Love April Collection Preview "Oversized Tribalism" | 
GOLDMAN SUPPLY DEBUT COLLECTION | 
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE YET TO BE RELEASED SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 8.0 | 
Andrea Iyamah releases 2013 Swimwear Collection - "Nkwor" | 
Lucilla Booyzen || mg.co.za | 
SUPPORT BRITISH QUEER WEB SERIES IN THE DEEP WRITTEN BY JOSEPH ADESUNLOYE AND JOY GHARORO AKPOJOTOR | 
King Hakbal Urban Royale Collection | 
Allen & Fifth Spring/Summer 2013 Collection | 
BUSINESS OF FASHION: Jumia co-founders featured in Forbes Africa magazine, announce 3 additional stores across Nigeria. | 
TECH/GADGETS: SMART WATCHES THE WAY FORWARD? | 
Ideally most smartphones should be able to do this!
PAGE 2
Video: Sony Xperia Z UnderWater Camera Videos Recorded while Swimming & Used as Ball
Written by Terence Sambo
Sunday, April 7th, 2013
Rumor: Google negotiating $1 billion acquisition of WhatsApp
Written by Terence Sambo
Sunday, April 7th, 2013
Messaging app WhatsApp is in the negotiating phase over prices with Google in what could be Google’s next billion dollar acquisition, according to an inside source. While the deal started four or five weeks ago, we’ve been told that WhatsApp is “playing hardball” and jockeying for a higher acquisition price, which currently is “close to” $1 billion right now. READ MORE
oki-ni Presents STYLED by Adrien Sauvage
Written by Terence Sambo
Sunday, April 7th, 2013
STYLED by Adrien Sauvage tells a story of aspiration, casting rising model O’Shea Robertson as the young designer. Exploring issues of origin and identity, this black and white portrait series – entitled “SW Diaries” – traces a journey from the bus stop and the barbershop to the basketball court, while hinting at Sauvage’s destination: the fashion scene. Wherever Sauvage’s travels may have taken him so far, it’s clear he’s always going somewhere bigger, and that this has always been the case. Both shot and styled by the polymath creative, ‘SW Diaries’ offers a deeply personal self-reflective study that also sets the scene for the Sauvage’s SS13.
From the age of 13, Adrien Sauvage played professional basketball, representing Great Britain at an international level. After taking an early retirement from the sport aged 19, Sauvage began to make forays into the fashion industry resulting in the establishment of British fashion house A. Sauvage in 2010.
MR GARBE DEBUT COLLECTION ICONIZES OJUKWU, KEN SARO-WIWA, SANI ABACHA & MORE
Written by Terence Sambo
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Mr Garbe is a UK based Tshirt Label and The brands aesthetics is solely based on African history and modern African Culture. The aim of the brand is to inspire change and influence the current African generation to make it better for the upcoming generation.
The T-shirts will be available on www.mrgarbe.com from the 6th of april and www.giddimint.com from the 12th of april.
MORE AFTER THE JUMP
HARRY UZOKA FOR LYLE & SCOTT SPRING 2013 LOOKBOOK
Written by Terence Sambo
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
Scottish label Lyle & Scott features Nigerian model Harry Uzoka and English model Jester in their spring summer 2013 lookbook. This season, made in Scotland knits show up prominently alongside pique polo sports shirts, sweats and lightweight outerwear, while bright red accents on cable knits add dashes of sporty color.
FILM: African Cab Driver in New York ( A Narrative Following a Day in The Life of Omar Ndiaye)
Written by Terence Sambo
 "Pin It")
Monday, April 1st, 2013
A short film written and directed by Sara Bailin. This is a narrative following a day in the life of Omar Ndiaye, a New York City taxi cab driver, who learns that any day could be his last. It has screened at various film festivals, the Boston international film festival, the Willie Fest in Williamsburg, the Broadway auditorium to name a few.
A CLOSER LOOK AT BLACKBERRY Q10′S PRICING
Written by Nuertey Bright
Sunday, March 31st, 2013
Blackberry Z10 & Q10
BlackBerry announced that they will be releasing 2 devices which will run the BB10 OS namely the Z10 and Q10. The Z10 has been on sale for a couple of months now with the Q10 yet to be released. The Q10 is the QWERTY Keyboard version of the Full-touchscreen Z10 model. Lots of people were thinking with the Q10 being a physical keyboard smartphone and all it’s price will be cheaper, had a surprise when news came that it would be a bit on the high side than the Z10.
