FASHION

Ikram Goldman Talks On Styling Michelle Obama

Published

8 years ago

November 21, 2016

FAB.NG

Ikram Goldman, the Chicago boutique owner, styled the first lady of the USA Michelle Obama for most of her important engagments in the office, from her husband Barack Obama’s campaign for the presidency in 2008 and their first two years in the White House. she shares her memories here.

“A friend of ours, Desirée Rogers [who would go on to become President Obama’s White House Social Secretary], was the one who introduced me to Michelle years ago, and we just developed a relationship. She became a client, then she became a senator’s wife, then she became First Lady, and the relationship continued. Trust came early on from working on the basic things. We started out with a black dress, a black pant, a black jacket, a white shirt, a black skirt, and we mixed those things together and made them work for a long time, for a lot of meetings.

I was very clear and very cognizant in thinking through each piece and where Mrs. Obama was wearing it and how and why. During the campaign she was appearing on [The Tonight Show With] Jay Leno. I talked to Josh [my husband] about it. I said, “It’s got to be something really low price. It’s got to be something like J.Crew,” and Josh says, “Brilliant. J.Crew it is.” So I go to J.Crew, I picked out a bunch of things; I picked out the gold outfit, the skirt with the cardigan and top. I said to Michelle, “The first thing Jay Leno is going to ask you is ‘what are you wearing?’ And you’re going to say J.Crew.” She says, “He’s not going to ask me that.” And then, the first thing he asked her was, “What are you wearing?” And she looked in the camera like she was looking at me, and [later] she said, “How did you know?” I said, “I just know.”

It was instinctual for me. It was what would I want my sister, my best friend, my daughter to do? Not only what would I want them to do, but also, what do I want to see? What the right message was.

Michelle was fun to watch. She gave women the confidence to dress and express themselves in a way that made them feel comfortable, because she is an extraordinary, happy, and wonderful person. That exudes, and fashion just adds to it. You can’t have great fashion without a great attitude.

There’s a funny story about the first inauguration gown, the white Jason Wu. Everybody wanted to know what dress it was, what dress it was, what dress it was, what dress it was. I kept saying, “I’m not telling anybody.” And the reason I didn’t want to tell anybody was because if last minute something happened and we had to change it and we couldn’t change it because she was pigeonholed into wearing that dress, that would’ve been a disaster for her. I wanted to give her the out to wear what she wanted to wear. We knew what she was going to wear, but I wanted her to have two or three backups. That was really important to me, to have the backups.

Michelle Obama wears Jason Wu to her husband’s first inauguration, January 2009

No one was allowed to see it. I go to Washington [D.C.], and I had the inauguration dress wrapped up in a tiny little bag in my backpack with her jewelry and everything she was going to wear that night. I walked with that dress crumpled up in my backpack to watch the President get sworn in, and I had to go through checkpoints where they had to clean out my bag. They were going to open up the clear bag with the white dress, and I was like, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you; I would not open that up. You can run it through the machine, and if you see anything you can open it up, but there’s nothing here for you.” So, every checkpoint that I was going through, they would clear my bag, take the bag that the dress was in out of my bag, and put it back, but they never opened it up, they never saw what it was. Josh and I laughed. Oberon and Aragon [our twin sons] were two weeks old at the time, they were in pouches on our bellies, and we were walking through the checkpoints, [thinking,] “Oh my god, do they know they just touched the most talked-about piece of fashion the country wants to see in this moment?”

The same thing would happen when we’d go into the White House. I’d bring my own groceries because I like to eat a certain way. We’d have all these bags with pins and needles and grocery bags, and the security guards would go through everything meticulously. Dates, almond butter, chocolate chip cookies. I’d go with Ines Scalise, my right hand and Helen Anagnostopoulos, my seamstress for 20; years, and we’d laugh: It’s just food.

Jason Wu didn’t know the dress was for the First Lady. He had no idea. He called me when he saw it on TV and was bawling his eyes out. I was sitting at the White House and I got the call from him crying. He said, “I can’t believe she’s wearing my dress.” Narciso [Rodriguez] didn’t know; Isabel Toledo didn’t know. I really kept it, as I have for the past eight years, I kept it quiet—very honorable and very quiet.

