Nigeria's Next Super Model 2011 Grand Finale The Video

AFRICAN-AMERICAN AIRLINES | TYLER PERRY'S OFFER TO PURCHASE AMERICAN AIRLINES GRANTED

DALLAS –   Tyler Perry reportedly made an offer to buy American Airlines.  They accepted.  The new airline:  African-American Airlines.
The Texas-based AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, announced that the company filed petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, “in order to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive and thereby assure its long-term viability and ability to continue delivering a world-class travel experience for its customers.”
WWN has learned that wealthy actor-director Tyler Perry has made an attractive offer for American Airlines.  The offer, said to be near $5 billion dollars, was quickly accepted by the airline.
“Mr. Perry made a bold and brilliant move… he is the smartest mogul in the country,” said a source close to American Airlines.  ”No other businessman would have the guts to try to bail out the biggest airline in the United States.”
Perry, the creator of the “Madea” character and the “House of Payne” sitcom, reportedly plans to rename American Airlines – African-American Airlines.  The new Perry run airline will be targeted to African-American passengers, but industry experts say that many white, asian and latino passengers will want to fly the airline, “just to be cool.”

Sources close to American Airlines said the sale to Perry is in the best interest of  the company and its shareholders.
Perry said he will not only be the CEO of the new airline, but he also will be the CFO, the COO, the CIO, the director of human sources and, of course, he will pilot many of the AAA flights.

American said it is operating normal flight schedules, honoring tickets and reservations, and making normal refunds and exchanges – during the transition period.

Perry reportedly said he will slowly implement new changes.  ”I want every flight to be a positive experience for all passengers and I hope to turn every flight into a morality play of sorts.”
How will Perry turn a flight into a morality play?  ”He hasn’t figured that out yet, but there will be a Madea character on every flight,” said Perry’s limo driver.
This will be Perry’s first airline, but sources say he plans to buy an airline every year for the next twenty years.

ALY FAWAZ COLLECTION AT THE NIGERIA'S NEXT SUPER MODEL 2011 GRAND FINALE

Nigeria's Next Super Model 2011 Grand Finale showing Aly Fawaz collection as being displayed by the stunning ISIS Models who that emerged finalist at the recently concluded Nigeria's Next Super Model Screening . The Grand finale held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria having designers from Nigeria and abroad showcasing their clothing lines on models while the model contest is on. At the end, Imade Ogbewi emerged as the 2011 winner.

MODEL PROFILE | ROMEO IFEANYI MESIK - NIGERIAN MODEL

Romeo Ifeanyi Mesik, also known as Ray, because of his light skinned look, hails from Delta state; he is the 3rd child from four brothers. The 6″3 tall, model, sheds light on how he meddles modelling with getting a degrees in Law and Political science.
How were you discovered?
I actually started modelling at a very young age, but most of the jobs I have done are not in Nigeria. I got in through Steven Blank, a really good fashion photographer. I met him through a friend of mine; he saw me and was amazed, he liked my face and he wanted to try some extreme photography works. It was a really nice experience.
How long have you nurtured the desire to be a model?
I have always wanted to be a model, wanted to express myself and do those things which I normally would not do, wanted to push my boundaries.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my environment, my wonderful family, my kid brother who is also a model in Nigeria. I also like the fact that I have very liberal parents who love and support what I do.
Who are the designers You have worked with?
I have worked with Mango, did an editorial Ad for Michael Kors last year and I also did a sales promo Ad for Zara Man in the UK last year too.
Modelling as a career,tell us more about the support you get from your family?
I have the best family anyone can wish for, my brothers are extremely cool with what  I am doing, my parents are just too good and very liberal. My dad usually laughs with me over my nude arts. My kid brother is also someone I love very much and he’s very inspiring too. But my dad still wants me to pursue a law career. I have always wanted to be a lawyer.
Do you wish to pursue other ventures in the fashion business? What would it be?
I might go into having my own line of men’s clothing, but not too sure if am ready for that yet.
What are the challenges you face as a model?
hmmm, people seem to judge me too much and even people who don’t know me feel they do and its kinda funny, like on facebook and stuff, but its OK though.

