designs stood out and still stands the test of time till date. They are actually collector’s items for those who appreciate the value and love put into making these creations. So much so that the Victoria & Albert Museum in London is celebrating Shade as a Fashion Vanguard in an exhibition titled “Africa Fashion”. She will be showcasing some of her vintage collections in the museum. Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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UDO AMAKA

EMMA UNANSERU ADAOBI DAVIDO

VIVIENNE CHIOLOJI

JOKE BAKARE

MO ABUDU

FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT, BUKOLA & TOYIN SARAKI

BOLANLE OGUNSANWO

IZU & CHIKA

CHIDI ANYAEGBU

MR & MRS JAY JAY OKOCHA

HELEN PREST AJAYI

MR & MRS NNEATO ORAZURUIKE

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IYAMBA & EDE DAFINONE

MR & MRS OLU OKEOWO

MRS GOWON

MRS ONOH

JULIANNA EDEWOR

MR & MRS UCHE IWUAJOKU

NOGIE MEGGISON

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Adaaku & Ugochukwu Tie The Knot

Recently the families of Iwuajoku and Akpua came together to celebrate the union of their children. Adaaku, the first daughter of Sam Iwuajoku got married to her sweetheart Ugochukwu. The couple looked ravishing in their traditional attires and the guests all turned up in their Sunday best raising up the ante for the ambience of the very classy event. The traditional wedding took place at Oriental hotel, the grand ballroom and no stone was left unturned to ensure the occasion was one to remember. The bride’s side wore magenta while the groom’s side wore blue and silver. Needless to say, the hall was filled with the most scintillating designs as expected from such occasion. Some of Nigeria’s top artistes, Davido and Techno brought excitement to the dance floor. All in all, it was such a lovely day and STYLE wishes the couple a long and happy married life. PHOTOS: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

UGOCHUKWU & ADAAKU AKPUA

BRIDE’S FATHER, SAM IWUAJOKU

GROOM’S MOTHER, JOSEPHINE AKPUA

BRIDE’S MOTHER, BOLANLE ODUNTAN

ALIKO DANGOTE

WALE TINUBU

SAYYU DANTATA

MR & MRS ODITAH

IKEPO BRAITHWAITE

CHIOMA IGWE HUBERT KWASI ASAMOAH./

NENE OKONKWO

ANTO LECKY

DON JAZZY

LUCY ESSIEN NIYI ADENUBI & OLATUNDE BUSARI NOBLE IGWE

ANTO LECKY

AMAKA MBAGWU

LOLA IFATUROTI

SEYRAM LESLIE KUMORDZIE

MAI ATAFO

OGO & EMEKA OKOLO

OSE AISIEN & VALENTINE OHU

Jollof Face Off BY FUNKE BABS-KUFE JI

The maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition recently took place on at The Rooftop by Ohuru HSE, Boardroom Apartments, in Lekki, and it was certainly one for the history books. According to Noble Igwe, the event coordinator,Jollof Faceoff seeks to celebrate the love Nigerians and Ghanaians have for Jollof Rice.. Without a doubt, Jollof Rice has become one of the most popular dishes in West Africa. The fierce rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria on who makes the better Jollof Rice has gone on for so long, with so much intensity, that it has garnered international recognition. Some say neither country should even lay claim to being the Jollof superstars because the dish originated from Senegal. The sister countries of Ghana and Nigeria however seem unfazed about the true origins of the dish, as they have owned it and given it its now iconic status. This first of its kind competition, streamed Live on Youtube, was sponsored by VFD Microfinance Bank (VBank), Ohuru by HSE, AfriPay, Maggi and Cellar Central and featured two phenomenal cooks, one representing each country, who battled it out to determine whose Jollof reigns supreme. There was a blind tasting of their Jollof dishes by a panel of judges, Don Jazzy and Sisi Yemmie of Nigeria and Joyce Agu and Gilbert Aggrey of Ghana, and scores were awarded across several parameters like plating, taste & texture of the Jollof itself as well as taste of the accompanying protein and sides. After the judging was done and the scores collated, Hilda Effiong Bassey representing Nigeria emerged winner and walked away

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JOYCE GYEBI

GILBERT ABEIKU AGGREY

RAPHAEL UZOR

JEFF BANKS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN If you don’t learn constantly, you don’t grow, and you will wither. Too many people wither on the vine. Sure, it gets a little harder as you get older, but new experiences and new challenges keep it fresh.”

