“Gelila Bekele was born in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.  As a young child, the future top-model moved with her family to Europe. Then one day, after having relocated to the United States, Gelila’s life changed when an advertising art director discovered her on the way to school. Ultimately she signed with Ford Models and her career on the runways of New York and Europe took off.

In a few short years Gelila has posed for the world’s top designers and been featured in major advertising campaigns. The almond-skinned beauty is perhaps best known for her full, curly hair that has graced beauty campaigns for Pantene Pro-V and L’Oreal, as well as fashion magazines.

“Modeling is a wonderful gate through which to see the world,” Gelila says. “and it has provided me with so many opportunities.”

In the next, post-modeling stage of her life, the Ethiopian dynamo is dedicated to pursuing academic concentrations in creative writing and nutrition.

Gelila is also a humanitarian and social activist. Taking advantage of her status as a celebrated model, she devotes much of her time to helping people in developing countries attain fundamental natural resources. “I have a duty to people on the other side of the world who often have no access to clean water,” she says. Gelila is most passionate about her work with the organization Charity:Water, founded by photographer and entrepreneur Scott Harrison.

“At this time in my life I’m a real sponge. I’m learning simplicity and how to wear my body. I’m enjoying life and trying to be the best me! This is all just the beginning of something big

.”

____________________________________

Bunmi Olaye, London-based Nigerian designer and Creative Director behind the fashion brand Bunmi Koko has decided to step down from her position with the company she created with Francis Udom in 2009.

In two years, the brand has been catapulted in the limelight and won many international accolades including ‘Emerging Designer of the Year in 2010’ at the African Fashion Awards, ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2010 and has been featured in magazines and newspapers such as Drapers, Evening Standard, Grazia, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Arise & Vogue. Bunmi Koko caught the eyes of many celebrities such as Nelson Mandela, Hilary Alexander of The Telegraph & former Spice Girls Melanie Brown to name a few.

Bunmi Koko has also been invited by HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to attend a reception at St James’s Palace, celebrating West African culture in July this year and then went on to be commissioned by ITN to give ‘expert commentary’ on the wedding gown worn by HRH Catherine Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, on the ITV Royal Wedding Coverage during the day of HRH Prince William and Duchess Catherine Middleton’s Royal Wedding.

Bunmi Olaye is not quitting fashion but moving onto new horizons and is currently working new projects: ‘I have not giving up on my dream, however the time has come for me to pursue a vision that is entirely my own‘. Bunmi Olaye

No further information will be released of yet as for the reasons behind Bunmi’s resignation, but all can rest assured to find out more about it in the near future.

Shortly after college, Menaye began modeling after winning the “Miss Universe Ghana 2004” pageant. She graced the covers of numerous magazines in Ghana and also did fashion editorial work for magazines in South Africa, Milan and Canada. Today, Menaye operates her own charity, the Menaye Charity Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children in Ghana.

Menaye’s charity supports several orphanages in Ghana that are also responsible for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS; and also provides for The Menaye International School in the central region of Ghana which offers education to over 150 underprivileged children.

In 2006 Menaye met Inter Milan footballer, Sulley Muntari, at the World Cup finals in Germany. They became a couple in 2007 and she began managing his brand under her management company MENMUN Ltd. In 2010 the pair got married in Accra on Christmas Day.

Menaye is now based in London and Milan but  is passionate about giving back and continues to give back to the communities in Ghana that need it most. We are delighted to introduce you to this hardworking, brilliant and caring woman as Ladybrille’s Woman of the Month December 2011  to close out 2011. Read her interview and be inspired as you prepare to take on 2012!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: You look like you might be of mixed heritage. Share with us a bit about your ethnic background?
Menaye D: Yes I’m very proud of my mixed heritage, my mom is half Irish and half Ghanaian, and my dad is Ghanaian.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Neat. We will get into your business ventures very soon. First, let me take you back to when you won Miss Ghana Universe in 2004. What exactly was that competition all about?
Menaye D: It all happened so fast! I had just finished my marketing degree in Canada and flown back to Ghana to get a job in marketing when my sister suggested I enter the competition. I had about two weeks to prepare and believe me, it was the busiest 14 days of my life! After the competition I moved to New York and launched my modeling career, so it really was a whirlwind life-changing experience!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What were the emotions that ran through you when you heard your name announced as winner?
Menaye D: It was surreal! It all felt like a dream to me. I would pinch myself from time to time during my reign, constantly asking myself “is this really happening to me?”

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What kind of perks did you get from winning the competition?
Menaye D: Winning the competition put me on a global stage and gave me a platform and voice to help others. After I was crowned Miss Ghana Universe and had traveled across the world doing photo shoots and living the glamorous life, I went back to my roots and set up a charity to help underprivileged children in Ghana.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s get into your charity. What exactly is the mission of Menaye Charity Organization?
Menaye: My charity focuses on the welfare of underprivileged children in the rural areas of my home country Ghana. Our primary focus is to support Menaye International School but we have also extensively worked with orphans affected by and infected with HIV and AIDS.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I understand you also have a school Menaye. Tell us about your school?
Menaye D: My father founded the Menaye International School in 2000 to give back to our community in the central region of Ghana. I later on adopted the school in 2004 after winning the Miss Ghana Universe pageant. Winning the pageant gave me the opportunity to use my title as a platform to raise money to support the school. We have provided education for about 500 children since 2000 and there are currently over 150 children enrolled in the school today. I met the new students last month and they are adorable! With the help of my charity we are going to continue to build and expand the school and have recently installed a great computer lab and a new library!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How very exciting. How do you raise funds for your non-profit(s)?
Menaye D: In the past I have raised money through holding fundraisers in New York, where I used to work, and in my home country of Ghana. Currently I support my charity through my own personal funding but am looking to hold some more fundraising events in the near future.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: For Ladybrille readers interested in donating monies to your efforts, what level of transparency does your organization have so donors can feel their monies are directed to what they intend it to be used for?
Menaye D: As the Menaye Charity Organisation is a registered charity in Ghana, all the accounts are audited and I also personally oversee the charities operations to ensure that all the funds donated are put towards the most worthy cause! I am also always sure to contact donors to thank them personally and let them know where their money is going so they feel as involved as possible.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I understand you met Inter Milan footballer Sulley Muntari, in 2006, at the World Cup finals in Germany. You married him last year on Christmas day. Happy one year upcoming anniversary! For you, how did you know he was “THE ONE?”
Menaye D: Well, thank you (big grin). Our relationship was definitely not love at first sight, it developed over time after we became close and developed a really good friendship. I took my time to get to know him and I fell helplessly in love with him. The rest is now history!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: You now manage his brand under your management company MENMUN Ltd., correct?
Menaye D: Yes! Sulley needs to focus on his career and playing the best that he can for his team, so I took it upon myself to help out with how his brand was managed. Now I am usually behind the scene orchestrating things and nothing is approved until it goes through MENMUN LTD.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I know you got your degree in marketing but what has been some of the challenges in managing a personal and popular brand like Sulley Muntari?
Menaye D: It’s has been extremely difficult working with a popular brand like Sulley Muntari especially as he happens to my husband as well!! (Laughs) I had to learn to separate work from being a wife to avoid misunderstandings! As much as he is proud of my achievements and appreciates all the hard work that goes into managing his brand, he still needs me to be his wife! So I know when to switch the on/off work mode button. (Laughs)

