Solange Knowles Covers Elle South Africa November 2012
I like to think that part of Solange Knowles’ charm is her girl-next-door look that makes her seem so approachable, despite having a sister who has reached iconic status. She’s not scared to just be her amidst all the drama that must come with being a Knowles. After filming her latest video ‘Losing You‘ which was filmed in Cape Town, she’s followed it up with her latest cover and photo shoot for Elle Magazine South Africa. Throughout the shoot she rocks fabulous South African kitenge designs.
For the shoot, Solange assisted stylist and fashion editor Asanda Sizani with picking out pieces by South African designers that most suited her style. They chose tons of mix and match patterns and the yellow cover was chosen in post production to fit her ‘sunny personality’. According to the feature writer, who interviewed Solo:
My interview with her was an incredible experience. We sat in her penthouse at 15 on Orange on the Thursday night and chatted while she had her nails done. It didn’t feel like a formal interview at all, and we chatted our way through the points I wanted to cover. The sense I got throughout the interview was that she is a real person; a young mom who is doing what she loves.
Check out a few behind the scenes photos below: (more…)
Trey Songz Shows Men How to Wear the Sports Jacket in GQ
Ooooh I love me some Trey! In the March 2012 issue of GQ, Trey has a 10 page feature dubbed ‘The Most Important Items In Your Wardrobe’, where he shows off the best sports jacket and blazer looks for the fellas. He rocks styles by J. Crew, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Emporio Armani & Etro. According to GQ, if you are a guy and you don’t already own a well-fitted sports jacket, it should be the first thing on your list to add to your wardrobe.
While getting ready for his 2012 release of his album ‘Chapter V,’ Trey dished to GQ about possibly changing up his music style in the future by following in Marvin Gaye’s footsteps and making music that changes lives. He also dished on why he thinks Twitter and Facebook take away the mystery of an artist’s “persona”:
On Making Music Like Marvin Gaye — Love Songs to Changing Lives
I could make a hundred “Bottoms Up’s but they won’t change nobody’s life. Marvin Gaye sang love songs to a certain point, and then it was like, ‘F–k this; I’m not clean-cut no more. I’m putting this skully on, letting this beard grow out, and I’m doing whatever the f-ck I wanna do.On if he’ll change up his style
I might. Give me a couple of years, though.On Social Networking and whether it ruins the Mystery of Artists
What made Prince, Prince is, you didn’t know shit about him. As an artist, you need a persona, a mystique. When you step into Twitter, Facebook, all of that, you’re giving a piece of it away.
Check out some of Trey’s looks from the spread: (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Giuseppe Zanotti Body Belt Necklace
You can always count on Queen Bey to be on top of the latest fashion trends. I would never have dared to wear a body belt necklace but Bey showed us how to work it in her ‘Girls Who Run The World Video’ last year. She pulled it off so effortlessly that we are now seeing it on red carpets and runways. You can cop this body belt necklace clad with silver-tone galvanized brass plates for yourself at Giuseppe for just $995.
Angela Simmons was spotted at New York Fashion Week in Manhattan hitting up a few shows including BCBG MaxAzria. She wore a black knee-length dress that she paired with Giuseppe Zanotti leopard print pony wedges and a gold Giuseppe Zanotti body belt necklace. Serena Williams was also spotted wearing a black dress combination with the gold neckpiece last year while attending the 8th Annual Keep A Child Alive Ball.
Check out pics of the girls working the piece after the break. (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Colour Blocking
Ladies (and metrosexual gentlemen) it’s time to review your wardrobes and incorporate the newest fashion trend: colour blocking! Colour block fashion is one of the hottest new trends. It combines the use of two or more blocks of colour in an ensemble. This could be for a top, bottom, tunic, a dress and even a handbag or shoes. Simply it means – creating an outfit by putting areas or blocks of solid colour next to each other. The main idea is combining different colours that support and compliment each other.
