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EKPO’S HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS: MEN’S EDITION (OUR TOP PICKS)

Editorial /

As the calendar flips to a new year, Ekpo Magazine warmly welcomes you to a season of joy, merriment, and thoughtful giving. The holidays are not just a time for festive decorations and delicious feasts They’re also an opportunity to spread cheer and express gratitude to the special men in our lives. In the spirit of celebrating the dawn of 2024, Ekpo Magazine presents an exclusive guide to holiday giveaways tailored specifically for the discerning tastes of men. In the pages that follow, we invite you to explore a curated collection of gift ideas ensuring that your holiday season is filled with moments of delight and gratitude. From sophisticated gadgets to timeless accessories, our handpicked selection encompasses a wide array of choices to suit every personality. So, let the festive spirit guide you as you embark on a journey through our carefully crafted suggestions And may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and the joy of giving. Happy Holidays from Ekpo Magazine! 1. INSEEKAN HANDEMADE SHOES Step into the new year with a touch of sophistication by gifting a pair of Inseekan hand-made shoes. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these shoes not only exude elegance but also represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The unique designs and quality materials make Inseekan shoes a perfect accessory for any occasion ensuring the recipient stands out with every step. 2. BYLIMAH BRAND JERSEY For sports enthusiasts and fashion-forward men A Bylimah brand jersey is the ultimate wardrobe essential. Known for their impeccable quality and stylish designs, Bylimah jerseys effortlessly blend comfort with trendiness. Whether he’s cheering for his favorite team or enjoying a casual day out, this jersey will add a touch of sports luxe to his style. 3. LOUIS REGALIA ACCESSORIES (UNISEX) Lois Regalia presents a collection of accessories that seamlessly combine fashion and functionality. From chic watches to versatile bracelets, these accessories are designed for those who appreciate timeless elegance. The unisex appeal makes them a perfect addition to any wardrobe, allowing the wearer to express their individuality with flair. 4. HENRI UDUKU BUCKET HAT Shield him from the sun in style with a Henri Uduku bucket hat. Henri Uduku’s collection stands out for its unique patterns and high-quality materials. Whether he’s headed to the beach or strolling through the city, the bucket hat adds a trendy and laid-back vibe to any outfit 5. PERFUMES Smelling good is good business. Unless a person is already a ‘fraghead’, Having an extra bottle of perfume is always fashionable. With the variety of fragrances out there, Some men have difficulty making good picks. While some just get stuck on brands they are already familiar with, We don’t claim to be experts in the fragrance business, but our top picks for men would be: Empire Oud by Al Musbah. It is an amber-spicy fragrance for both men and women. Top notes are Spicy Notes and Citruses; middle notes are lavender and Juniper Berries base notes are Patchouli, Amber, and Musk. Oud lovers, try this and thank us later. The perfume is however, not so easy to come by especially in Nigeria. Our second pick is Sauvage by Dior. Sauvage is an aromatic fragrance for men. Distinguished by its freshness, the perfume is an amazing fragrance for non oud lovers. For a more budget-friendly perfume, we recommend Ornament by Afnan. 6. VIDEOGAMES The Playstation 5 has been released since 2020. However, some of your faves have still been unable to purchase consoles for themselves. This is an amazing opportunity to show a man in your life the depths of your love and affection. Lol! With the release of games like FIFA 23’, The Last of Us, God of War: Ragnarok, a Playstation 5 console as a present couldn’t be any more timely. 7. BOOKS It is said that “a book is a gift you can open again and again”. Our generation has slowly continued to lose the ancient culture of reading. Instead, we are particularly plagued with mindless and incessant scrolling of social media all for little bouts of dopamine stimulations. So we find books to be very appropriate and profound gifts especially for the few bookworms and geeks left in our day. Lol Our top picks are; 8. CASH GIFTS With the unveiling of the new Nigerian naira notes, we are pretty confident that cash gifts would be well appreciated. So go ahead and gift the special men in your life some wads. 😁 There you have our holiday gift ideas: men’s edition While we hope you found this article informative, we wish you the best of the season and urge you to create lasting memories in this season that you would cherish forever!