According to Unlock-Mobiles a SIM-free BlackBerry Q10 will cost E529.98 ($800) which is more than the flagship Z10 that goes for around E500. UK retailer Clove Technology also announced that pre-orders whcih have begun will be going for E535 ($811) for the Unlocked SIM-free version with the same retailer letting out the Z10 for E515.
So the question that pops naturally into mind is: Why is the Q10 more expensive than the Z10? BlackBerry has not confirmed any pricing for the Q10 yet, so we are are left to guess the reasons why. And guess we shall as to why the Q10 costs more than the Z10.
WHY?
We must first of all get the fact that the Q10 is made specifically for those die-hard BlackBerry enthusiasts whose fondness for physical keyboard is so great that they can’t do away with it and go in for the touchscreen Z10. This market is growing to be a niche, as more people move away from physical keyboard phones to touchscreen smartphones. These people are holding out for the Q10 and BlackBerry is aiming to satisfy both these markets ( touchscreen and physical keyboard) with the introduction of the Z10 and Q10 respectively. In the satisfaction of the physical keyboard market BlackBerry would not like ( this is my opinion) to encourage more people to move en masse back to the use of keyboard smartphones by making it cheaper but rather encourage those in that market to move to the use of their touchscreen (Z10), in pricing possibly the Q10 higher and the Z10 cheaper.
There is also a rumor of the Q10 boasting a bigger battery than the Z10 which can also be a factor. Also it could be costlier producing the Q10 because of the physical keyboard as opposed to the cost of production for the Z10. There is actually little to choose between the Q10 and the Z10 with the exception being screen size ( Q10 has a 3.1 inch Super AMOLED HD Touchscreen and the Z10 a 4.2 inch Super AMOLED Touchscreen) and the QWERTY Keyboard. Both are powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core chip with 2GB of RAM, plus they each have an 8-megapixel camera.
VERDICT
With all these in mind loads of people are hoping once it’s released the price will drop. This can hurt BlackBerry if the price remains as it is because a lower priced Q10 could move a great number of people to patronize a potentially great phone. But there is always the option of opting for the Z10 ( i have a funny feeling this could be the main reason) as it is the flagship phone. Also other mid-range devices running the BB10 OS are planned for a release this year “but only when they are ready” says BlackBerry CEO Thorstein Heins. All we can do is hope the price of the Q10 drops but if it doesn’t we have the option of going for the Z10.
BlackBerry has confirmed that the Q10 will be available on 26 April, 2013.
Ugandan Model Dylan Williams for Aqua by Aqua SS13 Platoon Collection Lookbook
Written by Terence Sambo
Sunday, March 31st, 2013
British/Ugandan model Dylan Williams was scouted whilst working for retail giants River Island last year. He’s since gone on to book a couple of campaigns including this one for one of my favorite label Aqua. I’m definitely going to invest in a couple of pieces from this collection…got my eyes on the camo prints.
HARRY UZOKA FOR LE COQ SPORTIF SS13 LOOKBOOK
Written by Terence Sambo
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
SOURCE: DESIGN SCENE
Fashion photographer Sylvain Homo captures the beautifully radiant Le Coq Sportif imagery styled by Zab Ntaka & Justine Allain featuring British/Nigerian model Harry Uzoka. Hair styling was done by Shuko Sumida and make-up Charlotte Honinckx. Harry Uzoka continues to get booked for more editorials and campaigns and hopefully we see him in the top 50 male models list.
Follow Harry on Instagram & Twitter : @HarryUzoka
APPLE’S GAME CONTROLLER MAY LAUNCH SOON
Written by Terence Sambo
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
SOURCE: retro.mmgn.com
‘I’ve long believed that touchscreens leave a certain something to be desired when it comes to playing games, and if a new (and very curious) report holds true, Apple may feel the same way. According to PocketGamer.biz’s Jon Jordan, Apple has been meeting with developers on-site at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco to talk about a forthcoming Apple game controller.’ – Full story on TechCrunch
CAVEN ETOMI (KINGDOM) INTRODUCES ITS LOOK-BOOK FOR THE IDIA COLLECTION!
Written by Terence Sambo
 INTRODUCES ITS LOOK-BOOK FOR THE IDIA COLLECTION! "Pin It")
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
Kingdom tees by Caven Etomi re-shoots it lookbook this time in Lagos with Ace Photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo featuring Nigeria’s hottest models at the moment, Kimmy & Bukola both at BETH AFRICA. The IDIA collection is the debut offering from the label and it taps into its Benin, Edo State origin and contemporary aesthetics led by global brands like Givenchy. For more info on purchase click HERE.
