Laquan Smith

Arise fashion week is on full throttle in Lagos and so far It’s been a blast. The designers are wowing and dazzling all the fashionistas, editors and buyers out there. One of the designers showcasing at Arise Nigeria is the amazing Laquan Smith.

Laquan smith is a 21 year old designer form Queens New York and his rise to fame is very interesting.

Laquan had a passion for fashion and at the age of 13 his grandmother passed on her singer machine to him and that was how he enhanced his passion. In 2005 laquan had a tough battle with cancer and won, the strength spurred him on to apply to study fashion in both Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design but was rejected by both schools. He got his first break by scoring an internship with the prominent Blackbook magazine, he used this opportunity to blag his way into events wearing his own designs and a signature Christian Louboutin heels.

He caught the eyes of fashion publicist Katy Mills and it was through her his pieces found their way into the wardrobes of the top pop stars and celebrities out there.

 He has dressed the likes of Tyra Banks, Rhianna, Nicki Minaj, Cassie just to name a few his designs are very much avant-garde with a hint of punk rock. I look forward to his showcase and many more to come from him.

I respect this young mans hustle and drive it just shows that with hard work and determination impossible is nothing.

Sherie.

OUT AND ABOUT IN LONDON TOWN

Last week Thursday The Mirror Boy movie premiered in Leicester Square, London and I had the opportunity to attend. Apparently this is the first African movie to be premiered in Leicester Square, so for Nollywood this is a huge deal.

It was a star-studded event, with African celebrities, media personalities and political dignitaries all present to support the movie.

Although there was a massive turnout, I must say that the way the non-celebrity guests were treated was awful. The premiere felt more like a trade fair than a glitzy event that it should have been and considering this was meant to be a big deal, it was highly disappointing.

The Mirror Boy starring Edward Kagutuzi, Genevieve Nnaji, Osita Iheme, Fatima Jabbe, Victor Carvalho, John Charles Njie, Momodumusa Cisse, is a story about a boy on a spiritual quest in finding his heritage and becoming a man. 

The movie has a very interesting story line with witty scenes that will keep you captivated and entertained. Although in some scenes the acting of some characters is highly unconvincing and questionable, the scenery and location of the movie makes up for all these little hiccups. All in all the movie is a definite step up for Nollywood and hats off to Genevieve for a first class performance as always.

I would highly recommend this movie as it’s a beautiful film with a simple message: There’s no place like home. Hats off to OHTV and Obi Emelonye for pulling this off.

PS apologies for the not so great pictures, Molly had a fever ..x

SHERIE NO SHOES

After God, family and life, my other love is dedicated to shoes - leather, suede, patent to satin, I love them all. I know every woman has this natural affiliation with shoes and diamonds. I have this notion that diamonds makes you age if you’re not over 30, so my material love is solely dedicated to shoes and handbags.

Do you get this rush of happiness or your heart seems to skip a beat when you see a pair of lovely shoes?

Do you immediately match shoes up with outfits you own even when you haven’t bought them or need a new pair of shoes?

 Do you use the "it’s an investment" phrase when you see a pair of shoes you absolutely love but cannot necessarily afford?

Ladies, if your answer to this entire question is a yes, I can officially offer you a diagnosis: you are a victim of occasional shoegasm. Shoegasm is the feeling you get when you see the most amazing/beautiful/stunning pair of shoe imaginable.

I must confess I am victim of this euphoria and my most recent experience happened when I was walking down South Molton Street in London about 3 weeks and looked into the shop window of Gianmarco Lorenzi. I saw the most amazing shoes I have ever seen in my life. My heart literally skipped a beat and I did not realise I called out Jesus so loud a passerby gave me a pretty weird look. 

This shoeboot is so lush, it was like shoe candy calling out for me. I couldn’t explain it, all I knew was I had to have this pair. I went into the shop to try them on. Once they were on my feet, I did not want to let them go. I was already matching them up with outfits in my wardrobe thinking how happy I would make these shoes if I became their owner. And the sales assistant did not help either; she built up my ego so much on (which she really did not need to because I was in love already) I felt like Cinderella with  fabtastic shoes. I was pretty chuffed with myself, thinking no matter what, I have to have these.

 To seal the deal, I finally asked how much the masterpiece was and the sales assistant said with a reassuring smile it's just £3,000. My heart dropped. I was heartbroken instantly; I kindly told the lovely girl who served me that I wasn’t going to purchase them and walked out briskly. It was a sad day for me. I got home and raved on about the shoe to my mates who laughed at me for even considering saving to get such a shoe. This brought me to the conclusion that not all ladies suffer from shoegasm.

So if anyone out there shares my pain I would love to hear your thoughts or even if you’ve had a similar experience, please don’t hesitate to share.

FAB LOVES OHEMA OHENE

Everybody knows how much I love being African as well as British, so anytime I have the opportunity to showcase Africa in good light (unlike the BBC) I don’t hesitate to bring out my trumpet (more like vuvuzela) and blow it as loud as I can.

During one of my endless searching for pieces for a photo shoot for the upcoming issue which - if I may add - should be mega good, I stumbled on Ohema Ohene and it was love at first sight. After being commissioned to style a shoot, I called the store and headed down to Brixton to get pieces for my task.

I stepped into the store and it was nothing short of impressive. The store gave out an Afrocentric vibe with a touch of class, the attention to detail was to impeccable.

Ohema Ohene is an urban fashion line which infuses African print into modern ready to wear pieces.

