Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

mens fashion

8 FOOTWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY MAN IN 2023

Look no further for your style tips, Ekpo is back with 8 footwear essentials for every man in 2023. are you a stylish guy looking to have a solid footwear Rotation? or maybe you’re not really into fashion and you just need some tips on the right shoes to shop for? we’ve got you covered. the whole point of any wardrobe essentials list is to have the fundamental pieces to ensure you’re not not caught lacking in any type of setting. from casual, to official, to the great outdoors. you should come correct. so let’s dive straight in, 8 footwear essentials for every man in 2023. 1. TRAINERS You need to have a pair of trainers bro. it might seem like a no brainer but sometimes your work outfit priorities, end up overshadowing everything else and you really don’t want to be that guy that shows up to a link up with friends in some oxfords. so get yourself some trainers. the Adidas Stan smith trainers have stood the test of time, so it’s a great option. the puma CA classic pro, and converse trainers are other great choices. just get something comfortable within your price range. 2. LOAFERS This particular item can get over looked sometimes. you could feel like having a pair of lace up formal shoes already cover it. but loafers are way more versatile and utilitarian. you can style them in a number of ways. with traditional attrie, formal, semi-formal and casual. we’ve seen style icon, Tyler the creator rock loafers with socks and shorts severally. so it’s really up to how willing you are to experiment. almost any online store would have a decent range of options to select from. you could also have a pair made at the shoemakers. don’t sleep on loafers this year. 3. TECHNICAL SLIDES Why wear a regular pair of slides when you could wear technical slides? tech slides have become increasingly popular in recent years with NBDA leading the way in that space. tech slides are perfect for cozy indoor and outdoor settings. they are equally stylish as they are comfortable. you can find a good pair online or in a physical store. Birkin stocks are also a great option in place of technical slides. 4. SNEAKERS A solid pair of sneakers can really elevate your outfit. trainers are great and all for a toned down and very minimalist look. but you need to also be able to out the Jordan’s and Nikes when the need arises. depending on your preference, there’s a good range to pick from. A good option is the New balance Dad shoe that has been somewhat of a trend ever since Balenciaga released the Triple S Sneaker. other brands like Sketchers and reebok have great Dad shoe and sneaker offerings. and of course, the air Jordan’s are great options as well. 5. LEATHER SLIPPERS As great as casual foot-ware is nothing beats the leather slippers and Traditional outift combo. as an African guy a good pair of leather slippers should not be overlooked in your shoe rack selection. you might have to pull out those bad boys for an Owmabe you never know. 6. RUBBER SLIDES You’re definietly going to need rubber slides for your pool side and beach outings they’re perfect for the waterside and can afford to get wet unlike the technical slides and Birkin stocks. it’s also great for quick neighborhood runs where they might possibly get dirty and dusty and that wouldn’t be a problem because they’re easy to clean. 7. FORMAL SHOES Of course, a footwear essentials list is in-complete without formal wear. Brogues, monk straps, oxfords and even Dr martens, all suffice as formal footwear this is a must have for every guy regardless of your occupation. the time will certainly come for formal wear. if you like the classics, the oxford and brogues are just right for you. or you could decide to switch it up with the contemporary Dr martens for a change. what ever makes you most comfortable and confident in your formal wear. 8. BOOTS You’re completley set at this point. you can be confident that your shoe game is on fleek. dessert boots, Chelsea boots, and leather boots are examples of boot options. they’re several contemporary leather and rubber boot designs to choose from. there’s the wellington boot, heeled Chelsea boots, chunky soles, Dr. martens lace up leather boots etc. all depends on your style Preferenceand what you feel confident in. (can’t stress that last point enough) that being said it’s important that you prioritize comfort and quality in your footwear essentials. it’s actually all part of sustainability if you think about it. we don’t really use some pieces because after we buy them we find out that we are not comfortable in them or it’s not great quality. then we end up abandoning it and having to get another one. so shop wisely don’t buy stuff you won’t use and don’t buy stuff you’re not comfortable in.

