I wasn’t there but I hear Music Meets Runway is so far the fashion event of the year. More pics when you continue…

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Kaba means ‘dress’ in the Yoruba and Twi languages and at Kaba Designs, we aim to produce dresses that combine the vibrant and bold beauty of African fabrics with glamorous and stylish modern designs for any shape or size.

A percentage of Kaba Design profits will go towards supporting an orphanage in Kumasi, Ghana as well as other charitable projects in West Africa.

Kaba Design’s mission is To bring African prints and designs to the masses and to a high street near you!

UnderDaRock is a huge fan of Kaba Designs, what it represent and really love the Ankara Fabrics. For orders and more info please use kabadresses@gmail.com or call +447931357711

This is a window seat view of the unique story that a particular designer is telling through the construction of clothing pieces. If the new “Bold and Strong” fashion trend is your thing then prepare to fall madly in-love with Toju Foyeh’s eye for fashion and clothing construction.

This collection holds a sentimental value as every piece is affectionately named after a loved one. It features strong, gold and lacey pieces inspired by inspirational women in the world today such as music’s golden girl Beyonce, a woman who illustrates how much power a woman can gain in this era and how to fully utilize such power.

As strong as the pieces are there are elements of delicate touches such as the use of lace and pretty ruffles to soften up the look. This collection represents the image of the modern woman by fusing powerful cuts and fabrics with gold pleats and tender ruffles. Toju Foyeh is the designer to watch out for, her vision is flawless and the immaculate execution of her vision clearly translates in the pieces.

More pictures after the jump

CREDITS

Photography: Kelechi Amadi Obi

Make up: Isioma

Hair: Tutu

Write Up:Lucy

You could feel all holding their breaths at the awards, waiting to see if they were one of the lucky ones. Before the awards, however, designers like New York based Lola Faturoti and UK based Nkwo proved that Nigerians in the diaspora were still connected to their Nigerian roots. Their designs really incorporated Nigerian fabrics and styles in their collections.

The audience, however, seem to be eagerly awaiting the awards show, as it appeared that was all that was being talked and whispered about, during the shows. The shows were finally over and guests were ushered to a buffet courtesy of Arise. After the buffet came the AWARD show hosted by R &B singer Darey Art Alade and former CNN media personality Lola Ogunnaike. For the first time since the beginning of the show, the tent where the shows had been held, was packed full. Among the audience were many designers who were mostly seated on the front row. Fashion models were scattered among the audience. The models, it appeared, seemed happy to be free from all the hassles of backstage and changing clothes.

Finally came the moment everyone had been waiting for! The designers who made the cut to show at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week this September 2011 are: Pierre-Antoine Vertorello (Belgium/Ghana), Kluk CGTD (South Africa), Bunmi Koko (UK/Nigeria), Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria—this will be her second time showing in NY) and Tsemaye Binitie (UK).

The complete list of winners are:

Best in Creative Design – Ituen Basi
Best in Innovation Design – Pierre-Antonine Vettorello
Men’s Designer of the Year – Angelo Van Mol
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Deola Sagoe, Xuly Bet, Ere Dappa, Kluk CGDT and Shade Thomas
New Face of the Year – Chika
Fashion Brand of the Year – Tiffany Amber
Emerging designer of the year – Maki Oh (Maki was so teary eyed and could barely say much)
Young designer of the year – Buki Akib
Style icon of the year – Nike Oshinowo
Model of the year – Flaviana Matata
Designer of the year – Kluk CGDT

Congratulations to all!

African prince

Patterns with my mom’s old wrapper

Laid back fella

The man on a mission

Vintage

Western meets Culture

Affrocentric

Boiz in the hood

A top

Urban street wear

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And the creative mind behind all the beautiful pieces, Chikezie Daniel Onwuchekwa rocking one of his own ensembles. Follow him on twitter @kzie511.

Ever since that very night she got crowned as Miss World, her life has been a roller coaster ride, from one good deal to another. You think you have heard the best of her? Wait for this……

Agbani is gracing the pages of the February edition of Essence Magazine, in the beauty section. The theme of the beauty article is “Get Sexy & Smooth“. The beauty feature focuses on keeping your skin healthy and vibrant even during the harsh winter months.

Now tell us what better way to start off the year. You go girl!

With the winter season here its time to get your snuggle on! Winter fashion repeats a numbers of trends and whilst items may be re-invented, they can be worn time after time.

Here’s The Style Closet’s top five ‘head to toe’ items that are bang on trend for your winter wardrobe won’t go out of fashion any time soon, and will keep you stylishly warm;

Hat from Next ₤8

Pop It On
For the head: pop on a warm knitted beanie hat; these come out every winter and they suit most face shapes, you just can’t go wrong. If you are want to look more ‘smart chic’, opt for a beret or a Trilby.

‘Wrap it up’

Scarf from M&S £7.50

For the neck: wrap it up with a gorgeous chunky knit scarf.

‘Strap it on’

Double Breasted wool coat from Firetrapp £155

For the silhouette: A standard Mac just isn’t going to cut it for the merciless winter breeze, strap on a wool coat, double-breasted or duffle.

‘Slip into’

Gloves from John Lewis £39.99

For the hands: your hands can be stylish too-ditch the cotton and slip into some leather gloves, and keep right on trend.

‘Step into’

Boots by Leoni Auto, Clarks £110

For the feet: what better way to dress your feet then to step into a sexy pair of leather boots that aren’t 10 inches high? And who said style can’t be comfortable?

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The Style Closet

On the entertainment scene notable artistes from across the globe will be adding their flavor to the glitz and glamour of the awards. On the fashion scene SMVA 2010 is pulling the first ever be-dazzled red carpet that Nigeria is yet to experience.

