BEFFTA Awards 2012: King of Couture Hosts Launch Party

Another hectic week off my schedule. It all started with the undergraduate recruitment fair in London, followed by the BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television Arts) Awards nomination launch party on Wednesday 26th September at Babble Mayfair- then Face of Colour audition and photo shoot in Birmingham on Saturday 29th September at the Custard Factory. Uhh.... It's exhausting but fun!! BEFFTA launch party was prodigious!!!! Lots of people attended- celebrities, bloggers, presenters' and of course emerging talents' too. One thing I admire the most about BEFFTA Awards is its "inclusiveness". Everyone is given the chance to share their talents and gain well deserved recognition. This year's nomination launch party was hosted by Mr Adebayo Jones aka King of Couture. He is one of the most humble people I have ever met. His designs are high-fashion couture, heritage and ladylike. Loved the showcase at Africa Fashion Week London in August.

The highlight of the event is the nominee announcement.  I am so humbled and delighted to be nominated for Blog of the Year in just 8 months of establishment. Thank you to everyone who nominated. Voting opens 7th of October #EighteenForever.

Fashion wise, it was average I guess everyone is saving their style-savv for the award night on the 27th of October at The Hippodrome North London. I cannot wait to see you all there.

Founder of BEFFTA Awards Miss Pauline Long with Ken Smart (L- Actor/Producer/Director at Genesis Producxions Ltd) and Mr Adebayo Jones (R- Fashion Designer aka King of Couture). Love the bright colour with natural make-up. 

         Fashion blogger meets Legendary Fashion designer- Mr Adebayo Jones... *Special moment*

Fashion blogger with Jimmy Akingbola from Holby City. Battle of the Darkest. Who is darker? 

Uhh..can you see what I'm seeing. Leyton keep your legs straight!! Didn't see this until editing. Your suit is super bright!! Samuell Benta well tailored suit in electric blue was my favourite on the night. *best-dressed*. 

I will be very happy to offer my service "what suits your body shape" to the lady in red. Nice shape- wrong dress + too much bling!! The lady in pink dress got the shape right for her body- however there is too much accessories going on.....ditch the necklace and keep earring and bracelet. Love the hair!!

You have committed a great offence by wearing that shoe with the frill skirt (lady on the left). What were you thinking? Love the jumpsuit (lady in the middle)

I introduce you to....Shiikane! They can sing. I mean they can sing!! Please perform on the award night. Love their style too. Animal print is NOT going anywhere. OK!" The clutch bag in the middle is from Miss London £32. I am definitely getting one *smiles*

Elaka performing at the launch party. Lace is very tricky to pull off. This dress did NO justice to her figure. Keep up the good work though!!

   Focus please.....focus on the right!! Lovely Victoria from Focus Organisation is nominated for Best  Events Promoter. She is definitely promoting with that "Top". To find out more about Focus Organisation, please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Organization/224250857613337?sk=info

Left: Fashion designer (The House of Adjeiwaa) and her friend. House of Adjeiwaa is nominated for fashion designer of the year. Good luck lady....I hope you WIN!!!! To see House of Adjeiwaa's designs, please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-of-Adjeiwaah/207719175908850?fref=ts

They got it right. A/W 12 is all about black, colour and statement shoes!!! Well done to the lady in LBD. For more black fashion this winter, visit Zara, Topshop and Warehouse. For bright colour fashion, see Eighteen Forever fashion line on this blog. 

Miss West Africa Winner was also at the event. She seemed nervous and overwhelmed by it all. Welcome to the world of entertainment!!!! Don't worry...you will get use to it.

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Nominated: Fashion Blog of The Year at BEFFTA Awards UK

Many thanks to all those who nominated Eighteen Forever for Fashion Blog of The Year 2012. We really appreciate you.

At the Launch Party with Jimmy Akingbola.

