Ladybrille® Blogazine

Friday, September 19, 2008

This Week's Brilliant Posts from Some of the Top Online Fashion Publishers!

A Few Goody GumDrops teams up with Misikko and shows you how to get salon looking hair!
Stiletto Jungle explains why clip-on earrings are a true must-have.
Allie is Wired fashion face off: Jessica Simpson vs. Kelly Osbourne.
Bag Bliss spots the top 5 handbags worn by celebrities.
Bag Snob dishes with Nina Garcia on Snob TV!
Beauty Snob sparkles with Benefit Powderflage!
Cozying up for fall, Coquette goes mad for plaid coats.
Fashion Pulse can't get enough of the bustier dress trend!
Fashion, evolved interviews the owner of Charmone, a vegan shoe line that even non-vegans love!
Shop Nina Garcia's Top 10 Luxe List with Fashiontribes.com.
KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating puffer jackets.
A spring walk with Chilean fashion designers ValeriaSalinas Rodrigo Valenzuela in Quinta Trends. You will love their last collection.
Second City Style has some final thoughts about New York Fashion Week Spring '09
ShoppingandInfo Megan Fox and Katie Holmes styles found .
StyleBakery has the scoop on fall's new metallic smoky eye.
Sxy Fashion Queen knows celebrities that love
Heidi Montag's look is a lukewarm mess - The Beauty Stop.
The Fashionable Housewife talks about Sarah Palin's Awesome Eyeglasses And Fabulous Footwear. She's such a fashionable housewife!
The Shoe Goddess is still raving about Marni's fall collection!

Ladybrille Official Media Sponsor of Hollywood-Nollywood "Through the Glass" Film

Sacramento, CA [September 18th, 2008] –Ladybrille announces it is the official media sponsor of the first Hollywood-Nollywood hybrid film written, directed and produced by a woman, A-list Nollywood Actress Stephanie Okereke. The film "Through the Glass" produced under Okereke's Next Page Productions Company, a company registered in the USA and Nigeria, premieres in Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center on October 18th, 2008.
"Ladybrille is proud to be the official media sponsor for "Through the Glass. Stephanie's commitment to using her craft to empower and encourage women, especially African women, to take on more diverse roles in the film industry is consistent with our business philosophy at Ladybrille," says Uduak Oduok, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille. "In a little over a year, we have become known for bringing urban yet cosmopolitan African fashions and entertainment directly to Western consumers. We hope to continue to become a powerful platform for Africa's industry professionals and top brands to reach their target audience in the West and support filmmakers like Stephanie."

"Ladybrille's support of "Through the Glass" plays an important role in helping us reach a much broader audience, especially since "Through the Glass" consists of a very diverse cast," says Stephanie Okereke. "We are delighted Ladybrille is our official media sponsor and look forward to a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship."

"Through the Glass" is the story of Jeffrey [Garret Mckechnie] who lives the ultimate life of a bachelor going through numerous non-committed relationships, but struggles to excel at work and gain his father's love and acceptance. Jeffrey's life gets even more intriguing when life deals him a card that stops him in his tracks. On a typical day, he returns from work to find a note "take care of your responsibility" left on top of a baby who is abandoned on his door steps. In nothing short of what is scary, confusing and comedic, Jeffrey turns to his Nigerian neighbor, Ada [Stephanie Okereke] who he has a secret crush on, to help him. The film unfolds to answer pressing questions such as: what happens to the baby? Will Jeffrey break through the glass of his phobia for commitment and keep the baby? Will Jeffrey confess his secret crush on Ada?

"Through the Glass" premieres at the Pacific Design Center's Silver Screen Theater, a 380 seat state-of-the art luxury film venue located in the heart of West Hollywood, at the corner of Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard. To watch the trailer and purchase tickets visit "Through the Glass" website at www.throughtheglassmovie.com.