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The IDIA Look Book was shot in Lagos Nigeria by Photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo.
Models: Bukola Anthony, Kimmie
Stylist: Ozzy Etomi
Makeup: Niki Bakare
The Twin 77 artwork used as graphic background in the lookbook.
Jumoke Sanwo at Harlem Postcards Spring 2013
Written by Terence Sambo
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
Harlem Postcards is an ongoing project that invites contemporary artists of diverse backgrounds to reflect on Harlem as a site of cultural activity, political vitality, visual stimuli, artistic contemplation and creative production. Representing intimate and dynamic perspectives of Harlem, the images reflect the idiosyncratic visions of contemporary artists from a wide range of backgrounds and locations. Each photograph has been reproduced as a limited edition postcard available free to visitors.
This season, we are pleased to feature postcard images by Alex Da Corte, Ugo Rondinone, Jumoke Sanwo and Letha Wilson.
Harlem Postcards is organized by Abbe Schriber, Curatorial Assistant.
FashionistaGH Shopping Festival Easter 2013
Written by Terence Sambo
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
A Weekend of Fashion, Lifestyle and Gadgets !!!
From Saturday 30th March – Monday 1st April FashionistaGH and MTN present #fghshop Easter 2013 scheduled to take place at The Event Haven – Trade Fair Centre, La – Accra. This year’s event, the second time running is going to be a gathering leading lifestyle brands and fashion retailers showcasing their latest collections and offering amazing discounts. Exhibiting this year, are some of Ghana’s leading fashion and design names and emerging brands.
A success story that started only last year, the FashionistaGH Shopping Festival is positioned to become Ghana’s biggest fashion event assembling a crack core of some of the best heads in the fashion industry. It has become a destination, where both buyers and sellers meet. On the heels of the highly successful event last year, MTN and FashionistaGH are hopeful of a treating patrons to 3 wonderful days out. Aside shopping, other highlights include a fashion show, product launches, music, games and a variety of fun-filled promotions to make March 30 to April 1, the best three days in Easter.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SMARTPHONE THIS YEAR, THE HTC ONE
Written by Nuertey Bright
Saturday, March 30th, 2013
HTC ONE (SILVER)
Once upon a time, HTC was Voted Manufacturer of the Year in 2011 by GSMA and emerging as the top US smartphone vendor later that year. But that story seems to have gone awry for the better part of 2012, coupled with the dominance of Samsung. A combination of improper support, poor marketing, complacency and fatigue made the company slump this way but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for HTC this year with the making of a smartphone with the most exciting design in recent times which flaunts a super cool and great screen. The HTC One is that device which camera also brings a new approach to mobile photography and a redesign of it’s Sense UI. The HTC One is here to prove a point.
SPECS SHEET
HARDWARE
- Quad-core 1.7GHz Krait 300 CPU, 2GB RAM, Adreno 320GPU; Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset.
- Aluminium unibody
- Front-mounted stereo speakers with Boomsound tech
- Class- leading audio output
- A built in storage of 32/64GB
- A dedicated mic for Active noise cancellation
- 2,300 mAH Li-Po battery
CAMERA AND SCREEN
The HTC One has :
- 4 MP autofocus “Ultrapixel” rear-view camera with 1/3″ sensor; LED Flash with a 1080p video recording in HDR mode and continuous autofocus and stereo sound. It also boasts a 2.1 MP front-facing camera also with 1080p video recording.
- A 4.7″ 16 M- color 1080p Super LCD3 capacitive touchscreen with 469ppi pixel density which makes it really crisp.
HTC ONE (BLACK)
SOFTWARE AND DATA
The HTC One comes with Android OS v4.1.2 Jelly Bean which is upgradable to v4.2.2 and Sense UI 5.0. It’s data is a Quad-band GSM/GPRS?EDGE support ; 3G with HSPA and LTE. It has Bluetooth v4 and NFC.
With a spec sheet like that, the One has nothing to fear from the competition but the only doubt is the low camera resolution but HTC says the “Ultrapixel” will make the difference and we certainly hope so . The HTC One is a really tempting package and they are preparing to come out of Samsung’s wing back into the limelight which will take some time but the initiative has been take and the HTC One is a statement of intent. Let’s take a quick peek into it’s camera.
