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March 2023

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MOWALOLA X BRATZ DOLL COLLABORATION

1 Comment / Fashion News /

With the recent release of the Mowalola x Bratz animated short music video, we have gotten a closer look at the collaboration. put together by raja, and featuring a sound track by Empress Adetoun aka miss n0vember. the captivating world of Mowalola continues to widen it’s reach. the collaboration between the long standing fashion doll and media brand “BRATZ” and Mowalola, the London based rave, high fashion brand. was released on the 1st of December 2022. and was very successful. the collaboration saw a revamp of two signature Bratz dolls characters, Felicia and Jade. The collaboration fits so well into the animated and surreal aspect of Mowalola. BRATZ rightly pointed out in a statement, that the Collab “portrays the youthful spirit of both brands”. the dolls are styled in Mowalola outfits inspired by previous bratz collections. the sound track “LAGOS BRATZ DOLLS” used for the video released for this Collab, is a sonic rendition of the dolls character persona. check out the video below and see for your self Empress Adetoun speaking on her debut single says  I literally represent all the women from Lagos who dare to dream big. I have so much love & admiration for the @mowalola x @bratz team. like I’m still as excited as I was when I first got the call. missn0vember

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NIGERIAN FOOD GOING GLOBAL; CHEF TOLU EROS OPENS NEW RESTAURANT IN LA

1 Comment / Ekpo Eats /

Nigerian pop-up chef, Tolu Eros. is the founder of the west African cuisine kitchen and experimental dining room “ILE“. the culinary wizard has carved a niche out for himself as one of the biggest exporters of the Nigerian and west African taste. the journey of “the billionaire chef” began in Nigeria. with the ILÉ EROS Restaurants, Cookie Jar Bakery and other food ventures in Nigeria his vision to tell the African food story continues to drive him as he takes the ILÉ franchise round the world. After having several pop-up’s in the city, the first physical location for ILÉ LA franchise, “ILÉ bistro”. was launched on Friday the 24th of march. at the citizen public market in culver city. speaking with Forbes magazine, he said “It’s been such a privilege to be able to raise this flag,” he says. “It’s always been my career dream to put West African food and Nigerian food on the global food map.” Chef Tolu Eros for Forbes the main dish at ILÉ bistro is west Africa’s most popular delicacy, Jollof rice. Jollof rice but with the ILÉ touch. Tolu Eros coined it the “unity rice” a combination of of three different styles of Jollof rice ILÉ bistro also offers a range of unique mouth watering specials like Suya and pepper soup. the spices and flavor that stand out with ILÉ bistro recipes is something that chef tolu prides in. his contemporary take on heritage African and Nigerian recipes look irresistible. the opening was a huge success and the store was packed. familiar faces like Nigerian fashion designer Ugo Mozie and star of the CBS sitcom “BOB hearts Abishola” singer and actress, Folake Olowofoyeku were present. this is only just the beginning of stars showing up to the spot. with singer, songwriter and actress, Jennifer Hudson. showing up the next day after having some of the food Folake ordered on set. Tolu Eros did not hesitate to capture the moment at ILÉ bistro. “I feel like I’ve always had a voice. I just didn’t know how that voice was going to be represented. I used to sing when I was a kid. I used to act. Now in Los Angeles, I’m realizing that one of the main reasons I moved here was to put my cuisine and my culture on the global food map but also to explore the entertainment side of who I am. My storytelling side” Tolu Eros for Forbes

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TEMS TOP 5 MOST MEMORABLE FASHION MOMENTS