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever 

Nicki Minaj & Co

Red hair, yellow heels, blue clutch bag? Yep! Embracing colour is the new paradigm in fashion. Take a bliss......Why not try multiple colours with your outfit. This outfit breaks style rule from all era with multi-colour combination is every way. Wondering where to get this fabulous shoe? No wonder, just shop at Milano for only £65. How could you ignore this cut-out tailored pencil dress from Oasis £80. I wore this dress on my graduation in January - not with the shoe of course. This outfit is "classy meets bright colour" which is unique but intensified. To avoid looking like a drag rather than a chic because of the "red hair"- I opt for supreme and natural make-up with a long-stain lipstick in nude colour from KIKO. Did you just ask where the earrings are from? One place for statement accessories particularly those inspired by geometrics- drum roll please.....its..... Topshop!!

Remember- fashion is about experimenting and evolving with shapes, patterns, styles and presentation. Just give it a try and have fun doing it!! Happy shopping xoxo

I love flowers- they are so beautiful I could collect them all day. 

FF- Clutch bag from Shu £20

KIKO nail liquor £9.99.

Young money maker- what you say? Not a fan of her music but I adore the unusual hair colour and make-up. Yellow was HOT during Spring but it looks like it is here to stay. Embrace COLOUR!!

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever & The Internet 

10 Office Outfits You Can Wear

When it comes to office-wear, it can be very difficult to decide what is "smart", "acceptable" and perfect for our body shape. From all of the outfits created, few items stand-out the most....blazers, skirts, A-line dresses and LS Shirts. This is not to say that blouses are not acceptable because they are. But you have to be sure of your body-shape before shopping for them. Blouses can make you look bigger!! Make sure you try them on. Blazers are great and an easy way to turn a casual look into a smart and attractive outfit. They are every fashionistas must-have "IT" item. If you are the type that works long hours and travel often, a mid-heel shoe would be perfect with your outfit. My job requires travelling and sometimes touring (on campus), I always have a flat shoe in my bag for "just-in-case" situations...if you know what I mean. It is important to think of your health when it comes to heels and make-up. Too much of it can be detrimental to your health!!

Some of you might be overwhelmed by the prices of this items (see below). Not to worry, I'm in the process of designing affordable pieces for office-wears which would be available by 2013. In the meantime, take a look at the post "Eighteen Forever Fashion Line" for current collection!!

If you are like many women who like to leave the office and head to a bar or a party.......take a look at the outfits below. This should inspire your look!! Any questions, just ask!

Hybrid Dress with Botton and Belt £85

Camilla & Marc Dress with Peplum Detail £245

Asos Sexy Pencil Dress with Zip Detail £26.50

Reiss Perle Court Shoe £129

Exclusive Black Glitter by Lucy Choi £168

Beyond Skin Bow Front Heeled Shoes £90

Classic White Shirt £50

Washed Silk Skirt with Gathered Side £340

Debutante Set of Three Necklaces £290

Reiss Janice Lace Detailed Court Shoes £159

Pauric by Pauric Sweeney Embossed Box Bag £201.50

Glamourous Leather Look Playsuit £32

Ted Baker Tailored Blazer £199

Tokyo Shoe Boot £35

Fendi AW10/8M0247 FOGHM Green Plastified Fabric Portamonete £165

Reiss Tali Large Bowling Bag £169

                                                    Double Breasted Cotton Coat £21
                                                    Pure Silk Washable Blouse £140
                                                    Gabi Black Belt £65
                                                    Savana High-waisted Cotton Short
                                                    Suede Shoe Boot £65
                                                    River Island Buckle Satchel


Celandine Yellow Size Sweater by Burberry Brit
Honey Pleat Trouser by Burberry Brit
Mandu Chelsea Coat by Malene Birger
Pallion Basket Bag from Boticca
DY114 Coral & Cream Shoe

Aline Leather Shoulder Dress by Michael Michael Kors

Ted Baker TUNDA Flared Skirt Coat £229

Pepe Jeans Leather Ken Gloves £30

Asos Suede Shoe Boot £65

Braids Together Charcoal Bag

Two Layered Scarf from Boticca £114

River Island Earring £6

Red Print Pant by Preen Line £81
Black Wetlook Animal Print Peplum Top £25
Ted Baker Check GHRA Tailored Blazer £199
Pandora 14ct Onyx Pear Earring Charms £165
London Rebel Heeled Shoe with Toe Cap £32
Chainlink Black Purse £170
Ri2K Leather Satchel £65