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T.I NATHAN F/W 23 LOOKBOOK

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The F/W 23 collection by Contemporary Nigerian brand, T.I Nathan. captioned “A CONSTELLATION OF EVERYTHING” is a master class in sophisticated minimalism. the bespoke brand was previously just menswear but with their latest womenswear offerings are currently considered a unisex label. with the aid of the creative director and founder, Temitayo Nathan they have successfully carved out a niche for themselves as the perfect blend of advanced tailoring techniques and heritage fabric materials. there is little or no hint towards the inspiration behind the collection and the source of the peculiar title for the collection. it could be that Temitayo and the crew are inviting us to just allow and give an opportunity for the clothes to speak for themselves check out the short film for the T.I Nathan F/W 23 collection below their latest collection features exquisite finishing, advanced tailoring techniques and an even color pallet with a good number of monochromatic looks. check out some of the looks from the F/W 23 campaign issue below Production @temitayonathanCreative Direction/Photographer @chuchuojekweModel @shamzgarubaStylist @magpayne1MUA @makeup_by_jmk_Shoes @ddavidshoe

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8 FOOTWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY MAN IN 2023

style tips /

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.

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BECOME WHO YOU WERE ALWAYS MEANT TO BE WITH ÀSÒ SUMMER 23

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ÀSÒ summer 23 collection “THE EMERGENCE” is a statement for self awareness. an awareness that is determined by the individual alone. identity, in it’s entirety is such a big part of our lives, the sheer power in knowing who you are is the emergence into being who you are in it’s entirety Aanuoluwa AJIDE DANIELS the debut collection for the Nigerian brand was put together by the designer and founder Aanuoluwa Ajide-Daniels.’ An editorial beauty artist, style curator, and designer. whose vision for his contemporary clothing line is to (stay with me) create a visual documentation of futuristic creative exploration. the release of “the emergence summer 23” was the first step in that right direction. two-tone colorways, asymmetric cuts, and exquisite tailoring are some of the defining features of the collection as he seeks to give the wearer an experience. check out the collection below for a life I’ve barely lived, why does being me hurt? for an existence I have no control over, I am not giving upon you. I know what I must do! Kill the boy! kill the boy and EMERGE, EMERGE AND LET THE MAN BE BORN AJIDE FOR ÀSÒ SUMMER 23′ With such a strong and cohesive debut offering ÀSÒ is definitely one of the Nigerian brands to watch out for. What are your thoughts about the collection? Designer – Aanuoluwa Ajide-DanielsPhotographer – Chuchu Ojekwe @chuchuojekweVideographer – Glo Ernest @glo_ernestStylist – Senami @whatsenamistyledMake up artiste – a.j.i.d.eModels –Komolafe Bisola @_komolafebisolaRume Agege @rumeagege_Seyifunmi Araga @manlikearagaJumoke Azeez @jumoke__azeezLarry Hector @larryhector_Adanma NWACHUKWU @the.melaine for @charismodelsStyle assistant – Deoti Akanbi @_deoti

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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

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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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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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10 MOST STYLISH NIGERIAN MEN OF 2022