1 Comment / Editorial /

Ever since Tems gained International recognition. she has not been out of the spot light. her “blow-up” moment arguably came with the feature on the Rnb summer sensation “essence”. The Nigerian singer, song writer and producer. Teamed up with fellow Nigerian and afro beat superstar WizKid. and much later on the remix, Justin Bieber. to fabricate a billboard charting multiple award winning viral sensation. Tems went on to rack up features with the likes of Drake, Future, Brent Faiyaz, Beyoncé and Rihanna. Piling up awards and nominations from the BET to Grammy’s, and even the Oscars. Aside her incredible musical Achievements. what can we say about her fashion and sense of style? turns out it’s equally record breaking. here are our Top 5 fashion moments from Tems TEMS AT THE 2023 MET GALA we’re talking about the biggest night in fashion, the MET gala. what could be more memorable than that? on the eve of the first of may (the day of the MET0 the leader of the rebel gang along with her fellow Nigerian artist, Burna boy made history as the first Nigerian celebrities’ to attend the prestigious event. following the dress code of the MET this year, “in honor of Karl” the alternative RnB singer showed up in a two tone dress by Robert Wun complete with a dramatic head gear and a pair of gloves. the look was put together by her stylist, Dunsin Wright and fashion visual/image researcher Kim Russell. TEMS ON THE COVER OF DAZED Styled by the immaculate IB kamara. in November 2023 Tems graced the cover the British magazine’s winter issue. for the cover photo, the artist stunned in an ALAÏA black stripe outfit with Fendi and channel accessories. her other look featured an exquisite Balenciaga faux fur coat. paired with a custom made David Koma tulle net body suit. fish net tights and marc Jacobs platform boots. Tems then appears in a simple yet elegant polyamide and elastane dress by DILARA FINDIKOGLU for her next look the Afro beat star then rocks a gorgeous Marine Serre patchwork dress embellished with studs for the next look. Still following the Fur theme Tems pulled off a blue Alexandre Vauthier couture faux fur coat with studded DSQUARED2 denim shorts, fishnet tights and black Versace vinyl leather platform shoes. For her final look. Tems slays in yet another fur coat. this time a black faux fur coat by Saint Laurent. paired with flocked Mugler x Wolford tulle top and tulle lace-up tights with D&G leather sandals. 2022 BET AWARDS Along with making history as the first African and Nigerian female to win best international act at the 2022 BET awards. Tems dazzled in a timeless little black dress by Turkish-British designer Dilara Fındıkoğlu. paired with a chic Minimalist Swarovski neck piece. the simple yet elegant look was put together her amazing stylist dunsin wright. THE 2023 GRAMMY’S Of course we had to mention the 2023 Grammy’s red carpet look. 27, Star struck, and experiencing a full-circle moment. Tems bagged her first Grammy and captured our hearts. she captured our gaze as well. with a glossy Gloden Vivienne Westwood dress. the dress made by the house of the late designer, featured a corset and Criss-Crossing pearl Necklaces and straps. THE 2023 OSCARS Last but not least, Tems at the 2023 Oscar award ceremony. After loosing her nomination for “best original song”, the artist received some backlash for her outfit to the event. in what is now considered her biggest fashion moment so far. the essence star stole the show with a dramatic white flowing tulle gown. featuring an equally dramatic covering over the singer’s head extending from the shoulder. the gown was designed by Ukrainian-born, LA-based fashion designer Lessja Verlingieri of Lever Couture. currently stuck with a record-breaking habit. and trending along side the oscars. the singer/song-writer addressed the negative comments with her cheeky tweet caption “OOPS”. most of the negative commentary about Tems look to the Oscars are deemed racist. considering the fact that other female and male celebrities have appeared in outfits that were just as conspicuous to the Oscars red carpet. the look was styled by her dedicated stylist Dunsin Wright. what big Tems fashion moment did we leave out? let us know