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

THE

SURVIV By Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru

merican fashion icon IRIS APFEL is one of the industry’s oldest tastemakers. A self-appointed “geriatric starlet”, this New York-based personality is the living embodiment of ‘age is just a number’. After founding an international fabric manufacturing company with her late husband in the 50s, Apfel’s penchant for style quickly became world-renowned. Growing up in Queens, New York, Iris Apfel was an only child, so her parents often brought her to family events where she was the only kid. Many of these events were at her paternal grandparents’ home in Brooklyn, New York. To entertain Apfel, her grandmother let her play with fabric scraps, which she had in large quantities because her four daughters often sewed for charity. After each visit, if Apfel had behaved, her grandmother allowed her to take home six scraps. She became obsessed with texture, colour, and pattern, and spent most evenings entertaining herself that way which gave her a deep interest in fabrics. Apfel is famous for her eclectic style. She pairs layers of bright colours and oversized glasses and jewelry together, and is one of the most vivacious personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles, and interior design. For over 40

IRIS APFEL FASHION ICON drips at

Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.” If something sounds exciting and interesting, I do it and then worry about it later. Doing new things takes a lot of energy and strength. It’s very tiring to make things happen, to learn how to master a skill, to push fears aside. Most people would rather just go with the flow; it’s much easier. But it’s not very interesting.” You have to be true to yourself, you have to know yourself. Not be a trend follower. You’ve got to learn to take a few risks.”

years, she has cultivated a personal style that is both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic. To celebrate the style entrepreneur’s 100th birthday born August 29, even if you aren’t interested in bold, bright fashion, below are memorable fashion moments and candid words of wisdom we would all do well to remember.

Quotes

Dear Reader, Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence will be shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgement or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach which covers initiatives in health, education and community service.

We decided to return to shore as the sun was setting and on our way back, we saw a speed boat racing towards us. It was not unusual so we continued chatting aloud until the boat came close to us and within a twinkle of an eye, some men got on our boat, grabbed me and threw me on to their speedboat, I was blindfolded immediately and so I could only hear the faint sound of my friend screaming as we sped away.

This is Josephine’s storyI woke up that morning to bright sunlight shining into my home in one of metropolitan areas in Lagos. I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel because for two years, I had been enrolled in one of the best fashion institutes in Lagos and I was looking forward to my graduation. The dreams I had of expanding my fashion business were becoming a reality. I had been longing and hoping for this day to arrive and I could not wait to see the pride that this occasion would bring my parents, siblings and household in general. My name is Josephine and I am 28years old. I have 3 siblings, an older brother and two younger sisters who are both currently in higher Institutions of learning. In 2019 after my Masters degree, I decided to pursue my dream so I enrolled in one of the highly rated fashion schools. We had a task to design something around nature so I choose the Ocean I needed inspiration so I asked a friend to come with me, we got a boat and set out early. It was a good day as I got to catch up with my friend, enjoy the weather and also get inspired for my piece. We decided to return to shore as the sun was setting and on our way back, we saw a speed boat racing towards us. It was not unusual so we continued chatting aloud until the boat came close to us and within a twinkle of an eye, some men got on our boat, grabbed me and threw me on to their speedboat, I was blindfolded immediately and so I could only hear the faint sound of my friend screaming as we sped away. My captors were speaking and one of them sounded like Olumide, an acquaintance who had approached me for a relationship and I declined because I needed to focus on my education and career before settling down. I did not want to believe that he would do this because I refused his advances. We eventually got to a destination and I was dragged off the boat and into a car, the