8 FOOTWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY MAN IN 2023 Read More »

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

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

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

MEET IB KAMARA; THE CREATIVE TAKING OVER OFF-WHITE

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

MEET IB KAMARA; THE CREATIVE TAKING OVER OFF-WHITE Read More »

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

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

EKPO’S STYLE TIPS FOR SPRING 2023; MEN’S EDITION Read More »

LAGOS FASHION WEEK 2022: 5 NOTABLE TRENDS SET TO TAKEOVER IN 2023

The 2022 edition of the Lagos Fashion Week was nothing short of transcendent. The 5-day International fashion show was home to renowned and rising fashion designers and brands across Nigeria and Africa at large. The event witnessed private presentations and runway exhibitions from designers like Fruche, Ugo Monye, JZO, Oshobor, Elie Kuame, Tia Adeola, Emmy Kasbit, Eki Kere, Heru Shezi, House of Akachi and a host of others. As we described in our earlier article ‘Ekpo’s Memorable Looks From The 2022 Lagos Fashion Week’, The Lagos Fashion Week 2022 was a ‘miscellany of glamour, picturesque and sheer resplendence’. Fashion Designers, Fashion Enthusiasts and attendees brought their A-game as they pranced in with colorful, breathtaking and trend-setting garbs. After a careful analysis of the prevalent trends at the 2022 Lagos fashion Week, we compiled a list of notable trends set to takeover in 2023. Enjoy! Photography by : Koko 1. SUNGLASSES (All eyes on you) Sunglasses aren’t only protecting our eyes from the sun anymore; they undoubtedly complement outfits, add to our style and sometimes, draw attention to us. At the Fashion Week, we saw a variety of sunglasses ranging from colorful, fascinating and some even awkward shaped. ‘Eye-catching’ indeed! A particular set of sunglasses caught our eyes. A silver framed Bottega Veneta BV1086S. The sunglasses seem to be a shift from convention, adopting a certain awkward shape. Its profound bold shape accentuates a manly and confident outlook for its wearer. The trend in sunglasses seems to be tilting to this bold and confident style. In Corroboration, we’ve gathered a few similar looks. Here is Lenny Kravitz at the CFDA Awards ’22. Bad girl Riri Going into 2023, we expect we see an overall shift to similar shaped glasses. 2. BLACK OUTFITS (Black is Gold) Whoever said orange was the new black clearly never owned a black dress. We saw a fine number of full black voguish outfits reiterating an overall confidence in the color. In spite of varying styles and color mix in some of the outfits, black still maintained predominance. Although styled differently, our overall confidence in black was reposed by the predominance of the colour at the Fashion Week. Despite the splash of colours on the runways and even amongst attendees, we were reminded of the ageless classy and regal outlook resonated in the colour black. 3.  MEN WEARING TRAINS (Staying on track!) Nigerian men seemed to have joined the train bandwagon. We couldn’t help but notice the popularity of male trains at the Lagos Fashion Week. The trend buttresses the recent shift toward gender-fluid fashion and its overture in the Nigerian fashion space. To give credence to our forecast, we are already seeing a number of celebrated figures who are ahead of the trend. For instance, here is celebrity designer and stylist Ugo Mozie at Naomi Campbell’s launch of her Emerge Initiative back in October. Also, we see Asap Rocky’s stunning appearance in khaki-coloured baggy trousers with trains at the Premiere of ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever’. This definitely gives insight on what to expect for menswear in 2023.  4. HEAVY HAND ACCESSORIES (Lord of the Rings) Nigerian Fashion enthusiasts have thrown caution to the wind with stereotypes associated with wearing rings especially unconventional rings. Jewelry lovers were heavily adorned with alternative fashion rings. We can only expect more from the Nigerian goth subculture in 2023. 5.  MEN WEARING PURSES It was impossible to not notice the dominant use of purses by Men at the Lagos Fashion Week. Not man-purses by the way, actual purses. A variety of colorful and beautifully styled purses embellishing different styles. It makes bold to say that purses are no longer exclusive to women. It is as much a functional accessory to the guys as it is to the ladies and the Men at the Lagos Fashion emphatically made the point. Here are a few of our favourites… This goes to show that the bounds of masculinity have and continue to be redefined in Nigeria and the world at large. We can only expect more in 2023. We hope you found this interesting and informative. Please share your thoughts below

