Editorial

Fashion week has officially come and gone but you know how this works, it leaves us with something bigger than the show…. The TRENDS! , I mean those trends that are about to dominate 2016(so guys grab your pen, paper and most especially your master cards-its time to shop) 1.The Fringe Detail/Benefit: “Fringe” is unarguably one of the biggest trends now. This trend has not only been able to successfully stay relevant from spring 2015 to 2016 but has been able to transition its way into menswear and we love it.From Orange Culture, sisiano to Nkwo this is one trend you need to be rocking in 2016. 2.Wide-Legged Trouser #FELAISBACK: Another huge trend that am not certain Nigerians are ready to accept is the ‘Wide-Legged’ trouser including flared pants & straight-leg trousers, a switch from the popular ‘skinny jeans’ trend.Also travelling from spring 2015 to 2016,this trend is definitely for a fashion forward/stylish Nigerian man (if not you fit fall for road when they laugh you finish). 3.Boiler Suits: The Boiler Suit is one trend that I predict will catch up fast (if not already). This trend has been around for a long time but seems like one of those trends that takes time for people to get into. From Maxivive, orange culture to Nkwo this is one relaxed –playful trend I highly recommend #NOCARRYLAST. 4.Capes & Ponchos: Blanket Scarves, capes, kimonos, ponchos (you name them) – one trend you should already be familiar with, the only good news is that “ITS HERE TO STAY” and might just be dominating 2016 5.Geometric Detail The use of Geometric Prints was also a big one, mostly used by female brands but also present among male brands. WHICH OF THESE TRENDS WILL YOU BE ROCKING?

Wuddup People! I know you guys are having an amazing week already, but pardon me to add some more amazement to this week (should I ?…..hehe! Thanks Guys). So with 25th around corner I and Damilola Faniyi, fellow style blogger (dfstylehub) came up with this fantastic collaborative idea to do a Festive post together to keep you guys in the festive spirit & also to say a big thank you for the amazing support,Gracias! For the shoot who else could we tap to capture all the fashionable moments than the talented & amazing Nicole Adehi of Valeo Photography (@nicoleadehi_valeo)-S/O to My Nigga !! I and dami decided to take on red since we are in the spirit of Christmas & trust your boy Ekpo………I TOOK RED TO THE STREETS BABY! For this shoot i decided to go for a full suit(from Emerging Nigerian Menswear Brand Dámì)but still giving it that very young and vibrant twist – I mean am still a young bobo nah! Paired the full suit with a sheer stripped shirt,accessorizing with a bull head brooch and a pair of sunglasses- you see how i didn’t use pocket square #lessismore In the spirit of the festive season i decided to switch up  my shades game,what other time to make such statements. And lastly brought the whole look together by pairing it with my favourite sneakers right now – Adidas Stan Smith Oh! Theres Damie 🙂 Looking like a bag of Money! Damilola is a fellow style blogger with fantastic writing skills( i must give that to you),check out her blog here Shout Out To The Dámì Brand(Instagram:@royan025, @dammie1904)  For lending me this suit,its about time it gets returned 🙂 Thanks For Stoping By Guys,we would love to hear your thoughts Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year In Advance From Ekpo X Damie Outfit Details: Suit : Dámì Sheer Stripped Shirt: Asos Brooch: Amazon Glasses: Asos Sneakers : Stan Smith Damie’s Outfit Details: Hat: stolen from Lily Camisole: Jumia Fashion Cullottes: Shop Maju Blazer: Mizra Shoes: Dollhouse Bag: Primark Necklace: Mango

