Nigeria Coach Orders Short Back and Sides for Olympic Team

LAGOS (AFP) - Nigeria’s Olympic football coach Samson Siasia has warned his players that he expects short hair and correct clothing for the Beijing Games, a federation spokesman said on Friday.Siasia, known as a stickler for discipline, believes that his players are devoting too much time to their elaborate hairstyles, time which he believes could be better used in fine-tuning their performances. And the coach goes as far as to claim that players with short hair are more aerodynamic and so find it easier to find their rhythm on the pitch. Nigeria, the Olympic champions in 1996, are drawn with the Netherlands, Japan and the United States in the first round of the Olympic tournament.--Source AFP/Yahoo News

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Ladybrille Web Snob, 7/21/07-7/25/07

"Afro Love" set designed by Nahlshaheed

Happy Friday! Enjoy some of this week's best posts from the top online publishers/bloggers.

1. 55 Secret Street attends the hottest (and we do mean hottest) party for lovely and innovative fashion designer Isabel Toledo at her gorgeous Manhattan loft.
2. A Few Goody GumDrops is excited for you to view the "Dresses Collection" from renowned artist Laura Bean.
3. Shoe Steals are back at Stiletto Jungle: 10 pair under $30!
4. Is Michelle Williams dating Spike Jonze? Allie is Wired has the scoop.
5. Bag Snob must have for Fall 2008: Bottega Veneta Noce!
6. BagBliss is currently craving the re-introduced Fendi Vintage Olsen Twin Tote
7. Beauty Snob: Be chic and shimmer in Bobbi Brown this Fall!
8. Cheap JAP discusses which Pre-Fall Trends aren't worth your time or your dime.
9. Coquette and Heidi Klum love the Converse All Star Slip On Sneakers.
10. Debutante Clothing gives a young Rockabilly teacher styling advice for work
11. With these ruby slippers, you're definitely not in Kansas anymore notes Fashiontribes.
12. KRISTOPHER is hating FitFlops' gladiator sandals.
13. Papierblog looks at what's really going to be in Nordstrom stores this Fall
14. Quinta Trends teachs how to find a perfect style with Latin-Americans emerging designers.
15. Second City Style feels some celebrity fashion offenders make amends while others don't.
16. The StyleBakery.com editors share their no-fail go-to signature looks of the season and want you to share yours for a chance to win a chic shopping spree!
17. Stylehive brings your smokin' swimwear to wear on your sexy beach getaway.
    
18. Stylenotes staffers bravely tested over a dozen self tanners for the face and body. Find out the pros and cons for each of our self tanner selections.
19. SugarShock Beauty is taking a beauty world tour and using Chidoriya's Rice Bran Wash.
20. Sxy Fashion Queen reveals one of Eva Longoria greatest loves.
21. The Beauty Stop explains how to deal with acne in your thirties.
22. The Fashionable Housewife doesn't want you to forget to bring Fashionable Swimsuits On Your Summer Vacation!
23. Purple is huge for fall, and The Shoe Goddess has found an amazing pair of purple Dior pumps for you!

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Fashion in a Slow Economy [Video]

Wachovia, couple of days ago, reported an almost 9 billion dollar loss in its second quarter and says it will cut more than 6,300 jobs. Wachovia is the nation's fourth-largest bank by assets. The company reported a loss of the equivalent of $4.20 per share in the period from April to June. Wachovia's financial outlook is a sample of what we are seeing across all industries including retail/fashion.

With retail sales down, high gas prices and a sagging economy, what does this slow economy mean for how the fashion world does business? The Herald has an inetrview where fashion industry expert addresses this issue and suggest the USA look to strong and emerging fashion markets such as Russia, China and India to do business. Africa is not mentioned in the video but financial investors, you ought to think about Africa in cutting manufacturing costs and trying fresh ideas that will resonate in the marketplace. Try countries that are showing a track record of delivering and having efficient supply chain logistics in place: Ghana, South Africa and Kenya are a few samples of Africa's emerging fashion markets. Watch Video HERE!

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30days, the Movie, Premieres in Lagos

The long awaited 30days movie produced and directed by Mildred Okwo, Ego Boyo, Toyin Dawodu and Shona "Cricket" Peters premiered in London, Atlanta and Maryland since 2006. However, it was only late last month it finally premiered in Lagos, Nigeria. Nollywood fans along with industry professionals showed their excitement by gathering at the premiere to support the movie and the 30days crew which starred folks like A-list actress Joke Silva, Genevieve Nnaji and New York based actor, Chet Anekwe.

The Story: Succintly put, Chet Anekwe who plays one of the lead characters [Kene Alumona] returns to Nigeria for just 30 Days. While there, he meets and buys into the philosophy of a revolutionary group called FRACA. FRACA's goal and mission is simple-eliminate corrupt public officials and leave a better Nigeria for all Nigerians. The group begins assassinating identified corrupt public officials. This sends panic among the rich and powerful, some of whom are part of the corrupt officials. The rich and powerful make it their priority to investigate and find these assassins. The movie involves lots of action scenes that sees Genevieve Nnaji in a different role than is typical. There is also a budding romance with Chet and Genevieve. Visit the 30days site for more info.

