Neks2u Investigates: Who is a JL Woman?

Neks2u catches up with Tinuola Oluleye, CEO of luxury fashion house JamesLULLY. Since the official shop launch, Tinuola has been extremely busy building her brand and creating exceptional shopping services for her clients. This young lady has also been committed to giving back to the community and is set on achieving a lifetime mission in a charitable endeavour.



Tinuola Oluleye, CEO JamesLULLY

 N2U: Who is a JL Woman?

TO: A JL Woman is a confident woman that believes in herself and the positive growth and well being of young women in Nigeria

N2U: What is this JL Woman program all about?

TO: The JL woman program comprises of JL women, who dedicate their time to teach and empower young girls. It gives them the opportunity, to understand some trials and tribulations of being a woman in Nigeria. We also allow for the opportunity for them to reveal various issues they face at that age. As a JL Woman, my goal is to make sure that young women are not defined by their environment. My aim is to ensure that they are confident, independent and most of all believe women should keep their heads up high. In addition to this, JL Woman believes in inner strength, and wants every woman to have the ability to let that inner strength shine through and influence others positively.

N2U: So how did you come about this? What inspired you?

TO: I started it because I felt that most people go to shelters and just drop food. Nobody teaches these girls. So I thought instead of whiling away my weekends, I’ll get a few of my girlfriends and head to the shelter to educate and try and groom these young girls on what they never had a chance to learn.

N2U: What do you tend to focus on when you are with these girls?

TO: We promote sisterhood and love. It’s great because these girls now have someone they can talk to. At that age, this is very important. It’s like a big sister, small sister type thing.

N2U: Where exactly do you find these girls?

TO: Right now we are working with Hope for Survival Orphanage GISHIRI, ABUJA- currently we have enrolled about 16 girls from the ages of 11 to 16, who we hope to take through the “JL woman” program, inspiring and motivating them to be women they have dreamt of notwithstanding the environment or circumstance in which they have found themselves. This is just the beginning. We hope to include other orphanages in the program. We really hope to reach as many as we can this year.

N2U: Wow this is very impressive. Where do you get the energy?

TO: Well it’s a lot of work. These kids are very shy, so it’ll take some time to get them to come out of their shells. In my opinion, we have to do a lot more work, but I believe we are making progress.

N2U: How can your customers participate in this program?

TO: Well, they can make donations or volunteer to lecture, mentor or support our annual shows.



Tinuola with the girls at the orphanage




The girls are been taught

N2U: You had your first show last year. How did that go?

TO: Amazing! We had an idea to create a fashion and charity event. So we came up with JamesLULLY Charity Runway Revolution, a combination of Fashion, Music and Lectures. Our first ever show was on the 5th of December 2010 in Abuja and I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of support we got. Nse Ikpe Etim (Nollywood Actress) also showed her support with a wonderful lecture on being ambitious and female. It was a great show for a good cause. Part of the proceedings went to various charity houses.



Coco Couture




Coco Couture




Other Designers on the Runway: Ms Makor, Liwhan Clothing




Other Designers on the Runway: Uru Clothing, Fully Charged Tees




Models pose for the camera before hitting the runway




Nse Ikpe Etim in Wanger Ayu gives lecture




Amara Nwakpa gives lecture



James Oroko, aka Esko performs with a little help




Tinuola with the young girls



N2U: What is the next step for you as a JL Woman?

TO: We want to expand the program and include more of these young women from various other orphanages. The Charity Runway Revolution is going to be an annual event. So we are already looking forward to this year’s event. We really want to spread our efforts across the community. As I said earlier, this is a lot of work. But we are definitely eager to carry on with it!

To become a JL Woman, please contact the JL team via email at jameslully@yahoo.com, or via phone at 08065666615/097806815.

