CHIEF AMECHI EJINDU COVERS THE NEW EDITION OF MODE MEN MAGAZINE

The upcoming edition of the best men lifestyle magazine in Nigeria namely Mode Magazine is a set to come out on Friday, September 6, 2013. It promises to be a fantastic edition, that the reading audience would not want to put down in a hurry. It has the very handsome husband of the the very delectable Princess Fifi Ejindu, her highness, the Obonganwan King James, Nigeria's own Nefertiti on the cover. For the very first time, the very cool & collected, perfect gentleman Chief Amechi Ejindu graces the cover of a magazine and spoke at length about his growing up years, also on how he met his gorgeous wife & how they have been able to build a multibillion Naira empire together and lastly he spoke on style. It's a must read edition. 

The edition also features the Annual Mode Men's Best Dressed list- with previews from the likes of Fola Ogunlesi, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Prince Albert Esiri, Emmy Collins, DJ Xclusive & D Banj just to name a few. 

That's not all, the magazine also features interviews with the former cup winning gaffer of London Club, Chelsea FC in the person of Roberto Matteo, others like Andrew Dosunmu & loads of other features.

Make sure to grab your own copy!!!

OUT & ABOUT AT THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AFRICAN ARTS & FASHION BANQUET IN LONDON AN AFWL PRODUCTION

ALEXANDRA BURKE & PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

AFWL FOUNDER, RONKE ADEMILUYI & NTDC DG Ms. SALLY MBANEFO

MRS. OBIOMA LIYEL-IMOKE, 1ST LADY OF CROSS-RIVER STATE

NADIA BUARI

 Date was Sunday, August 4, 2013. Venue was the very prestigious Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Mayfair, Central London. Some say this is London most prestigious and most expensive Hotel in London. It used to serve the Queen of England very well in times past and we heard that the late Michael Jackson and many other stars/celebrities have stayed there before.

The event was the Inaugural edition of the African Arts & Fashion Banquet. It was the crowning glory of the 3 days fashion extravaganza known to all as the Africa Fashion Week London, which had clocked 3 this year. It is the 3rd edition of the annual catwalk & exhibition showcase. For 3 days, from August 1st till the 3rd, 2013 at the massive Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, in the Shoreditch area of East London, 100 designers and a large number of exhibitors showcased their talents and exhibited their wares, while many thousands of fashion enthusiasts, guests, buyers, media people etc converged at the venue to feed their eyes and buy or make orders.

On Sunday, August 4, 2013 the grand-finale of the whole past 3 days held at the Dorchester Hotel, grand ballroom. Big kudos to the AFWL team led by the founder Ronke Ademiluyi, a really big one to the AFWL Life patron, Princess Fifi Ejindu, who is also the President & Founder of the African Arts & Fashion Initiative. These 2 great Nigerians and their hardworking team with the support of GLO Communications delivered an A-class showcase worthy of several encores. A big thank you to Otunba Mike Adenuga for helping to make the 4 days a reality. 

Just slightly above 200 great guests from all over Africa and supported by other guests from the UK were gathered at the venue. We saw the likes of High Chief Edem Duke, who has gradually shown that he is an orator par excellence, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, the first lady of Cross-River State, looking gloriously elegant, fine artist of International repute Yinka Shonibare, Senator Grace Bent, Bianca Jagger, the wife of Rock star Mick Jagger, Alexandra Burke, Shingai Shoniwa, Biola Okoya, Nadia Buari, Billie Lee, a top UK architect, Alexander Amosu, June Sarpong, Professor Reverend Julien Ciakudia, who delivered a powerful speech about the re-integration of Africa & Africans, top model and philanthropist Noela Coursaris-Musunka, Adebayo Jones, DG NTDC, Ms. Sally Mbanefo, Kemi Adewunmi just to mention a few.

The AFWL life patron & chairperson of the advisory board, who is also the President/Founder of The African Arts & Fashion Initiative Princess Fifi Ejindu, delivered a powerful speech, where she expounded on the need for Africa & Africans to rise up to the challenges of youth unemployment. She went on further to explain that the banquet is in support of the African Arts and Fashion Initiative, and the purpose of which is to drive an African Arts and style renaissance to motivate, sensitise and most importantly, empower Africa's talented array of upcoming designers and artists. Supporting and promoting African exhibitions globally.

In all it was a glorious night, spiced with excitements of all kind. There were fashion shows by the likes of Adebayo Jones, Thula Sindi, Ella & Gabby, Zizi Cardow, Moofa, Kitoko & Sally Intiego. And truth be told they all did very well.  Apart from the fashion showcase there were a couple of musical performances-Debra Dee did so well, a duo also performed and not forgetting the trio of the CEO Dancers who dazzled all with their very well choreographed moves.