Editorial, Fashion News /

With the year coming to an end, we cannot help but hash over some of the most stylish and voguish looks from our favorite Nigerian celebrities. At various red carpets and fashion events, our faves and fashion icons graced us with varying degrees of drip, panache and glam. Overall, 2022 can easily be marked as a prolific year in the evolution of Nigerian fashion. Nigeria is witnessing the rise of contemporary designers who are exploring a much wider spectrum of designs. From trend-setting traditional looks to more modern tailored pieces, these contemporary Nigerian designers are taking the style scene by storm. While considering our most stylish Nigerian men, we had to reckon men who know how to mix classic pieces with modern trends and who know how to express themselves through their clothing choices. Men who explore the unique identities and styles that make up Nigerian culture. Whether they choose bright colours or muted tones, sharp lines or relaxed fits, these fashion-forward men certainly stand out from the crowd! In no particular order, we compiled a list of 10 most stylish Nigerian men of 2022, based on their unique sense of fashion and overall style. From musicians to designers to actors, here are ; SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH NIGERIANS IN 2022 1. OZIC Ozic is the Creative Director and founder of W.I.L.O, an eponym for ‘Wear it like Ozic.’ He is one of Nigeria’s leading designers in urban and streetwear culture. However, the self-styled designer adopts a style that is radically distinct, striking and more eccentric! unflaggingly capturing the attention of admirers and spectators. 2. ADEBAYO OKE LAWAL Creative director and alter-ego of fashion brand Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke Lawal is an epitome of the atypical androgynous subculture. As a major proponent of androgynous fashion in Nigeria, his personal style is reflective of his support for gender-neutral clothing. Added to his sensational style, the designer exudes a confidence that is downright admirable. 3. AKIN FAMINU Akin Faminu is a lifestyle content creator and what I would like to call a friend of the runway. He is a perfect example of a ‘classic man’. He maintains an exquisite style that accentuates elaborate and intricate detailing. Fun Fact: Akin Faminu is a practicing medical doctor. 4. UGO MOZIE The ‘Chief of style’ as he calls himself is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s sterling fashionistas. Like his brand, Culturedbyugo, Ugo redefines streetwear/menswear with an infusion of outré opulence and class. His international reach and recognition, gives credence to his expressive and voguish fashion style. 5. DENOLA GREY Media Personality Denola Grey is a high fashion enthusiast with a knack for trend-setting outfits. Whether donned in formal, traditional or casual attire, Grey consistently and effortlessly puts together an exquisite ensemble. Grey continues to take his game up a notch with every opportunity he gets. He indeed can never be caught unfresh! 6. ASAKE With his unique sound and daring fashion style, Mr. Money is sure making waves at the moment. Mr. Money has proved that beyond a sensational outfit, the confidence of the wearer is as important. Famed for his baggy pants and shoes, the singer seems to have reinvented the classic Hip/hop look from the 90’s. Indeed, Mr. Money is a man “with the vibe!” 7. EBUKA OBI-UCHENDU We read your mind with this one, right? Lol! Ebuka is without doubt a trend-setter. The TV host and presenter has warmed his way into hearts with his dainty and snazzy outfits. He is indeed every Nigerian designer’s favorite model. Whether from his numerous appearances as the host of the Big Brother Naija show or other public appearances, Ebuka always manages to steal the spotlight. Some of his prominent designers are Atafo, Deco D29, Ugo Monye amongst others. 8.ADEKUNLE GOLD The Afrobeats singer and songwriter has evolved to be one of Nigeria’s most fashionable men. In his earlier years, the singer was mostly seen to appear in African print fabric. The singer has however transformed his style and carved a niche and created an identity in casual streetwear designs. Perhaps due to the ‘gold’ in his name (LOL), the singer successfully explores a range of colours in outfits. 9. BURNA BOY Burna Boy sure knows how to get our attention. The artiste adopts a rather edgy and eccentric outlook. As an artist, he expresses himself through his distinct music and non-conformist dressing. The ‘African Giant’ appears to have a flair for matching garbs tailored from a miscellany of colour schemes and patterns.  Also interesting is the fact that the singer is styled by his sister Ronami Ogulu. 10. WIZKID Wrapping up our list of top 10 most stylish Nigerian men of 2022 is the one and only Manchala. There aren’t so many celebrities that can better Wizkid or ‘Big Wiz’ in the elite streetwear game. The crooner has mastered the craft of pulling off simple yet sophisticated looks. Big Wiz’ style perfectly synergizes comfort and opulence.  Karen Binns, the singer’s creative director and stylist had this to say, “His style shows his exposure… he’s into luxury because he deserves it.” Wizkid’s style literally screams “No Stress!!!”