ride seemed to go on for eternity till we stopped again. I was taken into a building and locked in a room. I overheard my captors telling someone that their assignment was done and they needed their balance paid, it was then I confirmed that it was Olumide that was behind this. The next day, he showed up and menacingly asked me why I wasn’t eating, he told me that until I gave birth to two children for him, I would not be allowed out so I should cooperate with him and those he assigned to care for me. He would come in the morning and evening to check up on me and assure me he would not harm me and was still surprised at the report that I had not eaten anything for three days. That night when he came to talk to me, his phone rang and I heard him mention the name of my neighbor informing him that the police had located the hide out and they should move me out of that location. He immediately arranged a boat and I was blindfolded again and we really travelled far on the sea outside of the Nigerian border waterways into another location. When we arrived, I was so weak because I had not eaten any food the past three days. I was really traumatized at this point but I made up my mind that if I was going to die, it must not be without a fight. At this new location, I was assigned a caregiver and she told me he rented the apartment for his wife. He became more forceful with his plan and started having sex with me whenever he visited. I would cry and beg him to stop but he would still go ahead and assault me sexually. I was a virgin before this time and so I hated him the more for defiling me and taking away my purity. At night I would not sleep but I would be tossing on the bed wondering how my parents and siblings and loved ones would be feeling. I was also sad I missed my graduation ceremony and I contemplated suicide at some point to alleviate my sufferings.

About 2 weeks of my detention in that location, the woman who was my caregiver told me that Olumide was travelling for a business meeting and he would not be back for a while, I told her my story, she felt sorry for me but she told me if she did anything contrary, her life and that of her family members would be at stake and she encouraged me to see it as my fate. On one of the days my caregiver went out to buy provisions, I managed to force one of the doors open. I realized the apartment was located close to a beach so I summoned courage to go out. I saw many people with their family members and since I had absolutely nothing, I decided to beg for alms. I was able to make a decent amount of money so I asked for the closest call centre. I called my brother and immediately he picked up I broke down in tears. I tried to describe the location and he said he would get to me as fast as he could. I waited till evening but I knew that my caregiver would be back home and they would soon start searching for me. This was a risk I could not take. I went to the boat section in the beach and just kept saying “Lagos, Lagos..” I eventually arrived at Badagry and used the last bit of the money with me for transport to the closest police station. I narrated my ordeal and was able to contact my parents. It took them 5 hours to get to me but I waited patiently knowing the worst was over. My mother nearly fainted when she saw me and I saw my father cry for the first time in my life. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak, I just wanted to go home. The police officers also felt for me and referred me to the WARIF centre, where I met the most dedicated and compassionate people who helped me overcome my grief. I was encouraged to live my life again and I was taught coping mechanism to heal me deal with the trauma. I still experience panic attacks, insomnia and mood swings sometimes when I remember my ordeal but I know it’s going to get better above all I have been given hope to live again. The police were able to track down the perpetrators hide out and I am confident that they will pay all for crimes committed against me.

Dear survivor, please know that you are not alone and it is not your fault. Help is available. If you have been raped or you know someone who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre - 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on 08092100009. For questions or more information please contact: info@warifng.org *Real name of survivor changed for confidentiality