About Ladybrille
Ladybrille is the pioneer online publication that brings African fashions and its industry directly to the Western Consumer. Guided by its slogan, "Where the West Meets Today's African Fashion Industry," it fuses the best of both worlds, African & American/European, in an unconventional yet sophisticated way. The result is a publication that captures the beautifully intertwined yet distinct culture of African & American/European fashion and fashion lifestyles. Ladybrille delivers brilliant fashion focused coverage of Africa's fashion, music and movie industries; with emphasis on Africa's fashion industry via leading fashion designers, fashion and beauty trends, fashion weeks, award shows, fashion news and much more."

About Stephanie Okereke
With a huge fan base across the continent of Africa, A-List Nollywood Actress Stephanie Okereke's tenacity, wit, intelligence, grace and natural acting abilities has earned her a reputation as one of the best actresses on the continent and in Nollywood, the third largest film industry in the world. A graduate of English and Literal studies, Okereke made her first venture into film in 1997. By 2003, she won the Reel Awards "Best Actress" award for her role in the movie "Emotional Crack." In 2005, she was a nominee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards [AMAA]. On her way to AMAA, however, tragedy struck when she was involved in a terrible car accident that left her with a broken leg and burns on her face and hands. Okereke, with a fighting and determined spirit, bounced back and by 2006, she won the Afro-Hollywood Awards, Film Makers USA Award for Excellence with subsequent awards in 2007 for the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence and 2008 Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Awards for her work against rape, vesico vaginal fistula and HIV/AIDS.

Not satisfied with being just an actress and wanting to create a voice and other roles for African women in Africa's film industry, Okereke came to the United States to study film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Los Angeles. Armed with her knowledge, intelligence, determination and creativity, Okereke established her Production company "Next Page Productions" and has recently expanded her portfolio to include the titles of director, writer and producer in her first feature Hollywood-Nollywood film hybrid, "Through the Glass," creating what she hopes is a preview of the direction and roles African women will embrace in the film industry. http://www.stephanieokereke.com/.

Artist Daniel Edwards' sculptures above are scheduled to be exhibited at New York’s Leo Kesting Gallery in October.The artist describes his work as "an accessorized mannequin bust of Obama that foregoes the conventional pearl necklace, and provides for her a “signature look” to take to Washington.The goal is to create a look for Michelle Obama that eliminates excessive comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.”Really?

My thoughts

Is Edwards creating similar sculptures for Cindy McCain, Laura Bush etc.? Further, arguably, his work is art and subject to diverse interpretations/point of view. However, a different point of view does not negate calling stereotypes out when we see one. In a very tough political climate where a qualified black man could potentially be the next president of the United States of America, this art, in my view, feeds on fears and stereoptypes of the millions of Americans already apprehensive about a black man leading the nation.How?

First, the person the artist calls Michelle Obama is seen with an African/Nefertiti hair style. [A beautiful thing in Africa but in this part of the world, a cause for alarm, especially among whites, for a potential First Lady].

Second, Michelle is seen wearing large hoop earrings. Wow! Next, she has an afro pick in her hair. How much more unrefined does the potential first lady seem? It gets better. The artist has our potential First Lady with a branded American flag on her chest, black skin and saggy/droopy breasts-much like that depicted for aeons on the discovery channel of African tribal viallage women, of which supposively represents every African woman.

The above factors lead me to the following conclusion: depicting an image that purports to be Michelle Obama with the aformentioned characteristics feeds on stereotypes of Africans and Black women. It says to the racist man/woman already apprehensive about electing a qualified Black man to office,"Look, at the end of the day, when Michelle Obama is done wearing her designer dresses and being lauded a fashionista with a law degree etc., if you strip her to her true nakedness, she is one of the black Africans you hear and see on your discovery channel. America, Obama is married to this black African woman. Is this who you really want in office?"

I can't help but read it that way, especially by virtue of a title that says, "Michelle Obama's Makeover for America" and the artist stating its a "signature look for her to take to Washington."

Uduak

Lagos, Nigeria [September 18th, 2008], The Central Working Committee for The Future.. Awards has announced the start of the next season of Nigeria ’s most respected youth event. The website, www.thefuturenigeria.com has the bold announcement on its page: ‘The Future Awards 2009 unveils on the 1st of October – Get Ready Nigeria’.