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5 THINGS TO NOTE AS PHARRELL WILLIAMS TAKES OVER AT L.V

Fashion News /

It’s no secret that Pharrell Williams is taking over as creative director for L.V (louis Vuitton). so much has already been said about the decision of the LVMH luxury brand to appoint Pharrell. The rumors of his appointment started a few days before it was confirmed by the house and Pharrell himself on February 14th via Instagram. The singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and all round multi-disciplinary artist is expected to debut in June. during men’s fashion week in Paris. L.V also mentioned that isn’t the first time the pair would be working together creatively. Regardless, fashion media was torn by the news. is Pharrell a good replacement for the late Virgil Abloh? we will get into all that and more. here are 5 things to note about Pharrell Williams taking over at L.V HE’S NO STRANGER AT L.V Like we mentioned earlier. this is not the first time Pharrell would be meeting the luxury house. back in 2004 he and NIGO (the founder of BAPE and current creative director at KENZO). worked on a line of “millionaire” sunglasses under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs. who was the creative director of the Maison at that time. Pharrell then teamed up with the house yet again in 2008. this time it was with Camille Miceli (the current artistic director at Pucci). the duo worked on a jewelry collection for L.V. The collection was coined “Blason jewelry” HIS EXPERIENCE AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR in 2005, Pharrell and NIGO teamed up to start the Billionaire boys club and Ice cream brand. the brand would go on to become a main-stay in streetwear. and be highly revered in early high-end street-ware culture. Today, Billionaire boys club/ice cream is mentioned in the same breath as supreme and BAPE. B.B.C/ice cream boast’s a good number of collaborations over the years. collaborations with celebrities like JAY-Z (who invested in the brand at a point, and then went on to acquire the rights to the brand). and established athletic/lifestyle brand reebok. on a skate-centric foot ware line for ”ice cream” all strengthen the brands claim for aiding streetwear’s popularity in high-fashion in the early 2000’s A CREATIVE DIRECTOR IS NOT A FASHION DESIGNER During the time of the fashion great’s like Christobal Balenciaga and hubert de Givenchy. the term “creative director” and “fashion designer” could be used interchangeably. things are different now. a fashion designer is directly involved with the making of the clothes for a collection. sketching, pattern cutting, fabric selection etc. the typical fashion designer does not lack any of those skills. while a creative director primarily gives the brand vision and direction creatively. deciding the theme for collections, artistic direction and general innovation. all fall under the role of a creative director in fashion In contemporary luxury and high-end fashion. there has been an increase in demand for cultural stakeholders and influential figures for the role of creative director. brands now recognize the impact such figure heads have on their commercial value. especially in menswear. fashion education and design abilities is important but that is secondary. “can you make us sell?” that is the main question. I mean, it’s a business after all PHARRELL IS A TASTE MAKER This article would not be enough to document Pharrell’s achievement in the music and entertainment industry. he is an undisputed legend. in 2003, the Neptunes (Pharrell’s producer group) produced 43% of the songs on radio in America. you see, just like his predecessor, the late Virgil Abloh. Pharrell refuses to be restricted to any discipline or practice. something L.V highlighted during the announcement of his new role Pharrell Williams is a visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion – establishing himself as a cultural global icon over the past twenty years.  louis vuitton Pharrell has an a strong influence in contemporary culture. his connections in the entertainment and popular scene is something L.V will be looking to harness. as he takes over. Pharrell’s personal sense of style has always been unique and distinct. so much so that he was the first male ambassador for luxury giant channel. and has been ranked as one of the most stylish men in the world severally. As a viral trend maker he is part of the instigators responsible for popularizing skater-wear in high fashion. and the trend of men wearing pearls as an accessory. LOUIS VUITTION DESIGN TEAM IS MORE THAN COMPETENT Many Fashion analysts favored the likes of Grace wales Bonner and Martine rose to replace Virgil at the Maison. for more than a year after Virgil’s passing. the design team released menswear collections with no creative supervision till they collaborated with kid super’s Colm Dillane on their FW23 collection earlier this year. L.V is very successful and is currently thriving commercially they do not need a radical change or to experiment. Virgil already gave them a blue print that’s working ight now. what the brand needs is a figure head and visionary to build on what Virgil started. with all that has been said. there is no reason why Pharrell cannot be that visionary. His multi-hyphenate persona fits well into the current ethos of the brand. and what they expect from a creative director right now. There you have it, 5 things to note as Pharrell takes over at louis Vuitton. what do you think we’ve left out? let us know in the comments