Most African women are afraid of bright colours, either because they are worried that they won’t be figure flattering, they won’t work with their complexion, or that they won’t be age appropriate. Some women do wear one bright colour that complements their eye color or skin tone, but many are afraid to wear more than one. If you don’t know where to start, allow me to take you back to your basic art class in primary school where you first heard of the colour wheel: (more…)
D’banj at the BET Awards
There’s nothing like a sexy African man who knows how to dress. Kenyan men, please note that the following is why Nigerian men get all the ladies 
Nigerian artist D’banj, who just recently signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music family, attended the 2011 BET Awards. D’banj and 2Face emerged joint winners of the Best International Act (Africa) award at the awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, June 26. D’banj looked good enough to eat in a velour green blazer matched with a pair of Christian Louboutin Mika Raja flats ($2,395) from their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Check out more pics after the break. (more…)
Casting: Face of Africa Kenya
Calling all Kenyan models! The Kenyan Ford Supermodel competition is back! You too can be the next Ajuma Nasanyana from Turkana (sponsored by Surazuri) who won a contract with Ford following her entry into the competition in 2003/4. She is now one of the worlds top Supermodels. Gift Opar, pictured above, was last year’s Kenyan representative. Although she did not win, she was the only African representative!
Casting takes place on the 21st of May starting at 9:00 am and finishes at 2:00pm with the girls going through the following stages:
A. Heightometer – where they will be eliminated or progress to the next stage based on their height MIN 5’8”
B. Hips measurement – where they will be eliminated or progress to the next stage based on their hip size MAX OF 37” (more…)
Chris Brown For GQ Italia April 2011
Don’t you just love a sharply dressed man? That’s one thing I really miss about clubbing in the States. The men were always on point. I think in Kenya, Nairobi to be specific, men don’t pay as much attention to how they look. Our male counterparts should realize that we appreciate it when they spend some time on how they look, just the same way they appreciate when we get all glammed up for them.
With all that being said, I think the world is beginning to forgive Chris Brown. He is featured in the April issue of GQ Italia looking all kinds of delicious! For the feature that was photographed before he entered his experimental blondie stage, he posed in menswear by Dolce & Gabanna, Georgio Armani, Roy Rogers, and Tom Ford. He was photographed by Kai Z. Feng and styled under the fashion direction of Andrea Tenerani. Check out more pics after the break. (more…)
Beyonce Gives Tips On How To Feel Sexy Around Your Man
Beyonce, who was spotted courtside at the Nets game, recently revealed that she loves to wear sexy stilletos for her man. I’ve never seen her in flats. I love heels but I only wear them for special occasions. My manual car won’t let me drive with sky high heels on my way to work. In the latest issue of Cosmopolitan, Bey gives women tips on how to feel sexy around their man:
You should put on good music and something that makes you feel great. I love a pair of high, sexy stilettos with a beautiful dress, but you have to find out what works for you – whether it’s doing the whole smoky eyes thing or a natural look. And never be predictable. Mix it up, surprise him, change your hair – be the woman he knows with a little bit of a twist.” (more…)
Oscar 2011 Fashion
The Oscars 2011 were quite surprising. Didn’t necessarily agree with most of the winners but hey. For those who missed:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
The King’s SpeechPerformance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Natalie Portman (Black Swan)Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale (The Fighter) (more…)
Trannies Taking Over The Catwalk
Watch out Naomi…transgenders are coming for your crown. If you’ve been living under a rock and still don’t know what ‘transgender’ means, let me break it down for you so it will be forever and consistently broke (I love Love Jones!!!) Transgender is the state of one’s “gender identity” (self-identification as woman, man, neither or both) not matching one’s “assigned sex” (identification by others as male, female or intersex based on physical/genetic sex). “Transgender” does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation.
