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Category: Fashion

Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada dies from COVID-19
Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, better known as Kenzo, who created his label in Paris in the 1970s, died on Sunday, the brand that still carries his name said.
Aged 81, Takada died of complications linked to COVID-19 at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a residential suburb on the western outskirts of the capital, his spokesman told French media.
Known for his colourful motifs and original silhouettes, which mixed inspirations from Japan, such as the kimono, with other cuts, Takada also branched into perfumes and skincare lines, helping his business boom.
He had retired from his eponymous label several decades ago, however, after selling it to LVMH, the world’s biggest luxury group, in the early 1990s.
Kenzo has since had several other creative directors, while Takada maintained close links to the world of fashion but explored other areas of design, including furniture.
Confirming his death in a statement on Instagram, the Kenzo brand paid tribute to his use of colour, and said the label was still inspired by his zest for life and optimism.
Takada, who has described how he first reached France via a long boat journey in the mid-1960s, was known an avid traveller, and played with a mix of cultural inspirations in his designs.
A New York Times review of one of Takada’s early fashion shows in 1973 hailed an “ethnic mishmash that was joyous and full of fun”, describing him as “one of the most imaginative designers in the world”.
Takada, who has also designed opera costumes, started out with a small store in Paris before soon reaching star status, and remained in his adopted city.
His contemporaries in a thriving period for Parisian fashion included Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent.
Read more: US President Donald Trump, wife test positive for COVID-19
“Paris is mourning one of its sons today,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Twitter.
LVMH’s Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault said in a statement that Kenzo had “infused into fashion a tone of poetic lightness and sweet freedom which inspired many designers after him”.
Ralph Toledano, chairman of France’s fashion federation, credited Takada with contributing to writing “a new page in fashion, at the confluence of the East and the West”.
Takada early this year launched a new venture in Paris, a home and lifestyle brand called K3, in collaboration with other designers.
October 5, 2020
Designers fashion a go-slow future for catwalks and collections
From Armani to Gucci, top fashion houses are re-designing their calendars to slow down the frantic pace of catwalk shows and new collections as the coronavirus pandemic forces a rethink of the way the industry works.
Luxury labels are scaling back the number of collections they show at fashion weeks across the year in London, Paris, Milan and New York or at other events in exotic locations.
After more than two months of lockdown, with shops shut across the globe and manufacturing sites idled, the $310 billion luxury goods sector is on course for a 2020 sales drop of up to 35%, consultancy Bain estimated.
Brands are grappling with piles of unsold stock and the prospect of widespread discounts that risk denting their aura of exclusivity as well as profits.
U.S. designer Michael Kors was the latest to call for a post-virus slowdown in the fashion calendar on Monday as he pulled out of New York’s shows in September.
He said he would only make two collections a year – one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter, skipping so-called resort and pre-fall collections that many high-end labels have recently begun producing to refresh stores in the winter and over summer.
These collections showcase holiday wear for foreign travel that jetsetters may have to forgo this year.
These have added to the number of designers’ creations, capsules and collaborations that critics say are out of sync with consumers’ needs, particularly in a global recession. A cruise or resort collection is typically shown in May and delivered to stores in November.
Robert Burke, founder of luxury retail consultancy Robert Burke Associates, said the move towards fewer collections fits with a consumer shift away from disposable fashion.
“Buying things that you know you’ll only have for a short time period or go out of fashion immediately doesn’t seem attractive right now.”
The debate about fashion industry excesses pre-dates the crisis, but has been given a sense of urgency by the pandemic, which is pressuring brands to cut costs and shed inventory without losing too much money.
Kors said deliveries of its products would from now on be scheduled to arrive in store incrementally over the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons, more closely reflecting “how customers actually live and shop.
“It is imperative that we give the consumer time to absorb the fall deliveries, which will just be arriving in September, and not confuse them with an overabundance of additional ideas, new seasons, products, and images.”
Armani, in an open letter to fashion trade publication WWD, said luxury labels should stop mimicking hectic fast fashion delivery schedules.
“It makes no sense for one of my jackets or suits to live in the shop for three weeks before becoming obsolete, replaced by new goods that are not too different,” he wrote.
Alessandro Michele, who turned Gucci into a cash cow for French owner Kering, has also said he would cut the label’s yearly shows to two from five.
And in its end-May earnings presentation, Ralph Lauren said it had rebalanced its assortments towards “core”, less seasonal products, which have faster lead times and less mark down risk.