LAGOS FASHION WEEK 2022: 5 NOTABLE TRENDS SET TO TAKEOVER IN 2023 Read More »

10 NIGERIAN CLOTHING BRANDS EVERY FASHIONABLE MAN SHOULD KNOW

Over the years, Menswear has undergone tremendous evolution in Nigeria and the world at large. Nigeria has come to witness an elaborate advancement and expansion of preconceived limits of Nigerian Men’s wear. We’ve also experienced the immense impact of western influences in Nigerian Men’s fashion and a development and progression on what we previously thought native and traditional attires to be.   This article explores 10 Nigerian clothing brands that have set themselves apart by measures of sophistication, exquisite design, detail, elegance, etc. Here are 10 Nigerian clothing brands every Nigerian man should know ATAFO Atafo is a revered Nigerian brand adept in the art of making exquisite custom-made Suits, tuxedos and traditional attires. Atafo is credited with pulling off some incredibly glamorous looks at a number of Nigerian Galas, Award nights, concerts and even weddings. He styles a number of celebrities in Nigeria, prominent amongst which is the very iconic Ebuka Obi-Echendu, the recurrent host of the Big Brother Nigeria TV show, and the elegant and classy Denola Grey, to mention a few.  Atafo has flair with colour, flavour and glamour and has successfully explored shades generally considered effeminate and unassociable with men’s clothing. YOMI CASUAL A brand by Makan Owoniyi, brother to Comedian AyoMakun, popularly known as (A.Y). A ‘big name’ in the Nigerian Fashion scenery, Yomi Casual has a knack for bespoke Nigerian traditional kaftans. Yomi Casual has mastered the craft of harmonizing varying fabric and embroidery patterns. He infuses a modern vibe to the kaftan and explores an array of fabric patterns in his designs. He has also styled a very wide range of Nigerian male celebrities including legendary and veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Big Brother Nigeria star Pere and several others. The ‘casual’ in his name is not superfluous either. He also designs outfits which are specifically curated to give off a casual and comfy vibe. He just recently released his collection themed “Summer Vibes”. DEJI AND KOLA When you think sophistication, think Deji and Kola. They are a tailoring company focused on Weddings, Corporate, Casuals, Traditional, Uniforms, and other forms of garment production.  Operating in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, Deji and Kola take pride in their ‘Low Cost High Quality’ mantra and assures its customers of detail and elegance. Deji & Kola is definitely a brand to take a liking to. We find their detailing next to none. Deji and Kola truly accentuates the masculinity in any man. Deji and Kola is a must-have for any Man with an ego. An asset in any wardrobe. You can never go wrong with this brand. ‘Last last’ two heads are better than one. Lol! DECO ‘D29‘ More popularly known as D29, Deco is your one-stop shop for ‘Agbada’ and traditional attire. D29 is skilled in the selection and tailoring of the choicest and radiant fabrics, principal amongst which is the Aso-oke fabric a hand-woven cloth fabric created and worn mostly among the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria. Yes! You guessed right, ‘Owanbe’!! Just have a look at Mr. Incredible (M.I) and his beautiful bride in majestic elegance and style. D29’s striking excellence and overall delivery sets him apart in the traditional attire line of Nigerian Men’s fashion. Interestingly, D29 styles both male and female. The D29 brand assures a glamorous, colourful and picturesque outfit. The brand to channel the inner ‘Yoruba Demon’ in you. ORANGE CULTURE Orange Culture is a Nigerian androgynous brand that features clothing that derails along gender lines. Orange Culture showcases a variety of Gender-neutral clothing. This embraces the new global shift towards inclusivity, which has led to similar fashion brands gaining traction. This seems like a brand that would style a Wizkid or Burna boy music Video, LOL! The Orange brand might appear to be a shift from the above listed Nigerian clothing brands, but we still find it a valuable item for your wardrobe. DAVID WEJ David Wej is a Nigerian lifestyle brand celebrated for its bespoke suits, shirts, classic casual clothing and accessories. The Nigerian Designer melds and integrates traditional styles and techniques with a touch of the western influence to create designs ladened with panache and elegance. With a devotion to an expansive and overall global vision, David has made great strides in setting his brand on the global fashion scenery, recently launching his 7th Store in London, United Kingdom. TRAX APPAREL Trax Apparel is a Pan-African themed luxury fashion brand that harnesses true artistic prowess in its designs. A brand with an undaunted attachment to values of art, lifestyle and sport. Trax is well versed in the fashioning of traditional African attire particularly the ‘Dashiki’. With a unique, detailed and flawless blend of colours, Trax reinvents the dashiki and incorporates Pan-African subthemes, imagery and symbolism. Over the years, Trax has lent its voice to commiserate, support and make bold statements on trending cultural issues and happenings like the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Rape #NomeansNo, the Death of Chadwick Boseman amongst others. VANSKERE Vanskere is an Urban African ready-to-wear luxury brand launched in 2005. ‘Vanskere’, an eponym coined after its alter ego and founder, Evans Akere, a trained lawyer and a graduate of the London College of Fashion. Vanskere showcases a penchant for colours and geometry which it features in its collections. Towards the end of 2015, Vanskere announced the launch of its diffusion brand, Signore Fusion. Signore Fusion would go on to launch its ‘Glaze Campaign’ aimed at breaking stereotypical notions on what African inspired designs and collections ought to be. Signore Fusion has also presented collections like its 2019 Spring/Summer collection ‘Kabuki’, Signore Fusion Seasons 1 & 2 to mention a few. UGO MONYE Ugo Monye, is a pace setter in Huate couture and traditional ready-to wear attire in the Nigerian clothing brand space. Ugo’s designs encapsulate a regal and majestic outlook. In October 2021, Ugo Monye presented his 2022 Spring/Summer collection at the Lagos Fashion Week 2021 titled ‘the Opulence collection’. A collection inspired by three main materials; Pearls, Aso-Oke and Velvet which he states