14TH ANNUAL BANKING &

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

Decades before the Deola Sagoes and the Ituen Basi’s of the Nigerian fashion industry hit the scene, there was Shade Thomas Fahm, one of Nigeria’s first modern fashion designers. In her time, she was one of Africa’s most influential designers and a pioneering figure in the Nigerian fashion industry. Shade’s love for fashion started when she was a child. She would pick bits and pieces from neighbours tailoring stores to make dresses. Not long after, she moved to London with the hope of starting a nursing career, but her passion thought otherwise and led her to the world of modelling and Fashion. In 1960, Shade returned to Lagos, Nigeria, armed with a degree in Fashion from the prestigious St Martins College of Art & Design and a desire to put the Nigerian Local fabric on the global map. This desire gave birth to her first fashion shop called “Maison Shadé”, which later became “Shadé’s Boutique.”. It stocked Nigerian designs and was the first in Lagos to use mannequins just like she had seen in the UK. In the beginning, she had a hard time convincing Nigerians to buy local fabrics and designs, but she won them over and became an influential designer and dressmaker in the Lagos fashion scene. Shadé’s influence and contribution to the fashion industry cannot be undermined as her use of the local fabric has influenced her contemporaries and designers from younger generations to date. This same influence is behind her being celebrated by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, as a ‘Fashion Vanguard’ years after the Shade boutique era. KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR and AZUKA OGUJUIBA spent an afternoon with the fashion pioneer, as she gives a peek into the Nigerian fashion scene of the 60s. You are being celebrated by The Victoria & Albert Museum, London as a ‘Fashion Vanguard’ in an exhibition titled ‘Africa Fashion’. How do you feel about this ? I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It was unexpected that I was chosen as one designer with other designers from other countries to be recognized, I appreciate it and I thank God for it. The message was sent to the FADAN association and the secretary got in touch with me to say they have asked about me and they wanted to feature me, so I passed the whole thing to Fauzi (my son) to deal with. Honestly it came as a surprise just like most the things in my life have come. Is this one of the greatest recognition of your work ? I have also been recognized as the first fashion designer in Nigeria and that’s because my work was aimed at improving on what we wore in fashion at the time I started out. I wanted to put Nigerian fashion and fabric on the world map. How did you get into the fashion world ? Growing up, we were brought up to use our sisters’ cast downs - that’s how you got clothes. Both of my sisters went to Queens College Lagos School for Girls, but at age 12, I went to Baptists Academy Lagos. So naturally I couldn’t use the same school uniforms that my sisters had used. I remember on the way to school was “Sisi Sewing Shop” which was a local dressmaker. I started stopping at Sisi’s for my school uniform. One day I cut and sewed a baby dress out of the “teru” (the Nigerian word for calico) that they had lying around. I was about 12 years old and made it from start to finish. Also, I remember that at Baptists Academy there was a technical class called “Domestic Science”. As well as teaching you about how to become a “lady”, which, ofcourse, meant making meals, and taking care of a home, etc. - it also taught basic dressmaking and sewing. At that age I picked up knowledge wherever I could through just having a keen eye. Anything I could do to freshen up my look, especially as my clothes were cast downs, was what I wanted. Before the Shade Botique era, you had worked and studied in England, how did that influence your creativity? Studying and working? Or was it really working and studying! It was a remarkable time! We Nigerian girls were eager for opportunities – and we were told that opportunities abounded abroad. But the courage to take the leap was not for everyone. The courage to face even the cold weather!

On my label was “Made in Nigeria”. That was really important to me, especially when I would sell clothes to my American friends. They seemed to believe so much in themselves so it was important for me to show that I believed in my culture too. We had something good here too.

At that time, I was extremely focused. If I set my mind on something it would be done, no if’s, and’s, or but’s! The drive to succeed, to earn, and come back home with the ‘golden cup’ – it drove my appetite. Being away from home was always a temporary situation from me. I tell my son that I never even fully unpacked my suitcases the entire eight years that I was in England. From the day I arrived, I started preparing for my return back home, whether it was in paying for sewing machines that I wanted to ship back home, or whatever. Fashion wise, I was always putting one style up against the other style. For instance, I would look at the European skirt and then I would put it up against, in my mind, the Yoruba Iro - and in similar ways, but with distinct differences. Both styles had something to learn from the other. I loved beautiful shop windows. I couldn’t just walk past them. It always made me feel that we, as human beings, were actually on our way somewhere, that we were achieving something - my imagination just from seeing the scene in a fashion shop window. How did you start off with Shade boutique ? I started my factory with about 10 different machines in Yaba Industrial Estate, Lagos. I modeled my factories in Yaba, Broad Street, Sandgross and Simpson Street, after the factories I worked in, in London’s West End. The layout of any garment factory I had worked in was two rows of machines, side by side, facing each other, with a long well in the middle for finished garments. At some point, I had over 40 men and women working in my factory doing various roles like