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What has been some of your successes?
Menaye D: My greatest success as a business woman would have to be my work with Sulley as we have managed to maintain his stable career at the same time as growing his great brand image.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s see, you are a new wed, you operate your foundation, school, manage Sulley Muntari and I understand also operate your own property development company. How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
Menaye D: None! Do you see the dark circles underneath my eyes (Laughs). My life might seem quite glamorous looking in from the outside but it really isn’t. I am a hands on type of person and like to be involved from the planning to the end a project and that also means I can ensure that everything is done to the highest possible standard! My life is a never-ending story and I wonder how it will all fall in place when we start a family. Exciting!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Speaking of starting a family,  I hate to ask the “balance” question partly because I don’t like when people ask me. But, I gotta ask, how do you do it all? (Laughs)
Menaye D: I sometimes ask myself the same question but I never seem to come up with the right answer. I just don’t know how I do it. I guess I try to prioritize all my objectives, working from top to bottom and just allow the rest to fall in place. But it’s never that simple and when things happen to fall off track, I just PRAY!!! God always knows best!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What drives you?
Menaye D: The love of my parents! They have made me who I am today and I owe it all to them. I talk to my mother four to five times a day. She is my driving force!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What excites you the most about life?
Menaye D: I like the challenges life throws at me. It’s exciting when I am able to work through obstacles and succeed in the end. If it’s worth fighting for its worth having!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What keeps you awake at night?
Menaye D: This is a great question because I am usually up at night thinking about my next venture and how to expand my empire! Call me selfish but I want to do it all from restaurants to health care centres in Ghana! I love to dream, I guess it’s the Pisces in me!!! But the best part is I put it to work even if it’s bigger than me!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are the daily principles you live by?
Menaye D: Having a clean mind and a pure heart!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s get into fashion and music. I see you are a fashion forward woman and love to attend fashion weeks etc. Who is your favourite African designer?
Menaye D: Oh gosh! I love them all! But I usually wear clothes by Knaf Couture and Manis.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How about just your favorite designer, period?
Menaye D: I admire the work of many designers but Dolce & Gabbana never disappoints me.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Describe the hottest pair of shoes you own?
Menaye D: You wouldn’t believe this but the hottest pair of shoes I own are too high to walk in and they just happen to stay sitting in my shoe closest most of the time! It’s such a pity as they are gorgeous Alexander McQueen shoes and my lovely husband picked them for me!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Laughs) What do you love most about Ghana, your country?
Menaye D: The positive energy in my country is indescribable! You instantly just fall in love with the place – it’s like love at first sight! And believe me once you have a dose of Ghana, you keep coming back for more!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Beyond Footballer Asamoah Gyan (laughs), who is your favorite Ghanaian musician?
Menaye D: Reggie Rockstone and Sarkodie! Two of the most talented artists Ghana has ever produced . . . well speaking from my generation’s point of view (laugh)

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Yup! Reggie Rockstone is great. Sarkodie happens to be my personal favorite as well. (Laughs) Define a Ladybrille (brilliant) woman?
Menaye D: A Ladybrille woman is one who is able to balance her career and personal life (family) and does it effortlessly. It is extremely difficult to accomplish both, because you can get completely caught up in one and neglect the other so easily. She is grounded and manages at all times to put things in perspective no matter the circumstances and keeps smiling.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How does it feel to be celebrated as Ladybrille Woman of the Month for all of your accomplishments and drive?
Menaye D: I am extremely honored and I thank God for the strength he gives me each day to do what I do. I must be doing something right and truly thank you all for recognizing what I do.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Thank you.
Menaye D: It was my pleasure and thank you!

VISIT MENAYE.COM FOR MORE INFO. ABOUT HER AND HER CHARITY WORK.

-Uduak Oduok
-Courtesy Photos

This month, we celebrate the absolutely gorgeous  LIRA, Africa’s multi-platinum award winning artist who is now positioning herself for entrance and success in America’s music industry and mainstream. As it stands, the music industry in the USA has experienced a fundamental shift (with) its economic and business model as a result of the digital age. Indeed, the industry and its professionals have now unleashed time and resources to better understand the digital revolution and most importantly how to stay relevant and viable, especially from a record label perspective. For Africa, the digital age has created a democracy and access for usually ignored artists to place their musical works directly in front of millions of fans, online. African artists can now set up their new media and social media platforms to attract and connect with fans, as well as sell their music through e-distribution/digital stores like Itunes.

For some of Africa’s leading artists like TuFace, D’banj and LIRA, it has meant allowing America’s music executives and insiders to really pay attention to the strong traction garnered by these artists online. For example, LIRA, our Ladybrille Woman of the month, currently has over 320,000 fans on Facebook, almost 40,000 followers on Twitter and her music is actively sold online at numerous music stores including Itunes.

