Pakistan Fashion Week opened in Lahore in a blaze of neon colour and a scenery of prints. Whether using traditional block or screen techniques, or the genius of the digital process, the story was mostly all about print.

Design by Elan

Khatijah Shah in her Elan label, took inspiration from the Chinese and Japanese porcelain which her parents reportedly collected, displayed embellished floor-length, wrap-and kaftan-style dresses with brilliant images of cranes, herons, peacocks and carp, and calligraphy.

Designs by Saniya Maskatiya

Sania Maskatiya mixed various prints, merged block and screen techniques and computer graphics in her modern pieces. Dragons and serpents were sighted along with Persian tile motifs and Islamic geometrics, in a series of simple tunics and sleeveless vests with slim, sarong-style skirts, worn open at the side, over a pair of trousers.

Design by Akif

Akif Mahmood, a Pakistani designer who showcased at the British Fashion Council’s International Exhibition at London Fashion Week, in February, contrasted dramatic, black-and-white embroidered and striped, traditional, long gowns, with brightly-patterned trousers.

Design by Fahad Hussayn

Designer Fahad Hussayn caught the gasp-factor from his audience with his collection of arty headdresses. Hussayn is one of Pakistan’s most avant-garde designers and is famed for elaborate, couture bridal wear.
In his luxury ready-to-wear, however, he lets his fantasies fly. The bird-woman theme was reverberated dramatically in eagle and feather photographic prints, on trouser-suits and long gowns, accessorized with gold.

Design by Hamza Bokhari

It was also a night of new designers at the introduction of a New Talent show with focus on particularly digital print.

Designs by Ali Xeeshan

Lahore’s Ali Xeeshan staged an entire cast dressed in elaborately embroidered and laser-cut, white collection.

HSY used pastels, with full dresses worn over little bloomers tied at the knee. And the Karma Pink collection managed the difficult task of combining The Great Gatsby with elements of Pakistani national attire, the Shalwar Kameez.

Designs by HSY

Most entertainingly, this fashion week offered a look into a universal collection, all cut to drape flatteringly around the silhouette and disguise any figure faults.

I fell in love with fashion ever since I can remember. I would watch tv just to see the outfits they were wearing, get ideas and make it my style. I express myself in what I wear, I like pushing it a lil bit. As long as I’m comfortable and it looks good, I’m good.

- Soso

Editor’s Note: The first time I heard of Mearg Tareke was at dinner with a friend. “Honestly,” the friend said, “This model reminds me so much of IMAN”, I and Mearg have been Facebook friends for a while but never really got the chance to talk. A week later, I saw a post on Facebook where someone shared a picture of IMAN and Mearg placed alongside each other and I honestly have to confess, the resemblance was undeniable. The shoot done was a re-creation of IMAN’s look in one of her photo shoots and even when IMAN got to see it on Twitter, she immediately tweeted back wanting Mearg to come over to New York. The power of the social media is like nothing we have ever seen before and this was how I grew to learn about Mearg Tareke, an Ethiopian born model based in America. Although she has been modelling for a short time, Mearg Tareke is a woman you simply can’t ignore and will definitely be the next generation of Supermodels out of Africa.  She has the right mentally, the look, the stride, and personality to represent Africa on a global stage. She has been labelled “Storm” by her colleagues for her rapid popularity into the world of modelling and her exciting sense of humour.  Her beauty is equally matched by her personality, intelligence, and delivery. She is currently involved in a few non-profit organizations including The Royal Circle foundation in baltimore. Her number 1 dream is to become one of Africa’s most loved Supermodels and also to establish a foundation in Ethiopia that will empower and educate women in the lesser developed areas, in addition to helping the local talented people to get discovered.  This month, Zen puts the camera on Mearg to talk about her passion for modelling, fashion, and her plans for the future. This issue is Our Models of the Year Issue and we have spotlights on Congolese Model Flora Losilo, Ugandan model Angela Nakisozi, and a surprise feature from an International model. The fashion this month is truly out of this world and is totally 100% African from M.A.F Couture and The Jungle Collection by Fashion Envie. We saved the best for last with interviews with Music Stars Ice Prince and Victoria Kimani, and designer Aloye Adede. To Round up the month, we present our exclusive with Ghanaian Actress Ama K. Abebrese. It’s a collage of amazing stories that will inspire you, inform you and even get you spending this month “Look out for the M.A.F Couture and The Jungle Collection by Fashion Envie, those designs need to be bought”.

Photographer: Tony beloz

Make up Artist: Leilon Cooper

Hair stylist: Jamale Dmonds

Ex-model and famous gossip blogger, Linda Ikeji, covers the new issue of Style Mania Magazine in Ituen Basi. That newspaper print is so appropriate for her.

Other features in the new issue include Tunde Aladese (Head Writer, Tinsel), Ehizogie Okoeguale (Winner MTV Base VJ Search), Shalom Obi (Budding Supermodel), Dj Obi (Official Dj, Syndik8 records), Akanimoh Umoh (Sensational Artist), Anniette James Ekiko (AJE Filmworks) and Aderonke Adebanjo (On Air Personality, Smooth FM).

