GUISEPPE ZANOTTI & MANOLO BLAHNIK HEAD TO NIGERIA

GUISEPPE ZANOTTI-THE MAN

GUISEPPE ZANOTTI

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Nigeria is gradually representing on the fashion map all over the world. Go to any of the top brands anywhere in the world and ask for some of their best customers, you can bet many Nigeria's are on the top of their lists, a serving minister........is so well respected she's on a first name basis with this stores, not forgetting a super rich oil and gas big dude, also a former Governor now serving jail time is known as a big spender. 

As a fall out of this our incursion into the real world of fashion, those incursions are beginning to yield good dividends. In the matter of a few weeks or months from now, 2 of the world's top shoe brands, namely Guiseppe Zanotti & Manolo Blahnik, would berth in Nigeria, precisely in Abuja, the FCT. 

Their place of choice, is none other than 'The Library'.......The Library? We can bet many are wondering? That's the brand name of one of the best fashion stores in Nigeria, located in Abuja, at the Silverbird Mall. According to the snippets we have gotten, the store seems to have gotten the franchise to stock the 2 brands in Nigeria, hence in the next few weeks, all shoecaholics, shoes addicts, aficionados can come pick up their choice from the 2013 collections. The Library stocks some of the most contemporary fashion brands in the world or should we just say some of the most avant garde fashion brands, the likes of Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, just to mention a few.

World over, the 2 shoe brands are the favourite brands of some of the most fashionable ladies in the world. Remember how Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica-Parker) made Manolo's the must-have for all fashion conscious ladies? Who has been seen wearing Guiseppe Zanotti?The likes of Beyonce, Tamar Braxton, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway..........just to mention a few. 

So Abuja/Lagos wait for it............it's about to land. 
  

DIVAS ROCK CONCERT UPDATE......EVA,SASHA,WEIRD MC & MISS JAIE JOINS SALT 'N' PEPA

Just like we told you some days back. We can now fully confirm to you all that , that late 80's/90's rap trio, Salt 'N' Pepa with or without Spinderella are most definitely heading to Lagos, Nigeria, come Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The Concert is tagged ''Divas Rock Concert. 

They are, undoubtedly, the group that changed the face of hip-hop as we know it. They also gave females across the globe a voice within their communities and the music industry as a whole. They are Salt- N-Pepa.

Twenty five years into their career, they continue to aspire to great heights with history making firsts.

 Not only were they the first female rappers to receive a Grammy, but they were one of the few select rappers to have the distinct honor to ever perform on a very special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show titled, "Rock Goddesses of the 70s and 80s" during its history-making run.

And now for the first time ever on the African continent, this Iconic group that revolutionized, like none other, the hip-hop scene, will be in Nigeria come May 1st 2013 to perform at Rodizzio Entertainment Company’s “Divas Rock Concert.”

This concert like never before will feature an all-female ensemble. Our very own Vivacious Sasha P, Sexy Eva Alordiah, Talented Weird MC and Captivating Ms Jaie will be there to rock the house!

Come May-Day, all roads will lead to the Mainland Venue – 10 Degrees, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja! Tickets are already being sold on-line @ www.afritickets.com & www.eticketng.com.

This concert of concerts promises a live performance of the All Stars’ (Naija Remix) of “Push It”, a Salt n Pepa hit song. Look out for its release on iroking.com and other media within the coming weeks.

So, come May-Day 2013, Divas will Rock!!!

WHEN TOM FORD BREEZED IN, BREEZED OUT......

Tom who? We can guess you are all asking about. Yes yes, it's the one and only WORLD famous American Designer. Yes the same Tom Ford of the Gucci, YSL, Bottega Veneta fame, who later left to start on his own and whose eponymously named brand has been causing sensation all over the world. 

Yes the fine boy dude, was in Abuja, the FCT and later in Lagos, Nigeria for guess how long?.........Just a few hours. He came in on Monday and left the next day. He came in with 2 of his trusted people, who he later left behind.......What did he come to do? We won't answer your question in full, but we can tell you he met up with 2 very ''big boys''. We can also tell you that, all things being equal, you will all see him very soon. Most definitely before the end of the year, in a big way. All we can tell you all right now, is that something major is cooking. And it's on the slow-burner! Wink! Wink!! Wink!!!

