I asked the Tall, elegant and well-spoken model “What modeling meant to her,  Lora Akati said in response to my question ‘ Modeling is about expressionism. I put on clothes and assume a certain character. I get to play with my features and limbs and express myself in a language of clothes, makeup, hair etc.’

I noticed then, her shaved head which was bold and distinguished her on the runway. I had first seen her on the runway at the recent Glitz Fashion Week in Accra, wearing pieces by renowned Nigerian designers like Mai Atafo, Ejiro, Moofa and Vonne Couture. At 6’2, she is truly striking and you can’t help but notice her sleek, elegant form sashaying the runway.

 

 

I wondered for a moment, asking Akati ‘How did you get to walk for designers of such repute especially as a new face?’

Her features softened, smiling sweetly she said ‘I’ll tell you what. I walked into the fitting room on the second day and immediately I got in, Mai Atafo stood tall amidst a number of models and he said to me upon entering, where have you been? I’ve been looking for tall girls like you!. In a matter of seconds, I was stripped down to my lingerie and already sliding my legs into this crazy ruffle pants.’

 

Akati went on to explain that designers knew what they want and what body type worked best with what piece. In the same way, Vonne Couture approached her and asked if she’d like to open their show.

I remember that vivid yellow jacket and batik skirt she strutted as Studio 189 closed the Glitz Fashion Week. I could tell there was something special about this 21-year-old. I was pleasantly surprised to meet her at Lagos Fashion Week a couple of days later.

There, she still towered over her peers, walking with such grace. She wore a yellow number from the Sunny Rose collection, finishing off with Maki Oh on the last day. It’s not often you meet a diamond breaking out of the rough but as I watched Akati on the runway at Heineken Lagos Fashion Week, I knew a star was born

Later in an interview with Carmen & Coco of Marie Claire, she disclosed its her first show in Nigeria as well. She mentioned how immensely supportive everyone seemed especially the designers and their creative team, ‘Elvis of Sunny Rose treated me like a princess’ she added laughing. ‘It’s been a tough 3 days and my feet could use a massage and day off, but it’s been such a wonderful experience.’

I had to ask what her plans for the future were. She revealed a lookbook shoot for American-Nigerian Odio Mimonet the next day and a huge collaboration with Afrodesiac Worldwide which she had to keep under the lid for now

The 21-year old is signed to Scope Model Management in Nigeria and is looking to walk in Milan, NYC and South Africa next season. We wish her the  best of luck as we keep a keen eye on her career.

Instagram: lora.akati

Fendi has designed this pink circle scarf printed with the brand’s signature logo and lined with brown fur in the center.

But many Twitter users have compared it to a Punani. Yep, the tweets are true. Fendi designed a $1,000 blush-toned “Touch of Fur” scarf that reminds people of the very moment they were brought into this world.

Unfortunately for those of you who wanted to add this scarf to your Christmas list, it’s already been removed from the Fendi website because of people’s reaction and so all that’s left is its memory. And to be fair to Fendi, the “Touch of Fur” scarf is available in blue and red, but online shoppers have stayed fixated on the pink version out for obvious reasons.

Business Insider reports that While many mocked the scarf, others said that they would try wearing it. The scarf is still available to purchase in blue and red.

 

There is an appealing airiness to the clothes. Long, languid dresses with a 1930s sway with Duro Olowu’s signature prints—florals, polka dots, and a particularly charming butterfly print that covered a striking high-waisted pantsuit as well.

Indeed, even the most modest floor-length looks with full sleeves have an ease about them that belied their construction—the gorgeous blue floral number in the lineup is a good example, made with several layers of chiffon.

MORE STUNNING IMAGES BELOW:

According to Creative Director Hafsah Mohammed: 

“We designed this collection with different eye-catching elements from fringes to organza fabrics,making the selection versatile and fitting to one’s preference.

This Eid, we are mixing bygones with the new. We are taking a different approach to the typical abaya by giving it a modern twist, while still capturing the inimitable spirit of the Elora woman – her bold adventurous side.”

SEE MORE IMAGES BELOW

LOOK

AT

GOD

Ikire Jones was founded by Nigerian born designer/Afrobeat musician/attorney Walé Oyéjidé, and bespoke tailor/musician Sam Hubler. The brand takes a craftsmanship approach to design and makes boldly printed garments that are rich and elegant. Ikire Jones achieves optimum maximalism by marrying aesthetics from different cultures around the globe. They put Africa on the forefront with their African inspired prints and the prose that usually accompanies the lookbooks on the site, written by Walé Oyéjidé. 

Their latest collection, titled “Look At God” is a celebration of beauty in its myriad forms. An acknowledgement that elegance can be found everywhere, and in all of us, if we simply choose to look for it. The visually striking images from the lookbook were shot by Joshua Kissi, one half of Street Etiquette. The collection is print heavy and features expertly crafted basics that look anything but basic. Click on the gallery for the stunning lookbook.

 

Photography Courtesy:  Photographer: Joshua Kissi|Models: Elanor Grace BockMohamed OuedraogoLawrence AnnunziataNana Yaa| Makeup Artist: Alana Wright|Creative Direction + Copy: Walé Oyéjidé

HOMMES EN FLEUR is inspired by FLOWERS. This collection is for the confident and fashionable man who is ready to challenge old-fashion convection,and to make a bold statement whilst still being fairly easy on the eye

The floral prints is paired with plain white fabric and denim fabric. Special embroidery floral appliqué is being used.

As they say,it takes a real man to wear pink- and wearing floral is no exception to this rule.

Designer @qa_men X @quophiakotuahghana

Photography @vineimagery

Head pieces @Nkuro by Aki

Models : Fiifi Abban @captainforever X

Kenneth Obananaya @kenthegodofwar.

Stylist: John Matrsi @jaymatt1.