We have for you, some of the images for the night.  Event was supported by GLO.

OVER A HUNDRED PICTURES FOR YOUR VIEW. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

'BOOBALICIOUS' GHANAIAN BOMBSHELL NADIA BUARI & MOM AT THE INAUGURAL AFRICA ARTS & FASHION BANQUET 2013 IN LONDON

NADIA BUARI & PROUD MOM

NADIA

Many would not forget in a hurry this GLO sponsored event at the very prestigious Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Mayfair area of Central London on August 4, 2013.

The event was the inaugural edition of the Africa Fashion Week London Grand finale banquet tagged the Africa Arts & Fashion Banquet 2013. Africa & Africans were made proud on the day of the event. Kudos to Princess Fifi Ejindu, Ronke Ademiluyi, the AFWL & GLO for a good job well done

It was a gathering of stars, celebrities, top Government officials of many countries, business people etc. One of those that shown like a bright star at the event, was the glorious & ever gorgeous Ghanaian top actress & beau of our own equally handsome actor Jim Iyke, in the person of Nadia Buari. 

Truth be told after standing in very close quarters with her for a while at the event, it's obvious why her beauty is so well celebrated. Nadia is flawlessly beautiful or so it seems. Jim Iyke truly has got a good eye, not only is she beautiful, she's also very pleasant and very respectful;  combinations you don't necessarily get to see or notice from acts (stars) like her. 

She was one of the awardees of the night, she like Genevieve Nnaji, Richard Mofe. Damijo, & Ms. Dawa Noga-Lemberger (Founder of Malawi Fashion Week) were honored with the African Fashion Ambassador Awards. Whilst she was around to pick up her plaque, the other trio were absent, but that didn't take the shine off the awards at all. The delectable one who showed off her equally very beautiful 'twin-peaks' to the delight of all, came to the event well dressed like a very beautiful African Princess with her gorgeous mom in tow. The proud mama, sat inconspicuously by her daughter, not wanting any attention whatsoever to herself.

Ronke Ademiluyi Sheds Light on the African Arts and Fashion Fundraiser

RONKE ADEMILUYI-FOUNDER AFWL

 

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU- AFWL LIFE PATRON

MENAYE DONKOR

SHINGAI SHONIWA

With just a little over a week to go to the biggest African fashion extravaganza outside of Africa that is Africa Fashion Week London 2013 scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery, and last minute surge for ticket to the event, this year’s third edition is to set the standard for years to come.

AFWL 2013, set to take over the fashionable district of Shoreditch with 100 designers showcasing their designs on the runway and inside the grand exhibition hall and around 20,000 guests expected over three days, also marks a difference with this third edition with three ambassadors, two patrons and a glitzy grand finale at The Dorchester Hotel on Sunday, 4 August 2013 to introduce African Arts and Fashion Initiative and the existing Association of African Designers in the Diaspora.

African Arts and Fashion Initiative and Association of African Designers are both initiatives which intend to create start up funds for young designers to assist them in turning their creativity into sustainability. The exclusive debut event intends to serve as the first fundraiser event for both initiatives as well as a number of other selected charities and foundations.

“These initiatives are governed by the same vision that gave birth to Africa Fashion Week London – the passion to support and celebrate emerging designers. While the majority often celebrate established designers across Africa and around the world, it is the emerging talents who struggle to get their work out there due to a range of challenges from lack of start up funds to means of production,” said Ronke Ademiluyi.

CONCLUDING PART AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

LONDON GETTING READY FOR AFWL 2013 & AFRICAN ARTS & FASHION BANQUET 2013 WITH THE SUPPORT OF GLOBACOM

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

THE DORCHESTER

Two of the best things to happen in London this year are set to happen come August 2013. The Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is going to be far much bigger and far better than the previous 2 in 2011 & 2012.  This year's edition is the 3rd in the series of the yearly event. Dates for the biggest Africa inspired fashion event of the year is from August 1 till 3, 2013, so African designers from all over and even those inspired by the motherland would all be converging in the Queen's Land and the venue is the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane Road, E1 6QL

This year's showcase catwalk/exhibition would have about a 100 designers & close to another hundred exhibitors. Undoubtedly the past 2 editions of the annual event have been unparalleled great successes. Come August 4, 2013, just a day after the grand-finale of the AFWL 2013 at the 5-star Dorchester Hotel, the very gorgeous Princess Fifi Ejindu, who is AFWL Life patron, would play host to the cream of the London society mixed with other top guests from around the world to the inaugural edition of the African Arts & Fashion Banquet 2013. 