Neks2u Label Love: Wanger Ayu sparks up The Runway in Abuja with brand new collection

Luxury designer, Wanger Ayu was featured exclusively on Neks2u as one of the few selected to showcase their designs at the biggest fashion event in Abuja 2010, The Runway. The event marked the launch of Wanger Ayu's debut collection. Ultra feminine, classy and timeless is the theme for this collection as seen in each garment. Beautifully created with an attention to every detail, from the beading to the ruching, this collection is set to cater to all your fashion needs.



Wanger Ayu - Creative Director, Wanger Ayu



A Law Graduate from the University of Exeter, England and an alumni of the prestigious Esmod French Fashion University, Dubai, Wanger Ayu always had an innate sense of style and expressed this through artistic sketches. Upon successful completion of her law degree and subsequent call to bar (yes this fabulous lady is also a Barrister!), Miss Ayu decided to pursue her passion and establish a name for herself in the fashion industry.

Wanger creates unique pieces, sourcing silk and jersey fabrics from Nigeria and The Middle East.What I love about her collection, is the versatility of her designs. Whether separates, or one pieces, one is sure to find a garment suitable for work, cocktail party or a fabulous red carpet event.

For more details, call  +234(0)803 858 0295, email info@wangerayu.com or visit http://www.wangerayu.com/

Neks2u Style Steal: Sister Sister

(L-R) Pero Shonubi and Doyin Shonubi

Can you spot the difference? Indeed one can decipher the difference when it comes to these two gorgeous ladies. London based fashionista sisters, Pero and Doyin Shonubi share interests in fashion, yet there is a subtle difference in their sense of style and look.

Pero opts for casual glam and adds an edgy twist with her studded wedges.

Her swept back locks and chunky twist necklace invokes a bohemain feel to her ensemble

Doyin combines a plain white tank top with a zebra pint maxi skirt, which perfectly flatters her shape. She adds flair to the outfit with her gold plated chunky necklace and wrist cuff, cinching her waist with an reindeer studded belt. Absolutely fabulous!

Which of these styles would you steal?

It's all about Sheer Lace!

How sheer can you go?

For some sheer lace may seem a little risque to wear. However, if worn appropriately can be romantic and flirty. The great thing about sheer lace is, it can be combined with other fabric, layered or worn on its own and still look exceptionally beautiful.

British Singer Jessie J and Former Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland
are bold enough to flaunt their assets in revealing black lace

Layer a lace top with a sexy lingerie or something more demure to keep your modesty.The most important thing to remember is comfort. You do not want to sit through a party/event worrying whether anyone can see your crotch through your see through lace jumpsuit.

This trend is seen on the runway through all seasons from spring to summer. Nigerian Designer, Ejiro Amos Tafiri beautifully drapes jersey with lace, as seen on the Runway at the LPM 2010 End of year Fashion Show. Also, be inspired by Christopher Kane's punky yet pretty black lace and embroidered collection and add flair to your work wear, by combining a lace top with bell bottomed trousers or a high waisted Aline skirt. You can also add a splash of colour this season as seen by Isabel Marant and go bright in a blue embroidered lace.

Photo credit: www.onenigeriaboy.com

Neks2u Investigates: Death of the Weave?

It's a new year, and ladies are looking to switch up their looks. Does this mean less weaves and more natural (and by natural, I mean, just having your hair out, relaxed or non-relaxed)? Are we daring enough to shave off our glorious crowns rock the buzz cut? I've seen a fair share of women ditch their long locks for the clippers, and pull it off beautifully. I personally have been inspired to go this route a la Amber Rose, and dare I say, I am very pleased with my new look. 

Any woman can easily pull a buzz cut with sophisticated skills. Model Noemi Lenoir, and Singer Chrisette Michele have been bitten by the clipper buzz and are mesmerized by the beauty of exposing the facial features and decided to go short, I mean very short.

Last year, Solange Knowles was one of the divas who opted for a buzz cut flashing her feminine features just as fabulously as her co-singers who sport cascading tresses. This hairdo has endless benefits being an ultra-low-maintenance style it won't require any fuss when shaping.

Those who have the confidence to wear a similar style should steal the tricks of these celebrities when choosing the right outfits to complement their short crops.