IPHONE 5, BLACKBERRY Z10 & HTC ONE
CAMERA
The HTC One’s camera was built especially for low light performance. When it’s used in a good lighting condition, the low resolution takes it’s toll which makes the total resolving power to be quite limited whiles the per-pixel detail level is impressive. The gamble doesn’t pay off here but this changes quickly when the One’s camera is brought into a low light condition. This is where the “Ultrapixel” comes into play and gives superior shots. Depending on the time and place of the usage of the HTC One’s camera, will either make it great or normal . With the HTC One topping some charts as the best smartphone now, HTC should improve upon it’s marketing strategy and proper support which will take it out of Samsung which has a strong marketing strategy in place’s shadow for good and put HTC where it belongs. The first step is the HTC One.
LG Brings Nexus 4 To Nigeria, the Latest Smartphone From Google
Written by Terence Sambo
Friday, March 29th, 2013
Nexus 4 is the new smartphone from Google. With cutting-edge hardware, your favorite Google Apps and the latest version of Android – Nexus 4 is the best of Google in the palm of your hand. Made in partnership with LG, the Nexus 4 is now available in Nigeria for N75,000 (about $480) at SLOT in Lagos and other stores across 8 cities. Here are some amazing features of LG Nexus 4:
Search gets smarter with Google Now
Nexus 4 comes with the latest version of Google Now to bring you just the right information at just the right time. It shows you how much traffic to expect before you leave for work and lots more. With the latest version, Google Now keeps you even more organized – get reminders about upcoming flights, restaurant reservations, hotel confirmations and even nearby photo opportunities – when and where you need them.
Navigate your world with Google Maps
Get to the places you care about quickly and easily with Google Maps. With turn-by-turn GPS navigation, live traffic info, and integrated driving, walking and public transit directions, getting from A to B has never been easier. Search for restaurants, businesses and more near you. 3D Maps and rich satellite imagery give you a more realistic sense of what’s around you while features like Street View and Indoor Maps make sure you always know what’s in front of you.
Capture and share your world
Nexus 4 comes with a high-performance 8MP camera and takes stunning Photo Sphere images, letting you capture every detail of the world around you. The all new camera lets you quickly view and edit your photos with powerful new tools, and share your favorite shots in a snap.
Record HD video
Shoot video in full 1080p, and snap still shots while you’re at it. Continuous focus, real-time zoom, and time lapse mode give you the power to shoot stunning videos. When your footage is ready, create your own movie with Movie Studio and upload it to YouTube.
Crisp 4.7” display
Photos and videos come to life with stunning clarity and crisp, natural color on the vibrant 1280-by-768 4.7-inch display. Gently curved glass edges allow your finger to slide smoothly on and off the 320ppi screen, while cutting-edge G2 Touch Hybrid display technology means you feel like you’re touching every pixel. And all of this is protected by scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2.
Save photos with Instant Upload
Photos upload themselves with Instant Upload so you’ll never lose a shot. If you’ve signed up for Google+, you can enable Instant Upload and photos taken with your phone are automatically uploaded to a private album on the web. Easily organize, edit and share photos with anyone you choose from your phone or on the web.
FUSION KELVAR 5 PANEL PRINT CAPS
Written by Terence Sambo
Friday, March 29th, 2013
Funfere Koroye the brains behind Fusion Kelvar recently collaborated with Lagos based artisans on his last trip home to create 5 panel hats in 3 different prints. They available online now to buy and the project is on Indiegogo for those of you who would like to support.
Often i think to myself about morphing the Nigerian Aesthetic and all that comes to mind is the Practical Tribal Representations as opposed to the uncomfortable western ideals that have turned into cliches. Sometime last year, My associates and I spoke about creating proper hand crafted goods with Engineered African Wax Prints that wouldn’t be a cliche piece of clothing. We settled on a five panel, as some know is tough to make, which is why it took nearly a year to realize. After working closely with a skilled Nigerian menswear tailor here in Lagos, it was realized gloriously in 2 weeks. We plan to keep pushing Quality Dry Goods that stem from Innovation, Function and Culture.This project is now on Indiegogo, for anyone willing to share and donate to the cause. This is just the start of my better ideas to come, supporting this project will lay down a foundation for a stronger republic.