Be sure to stay on this page, so we can give you all the updates. 

THE KISS OF LIFE....UDUGHAN & WIFE

We particularly love this attempt at open affection between the first lady and her husband, His Excellency the Executive Governor of the oil rich State of Delta. They recently re-exchanged marital vows with each other and had to show to the world, what a loving couple they are. 

Hence, the kiss of life.........Don't we just love it...........

LANRE DA SILVA AJAYI OF LDA COVERS THE NEW EDITION OF STYLEMANIA MAGAZINE

 Wondrously talented Lanre Da Silva Ajayi is the cover girl on this timeless Age Issue of the new StyleMania Magazine. The mother of two and an astute designer has continued to chart new courses for herself. Also in this issue is a fashion editorial celebrating her collections from the past.

You will find helpful some hands-on beauty tips on recreating your skin and your wardrobe as well. Abiodun Olaku is another enigma whose work of art is as pure photography; his profile is also a good read.

For further enquires, back issues or subscription, please call 07058109821, editor@maniamag.org

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CONGRATS TOKE, NOW TO THE NEXT

TOKE & MAJE ON THE DAY OF THE INTRO

How we forgot to mention this still baffles us. Must have skipped our minds. Anyways better late than never at all. Early last month, February 2, 2013 to be more precise, the gorgeous  Rhythm 93.7 FM OAP Miss Omotoke Makinwa, or like we love to call Miss Delish, had a very quiet introduction ceremony.

The intro, like we all know is sequel to the Engagement/Traditional Wedding Ceremony and the mother of it all, the white wedding. The lucky dude is still her beau of many years now Maje Ayida.  The cool couple have both decided to settle the matter this year and take the plunge.

So the journey towards matrimony has already begun in earnest, according to the snippets we have gotten, the engagement/traditional wedding is definitely upcoming before the 3rd quarter of the year. Some have even speculated that it's going to be a summer wedding, between the months of July & September, 2013. 

Our bird in the air, whose antennas can gather info from far & wide, whose eyes also see all and whose information are always authentic, says it's most likely going to be a destination wedding.
Where it would be precisely, the bird is still digging.

So from us here at MM. We wish both Maje & Toke well and we are eagerly waiting for our own wedding invitation. May the Lord keep safe the dates for you guys. Amen!

STYLE 101 AT THE AMVCA 2013-THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE OUTRIGHT UGLY

OUTFIT BY APRIL BY KUNBI

OUTFIT BY BRIDGET AWOSIKA

Away from every other thing about the maiden or inaugural edition  of the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Award 2013. It was the first ever edition of what should turn out to be one of the best thing to happen to movie and entertainment in Africa. Like someone said, this is our own OSCARS, so we all should support to get to the highest level. Nigeria should be commended for being the host of the first show. Though there were little technical hitches here and there, the organisers still delivered on all points. Kudos to them for a job well done.

We are sure this is one of the biggest events hosted in Lagos, Nigeria for a while now. 1500 guests from all the different sectors came. The Federal Government was ably represented by the Ministers of Petroleum Resources (Diezanni Allison-Madueke), For Culture & Tourism (Chief Edem Duke) & For Trade & Investments (Olusegun Aganga). Curiously the host state, Lagos was missing in action, no State Governor, and we didn't hear of any representatives. 

Away from all of that and to how our stars, celebrities etc did on the style stake. Not wanting to talk too much, some of these stars/celebrities seem to have come to the understanding of their shapes, sizes, body contours very well, so they always make sure to dress to accentuate their best features. Style-wise, some seem to have a good understanding of the number one rule of fashion and watchword; Simplicity, while others still need to go to school to learn or something. When you try to do too much or take on what's not your forte, you just go terribly wrong. 

Let's just check out some of the one's we saw, Genevieve Nnaji, our ever gorgeous actress seem to define the word simplicity in every facet, either she's absolutely good by herself or her stylist must be very good. She first wore a simple well cut, white outfit that was made for her by one of Nigeria's fastest growing and most impressive designers in a while, Bridget Awosika. It was a sexy, yet very functional dress;  which showed just a hint of the chest, without being vulgar. For her change of outfit, she wore what we have tagged as ''yellow like gold''. The colour seems to be one of the colours of the season and it takes the bold to wear it, as there's a thin line between getting it well and missing it. Never knew, Genny had such nice curves on such petite frame. Outfit was by April by Kunbi, a Nigerian label owned by New York trained Kunbi Oyelese. 

