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
The ‘Life is Beautiful’ collection encapsulates the vibrancy of life in the city of Accra, reflected in the joyful, exuberance of its people, enjoying life in the city.
Creative director, Janet Oddoye takes us on a journey with her collection, creating beautiful, timeless handbags that inject joy into the lives of women who carry them.
The ‘Life is Beautiful’ collection comes in an array of day and evening handbags in earthy colours, mono-chromatic mixes and distinct check patterns. The limited edition ‘Yaa’ handbag with it’s dark brown wooden handles create an ethnic feel, whilst the ‘Ama’ shoulder bag in seasonal mono-chromatic colours and limited edition mixes with a detachable, luxurious, double gold or silver chain is perfect for day to evening wear. Each handbag is adorned with a signature, metal name badge and dog-tag, authenticating it.
Adubea Jensen is a socially responsible brand that taps into Ghanaian heritage beading craftsmanship to create intricate, beaded handbags to suit every demographic. Each handbag is uniquely made using tiny beads which are woven together to form exquisite one-of-a-kind bead bags. The process is 100% handmade and a bag can take up to 50 hours to make. Their beautiful craftsmanship and limited availability make owning an Adubea Jensen an irresistible must-have.
SEE ALL THE STUNNING IMAGES BELOW:
Adubea Jensen, sourced in Africa, manufactured in Africa, exported from Africa. Adubea Jensen; Changing lives one bead at a time.
Adubea Jensen Shop, 4th Soula St, North Labone Ave, Labone, Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 233358788
Phone: +233 206358788
Email: info@adubeajensen.com
Website: www.adubeajensen.com
Facebook: Adubea Jensen
Instagram: @adubeajensen
Twitter: @adubeajensen
Location: La Villa Boutique Hotel & Level 8
Costume: Gorjiors & Ćharlotte Privé
Photography: FranklinGyanjr
Models: mspomaah & misjulee
MUA: Pinkyfabmakeup
Styling: @dharren
SHE By Bena presents to you OHEMAA, a traditional collection suited for the modern woman who loves contemporary designs but still feels the urge to remain connected to her traditional culture. The collection is cut from the true original Akan cloth, Kente, focusing on the rich and vibrant hues that make the cloth a symbol of social prestige, nobility and cultural sophistication. A collection truly befitting a queen ; OHEMAA
Muse: @its_yeeyee
Mua: @lawrebabe
Photography: @phloshop
Fascinator: @traditionsgh
Creative director: @dharren
Kente: @wefts_bt_jay
If you are working or have worked in the fashion industry in any area of design, you know that part of being a successful fashion designer is the ability to clearly present your ideas. As a creative, it can sometimes be difficult to express your concepts in a visual way. You might have an amazing idea, but it’s all in your head until it’s expressed clearly and this is where Debonairafrik’s style lounge comes in to help you figure out how you can express your vision in such a way that others will get behind your ideas.
Debonair Afrik over the weekend presented its annual fashion packed event Style Lounge 2018 with their theme being “redefining style, innovation and panache in African fashion industry” The 3-day fashion event began on the 29th June 2018 with the Influencers Night at The Shop, Osu, which gave the perfect opportunity for networking with top brands, influencers and media personnels in the fashion industry while being entertained with good music and cocktails.
The 2nd day, on the 30th June at the Impact Hub, Osu, Accra was the Style Lounge fashion workshop which was very educative, informative and business oriented. The style lounge 2018 fashion workshop featured top speakers like: Robert Carl Nuacoo Nunoo, A business and communication strategist, Empress Jamila, The CEO of Empress Jamila Ltd, Aisha Ayensu, The Creative Director of Christie Brown, Jessica Naa Adjeley Konney, A renowned fashion blogger and social media manager.
The 3rd and final day was the style lounge 2018 fashion presentation which was nothing short of creativity, style, amazing talents, stunning collections from both upcoming and renowned designers. The talented designers gave the audience everything from glam, chic, femininity, pop colors, a taste whimsical, exquisite detailing and masculinity. If you are one for drama or art-centric, there is definitely something for you in the collections showcased.
The audience were in awe and kept on their toes as they drooled over all the exquisite designs and styles presented to them.
Style lounge every year keeps getting bigger and better. Although the show started a little late, the set up was awesome, presentation was on point. The models delivered perfectly. Kudos to the Debonairafrik team for putting this great fashion event together, they are definitely causing ripple effect in the Ghana fashion industry.