AFRICAN ANIMATED SUPERHERO OYA: RISE OF ORISHA (CALL FOR DONATIONS ON INDIEGOGO)
Written by Terence Sambo
 "Pin It")
Friday, March 29th, 2013
OPEN THE DOOR TO THE WORLD OF THE ORISHA
Synopsis
Oya: Rise of the Orisha focuses on a young woman named Adesuwa who has the unique ability to transform into the fearsome warrior goddess, Oya, the Orisha of change. When she changes, she gains amazing abilities. We follow Adesuwa as she goes on a head-stomping mission to keep the doorway between the Orisha and humanity closed. Be prepared for an action packed , mystical adventure as we explore the world of the Orisha.
Directors Statement
The reason I became a filmmaker was to tell stories that haven’t been heard before and explore worlds that had been explored before. Oya: rise of the Orisha is my chance to do exactly that! These rich worlds and stories have been carried in people minds for millennia and told mostly orally. Amazingly, this culture has not been visualised on the silver screen in this way, until now!
I aim to create a slick production that will update these deities and make them and their world appear stylish and edgy. Similar to how 300 took a Greek myth and with a pumping rock soundtrack made a stylish extravaganza. With the advent of the digital age (low cost of high quality cameras and cost effective post production services), there has never been a better time to do this movie like this outside of a studio. I believe this is in tune with the zeitgeist.
What We Need & What You Get!!
We initially plan to make a short film, to introduce the world of the Orisha to audiences. It sets the scene for a large chunk of the feature film. The short film will be used as a vehicle to pool further investment for the feature film, as it will prove there is an audience and a market for this movie, targeting not just Nigeria and the Diaspora, but also comic book lovers and lovers of superhero films.
We plan to shoot start shooting the short in the middle of April 2013 at a budget of £5,000. The money will go towards the location, hiring equipment (-we intend to shoot on a Red Epic, providing the right style visually for the film), small fee for the cast and crew, but most importantly creating a whole new world in which these characters live and breathe.
GREY VELVET EXCLUSIVE NEW STORE PREVIEW (MON 1ST- SAT 6TH APRIL)
Written by Terence Sambo
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Friday, March 29th, 2013
It was only a year ago that Grey Velvet first opened up its doors, inviting Lagos into a realm of fashion and a world of style predisposed to the Nigerian designer. Fast-forwarding a year on and the concession is set to celebrate its first anniversary with the launch of yet another store, in the affluent and vibrant heart of Lekki Phase 1.
Showcasing exclusive African designers with cutting edge pieces, the new store is set to feature couture and accessories from the likes of Odio Mimonet, Nkwo, Eki Orleans, Nikki Khiran, Kiki Kamanu, CLAN, Re Bahia, Alter Ego, Isi Brown, Mak Nisy, Ariaba and Emisara. This extension of creativity is aimed to fit right into the modishly inclined island and its “upper east-side” life style. The new store is set to open on Saturday 6th of April 2013.
Notwithstanding, the Ikeja store will be celebrating its first year anniversary treating customers to drinks courtesy of Baileys. A raffle draw will also be featured, automatically entering every purchaser with the chance to win goody bags of up to N100,000.00. As expected, sales will also be on inviting customers to shop the trends available in store with up to 50% discount off items. Join Grey Velvet in their Ikeja store every day from Good Friday the 29th of March to the 6th of April 2013 for the opportunity to win one of the goody bags.
Contact Details
Ikeja: L34 Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja
Lekki: Centro Lekki Shopping Plaza, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
M: 08091461658, 08100830894
T: @greyvelvet
F: www.facebook.com/greyvelvetfashionretail
I: greyvelvetfashionretail
PRINT DELIGHT: A.SAUVAGE SPRING SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION
Written by Terence Sambo
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
British/Ghanaian designer A.Sauvage has dropped the spring summer offering for 2013 featuring its signature camo prints and the Asafo (Dancing prints). The brand has developed its aesthetic into incorporating its Ghanaian heritage fused with its British sensibilities. Bits of the collection are available online with some up for pre-order.
MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP
VIRGOS LOUNGE SPRING SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION
Written by Terence Sambo
Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
The vibrancy and glitter one has come to expect with every Virgos Lounge offering is quite tantalizing. Being a very visual person these images are delight to my eyes. Excellent photography and styling and event better work put into the design. Virgos Lounge started out with a couple of pieces which loads of people thought were no different from what you get at vintage stores. Slowly it moved away from that and has developed its voice and aesthetic. It’s young, sexy and flattering for those who care to keep their body in shape. Others stay away no one wants to see flabby tummies made more apparent by embellishments and stick to maxi dresses or our very own tailor made boo boo.
GALLERY AFTER THE JUMP