VIP COUTURE PRE-SHOW
The award pre-show at this year’s SMVA has been designed to be an altogether different and exciting visual experience quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. We’re enhancing the basic red carpet format by hosting a live exclusive couture production at the poolside (Eko Hotel) from 6:00PM – 7:30PM, featuring stunning models donning exclusive collections from the continent’s boldest, most accomplished international designers and labels. We have commissioned top designers from across Africa (profiled below) to create their signature looks and put together a sumptuous style buffet for the evening says Olamide Adedeji, Project Director SMVA 2010.

David Tlale (South Africa)
Established in 2002, David Tlale is a home grown label that stands out from the crowds, thanks to a design elegance that challenges the clichéd and predictable. Couture that embodies beauty without pretence and shuns harshness for poise, answering the call today’s men and women for design that is young, bold, and elegant. David Tlale is undoubtedly one of Johannesburg’s most interesting clothing labels.
Dynamic in its response to local and global trends and influences, David Tlale prioritizes style coupled to expert use of fabrics. Garments of impeccable quality are born guaranteed from craftsmanship of exquisite materials, conceived from meticulous stylistic research.

Dax Martin (South Africa)
The South African fashion scene has been altered by the very presence of Dax Martin’s vision. He is basically known for his swimwear designs, but he has proven himself to be master of ‘personal space’, as was revealed by his lingerie line early this year. His designs captivate and seduce by a new appreciation for the ‘human form.

Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria)
In 2005 Lisa Folawiyo and her team of expert craftsmen stormed onto the Nigerian fashion scene with Jewel by Lisa (JBL). In less than five years Lisa has perfected the art of wearing Ankara, being the first to embellish the fabric with sequins, swarovski crystals, beads and the like, and turning Jewel by Lisa into a coveted luxury label. Starting out with Ankara skirts, the label has now expanded into ranges of dresses, skirts, tops, jewelled accessories, and soft furnishings. Jewel by Lisa uses the highest quality Ankara from the Vlisco- Hollandais brand and is frequently mixed with fabrics as wide ranging as taffeta, linen, cotton, chiffon, chantilly lace, and silk
Feminine and Vibrant’, ‘Shine and Texture’, are just a few of the words used to describe the works of JBL as she has turned around the conceptual use of Ankara and also brought a favourable blend of ornamental finishing with the brave, smart new use of colour on the prints. She has redefined the modern African woman’s look. Very tres chic!

Lanreda Silva Ajayi (Nigeria)
LDA is her brand. Haute Couture is her niche and she does a great job with it. Strong, yet tasteful influences from mid-20th century are evident in her jackets and evening wear, bringing a strong nostalgic element into her work. Launched in 2005, fashion label fuses Victorian and contemporary architecture to make 40’s inspired English wear relevant and practical for today’s discerning, stylish and avant – garde woman.

MOMO (Nigeria)
Fati Asibelua has been going strong in fashion circles from New York to London, clothing the most beautiful models and showcasing her homeland. Often described as alluring and contemporary, MOMO has braved the use of traditional patterns and modern shapes. MOMO has everything for everyone from shoes to fabrics and patented accessories.

OdioMimonet (Nigeria)
‘Beauty in the feminine form’, is the philosophy of her couture line. Driven to be ‘chic, unfussy and breathtaking’, only a visionary like herself could capture such an ambitious goal, but it helps to have the spirit of an answer. Inspired by impressionist painter Monet’s works, OdioOseni accepts that every woman is an individual and she works to make the individual emerge, looking both unique and beautiful.

Tiffany Amber (Nigeria)
In 1998, Folake Folarin-Coker launched Tiffany Amber revolutionising the fashion industry in Nigeria. Having spent most of her childhood in Europe, and exploring diverse cultures she has successfully translated her love for different cultures into an iconic fashion brand in Africa.

Every collection shows the designer’s love for luxurious fabric and intricate embellishment from all over the world whilst at the same time instilling her African heritage to produce timeless, feminine and effortlessly stylish pieces.

Tiffany Amber is an international award winning label – an accolade that was received by designer Folake Folarin-Coker who was awarded Designer of the Year 2009/2010 at the Arise Africa fashion week in South Africa.

ZiziCardow (Nigeria)
Ethnic fabric at home on the modern woman: This is how ZiziCardow’s work comes across to those taken by surprise by the bold, yet classy style of her designs. Women look amazing in her cuts and she has been doing this since 2000. If the strength of her styles is anything to go by, she will remain at the vanguard of African fashion, where she’s always been.

Mustafa Hasanali (Tanzania)
African fashion without borders is one way of regarding Mustafa Hassanali’s body of work Designer Mustafa Hassanali, a celebrated name in Tanzania pursues fashion as a religion. His personable and affable demeanour in parallel with his bohemian work of art has made him amidst the premier and popular designers in Tanzania. No wonder then he sports an A-list clientele including the crème de la crème of the society. Considered a fashion guru, his designs reflect the deeply embedded cultural heritage of Tanzanian society along with the avant-garde, hip and contemporary styles.
His designs are dedicated to women of power, confidence and prestige. His gowns are breathtaking. It is a testament to African fashion when a woman wears Mustafa Hassanali’s gowns and she’s transformed into a vision of classic beauty.

Mai Atafo (Nigeria)
Armed with an impressive clientele from Nollywood actors (Stephanie Okereke, Stella Damascus, Ramsey Nouah), to beauty queens (OmowunmiAkinnifesi, MunachiAbii, AdaezeIgwe), and stylish musicians (Banky W, Omawunmi, D’banj), the MAI ATAFO INSPIRED label’s signature bespoke crested blazers and striking gowns are instantly recognizable, buoyed by designer Mai’s versatile yet smart approach to couture; an approach that seamlessly blends the essence of African and Western cosmopolitan styles into functional, classic pieces