Against the backdrop of America’s current music industry; and with such strong compelling statistics, a beautiful voice and overall highly marketable  strong personal brand, we are convinced that Lira could most likely be a name that propels the  new generation of African artists into mainstream America. Enjoy her exclusive interview with Ladybrille Magazine. In her interview, Lira shares with Ladybrille’s Editor-in-Chief Uduak Oduok, her vision for her music, her plans for the USA market and much more.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Lira, first congratulations on your accomplishments in South Africa’s music market and now your push into the USA market. I know you have been looking for ways to enter the USA market in the past and the timing seems perfect now. How are you feeling?
LIRA: I’m excited following my short US tour. I was very well received and it eased my nerves a bit. I know there is still much to be done but the success of my first US tour has given me more confidence.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: First things first, why aren’t you modeling or do you model in South Africa? You’d make a great model? You are gorgeous!
LIRA: (Laughs)Thank you. I do model in South Africa, I enjoy it very much!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Hi Lira! Before we get into your music, our audience might have seen or read a few features we have done on you but could you really tell us who you are? What was your favorite childhood memory growing up in South Africa?
LIRA: I’m a singer, songwriter, model and actress based in Johannesburg South Africa. I have released 4 studio albums, one live album and also released Africa’s first full HD DVD concert. I also released Africa’s first Blu Ray disc which has become the highest selling Music DVD title in South Africa. I enjoyed the energy and buzz of my township. There are people moving around all the time, as well as children playing in the streets… I found it inspiring!

LADYBRILLEmag.com:There is something refreshingly unique about South African music. How would you describe your particular sound?
LIRA: My music combines Soul RnB jazz, funk songs sung in English and a combination of 3 native languages. I call it Afro Soul.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I know Lira is a household name in South Africa. How recognizable is the name in equally large music markets like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana?
LIRA: I’ve performed in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana before and enjoyed great reception. I have also been nominated in all African based award shows such as the Channel O awards and MTV Base awards alongside artists from all over the continent. This has helped breed familiarity. (Lira’s ‘Phakade’ video just earned her ‘The Most Gifted Female Video’ at the just concluded 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards)

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (We) have seen many foreign artists attempt to make a breakthrough into US mainstream music market. Their efforts have been futile so far, especially for African artists. What do you think you bring to the table that is different?
LIRA: There is never a guarantee. However, I’m confident in the team that is working on my US launch. We have an extensive tour planned across all of North America, accompanied by loads of PR. We are doing our best and doing things one step at a time. I think it will take time but I’m willing to do the work.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Given what mainstream America is listening to right now, what kind of success do you anticipate in the US market as you prepare to go full court press on your publicity campaigns?
LIRA: I’ve always catered to a niche market, I’ve just been fortunate to have received massive support back in South Africa. I’m not a top 40 act but for me it’s about finding my market and developing it over time.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: We have seen a few West African artists, Nigeria’s D’Banj included, negotiating and signing music deals with local American labels here. What are your thoughts on these moves?
LIRA: I have been offered deals by some labels that have launched successful careers of musicians that are in the Soul RnB genre. I have opted not to go with them because of the nature of the deals proposed. I feel I want to grow where I am and I don’t want to be limited or too tied down. I do look forward to a deal that can be mutually beneficial, I would go for such an opportunity.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are your thoughts on Award shows like Museke’s Afrotainment Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards which have or are now creating visibility for African artists in the USA?
LIRA: I think it is exciting. We need all the support we can get. I think everyone knows how difficult the US market is and I guess such awards want to make a positive contribution to the process.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s go back to your music. How did you discover the specific sound and style you currently create?
LIRA: I was influenced by a lot of American Soul music from the 80’s and 90’s, especially because there was so much of it around when I was growing up. I heard songs from Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker and so many more. The elders would play this music night and day. It seemed to me the music was giving them words for things they were feeling but could not articulate. I found this to be very beautiful. I wanted to be able to do the same thing; make people feel that they could express their emotions when my music played.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Do you write your own music?
LIRA: Yes. I’ve written all but one of the songs on all four (4) of my albums.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What inspires your writings?
LIRA: I’m mostly influenced by observing people going about their lives. I’m also inspired by my own life experiences. I’ve noticed that some of my perceptions are influenced by my South Africa upbringing, which is the experience of apartheid, the transition into a democratic government and then having to figure out what to do with our new found freedom.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Speaking of new found freedom but from a music angle, you have been signed to Sony Music in South Africa for a while now. Why did you think they were the right fit to launch your music career?
LIRA: At the time of recording my second album, Sony understood my personal vision and believed in me. It was incredible to find a label that wanted to enhance me, not control or change me. I’ve had complete creative freedom. I have had complete creative control over all my albums, they have trusted me to do my thing and have been supportive. I’ve enjoyed working with them.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (That is great to hear.) Let’s talk about your LP. I know you just dropped your EP. When do you anticipate your LP will be ready?
LIRA: I’m busy finalizing the mixes and the artwork. We will have it in the US market by February 2012.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Okay. I always ask this question because I feel many artists do not necessarily think about this part. You release your album in a new market. What happens next?
LIRA: I’m staying for four (4) months promoting it and touring throughout North America. I feel I need to be present in the US to support its release.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (I agree.) What drives you to do music? What makes you wake up each day and say, people need to hear this music inside me?
LIRA: Initially it was because I wanted to bring a feel good element to music and I wanted to inspire people. I come from a township when you get older life becomes quite desperate. I felt there was so much negativity out there that I did not want to add to it. I found that my attitude literally brought me good fortune. I wanted people to feel good while listening to my music and that’s exactly what happened. That’s why I still do it. It’s incredibly fulfilling.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What African artists inspire you and your music?
LIRA: Miriam Makeba from South Africa is at the top of my list. She remains our greatest African global icon.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What kind of collaborations have you fantasized about and with whom?
LIRA: John Legend and Lauryn Hill are my ultimate collaboration fantasies. John Mayer is another. I love the beauty and simplicity of his compositions.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (I love all your choices. I am a fan of all three, especially Lauryn Hill and John Mayer.) For your LP, What do you hope your fans take away from your music and album when it drops?
LIRA: I hope they’ll feel great when listening to it. I know life is tough and the global economy places people is an uneasy space… my music brings messages of hope, comfort, celebration. It’s meant to make you feel good through all of life’s trials and tribulations.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How does it feel to be celebrated, by Ladybrille, for your brilliant contributions to music and also putting South Africa on the world music map?
LIRA: Thank you very much for the honor, I have enjoyed this interview and I hope I can continue to make you proud.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Thank you Lira.
LIRA: Thank you!!

