WE HAVE MOVED

Dear FAB friends,

We have now moved our blog to our new address as follows:

http://blog.fabmagazineonline.com

Please bookmark our new address and keep coming back for daily updates from Team FAB.

Stay FAB,

Team FAB

MONDAY WITH M3NSA

Dear FAB Ones,


Hope you've had a FABulous Monday. In case you haven't and you need some cheering up, here's the latest video from M3NSA that really cheers us up. 


Stay FAB,


Team FAB

THE WORLD OF MAKE-BELIEVE

Suby back in da FAB House.

I am still as always Fabulous.African.Black. It has been a long and successful week for myself and the FAB Team. We finally see a huge dream of our come true, FAB Magazine is now sold in 1000+ stores across the UK - huge milestone for us to be sold besides such magazines as Vogue and Elle. Please go out there and buy your copy. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

Now shameless plug over and done with, my blog today is all about demystifying this belief some people may have that images & people are born and made perfect. Sorry folks, we live in the world of make-belief; the world of fashion is the biggest “make-believer” of them all. 

We (try to) sell you perfection on every page we present, whether it be a small editing change, or a drastic rebuild of a face, a smile, or the scenery. We do this in order to fundamentally get you to like, so you can be influenced to buy what we are showcasing. Let's not be naive here, you would not buy a car or house that was not presented to perfection, so why should one think you would buy a jacket that pot bellied Suby is modelling? No we sell you Perfection for a reason.

For those of you who feel that they have to be like the images they see in magazines, enjoy the show (Once again: it's ALL make-believe. WAKE UP!), for those who wonder how the original images looked like, have a field day thinking, "Why can’t they get it right in-camera?” (NOT POSSIBLE to create some certain effects in-camera), for those of you who want to bask in mine (and Sinem’s) awesomeness, feel free to go "AWESOME" & "FAB!" at viewing most of the images. 

Let  the “drama” begin:

Subtle lighting and skin clean:

Sepia toning to add more drama:

Even more drama added for more definition:

Now that’s what we call drama! I would buy whatever is being sold here:

Cleaning up skin and making teeth “more perfect” :) Well you would not buy lipstick or toothpaste after seeing an image that was not perfect, would you?

Now this is all about the dress, the background highlightened now just makes it look even more 'phhppoooaaarr'. (Refer to www.kosibah.co.uk for those of you who dream of looking this 'phwoooaarrr.' Disclaimer: there may be a little… ok a lot of exercise also involved here)

Catwalk or concert images sometimes need a little bit of help in showing the drama:

I end this blog with one of my favourite image shot about 1.5 years ago. It just reminds me of how proud we as Africans should be at the beauty of not only ourselves, but our continent. I wish we took more pride in being black and strive even more to be the best at what we do.

Nigerians, today is the last day for you all to register to vote, I really do hope you/we all have registered as the future is literally in “all your/our hands”. DON’T SELL OUT (you know what I mean here).

P.s

Someone once asked how Sinem & I shoot together, we actually do shoot simultaneously at most shoots, don’t know how we do it, but we seem to have perfected the art, and we have the proof here (lol):

P.p.s

Welcome back to Nigeria from a hard business trip to Asia our publisher, Fab, goodbye to him on Monday as he is once again off to New York Fashion week. Safe trip, bro.

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?

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM FAB AND EXCLUSIVE IMAGES FROM THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011

BORI IN THE FAB HOUSE!

BORI WITH THE MAGAZINE OF
THE YEAR AWARD

So Bori is here and I'm writing my very first post in 'super dance mode'. Believe it or not, I'm writing and dancing - a move only SuperBori (*wink* @ Nics and Sin) can do, so please 'DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME'.

Anyways, to the reason why I'm in 'dance mode'. I just got home from a gathering of some of the brightest and best Nigerians across generations - THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011 ceremony - and in my hand (the left one to be precise) is an award plaque with the inscription 'Magazine of the Year' (hold on, I need to dance some more).

Ok, I'm back (n panting).