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Actor Spotlight: Ebbe Bassey

She is an emerging actress we think you should meet. Introducing Ebbe Bassey!

LADYBRILLE.com: Ebbe, tell us who you are?
Ebbe: I am a live wire. I am vibrant, feisty, passionate, independent, hard working, fun loving, big into fostering and strengthening my relationship with my God, my family and friends. I am always open to opportunities whereby I can learn and improve on myself as a human being. I love traveling, reading, volunteering, the movies, theater, dancing, great food, great wine, great music and great conversation. And if I may so myself, I am the Queen of karaoke, I’ve got an inner rock star that comes out every now and again. [Smiles]

LADYBRILLE.com: Your story is quite interesting on how you ventured into film. Could you share it with us?
Ebbe: So this is how I got into acting, don’t ask me how I even found out that there was such a thing as ‘Backstage’ magazine but I used to buy it every Thursday, read it, circle the parts I thought I could play then throw it away because I thought I couldn’t do it. I would look forward to this every Thursday like a feen. I never missed a Thursday; however I would never even think about submitting myself for any of the roles. I gave myself every reason in the book, i.e. I was not a size 2, I had an accent, and I was not high yellow [light skinned] enough and didn’t have “good hair” like Halle Berry etc. So this one Thursday, they happen to be casting a Nigerian play called the ‘Fire and the Goddess’ by Dr. Chudi Uwazuruike, a professor at City College. I had the audacity to show up at this audition without a memorized monologue, one of those glamour shot 8X10 photos in color [yikes!] and a totally made up resume. Colored photos are in now but at the time…? No!

I walked in boldly, wrapped in my Nigerian attire like a Hausa woman [Northern Nigeria], I read-acted a monologue straight out of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart.’ At the end of it, the director was so shocked at my boldness, that all he could manage to ask me is if I had any memorized monologue that I could perform; well, I told him that I had not acted in such a long time, I had forgotten my monologue and was so touched by this story I couldn’t wait to audition for it.

I got the lead role. And until then I had only been in a few church/school plays. I had never been to anyone’s acting school. Would I dare do that now? No. It was probably one of the craziest things I’ve done but at the time I thought “heck what do I have to lose?” I think I have lost some of that moxie because now I do have something to lose.

Anyway, I didn’t get to play the role because it had originally been offered to my buddy on the [Ladybrille July] cover, Femi Emiola.She had fallen ill after booking the gig but they didn’t think she would be well in time to do the show so they re-casted that is why I could audition for it.

LADYBRILLE.com: You are basically a Hollywood actress. But, do you have an opinion on Nollywood?
Ebbe: [N]ollywood is Nollywood. It is what it is and what that is, is good but there is always room for improvement in anything. It is my humble opinion that at this point, the industry is at a cross road, we are all waiting to see which fork in the road it will take. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: Do you plan to collaborate with Nollywood directors and producers to make some magic?
Ebbe: I have not been approached by anyone but yes at some point as an actor, I wouldn't mind having that experience of working with some of Nigeria's creative minds in the industry.

LADYBRILLE.com: Actually, I am curious if you've ever considered producing and directing a movie in Africa?
Ebbe: No, not really. I am predominantly an actor, Siri Oko Fo [Mending Fences] was my first effort as a producer, screen writer and I've not yet ventured into directing. At this point in my life, let's just say I am a little too chicken for that because to shoot at home [Nigeria], I would have to learn a whole new set of rules. The rule books are most definitely not the same. I am in awe of those who do it day in, day out...God bless them but I am not ready for that particular diet of stress and aggravation.

LADYBRILLE.com: Share with us your highs and lows in the film/entertainment industry?
Ebbe: The high point has been how well Siri Oko Fo (Mending Fences) has been received so far; overcoming so much to finally arrive at what I now have, a completed film that is a product that educates and entertains. I did not sit back and grouse about how there is no work. I got up and did something about my situation. Another high point has been having the opportunity to work on some of America’s top shows like NYPD Blues and Law & Order: SVU. There have been some low points but I don’t focus on the past, I have so much more to accomplish to waste time looking back on what I cannot change. There is a reason why the rear view mirror in a car is much, much smaller than the windshield.

LADYBRILLE.com: Times have been extremely difficult in the business of film, especially in the States. So where did the funding come for you to produce and direct a short film that made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival?!
Ebbe: I funded the project myself with my rainy day stash. Most people in film do it using OPM (other people’s money) but I have a fear of OPM because when people give you money for a project, they want to have an opinion. Is that realistic, of certainly not but for my first project, I wanted to go solo because if it turned out to be a dud, I didn't want anyone calling the po-po [police] or worse a lawyer on me. No offense, Uduak. [smiles]

LADYBRILLE.com: [None taken] What next for Ebbe?
Ebbe: I have just finished work on another short film, The End of Winter. I am polishing up two different scripts that I’ve written while making the rounds of film festivals to promote my film ‘Siri Oko Fo (Mending Fences)’.