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From Lagos to London: Lagos based Ladies of Fashion Get Ready for Africa Fashion Week London 2013

TOYIN LAWANI OF ELEGANTE BY TIANNAH STYLING

ELEGANTE BY TIANNAH STYLING

ASAKE OGE

With only two months to go to the biggest African fashion extravaganza London’s set to see, the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London taking place 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery at the capital’s hip and happening district Shoreditch, the heat is up. 

Fabrics selected, scissors, pins and needles at the ready, our designers are fast preparing for their moment on the runway in front of thousands of fashionable Londoners and guests coming in from across the world and all over Africa as well as celebrities, dignitaries and VIP guests including this year’s patrons Abuja based business woman and architect Mrs. Fifi Ejindu and London-based Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare MBE.

 CONCLUDING PART AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU, KUNLE ALUKO, JENNIFER OBAYUWANA

 

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

JENNIFER OBAYUWANA

 

KUNLE ALUKO ON THE RIGHT

Wow! wow! wow! We are so happy to celebrate some great people's #birthdays. Some in the past days, while some today. Let's start with the extraordinarily gorgeous #Princess Fifi Ejindu, her name resonates all that's good, gorgeous & great. The brilliant architect from the South-south added a year a few days ago and unlike her decided to have a quiet one, instead choosing a low-key celebration to give glory to the Almighty, for grace, mercy, kindness & love. Many can still readily recall her one of a kind 50th birthday celebration at the only 7-stars hotel in the world- The Burj-al-Arab. She rolled out the drums in celebration for reaching the Jubilee year-50. Friends from near & far, all converged at the Burj to serenade someone many had come to refer to as a wonderful human-being. And because of the sheer opulence of last years shindig many had expected the very liquid lady (some say, she's one of the wealthiest women in Nigeria) to have another party. The life patron of the #AFWL (Africa Fashion Week London) who is helping to stage one of the premier events happening in London this summer at the Dorchester Hotel. Princess Fifi is one of the most philanthropic people in this part of the world and is marking this year's birthday with the receipt of her last year's birthday present to herself. 

The humongous present is none other than a brand spanking sparkling white Rolls Royce Ghost, which she had placed order on since last year. We hear that the glorious machine would be landing sometime soon. Happy birthday our own Nefertiti.

Another birthday person we are celebrating is none other than the hunk, everyone knows as #Kunle Aluko. The young, upwardly mobile dude, whose elder brother-Kola Aluko is one of the top 10 richest persons in Nigeria clocked 40 on Monday, May 20, 2013. Since life like it is said begins at 40, we hear he is rolling out the drums for the celebration this Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos. So expect to see most of Nigerian young Turks, the suave, the stylish and IT couples gathered at the party. We can bet it would be show-off par excellence- Ferrari's, Porsche Carrera's, Benz AMG's, G Wagons, Special Range Rovers etc on display. 


The Polo loving Kunle like his brother is into Oil & Gas, whilst also a defense contractor. So he is quite liquid in his own right. Happy Birthday bro!

The other person we are celebrating is one of the nicest being in the whole world. And it's none other than the very stylish & petite one, the one and only Miss J or J-Wonder or J-Wow or better still the only under-boss at Polo Ltd, where she is the Executive Director.  #Jennifer Obayuwana added a year and clocked 31 today, Thursday, May 23, 2013. And because of her very busy schedule she's having a quiet celebration. She's most likely either in Geneva or Paris as we speak, attending to matters that concerns her luxury brand Polo Ltd, which is Nigeria's no 1 purveyor of luxury goods. Think names like Rolex, Franck Muller, Hublot, Audemars Piguet, Mont Blanc, Cartier etc than think Polo. We hear that since she came on board at her dad's company, It's been a upward swing in terms of productivity & profitability. 

Jennifer is one of the most avant garde dressers in the country. So quirky her some of her stuffs (garbs/apparels/shoes) many wants to steal them. We particularly hear that her wardrobe is one of the most intimidating around, boasting several collectors items (bags, shoes and most especially wrist-watches).  D banj's heartbeat we are sure is having a great one wherever in the world she might be at right now.

Other birthdays worth mentioning are those of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode; the board room guru and perfect gentleman, clocked the ripe old age of 4 scores a few days ago. Trybe's Records head honcho Eldee d Don- the rapper and award winning producer's birthday was today. Also noted is that of prolific actress Rachel Oniga. Last but not the least, also a year older today is arts impresario Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye, the great artist & designer is the founder of the Nike's Art Gallery.