From afrocentric trainers , t-shirts, dresses,  jumpers to accessories, Ohema Ohene has somehow found the perfect equilibrium which most of African urban print designers try to find when infusing prints into urban designs.

My personal favourite are the OH! Trainers, they are cute, very well made and absolutely irresistible, I couldn’t help but want a pair. 

I was filled with both pride and admiration in short Ohema Ohene won me over and I became a fan instantly. The beauty and brain behind this brand is Abenaa Poukaa, I asked her a couple of questions this is what she had to say:

Ohema Ohene in one sentence and your role: Ohema Ohene meaning Queen and King in Twi (Ghanaian language) is a sophisticated fashion line for all those who like to look dapper!

Where do you draw inspiration from: London

FAB thing about your job: I am the queen of my castle! I get to transform people.

Least likes but still FAB part of your job: No sleep!

What should we expect from Ohema Ohene in the nearest future: Only the very best! Stay tuned for more ranges…

Best advice you can offer: Plan, stay focus, trust in God! 'Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.' Proverbs 12:24

Roses are red violets are blue; if you don't fancy a bouquet, Ohema Ohene should do... Yes, I am cheesy; I can't help it, ok? Bye… xoxo Sherie

For more info go to www.ohemaohene.co.uk

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SHERIE

SHERIE IN THE HOUSE

I just got my first SLR, it’s a Canon 1000D (nothing major). I call her Molly (yes, my camera has a name -lol) and I love her to bits.

Being an intern is hard work but fun. Aside all the background work, I get a lot of free time to watch, learn and absorb the atmosphere when there’s a photo shoot.

We had a shoot for the upcoming issue and this is what Molly and I saw. 

A new FAB friend

Nicola & Cindy looking FAB

Mista Skee at play

My first shoot

We (Molly and I, of course) even had the chance to meet a star who is going to be featured in the next issue which I can't share with you guys just yet; I am afraid you will have to wait till the next issue to find out who this celebrity is. But I promise that it’s worth the wait.

A little clue 

 Have a FAB week all..x

SHERIE DOES HER FIRST SHOOT FOR FAB

SHERIE IN THE FAB HOUSE!

I styled my first ever editorial shoot last Monday and I was totally over the moon. Although we ran behind schedule due to certain minor issues,  as soon as we got the ball rolling it was amazing - I felt at home. Like a child in a candy store, I was very much happy. The team was amazing and my FAB family was more than helpful and I have to say I am proud to be Team FAB. I honestly can't wait for the next issue, it's looking amazing already.

I was soo excited about how successful the shoot was, I decided to celebrate by treating myself to good Brazilian food and salute it down with a large glass of margarita. I got to the restaurant which happens to be owned by my mate and he decided to treat me too, so my bill was on the house. I was like "Wow could my day get any better?" but I glady refused though I didn’t want to, - you know how it goes, till he insisted and as a lady I took it in my stride and if he insisted on me not paying, I wouldn’t mind... I'm sure you get my drift. 

After munching on beautifully made rice with grilled steak, Brazilian sausage, chicken all washed down into my system via a beautiful but lethal glass of Margarita, I was feeling over the moon.

On a high, I headed down to Tina, my lovely Thai eyebrow lady to sort my bushy eyebrows out. Thinking nothing could go wrong. This woman brought me right back to planet earth by giving me one hell of a wonky eyebrow... sigh. As in I look like I went to a dodgy surgeon and had botox on one brow and couldn’t afford one for the other brow. All I can say is thank God for make up, but to be completely honest with the amazing day I had nothing could really spoil my joy so I laughed it all in good spirit thinking to my self you cant really have it all, can you?

NEW GIRL ON THE BLOG: SHERIE ADELEKE, OUR FASHION INTERN

Name : Adepeju Sherie Adeleke

Age : 24

Born and bred in: London/Lagos/London

Role at FAB: fashion/creative intern I do anything and everything from the world wide web FAB awareness to styling, to blogging, to making tea or coffee... In short, whatever needs doing I am your girl (call me the FAB girl, OK?).

FAB part of my job: EVERYTHING! Meeting amazing creative people, learning from great people who have mastered their skills and craftsmanship of their specified field, but most importantly working in an environment where my creativity and ideas are appreciated and valid.

Least liked but still FAB part of your job: The chase, getting designers, running all over London to gather materials.

Aspirations/goals: I will be greater than Mary Portas, find a way to show the world how amazing Africa is, become a UNICEF ambassador and share my talent with the world in style.

Inspiration: The greatest and most amazing creative genius ever, the almighty God. He did such an amazing job with the universe which is both highly impressive and extremely baffling to comprehend.

Hero/heroine: Omodolapo Akinoso. My dearest mother is my hero; she doesn’t know it but the drive to succeed, being strong willed, knack for fashion, fabric and personal style were instilled in me by her. I love you, Mum.

Best piece of advice you can offer: Live, love, laugh; life is way too short.

Your kind of music: Whatever I can relate to.. I listen to a bit of everything: indie, hip hop, pop, house, and vintage Nigerian music. To be honest music is solely dependent on my mood really.

Your kind of book: British Medical Journal, any book by Paulo Coelho, Harry Potter, True Blood, Vogue, Wonderland, and Fashionaries.

Your style in a nutshell: Simple, updated, boho chic.

Your Kryptonite: Shoes and champagne.

Pet Peeves: Ignoramuses. Life isn’t black and white, deal with it.

Your USP: No matter what, an encounter with me is unforgettable. I’m like Marmite; there’s no in-betweens.

Log on to my blog: if you’re F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S, if you love fashion and know how to celebrate living.