The most important thing to me is that my clients feel as empowered and as beautiful in their clothes as they feel on the inside. And if the message is inconsistent, then that’s a no-no. When she did the [first] Vogue story in 2009 for the March issue, the White House was clear: Go through Ikram on all of this. I got an email from Tonne [Goodman, Vogue’s Fashion Director], saying, “I’ve got all these clothes.” I said, “Unfortunately, we’re not going to use your clothes. We need to use the clothes we have and the message has to stay very clear: high and low, and we want to represent the designers that we want to represent.” I wasn’t being disrespectful to the magazine, but we couldn’t veer off message; it had to stay on message. We did a Wu dress on the cover, and inside she was wearing J.Crew and Gap.

I didn’t want her to feel fragile and untouchable. I wanted women to know that they can look like Mrs. Obama. There’s no question that she wasn’t thinking about that, too.

Mrs. Obama is a confident and easygoing human being. Because she came with that confidence, it was easy to dress her. You didn’t argue about a Junya Watanabe cardigan with a big skirt from Michael Kors. She was confident, and the clothes were just an extension of what she already is. They were playful and fun and honest; those are all the things she is. The Jimmy Choo shoes she wore were planted in the ground. They weren’t shoes that would kill her; they looked great but were also utilitarian and comfortable, which is really important when you’re dressing anybody at that level. All those things were really her personality. I was just a vehicle for her to access the things she loved the most. Yes, did I engage her in the idea of wearing something a little more off the beaten path? Of course. And did she embrace it? Of course.

The Azzedine Alaïa cardigan she wore to [meet] the Queen of England—people wrote all kinds of things about it, saying she should’ve worn a long-sleeved dress. Meanwhile, she looked absolutely beautiful. I still put people in a cardigan. I didn’t know what the big brouhaha was about.

I stepped away in the cleanest way; I made sure she was taken care of and set up. I hired a saleswoman at my store [Meredith Koop] and told Michelle she would be the perfect person to facilitate what’s already in place.

There’s no question, it was an honor and a privilege to have dressed Michelle Obama, who then became the First Lady. But it would’ve been an honor and a privilege regardless. To me, it’s a privilege to be able to dress the women who trust me to help them represent themselves every day. That is a huge honor for me.

What’s really incredible, when I look back, my children will see this and they’ll say, “My mom had something to do with this,” or my husband. It’s a privilege and an honor knowing that people have thought about it, and they know that I did it from the heart, and that this is something that made history along the way.”

Source: Vogue

Photo Credit: Vogue

FASHION

SheyeOladejo Wows At Africa Fashion Week London 2024 With Her ‘Èjìré’ Collection

Published

40 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Reporter

Sheye Oladejo at AFWL 2024 with her 'Èjìré' Collection | fab.ng

The 2024 edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) was a resounding celebration of African heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship. One of the highlights was when Sheye Oladejo made her runway debut, showcasing her latest collection, “Èjìré.

From her humble beginnings in Ile-Ife to gracing the pages of Vogue and taking centre stage at AFWL, Oladejo’s journey is a testament to her talent and dedication. Her luxury fashion brand, Scqueeze, presented a stunning collection at the Kensington & Chelsea Conference Centre.

Inspired by the folklore of twins in the ancient Oyo Kingdom, “Èjìré” embodied the mystical and dual nature of the African woman. Each piece resonated with themes of identity, strength, and tradition, blending modern sophistication with rich cultural heritage.

In Yoruba culture, twins are revered as symbols of prosperity and protection. Oladejo skillfully captured this essence in her designs, using Aso-Oke and Adire fabrics to create a distinctive look that was both timeless and contemporary.

Sheye Oladejo shared her inspiration for the Èjìré collection:

“The Èjìré collection is a tribute to the strength and resilience of African women. By fusing Aso-Oke and Adire, I wanted to create pieces that honor our heritage while allowing today’s woman to express herself boldly in a modern world.”

Oladejo demonstrates her unwavering commitment to craftsmanship through her meticulous work. Notably, she partnered with local artisans to create the Èjìré collection. This is where each artisan applied their generations-old expertise and precise attention to detail to craft every piece.

Through this collaboration, Oladejo successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements.

“Every stitch tells a story,” she remarked after the show. “Working alongside artisans who have mastered their craft is humbling and a reminder of the deep-rooted legacy we continue with each design.”