NewAfricanWoman is the Official Media Sponsor for Africa Fashion Week London 2013

 Aligning visions to create unique and reputable platforms for African talent, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 and the award-winning bi-monthly magazine NewAfricanWoman have joined forces to make the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch a success.

The only women’s publication that covers the entire African continent and its Diaspora, NewAfricanWoman, also published in French, provides in-depth coverage on a diverse range of issues that truly speak to and resonate with the modern African woman worldwide. Following its launch in 2009, the magazine has become a popular must-read and is the only pan-African women’s magazine distributed in the 54 countries of the continent and its Diaspora in Europe, America and the Caribbean. The magazine truly celebrates African/black women’s beauty, fashion and culture with a deliberate and unique indigenous twist.

 MORE AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

Africa Fashion Week London Seeks New Face for AFWL 2013

YINKA SHONIBARE, MBE

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

With a little over seven months left to Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2013 on 1^st-3^rdAugust 2013, the organizers of the annual fashion extravaganza are looking for the Face of AFWL 2013 to represent the event on all promotional material and social platforms. The winner will also have the opportunity to represent the organization at major African fashion and entertainment events in the UK as well as model on the runway at AFWL 2013.

Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2012, Edith Uba not only took part in the promotional shoot at the venue for the event Spitalfields Market but also modeled over the two days of the show and following AFWL 2012 she was signed to one of the top UK modeling agencies Strike Models.

“I could not believe that I would be given that opportunity to win it. I felt that I had accomplished something that can never be taken away from me. It made me believe in myself a lot more. It helps you to appreciate and embrace the beauty that Africa exerts and the fact I was given the chance to represent that,” said Edith of her title as the Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2012.  

“I got signed with a UK agency a few weeks after the show. I also got to meet the talented designer Tiannahstyling and I modelled for her at the Music Meets Runway 2012 fashion show in Nigeria. It helped me to understand that I have the willpower, ability and the potential to go as far as I want in this industry, its just being focused and hardworking and perseverance,” Edith added.

“Edith has been a wonderful face for Africa Fashion Week London 2012 and this year we hope to find equally talented young faces to represent Africa Fashion Week London 2013,” said Ronke Ademiluyi, founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London.

All interested applicants need to do is upload a collage of one full length and one portrait image and include their name, age and stats (hair and eye colour, height, dress/suit size, measurements) and spread the word to ensure they get the most number of votes. The competition is open to all young men and women between the ages 16-24. Prior modeling experience is ideal but not essential. Applications can be made on http://www.facebook.com/Africafwl/app_451684954848385

Following the unprecedented success of their sophomore event in August 2012 which attracted over 20,000 visitors over two days, in a bid to grow bigger, AFWL has not only expanded to three days but also moved to a bigger venue, Old Truman Brewery F Block.

With Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, the Nigeria-based architect and businesswoman and Yinka Shonibare MBE, the London-based globally celebrated Nigerian fine artist as patrons, this year's event is set to see 100 designers on the runway and over 100 exhibitors spread across Old Truman Brewery’s massive indoor space. Once again, Africa Fashion Week London is set to be the biggest fashion event across Europe showcasing African and African-inspired fashion.

    

Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is also accepting applications from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition.  To participate in AFWL 2013 as a designer or support the event as a sponsor, please emailinfo@africafashionweeklondonuk.com

A CHAT WITH THE DELECTABLY GORGEOUS PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU REVEALS A HEART OF GOLD

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

Not many people from any part of the world would have the wherewithal to stage a one of its kind shindig, at the only official 7-stars hotel in the world, the Burj-Al-Arab, in Dubai, the UAE. That was where the architect of note, the philanthropist extraordinaire with the heart of gold and an unbelievably wonderful human-being, known to most as Fifi Ejindu had her 50th birthday celebration.  We had wanted to meet her for a while, just so we could chat and have a feel of her kind of person. Luck seemingly smiled on us very recently, when we met her at an event, and we found her totally accessible and a human being par excellence. 

We had a quick chat with her touching on several things, especially her plans for the future and she willingly opened up to us. Telling us that ''the well-being of others is now her main priority and that's her main pursuit right now''.  

Check out Princess Fifi Ejindu, who goes by the style & title of Her Highness, Obonganwan King James (Nigeria's own Nefertiti). The first African woman to have graduated from the famous Pratt Institute, School of Architecture, Brooklyn, New York, USA. Rated as one of the best private schools in the world and even by Bloomberg News as one of the best design schools in the world. 