Of course if you're worried that you may end up looking like Britney Spears circa 2007 and would prefer to have extensions, why not go the organic root and seek expert advice.

What hairstyle would you rather rock in 2011?

My HairLuxe is a brand in Ghana that specialises in luxurious virgin organic human hair extensions from South America and India. For more details call +233(0)205664013, or visit their facebook page.

Neks2u Label Love: Berrys Couture Presents FIT2FLATTER

Yours truly has graciously rounded up a list of designers showcased at The Runway Fashion and Music event in Abuja last year and some other equally fab designers. Year 2011 seems very promising for these talented designs and Neks2u is excited to present to you fabulous readers, a glimpse into the League of Designers, the Lookbooks and the Labels.

As the models strutted unto the catwalk adorning the gorgeous creations of Hadiza Yakubu, Executive Designer of Berrys Couture, I marvelled at the creativity prevalent in her designs. One of my best collections of the night, Miss Yakubu's collection, themed FIT2FLATTER is inspired by ethnic glamour found in 1960's African Fabric. This theme is prevalent through each garment, from subtle inspirations to flamboyant and exuberant designs, one is sure to find something that flatters in the aptly named collection.

Hadiza Yakubu, CEO, Berrys Couture

This collection personifies the strong, daring yet beautiful female and is depicted in each garment.

 













For more information on Berrys Couture, contact, Karen on +2348134590187

Neks2u Style Spotter: The Ra-Ra Girls

The Ra-Ra trend was spotted on a few of our favourite celebs last year at the MAMAs and much to my delight, this trend can definitely be rocked in 2011! As seen above on Nneka, Genevieve Nnaji and Bridget Awosika, the ra-ra skirt is typified by having a more voluminous silhouette than your usual skirt and a hemline that hits above the knee.



 

Nigerian artist, Nneka perfects the look in a Deola Sagoe asymmetrical lined mini dress, accentuated with a lace bodice, leaving a lot to be imagined. The minimalistic accessories, including a hint of an anklet creates a subtle, yet sexy look. Her tousled hair and open toe platform heels also add a playful and feminine touch.

Nollywood actress and designer, Genevieve Nnaji, portrays a more mature look in this Jewel By Lisa dress. The skirt is full with an intricately ruched detailing and is cinched at the waist with a velvet ribbon, the bodice layered with a black fabric on ankara. This has to be my favourite dress, it has an eclectic mixture to the fabric and texture, which is seen all through this beautifully crafted dress. I would however, have loved to see Ms Nnaji in a sleeked back ponytail, dramatic eye makeup for that grown and sexy look. This JBL dress screams contemporary cool, with a rocktstar edginess, which was not accomplished with the granny black patent pumps.

Designer, Bridget Awosika, gives a whole new meaning to the ra-ra trend as she combines a leather flounce mini skirt, with a sequined embroidered top. Bridget has succeeded in achieving a very modern look with her gold accentuated, square toe pumps and her hair style. One of my best looks for the night, the gorgeous designer sure knows how to create a minimal, yet fierce ensemble from her creative use of textures and detailing.

Neks2u Style Spotter: Purple Passion

Make a bold statement this new year with The Colour Purple, and I'm not talking about the novel by Alice Walker, I'm talking about the royalty colour purple. This rich hue suits different skin tones and can be worn in various shades from plum to lilac.

Pair a purple blouse or tunic with black or a dark neutral bottoms. A purple blouse under a dark suit looks great for work.

Choose a purple coloured piece to make a statement with

Match with statement accessories like Erin Lucas, left. This look is all about the details - oversized clutch, layered necklace, cocktail ring and studded cuff. Audrina Patridge, right, punches up her purple strapless draped dress with bright blue shoes and a grey necklace and bracelet pearl set.

This trick to wearing purple is to keep your makeup very sheer and light and avoid dark purple eyeshadow. Keep it fun, flirty and sexy!

It's all about the New Year!

Let's move on to something more exciting! Bring on 2011!

Photo Credits: www.someecards.com