10 NIGERIAN CLOTHING BRANDS EVERY FASHIONABLE MAN SHOULD KNOW Read More »

WHAT IS ATLANTA WEARING ? : ATLANTA STREETWEAR MARKET

Ever wondered what the people of Atlanta are wearing on the streets or during events because we know all is slowly becoming the fashion capital of the south and for that reason we had to hit the Atlanta streetwear market over the weekend to check out the style and fits of the Atlanta Streetstyle connoisseur. The Atlanta Streetwear Market is the largest streetwear event in the world. More than 8,000 attendees from all over the world gather to experience this one-of-a-kind event. More posts you might like FIRST LOOK AT THE DAVID BLACKMOORE 12+ DENIM DROP.

WHAT IS ATLANTA WEARING ? : ATLANTA STREETWEAR MARKET Read More »

Faces And Style At The Fall 21 Atlanta Street Wear Market

Face and Style at the fall 21 Atlanta streetwear marketFor the last leg of Atlanta’s biggest streetwear convention – the Fall/Winter 2021 Atlanta streetwear market, The Youths – Streetstyle enthusiasts, influencers, sneakerheads, brands and the city of Atlanta stepped out one last time to not just show off their rad style but also check some dope Atlantan brands curated by ASWM.Ekpo was live on ground covering all the stylish moments.