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MEET IB KAMARA; THE CREATIVE TAKING OVER OFF-WHITE

1 Comment / Editorial /

how did Ibrahim kamara become the head of two giants in contemporary youth culture? journalist, stylist, creative director and designer. ibrahim or “IB” kamara cannot not be ignored in menswear fashion right now. Born in sierra lone and raised in London. Ibrahim has no shortage of cultural references. the current creative director at off-white boasts off a very rich background. not just geographically but in fashion as well. HOW IT ALL STARTED It all started in 2026. Not the future. (although we are tempted to believe that is where he is from because his take on masculinity is what most creative’s are just starting to tap into). 2026 was actually the name of his curated exhibition in London. that first brought attention to him in 2016. The exhibition was styled by ib kamara. it featured second hand outfits on street-cast models from Soweto. The theme of the exhibition was black African Masculinity. it challenged all the conventional narratives. sexuality, race and gender appropriation in fashion. (all of which would become a consistent theme in IB’s work). he also hinted at what menswear would look like a few years from that time. DAZED MAGAZINE A certain Robbie spencer from dazed magazine took interest in the young IB kamara. and that lead to his first fashion editorial. IB’s first issue for the magazine tackled sensitive topics like national health service and working together for change. he had a vision for the magazine. he wanted it to appeal to not just the fashion world. To have a more global and inclusive voice. that was his vision for dazed. He went on to become the editor-in-chief of the magazine. it was announced in 2021 after the lockdown. His focus on representation and inclusivity, justifies his current position. Dazed wasn’t the only magazine that noticed IB. He has worked for recognized fashion and pop culture media publications like British vouge, Vouge Italia, system and W. he was also appointed as senior editor-at-large for I-D magazine in 2019. His efforts in journalism earned him awards like the Isabella blow award presented by the british fashion council. Fun fact; IB kamara is a graduate of Fashion Communication from Central Saint martins. STYLING IB kamara’s expressive nature and artistic vison is so much more undiluted in his styling. he has styled runway shows and advertisement campaigns for big houses/bands like burberry, Erdem, louis Vuittion, Dior, fenty Stella McCartney and most significant off-white. you see, the late Virgil Abloh. the former creative director and founder of off-white. and former creative director at louis Vuitton. took a special liking to IB. he saw a version of himself in him. It was Virgil that would go on to famously say; “An IB comes along once in a generation” and ” His work is a prime example of how diversity can bring out the best of the fashion industry”. after Virgil’s tragic death in 2021. months later, off-white named Ibrahim as their art and image director. OFF WHITE So far, IB has creatively directed Off white’s spring 2023 and Fall 2023 RTW runway collections. Exploration of the human body and out of this world lunar delivery were the themes of the shows respectively. star-studded and not lacking in good reviews, the shows displaying IB’s boundary pushing ideas have only hinted at much more to come from the visionary. check out the fall 2023 show below; STRUGGLES AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS Things have not always been rosy for the editor/stylist/designer. being a gay, African man does not stack the odds in your favor. aside having to deal with inevitable racist and homophobic hostility. IB has also openly discussed his struggles with dyslexia. so it’s safe to say he has had his fare share of challanges. we all know fashion is still lacking in representation. creatives like IB kamara are a reassuring sign of hope for a more inclusive and explorative future in menswear. and fashion as a whole. in an interview with new yok times. speaking on how he found his way in fashion. IB said “I hope I inspire people of all colors and backgrounds to unapologetically express themselves,” he said. “That’s the outsider’s legacy. You do your own thing, then hopefully the world catches up to it one day” IB kamara for new York times

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“WHAT IF LOVE NEVER COMES?” ORANGE CULTURE FW23/24