Yes people, your favourite magazine FAB scooped the award for 'Magazine of the Year' at THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011 and yours sincerely, alongside the delectable 'Pepper' (FAB's Fashion Editor) were right there to receive it (whoop-whoop).

PEPPER ON THE GREEN CARPET

BORI & PEPPER

It was indeed a moment of REASSURANCE, proving that FAB magazine is headed in the right direction and all the hard work and sleepless nights were not in vain.

Personally, it was a moment of pride. To be part of a FABulous and creative group of individuals with a 'can do' attitude that surpasses any I currently know of.

So, to Team FAB - I say CONGRATULATIONS, this is just the beginning of greater things.

To God - We are more than grateful for this.

To everyone that has splashed out N500 (though meagre) to own a copy of FAB Magazine - Thank you so very much.

Finally, to the organisers of the Future Awards - Can we win this again?...lol 

See y'all next Monday...Till then...

Remain FAB!

Yours sincerely,

Oluwabori

GENEVIEVE NNAJI TALKING TO FAB TV

BORI WITH SOUL SNATCHA

BORI WITH NAETO C

FABULOUS PEPPER OKWESA
FAB FASHION EDITOR

VICTORY

FAB BY NAME, FAB BY NATURE

FAB IN THE FAB HOUSE!

Hello FAB people,

This is my first blog - yaaaay!!! Now that really does not sound like me, but I really do feel like letting out a shout every now and again. 

Five minutes ago I received a mail on Facebook from a lady I do not even know saying she felt I was really proud and short-tempered just from studying me, and my mind immediately went defensive... Me! Proud?However, my heart stopped me as it said to me, "Yes, you are short-tempered!" 

I must admit the littlest things can tick me off, but then I am growing to manage quite a lot in my short life span. I usually expect from others what I give, and my wife, Mrs FAB, has made me realise that it will never happen, so she advises me to just keep loving people even when they are incapable of loving me back. This indeed is a sound Christian doctrine and my heart believes it totally! So watch my temper dissipate with each encounter I come across not because I have the strength but because I have requested for God’s grace. 

However, pride is not something that I can say I possess and could ever even if I tried! "Why?" you may ask. It is quite simple. I realise that everything I could own and everything I could ever achieve is because God has permitted me to have or realise it. I live by this principle and it keeps me in check. If you happen to be creative, think about the authentic creator and the works of His hands and you will be humbled knowing that He only revealed a little of Himself to you! If you are extremely smart, He probably just endowed you with a little of His wisdom!

About 4 years ago, I got the revelation as hidden in my name for 29 years. I was born Familusi Akin Babajide, I was FAB! Immediately I advised every publication writing about me to refer to me as such because with the name came a vision that was indeed bigger than me. I still recall the first day I got a full page write-up in ThisDay Style as FAB! I recall smiling the next week when someone stopped me and asked "Are you FAB?"  

The vision I have is one that only God could have given! FAB Magazine might have been born barely a year ago, but you must realise that everything is first revealed in the spiritual before you ever see it in the physical! FAB Magazine had been settled a long time ago and I thank God that, even though it is fast catching on and being distributed worldwide, becoming a by-word for quality, it remains only the beginning for me. Watch this space and any other platform you could find me on and see me boast not in what I am or becoming but in whom I know...I call Him the I AM THAT I AM!

**Right now I am in Colombo, Sri-Lanka where I am hard at work (forget that the picture makes it look like I am at play) and will bring you my Asian stories next week!

FAB AT WORK?

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.

YES, WE DID! AN OPEN LETTER TO THE DREAM TEAM

SINEM (AFROYINBO) IN THE HOUSE! 

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford

Thursday 27 January 2011 was yet another milestone FAB's journey from a mere dream to astounding reality - hopefully one of many more to come on the way to world domination. 

Thursday 27 January marked FAB's entry to the UK retail market, gracing the shelves of WH Smith's and independent retailers. (If you are in the UK and want to win a little something to shout out 'I am FAB' to the world, go get yourself a copy, snap a pic in your local agent's and e-mail/tweet/pigeon post the pic to us by 12 am on 3 February 2011. The best pic wins!) Full list of locations to follow next week right here on this blog!