Credits
Cover
Photographer: Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Stylist: Dimeji Alara
Make-up: Bayo Haastrup @Khuraira Cosmetics
Hair: Ugo Igbokwe
Cover Dress: All from Ituen Basi

BeautyMania
Photographer: Williamanuel @Imageye Studios
Stylist: Alice Ty
Make-up: Carla Tersini
Models: Shaila Stigger & Elie Rose

Opposites Attract
Photographer: Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Stylist: Dimeji Alara
Make-up: Funmi Olurinola @Abeke Makeovers
Model: Binta Sani @Isis Models Africa

It’s hard for me to categorize a best dressed list and worst dressed list because of it’s tricky theme. So instead, I’m just going to say whether or not the star stuck to the theme and if they pulled it off while looking black tie appropriate.

Shall we begin?

Taylor Swift

 I can’t say whether or not she pulled off the punk look. She looked more grunge and heavy metal. Beautiful dress, dark smokey makeup. Just not quite punk.

Zandra Rhodes

 She pulled off punk and what it stood for. She was just not black-tie appropriate

Sienna Miller

 I like. Just enough punk with the spiked jacket but she softened it with the white floor length dress. Check out that spiked head band.

Sarah Jessica Parker

 I like the dress, the tartan thigh high boots and the head piece. I just like it. The boots only scream punk to me.

Nina Dobrev

 Very beautiful and creative outfit. It’s just that it’s more grunge than punk.

Nicole Richie

 Now Nicole here looks very punk. I wish her hair was spiked.

Miley Cyrus

 Miley is one of the only stars who actually got the theme right. The net with the nude underlay is very punk without showing her lady parts. That hair screams anti-establishment

Lena Dunham and Erdem Moralioglu

 Hi Lena and Erdem. Y’all look great. Just not punk.

Kirsten Dunst

 No words. I don’t know how to feel about it.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

 Sigh. I could write an essay about how wrong this dress is. The full length gloves? The curtain looking print? Can Kim just go back home now? The floral detailing is even more grunge than punk.

Katy Perry

Queen Perry looks gorge.

Karlie Kloss

 Another dress from used curtain material. Was there a sale I didn’t know about?

Julie Macklowe

Very punk look using hot pink, studs, spikes and streaked hair. I like.

Jennifer Morrison

The hair would have been better if it was black or some shocking color. She looks great apart from that.

Jennifer Lawrence

This girl is so beautiful.  I have no words for her.

Jennifer Lopez

 Her hair! I want it!

Gwen Stefani

No boo. Just no.

Florence Welch

 Florence goes more grunge than punk in this beautiful dress.

Emilia Clarke

The Queen of Dragons has no time for a theme. She is stunning and her dragons will deal with you if you say otherwise. (You can guess I’m a huge Games of Thrones fan)

Donatella Versace

Now this is punk. Spiked shoulder and arm cuff made a huge statement. I want one yesterday.

Dakota Fanning

Interesting dress for the beautiful lady. I like.

Coco Rocha

Was there a drag competition happening? Which thankfully forgotten era was this from? Please Coco, do better.

Christina Ricci

 Loving the tartan. Loving  it.

Chloe Sevigny

And with that angry look, she has represented the punk theme very well.

Cameron Diaz

 The studded gold belt doesn’t give her a pass. She looks weird.

Blake Lively

The bottom is a bit too much for me. Looks like a normal red carpet dress.

Ashley Greene

 More Baroque than punk.

Anne Hathaway

 Oh Anne. Thank you for taking a risk and being so beautiful. Just thank you.

Anna Wintour

 And this is what Anna Wintour thinks punk is.

Allison Williams

I’m too annoyed to think up a suitable caption for this.

Beyonce

 Where do I start …..?

The gloves? Could pass. The boots? Hell no! The weird looking bondage belt? *hot tears*

What happened to you Bey? What?

Riccardo Tisci and Rooney Mara

 Co-chairs of the nights festivities, Rooney Mara looks stunning. I want that man.

Lauren Santo Domingo

 Another co-chair going for a rather light and floral look. Can’t complain here.

Katie Holmes

 I don’t know why I don’t like this. Let’s just move on.

Tom Ford and Chanel Iman

 Love!

Solange

Solange was apparently going for ‘afro-punk’. I’m as confused as you. But she still looks great.

Jenna Lyons

 Interesting. I like the clash. I just wish the word were a bit more provocative.

Nicki Minaj

 Nicki gets a pass. Nothing special here.

Madonna

 When Madonna got her invite, she must have been so freaking happy to see the theme. Love it especially with the pink pumps.

Kate Upton

Such a boring end to our red carpet.

So there you have it! Who do you think incorporated the theme properly on the red carpet? Sound off in the comment section!

@d3ola

It will be sky-high glamour as Iconic British designer Dame Vivienne Westwood teams up with Airline Virgin Atlantic in a 10-year partnership which will see an overhaul of all the airline’s famous red uniforms. Talk about a match made in British heaven.