Christened ‘Africa’s biggest youth awards’ by the London Metropolitan University last year, the 4-month long project which is in its fourth year goes beyond the Awards itself, encompassing the national road shows, and various pre-events and conferences all geared towards inspiring young Nigerians.

The hugely successful 2008 edition which held January at the Muson Center in Lagos had in attendance a representative of Nigeria ’s Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President of the World Bank Obiageli Ezewesili, Immediate Past President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) amongst others.

Last year’s award winners, all aged between 18 and 31, included Bukola Adubi for Entrepreneur of the Year, rave artiste D’banj for Musician of the Year, and author of multiple award-winning book Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who cornered the biggest award for Young Person of the Year.
Said the Chairman of the Independent Audit Committee, Dr. Reuben Abati: “We are excited to once again be on the march to rewarding the brightest and best young minds in Nigeria . From a dream by three young people three years ago, this idea has grown to become not only the biggest event for young people in Nigeria, but one of the top 5 Awards events in the country.”

The Awards and The Future.. Project will be kicked off with a strictly-by invitation event for a select 400 guests on the 30th of September, as a prelude to kicking off the awards process on the 1st of October, an annual symbolic move for what the organisers call “the process for a New Nigeria” to coincide with the anniversary of Nigeria’s birth as a nation.

The launch event will see the unveil of a new logo, new website, new categories, new judges, details of the national tour, the official date of the Awards, amongst others. The organisers also announced a tribute planned for the late Prof. Jadesola Akande, Nigeria ’s first female law professor and a member of the Awards’ Board of Trustees.

“It’s amazing, and to be truthful, quite humbling, the kind of excitement that this project inspires – and from a vast array of people and institutions,” added the project’s PR Director, Emilia Asim-Ita, “That is why for the first time, we are launching the Awards with another major event, because the profile of the Awards has gotten so huge that nothing less is expected, and nothing less will be delivered.”

As noted, all of this begins with the official launch, which will be an exclusive media and VIP event holding on the 30th of September, at a venue in Lagos disclosed exclusively to the guests.

"The Future..." belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams...

# # #

2nd Annual Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Awards, 2008

Not even the crazy downpour/storm that hit New York on September 6th, 2008 could stop the Second Annual Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Awards. And, while the legendary Apollo theater was not filled to capacity, the show was nothing short of perfection.

The second annual event began with the very funny, Nollywood handsome actor and comedian, Francis Duru welcoming the audience. His jokes through out the evening was the icing to a great evening. After his welcome remarks, Duru introduced members of the SACAIDS, the non-profit responsible for producing the event. Hardy Jimbes, a soft spoken man with dreadlocks that run a little beyond this neck line and who is the President of SACAIDS, explained his decision to start SACAIDS. He told the audience he had an encounter with Winnie Mandela and throughout the encounter which lasted about 3-4hours, she kept reminding him that she was old and he was young and could make a difference. A difference indeed he has made and Rebeen Pasha, the Senior Advisor to SACAIDS continuing where Jimbes left off, eloquently explained the many projects the organization was involved in within the USA and other countries like Nigeria. The last of the SACAIDS to speak was Dr. Amadu Diagne.

“Three things I want you to remember if you don’t remember anything from this event. 1) HIV is preventable; 2) If you happen to have HIV, there are very effective treatments for you; and 3) Make sure you get tested. Tell everyone you meet to get tested and ask, “do you know for sure that you are negative?” urged Dr. Diagne. The theater was dead silent as the audience paid keen attention and seemed to digest his statements. “Of the 1.3 million people infected in the USA, 400,000 are walking around with no idea that they are HIV positive,” exclaimed Digane.