WH SMITH'S MILTON KEYNES

WH SMITH'S BRENT CROSS

Without further ado, I want to get on with my post - tissues at the ready, peeps, this is going to be a soppy one - and dedicate it to the Dream Team. 

Suby, homey, lover, friend - If it weren't for your faith in me, I would still be working at my 9 to 5 (No, correction 9 to 9) lamenting my lack of time for honing my writing. I still remember that car journey in 2006 where I was in tears about not having the time to write, let alone publish, anything and you were telling me to "suck it up and make the time or accept the fact that you will never get anything published. 

It wasn't easy. There were many a tearful car journey, many a sleepless night where little old me would be wrecked with self-doubt and you would have endless patience to tell me I was just so amazing, talented, strong... There was so much juggling with a full-time, full-speed, full-on job with first freelance writing, then editing, and then FAB. But look at where we are now... And it is all because of you. Thank you for having faith in me when I didn't in myself and building me up to be the person that I am today, and still giving me a pep talk - or a kick up the back side - when I need one. You are my hero!

SUBY & SINEM

Fab (To me you're always Babs) - As one of my aunties recently said, our meeting "wasn't coincidence but God's work at play". Otherwise how could I have ever met my twin from another set of parents who shared the same dream with me? And to think, had circumstances back in April 2009 been different, we might have never met... 

Thank you for your drive to see our dreams through, for giving me the courage when I lack it, for cheering me up when I am down, for being your determined, energetic, fiery self. Keep on keeping on, Kehinde, the journey is still long but an amazing one with you as my partner in crime!

KEHINDE & TAIWO

Nicola - And to think you only came down back in 2005 for a test shoot... Over the years, you have grown from a little insecure fresh-faced model to a FABulous, sexilious model who was (and still is) our gorgeous muse to even sexier, driven, super-efficient General Manager. 

I cannot begin to tell you just how much I appreciate you. You are one of the most genuine, pure, uncomplicated people I know. You are an absolute perfectionist and you don't settle for second best. You walk into a room and charm people in under a minute. And you know what? You are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are my shining star and my adopted little sister. 

SINEM & NICOLA

NICOLA THE MUSE

Pepper - Where shall I start? The rotten e-mail from Suby some four years ago? The chance meeting again at Chika & Ugochi's wedding? The vintage shoot where we expected to spend four hours at the venue and almost got kicked out after two? The late-night shoot at Covent Garden in freezing temperatures when I fell off a stall, bruised my knees and you wouldn't let me walk around because I had turned "really red"? 

Pepper, there are so many memories, so much laughter, so many tears... You are one of those people that make FAB FAB. And at 23, you have accomplished so much, you put me to shame. I absolutely admire you - your talent, your vision, your brutal honesty, your drive, and I feel privileged to have you on Team FAB.

FIRST ISSUE MALE COVER SHOOT WITH ELDEE

PEPPER & SINEM WITH SHINGAI SHONIWA

Lara - Well... It wouldn't be a lie if I said you're family, right? I remember pestering you one Christmas at Uncle Femi's for your underg blog address. Neither of us could have thought at the time that we'd one day be working side by side. Your discerning sense of style and eagle eye for all crimes against the English Language make you one fine contributor editor to work with. And I can't complain about your relaxed demeanour whic provides me an oasis of calm amongst the more obsessive compulsive members of the team (including myself!).

Skee - I admit I'd be the first one to want to commit GBH on your during those  few deathly weeks of design, yet compared to the humongous amount of respect I have for the Master, it is only a speck of frustration. Skee, your talent is fierce! Thank you for making FAB look way more amazing than I could ever imagine. 

SKEE & SIN

26 JANUARY 2011 BEHIND THE SCENES

Cindy - Just imagine: If you had even considered Suby a freak when he came up to you to ask if you'd model for him five years ago, you wouldn't have had to spend sleepless nights fine-tooth-combing FAB hours before print? Just imagine how much relaxed life would have been? 