What agencies do you belong with?
I am signed with Next models in the UK and US.
What job has been your best yet?
It has got to be my Ad with Michael Kors. Kors saw my pictures and wanted me to do the shoot for his jeans line. It was a great experience and I got to shoot with Micheal Jordan Smith.
What are You working on right now?
Nothing much really, I got some art shoots am doing now.
Runway or Ad campaigns?
I prefer photography and Ads to runway, cos it allows me to express myself more but I still do both though.
Your thoughts on the modelling industry in Nigeria?
I really feel the industry down there is growing but the degree of mediocrity over there is alarming. I met somebody at the airport who said he was a model, I tried not to be rude but he’s not suppose to even think that. Then again the industry is not about who has what it takes, to them it’s about who you know and stuff. I heard about how models were marginalized at the Lagos style week casting all because they didn’t know the guy who was casting and it’s funny cause such nonsense don’t happen here.
How often do you work out?
I work out at least four times in a week.
Any advice for aspiring models?


My advice to upcoming models is to keep it simple and easy, try being yourselves and with time you will get there.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2nd EDITION: FRIDAY 3rd & SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST 2012 AT LONDON’S OLDEST & ONE OF ITS FINEST MARKET HALLS, SPITALFIELDS.

London 20.12.11                                         PRESS RELEASE

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2^nd EDITION: FRIDAY 3^rd & SATURDAY 4^TH AUGUST 2012 AT LONDON’S OLDEST & ONE OF ITS FINEST MARKET HALLS, SPITALFIELDS.

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) kicked off to a flamboyant start for its debut launch in London during August 2011. With an impressive turnout of over 4,700 attendees, the 2-day extravaganza created an unprecedented platform for over 50 international designers to showcase their collections.

Glowing press reviews and high attendance figures in 2011 have boosted AFWL profile and now led to captivate a wider international audience in 2012, beneficiating of an estimated 7 million London visitors set to be in the capital for the Olympics. AFWL pledged to continue offering equal opportunities & exposure to designers from all backgrounds whom are inspired by African designs, prints & textiles.

Offering cutting edge fashion, interiors, original artworks as well as food, Spitalfields Market, winner of the 2007 Best New Open Space, is surrounded by independent shops, cafes, bars and awarding winning restaurants such as Canteen, Galvin La Chapell and Giraffe to name a few. With a capacity of over 10,000 visitors, Spitalfields will offer Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) the perfect location for a 2 day display of Fashion, Art, Music & Food.

    

Karine Laudort-Idonije

Kay Flawless Fashion – KLRP Ltd – press@kayflawlessukfashion.org

Beauty Monthly

Today’s make-up
Let’s Glow
By Laide Sjumarken

The new trend in foundation is lightweight or “invisible” products that smooth out skin imperfections with light diffusing reflectors. These foundations help the skin to create an illusion of flawlessness. Fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear, leaving a radiant, luminous, healthy and youthful looking skin. The discerning sophisticated woman knows that the heavier the foundation, the more emphasis is placed on facial lines. Make-up should not be used to hide the skin but to enhance the natural beauty of the face and draw attention to our best features. A natural looking glowing skin is much more attractive and flattering than a heavily made-up face. Applying heavy make-up coverage to the skin can actually make the user look older.

These “invisible” make-up bases are ideal for daytime usage, especially at the work place. They give a polished finish without making the user look overly made-up. In fact, many brands no longer use the word “foundation”, preferring to call their products “tints”, ”make-up bases”, “real skin” and “veils”. An excellent natural finish product that provides a wide spectrum of shades of brown for the woman of color is BECCA’s Luminous Skin Color. BECCA Cosmetics has the perfect yellow under-tone, which flatters most shades of brown skin. Unlike many other foundations that turn our skin ashy or give us an unnatural coat of red, BECCA foundations simply make our skin glow in a healthy youthful way.