Digane’s sober statistics and urging was followed with a simply talented and impressive performance by the group/artist Koleurz. After Koleurz was probably one of the most eloquent, strong and attention grabbing rap artist with solid lyrics that spoke to the heart, D’Cypha. D'Cypha's performance might very well have been a speech but only in rap form. It was moving. After D’Cypha’s performance the first set of awards were presented to Raven Lopez, a youth activist who was born HIV positive and Dr. Kengwa Kapampa, community activist. Shortly after, a mid-session performance followed and it was later time for a presentation of the US Advocacy & Media Honoree which was awarded to Regan Hoffman, the current Editor-in-Chief of POZ Magazine. In 1996, Hoffman revealed she was HIV positive and had contracted the disease from her first and only boyfriend, after her divorce. Her award was for her personal and professional tireless work with HIV/AIDS nationwide and globally. Patti Labelle who was the recipient of the US Activist Icon Award, was absent.

After Hoffman’s award, Duru delivered one of the many funny jokes he would deliver throughout the evening. In a short synopsis, there was a team of sales persons that soldbibles. Of that team one stuttered. He was assigned a different market and had sold hundreds of bibles in a very short period while his colleagues could not seem to sell any. They turned to him and asked his secret. His secret, he began by saying, “I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I,I go to, to, to, to, to, to,to their houses. [The audience begins laughing] Then, then, then, then, then, then, then, I, I, I, I, I, I tell them [the laughter increases in volume], I, I, I, I, I, I, I, have, have, have, have, a bible for sale. I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I ask, if they want me to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to re, re, re, re,re, re, read it for them [At this point the laughters are hysterical]. They say no and they give me the money. The whole theater was an explosion of laughter that continued well into Duru's introduction of the next performances by William Erickson and later Angela McKenzie.

After Erickson and McKenzie's performances, Nollywood A-list Actress Stephanie Okereke who co-hosted the event with Duru was presented an award as the recipient of the Nigerian Media Advocacy award for her work against rape and vesico vaginal fistula. Okereke, dressed in a brown form fitting lightly ruched knee length dress, accepted the award from her colleague, Duru. It was time again, for another Duru joke.

Duru asked the wives in the audience to question the intent of their husbands when they see pictures of themselves in their husbands' offices. Why? Well, according to Duru, there was a man who had his wife’s picture at work. The wife thinking it was a romantic gesture, wanted to hear him say what it meant to have her picture in his office. After much urging, he looked at her and told her, whenever he looked at her picture, all of his problems disappear. She asked, "why?" He said because he is reminded that he has a bigger problem at home, her! Needless to say, the theater exploded with laughter, especially among the men who seemed to enjoy that a bit much!

Finally, it was time to introduce Senator Princess Ita-Giwa, former wife of the reputable Journalist Dele Giwa who was killed by a mail bomb, in his home, on October 19th, 1986. A political fixture in Nigeria, Giwa in accepting her award as the recipient for “Nigeria People’s Advocate,” acknowledged work in HIV/AIDS area but also emphasized attention be given to address the needs of orphaned children in Africa.

A subsequent performance by Alyson Williams and an introduction of the Guest of Honor, Her Excellency Mrs. Patience Good Luck Jonathan, wife of the Vice President of Nigeria followed. She was absent and sent a rep that proceeded to read what appeared to be about four pages of speech, on her behalf, to the audience. The audience began showing signs of impatience, especially since the rep looked uncomfortable as she held the mic in one hand and attempted to read and then turn the page over. When the rep finished, the audience responded with loud cheers that seemed to indicate a relief that she got to the end, rather than the substance of what she was reading.

The evening of celebration was almost near after the introduction of the Keynote Speaker Chief Rochas Okorocha, who apparently was on his way to the States, but had to make a U-turn to tend to issues regarding the President of Nigeria. An American representative who works closely with Okorocha spoke on his behalf and pledged to support SACAIDS, financially, in its efforts to combat and educate on HIV/AIDS. The evening ended in a very intriguing and amusing way, especially to the American audience present. One of Nollywood’s respected actresses, Patience Ozokwor now turned singer aka “Mama G” performed a couple of hits one of which was THIS NATIONAL MOI MOI SONG. Her dancers were terrific and so was she, especially when she got to doing some dance moves. The African and especially Nigerian guests appeared to not get enough of her as they cheered, very loudly, while non-Nigerians and Americans in the audience looked on, amused.