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a great pair of shoes. So why jeopardize this journey? There are shoes every man needs. This strong yearning for shoes and styles for different occassions, along with what shoe is most appropriate for getting the job done made me come up with this cohesive guide. This might not be all you need, but its really surprising how much you can do with less. Curated in this digital closet is what you will need to achieve this effortless elevated style on your feet. Sit back and let EKPO guide you. 1.DESERT BOOTS This redefines casual by making it look better and still looking sharp in them. They are super comfy and give the impression that you’re not trying to under do or overdo, or permit me to just call out that oversabi who exclusively wears formal shoes on virtually every outing. Not only will this classy casuals be appropriate for nearly everything, they can easily go with khakis or even better with blue jeans. Although I’ve only seen a few guys wear this in Nigeria, you can be the trendsetter of this excellent casual that’s a departure from the ultra-relaxed sneaker or the commonplace formal shoes. You’ll be ever grateful you added this to your collection. 2. SNEAKERS New Balance. Roshes. Vans. Chucks, and even to the Classic Adidas. Any color of this will suffice but white will just be brilliant. A nice pristine pair of white sneakers will keep things relaxed but classy at the same time. It can be worn on jeans and this might even sound ridiculous, even a suit. I said it might sound ridiculous, but it looks nothing close to ridiculous. I can assure you. This bizarre look has been sported by the likes of Kanye West in 2008, and more recently Tinie Tempah. It has this aesthetic feel to it. I tell you – It’s coming from me(wink). It completes the effortless off-the-clock outfit. 3. CHELSEA BOOTS This gives you a sleeker and edgier look and it varies from the Desert boots. No laces here and would be better on skinny jeans. Kanye made these more popular and you can even join him. 4. BROGUES The conventional formal outfit may not be your forte, but once in a while a man has to attend the formal events – Weddings, Banquets, Dinners – I mean, they’re inevitable. Pairs like this come in to save the day. Having slight resemblances with wingtips, they are designed with perforated details at the sides and on the toe area of the shoes – Broguing- as opposed to the classic Oxfords that don’t have these perforations. They have this traditional style that add a distinct feature of class to the formal outfit. You should own one. It’s an essential. A requisite. Get a pair or even the Oxfords as they may come in handy someday. Don’t say I didn’t warn you o! 5. MONK STRAPS This still belongs to the category of the formal outfits. But in this, its a slight deviation from the everyday lace-ups – It’s buckles here. They set many eyes gazing at your feet. – I think i prefer the double strapped monks. 6. LOAFERS This is yet another laceless and stressless option that links the casual and formal aesthetic. This may come in any colour and would fit in anything, anywhere. A versatile one .They might not be worn so often but they’re worth an investment and would make a perfect fit to your shoe rack. 7. SANDALS It would just be unseemly for me to compile a list like this and not make this inclusion. I mean, you’ve read so far on this kind of post and didn’t think I’ll come up with this? Please, this is not your prosaic blog. This is EKPO, afterall. Sandals seem to be back and will be here for a long time. Give your feet proper breathing room in a pair of open-toe men’s sandals for the sleek and minimalist look anyone will die for. Or you can even go all Ancient Roman on them and go with the gladiators. CAVEAT: ONCE YOU START WEARING THESE, YOU WON’T WANT TO GIVE IT A BREAK. It’s super cushioned and comfy like that. Honorable Mention:Boat Shoes, Espadrilles, Plimsolls Thanks For Reading this far, So what do you think of my list ? was it a good one ?or did i miss anything? Would Love To Hear From You & Remember Guys Theres Love In Sharing This Post- Fell Free To Retweet and Do All those sharing Stuffs. Written By Kolapo Oyekola Edited By: Ekpo

Good Day Fam! Happy new year, even though I know this is coming so late…been busy trying to bring you guys my favorite collections from the LONDON COLLECTION MEN #LCM (Here) hope you’ve been following.This is officially the first personal style post of 2016 & am too excited not for this exactly but cuz there’s so much more coming on this platform, CANT WAIT TO SHARE So for todays look-its all about incorporating the CAMEL COLOUR/BEIGE or Earth Tone trend into a simple casual look that can be rocked based on the environment I live in (Abuja, Nigeria) Well, if you’ve been following the trends, esp. Menswear trends from late 2015 to early this year the CAMEL COLOUR trend will be nothing new to you (esp. those of us that love street style), this trend fully stamped itself when kanye West was street style spotted in a head to toe full camel color look- since that day there has been no looking back for this trend- and can still be spotted on the runways of several designers for their autumn/winter 2016 collection Most people prefer to go for the full CAMEL LOOK but has a Nigerian living in Nigeria I don’t think it will really be fun to always be spotted in the camel look except its an editorial & most especially I don’t even leave in Lagos (NIGERIA’S FASHION HUB) Todays Look “CASUAL IN CAMEL” it’s all about keeping it clean & casual yet still trendy! I decided to go for a camel colored t-shirt I got from Asos paring it with my tapered jeans but switching it up by tucking the shirt into the jeans & throwing on a blazer from the Dami Brand (usually I would fly the T)- it gives a different feel. Accessorised the outfit with simple items like my badges(arranged in a different way to give a different feel) PEEP WHAT I DID WITH MY GLASSES & GLASSES PACK BELOW brought the whole look together by throwing on a blazer from my favourite Nigerian suit brand right now THE DAMI BRAND. Thanks For Stoping By Guys! would definitely love to hear your take on this outfit. What Am Wearing: Blazer: The Dami Brand (+2348109211639) Baseball Cap: Jack & Jones Camel Shirt: Asos Tapered Jeans: Asos Sneakers: Adidas Stan Smith Badges: Amazon Ring: Mallam In Abuja