Bosnian model Andrej Pejic, and Brazilian Lea T are causing a frenzy in the world of high fashion. Natural born female supermodels are glancing nervously over their bony shoulders at their male counterparts whose flawless gender bending looks and statuesque physiques have made them famous. (more…)
Beyonce at the Grammys
Everyone thought Beyonce was hiding during the Grammys. She was not spotted on the Red Carpet at all. I think she was just trying to be a supportive friend to her BFF Gwyneth Paltrow who was performing “Forget You” with Cee-Lo. The two could have passed for sisters! They were both dressed in black, Christian Louboutin heels and similar blonde hairstyles. I think that was very selfless of Bey. No Jay-Z pics coz he did not attend 
Beyonce was also spotted in West Hollywood on Valentines Day in a little black dress and bright blue/green Christian Louboutin heels, being escorted from shop to shop (see pics after the break). After her shopping spree, she headed to Phillipe Chow in West Hollywood where she met up with former Destiny Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Solange and cousin Angie Beyince were also on hand as the ladies celebrated Kelly’s 30th birthday. So I guess that deads all the Bey and Kelly rivalry rumours. (more…)
2011 Grammy Fashion…
The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards were held last night in LA at the Staples Center. I love Grammy night coz we get to see such fabulous fashion sense. Rihanna looked glamorous as she stepped out on the Red Carpet in a dress by Jean-Paul Gaultier. That dress is playing Peek -a-boo! I think she’s wearing a nude body stocking underneath…okay I hope she is. I’m not feeling the hair much though. I prefer the curly look she had during the 2010 American Music Awards. Check out more Grammy Fashion pics after the break. (more…)
dunhill Carbon Fiber Biometric Wallet
With Valentines Day coming fast around the corner, I know all my lady ballers are wondering what they should get that special guy in their life. I really hate shopping for men because it always seems like they have everything they need. With women, there’s always something new we could do with.
While surfing the net I stumbled upon a really cool gift for men. It’s the dunhill Carbon Fiber Biometric Wallet. This is not just any old wallet. Virtually indestructible, the dunhill Biometric Wallet will open only with the touch of your fingerprint. It can be linked via Bluetooth to the owner’s mobile phone – sounding an alarm if the two are separated by more than 5 metres! This provides a brilliant warning if either the phone or wallet is stolen or misplaced. The exterior of the wallet is constructed from highly durable carbon fibre that will resist all but the most concerted effort to open it, while the interior features a luxurious leather credit card holder and a strong stainless steel money clip. The perfect gift at only $1,400
Top 6 African Models of 2010
Haute Fashion Africa has released their list of Top 6 African Models of they year 2010. These long legged beauties rocked various editorial spreads in 2010 and rocked the ramps of countless Fashion Weeks. Top of their list is Liya Kebede.
Hailing from Addis Abbas Ethiopia, Liya Kebede was discovered by a film director while attending school at the French Lycee. In 2009, Forbes ranked Liya Kebede as the 11th highest earning supermodel in the world, having earned $2.5 million dollars in 12 months. Also a talented actor, Liya Kebede took on the role of Waris Dirie, goat herding tribal nomad turned international supermodel, in the movie Desert Flower.
Check out who else made the list after the break. (more…)
Help Fund Education with Kikoy4Kenya
I’m always looking for a way to help improve my country, and the world, in my every day life. Now you can do it through fashion, and by being a fashion trendsetter at that! Inspired by the beauty of East Africa, Kikoy4Kenya is a line of 100% cotton, hand finished textiles that celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and vibrancy of Kenya. Kikoy4Kenya combines the century-old dying and weaving skills of Kenyan artisans to produce the highest quality of indigenous cotton in a rich array of patterns and hues. More than a luxurious hand woven garment, the Kikoy is a jewel from the rich Kenyan culture. Traditionally worn as a sarong by East African men, the multi-tasking Kikoy also serves as a scarf, a dress, and a turban as well as a tapestry or a blanket.
Kikoy4Kenya began as a community project to raise money for the Koinonia Education Centre in Nairobi. Children of the Kibagare slum are given the opportunity to receive a high class education. The school is able to give the children an opportunity to learn and grow. K4K believes that education is the first step in eliminating poverty, and the education of the children is a step towards the education of the community. For every Kikoy4Kenya sold, K4K funds one day of education for one child. However you wear your Kikoy4Kenya, you are wearing it as part of a global community.
You can shop for K4K products on their website. You can also connect with K4K via Facebook and Twitter. You can check out pics of how you can incorporate kikoy in your life after the break. (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Python Shoes and More…
Are you ready for Xmas??? Do you have all your gifts done? Have you got outfits for the one million and ninety parties you have to attend? While you’re at it, do not forget the shoes. I always advise my male friends on how to choose a good woman. The measuring stick is the shoes… If she’s wearing those luminous coloured patent leather pumps, please run in the completely opposite direction! I’m going to drop some knowledge on you for tips to follow when buying your shoes this season.