Supermodel IMAN needs no introduction. There's simply been so much written about her background, model career and marriage to Rock star/Musician David Bowie, repeating it hear would be redundant.

IMAN has managed to brand her image and name as a fashion icon/legend. It is indeed why we chose to make her our feature during this month of the prestigious New York Fashion Week and to aptly title her feature as “I am Iman, Fashion Legend.” We caught up with the extremely busy Supermodel, albeit briefly, while she was in Canada shooting Project Runway Canada, a show she hosts, to gain a little more insight into her world, especially the Africa side of things.

IMAN AS BUSINESS WOMAN

LADYBRILLE.com: You've written a successful book, run a successful cosmetic company and recently launched IMAN Global Chic on HSN. What are the three business philosophies you live by that have helped you achieve success?
IMAN: 1) Believe in yourself. 2) Don't follow trends but follow your heart; and 3) give back to your community and the world at large.

LADYBRILLE.com: When people describe your legacy, what is the one word you want them to affiliate with your name when they describe you?
IMAN: Classic- it is very important to always stay true to yourself and [the fact that I] created the perfect products IMAN Cosmetics for women with skin of color.

LADYBRILLE.com: I have been enjoying watching you on HSN. I love your Global Chic line. Tell our audience a bit more about your new line?
IMAN: I designed Global Chic because I believe that the “extras” make an outfit: a cocktail ring, bangle, or bold necklace can completely transform a look. Global Chic is influenced by my travels and sentimental pieces from my husband, David Bowie. Whether you are a business woman, model, mom, or student, Global Chic is affordable and offers chic handbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories for everyday events!

IMAN IS AFRICAN

LADYBRILLE.com: You are the global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive, I am aware you spearheaded the "I am African" Campaign. What does it mean when you say to the world, "I am African?"
IMAN:The whole human race is from Africa. . . [It means for me] I am proud to be one.

LADYBRILLE.com: I love your activism, especially your strong stance on the need for diversity in the modeling industry. What's your take on Vogue Italy's July All Black issue?
IMAN: I think that Italian Vogue’s All Black issue is very powerful and important to the fashion industry and landscape at the moment. It was an honor to be included with so many great friends and talented professionals: Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Liya Kedebe. I was actually the first to gather African-American models for a photo-shoot with Annie Leibovitz several years ago. It was such a special time to have models from Beverly Johnson to new, fresh faces all together.

LADYBRILLE.com: Family is a big part of the African tradition. What African traditional values did your family instill in you as a child growing up in Somalia and how have they served you as a business woman?
IMAN: Work hard and you are as good as your brothers.

AFRICA'S FASHION INDUSTRY

LADYBRILLE.com: What's your take on Africa's fashion industry and what direction would you like to see the industry take?
IMAN: I think it is great since it is based mostly on heritage. . . world recognition will be great.

LADYBRILLE.com: You are considered a style icon the world over. What is the best advice when it comes to finding your style sense?
IMAN:In a world full of trends, remain a classic.

LADYBRILLE.com: One of the biggest needs for women in Africa, fashion wise, is cosmetics. African women have a challenge getting quality cosmetics and skincare products. I know your cosmetic line, Iman Cosmetics, is in South Africa. Do you plan to distribute to the rest of Africa
IMAN:It is difficult because of price points. The tariffs of [exporting] into most African countries are very high so it escalates the price on the product which then makes [it unaffordable] to a lot of people. . .we are constantly trying to figure out around this.

LADYBRILLE.com: Not to sound patronizing but calling it what it is, you are sexy, fabulous, brilliant, chic and an ageless beauty. How do you stay so relevant and beautiful?
IMAN: By taking care of myself, like most Africans, and not obsessing with age!

~Interview by Uduak Oduok

Fashion Model Noella Coursaris's Foundation to Benefit from All for Africa "Knock Out Poverty Event!"