sewing, finishing, embroidery, pressing, dying and weaving. I even had a “clock in” machine for when workers came in and you’d clock out at closing time. I set up a room for threads and accessories. A room with a long table for cutting. A room for ironing, and a space for dining and lunch breaks, and of course, toilets. At the time, why was it so important for you to use traditional Nigerian textiles, such as aso oke, adire, akwete and okene, in your collections? I felt the need to promote fabrics and styles from my part of the world because I loved the way they looked and how they made women look. I still feel that the way Adire or Aso Oke makes a woman look is like nothing else in the world. Nigeria fashion has taken its place in the world. Aso Oke, Akwete and Adire as jackets, tops, trousers, what have you, is everywhere now. On my label was “Made in Nigeria”. That was really important to me, especially when I would sell clothes to my American friends. They seemed to believe so much in themselves so it was important for me to show that I believed in my culture too. We had something good here too. Tell us more about Shade’s Boutique – the atmosphere and the customers. Our shop window was like a sight-seeing spot. People would come just to look at the windows! Even taxi drivers would stop to gaze at the window, so we tried to decorate it to make people stop to look. Every shop I had, had one side for fittings, another side for ready-to-wear, and a side where to pick fabrics for custom clients. Many friends would come down to spend time at the shop with no idea that they were going to buy anything. But then they would leave with an item from the shop! The shop was running at a very high standard, and the people even gave the Falomo shop a title. They said, “Shade’s boutique is the “O ni Falomo of Falomo” which is like saying that Shade’s Boutique owns Falomo area. It was used as a landmark for directions. How would you describe a typical Shade Boutique customer at the time? I would describe a typical Shade’s Boutique customer as highly cultured and affluent. It was a place for women on the go. I had a special design for lady diplomats that got to be called “Coffee morning”. I actually became quite popular amongst the diplomatic set. They would come into my shop and tell me that they had an upcoming occasion which they had to look great for.

E D A SH

M H A F S A M O H T E! L Y T S N I E F I A L

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

Early Years

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

1980s

1960s

1970s

1967 London Common wealth show

1960s USA Velvet kaftan with flat stitch embroidery

1950s

Her modelling collections

Early1970s Lagos Mainland Hotel Fashion show Ebute Metta Satin top skirt in Nigerian flag colours

1970s Lagos Fashion show

1957 London Earls Court Motorboat show

1970s

Lagos Fashion shoot 16

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

BASICS CARE

Human

It got to the point that if a woman was looking particularly put together people might say – “Oh, I see she’s been to Shade’s Boutique!” If I remember correctly, two ladies visited the queen to receive their M.B.E’s in my designs.

For

Hair Wigs

What was Nigerian fashion scene like during the 1960s/1970s, when the boutique was in its heyday. It was the time of Fela, and Wole Soyinka’s plays. It was a time of Nigeria evolving. We were bringing in new ideas. Arts and culture were very rich. The Biafran War happened in the early 70’s and that changed things. Lagos was swinging. I just remember that every woman wanted to open a boutique! The boutique craze was on at that time. They would use garages, any space available and call it a boutique! When I first opened my shop and called it a “boutique” people couldn’t pronounce it and called it “Bou–tee–qeh!”. That was funny! There was a thing that happened. It was between 1963 -1965. It was to do with someone who claimed they were “Balmain” from Paris. He came to Nigeria to be part of a charity show. It was like a presentation that he came to Nigeria to do – a sale show. He made a big mistake actually, because upon his arrival in Lagos and in talking with reporters, he made some comment about how there was no designer in Nigeria. I think he was at the airport when he made the comment. My friends heard about this and they rushed to tell me. I remember my particular friend Barbie, was upset! She said; “Shade, if you allow it, when he leaves, they will never accept you as a proper designer. They will say there is no designer in this country!” So I spoke to the newspapers and we did an interview. And the newspapers just took it up and ran headlines. “They flashed it”, as we used to say at that time. You see, many people were also against what I was doing. The upper class wanted everything foreign. Not everybody wanted this African thing l was doing! But I did show at the Charity event. I showed first and he showed his pieces later on. No other designers showed but us. I showed first. When did the brand close and why? The brand came to a close for various reasons – as anyone who has begun and run a brand for many years will understand. Changes in the country. Changes in the people of the country. What was important to them, as opposed to what they had lived by before? A new generation will always define itself, as it should – but there should always be the incorporation of one’s heritage. The influx of very cheap, and in my view, quite substandard and poorly produced clothing through the Nigerian ports was a factor depressing indigenous production. Nigeria, like many African countries, became a dumping ground for clothing and fabrics that would never pass the quality standards enforced abroad. But our population was growing very fast and so demand was high. Also, I had been on my feet in my cutting room for a very long time by the late 80’s. I must point out that I had little in the way of business support – the many institutions that support businesses abroad were not available in Nigeria then – in fact we still have quite a way to go to make them available even today. Then there was also an occurrence that happened, which I think began to make me feel a different way. That was the time my shop at Falomo was closed down by the government. It was a strange time. They claimed that they closed the shop because of the Law on Indigenization of Nigerian businesses. The law said that no foreigner could have interests or funds in any Nigerian