STREET STYLE PHOTOS
See more photos on Debonairafrik
BACKSTAGE PHOTOS
See more photos on Debonairafrik
PHOTOS FROM INFLUENCERS NIGHT
See more photos on Debonairafrik
Photo Credit
Samuel Oke @samieo_
Vine Imagery @vineimagery
A video captured by ghanaweb, shows an unknown lady who is nearly half naked grabbing Wizkid’s neck and forcing her way to kiss him on stage when the Nigerian superstar stormed the stage at the 2018 Ghana Meets Naija concert to perform his popular song ‘Caro’.
We are fortunate to meet Kobby Klein, the sartorial mastermind behind TSUTSUBLEMA. After spending several years in the industry, Kobby has built an impressive resume that includes working with his celebrity clientele, on numerous editorial campaigns and contributing as a fashion expert. Kobby has already become somewhat of a fashion social media guru.
Kobby Klein, a vintage and art lover, a photo model and fashionista.
Currently, Elisha is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Token Media, a cryptocurrency marketing firm he set up in 2017 to help blockchain projects reach their target audience.
Elisha got into technology at age 12 after he received a mobile device that could access the internet. By exploring it, he was able to create a website all by himself.
One of his first works was building a commercial blog for Firefox OS, Mozilla’s mobile operating system (firefoxcentral.com), but when the project ended he had to venture into other areas in technology which landed him into cryptocurrency, blockchain technology and Bitcoin.
“I got into the tech space sometime in 2013. I had my second phone after using a Nokia 3310 so I got access to the internet and began to explore what mobile phones, operating systems and websites were all about and in 2014 I learned how to create websites on my own through YouTube,” he said.
The Bitcoin fever is sweeping across Africa and young people especially males are investing in it. A report by financial services company Citibank ranked Kenya as the fifth highest bitcoin holder per capita in the world. Nigeria was placed third and South Africa took the sixth position.
Observers have blamed the soaring interest in Bitcoin on the high unemployment rate in Africa. Others believe it’s all about fighting the feeling of not being left behind as young people.
For Elisha, it seems combining his education and entrepreneurship is just a slice of the challenges he faces as an entrepreneur.
His major setback has been the difficulties of moving money as there are few platforms in Africa that support cryptocurrency integration.
At the moment, Elisha is putting together a blockchain event with a heavy focus on cryptocurrency to raise discussions on regulations and the future of cryptocurrency in Africa.
“The future of cryptocurrencies in Africa is bright as it has moved from just being currencies into various useful platforms that will be essential to the African continent. I’m currently working on putting together an event on cryptocurrencies with a particular focus on regulations, the future of cryptocurrencies and how they can help Africa,” he added.
Ghana is gradually catching up with the Bitcoin fever as the country hosted its first blockchain conference last November.
ORIGINALLY APPEARED OF FACE2FACEAFRICA
Fast rising Ghanaian clothing brand; FearNoMan Clothing, has signed DJ Timmy as its official brand ambassador and sales representative for Nigeria. Kubeyinje Otis Ajodeji also known as DJ Timmy is an exceptionally talented Dj and Music producer.
The signed agreement was announced on Sunday, March 18,2018. A move to increase the reach of Kulaperry’s FEAR NO MAN apparels in Nigeria. DJ Timmy joins a solid team of other personalities who have also been signed as brand ambassadors and sales agent in different countries including South Africa, Liberia, Angola, Mozambique, Ghana, Morocco, and Kenya etc.
Explaining the purpose behind the signing of DJ Timmy, CEO of FEAR NO MAN Clothing; Kuleape Prince Boamah reveals that DJ Timmy is a great talent. His music and personality are fit for representing the brand in Nigeria. Another important reason is that, DJ Timmy has understanding of business due to his involvement in different aspects of music and fashion.
Who is DJ Timmy?
As a South-South native (Delta State), DJ Timmy was exposed to vast array of music at an early age. Thus his passion for music. Born Kubeyinje Otis Ayodeji, grew up listening to different genres of music, his early music influence includes Dr. Dre, Eminem, Chamillionaire and Jarule to name a few.
During his days as an under graduate at Lead City University (Ibadan), Dj Timmy played at series of events on his campus. A DJ who makes every opportunity count and always make the party come alive, which earned him the nickname “Baddest’’, as a result of his unique style of mix combined with Hype.
Dj Timmy’s journey has been nothing short of exciting in the past year between chart topping releases like RESPEK ON MY NAME and CONNECT and performances at different clubs and music festivals. He snatched a deal with Rapper YungSix KKTBM label making him the official DJ to the rapper and label but both parties are now independent.
With a wide growing audience around Lagos, Ibadan and the South-South region of Nigeria, Dj Timmy is a man of different parts, he can DJ, functions as a Hyper man /Event host, produce and also make beats. DJ Timmy is guaranteed to bring the party to your event and trill any audience.