Faces And Style At The Fall 21 Atlanta Street Wear Market Read More »

TOP 3 TRENDS TO GET YOU SUMMER 2021-READY

The sweet sound of freedom is in the air, Can you feel it? Summer is here! With talk of beach walks, barbecues, and vacations, everyone is eager to get dressed up again. With the new weather comes a whole new season of fashion and a stack of new trends to try. Sadly, COVID is still around but slowly fading away ( hope you’ve gotten your shots). Since we are still living under the new normal, it’s time to get a new wardrobe to beat the blues and the heat in style.From the silk look to the return of print shirts {it never goes out of style} we’ve scoured the runways, high street stores, and social media to find the biggest and hottest trends for you this summer.Get comfortable, pour yourself a drink and dive into our top 3 trends for summer 2021; SHIRTSPrint, Silk, Sheer, Viscose – You Name It! SILK SHIRTS When we say “silk”I bet your mind associates it with a woman’s red lingerie worn as a valentine gift for you. {don’t be naughty} but in recent times, menswear have slowly adopted most of the so-called female wears, terming them “gender neutral” from velvet, lace, floral prints, skirts, purses. Etc so I think it’s about time to give silk a try this summer. After all, it is one of the hottest summer trends purposely built for summer, because of its light weight material. It can be paired with a jean, shorts or pant – pick your choice PRINT SHIRTS The printed summer shirt is back like it never left, It only keeps on getting more colorful and crazy stylish. The sun is out, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t play with colorful prints, Co-ords are heavy this season in prints – peep this Adire print co-ord from Nigerian unisex street wear brand DavidBlackmoore VISCOSE Viscose shirts have taken summer trends to a new dimension, with its amazing summer friendly qualities: it does not trap heat, it’s very smooth, it’s breathable, it’s versatile, it can be paired with a jean obviously, worn as a co-ord or however you feel comfortable – i mean peep this our few select from Nigerian artisanal brand Metroman SHEER Beer belly a.k.a pot belly doesn’t go well with this hot 70s comeback fashion trend. Bruh! you need to hit the gym asap to flex those abs in this see through sheer shirts this summer. If you’re concerned about how much a see-through shirt reveals, adding a blazer or a tank top underneath is a good option.Style tip; fashion experts and editors agreed that the sheer shirt trend should be worn late afternoon towards the evening. Concerts, cocktail lounges, basically anywhere with mood lighting is a great place to sport the sheer shirt. In dark lighting, it comes across as a more subtle style flex than full-on shirtless attire You Need Yourself Some SHORT-SHORTS Every Summer almost seems like short-shorts always make a comeback. shorts can never seem to stick to a hem length. Well, this time, designers are choosing shorts that fall a few inches below the knee, and way above the knee (shorts short) Key styles feature abstract patterns, prints or sporty bold colors with a relaxed fit for everyday wear. Shorts are casual, so the shirt should be too while styling. but never be afraid to play with it, remember its summer (time to let loose). Accessories;Summer trends are all about the right accessories, to give that outfit the right boost it needs. Why just wear a printed shirt and jean just like every one else when you can throw in a wristwatch, bracelets, neckpiece, hat or some rad sun glass. Here is a list of the hottest accessory trends to try this summer. Awkward shaped glasses; Sunglasses are a must have summer accessory and fashion experts are taking sunglasses to a whole new direction with these Awkward or irregular shaped glasses you must have already spotted subconsciously on your favorite style influencers . Step out of your comfort zone and try it on Pearls : Pearls are for everyone, and style has no gender and, but for some reason pearls have been making a prominent comeback and is here to stay most especially in the menswear department since pearls are unique gems and can come in ranges, they make the perfect way for a man to make a fashion statement. Back in the days, pearls were a symbol of wealth, power, nobility and good looks for men. so why not try? Cowries: It’s crazy how the use of cowries to accessorize is gaining heavy momentum in fashion – from infusing into the hair to wearing it has a basic neck piece, this has evolved over the years and could be the next big stylish accessory this summer. it can be worn with any summer friendly outfits…. So This Summer Feel Free To Run Wild, Catch A Vibe And Stay Stylish Using Our Summer Ekpo Style Guide!

TOP 3 TRENDS TO GET YOU SUMMER 2021-READY Read More »