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

JAZZY OGAGA FOR KUKU HAIR

business. At the time there was an American couple- the Marshalls - that had expressed interest in entering into a contract with Shade’s Boutique to be their supplier. Their shop was to be on 5th Avenue in New York. They believed in me, and wanted to promote my fashion, but with the new law, they gave up the idea. Even still, the Nigerian government closed

down my shop in Falomo Shopping Centre. No law had been broken, but with the way fame works, it tends to leave one open to attacks from people hiding in the shadows. Years later I learned some powerful people – and I must say the wives of these powerful people – had felt it was time to shut up that Shade woman! Imagine the force of a military government coming down on you. I had escaped and traveled on a previously planned trip with my sons. Then the government occupied my shop and can you believe they were even selling my items off – like they way they do with seized items or contraband! But the Press took up the matter. And I must thank people like Sam Amuka of the Vanguard newspaper for standing with me. Also I cannot fail to remember eminent ladies of Nigeria like Lady Abayomi, and Lady Ademola. They stood by me and raised their voices! They demanded that my shop be returned to me otherwise they were going to organize a protest. They said that no market women would open up for market the forthcoming Tuesday. Can you believe it? A stand off (between the people and the government). In the end, thanks to the Press, my lawyers, those Ladies, Papa Ademola and the local market women who supported me, I got my shop back. The whole struggle took about a month. I never paid anyone a penny to fight for me. But, the event kind of shook me. I was getting weary – I was not as young as I used to be. Security was also becoming an issue. I decided to move things around so I built a smaller factory in the leftover portion of the plot of land on which I had built my house. That way I would be more in control of things. I closed the shops and did more and more private commissions. And then less and less. Looking at the younger ones now do you have any favourites who you feel are on the right fashion path? Well yes I can tell you a few, but you know it may not be fair. But there are those working with the locally made fabrics like Deola Sagoe, Ituen Basi, Lisa Folawiyo, Odion Mimonet, Fumi Ajila and Funmi Ladipo, the past president of FADAN. A lot of FADAN members are good designers, creative designers and are working on the locally made fabrics.

Human hair wig gives you the most natural of appearances. The bounce, colour, sheen, and texture of such wigs make others believe it is your real hair. All these factors add to the growing demand for human hair wigs. You can buy this wig at a competitive price and style it like real hair in different forms. According to many experts, if you maintain your human hair wig properly, you can restyle, trim, and colour it according to the latest trends and fashion. Here are some easy tips… DO NOT WEAR THE SAME WIG DAILY

ERICA NLEWEDIM FOR KUKU HAIR

conditioners work the same though. You can get in touch with a hairstylist and ask them about the most suitable products to wash your wig. Some shampoos and conditioners are specifically designed for human hair wigs, and it is a good idea to invest in them.