You may not believe it but python is making a big comeback this season. Like I told you with the leopard print shoes, python skin is not to be overdone. Try and tone down the rest of the outfit. I absolutely love the shoes pictured above which were worn by Ashanti to the premiere of The Tourist. She made a very big mistake when it came to the rest of her ensemble. (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Lace Manicure
If you’re like me, you probably hate having to sit at the salon forever trying to get your nails done. I actually just get my nails clipped short with no polish applied. But we all know that just doesn’t cut it for the festive season. You can’t have on a banging outfit while your nails look like shit. If you feel like glamming up your look, why not try out the lace manicure? Best thing about it is you can do it yourself at home. And if you’re not comfortable with your skills, you can write down instructions for your manicurist.
You will need black lace, scissors, toothpick(s), and a strong topcoat. Nailene Acrylic Strong topcoat is ideal because you will need something strong to hold the lace. Don’t mistake a top coat with clear polish- it’s not the same.
Now we are ready to start! (more…)
Flaviana Matata: 2010 Breakout Model
I have said it before: Flaviana Matata is a person to watch. Essence magazine has named Tanzanian, Flaviana as one of the 2010 breakout models. Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2010 collection was as chic as ever, but newcomer Flaviana stole the show. This former Miss Tanzania was one of the most wildly sought after models of the year. I did a post on her back in April which you can check out for more fabulosity. Check out the other breakout models after the break. (more…)
Most Expensive Nail Polish In The World
For the woman who has everything, here comes the Gold Rush! The most expensive nail polish in the world. This exclusive nail polish is available to view and order from British jeweler “Frost of London.” It sparkles as if it contains tiny diamonds, yet is absolutely smooth to the touch. The exquisite gold lid is hand-crafted from a solid ingot of yellow gold, and weighs nearly 4 ounces. A total of 1,118 diamonds have been precisely inset weighing over 14 carats of ‘collection’ VVS quality and colours D, E and F. The Gold Rush nail polish is priced at $130,740.00. The Gold Rush will be available at Models Own from mid-December.
Now that’s the couture version. For those of us who do not have that kind of money lying around to spend on nail polish, the ready to wear, down-to-earth version only costs $7. Even if I had a loose $130,000 lying around, I still wouldn’t spend it on nail polish. However, if you’re feeling generous this festive season, I would definitely accept it as a gift
Rihanna Without Makeup and Wig
Rihanna has been working her red hair for a minute now. It’s to play up her new album that was released last week, LOUD. I haven’t been a fan of the look but I’m loving how she rocked it for the 2010 American Music Awards this past weekend. Dress is beautiful, wig is tight and makeup game is on point. However, we women tend to go to extra extra lengths in our quest to look as glamorous as these celebrities. To put things into perspective, I have a little behind the scenes pic for you. Please look after the break for a pic of Rihanna sans makeup and wig. She’s struggling just like the rest of us. So try not to be too hard on yourselves eh? (more…)
Hot Trend Alert: Leopard Print Shoes
I’ve loved leopard print ever since my mum bought me a beautiful velvet leopard print skirt back when I was a teenager. Have no idea what happened to it but it was such a prized possession. Leopard print can look very HOT. However…you have to wear it in moderation, and know what to pair it with. Too much can have you looking like a cross breed of a leopard and a human. (more…)
Fashion Faux Pas Kenyan Women Love To Make
I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it harder each day to walk in the streets of Nairobi without wanting to stop a woman just to find out if she has a mirror at home that she uses before stepping out the door. Some women look shocking and atrocious! Not everything that’s in fashion will look good on you! Let me share with you a few things that throw me into cardiac shock, thus shortening my life expectancy. (more…)
Mary J Blige As Diana Ross For Ebony Cover
Ebony magazine is celebrating 65 years of publication. So they decided to recreate a 1970s cover of Diana Ross. Mary J. Blige is wearing the same clothes and makeup as Ms. Ross did way back then. Is it that Mary is more beautiful or is it that we now have photoshop? Let me stop being messy What do you think?
Bow Ties Are Back In Vogue!!!
I’ve never really been into bow ties. Martin Shikuku totally ruined it for me when I was growing up. However, when it comes to fashion, I’m quite open to trying new things. I’m totally amped that these days women too can play around with bow ties. I’m a regular reader of the blog Mr. Talented because he always features cool new stuff. He has created bow ties out of 11 dice, with some pieces drawing inspiration from artists like Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Janelle Monae. See more pics after the break. (more…)