Lookbook /

After an extremely publicized and taunting valentine festive season in February. the orange culture FW23 collection asks a very unconventional question. a question that even if most people won’t admit, is truly terrifying. “what if love never comes?” Adebayo oke lawal, the chief executive and creative director at orange culture. (who is also a member of the BOF 500 class 0f 2022). had this to say concerning the brand’s Fall/winter 2023/2024 collection that was presented in the tranoi showroom in Paris; “there is something redemptive about asking ourselves important questions. especially the ones that society never quite allows us to ask. with this collection I wanted to introduce a new curiosity on belonging. what we own, and to whom we belong.” Adebayo oke lawal Mr lawal, AKA the orange nerd. saw a gap in how we socially segregate ourselves. our need to “be complete”. that was what inspired this collection, a honest campaign for authentic self-love. why do we accept the illusion that we are incomplete by ourselves? or that we need a significant other to be made whole? so what if love never comes? what will we do then? The collection seeks to stimulate us to take-on the challenge of finding individual wholeness. we should look to other sources for purpose and identity. The pieces from this collection were on display at the tranoi show room from the 2nd to the 5th of march. the collection featured an extensive color pallet, with very intricate garments. something the brand has been know for over the years. hand-stitched waves, Yoruba embroidery and woven fabrics were some of the methods used in manufacturing. the photography and styling of the collection, placed it in a context where questions just have to be raised and answers supplied. with how distinct each outfit is, can these garments co-exist together? check out the full collection below Creative direction @olaoluebitiPhotography @ethanjhart_Hair @joydarlinginnitBeauty @dolli.glamLogistics @nworaemenikeAssistant photography @a.treesAssistant stylist @leoniedennett

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EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE CORTEIZ X NIKE COLLAB

Fashion News /

youth, community, and the sheer drive to dominate. these are the main principles that Corteiz,a U.K.-based streetwear brand, preaches to a fanbase that has become a cult following. the leader of this streetwear monolith, CLINT (clint419) embodies the codes of the brand. with his mission to “ruletheworld” and take those who are by his side along with him. the rebellious and free spirited nature of the Corteiz creative director and founder, has gained him the attention of young people in London and beyond. something Nike wanted to tap into with their collaboration on the Airmax 95’s. Now you have to understand that in the UK the Airmax 95’s or 110’s are a fan Favorite. so it was the perfect piece for the two brands to collaborate on. the roll out for the Collab has been pulsating so far, something CLINT has perfected over the years. The first public hint at the Collab was in January. when the corteiz Alcatraz logo and the Nike logo showed up on the Niketown frontage in oxford London. CLINT’s next post on Instagram then featured a pair of the unreleased sneakers. with a caption speaking about the Collab, stating that it was no coincidence. The pair of unreleased sneakers found it’s way to the 2023 Brits award. seen of the feet of olaouslawn, the U.K based Nigerian that designed the prestigious award. the hype has only been going up ever since. The brand then went on to tap into their compulsive nature, and create a soccer cross bar challenge. teaming up with a player at real Madrid football club Eduardo camavinga. the challenge created even more buzz around the sneaker, something not new to corteiz. but this might arguably be their biggest Collab till date. History of Corteiz and Nike unknown to some of the fans of the London based street-wear brand. the earliest interaction Corteiz had with Nike was when the brand sued corteiz founder, Clint. in 2021. the lawsuit was as a result of the similarity between the corteiz name and one of Nike’s famous product line, the cortez sneaker. When will the sneaker it be released? The corteiz airmax 95 will be available this march. according to clint on IG. a promo clip released few days ago featuring Jorja smith, olaoluslawn (a frequent collaborator) and phil foden. to name a few. revealed other colorway’s of the highly anticipated sneaker. the green and black colorway of the sneaker that has been circulating, features the corteiz logo. seen on the toe and heel. with a camouflage print as the inner lining. the crtz air max 95 is set to launch for £169. check out the promo clip below

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EKPO’S STYLE TIPS FOR SPRING 2023; MEN’S EDITION