It is the first rule of thumb not to wear the same wig daily for too long. If you wear your wig every day, it will wear out because the threads will start to tear as human hair TRESEMME SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER wigs are more fragile when compared to synthetic wigs. This will also affect the colour of the hair EXCESS HEAT CAN BE making it dull after a while. So invest in two or more wigs to avoid over usage. DAMAGING TO YOUR WIG One of the biggest mistakes that many people commit is overheating their wigs DO NOT GIVE FREQUENT while styling with heating equipment. WASHES TO YOUR WIG It is a big no-no. Your human hair wig Experts advise giving a will not last long if you keep styling thorough wash to your wig or applying too much heat to it. If you to maintain it in the long want to use a hairdryer, hair curler, or run. But do not wash too even straightener on your wig, make frequently because over sure to use the low heat setting. Always washing can damage it. keep these hair stylers away from the Wash your wig every 8-10 roots of the wig. Make heat-free styling wears. Be sure to treat your go-to option, and your wig will the wig gently when you outperform. wash. Also, do not use hot water in washing. Use STORE YOUR WIG PROPERLY lukewarm water instead. Storing your wig properly is a part of caring for it. Maintaining your wig is not SPEND ON GOODjust about shampooing, conditioning, QUALITY WASHING or styling, how you store it matters. PRODUCTS Store your wig in a cool environment. If you spent your hardAlso, it must not earned money on be kept in a wet buying the best human or moist place hair wig, why cut because a humid corners with products environment to wash them? will shorten Always buy goodthe life of your quality shampoo and wig. Keep your conditioner to wash wig in the box your wig. after combing it Not all kinds of properly. shampoos and WIG BAG

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

YOU BE THE JUDGE ISIOMA USIADE

LILIAN AFEGBAI

ISIOMA

This beautiful masterpiece couldn’t have looked better on anyone else but Lilian. Her shape perfectly highlights the wide leg pants and the colour also complements her skin. She sure killed this look!

ISABELLA EDEM

ISIOMA

8/10

JOSEPH

REZE

This sky-blue outfit lightly cascades the upper torso and sends a sly mischievous feel. The baggy pants pretend to hide what could possibly be a tempting visage. A sweet number that would definitely turn heads at that semi formal outing. 7/10 I like the shade of baby blue and the fabric against her skin. Gives it a real soft and elegant yet simplistic touch. In summary, simple elegance. I think it’s a win. 8/10

JOSEPH

REZE

Isabelle never disappoints when it comes to styling ensembles like this. The monochrome look is simply amazing. You can tell she is ready to storm a birthday bash or an evening date night, her makeup and hair looks perfect for this outfit. 9/10 This look simplifies what was beginning to look complex. The wrap around at the bottom was beginning to look tiring, but the model carries it very well accentuating the outfit with a sweet curvy figure that leaves the onlookers gasping for breath. Astounding. 7/10 The outfit is interesting and accentuates her curves. I wish the colors of both were of the same shade of brown and also I’m not sure of the sash hanging downwards as it makes it a tad busy. It possibly looks like it’s meant to be tied as well. I’m not exactly sure the top and bottom are meant to go together. I like the match with the shoes. Save for these two points it would be a winner. I’ve seen her in much more beautiful monochrome ensembles which are stunners.

7/10

NONYE UDEOGU

ISIOMA

Though wide leg pants fit all body types, I don’t think this outfit does any justice to Nonye. Perhaps if worn with heels, it might have made the outfit sit better. Also, her makeup is too bare for the colour of the outfit.

PATRICIA BRIGHT

ISIOMA

For me, this look would have been perfect for a beach outing not as a night out as her heels predict. The high slit is also a tad overboard. 4/10

JOSEPH

5/10 JOSEPH

REZE

Nonye kills with this ode to the Gothic look. This number kills me personally as the dark and mysterious look is a personal favorite. The mystery of the wearer is accentuated by the challenging outlook daring you to come close. Beautiful. 9/10 Simple black usually works and this case is no exception. I won’t say it’s outstanding, and also not sure how very practical it will be to walk around in heels with, because it feels just a teeny bit too long but hey, it’s fashion. 6/10

TONYE GARRICK

REZE BONNA

CHICHI

ISIOMA

The outfit misses the cardinal rule in seduction. It doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. The aggressive side slide doesn’t allow for suspense which a good outfit and outlook should push. It shows me everything and takes away my right to day dream.