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CRUDE MATRIX: 2022 FALL/WINTER COLLECTION BY I.N OFFICIAL

1 Comment / Fashion News, Lookbook /

With the overture of the cool winds of Fall, I.N Official has released its 2022 Fall/Winter collection themed ‘Crude Matrix’. I.N Official is a famed fashion brand owned by popular Nigerian fashion designer, music manager and connector, Ifeanyi Nwune. THE MAN Ifeanyi’s multifacetedness, versatility and consciousness of global culture has left his footprints in different spheres like Fashion, Music, arts, lifestyle and more recently, NFTs. As a luminary in casual and Streetwear, he is well versed in his craft and he has styled a deluge of celebrities at home and abroad. To mention a few, Davido, Flavour, Mayorkun, Naira Marley, Khalid, Big Sean, Stevie Wonder amongst a host of others. Yes! You guessed right. His designs are featured on the 2021 movie, Coming 2 America. THE COLLECTION The ‘Crude Matrix’ collection features black, sombre and coloured jackets, overcoats, hoodies, shirts and pants made from a variety of materials like silk, leather, neoprene, denim amongst others. The collection embodies a savvy expression on the need to reach deep into the core of our beings; to recognize and harness the underlying untapped beauty within our raw, aboriginal forms. At a time when so many people experience insecurities and identity crisis, the theme of the collection couldn’t be more timely and profound. “The beauty of the universe lies in its diversity and could not be more emphasized when we all express life to the fullest; in our rawest, purest forms.” Following up to our “New World Order” collection, this drop further encourages I.N Official’s gospel of self-discovery, embracing our individual universes while positively changing the world around us. The Black overcoats and dark sunglasses showcased in the collection appear to be a reference to the Sci-Fi action classic ‘The Matrix’. Perhaps, from which the name of the collection was coined from. The Polaroid sunglasses featured in a number of the looks are from his sunglasses diffusion brand ‘Seevion’. Ifeanyi has partnered with Slum2School Africa and WE ARE NEW AFRICA (WANA) and has donated a whopping 20 % from the sales of the collection to the training of children living in slums and remote communities across Africa. This partnership gives credence to his passion, commitment and dedication towards the empowerment of the African dream.   In an interview with Okay Africa, when asked about his efforts towards changing the norms and African narrative, he said: By showing up, constantly creating and applying new approaches to fashion with respect to lifestyle and philanthropy. As much as we are about style, we focus on giving back to the community as well. Ifeanyi is indeed one of those who continue to impact and influence the African narrative towards betterment. Photography : Chuchu Ojekwe Model: Dami Dave What are your thoughts on the collection or the Designer?