LISTEN TO LIRA’S ‘RISE AGAIN,’ LATEST HIT SINGLE OFF HER EP

For more information, follow Lira on Facebook or Twitter.

-Uduak Oduok
-Courtesy photo

“Buttered Up is my little self improvement project. It works like this: every time I make something nice, no matter how small or simple, I feel better about myself. Apart from that, I used to be good at writing and photography and now I’m brushing up on those by talking about food and fighting with myself to take a photo or a bite first. . . oh, and for the record, I hate canned tuna.”

In her first and detailed exclusive interview with Ladybrille, Khanna shares her journey into food, her  mouth watering food recipe(s) and also gives us a glimpse into Egyptian culture. Enjoy!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Hi Sarah, thank you for your time and agreeing to grace us with your presence on Ladybrillemag.com. How are you?
Sarah: I’m very well, thank you. It’s nice to be interviewed by such a unique magazine.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Thanks! You were a perfect fit for us this month for our Health Edition, given your amazing blog with healthy food recipes and showcase of Egyptian cuisine. What were you doing before you started your blog Buttered Up?
Sarah: Thank you for choosing to feature me. Before blogging, I was working in advertising, first as a copywriter and later as a creative executive. A few years into it, I realized that I would likely spend the rest of my life at the office and would not have time to have a hobby or spend time with friends and family as much as I’d like. Advertising, although addictive, is a career that I’m not 100% sure I’d return to.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What a multi-talented lady you are! You cook, photograph and write about the meals you cook. Let’s take each one apart. How and when did you discover your love for cooking?
Sarah: I’ve always loved food. I just wasn’t as interested in cooking it for the most part of my life. When I had more time on my hands, I took to the kitchen and realized that I enjoyed it much more than I originally thought I would. Relocating to Malaysia allowed me to experience flavors that are diverse and unique. The outdoor wet markets and the fresh ingredients I had never seen before lured me in. I also noticed that world cuisines were progressing in their own sense while our own Egyptian cuisine was at an all-time standstill.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How about writing?
Sarah: Writing has been a hobby of mine ever since childhood. I’ve always kept some sort of journal where I would regularly pen down my thoughts. During my teenage years, I wrote bad poetry and moved on to copywriting after graduating from university. I love discovering new styles of writing and enjoy, as strange as this sounds, flipping through the dictionary. I’d say writing on my blog is more of an outlet than a job. I have often used it as the place to vent.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Laughs) (I know the feeling. I say writing is my therapy. It is very relaxing.) Your pictures are quite lovely. You have such an amazing eye and hand. How and where did you develop your passion for photography?
Sarah: I picked up my father’s old Pentax film camera when I was around 17. For years, I only took portraits. I did not enjoy capturing any form of still life and disliked landscape photography. After the first few months of toying around, I decided to read up a little on photography and bought a new digital SLR with a lens I really liked. It was only around a year and a half ago that I decided to take photos of dishes I cooked. Ever since, I have been passionate about food photography and scope out the different photos of food flung at us everywhere to see what kind of style I’d like to eventually settle down with. I’m still learning and experimenting.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: You seem to get better by the moment, where are you learning how to present and shoot food images as well as you do?
Sarah: I’ve taken a few classes but those were cooking classes and had nothing to do with presentation. My mother always had a way with presenting food and I’ve managed to pick up many tricks from her over the years. I’m always on the lookout to see how other bloggers are presenting their food. I prefer more natural styling. I don’t like photos that look extremely staged. On my dining table, I like things to look comfortable and elegant. Nothing too stiff.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Agreed and it is probably why your blog has resonated with many and continues to. What kind of posts have you found resonates most with your readers?
Sarah: People love desserts and carbohydrates. I’ve also noticed that recipes that are quicker to make and that require less ingredients get more hits. It goes to show you that most people are considerably busy and upon deciding to follow a recipe, they go for something fast and preferably using one pot or pan.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Laughs. Yup! The world we live in. Busy, busy, busy.) One draw to your blog, for us, was your healthy yet mouth watering looking meals. Is this an Egyptian food culture to cook healthy or it is just unique to you?
Sarah: Egyptian food is quite heavy with copious amounts of ghee used to cook. I try to take traditional Egyptian meals and change them up a bit so that they’re easier on the stomach and quicker to make. Using the ingredients we’ve been blessed with to create something a little more modern is well needed in our country.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are some of the main staple foods eaten by Egyptians?
Sarah: Egyptians love their fava beans as well as whole wheat flat bread and rice. We have a lot of plant-based proteins like lentils that really work to keep you full for long periods of time. Onions are used in pretty much everything.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Hmm . . . interesting. Who are some of the food chefs within Egypt you most admire?
Sarah: Within Egypt, I admire a new lady on the scene called Ghalia Mahmoud. She cooks for simple people who do not have a large budget and access to fancy ingredients. Her TV show is different from the rest of the Arabic cooking shows around. Since I picked up cooking while abroad, I am not as familiar with many Egyptian chefs and find that many on television are not bringing their full game to the table.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Outside of Egypt, what other African chefs do you admire?
Sarah: When you look back at Edna Lewis‘ history, her story is fascinating. From seamstress to becoming the queen of southern cooking, this lady was truly brilliant.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: We are leaving summer and prepare to usher in Fall, very soon. Share with us a great simple recipe for Fall?
Sarah: As the weather begins to cool, fill your home with the smell of sweet pears roasting in the oven. It’s so inviting it’ll make you want to stay home to savor the smell for as long as it lasts. This recipe is for a honey roasted pear salad with an apple thyme vinaigrette.