CFO Jane Nielsen said the summer collection would stay in stores through August “to maximize full-price selling.”
The brand will also set aside some finished products for upcoming seasonal collections, even if that means keeping clothes in inventory longer than usual.
Brands like Gucci and LVMH’s Dior have used more frequent collections and expensive events in exotic places to lure a rich, but also voracious, clientele, particularly in China.
With luxury spend hit by the crisis, some industry insiders say it no longer makes sense to have such huge marketing expenses — a fashion show can cost well over $1 million.
The move towards showing and producing less also reflects a power shift between brands and big U.S. department stores, which long dictated the timing of product releases to keep their stands looking fresh.
Multiple deliveries allowed the stores’ sales associates to call their clientele regularly, saying “Come in, we’ve got some new products,” Ron Frasch, former president of Saks Fifth Avenue, told Reuters.
That puts winter coats in shops in the middle of the summer and gives department stores leeway to discount as they see fit — something that Frasch said was a “bloodbath” for most brands.
With the pandemic accelerating the demise of Neiman Marcus and other top U.S. retailers, that model is now increasingly being called into question, he said.
Yet some brands are resisting the call for a leaner fashion schedule. Chanel, which in a show of strength increased prices in May, said it would stick to six collections a year. (Reuters/NAN)
June 18, 2020
How to grow your beard faster
For men, beards stand for masculinity, so a fully grown mustache and beard is a source of great pride.
That is probably why ‘grow the beard faster’ is one of the most popular search phrases on Google.
Below are steps to help you grow your beards faster:
Exfoliate your skin
You should use a scrub or a skin exfoliant, once every week, to remove dead skin cells. The removal of this dead cells will stimulate new hair growth.
Try an exfoliating mask by applying the product to your face and leave it on for a period of time, usually between ten and thirty minutes, before rinsing it off.
Increase the amount of protein in your diet
Diet contributes a lot to the body changes and growth. Protein found in meat, fish, eggs, and nuts will grow facial hair faster.
Keep a clean skin
Wash your face every morning and night with warm water and a mild cleanser.A clean skin encourages small hair to grow.
Rest well
Your damage skin cells will repair themselves as you sleep. And once the damaged cells are repaired, there will be room for the beard to grow.
Consume more minerals and vitamins (fruits)
In addition to eating better, you should also incorporate more vegetables and fruits in your diet, because they are rich in the minerals and vitamins that the hair needs in order to grow more rapidly.
January 8, 2020
Fashion tips for men
Men fashion like the women fashion is becoming more flamboyant, experimental and trendy. However, when it comes to fashion, there is no last word as many have broken conventions with bold and eccentric styles that became global trends.
However, there are golden rules that prove to always save the day when it comes to fashion. And they include the following:
1. Be creative with colors.
2. Wear jeans
3. Have your accessories (neck hand chains) but not much.
4. Invest wisely in watches
5. Let your dressing make a statement
6. Get the shoes. They matter a lot.
7. Know what to wear_ dress according to occasions.
8. Be bold
January 6, 2020
Tips on growing your beards faster
If you’re looking forward to growing your hair or beard, it’s hard to accept that it just takes time. In reality, the most significant (and unchangeable) factor in how quickly your hair or beard will grow is your genetic profile. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to speed up the process a little. Take care of your hair and beard as it grows, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and talk to your doctor if extra help is needed. And be patient, above all!
Be patient and let your hair grow.
The general knowledge in how quickly your hair and beard grows is your genetic profile, and there’s not much you can do about it. While you can take steps to help the cycle, your beard should also grow at its own rate and in its own way.
· Many people say that cutting your hair/ beard regularly can promote faster growth, but there is no evidence to support it.
· Frequent shaving may stimulate hair follicles to grow faster before you start growing a beard, but the evidence for this is also minimal at best
· So, just let it grow once you start growing a beard
Wash your face twice per day to unblock hair follicles.
Using warm water to wash your hair. Massage in a gentle face cleanser if you haven’t begun your beard yet. If you have a beard, use a mild shampoo on your face hair as well. Rinse with clear, clean water the cleanser and/or shampoo, then pat your face dry with a soft towel. Do that every morning and night.
· Regularly washing your face will help your hair follicles absorb dirt and oil. It makes growing easier for them.
Exfoliate your face once per week.
Use a mild cleanser or shampoo to wash your face as usual, just rinse with warm water and leave your skin damp. Gently massage your entire face (including any hair on your skin) in the exfoliant, then rinse it away with clean water and pat your face dry.
