"Luxury Sweet Candy" - ICONIC INVANITY MTN LFDW 2012 Collection

To fully appreciate the skills and effort involved in making a garment and an entire collection, you would have to see it up close and personal preferably before the fashion week starts or backstage minutes before the designers’ show, simply because it’s the visual impact that really matters. 

Few weeks, days before the LFDW started I visited few designers at their atelier and merging the experience gathered pre and during the show really gave me a totally different and definite understanding into the individual collections. Iconic Invanity’s “Luxury Sweet Candy” collection was one of few I previewed before the event proper. The interesting thing about such visits is that it helps sort out initial impressions, it then gives a clear view of the collection based on the designer’s aesthetics. For example, I discovered that the title of the collection couldn’t have been better to describe such an amazing collection of colourful and deliciously designed pieces. 

The sincere attention to details often revealed by the intricate beading style places Iconic Invanity on another platform from her peers. From tops, skirts, dresses and immaculate gowns, every piece from this collection have more structure and beauty than can be realized on the runway.

Photos: Lazailounge.com 

Fifteen & Fabulous! Matthew Williamson Celebrates Fifteen Years With Exclusive 'Party Girl' Collection

My special interest in Matthew Williamson recently increased after reading an interview he did with a blogger recently. I don’t quite follow controversial fashion stories but somehow I have found unusual impulse to study a lot about this man and his brand – basically, he’s like my new MJ (Marc Jacobs). The concern took a rather drastic increase after he didn’t show up for the recently concluded MTN LFDW where he was supposed to close the entire event – well, Matthew himself didn’t show up but he was represented by his Business Partner and CEO, Joseph Valosa and a selection of elegant pieces from his recent collection was showcased around 11:09pm(yes! past 11pm) on Saturday, 27^th of October at the Conventional Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Truly, I enjoyed the show and loved every piece showcased – I wanted it all. But again, I was very disappointed when informed of Matthew’s absence – gist of him being busy and all.

All good, I continued my stalk search on him and discovered this exclusive interview he did with Net-a-Porter.com celebrating his 15years in the industry. In celebration, Matthew created an exclusive collection the ‘Party Girl’. In the interview, Matthew speaks of his work and life.

British designer, Matthew Williamson speaks with net-a-porter.com…

Congratulations, Matthew – 15 years is a huge achievement. How have you managed to stay on top?

It really does seem like only yesterday when we created our first collection. I'm so lucky to still love my job after all these years – time really does fly when you're having fun, as they say! I guess I try to remain true to my brand's DNA with every collection. I think we have a strong identity, so now it's about building, expanding and adding freshness each season.

What is it about your aesthetic that is so enduring?

I try not to just make clothes, but to add something extra special to each piece and to tell a story with each collection. It's more about creating a lifestyle. I'm drawn to elements of nature, interesting countries, cultures and modern art. When you combine all these elements with handcraftsmanship, a rich palette and relaxed silhouettes, you have a bohemian undercurrent running through my work.

 Read full interview here - http://www.net-a-porter.com/magazine/167/20

All Cut Up - Runway Review of Bridget Awosika's Collection At Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012

Few designers I anticipated at the show didn’t quite disappoint me, for example Bridget Awosika and Omer Asim couldn’t have anticipated what happened. It was one thing both shows followed each other accordingly it was another thing – not good of course – considering the two designers share the same design aesthetics which was clearly revealed in their collection. I think this was a big miss on the organizers side – or not. But for future reasons some shows should just not follow each other e.g. Bridget Awosika and Omer Asim same way Celine will not be before or after Stella McCartney. 

Aside from this misses, both designers’ collection were remarkable; while Bridget Awosika inculcated lots of clean, easy wraps, precise layering and slits that again confirmed the brand’s versatility and sexiness.

LFDW2012 Runway Report - Beatrice Black Atari

Fabrics speak for BBA – she’s definitely all about the diffusion of fabrics that probably don’t appear to mix. While some quite look sweet, playful and wearable others aren’t practical enough for the everyday woman, if I may put it that way. It seemed a bit of trying too many fabrics and patterns with accessory. Didn't quite fit into my style of classy, perhaps low street.

Photos from Lazailounge

Gathering Strength for Weeks Ahead

“I need utmost strength for the weeks ahead”

“I need strength for weeks to come.”

“I need strength and courage for the next coming weeks.”

Perhaps till the end of this year.

These are words I’ve been muttering to myself for over five days now. I’ve always acknowledged September as the ‘crazy’ month – the month of activities, events, shows, career upgrade, etc but suddenly it’s beginning to seem like it’s more than that, well especially since I have more on my plate. My to-do-list has increased times threes of what it used to be but I took time out to sort the highs and lows of it all.

Considering it’s September – the fashion January wherein comes all sorts of fashion events, shows, parties and awards I have recently learnt to carefully take care of me which in the past has failed me even on important days as the last day of ARISE Fashion Show 2012, leaving all whining and sipping coffee alone at home while my colleagues partied – well, maybe worked through the night.

Below I have highlighted few things that will keep any hard working fashion girl in Lagos active and alive through the coming months that will include a lot of show, event and party hopping. I got it all covered, from the Elite Model Look Nigeria, MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012 which will run for four days, to FAB Awards, fashion designer parties here and there and lots more;

-         Water; drink lots of water. Of course it cannot be over emphasized. Water keeps you refreshed and going, stay away from those overly sweet drinks for a while

-         Rest; at least get four hours of sleep. A nap goes a long way you know right?

-         Flats/Heels; it’s okay to look and feel stylish but hey the pains on the feet, toes are not that pleasant and it’s a long way to December.

-         Less Carbs; yes carbs! Carbs make you weak, slowing down the metabolism thereby reducing the required strength needed.

-         Shower; get cold/warm/hot water on that skin!

-         Discover; there are few things as fun as discovering new things. Discover new places, people and products, you’d be happy you did.

-         Multivitamin; a pop of vitamin, revitalizes you and there you go!

-         Friends; have fun with friends. It could be quite boring attending a function alone, grab a friend or family along for fun.

-         Mint; keep your breath fresh and the right endorphins in your brain – get some mint.

There are lots more but these few will keep both body and mind sound…