Vinaigrette:
5 tablespoons of unsweetened apple juice
4 tablespoons of white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 small shallot, finely diced
2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, chopped
⅓ cup of vegetable oil
A splash of balsamic vinegar

Pears:
2 bunches of fresh thyme
4 grainy but firm pears, halved and cored
⅓ cup of honey
Coarse salt and black pepper to taste
Salad
1 small head of butter head lettuce, torn
115 grams of rocket
120 grams of blue cheese, crumbled
½ cup of hazelnuts, coarsely chopped

Vinaigrette
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.

Pears and salad
Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place thyme sprigs on a baking sheet or parchment paper. Place your pear halves, cut side down, on a chopping board. Starting 1.5 centimeters from each stem, cut lengthwise into 1 centimeter slices. Apply pressure gently to fan out the slices. Place pears directly on the thyme. Drizzle the pears with honey then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until pears are tender, about 15 minutes. Turn your oven off and allow them to rest in place for half an hour before serving.

Combine lettuce, rocket in a large bowl. Add prepared vinaigrette and toss to coat. You could also opt to serve the vinaigrette separately. Divide salad into separate portions. Place the pear halves alongside your salad. Garnish your salad with blue cheese and top with hazelnuts.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Food is but one aspect of staying healthy. There is also exercise of the mind and body. How do you exercise your mind and body, especially given your juggling of many acts? (Laughs)
Sarah: I hate the gym. There’s something about working out indoors that doesn’t make me happy. I’ll usually opt for walking or swimming instead. With so many things to think about when blogging and regularly writing my food column, the best way to unwind is to disconnect from technology and sit in the balcony and stare out into the city, listening to it hum while you sit still. As strange as this may be, ironing also allows my mind to relax and drift away into obscurity.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Laughs) What are the personal values that drive you?
Sarah: Commitment, improvement and tolerance.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What does it mean to be a brilliant (Ladybrille) woman, to you?
Sarah: A brilliant woman is responsible, persistent and won’t compromise her beliefs to get ahead in life. It saddens me to see many women who are so involved in the way they aesthetically present themselves to the world but are equally dumbing themselves down in hopes that they might be initiated into the world of glamour.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Hmmm . . . you speak truth) What is it you hope to achieve with sharing yourself the way you do with your audience and also your freelance writings?
Sarah: My main aim is to get people back into the kitchen and to get them thinking about their local cuisines. They should constantly strive to make their local dishes better and to codify them so that they are not lost in time. I like sharing my thoughts about Egyptian food culture, where it is lacking and how we can build it to be stronger than it has been for years.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I have never thought it that way. The value we add to our local industries and keeping local businesses open when we can make time to cook homemade meals. Interesting.

Get to Know Sarah More!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s get to know you a bit more Sarah, take us on a virtual trip through Egypt! Who are the hottest fashion designers to buy and shop from in Egypt?
Sarah: If you’re looking for unique jewelry designs, Azza Fahmy never disappoints. What I love about her work is that she passionately researches Egyptian culture, old and new, and brings it to collection after collection. Beautiful.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: The hottest boutiques?
Sarah: I’m so out of touch when it comes to all the new boutiques opening in Cairo. When I go back to visit, I’m always with family or friends and don’t go shopping for things other than ingredients I can’t find in Malaysia like mastic grains and dried roselle.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Got it. What place would you recommend for delicious, excellent meals?
Sarah: I’d rather not recommend places but an Egyptian dish instead. If you’re ever in Egypt, you should definitely look for some koshary, one of our most treasured dishes consisting of rice, pasta, chickpeas, lentils, tomato sauce, chili and a garlic vinegar sauce. Sounds strange but it’s everything Egyptian food is about: starchy, filling and cheap. An added bonus is that you can find it anywhere in the country.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Neat. What about a great place to go dancing?
Sarah: If I’m to talk about four years ago, most Egyptian party-goers usually do their dancing outside of Cairo at diving and nightlife hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: The most amazing beach resort in Egypt . . .?
Sarah: One of the quietest and most relaxing resorts I’ve been to was The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, right on the red sea coast. Tip top service. For a less expensive and equally beautiful trip, there are many bedouin-style camps in the coastal towns of Sinai like Nuweiba and Dahab.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What three African artists are currently playing in your Ipod or in your car?
Sarah: K’naan, Souad Massi and Bobby McFerrin.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What is the one fashion item you can’t do without?
Sarah: Sunglasses. My eyes can get really sensitive in Egypt’s strong sun so a good pair of sunglasses is always something I panic about when I leave home without them.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What is your favorite lipstick color?
Sarah: I’m a big fan of Benefit’s Benetint in the morning as well as Clarins moisture replenishing lip balm. Not big on bold lipstick colors because I prefer to play up my eyes so I’d say I like Laura Mercier’s line of sheer lip colous especially in Healthy Lips with a hit of balm on top.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Sounds good! What are your favorite hobbies?
Sarah: I enjoy painting. I’ve painted a stool as well as a ceiling fan recently. You’ll usually find a book in my bag. Reading is one of my favorite ways to pass time. I also enjoy watching TV shows with my husband. We’re currently watching Treme.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How many languages do you speak?
Sarah: I speak both English and Arabic fluently. My spoken French is extremely broken.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What is the one thing you wish people knew about your cooking that they don’t? (Laughs)
Sarah: I broke my right ring finger in October 2010 and it took me some time to get back to feeling normal again in the kitchen. My finger can still bother me on some days when there’s a lot of chopping to be done. On those days, I like to cook things that ask for chunkier cuts of the ingredients to avoid fine slicing and dicing.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: (Sorry to hear about your finger) Thank you so much for your time!
Sarah: Thank you for having me and for this wonderful opportunity.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

-Uduak Oduok
-Photo credits: Cover, Ladybrille Magazine
-Photocredits: Food photos, Sarah Khanna

Enjoy some teaser images below:

Since then, Korto Momolu has come full circle from being one of the lucky designers to show  at New York Fashion Week to retailing her accessories at Dillards, among many achievements.