Many cosmetic companies have introduced skin care ingredients into the foundation. Most foundations today not only contain deep color pigments but they also contain moisturizers, primers, illuminators, peptides, vitamin C and Vitamin E. A favorite of mine is Trish McEvoy’s Advanced Treatment Foundation SPF 15. This foundation is weightless on the skin. It contains pigments that optically diffuse the appearance of fine lines and imparts luminosity. On the treatment side, it has dual-action peptides, green tea, SPF and powerful antioxidants. NARS Firming foundation not only promises a flawless and radiant complexion, but also promises to minimize imperfections and improve skin’s resilience. It counts amongst its ingredients firming peptides and vitamin C.

In the US and the UK, the use of mineral foundations is growing. Mineral foundations are very lightweight and often contain skin treatment benefits and sun protection. They do not contain harmful parabens and preservatives. Mineral foundations will appeal to many of us who live in a hot and humid climate like Nigeria. One thin layer will give the finish of a tinted moisturizer. If more coverage is desired, one simply applies a little more. Application starts in the centre of the face, moving the brush in small circular motions. The more the user buffs the better the flawless finish. The most popular mineral foundation that has some colors suitable for brown skin is Bare Minerals foundation. Sadly, most of the mineral foundations in the market do not match our skin tone perfectly. But be on the look out for BECCA Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder Foundation. BECCA will introduce darker shades. The BECCA Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder Foundation is good for all ages and skin types, including those with sensitive or acne prone skin. It is infused with natural anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, C and E this Mineral Powder Foundation offers anti-ageing benefits plus it imparts a healthy, fresh, luminous and cake-free finish.

The full range of BECCA Cosmetics is now available in Nigeria at the Four Points Hotel Salon in Oniru, the Nail Place in Victoria Island and at 111 Dolphin Plaza, Ikoyi.

Luxury lifestyle brand Flawless Style proudly presents cult makeup brand BECCA to Nigeria.

Luxury lifestyle brand Flawless Style proudly presents cult makeup brand BECCA to Nigeria.

“The whole philosophy of BECCA is about creating a natural, flawless look. Its really about skin looking amazing; everything else is secondary”. Rebecca Morrice Williams, BECCA founder

Enabling all women, regardless of age or ethnicity, to achieve a natural looking, flawless complexion is the bedrock of the BECCA philosophy.
BECCA originated from the simple desire to find the perfect foundation. Frustrated by her own inability to find the miracle product, Australian Makeup Artist Rebecca Morrice Williams created the ultimate range of skin-perfecting products to make it possible for all women to experience the pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion, regardless of their age, skin tone or skin type. From its inception in 2001, BECCA has quickly become known within the industry as the go-to brand specializing in skin cosmetics.
Today, BECCA is available in over 250 locations worldwide in over 27 countries, with a brand presence in the world’s most prestigious department stores, beauty boutiques, exclusive award-winning hotels, niche hair salons and high-end spas. This now includes the exclusive Flawless Style Boutique, Lagos.

With arguably the world’s finest foundations, concealers and powders, BECCA has been snapped up by celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Venus and Serena Williams and Thandie Newton.

BECCA is now available in Nigeria, distributed and marketed exclusively by Flawless Style a luxury lifestyle brand owned by celebrated ex-Investment Banker and Stylist, Laide Sjumarken.

Flawless Style cosmetics and Skincare provides women of color with skincare products and cosmetics that perfectly suit their skin type. Being the exclusive distributor of BECCA cosmetics in Nigeria, Laide is very proud to show case the brand to the many cosmopolitan and beauty savvy women represented in the Nigerian market.

"What sets BECCA apart is the quality of the product and the varying ranges that accommodate different skin types," says Sjumarken. The introduction of BECCA to Nigeria will see women being spoiled for choice as the brand will challenge already established products in the market.