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STANDOUT BRANDS FROM THE LAGOS FASHION WEEK 2022

Ekpo Events, Fashion News /

The Lagos Fashion Week as we know it, is an annual celebration of fashion, creativity, and arts. The event brings together fashion designers from all over the world to showcase their latest creations in a variety of settings, including Runway presentations and exhibitions. The fashion week’s mission is to create awareness about the importance of fashion and arts in Nigeria, Africa and all over the world. The Lagos Fashion Week creates a platform where African fashion is appreciated, promoted and accorded due global recognition. Since its establishment in 2011 by  Omoyemi Akerele, the Lagos Fashion Week has continued to make strides across the world of fashion and arts. Runway footage from the 2022 edition of the Lagos Fashion Week was featured in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s exhibition Africa Fashion where several African designers, photographers and creatives were exhibited. More on the subject, the 2022 Lagos Fashion Week was a blast! We got to relish the beautiful and colourful displays of well over 20 designers. Renowned and rising designers showcasing their finest work yet and we loved every minute of it. From the intricate fusion of up-cycled materials and dead stock fabrics by Heru Shezi to Elie Kuame’s splendiferous depiction of African royalty to Oshobor’s iconic “Na man you be” collection amongst a host of others. The fashion week was absolutely ‘Je ne sais quoi’. The 5-day fashion event was indeed a whirlwind of inspiration, creativity and innovation. Over the course of those days, there were a deluge of exhibitions and presentations. Nevertheless, we were able to meticulously curate a list of standout brands just for you. Here are some of the brands we found particularly intriguing… FRUCHE Fruché is a “mix of traditional Nigerian culture, heritage, artisanal techniques and contemporary design. The brand embodies a unique sensibility that seamlessly combines an outspoken narrative and a bold sensuality that is luxuriously modern”. The runway presentation was a sensational display of “pastel colors, cutouts, and ultra feminine silhouettes”. We loved how the designer took silhouettes and paired them with bright pops of color to create this collection. The result? A collection that’s both feminine and bold—and is sure to make any outfit feel fresh! Fruche’s runway presentation also featured am awe-inspiring live spray-paint artistry by Dricky in a touching tribute to the designer’s late father. TJ WHO TJ WHO is a contemporary Nigerian brand that hybridizes multi-cultural and cross-continental patterns, designs and styles to create unique, functional and expressive designs and pieces. The Brand places utmost importance on ‘representation’ in its designs and creates pieces that people can connect to. TJ WHO showcased ‘Collection 3’ off his 2023 Summer/Spring Collection. it showcases a mastery of asymmetrical cuts and patterns in what can be seen to be a fusion of streetwear and formal wear. The collection features deconstructed double sleeved suits, intricately detailed denim design amongst other pieces. Fundamentally, the collection is an embodiment of deconstruction and redefinition. Taju Ibrahim, the Creative Director and Founder of the brand had this to say: “This collection has been two years of experimental refining, redesigning and revising of ideas… this collection was us presenting to the world the number of designs we’ve tirelessly worked on over the years. With this collection we continued to follow our aesthetics of avant-garde, sci-fi and contemporary timelessness, after which we found ways to infuse them with our African heritage and hand-embroidered techniques.” ABIGAIL AJOBI Abigail Ajobi is a sustainable luxury streetwear brand that contributes towards the spread of social awareness by standing for community empowerment. She made her runway debut at the Lagos Fashion Week with a collection themed ‘Continuing the love story’, a sequel from her collection released earlier in February 2022. ‘Continuing the love story’ celebrates her parent’s love story and infuses their love story into her design as an inspiration to others. The custom print denim designs have Portions of a love letter written by her Dad to her mum hand printed on them. The brand’s signature ‘convertible clothing’ functionality means many of the pieces can be worn in multiple different ways. This allows customers to be more versatile in their style and encourages them to love their clothes for longer. AORAH Aorah is a “contemporary womenswear label centered around a strong sense of identity and culture, transforming traditional Nigerian textiles into contemporary designs.” The brand is a sustainable and ethically driven brand that primarily utilizes the Akwete traditional fabric, a fabric indigenous to the Ndoki clan of Abia State. Her runway presentation was titled ‘Ogbanaonwe a’ which literally translates to “It designs itself”. “A collection of love, inspired by the Akwete textile which it is named after. This collection is dedicated to all women that worked endlessly to hand weave these pieces.” OSHOBOR Oshobor is a sustainable androgynous brand domiciled in the ancient city of Benin that makes clothes using yarn and waste wool. The self-acclaimed ‘Masquerade Designer’ explores emotions of love, toxicity and warmth in his designs and uses his art to venture into age-long restrictions and prejudices. Oshobor’s Lagos Fashion Week debut themed ‘Na man you be’ addresses the age-long issue of toxic masculinity in the Nigerian (African) society. the collection instead celebrates Men and Women who serve as father figures in society. The collection features symbolic pieces such as the Oja used by Yoruba mothers and the Isi Agu associated with Igbo chiefs.  ELIE KUAME Abidjan based designer Elie Kuame is a fashion brand that focus primarily on women couture. The brand seeks to celebrate and empower women of the world with beauty, glamour and authenticity of their unique feminity. He fuses his Ivorian and Lebanese background with his cross-continental professional experiences to curate well refined and sophisticated pieces. At the Fashion Week, he presented his collection themed “This is Couture” which featured prints, shapes, ruffles and frills inspired by African royalty. Elie said: “The mixing between the traditional fabric with the modern ones and touch of gold’s light show our determination to celebrate the modernity of this royal sophistication: what is luxury means for

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