This month, where we celebrate all things fashion and New York Fashion Week, Ladybrille comes full circle with the brilliant designer in our interview with her on her designs, the business of fashion and getting her designs to market, among many topics! Momolu will also be showing her latest Spring 2012 collection this Friday during New York Fashion Week. Stay tuned for Ladybrille coverage of that show.

In the meantime, check out our cover and take in the glam of this  brilliant designer!

-Uduak Oduok

Beauty Is Diverse takes an in-depth look at models from South America, the Caribbean,Africa, and Asia who are working their way up in the changing face of fashion. Beauty Is Diverse is more than just the color of one’s skin. It’s about our cultures, languages and lifestyles.

Beauty Is Diverse covers up to date editorials, runway, campaigns, catalog celebrity style, red carpet events and day to day fashion news.

The fashion industry spans the entire globe from New York, to Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and more. When we as citizens of the globe take the time to look at the industry in it’s entirety, we will realize how diverse it is not just in terms of the models displaying the clothes. But in terms of all of the designers, the stylist, the pattern makers, photographers, fashion editors, everyone who makes fashion a multi-billion dollar industry. . . “

Enjoy our exclusive with Tiffany Lorde.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Ms. Tiffany Lorde! What a delight to interview you for our Blogger’s Edition. How are you?
Beauty is Diverse: Hello, I’m doing well and glad to speak to you.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: We have so much to cover about you and your personal journey into blogging. But, let’s start first with general discussions about the impact blogging has had offline and online. What are your thoughts on this remarkable phenomenon?
Beauty is Diverse: Blogging sure has had a huge impact online and offline not just in fashion but all across the board in different fields. It’s given everyone a place to voice their own thoughts, opinions and truths and none truths about any subject they choose to speak about.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Do you think it is a fad?
Beauty is Diverse: No I don’t think blogging is a fad but those who are really good at will last the longest.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: One of the key things I have noticed is the power blogging has given to ethnic minorities to tell their own stories. The Blogging While Brown conference just finished this past July. How cool is that?!
Beauty is Diverse: Very true I’ve learned a lot about the daily lives of black women and men and other ethnic groups from different countries via blogging and that’s what makes it so powerful.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: So Tiffany, let’s talk about you blogging. This is where it gets weird. (Laughs) Here you are, a Black Canadian who instead of writing a blog only about black celebrities like The YBF or black women issues like Clutch Magazine, you author Beauty is Diverse. Why?

Beauty is Diverse:Well I grew up in a very multi-cultural city that has become even more diverse over the past 25 years and I’ve always been a big fan of fashion growing up and earned a diploma in Fashion Design, so I combined the two. Ever since I started reading fashion blogs the number one complaint I always heard was ” why aren’t black models being used in shows or for editorial content in magazine etc”. So I decided to use the knowledge that I knew about models of various ethnic backgrounds who were working in the industry and created a website so that everyone can see that yes major cosmetic companies do hire black models or yes major designer do cast Asian or black models etc in their shows.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I really want you to take us back to when you started. For Tiffany, what was your personal thought process when you decided to start Beauty is Diverse. What were the factors you took into consideration?
Beauty is Diverse:The main factors that I took into consideration were I wanted to make sure that I represented as much different ethnic groups as possible. I did research about models from different countries and started to follow their work in order to develop the content for my site.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How did you know you were specifically going to blog about the diverse beauty of people in the world?
Beauty is Diverse: I knew that I was going to blog about the diversity of people globally because I felt many blogs were missing out on this.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: One of the things I notice is when bloggers begin blogging, they realize the amount of energy, discipline and time it takes to own and manage a blog. Most never did that time audit at the onset so when it gets that demanding, they quit. There are thousands of abandoned blogs. How were you able to keep going during the times you felt like quitting?

Beauty is Diverse:Blogging is extremely time consuming especially if your blogging yourself and don’t have team members. I keep going by always giving my self a break and making sure that I organize the photos that I want to post ahead of time to eliminate the amount of time consumed.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I like your blogging style. It is cool, informative yet concise. Is this an extension of your personality? How did you discover your blogging style?
Beauty is Diverse:Yes I would say that it is an extension of my personality, I feel that a lot can been learned without having to write or speak a very long story.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Alright let’s really roll our sleeves and get into the business of blogging. Give us seven important tips that those looking to begin blogging should know?
Beauty is Diverse: Tip 1. Focus on what you want to write about and the demographic of people you want to target.
Tip 2. Make sure your readers are able to read your content clearly and navigate through your website.
Tip 3. Read a variety of blogs to get new ideas or inspiration
Tip 4. Interact with your readers who leave comments
Tip 5. Promote your site via social media
Tip 6 . Ask for feedback about your site either from readers or other bloggers; and Tip
7, always credit your sources.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I am a firm believer that whatever product or service you offer to your clientele/customers, there has to be some “experience” and packaging where they say, “Oh! That is Beauty is Diverse or Oh! That is Ladybrille.” Can you speak on the importance of having a consistent brand in terms of look, feel, content and style for bloggers?

Beauty is Diverse:A brand (voice and consistency) is very important. Something as simple as site design that reflects the content or post headings that readers will know that information comes from your site.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: There has been a trend and shift in the online world when it comes blog content. Content is king now. There is a lot more emphasis being placed on content. Could you speak on how bloggers can go about obtaining quality content for their readers?
Beauty is Diverse: The best way to create quality content is research and always knowing the up to date information on the focus of your blog.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Actually, let me also step back and get into the actual platforms that are available for bloggers to use. Share with our audience some of those platforms.
Beauty is Diverse: Many platforms are available for bloggers such as wordpress, blogger and typepad.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I don’t want this topic to be above the heads of our audience but could you touch lightly on search engine optimization and search engine marketing in relation to blogging?
Beauty is Diverse: Top search engines are Google, Bing and Yahoo! and bloggers can submit their websites to all three which will help optimize their site .