The legendary British fashion designer went for a futuristic look, which references the 1940′s glamour she is known for. “My clothes have always got a very strong dynamic rapport with the body – they are very body-conscious, they help you to look glamorous, more hourglass, more woman,” Vivienne said. “I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality”.

The uniforms for the female flight attendants will remain red and will reportedly emphasize the feminine silhouette. The suit will be marked by a jacket cinched in at the waist, with a curved hip line and a simple pencil skirt, with double-pleated back. The men’s attire, on the other hand, will take on a more classically Savile Row tailoring. Male cabin crew will be kitted out in a three-piece burgundy wool suit, with grey wool detailing under the lapels and pockets.

Dame Vivienne Westwood is following in the paths of Julien Macdonald, Balmain, Pucci and Halston by designing airline uniforms.

Over 7,500 staff plus cabin crew, pilots, Clubhouse staff and Virgin Holidays employees will receive the new uniforms from the iconic designer and employees have been involved in the design process.

Passengers will preview the new uniforms from July 2013 when cabin crew and ground staff try the uniform at the airports and on board. Crew will provide feedback on the design, practicality and wearability so tweaks can be made ahead of the full launch in 2014.

The sneaker: Men and their obsession for sneakers will never come to an end. From basketball to Hip-Hop, shoes matter.. After all, you can’t be in the office all the time. And for relaxing on the weekends, chances are you will opt for a great pair of blue jeans and a laid-back shirt. When you’re in casual mode, make sure you decorate your feet accordingly by including a pair of stylish sneakers in your shoe collection.

The casual shoe: Casual wear is an important part of every man’s lifestyle. Since not every laid-back occasion is sneaker appropriate, you are going to need a second type of casual shoe. This second footwear option comes in the form of a lace up shoe with thin leather sole. Today’s casual shoes are sleek, structured, and void of any bulk, and will look spot-on paired with a straight-leg jeans.

The black dress shoe: For those high-brow formal occasions, or for a regular day at work, the black dress shoe is a classic item of footwear to own. There are no exceptions to this rule – you can mix and match the many available styles of dress shoe with slacks and suits.

The brown dress shoe: In today’s fashion world, brown is the new black. While black is still a classic colour and reserved for ultra-formal occasions, brown has become an acceptable alternative for occasions that are less conservative, yet still proper – such as the boardroom, for example.

The ankle boot: The ankle boot is an important shoe to add to your collection, especially for colder weather. It’s a functional piece because it can be worn in varied ways. For instance, you can wear an ankle boot with a business suit or a pair of jeans and it will complement both looks successfully. A black, leather square-toed boot is an example of a sophisticated shoe that can be matched with almost any pair of trousers.

Have fun in the shoe world guys!
Funmi

Supermodel Naomi Campbell swaps her trademark dark locks for a pretty blonde wig for the cover of the May 2013 issue of Vogue Brazil. Shot by famous photographer Tom Munro, Naomi whips her blonde tresses back and forth, serving us a healthy dosage of fierce, in a black bodysuit reminiscent of the one Beyonce wore in her “Single Ladies” video.

The 42-year-old, who was discovered at age 15, still looks about half her age and confesses that she works hard to keep up her good model figure. “For me, carbs are a treat now,” she told Harper’s Bazaar magazine in 2012. “It’s always surprising to get asked to do a job I did 20 years ago. I’m very blessed, and I know that. I don’t worry about a number. I’m fine with aging.”

Did I hear someone say ‘Move over Beyonce, here’s another black and blonde bombshell making headlines?!’

Do you prefer Naomi as a blonde or brunette?
Funmi

Sandra Choi was recently appointed the new creative director of Jimmy Choo in February 2013 and has already gotten to work with the vision she has planned for the brand.Ms Choi who is a also Mr Choo’s niece plans on introducing a new aesthetic to the brand; she will inject a more relaxed sensibility to its signature, glossy glamor.

Choi has worked with Jimmy Choo since 1989. Her remaining with the company after Choo sold half of it when Tamara Mellon joined the company sowed seeds of discord between Choi and her relatives, and she is not in contact with them anymore.
“Its time to give this place a shake”; Choi said. “Jimmy Choo is that sexy, strappy, stiletto thing- but it can be something else too (The Choo Woman) doesn’t need to get her hair done, and she has a sense of attitude which is ‘you know what? This is ME’”.

Kuku Obienu
@kukuobienu

The moment we have all been waiting for is coming! This year, M.A.C’s Summer Collection, Temperature Rising, is inspired by summer nights and has a much deeper,edgier vibe compared to its predecessors.

As always the packaging is elegant, infusing a deep bronze color with a slight sheen on all the products.  The collection will include a variety of  lipsticks,nail polishes, lip gloss, new powerchrome eye pencil, bronzing powders, eyeshadow quad, a collection makeup bag ,new face brush and body oils.

The collection is set to launch May 16th in the US and May 23rd in most international locations. Mark that date on your calendar ladies , the fight for new M.A.C products almost resembles Alaba market on a Saturday afternoon and products often sell out on the release date. Looking at the products, I have high hopes for this collection and have already set my eyes on this lovely magenta color I hope to get my hands on.

Naomi Nfemi