Fashion influencers, industry insiders, and cultural tastemakers in the audience marveled at how the collection masterfully balanced elegance with power.

Oladejo captivated viewers through her diverse designs, ranging from ethereal flowing gowns to bold structured silhouettes. The striking Èjìré collection has firmly established her as an emerging force in the global fashion scene.

While the AFWL presentation offered an exciting glimpse of Oladejo’s work, fashion enthusiasts must wait until November for the official launch of the complete Èjìré collection. This anticipated release will likely further cement SheyeOladejo’s growing influence in the fashion industry.

Africa Fashion Week London continues its legacy as a crucial platform for showcasing African design talent. This year, Oladejo’s Èjìré collection particularly stood out, brilliantly highlighting African craftsmanship while demonstrating the continent’s dynamic creative energy.

For more updates on fashion, check here.

FASHION

9 Nigerian Streetwear Brands Changing The Fashion Scene

Published

5 days ago

October 13, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigerian Streetwear Brands Changing The Fashion Scene | fab.ng

Nigerian streetwear brands have transformed the fashion industry. Significantly, these brands contributed to the remarkable growth of the fashion industry in a highly profitable sector.

Market analysts valued the global streetwear market at $185 billion in 2019. Consequently, experts predict substantial growth for Nigerian streetwear brands in the coming years.

Currently, innovative homegrown Nigerian streetwear brands are actively reshaping Nigeria’s fashion landscape. As a result, these trailblazing labels incorporate themes of elegance, revive Y2K aesthetics, and create glamorous armour-like designs. Moreover, Nigerian Gen-Z and millennial individuals eagerly express their unique style through these Nigerian streetwear brands.

Notably, the alte subculture has primarily driven the surge in streetwear fashion consumption in Nigeria. In particular, young Nigerians in this community actively embrace unconventional fashion styles and challenge traditional gender norms. Furthermore, as Nigerian streetwear brands continue to thrive, they actively foster extensive sartorial experimentation. Also, they inspire various genres and subcultures to emerge.

Most importantly, pioneering designers have actively spearheaded this movement and successfully connected different communities through their fashion creations. Subsequently, these visionary creators have established Nigerian streetwear brands that deserve recognition and attention.

Therefore, let us introduce you to nine groundbreaking Nigerian streetwear brands that are making waves in the fashion industry.

1. Severe Nature

Severe Nature, a Nigerian-Canadian streetwear brand, was founded in 2012 by Tobi Adeleye, Christopher Afolabi, and the late Michael Atobalele (Uzii). They launched a Nigerian branch in 2016, recognizing the need for local fashion options.

Severe Nature brings contemporary streetwear with a bold twist, drawing inspiration from redefined Y2K aesthetics such as cropped tops and denim outfits. Their designs bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering inclusivity through innovative and stylish collections.

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2. WafflesnCream (Waf.)

WafflesnCream, founded in 2012 by Jomi Marcus-Bello, is a Nigerian skate label that has significantly impacted the West African skate subculture. The brand captures the spirit of skateboarding with items like skateboards, bolts, patterned wheels, and vibrant checkered bucket hats.

WafflesnCream blends contemporary style with Nigerian heritage, offering a unique fusion of traditional Ankara print baggy trousers, t-shirts, and “uncle” shirts. This seamless mix of modern fashion and cultural history has positioned WafflesnCream as a leader in the fashion world.

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3. David Blackmoore

David Blackmoore (DB), founded by Asaju Samuel and Asiafa Oghenefego in 2015, is a prominent Nigerian streetwear brand shaping urban fashion trends. Known for its bold designs, DB stands out with back-printed t-shirts, vibrant colours, and oversized tops.

Notable pieces like the “Mood like Fela” t-shirts and the flower-detailed sleeve “harvest” shirts make DB a go-to brand for mastering streetwear. Their dedication to Nigerian culture shines through references to the country’s history, which gives the brand a strong local identity.

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4. Street Souk

Founded by Iretidayo Zacchaeus in 2018, Street Souk celebrates African streetwear within Nigeria’s flourishing fashion scene. This brand is passionate about elevating Nigerian streetwear culture and offers a platform to showcase its vibrancy and potential.

Street Souk continues to play a crucial role in defining the future of African street fashion, embracing the energy and creativity of Nigeria’s evolving style landscape.