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Do you keep a weekly or monthly editorial calendar for your blog? Why or why not?
Beauty is Diverse: I keep a weekly calendar for my blog it helps me stay on track and keep up with all the fashion related events going on.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I read a lot and I can tell you, so far, I am yet to see a blog like Beauty is Diverse. But as you know, blogging is now a very competitive business. What should bloggers know about assessing competition before they begin blogging and after they start blogging?
Beauty is Diverse: New bloggers should research the types of sites they will be compared to and create ways to be different or original.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let me take you a different direction, the marketing and PR direction. As you and I know, media coverage is just as important to bloggers as much as it is to those they blog about. Share with our audience, especially the professional bloggers or those looking to make blogging a business, how to gain media coverage?

Beauty is Diverse:Those who want to gain media coverage should have a press or media kit available which gives detailed information about their site, bio etc. Attend events within your own city and start doing coverage of those events for your readers.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: We will wrap up the blogging discussions with a discussion on money. There are many streams of income that you can leverage as a blog if you are looking to make money. Could you share with our audience a few tips on making money as a blogger? Ads v. sponsorships, Affiliate programs?
Beauty is Diverse: Making money from your blog does take [m]any different avenues to gain revenue. Overall you have to be very patient and test out different options such as google adsense or linkshare.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: A bit more on the personal side and questions I like to ask when I interview folks.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What drives you Ms. Tiffany Lorde?

Beauty is Diverse:Passion , curiosity, and knowing that I can always do better than the day before.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are the daily principles you live by?
Beauty is Diverse: Daily principles I live by are honesty, respecting others and work hard to gain a return.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What makes you get up everyday to do the whole blog thing all over again?
Beauty is Diverse: Seeing more and more new faces of women from the Caribbean, South America, Asia & more get opportunities to work in the fashion industry makes me get up everyday to blog.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: When all is said and done, what do you hope you contribute to the world and your community through blogging?
Beauty is Diverse: I hope people learn from my blog that women of all ethnicities are beautiful and that women from different ethnic backgrounds also have the potential and ability to sell products and be Spokesmodels for any company.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How do you define a brilliant blogger? (Laughs)
Beauty is Diverse: A brilliant blogger is someone who just loves to write , loves to share and connect.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What about a brilliant (The Ladybrille) woman?
Beauty is Diverse: A brilliant women is one who goes after what she wants.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Thank you Tiffany.
Beauty is Diverse: Your welcome (smiles)

-Uduak Oduok

Tiffany Lorde, Fashion Blogger- Beauty is Diverse, is Ladybrille Woman of the Month August 2011

Sacramento, CA (August 5th, 2011)- Tiffany Lorde, a Canadian and owner of the fashion blog Beauty is Diverse, is Ladybrille Magazine’s Woman of the Month for its August 2011 Bloggers’ Edition.

Ladybrille Magazine’s Bloggers’ Edition celebrates Fashion & Entertainment Bloggers for their contributions and impact in the industry. The edition provides in-depth features on the business of blogging including how to start a blog, platforms to use, design aesthetics and functionality, pr & marketing, pitching to bloggers and the legal side of blogging – incorporation, copyright and trademark laws.

The edition also shows how influential bloggers are with a feature on Africa’s rising 21year old music star Wiz- Kid, whose career has benefited heavily from the constant features by bloggers.

“I am happy Tiffany Lorde is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for our August Bloggers’ Edition,” said Uduak Oduok, Editor-in-Chief for Ladybrille Magazine. “Tiffany was the perfect fit for us because she and her blog embody and parallel what we do at Ladybrille, “ continued Oduok.  “She also has shown consistency and delivered strong and diverse content that is a shining example of what bloggers and blogger hopefuls should emulate.”

Tiffany Lorde’s interview will be published the week of August 8th-12th, 2011 on the Magazine’s website at www.ladybrilemag.com.

About Ladybrille Magazine
Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.

Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”

For more info visit www.ladybrillemag.com.

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The Bunmi Koko label was founded in 2009 by Bunmi Olaye and her business partner Francis Udom. In July 2010, Bunmi Olaye won “Emerging Designer of the Year 2010 -International” at the Africa Fashion International Africa Fashion Awards in South Africa. A month later, August 2010, the news media reported First Lady Michelle Obama had commissioned the label and its designer Bunmi Olaye to design a cream colored double breasted coat for the First Lady. In March 2011, the label was the recipient of the Arise Fashion Week Show Lagos, earning a coveted spot to show at New York Fashion Week this September 2011. This past June 2011, the label was finalist at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2011 for the Scottish Retailer of the Year Award. Bunmi Olaye was also invited as a commentator for the Kate Middleton & Prince William Wedding. This month, while we have been enjoying having Bunmi for one full month on Ladybrille front pages and on the background of our website, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall extended a royal invitation for Bunmi Koko to attend a reception at the St. James Palace. Congratulations to Bunmi and Francis. Enjoy Ladybrille’s exclusive interview with Bunmi Olaye below.
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LADYBRILLEmag.com: Hi Bunmi, how are you?
Bunmi Koko: Hello, I am very well, thank you.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: We have not had the pleasure of meeting in person, yet. But I must say I find your work, and that of your partner Francis Udom, compelling. I look forward to our meeting someday and actually taking in your designs up close and personal.

Bunmi Koko: Thank you very much for all your wonderful support and it is great to see what you are doing for LADYBRILLEmag! We are looking forward to meeting you one day too. Maybe hope to see you in Nigeria for the opening of our 1st Annual International Luxury Trunk Sale/Seminar at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in August 2011?