Ladybrille is so proud of our African Humanitarian Modelpreneur Noella Coursaris who was our main feature in June. Her foundation is the first recipient of the All for Africa "Knock Out Poverty" event which will be held on September 23rd, 2008. You go Girl!
Her foundation, the Georges Malaika Foundation (GMF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in New York and it will receive a $50,000 grant from the event to help build an elementary school in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"We are very thankful to be the first beneficiary of the All for Africa grant. The Georges Malaika Foundation believes strongly in education. Education will be the key as we continue to develop the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations. The support of All For Africa through this grant will help sustain GMF's first school and help us achieve our goal of empowering and transforming the lives of African girls," said Noella to Ladybrille in explaining what it feels like to have her foundation be the first recipient of this historical event.

Founded with the mission of empowering African girls through education, the Georges Malaika Foundation has already achieved a milestone in its dedication to the advancement of African communities by providing educational opportunities to young girls, aged 5 to 18. Supported by donations, GMF is sponsoring 16 Congolese girls who will begin school in September 2008.

As a grant recipient, GMF will have a presence during All For Africa’s Knock-Out Poverty special event on Tuesday, September 23rd at Hammerstein Ballroom, an event to be attended by national activists, philanthropists, and African Heads of State. Knock-Out Poverty will feature Africa's best boxing talent along with musical guests including Youssou Ndour with special guests delivering their own one-two punch of entertainment and music.

Korto Momolu & Leanne Marshall Shine at New York Fashion Week, Spring 2009

September 12, 2008 at 9am in the main tent at Bryant Park, Korto Momolu, along with five other remaining contestants in Season 5 Project Runway showed their collection to enthusiastic Project Runway fans, media and fashion buyers. The event began when Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors walked from backstage onto the runway. Hand in hand, they strutted on the runway stopping to pose for their photo up when they reached the end of the runway.

Heidi looked dazzling in a form fitting black dress with a long zipper at the back. Shortly after, Heidi got hold of the mic, greeted her audience and spent some time thanking Bravo TV and all of her crew involved in the past five years in the making of Project Runway. The reason for her extensive thanks became obvious as she later announced to the audience that Project Runway’s contract with Bravo TV had ended and they’d be moving to a new network, Lifetime TV.

After the many thanks, Heidi informed the audience that Actress/fashion designer/singer and A-list celeb Jennifer Lopez [J.Lo]was the guest judge for the finale but unfortunately had called the night before to cancel because she had a foot injury! Who was the replacement? Project Runway’s very own Tim Gunn! Tim Gunn emerged from back stage, greeted the audience and promised to be as unbiased as possible. With that, the show began!

The six designers showed roughly ten pieces per collection with Jerrell Scott being first up. Scott was friendly in greeting the audience and he proceeded to show a collection that was quite glittery with lots of sequins on dresses. His collection was energetic, young and fun. Next was Suede. One word, “disappointing.” From the designs, color choice and blend to the execution, there was nothing much to write about. Thankfully, Joe Faris who showed after Suede raised it two notches high. Inspired by by his beautiful, "America," he showed a well thought out and wonderfully executed collection consisting mostly of leather bustiers, pants and denim skirts. After Faris came Kenley Collins. Her collection definitely reflected her personal style and she indeed stated she created a collection that would be her "dream wardrobe." From the flowers in the hair of models to cute adorable floral print dresses, corsets matched with full tulle skirts, it appeared she got what she wanted.

Korto Momolu was next. While the audience had cheered when each designer appeared and after they showed their collection, with Korto, the audience began cheering even before she emerged from backstage. Korto explained she was inspired by nature and also said her collection incorporated her accessory designs. She chose bold clolors like yellow, green and neutrals like nudes and whites of which she used to design long evening gowns, short cocktail dresses and cute sailor like pant reminiscent of the one that had winning the Olympic challenge. At the end of her show, Korto grabbed her little daughter by the hand and walked the runway with the lovely little one.

Finally, it was Leanne Marshall’s turn. Leanne was a surprise. The same contestant that seemed so unsure of herself in the beginning, seemed, to us, to show by far one of the best collections from all six. Her collection was sophisticated, sexy, refined, soft and just beautiful. She did something unique with the way she designed fabrics that seemed to fold like petals and move in such fluid motion.

[All photos courtesy of New York Magazine/Imaxtree]

KORTO'S COLLECTION