Gossips

Good grooming habits? Mix of Elizabeth Arden and adi agbon

Born on January 17, 1980, Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known in showbiz as 9ice, is one artiste with a style. The Ogbomoso, Oyo State-native grew up in Bariga, a suburb of Lagos, where he had his primary and secondary education. 9ice, who abandoned his law programme at the Lagos State University, Ojo, for career in music, is known for using Yoruba language in his music, a style he claimed was largely shaped by his 75-year-old grandmother, who steeped him the Yoruba culture. After recording his first demo, Risi De Alagbaja (1996), he joined the Mysterious Boys and recorded few tracks with them before forming his Abinibi group now defunct. A big fan of Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder), he was influenced by the music of Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Tatalo Alamu as well as Ayinla Omowura and Haruna Ishola. With Little Money (2000), Ganja Man (2006), 9ice ascendancy to stardom began with his release of Gongo Aso, which was an instant hit in 2008 and earned him some laurels, including Revelation Of The Year, and Best Male Vocal Performer, Hip Hop World Awards (2008). He was also nominated in the Best New Artiste category of Soundcity Music Video Awards (2008). Since 2007, he has featured in major concerts within and outside the country such as Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday Tribute Concert held at Hyde Park, London; he was the only Nigerian artiste on stage. Others were Soundcity/MTN Campus Blast tours, Star Mega Jam 2007 - 2010, Lets Go There Tour (2008) with Ariya Entertainment, New York, USA. The Alapomeji Records founder tells DANIEL ANAZIA, what fashion means to him.

WHAT is your definition of fashion?
It’s like a breathe of life; the mood we never share and the perception we dare.

And your style uniqueness
Original, classy and locally-tailored.

Favourite colour
Blue, because the sky is blue and also, my blood is blue (Royalty).

Your favourite piece of clothing
None!

Favourite designer, Nigeria and abroad
In Nigeria, they are Wadada and Cheddars Clothing, but abroad, they are Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

What would you not be caught wearing?
A tie.

What would you consider as fashion or style faux pax?
Fashion means different things to different people. For me, it is looking comfortable, elegant and classy. So, what may be suitable and comfortable to me, may not appeal to another person. It is an individual thing.

How often do you improve on your wardrobe?
Everyday. Whenever I go out, I must buy myself a new clothe — shirt, trouser or T-shirt.


What’s on shopping list for the month?
New set of boxers, singlet, shirts, t-shirts and pants.

The most expensive item ever bought and its value
My car, a Mercedes Benz. The value runs in millions.

Grooming habits and body care?
I use Elizabeth Arden packages and adi agbon.

Your favourite signature perfume and why do you love it?
They are John Varvatos and Paco Rabbane. They are subtle, classy and smell nice.

Favourite food
Beans and dodo (fried plantain), pounded yam and egusi soup with goat meat.

Choice travel/holiday destination
I love the Bahamas. I just believe it’s a very special place to be.
Likes
Honesty and respect.

Dislikes
Dishonesty and uncultured people.

What appeals to you in women?
Lovely face, cute lips and crazy curves (hourglass shape).

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done in life?
Nothing!

Philosophy of life
The world we lived in is a market place, buy and sell all you
can before the market closes.

What would you like to change in the country, if given the opportunity?
People’s perception of the country and its citizens’ mindset.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Fashion is a passion for me’

DAMILOLA Bode-Ogundipe, Creative Director of Chocolate Clothing and Accessories, is a designer of note. The Urban and Regional Planning graduate from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who also had a stint at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan African University, launched her outfit in 2007. She spoke to KEHINDE OLATUNJI on her sojourn in the industry.


How did you become a designer?
Though, I've always had love for fashion, I never considered it as a career option until five years ago. When we were growing up, jobs such as fashion designing and event management were not considered as serious career paths, however, things have changed.

Why fashion designing and not something else?
For me, it is instinctive and natural. I don't have to 'work' at it, and I believe that to give your best at your job, you need to be doing something that you can do and love with your whole heart without getting paid! I have other 'loves' such as interior decoration and writing, but fashion is my absolute passion.

Training?
I had worked for one of the top designers in the country and gained quite a bit of experience before I did a three-month course at Valerie Davids School of Design, which was to give a 'formal touch' to the skills I already had. But as in every other profession, keeping abreast of what is happening in the industry is key, so, I make sure I stay current through workshops and short courses.

Motivation
I’m motivated to be the best at what I do and excel at it because I know that's what Christ expects of me. Motivation to keep doing what I do (even when factors like epileptic power supply and other factors rear their heads. It also comes from 'that look' on a client's face when she sees her reflection in the outfit for the first time! That pure look of pleasure makes it all worth it. 

What gives you the cutting edge?
It’s what I call the 'oomph!' factor. It’s that little extra in a design that takes it from being a lovely outfit to a breathtaking one. My designs are for people who truly love fashion and appreciate even those tiny details that you need a magnifying glass to see! I believe a design doesn't always have to be overtly complicated but should always be able to make the statement the wearer wants to without her having to say a word.

First thing that comes to mind when designing

The purpose of the outfit! Even the bible says 'where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable'. Knowing what the client wants the outfit for, serves as a foundation of the whole design before even thinking of her personal style and other factors.

What messages are you passing with your designs?
That style can be infused into every area of your life be it at play or work. That even in the ever-changing fast paced world of fashion you can look stylish, fashionable and current without being a slave to trends. That fashion is individual and you should be proud of your uniqueness and not try to look like someone else

My style
My style is what I term 'easy cosmo'. Stylish yet comfortable — laid-back enough to catch a movie and dressed up enough to eat out at a nice restaurant. Of course, I dress to suit occasions that demand a certain look, but I don't lose style of comfort and style whatever the outfit is.

What materials do you use?
I'm not really restrained in my use of fabric. I use materials ranging from flowing fabrics such as chiffon, silk, silk satin to ones of a more structured nature like raw silk, cotton and ankara. I get a lot of my fabrics from places like Dubai and India. I have vendors who supply me with whatever specifications I give them. So, I don't necessarily have to travel to shop for fabrics. Our local markets are also a great source of quality materials and I enjoy making 'finds' in them.

Why I prefer the materials I use?
My choice of materials depends on the design of the outfit and the form and fit it would take, but I must say I have a love for raw silk and Chantilly lace when used properly. There's a richness about the that makes the simplest design luxurious

Do you design for celebrities?
Yes and one of them is Nikki Laoye

Role models
Locally, I'm inspired by Deola Sagoe and internationally, Diana Von Furstenberg and Donna Karan. The three ladies have built their business alongside their brand and are the epitome of what I envisage for Chocolate — Longetivity, continued relevance and a pioneering spirit