The full excerpt of the chat is below. Read & enjoy.  Interview was conducted by Abiola Aloba for MM. Pictures also our property. Use without prior notification is strictly frowned on. 

 INTERVIEW IS AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE

DARK AND LOVELY PRESENTS NNSM 2012 FIFI EJINDU PARTNERS. Countdown begins

 Top international brand, L'Oreal Paris are the principal partners, sponsoring this year's edition of the annual model search competition, Nigeria's Next SuperModel 2012 (NNSM 2012). L'oreal Paris internationally acclaimed hair brand DARK & LOVELY is the main focus. And from the little we have been able to gather, they are leaving no stone unturned to make this year's event the most memorable and the best one so far. 2 Cars and several other great gifts are up for grab.

 In the past few weeks, about 24 gorgeous girls chosen after what the organisers refer to as  a very rigorous search, have been in camp. About 3 of the participants are from outside Nigeria. One from Canada, another from the UK and another from another part of Europe. The camp has been wrapped in gaiety the past few days, as the girls have been having the fun of their lives. The camp itself is located somewhere on the island, a beautiful edifice with all the trappings, where the models are being taught all the rudiments of high fashion modeling (catwalk/fashion modeling), how to keep and stay fit through regular exercises and eating well etc.

The models are visited daily by mentors who coach them and advise them on many things.

We hear that supports for the famous model search that discovered the likes of the 1st ever winner Eunice Eyo, the Best Model of the World-Olubunmi Ademokoya, Aisha Bello,  Claudia Adelu & the last winner- Imade Ogbewi  has been unprecedented. One of those giving massive support is Multi-millionaire architect Fifi Ejindu, through her company StarCrest, we hear she would be  gracing the occasion with some of her friends, also a few Consular-Generals of embassies in the country and many other high-powered guests are also expected to attend. Other brands giving massive support are Bouygues Construction, Studio 24 with headquarters in Abuja, OpenHands Ltd and others,  while world famous Fashion TV would be covering the show. 

FIFI EJINDU

Date of event is Saturday, November 24, 2012. Venue is the Terrace Sky Garden of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time is from 4PM. Many gifts awaits those invited from the many sponsors, partnering the event organisers. It promises to be a superlative event.

Have you gotten your tickets or invites yet? You had better do.

DELECTABLE FIFI EJINDU TAKES OVER BURJ AL ARAB!

Burj Al Arab has consistently over the years been voted the most luxurious hotel in the whole world. Some have even said it is the only 7 Stars Hotel in the world. It is where the high and mighty likes to separate themselves from others. Just try to envision this- Reception desks on every floor, rain showers and Jacuzzis in every suite, a Rolls-Royce fleet, butlers on call 24/7, a view of its own private beach- a scenic wonder, you have the choice of 6 award winning Restaurants, World class conference & banqueting venues, just to mention a few of the splendor that awaits anyone who is a guest.

Let's just quote one of the selling points about the Burj- Where you can expect only the highest levels of personalised service, in the most luxurious surroundings imaginable. Meaning that, as far as your mind can go, they have thought about it and provided such facilities for you.

We are so sure you still wondering what we are yapping about. Let's tell you why, The Burj Al Arab on Saturday, June 9, 2012, would play host to a high number of the very well-heeled Nigerians, who are friends, business associates and family members of the very delectable, highly intelligent, gloriously fashionable and very well connected- Fifi Ejindu as she clocks 50.

Waoh!!! She's 50 already? Yes she is and she ain't hiding it, rather she's celebrating reaching the milestone and thanking God the Almighty for keeping her gorgeous and happy, hale and hearty and enjoying the gift of life. So if you haven't received your invite by now, then it’s just that you are......................

The Al Falak Ballroom, would be the convergence point on Saturday and we can tell you all without mincing words, that everyone privileged enough to be there, should expect 7 wonders of the world treatment.

For those who were present at her wondrous London wedding a few years ago at the Dorchester Hotel, they still talk about the splendor of that particular occasion, now Fifi has gone many steps higher to make sure, it’s an occasion, a birthday celebration (soiree, shindig call it whatever) that many would talk about for years to come. We hear that guests would be welcomed by the celebrant on a private yacht that would cruise round the coastline of Dubai, so that all would enjoy the scenic splendor of one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's afterwards, that guests would be led to the Al Falak Ballroom for the party proper.

We would just love to wish her a very happy birthday in advance .

FIFI EJINDU

AL FALAK BALLROOM

BURJ AL ARAB

THE AL FALAK BALLROOM