Joking aside, I am glad to have you on Team FAB. Your perfectionism and attention keep us all in check while your razor-sharp humour keeps me entertained - especially dealing with some dodgy characters! Thank you for making my life easier and for having faith in FAB. 

CINDY

Tayo - I remember it like yesterday, the day we came over to yours and 'sold' you the vision that is FAB. Thank you for seeing the vision, believing it and helping turning it into reality. Not only are you one of the best in your field, but you do what you do with such quiet, calm confidence that you are an inspiration for many.

Terence- I only met you in 2010 and was amazed by your passion for fashion and for FAB; don't ever lose it - that would be a shame.

Elaine - Thank you for coming on board and gracefully surviving the pressure which I know is totally new to you, but I am confident your passion for make up and beauty will see you through and some of the trying bits of the job will soon become second nature. 

Wale - From Fashion Intern to Fashion Assistant... from the days you were just another face in the crowd at TBAB. From day 1, you have shown such commitment to FAB and such drive to excel in all that you have taken on, it was only a matter of time you rose up in the ranks. Trust me, it doesn't end here; you will continue growing with FAB onwards and upwards.

Bori - Super Bori! Fun, easy-going, efficient. Having finally met your charming self in person, I am so so glad to have you on this team. Your drive, your dedication to FAB as well as your great personality make you an integral part of Team FAB. After all, you are Super Bori! 

Sherie - Sweetie, in so few days, you have done so much despite our latest recruit fashion intern. Fashion-forward and trendy, I assure you you are in the right place and as you know, with Suby and me, you're in good hands. Keep doing what you are doing and continue to dazzle us. 

SHERIE AT BRIXTON WH SMITH'S

And of course, there are those who are not nominally but spiritually Team FAB. 

Lola Maja-Okojevoh - My girl Kehinde - a day late - we've been through crazy shoots, stroppy clients (Who can forget that night we worked through my birthday into yours and didn't enjoy a minute of it or that sullen somebody we had to work with for a feature editorial?), tears and tantrums. You have helped with issue 1 and although no longer on the team, you still continue to promote FAB endlessly. Thank you for your crazysexycool self (Hey that's not an adjective I bestow on others lightly - rock it well!)

KEHINDE 1 & TAIWO

Mrs Fab - Thank you, sweetie, for many a sleepless night you have had in supporting us with our FAB dream! You're the kindest, sweetest, prettiest wife my brother could have had the good fortune to call his own. He's a lucky man! ;)

MR & MRS FAB

Tamara Ramsey-Crockett - Multi-talented lady, you're FAB's unsung heroine - the hands behind our first ever media kit to hit Nigeria. And also the very hands that carried 40 mags to Nigeria. And the hands that still continue making our FAB models even more FAB! 

TAMARA AT WORK

Paula Okunzuwa - The face of our first ever media kit! Girl, you were the face of FAB for the longest time and the FAB model we know will always deliver. We're so proud of you!

PAULA ON FAB MEDIA KIT

PAULA CAPTURED BY ADE OKELARIN
FOR ISSUE 2

Toni Tones - Once upon a 'tutee' photographer who made her mentors proud by her FABtastic contributions to FAB from the very first issue. Toni, you are FAB!

TONI WITH MO CHEDDAH & WAJE ISSUE 1 SHOOT 

MO CHEDDAH CAPTURED BY TONI ISSUE 1

Asiko aka Ade Okelarin - Thank you for giving up your time and time again to create and shoot fantastic stories for us. Here at FAB we totally LURRVEE your work. 

ADE AT A RECENT PHOTO SHOOT FOR FAB

THE ELEMENTALS SHOOT BY ADE
ISSUE 3

Mummy & Mummy - For all your support, encouragement and love in helping us see this dream through. Love you loads!

SUBY&SINEM WITH MUMMY&MUMMY

And finally, all our FAB readers, fans, friends, supporters, sponsors who have been with us from the very first day. We thank you. Keep the faith in us; the best is yet to come.