Guys!! “Its officially the season of love” and to prove to you guys the amount of love I got for you (Guys #nohomo but for the ladies YES I do love you wink) for constantly stopping by to read my posts, I have collaborated with five other fashion & style bloggers to bring you something extra special this season of love. But before I go ahead I must give credit were credit is due. So now we are safe to proceed………… Last weekend I was opportune to shoot with five of the most amazing bloggers in the Nigerian blogosphere right now! I mean from Cassie Daves,Akin Faminu to Tuke Morgan.                                 “Aint I one lucky nigga to be sitting in that room #wash”  The idea behind this collaborative shoot was obviously Valentine & it wouldn’t have made any sense if I weren’t paired with a potential boo,so guys meet my boo the ever-welcoming Uju of ursulasebastine.com looking effortlessly banging in red. i must say apart from how good she looks in this picture,she’s also a sweet and down to earth lady with impeccable hosting skills. For My Outfit i went for the classic black and white with statement velvet tassel loafers,to go with my BAE’S outfit (YES! its that simple) Anyone whose familiar with me knows my style is all about ” SIMPLICITY AND STATEMENTS” andsince it was a Vals day inspired shoot,it only made sense i go for something i could advice a guy to wear on a date. Remember i gave some styling tips for valentine’s day HERE (so i gats Follow am). Thanks For Stopping By Guys and remember i love you so much,until the day you stop reading this blog/online magazine ( i go carry my love waka,you think say na FREE)#YIMU . Have A Fantastic 14th From Ekpo and Uju and feel very free to leave comments. EKPO IS WEARING: Blazer: Zara Granddad Collar White Shirt: Asos Black Skinny Jeans: H & M Glasses: Asos Accessories : Asos Velvet Loafers: Overalls Big Shoutout to Josh,Asaju and Nsikan for coming thru at the last moment.

A life necessity and definitely a statement piece everyone needs to own. It’s no news that eyewear/sunglasses keeps returning bigger, better and trendier each season and this season the sunglasses trend for both sexes come with an interesting twist Haven’t made up your mind on the next pair of sunglasses to cop ? don’t worry Fam EKPO.COM.NG has compiled this list of 5 Must-have sunglasses styles to get you summer-ready. The Cat-Eye Shades just had to top our list cause it seems like this trend ain’t going nowhere,from Vivetta to Moschino the Cat-eye trend was seen          all over the catwalks,definitely nothing new to the ladies but feel free to play with this trend has you ease into the summer. Oh! (Before we forget) Our research shows that the OVERSIZED CAT-EYE & PINK CAT-EYE is a big hit for the ladies! 2. CAT & ROUND COMBINATION: Another very obvious glasses trend and making number 2 on our list just had to be the CAT & ROUND sunglasses combination,very playful & young and mostly seen in mirrored lenses.From Carolina Herrera to Marni, this is one trend i think that has been most accepted this 2016 by the ladies (at least alot has been spotted in Nigeria). 3. REFLECTIVE/MIRRORED LENSES: Reflective/Mirrored lenses continue to dominate the sunglasses world but this time its been given an update,far from the regular circular mirrored frames it came in earlier and this time it almost feels/looks like a mirror. 4. PLASTIC FRAMES: At some point it almost felt like the PLASTIC FRAME to a sunglasses was the sh*t and to this trend it seemed like the bigger the better,but honestly to us at EKPO.COM.NG we think the craze for this trend has slowly burnt down (and could even be avoided,WE AINT FEELING IT!) 5. DOUBLE WIRE RIMS: Double Wired Rims seems to be another glasses trend the ladies are feeling and this trend is really catching up quickly. 1.MIRRORED/REFLECTIVE SUNGLASSES: Just Like the Ladies,the mirrored/reflective sunglasses trend seem to be ruling right now,and this might just be the perfect pair of shades to get you in that summer mood.(its been updated from the tacky round frames it usually came in) 2. ROUND FRAME SUNGLASSES: Another big one on the sunglasses trends for men is the Round Frames,which seems to be dominating right now.slightly updated to larger lenses and given bridge bars,this has to be our favourite and highly recommended. 3. SQUARE/D-FRAMED SUNGLASSES: Spotted on the runway of  brands like Salvatore Ferragamo,this trend is easily recognisable and gives that sporty/retro look. 4. AVIATOR GLASSES: All we at EKPO.COM.NG can say is that “THE AVIATOR SUNGLASSES TREND IS HERE TO STAY”. Unarguably one of longest lasting glasses trend. CONCLUSION: Thanks For Stopping By,feel free to leave thoughts,comments & contributions.