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KANO TITANS BEAT LAGOS OPPONENT TO WIN MAJEKODUNMI CUP

Wow! wow!! wow!!! This has been one of the best Polo Tournament season ever. This years organisers need to give themselves a pat on the back for a job well-done. It was excitement galore all through. But the players and spectators all had mega fun. And the whole climax came to a head yesterday. 

MAN OF THE MATCH WITH THE RICHEST BLACK PERSON IN THE WORLD ALIKO DANGOTE

MUYIWA IGE & FORMER GOVNOR OF EKITI OTUNBA NIYI ADEBAYO

The team from Kano, known as the Kano Titans showed to all, that they were kings as they beat their Lagos opponents by the slimmest of margins; just one point. But mind you, not without a big fight.

Here is the rundown of how it went-

Kano Ashbert Titans yesterday emerged winners of the Majekodunmi Cup beating Lagos Ironclad Shorelines 12- 11 as the 2013 Lagos Polo International Tournament came to a halt in an exhilarating way at the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi .

The win completes a memorable tournament for teams from the northern state with Kano RTC beating Lagos Caverton in the Low Cup final of the event which has MTN and GTBank as major sponsors.

Toto Gerardo Collardin was the star man of the day helping Titans to hold on to their one-goal handicap advantage heading to the sixth and final chukka.

With last year’s winners and finalists Linetrale Delaney and Fifth Chukka fallen by the way side, Shorelines scored the first open goal with Ahmadu Umar connecting Julio Novillo-Estrada’s pass but Toto was on hand to restore his side’s lead to end the first chukka.

A plus-seven handicapper, Toto again broke free from the middle of the field and set himself up with a with a 60-yard pass before smashing a shot from the goal mouth to widen their lead 3-1. Albert Esiri was the next player to shine for Titans scoring in succession to give his side a 5-1 lead. Thereafter, Eduado Menendez also scored two quick goals but Toto managed to connect the ball with his mallet after Joaquin Pitaluga’s shot stopped just some few yards in the goal area. There was still more time for Eduado to score twice as the chukka ended 6-5.

Scores at the end of the fourth chukka stood at 9-7 as Toto scored three more while Eduado and Julio also hit target. The handicap goal was the difference between the sides by the end of the fifth chukka with Eduardo and Toto scoring once each to keep the tie close heading to the last chukka of which a solitary goal by Toto clinching the biggest Polo trophy in Nigeria.

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CHRIS & WIZZY- THE BEGINNING OF A GOOD THING OR THE START OF A MADNESS

CHRIS BROWN & WIZKID

We totally love Chris 'Breezy'' Brown, we are of the believe that he is one of the most talented musician /dancer in the whole world. He also seems to be enjoying the best of love now, after reconciling with his heartthrob-Rihanna, the pair seem to be on the rollercoaster of love and we wish them well.

But underneath the facade, we also think that Chris is a raging time-bomb. Why? We are sure some must be quick to want to know. He seems to enjoy being on the edge and that's very dangerous. He seems like many to love the weed so much, it could become very dangerous. And he seemingly loves to get into fights. 

Is that all we are about? No no no. This new friendship, mutual respect between Mr. Breezy and Wizkid though a very good one, as it allows for a fantastic collaboration and the much required breakthrough into main stream America. For someone easily impressionable it can be very dangerous, going out together wanting to be the ''guy''.  It's the short and very quick road to drugs, drinking, debauchery and all else. 

We ain't saying anything negative. We are just hoping that, discipline would be a watchword. 

Anyhow it pans out. We wish everyone well. 

THE NEW LOOK NICKI LOOKS SO GORGEOUS

Something seems to have changed with Nicki Minaj. Her style is not just about grabbing the attention any which way you can anymore. At least for the past few weeks. It's the sophisticated Nicki Minaj we are all seeing nowadays oooo. 