I would say this isn’t for the faint hearted to rock, it takes a fashionista to pull off this look with a confident smile. Tonye looks beautiful in this even though the waist band doesn’t fit properly. The fabric and design are cool. 7/10

Chi-chi is truly a fashion goddess; just tell her the code and she shows up ready to turn heads. This combo is perfect for any occasion that demands a fashion statement. She came to slay! Her hairstyle also gets top marks. 9/10

JOSEPH

A confusing cross between a sexy motif and a pseudo Gothic ensemble. The paintings on the hand and the stylish bag serving to provide a very welcome distraction from the confusion that is the style. Perfect for an ‘Endsars’ type final battle at the toll gate. 5/10

JOSEPH

Quite busy and over the top. The kaleidoscope of colors sends out confusing signals not allowing the sweet design to emerge. Perfect for an outing in the Caribbeans and for the very bold and beautiful. Not for the shrinking violet. 5/10

Simple. Daring. Monochrome. Covers yet teases with a bit of underboob. The slit screams. She’s a risk taker. Love it! 7.5/10

REZE

6/10 REZE

JOSEPH EDGAR

There’s something I like about the colours, the outfit, the smile, her skin tone, the flow and blend with the tattoos on her right waist. The motifs and the Tattoo make it seamless and artistic. The loose waistband also makes the outfit even more comfortable for her. I would maybe synch it just a pinch more. I like that the bag is monochrome. 7/10

REZE

She sure knows how to rock her colours. A bit of a Miami vibe in this. Surely wants to be seen and noticed and makes no excuses. I’m not entirely sure what’s happening at the underwire area and I wish it was tidier and not having the tucked-in look. 6/10

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9621 Sunday, September 12, 2021

ONE LOOK TWO WAYS

Getting multiple use from our fashion pieces should ultimately be your main consideration when purchasing an outfit. Some of them should be perfect for switching from day to night without having to change every thing on your body. YUTEE RONE, always admired for her strong sense of style, shows us how to transition her skirt from a day out to a night get together party. Let’s see how she has manipulated this lovely silk skirt with the two-tone tasseled hem to work both ways for her.

BALMAIN

NIGHT LOOK

BY USIADE ISIOMA

Now, Yutee has stepped up the ante. She’s out to slay! She is wearing a top of the same fabric with voluminous sleeves and a plunging neckline. It helps that the attire emphasizes her svelte figure in the most complementary manner. There is a lot to love about this second look. It lands somewhere right in between sexy and very sexy! The sandal heel complements the outfit giving it an extra sultry look. This outfit really speaks for itself.

LILY AFEGBAI

SADE

CHICHI

Y PROJECT

E BY FUNK

FEJI BABS-KU

AMA GODSON

VERSACE THE ATTICO

IDIA AISIEN

The Blazer dress is a mixture of a jacket and a dress. It serves two looks at the same time. It is smart, sharp and sexy all in one. A menswear classic with a girly twist, this tailored piece is far from just being office-appropriate - and that’s exactly what we like. By lengthening a double-breasted jacket, just by a few inches and nipping it at the waist, designers can create an hourglass shape with the Blazer dress. And, minus a shirt, the lapels just happen to make the perfect plunging neckline. The Blazer dress is one everyone should have in their wardrobes right now as it has a fit for everyone regardless of shape and size.

HOW TO WEAR THE BLAZER DRESS

CHICHI ADOGWU

Pay special attention to the fit to avoid an overly boxy silhouette. You’ll either want to cinch it in at the waist for a fit-and-flare effect or keep it loose to skim the body. This little number is power dressing personified. Once you’ve found the right one, simply slick back your hair, swipe on lipstick and step into a pair of killer heels! Ensure to keep the length just a few inches longer than your butt cheeks. Mid-thigh is just about the perfect length. Also, ensure you get a jacket that sits properly otherwise you might look like a stuffed chicken if it’s too tight. Make sure your buttons stay flat without the flap bulging. If it’s for a night out, throw on some killer heels and use large accessories like chandelier earrings or cocktail rings. Statement chokers will also be nice to adorn. These accessories will make the jacket more feminine. And if you also decide to go casual, nothing beats a pair of lovely sneakers to give your look an extra bounce! If you are on the petite side, you need not look far. Throwing on your boyfriend’s jacket is the fastest way to get your instant Blazer dress with minimum fuss.

DAY LOOK

For a casual look, Yutee has kept things simple by pairing her skirt with a simple black tank top. To finish off the look, she wears a fun hat and fancy slip ons. Casual has never look so effortlessly cool. The overall look gives a calm vibe.