Editorial, Fashion News /

Happy new month! believe it or not we are already in the month of march. that’s right, it’s officially spring season! it’s time to start shedding of the layers and saying goodbye to the winter coats and thick outerwear. spring season generally lasts till early June in most places, until it fades into summer. for some regions that do not have such seasons(winter and spring), this period is still a transition from cool and gloomy to a brighter and more sunny atmosphere. for others it is actually only just getting hotter(we have climate change to blame for that) with that being said, what should a man’s wardrobe look like this spring as everywhere starts to really brighten up? The fashion industry always has it’s own suggestions for trends for every season of the year. some of these trends could actually be very exciting and appealing to be honest. but rather than just dish out a list of trends to follow, we have 7 style tips that are sure to come in handy and leave you comfortable, confident and stylish this spring. the sun is out and shining and you should be to. here are our 7 style tips you need to know in 2023 for men; GO BACKLESS before you consider ripping a hole in the back of your shirt like timothee chalamlet famously did with his outfit at the Venice film festival red carpet in September last year. what we are referring to here are your footwear options. mules and backless slip-on shoes are all the rage for spring/summer this year. mules in particular, have risen in popularity among luxury and high end brands in recent years. with the likes of Alyx, Givenchy and bottega having their own iterations of the foot-ware. Not only are they appropriate for this season, they are equally very stylish. The options vary depending on your budget and personal style. from the designer cosy balenciga BB mule for your luxe satisfaction to the UGG men’s scuff slipper for a more casual setting. there’s really a wide range to select from. They are very versatile and can be styled excellently with traditional and casual outfits. so don not hesitate to include a mule or backless loafer in your shoe rack this spring. and if you have one already, you’re on track. it’s time to really rock those bad boys. MAKE IT BAGGY If you fall into the category of guys that still wear really skinny jeans, have you considered getting a more loose fitting option? give yourself some room to breathe man. aside the fact that a baggy or more relaxed fit looks better on you, skinny jeans are actually out of style now. prioritize comfort in your style when you’re putting together an outfit. that way you don’t have to worry about trying to pull of a fit while being terribly uncomfortable. this style tip does not only apply to the skinny jean this spring season, but your pants in general. both tailored and ready made. The loose fitting or baggy fit of your ensemble allows you to be comfortably confidently in your style. loose fitting clothes have a way of interacting with the wearer such that, you(the wearer) are the one actually wearing the clothes and not the other way around. the movement and draping give more control in a sense. If the menswear runway shows for spring/summer 2023 are anything to go by, you would be very much on trend. especially with high waisted baggy pants, they are very much in season. have you never tried tried to wear loose fitting pants because you think it doesn’t really fit into your personal style? well, you can never really know until you try. BREATHABLE OPTIONS As we approach the spring/summer season, we naturally tend to consider lighter options in our fabric choices. but this spring 2023 we can experiment with breathability with our our ready-to-wear outfit choices. the men’s runway collections for this season gave a nudge towards gender neutral pieces like mesh tops, sleeveless light weight tops and crop tops. There are several ways to approach styling pieces like a mesh top or sleeves top. it’s best to understand your personal style and what suits you. it’s also helps to be experimental sometimes. A mesh top layered exquisitely would really accentuate your outfit, and how people perceive your style in general. there’s a wide range to choose from men’s mesh tops. from designer options with Raf-simons and jean Paul Gaultier to online shopping platforms like Asos and amazon you’re sure to find something within your style and budget range. mesh tops are a relatively unconventional statement piece to have in your wardrobe this spring that will have you standing out style-wise. THE BOWLER SHIRT That’s right, they’re back. the bowler button-up/button down shirt(whichever you prefer to call it) is a spring/summer men’s mainstream fashion staple. we covered that with our top 3 trends to get you summer ready in 2021. This season is no different. having a couple of bowling shirts in your wardrobe is not a bad idea. you could go for bold stripes and prints this time around, as opposed to dull and plane. for a expressive and more sophisticated demeanor. if you are looking to get a couple for yourself, aside online retail stores and physical stores. thrift stores and cloth swaps are some options to consider that could get you some rare gems and grail pieces. not only that, but they are more affordable and sustainable options. from hanging out at the beach, to a casual day outside with friends, to an outdoor themed party. the bowler shirt is really that versatile and can function perfectly for almost any occasion. GET A WATCH unlike jewelry, watches are both useful and aesthetic. if you don’t already own a wristwatch, this is the perfect time to get yourself one. take this as the sign you’ve been looking for. As we start to double down on layering during the spring

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