· Exfoliating may help clear out dead skin cells that may hinder the full growth potential of your hair follicles.
Pamper your growing beard with beard oil or softener.
While you should be careful about any product claims made to promote beard growth, beard oils and beard softeners may actually provide some advantages. Keeping soft and hydrated your beard hair will boost growth slightly faster.
· If you have acne, stop beard oil. It can make the breakouts worse.
· Using beard items at least would make your beard look better and feel better, no matter how quickly it grows.
Reduce stress to encourage beard growth.
You’ve probably heard that too much tension can lead to hair loss. Therefore, it should not be shocking that it may also slow the growth of hair. Which means the less you’re concerned about your beard, the better it could grow!
· Find the strategies for stress reduction that work best for you. Try things like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, gradual relaxing of the body, nature walks, listening to music, talking to friends, or reading a good book.
· Consult with your doctor and mental health professional if you have significant problems with stress management
Stop smoking for your overall (and maybe beard) health.
There is no clear evidence that smoking is especially bad for the health of the beard. Smoking, however, is clearly bad for so many aspects of your overall health that it is not unreasonable to think it could impede the growth of beard. Whether or not you’re trying to grow a mustache, focus as soon as possible on leaving.
· Most smoking cessation aids are available today. Consult with your physician to find the right process (or method combination) for you.
· There is some evidence to suggest that smoking will make your beard hair turn gray faster.
December 23, 2019
Fashion: Common mistakes women make
If there’s one thing we are all guilty of, it’s making fun of someone who’s horribly dressed but thinks he or she looks really good. In an attempt to look trendy, a lot of women follow the latest fashion blindly. Just because an outfit looks good on a celebrity or your friend doesn’t mean it will look good on you. One fashion mistake and all your effort at looking good is messed up.
When we say fashion mistakes, we’re not talking about wearing a dress that could land you on a worst-dressed list. Rather, we’re talking about the subtle, not so obvious mistakes that could wreck your gorgeous look. Below are some common fashion mistakes we easily overlook and should try to avoid in the future.
Wrong size of clothes
You can look really bad when you don’t wear clothes that fit right. Your outfit needs to have shape. Don’t try to hide your folds in baggy clothes neither should you try to squeeze into an outfit that’s too small for you. Know your size and stick with it. How it fits is one of the most important aspects of clothing
Wrong shoes
What are you comfortable with? Heels or Flats? It’s better to wear something you’re accustomed to than walking like a toddler learning how to walk. Give it rest ladies.
Showing too much skin
It doesn’t make you look responsible. Most times, less is more. Showing so much may not give you the 100% attention you require. Never show too much. Always leave something to the imagination.
Too much jewelry
Too much jewelry can lead to so much confusion in the eye and can downgrade any look. Several rings, oversize earrings, stack of bangles and layers of bead worn with chain necklaces at the same time is just too much unless you want to look like a Christmas tree, you should be the center of attention not your jewelry.
Visible underwear
Underwear is just that, underwear. Wearing clothes with pant lines showing is another fashion error women make. Visible bra straps or pant lines can look really tacky. You see a woman gorgeously dressed and then she walks away and you notice her pant lines. There are so may thongs and seamless undies in the market, why not go for them and avoid making this fashion mistake.
December 13, 2019
8 Ankara styles to rock in 2020
Simple Ankara Gown
Mini Low Vneck Flare Sleeve Gown
Shoulder Cut Penciled Gown
Blazer Shirt Ankara Gown
Sophie Off Shoulder Dress
Short Simple Agbada Gown
Simple Shirt Dress Ankara
Simple Longsleeve Penciled Gown

December 13, 2019
5 Cool hairstyles to rock for the holidays
As the month progresses, people are slowly getting into the holiday mood. With chritsmas deals everywhere, it’s pretty hard to ignore that it’s just a few weeks to the Christmas holidays.
As you plan to travel or do other fun things during this season, what to do with your hair may be cause for worry. However, hair need not stress you this season as we share with you five perfect hairstyles for the holidays.
Box braids
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend but so are braids. This is a favourite hairstyle among many women and can work for all seasons. However, for the holidays, there are a number of options such as the bohemians box braids or dreads which look absolutely amazing.
If you are still into the regular-type braids, knot-less braids are all the rage right now and especially if they are long enough to graze the butt. Knot-less braids are very trendy for their seamless appearance in that their is very little distinction about where the extension and the hair meet. They make for a very nice holiday hairstyle as they are neat and can be styled in different ways.