"We are very excited about BECCA. My aim is to establish it as the preferred makeup brand in Nigeria. My long-term aspiration is to open other BECCA retail outlets throughout the country and across West Africa," says Sjumarken.

BECCA products can be found at Four Points Hotel in Oniru, Nail Place on 32 Musa Yaradua in Victoria Island as well as at 111 Dolphin Plaza, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.
For more information contact;
Laide Sjumarken
Tel: 01-8820190, 08122245641, 44-7779996818
www.flawless-style.com

TONIA MARTINS OPENS UP ON SISI EKO MODEL SEARCH.

L-R: Bukola Adeyeye (Brand Mgr), Sisi Eko, Joseph Odika (fashionnetworkafrica) and Mrs. Martins (Sisi Eko Founder)

For Mrs. Tonia Martins, Project Director of Queen Art Entertainment and Originator of SISI EKO , to have joined the race of Modelling search contest is not for making money but to empower the youth especially from the grass-root; She pointed in a one-on-one interview with Fashion Network Africa.

According to her, Queen Art Entertainment is poised at creating the needed leverage to empower youth so that they can be useful to themselves, their families and to the society. Sisi Eko Model search contest is one of the projects promulgated to empower youth. The maiden edition was concluded two months ago and the winner went home with a brand new saloon Car.

In addition, an academy has also been established under her agency where youngsters can learn to become professional models, ushers, fashion designers and stylists.

L-R: Joseph (Blogger Fashion Network Africa & Sisi Eko.

ESTELLA COUTURE FOR LONDON FASHION WEEK. | FEB. 2012E

                                           estella couture at soiree: fashion show organised by chambers of         commerce, Washington, United States.
                                        
Ms. Estella Ogbonna is an Award winning fashion designer with unique design skills and an eye for fashion that is not common. Imaginative, exotic, trendy, and haute couture. Estella’s passion for fashion shows in her designs. She uses traditional, ethnic fabric and materials from Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, mixed with conventional fabrics, creating a master-piece fashion art that is in a class of its own. And with standout detailing and finishes that engages many fashion dynamics. This distinguishes her designs on runways worldwide.

Her designs offer creative fashion options to trendy, sophisticated, fashion-forward woman who dare to express an uncommon style. Her designs rendered in natural fabric blends are imbibed with cultural earthy tones, colors and textures. ESTELLA Couture is all the rage in creative afro centric fashion, with designs for all occasion. With undertones that make International and Intercontinental fashion dreams come true in more ways than can be imagined. Estella is well known for her elegant, versatile, sculpted evening gowns mixed with ethnic flare. Her designs never go out of season. Thus, the reason they are called ‘Seasonless Couture’
Estella Couture also designs for men, all corporate, festive and casual, with an ethnic touch. Other collections under Estella Couture include Jeankara (a jeans collection) which is launching this Summer, for men and women.
Customized and couture designing is a niche Estella Couture has carved in a fast growing market. And, those that cannot afford to buy the garments, have an option to Rent the garments for events and photo shoots.
Designs by Estella Couture are also gracing the movie industry: Nollywood and Hollywood. With movie stars, Television, Musicians, Sports and radio celebrities proudly wearing Estella Couture designs on red carpets across the USA.

Helen Onohwakpor | A quintessential Model Scout & Stylist.

Helen is a model manager, model scout, public relations practitioner, stylist and events coordinator.

Born as first girl into a large family of eleven children from Kokori in Delta State Nigeria, Helen – popularly referred to Helen Onos says “As long as I can remember, I have always been interested in modeling, fashion and show business”

Helen started modeling in 1994 after a Physical / Health Education programme at the Delta State University in Abraka in Delta Stat, Nigeria. She strutted the catwalk for many Nigerian designers including Frank Osodi, Labanella, Rose of Sharon, Jimmy Kings, Kessy Jabare, Dacova, Bobby's Signature, Adebayo Jones, Remi Lagos, Mon Ami, Ade Bakare and Zizi Cador. She also did commercial modeling appearing on billboards and television.