And truth be told, we love it. Though still has colourful as ever, but now in a more classy and gorgeous way. Way to go Nicki!

HOTTEST DELICIOUS CANDY OF THE DAY- OUR ONE & ONLY TONI TONES

Toni Tones is our hot hot bombshell of the day. The gorgeous and fearless lady of many parts, just fits the criteria for those we get to feature as out hot candies. She's fierce, well proportioned, very talented, a fearless fashionista and so much more packed in one body(person).

That she's a photographer cum online editor, mavinbot, actress now singer is a well known fact to everyone, she just seem to be full of energy. 

We were so happy to come across these her new set of pictures for the promotion of her new single, that we just had to feature her as one of our delectable candies.

It's one down and 9 more to go. And we hear she's still recording daily. Na wa oooooo.

Pictures were taken by the incredible Moussa Moussa. 

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SALT 'N' PEPA LAGOS BOUND FOR DIVAS ROCK!

All things being equal, the hip-hop trio who reigned supreme in the 80's entering into the 90's known as Salt 'n' Pepa are heading to Lagos, Nigeria. The highly successful trio from Queens & Brooklyn, New York, USA, we hear would be headlining a concert in Lagos, come Wednesday, May 1, 2013. 

We hear the upcoming Lagos concert is tagged 'Divas Rock' and it would hold at a 3000 capacity venue, that we would soon confirm. According to the snippets we have gotten, the organizers of the concert are leaving no stones unturned to make sure it's one of the best concert experience any one has ever gotten. 

If all we hear is correct, 5 other supporting acts from Nigeria, who all have magnificent followership are part of the deal. It is planned as an all female music acts, reason why it's called 'Divas Rock!

For many who might not readily recall, Salt 'n' Pepa is made up of Cheryl James, Sandra Denton & Deidra Roper, they were one of the first ever all female Rap Groups. Some of their mega hits were Shoop, Push it, Let's talk about sex, Whatta Man, Shake your thang, Twist & shout, Pump up the jam, Aint nothing but a she thing and so many more.

We would be updating you with news as soon as we get more lowdown on Divas Rock!!!

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON LAUNCHES FIRST CONCESSION STORE, STUDIO 29, 14TH APRIL 2013

 Studio 29 boutique, an extension of the highly successful AFWL brand is set to open it's doors to Lagos fashionistas from Sunday 14th April 2013.  The first of a series of concession stores in Lagos,  African Fashion Week London, the biggest African themed fashion event in Europe launches Studio 29 as a response to demand for the exclusive pieces featured in it's runway events. 

Opening at 29 Opebi road, Ikeja, with Lekki branch at 1 cottage drive off Durosimin Etti, Lekki phase 1 and the prestigious Oxford Street, London branch opening later in the year, the boutique will be stocking the best of African fashion designers around the globe. With London based multi award winning brands Adebayo Jones and AsakeOge already in store and other exotic pieces from designer brands such as Zebra Living, Kola Kuddus, Violet Couture, Mademoiselle Aglaia, Nene Kester and more designers signing up every day, the boutique caters to the everyday needs for the modern fashionista. From day to evening, casual to occasion, there's something for everyone in store. With it's contemporary deco and furnishing, Studio 29 will also be open for event bookings, fashion tea parties and product press launches.

The official opening is set for Sunday 14th April with press, media and celebrities invited. To get an invite to the exclusive opening simply send an email to studio29@africafashionweeklondon.com

 Founder AFWL Ronke Ademiluyi says, "Studio 29 was specifically set up to give women and men access to the runway pieces they fall in love without having to break the bank. We recognize the increasing rise of the ever savvy fashionista and we want to fill a gap in the market" As applications from designers and exhibitors continue to stream in, Ademiluyi is confident Studio 29 will create an affordable chic platform and designer's hub for established and emerging designers alike.

London based designer Asake Agoro of the AsakeOge brand says, "We always get enquiries from Nigeria about where our pieces can be bought, partnering with AFWL is a step towards giving our fans in Africa access to our ready to wear pieces and bespoke services"

Africa Fashion week London is set for 1st-4th August 2013 at the Old Truman Breweries in Shoreditch London  with over 100 designers taking part and 30,000 guests expected in a much bigger affair than the previous edition. AFWL is currently receiving applications from designers across the globe keen to reach an international audience in one of the quirkiest fashion capitals of the world. With other projects in the pipeline such as Africa fashion week Nigeria and Nigeria’s Next Top Designer reality Tv show The AFWL brand is pursuing it's vision to expose African Fashion to the world.