Cornrows
Cornrows will probably never go out of style because of the many variations that one could try. For instance, this up-do is great for the holiday as you literally don’t have to keep styling it. You could put it in a bun or tie a scarf around it and be good to go while still looking uber stylish for the holiday.
You could also opt for regular cornrows but it being the holidays, add some bohemian vibe to it with these wavy extensions at the bottom in whichever colour you please.
Boxer braids also deserve an honourable mention as they are an easy go-to style that you can even do yourself. You can also add a wavy extesion to jazz it up and is very low maintenance which is just what you need for a relaxed holiday.
Rock your fro in colour
This option is for people looking to jazz up their hair , whether a TWA or even a big afro and do not want the commitment of extensions. Look for a fun temporary colour which you can simply wash off when the holiday ends. It is also advisable to consult a hair technician before using hair dyes to avoid damage to your tresses.
Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with colours as well.
Spring or passion twists
Whether crocheted or individually braided, this hairstyle is a win during the holidays. Not only are they very light on the scalp but their springy nature just gives of festive vibes and are also very easy to style. Most people also admit that they tend to look even better as they age.
Bohemian faux locs
Step away from the faux locs that we’ve all come to know and love and try bohemian locs this holiday. Just like bohemian braids, they have a ‘busier’ appearance but they still look good.
You can also have them in a bob style to make it even more stylish.
December 5, 2019
How to stylishly rock your jeans to work
Having to decide what to wear to work in the new week could be a burden to many people. The workplace or environment is a factor to consider when choosing clothes for the new week. Some workplaces allow for casual appearances. Others are quite strict and only approve of corporate outfits.
The millennial culture is catching on, and jeans are now becoming more acceptable in the workplace. Here are five tips to rock your jeans stylishly and professionally.
Throw on a blazer
A blazer can transform any look into a professional one. Brighten up your casual jeans with either a light or dark-coloured blazer.
Wear dressy shoes
Wearing a great set of shoes, like heels, can boost your looks and confidence. Wear a classic pair of pumps in either nude or black and you will go from casual to formal in seconds.
Go dark
Dark jeans are more appropriate for work as they appear to be more conservative than light-coloured jeans which look casual and laid back. It is best to save your dark jeans for the office and lighter shades for your days of fun.
Tuck it in
Nothing says formal than a well tucked in shirt in either a skirt or pair of jeans. Perfect this look by throwing on a belt and corporate shoes.
Wear classic cuts
Classic cuts look more professional than casual. It’s always safer to go for something comfortable and a bit roomy. Try wide-legged or boot-leg cut jeans.
December 5, 2019
Fashion tips to make you outstanding as a woman
Inasmuch as it costs a bit to dress well, you would not even be able to stand out of the crowd if you’re not the best.
Dressing as a lady requires so many things, and you have to put into consideration everything, from the scarf on your head, to the wigs and if course, down to your shoes and stockings (if any).
There are some ever pretty dresses which you do not need to change with seasons, and they of course fit in to any occasions.
The dresses you use for the rainy seasons should be light, because they won’t be needing much sunlight to get dried after you wash them. You should also budget for your sweaters and any other covering for cold, and then a raincoat or umbrella to save the day should it begin to rain.
Some of the pretty dresses you see out there do not cost a lot. You can even go for everpretty gowns so you do not have to budget for skirts.
Some of the amazing things that would help you stand out in your dressing as a female include:-
• Your shoes
No matter how good you dress, you can never be the best if you don’t have good shoes to match.
You can be putting on cheap bridesmaid dresses, but trust me no one would notice except your shoes equally look inferior.
If you can only have a colour, make sure it is black!
• The handbag you have on
Maybe you do not know, but people seem to notice your handbags so well.
Are the matching with your dress? Do they have any tears? How big are they?
If you’re a nursing mother, you might want to go for a bigger one though.
• Your spectacles
Rather than put on bad glasses, you should just ignore.
It’s never compulsory except maybe, you have an eye defect.
• Your dress
I do not have to stress much on this, if you must stand out, your dress should be something nice and comfortable.
Not too tight, and not too loose, except it’s the fashion you’re trying to put.
• Your hair
If you’re not going to put on a scarf, then don’t look down on your hair.
Make sure it is neat, and not annoyingly big.
A simple wig could do the magic of course. What do you think? The first step to your self confidence is a good dress sense.
December 5, 2019