He is currently promoting his new single with Ice Prince, KaySwitch and Wale Turner and the name of the song is ‘Right Now’. The song is already a fan favorite and it is currently the Hottest Trap song in Africa.
Follow @KulaperryNaija on Instagram and Twitter for more detail about this exciting collaboration for the Fear No Man Brand.
Kulaperry and his management team are currently on an African tour promoting the Brand.
BUSINESS CONTACT
Selorm H.K Fiadjoe (Business Manager)
Kwame A.A Opoku (Business Manager)
Email: Kulaperry233@gmail.com
Phone Number: +233 244102888 / +233 236841158 / +233 502286486
Ever genuinely wondered how, where or when to kick start a career in fashion styling? For you, maybe, you are just looking to satisfy your curiosity about the people behind some of the biggest brands in the fashion industry. Either ways, you’re in luck with one.
Hold my beer…..
Team Lyfe republic hooked up with top fashion stylist Prince Boamah Kuleape, and talked about how he got into styling, the workflow, his ambitions, and much more. For the past 5 years, Mr. Boamah has been running the KULAPERRYOUTLOOK (boutique) and for him, working in fashion doesn’t seem like a career choice, but a fate that he just couldn’t resist. With years of professional styling experience, Kula Perry has styled some of our favorite music videos and celebrities. He tells us that his career has been a journey with many lessons learned, attesting to the fact that nothing comes easily.
After enduring Accra’s annoying traffic, the team is finally settling in for a great interview with Kulaperry, the celebrity stylist. He is in high spirits, and we already start throwing questions at him. However, like a typical Ghanaian host, he suspends his answers and offers some good wine.
We accept and take sips, still dying to hear him give us answers already!
Grinning with finesse, he answers the first question.
Q: Tell us a bit about the person or team behind your brand
A: Kulaperry is the person behind FEAR NO MAN. A brand developer, stylist and the lead creator for FEAR NO MAN. Once driven by enthusiasm for the FEAR NO MAN brand and has eagle eye for fashion.
Q: Tell us about your brand (FEAR NO MAN)
A: The FEAR NO MAN clothing line is one of the composites of Kula Perry clothing. Kula Perry clothing is however comprised of three lines, which are fear no man, Royalty and Loyalty.
The FEAR NO MAN clothing line logo portrays a white human face with a red strip across the eyes of the face. The logo represents the African heritage. The color white was chosen for the face because it stands for cleanliness and purity while the red color for the strip represents the toil, hustle and struggle of Africans endured in achieving their dreams. The entirety of the logo simply seeks to highlight on the practice of seeing and speaking no evil. FEAR NO MAN is a line that stands as a symbol for people who fear nobody except God.
Q: How was the start up of (fearnoman)
A: The brand was officially launched in 2017 but has been under feasibility study and research for the past 5 years. The brand has a 15 years development plan. The whole idea was carefully planned. Starting with a few tee-shirt which I wore around and that got the attention of the people. Gradually, they wanted it. We had to focus on that and design different merch.
Q: Can u describe briefly how your outfits are made? Are they all made here in Ghana?
A: The designs are based on my personal life experiences with the idea of evicting Fear and inspiring Hope and no they are made outside Ghana, depending on the type of merch.
Q: Why are you in this particular business?
A: Because fashion is a lifestyle and there’s more to it than making money. It changes life
Q: Is it profitable?
A: Yes, so far as it pays me and enables me to help others
Q: How long were you running the business before you started paying yourself?
A: Started paying myself after the first year, because a lot went into marketing and brand positioning.
Q: Where do you see your brand in the nearest future?
A: It will be the biggest household brand worldwide. Rubbing shoulders with Adidas, Supreme, Gucci etc.
Q: What are the three hard to spot pitfalls that are critical to avoid in your field?
A: Avoid loans. Avoid negative energy and avoid imitating other people’s work.
Q: What’s that thing you’ve told yourself that kept you going during your darkest hour?
A: God is able.
Q: What advice do you have for those out there who want to set up their own businesses too
A: First of all ,every young individual hoping to be successful, should believe in God. Do a lot of research into what they want to do
Q: Any special story u want to share?
A: No,but what I would like to share is that, every talented individual should believe in God and keep pushing with passion
Q: How do people reach you if interested in your brand?
A: Anyone can reach me through the following….
Social Media:IG;(@fearnomanclothing/ @kulaperry)
Facebook:KulaperryGh
Snapchat:Kulaperry
Locate his outlook(s) at Madina Ritz Junction Office, North Kaneshie, adjacent Charter House, Manghin road or contact him on +233244102888/ +233576837911