SENATOR FLORENCE ITA-GIWA'S 67TH BIRTHDAY SHINDIG

SENATOR FLORENCE ITA-GIWA

SENATOR ITA-GIWA & ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU

NKIRU ANUMUDU

ABBY IKOMI

The incredibly gorgeous and wonderful Senator Florence Ita-Giwa added a year more in February of 2013. Unlike how she normally does it, instead of having an elaborate party to celebrate another year on earth, she decided on having a private party for a few of her close friends and family members.  

Before we forget, she clocked the mature age of 67 and truth be told, she still looks very good and is a fashionista any day. Venue of the party was the top floor of the Eko Hotel, the Sky Lounge at Eko Hotel with a Spectacular view of the Ocean on one side, date was February 19, 2013, which is her birthday date. She was born on February 19, 1946 in Cross Rivers State just 4 days after the day dedicated to the celebration of love. 

Like we already said instead of feting the world, about 50 to 70 of her friends, which included Senator Daisy Danjuma, Hajia Abah Folawiyo, Mrs. Onilere, Lanre Ogunlesi and several others gathered at the venue to wish her well. 

As part of the birthday celebration 2 of Nigeria's top music stars performed for a bit at the shindig, the music stars were the incredibly talented and Africa's number 1 music star Tuface Idibia & upcoming mega star, Iyanya Mbuk. 

We heard it was a swell gathering and everyone had high class fun, while dining. We got a few pictures and we thought to show you all.  We also saw former Governor of Cross-River State Donald Duke, Paperland boss, Bayo Abdul, Polo Ltd Boss, John Obayuwana, Data Okorodudu, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Nduka & Betty Irabor, Eno Olafisoye, AVM Ombu, Patrick Doyle, Karen Koshoni, Innocent 'Tuface' & Anne Idibia, Dele Dosunmu, Ex-beauty queen Ene Maya-Lawani, actress Oge Okoye, socialite Wole Aboderin and many others.

Happy Belated birthday ma!

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THE POLO GROOVE CONTINUES UNABATED- THE 2ND WEEK

ESOSA ANENIH & FRIENDS

DR KUKU & FRIENDS

It's been the time of the higher ranked players since Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the on going Lagos International Polo Tournament 2013. Since that day, Polo enthusiasts have seen masters of the game of kings, at least in Nigeria do their stuffs. People like the Billionaire owner of MRS Group, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Adamu Atta, Kola Karim and very many others have been having fun playing in high scoring games to the delight of all. 

Kola Karim's team even sent packing the team of the defending champions. So its been fun and excitement galore unabated. This weekend would be the climax of the whole 2 weeks. Come Saturday, March 9 & Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Polo Club Ground, 5 cups would be presented to the winners in the various categories, Governors Cup, Independence Club, Italian Ambassadors Cup, Lagos Low Cup and the Majekodunmi Cup. 

It's not only going to be about the excitement of the games alone, it's not just about the men of means and their team mates jostling to out do each other. There's also that part where you see some of the most gorgeous ones in town as spectators, dressed casually but deliberately funky and nice.

Then on the evening of Sunday, March 10, 2013 after the excitement of the game itself must have died down a bit, the horses taken to their stables to rest and be groomed and fed. The other fun aspect would start at 7pm. On the bandstand this year, would be the Incredible Ice-Prince Zamani, the very delicious Seyi Shay, the well packaged Lynxx and also the gifted Mr. May Dee. All of these performers would be supported by an outstanding deejay on the wheels-of-steel, churning out incredible jams to the delight of all. 

For those who would love to watch the games. It's just a thousand Naira gate fee. And you all can be part of the excitements and fun. This years main sponsors have been communication giants MTN & Gtbank, other co-sponsors are Atlantic Energy, UBS, MRS, Chapel Hill Denham, Southern Sun, Caverton, Stanbic IBTC, Land Rover, Delaney, Dansa, Radisson & Verve Clicquot. 

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