Helen contested in Nigeria’s most premier beauty pageant - the Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria pageant in 2000. She was first runner up and also won the category of Best Traditional National Costume for that year.

Helen represented Nigeria in the Miss ECOWAS Beauty pageant in Cotonou, Republic of Benin the same year, where she was 3rd runners up. In 2001, she was the first ever Nigerian to compete in the Miss Malaika Beauty pageant in South Africa where she got to the semi finals.

Helen acted briefly in the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood), acting in movies such Hidden Place (1997) Glamour Girls 2 (1998) and Just Me (2005).
In 2005 she was honoured by her home state with the Delta State Culture and Tourism Goodwill Ambassador award.

Since 2005 Helen has been involved with in scouting and management of models and management of beauty pageants and modeling competitions “I never really retired from the runway. I occasionally still walk the runway for charity events and in support of friends – but my focus now is in helping young girls who want to go into a career in modeling and in putting-together and managing modeling and beauty events” she says.

Helen has worked on a number of successful events such as Miss Akwa Ibom 1998, Miss DESOMPADEC 2007, New Face of Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2009, Miss Black is Beautiful 2011, The Nigeria Next Super Model 2011 and Miss Catholic Dioceses 2011. She is a mother of two, an Associate member of the Institute of Public Management (IPM) and A member of Nigeria Institute of Public Relation (NIPR).

Ex-Miss Venezuela deceased.

Former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall, whose struggle with breast cancer was closely followed by Venezuelans, has died at age 28.
Her family said Ekvall died Saturday at a hospital in Houston.
Ekvall was crowned Miss Venezuela at age 17 in 2000, and the following year she was third runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She went on to work as a model, actress and television news anchor.
She also authored a book, "Fuera de Foco" ("Out of Focus"), about her struggle with cancer, which included images by Venezuelan photographer Roberto Mata.
She told the newspaper El Nacional in an interview last year after the book was published that "I needed to send the message of the need for cancer prevention."
On the cover was a portrait in which she appeared with makeup and her head shaved. The book also included images of her while going through chemotherapy.
"I hate to see photos in which I come out ugly," Ekvall told El Nacional. "But you know what? Nobody ever said cancer is pretty or that I should look like Miss Venezuela when I have cancer."
At the time, she was hopeful of overcoming cancer and wanted to write more.
Ekvall's family said in a statement Sunday that her remains were being cremated in Houston on Monday and that a service is to be held in Venezuela once her remains are returned to the country.
Ekvall said in a 2007 interview published in Venezuelan news media that although her mother is Jamaican and her father is American of Swedish and Hungarian descent, "I feel more Venezuelan than anybody."
She was married to radio producer John Fabio Bermudez and had a 2-year-old daughter.
In her book, Ekvall had described her joy at the birth of her daughter saying "that happiness, although (the daughter) may not know it or understand it, keeps me alive today."
The book included emails that she wrote to friends providing updates on her treatment and thanking them for their support, as well as short essays by relatives and friends reflecting on her ordeal.
Her father, Eric Ekvall, recalled in the book that his mother, also named Eva, had died of the same type of cancer at age 39.
-AP

ENE MAYA & JULIET MORGAN FOR DC FASHION WEEK 2012

Ene Maya is true African beauty, she is ex miss Nigeria of 2004. The Ene Maya Collection is a combination of head wraps,scarves and accessories. The aim is to introduce this as a trend in young Nigerian women to accessorize any kind of outfit. These accessories have been a hit in various runways round the world.

Ene head gear collections will make the runway at the DC Fashion work in the United States, come Febuary 20102. Her Friend,Personal Assistant and confidant, Juliet Morgan will accompany her for the world class event in Washington. Top Models from Nigeria had already been booked for the event.

Fashion Network Africa is already anticipating efforts to cover the event alongside other journalists from Nigeria.