Icrystal Print Silk Shirt by Thesyken's Theory £345

Vava Voom Pencil Skirt £30

ALDO Romelia Suede Court Shoe £70

Leopard Print Blouse by Just Carvalli £240

Red Clara Basic Short £30

Signature Black Silk Shirt £230

Audrey Blue Cropped Trousers £205

Cream High Waisted Pencil Skirt £447

Leopard Print Shirt by Just Carvalli £240

Women Stretched Tailored Blazer £59

Asos Scala High Heels £22

Lle Monaco Shoulder Bag from Boticca £248

Chinese Laundry Traffic Jam Heels £35

Armani Exchange Cream Bracelet Watch £99

Image Created by: Eighteen Forever

Nana Afua Antwi: Britain's Top Model

My previous post about Nana was by mere opportunity. I found Nana's profile on Fashions Finest website and decided to write about her on the blog. Now I got the chance to interview her. Are you asking....who is she? Here is a bio about her!!

Nana Afua started modelling when she was scouted at H&M in Central London mid 2009. Same year she started her catwalk experience at La geneve north events working for establish and emerging designers. Nana Afua is one of the few African models to recently grace September/August Issue 2011 of Black hair Magazine which was voted best cover celebrating black beauty in America. She also appread in Pride Magazine as the face of the feature for 'real women' and did editorials for Fabulous Magazine. Nana Afua has walked in London Fashion Week for Matthew Williamson and the face for E'lon Cosmetics in America. She has grace most fashion and lifestyle magazine in the UK and also for American Online Magazine E'lon.

She has appeared in the Barking & Dagenham Post Newspapers six times continuous spread for her work ethic as well as the The Voice (newspaper). Nana Afua is an upcoming fashion designer with the clothing brand 'adopted culture' which was selected for Vogue Fashion's night out September 2011. In record the label is the first ethincal brand to ever grace Savile Row in Sartoria Bar Central London. She won Best Female Model of the year in October 2011 for Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television Awards (BEFFTA Awards).

Hi Nana, from the recent online voting, you have been titled Britain’s Top Model. How did you get into this ranking and how do you feel been No 1?

      Honestly have no idea how I got into the Hottest British Fashion Models ranking it’s been 8weeks and still voted No 1 so that’s a dream come true.

                                                                                                                                                    
Have you always aspired to be a model? Be honest *smiles*

Modelling has been part of me growing up so it’s definitely something I passion to pursue

 If not, what were your ambitions?

My ambitions were to be a Model and a fashion Designer which I am doing now so very pleased with that accomplishment having said that I always thought I would be a lawyer.

Who are your role models in this industry?

My role model in the modelling industry right now will be Tyra Banks the more I watch her I want to be better than her ‘laughs’

Have you ever comprised your principles or values to meet the want of a designer or your agent?

Well they say models don’t have a say in the industry but am kind of a girl that always say my mind. I do respect the job of a designer and an agent but still confident to make my point across if inconvenient.

Which magazines/brands would you like to cover?

American Vogue, Ebony Magazine, Love Magazine

What was going through your mind when you were ripping the runway at AFWL?

Freedom! that’s how I feel whenever I hit the catwalk

What is your highlight(s) of the event (AFWL)

Finale show for Adebayo Jones was fantastic finally got my ‘Yes Dress ‘signed by himself for me to grace on the catwalk

Describe “Adopted Culture”?

Adopted Culture is a clothing brand with an idea of different blend of fabrics to create unique creativity.

Adopted culture was not exhibited or showcased at AFWL. What happened?

Adopted Culture was showcased last year’s AFWL. I don’t rush making loads of collection just to show off. As a designer I study the market and know when to promote my samples

What’s in your handbag?

I love shoulder bags with a little funky twist. I am a big fan of big bags as well

How often do you go for beauty treats?

I must say I’ve never had beauty treats outdoor I do my own beauty treats I don’t like wearing makeup so I like staying natural at most occasion

Congratulations on your TV show!!

Describe your fashion style for your presenting role?

One word CHIC

Care to share some future projects?

  

Probably acting it’s something I feel I was born to do as well it runs in my personality

Advice to aspiring models?

Well just keep doing you not just for attention but as a positive role model

Thank you so much for honouring this interview.

For more about Nana, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/nanatopmodelofcolour.uk 

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

                    Adopted Culture