LADYBRILLE.com: Favorite African Fashion Designers?
Ebbe: Deola Sagoe, for the Euro sexy me, Moshood-for the big afro, bohemian chic, afro centric me and the up and coming Estella Couture-for the modern Efik woman me.

LADYBRILLE.com: What is the first thing you did this morning?
Ebbe: Pray. I must begin my day with thanks and gratitude to God for keeping me.

LADYBRILLE.com: Describe your style sense?
Ebbe: I would describe my style sense as mostly elegant, classic, cool and chic. I don't always jump on the latest fads because those come and go. I stick to what works for me and my body type whether it conforms to "what's in" or not...I am not concerned. I need to feel comfortable, confident which in turns brings my sexy out and that's for no one but myself. I will give you an example, I don't own Skinny Jeans. I don't because once you get up to a size 10/12 which I am, I don't think you can call those Skinny Jeans anymore, those are just big old jeans with very tapered legs.

LADYBRILLE.com: Congrats so far and keep on keeping on with your strong work.
Ebbe: Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Photo: Mary Lee Photography

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Ladybrille African Fashion News, #42

In our weekly African Fashion News, South African designer Gavin Rajah who celebrated his birthday yesterday [ Happy Birthday Gavin!] launches an interior and homeware collection as well as a business consulting service. Congrats Gavin! Meanwhile, USA based Nigerian designer Estella of Estella Couture who celebrates her birthday today and is currently in Nigeria to expand her business, is thanking God for saving her from a bizarre and life threatening experience over the weekend. Happy Birthday Estella and we are glad you are safe too! Read about Estella's experience below.

Finally, you brilliant fashion investors, keep an eye on the African market. Things are looking good for the continent. Recently, "The International Monetary Fund (IMF) set an expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.5% for sub-Saharan Africa for 2008, at its regional economic outlook presentation." Also interesting is that "private capital flows to sub-Saharan Africa have increased fivefold since 2000, and of this, South Africa was the largest recipient, getting some 18,2% of distribution inflows." Enjoy the clip on Africa's investment opportunities and the rest of our weekly news relating to or about Africa's fashion industry.

Africa Investments on the Rise

1. Follow the money as it builds the future
2. Star celebs enjoy sweet scent of fame
3. Big spenders lose appetite for costly trinkets
4. God be Praised For Saving my Life today!!!
5. Designers and models warm up for Ibom Fashion Week
6. Tesslo Concepts: A Fusion Of Western And African Culture
7. African Textiles Coming to Metropolitan
8. Fashion Strikes Back For The 2nd Annual Atlanta International ...
9. 'Project Runway' Season 5: Let the games begin!
10. My Design: Adri Schutz: designer for Mielie
11. Top clothing designer opens bespoke shirt shop
12. New York state of mind
13. NYC tops global fashion list

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Do you have a Dysfunctional Relationship with Self?

"So let’s talk about you,” I said to him. “It’s been a year knowing you. I know a lot about your family and friends but what about you?” I urged. “What kind of relationship would you say you have with self?” It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and he had called. I missed his call and was now returning it. I was very relaxed enjoying his beautiful voice but then I felt the need to ask. He laughed. That sexy laugh I loved hearing. His laughter turned into a chuckle. “You always ask those deep questions Uduak,” he responded. “I am not so sure I want to go there.” Laughing with him I replied, “then we won’t go there.”

I started asking silly questions I already knew answers to. Questions that made him laugh some more, like the color of his eyes, favorite feature he loved on a woman etc. Somehow, we ended up revisiting the initial question . . . and it got deep, as he predicted.

My asking him the “self’ question wasn’t to intrude. I asked because, of late, I have a burning desire to figure out whether people actually think about the relationships they have with self? I never asked or thought to ask myself that question until adulthood. With me, like most, there is a very dysfunctional sense of who we are defined by negative childhood experiences e.g. trauma, parent’s divorce etc. and the garbage we let society including family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives etc. indoctrinate us with. We are used to people telling us what and how we are supposed to feel about ourselves. It begins with childhood where we are taught to think about relationship with others but little emphasis, if any, is placed on a relationship with self. By the time we become teenagers and later young adults, we define ourselves through the lenses of how others view us, which is usually negative.

Do you love yourself? Where does the idea that you don’t deserve love come from? Who have you given your power/permission to tell you, you are a mistake? Ugly? Too fat? A failure? You won’t succeed at that business? You are lucky if that man/woman loves you? You'll never find that lifetime partner? Why do you feel so bad about yourself when you make mistakes? Where does this sense of guilt and shame you constantly feel come from? These are questions that you must ask to begin to identify and get to truly loving self.

Answering these questions necessarily means getting rid of your outward façade of confidence and, most likely, revisiting your childhood to ask the ultimate question, “do I have a dysfunctional relationship with self?

Remain Blessed,
~Uduak

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