The Debut GTB Fashion Weekend recently went down over the weekend & was well received by the ever-stylish Lagos Audience. Continue To view The GTB Fashion Weekend Streetstyle Shots By Mr Henry uduku

I Actually Think Black Is My best Colour & You Know Once you Go Black You Never go ………… Re-rocking My Kaftan But This Time added a custom hand painted vans by my friend (Javan Wada)

“WE AT EKPO ARE LOVING THIS MOVIES RIGHT NOW AND THOUGHT WE SHOULD SHARE “ The Founder Cast: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern, John Carroll. With an 82% rating from Rotten Tomatoes, this darkly humorous and jaunty biopic takes a look at the history of McDonald’s, with Michael Keaton playing a small-time businessman with a big-time dream. “The Founder” is about Ray Kroc, the man who turned a California hamburger stand called McDonald’s into a global empire. Despite a light touch, it is a feel-bad movie. ”As with the food, the recipe here is one that includes making mincemeat of the unsuspecting, a lot of cheapcuts and more than a little unappetizing crap. “This is definitely one for the entrepreneurs” Hidden Figures Cast: Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst. Want to see a movie to be entertained and feel good; but feel you’ve spent your money on seeing something worthwhile? Don’t just look past the heavily inspiring Hidden Figures. A dramatized biopic about three African-American women who made contributions to the US space programme in the years of the Cold War. It makes for a thrilling mix with the tension of thrill of the space race, the civil rights movement and the friendship which delivers the story’s warmth and spirit. “Nothing on earth should stop you from seeing this, Please!” Moonlight Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Trevante Rhodes. With a whopping 98% from Rotten Tomatoes, This movie is lit up with rare wisdom. It is near-perfect and you’d be an idiot to overlook it. A transcendent and melancholic experience, boy becomes man growing up gay and black in a crime-addled neighbourhood in Liberty City, Miami through a vibrant film about a tough life. “Cinematic experiences like this don’t come around too often, so why miss this masterpiece?”” The Wedding Party Cast: Adesua Etomi, Bankole Wellington, Iretiola Doyle, Richard Mofe-Damijo Nigeria’s first of its kind. One which will leave you smiling afterwards as it tell the story of the children of two affluent families getting married. It is stuck up in Nigerian comedy, and a tinge of suspense. Although with some unrealistic events taking place, we’re sure to overlook that because this is a rarity in Nollywood. “It’s surely one to watch” Magnificent Seven Cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. A remake that didn’t get so much positive reviews as planned, Magnificent Seven still caught the attention of many filmgoers. It is an update of the 1960s classic but which according to critics has a multicultural angle to it. It’s about a posse of vigilantes who rescue a town from bandits with Denzel Washington fronting the film’s titular gang. “Perhaps a remake not so magnificent” What You Waiting For ? GetWatching People & Thanks For stoping by. [Written By Kolapo Oyekola]