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5. Cult

Cult, a streetwear brand founded in 2018, puts community at the heart of its designs. Known for its iconic Calabasas font-style logo, the brand offers a high-quality collection of t-shirts, trucker hats, and bucket hats.

Cult has also collaborated with notable personalities like Davido and Kiddominant, showcasing its expanding influence. By working with top graphic designers and using the finest materials, Cult consistently delivers standout products that resonate with streetwear enthusiasts.

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6. NACK

NACK (Nigerian Articulate Culture Kullection), founded by Tolulope Akinpeloye in 2006, embraces the Afropolitan identity, reaching both Africans in the diaspora and those born and raised in Africa.

This brand was created to address the complex issue of identity while offering a platform for self-expression. With a wide selection of stylish pieces including shirts, sneakers, accessories, and face masks, NACK bridges cultural gaps and celebrates Africa’s rich heritage.

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7. Meji Meji

Meji Meji, founded by Tolu Oye, has an inspiring origin story. Before launching her brand, Tolu designed unique face masks and bucket hat combinations for her college peers.

Embracing her creativity and overcoming her fears, she established Meji Meji as a streetwear brand catering to women who love vibrant colours and bold cultural styles. Meji Meji delivers high-quality, functional streetwear that allows individuals to express their confidence through fashion.

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8. Vivendii

Vivendii, a Nigerian fashion brand founded by Jimmy Ayeni, Ola Badiru, and Anthony Oye in 2011, started as a collective of bloggers using Tumblr to share their unique style.

Over time, their love for fashion evolved, leading them to create custom shirts while pursuing academic goals. Their talent caught the attention of renowned fashion figures like Franca Sozzani and Roberto Cavalli, inspiring them to establish their own brand in Lagos.

Vivendii blends streetwear and high fashion, honouring their Nigerian roots while showcasing their creative approach to fashion. The brand’s name, derived from the Latin phrase “Modus Vivendii,” meaning “our way of living,” reflects this ethos.

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9. ashluxe

Founded by celebrity designer Yinka Ash, ashluxe is redefining luxury streetwear in Nigeria with its avant-garde approach. The brand has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs that blend craftsmanship with youthful aesthetics.

From accessories to seasonal collections, ashluxe consistently pushes boundaries, establishing itself as a leading force in luxury streetwear in both Nigeria and the diaspora.

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Many more streetwear brands operate in Nigeria beyond this list. We invite you to share additional brands you know in the comments section below.

Fashion enthusiasts actively discover new Nigerian streetwear labels every day, and your contributions will help others explore the diverse landscape of Nigerian street fashion.

For more fashion tips, check here.

FASHION

Toke Makinwa Was In Red Avant-Garde Veekee James’ Piece For BBNaija 9 Finale

Published

1 week ago

October 8, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Toke Makinwa In Red Avant-Garde For BBNaija 9 Finale | fab.ng

Toke Makinwa commanded attention at the BBNaija Season 9 finale. She did this with her bold fashion choice, a stunning avant-garde creation by VEEKEE JAMES (VJ). She wore a striking red ensemble that instantly commanded attention. The high-fashion gown featured a daring, structured silhouette, beautifully accentuating her figure.

The gown’s bodice was intricately designed, and adorned with hand-shaped embellishments that added a playful and bold touch. This attention to detail made her outfit truly unique, setting her apart on the red carpet.

Her choice to pair the architectural gown with velvet dress gloves enhanced the overall drama of the look. Once again, Toke proved why she’s known for pushing fashion boundaries and consistently setting trends.

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Her sleek hairstyle perfectly complemented the bold outfit, while her striking red lips completed the look with an added touch of glamour. The combination of her outfit, accessories, and makeup created a cohesive and unforgettable ensemble. Toke Makinwa’s appearance was nothing short of show-stopping, solidifying her position as a true style icon.

Throughout the night of the BBNaija 9 finale, Toke Makinwa embodied elegance and confidence. Further, this proves her ability to take risks and redefine red-carpet fashion. Her ensemble stood out not just for its bold colour and intricate design but for the way it balanced high-fashion drama with a refined, sophisticated edge.

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Toke’s presence at the event left a lasting impression, and her look will be remembered as one of the highlights of the night. She once again cemented her status as a fashion muse, consistently inspiring others with her daring yet polished style choices.

Get more fashion updates here.