Bunmi Olaye Speaks on the Awards & Shares Her Personal Background

LADYBRILLEmag.com: It’s possible! First things first, how are you?
Bunmi Koko: I am very well, thank you and we have just returned from Scottish Fashion Awards 2011, and very excited by the opportunity and recognition that was given to us and it was amazing. Now, we are very busy planning for the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) product launch which will take place in London in early August and the trunk sale show/UNWFP at Nigeria in August, as well as preparation for Spring/Summer 2012 in New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How does it feel to be honored as Ladybrille Woman of the Month alongside some of our stellar alumni like Supermodel Iman?
Bunmi Koko: Oh it’s a great pleasure! It is definitely an honor and I just can’t believe how it’s been only 2 years since the establishment of Bunmi Koko Brand and I’m very thankful to be getting this recognition while being relatively new in the scene! Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity and hopefully it will inspire some of the young creative entrepreneurs in the industry.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: When we hear about you, it is usually in the context of your work, which is great, but let’s get to know a more personal side of you?
Bunmi Koko: In my spare time I like to attend the cinema, theatre, and concerts. I have an interest in the arts. I love dancing as a means of exercise too. These sorts of things help me relax! I also LOVE trying new recipes and eating good food!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Nice. Share with us your background. Where were you born and raised?
Bunmi Koko: I was born in the 1980’s in Ibadan, Nigeria and grew up there. From time to time I came to Lagos (former capital) on vacation and moved to London at the age of 14. My dad did a lot to make sure myself and siblings had the best education.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Speaking of best education, what high school and college did you attend?

Bunmi Koko: I was privileged to attend some top private and independent schools. I went to St. Margaret’s in Bushey, Hertfordshire where I studied for three years and finished my GCSE’s and then went to Cranleigh School in Surrey to join the Sixth form for my A-levels. Throughout that time I lived in Harrow-on-the-hill with my family before going off to do my higher education courses. Firstly, I went off to Wimbledon School of Art to do a foundation course in Art & Design. After that, I took the Styling and Photography Course in London College of Fashion (LCF) in London. But the desire to make clothes led me to University of East London (UEL) where I did Fashion Design & Marketing Degree.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I hear your mom’s love for fashion really influenced you to become a fashion designer. Share those fond memories with us?
Bunmi Koko: I owe a lot of my passion to my mom actually! I remember my mother would come home and bring me back issues of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar after traveling. My mother recognized the fashion interest I had since I started dressing up dolls at such a young age, and she wanted to develop this interest I had so she always provided me with a supportive environment.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: When did you get your epiphany that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Bunmi Koko: I’ve always been fascinated by garments – from the age of about 4. Initially, I’d just dress my dolls and customize clothes for them. But the epiphany came to me during my Foundation year at Art school!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Where were you and what were you doing when that epiphany came?
Bunmi Koko: I was at Wimbledon School of Art, when I had the urge to be a fashion designer and I nurtured that during my studies later down the line.

Bunmi Olaye Speaks on the Business of Fashion in the UK

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Bunmi, I really want to talk to you from an angle of being a designer in the business of fashion, not necessarily being an “African” designer although we will get to that.
Bunmi Koko: Bunmi Koko is an international brand without borders as our product and services appeals to diverse cultures. However we have Scottish/Nigerian heritage as a brand and with this in mind, we can act as an ambassador.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Great. You are in the UK. London Fashion Week and the UK’s fashion industry have evolved to a place where the world is now paying attention. Describe the current climate for the business of fashion in the UK?
Bunmi Koko:The UK fashion industry have earned a great reputation as we have got international British fashion brands like Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, however the industry is also supporting younger brands like Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders and Bunmi Koko as recently I was invited as a fashion expert to comment on the Royal Wedding of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Also we were nominated for the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards.

The current climate for the business of fashion is very challenging and competitive and we are just taking the season as it comes. With a very robust business plan then one should be able to withstand the pressures and challenges when it emerges.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are some of the key trends that are influencing the UK’s fashion industry and propelling it into the limelight?
Bunmi Koko: Well, London is admitted to be the fourth major fashion capital in the world, with its own signature character of creativity, artistic manner and heritage rag trade. What is special about the fashion industry here is that London is known for always following new trends and “making trends happen” and the more unique a trend is, the more likely it will catch on. It is very fascinating because one morning you could be going to work and most of the people you see are wearing the same type of clothes! We are hoping to one day be an influencer of a mass-trend!

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I think you are already getting there. Okay, against London’s fashion backdrop, here you are as a fashion designer of African heritage in London with a showroom. How significant is it that you even have a showroom in London? Is that common among designers of ethnic origin in the UK?

Bunmi Koko: I’m just happy that I have this platform to show my work in London and I suppose that it is really significant and exclusive. To have a studio and a showroom in London is very challenging for all designers. We are trying very hard to work and maintain our standards and develop our business streams. We hope that all designers of ethnic origin in the UK will be able to develop their business and come out fully from the current financial climate.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s talk about your designs. I know your business partner is from Cross River (Calabar city), Nigeria and you have shown collection(s) inspired from his neck of the woods. Can you describe the process of designing your fabrics and how both of your African heritages have influenced your fabric designs and choices?

Bunmi Koko: We generate our designs from extensive research from whichever topic we decide to go. We are very academic and also research focused as we have robust design procedures we adhere to.

We never take shortcuts at Bunmi Koko, and this has been a company policy for us when designing. Garments go through Quality Control after they are sampled and the very slightest mistake would require an alteration, which is why our sampling is done in-house in London. We develop our own prints and fabrics from the respective collection inspiration. Our Matriarchy Spring/Summer 2011 collection was our “Journey of Discovery” as it was a tribute to a Scottish missionary and nineteenth century Nigerian aid worker, Mary Slessor who is commemorated on the Scottish ten-pound note and also Francis’ Great Great Grandmother!

So as you can see, that collection had deep roots of culture and it stems from both our Scottish and Nigerian heritages. We wanted to reflect that and honour Mary Slessor and celebrate our very existence, cultures and female empowerment

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Your work ethic and attention to details does indeed show. I heard Francis in a video interview discuss wanting the Bunmi Koko brand to be a lifestyle brand. Share with us, to that end, five strategies you have employed in brand building so you can get to your ultimate goal?
Bunmi Koko: Bunmi Koko brand is an emerging luxury lifestyle brand. The five strategies I would say are:

1. Experienced Team
Working with the best, diverse and talented team in our brand. An example is our CEO Francis who has got numerous wealth of experience in Marine/Oil and Gas. He also sits as a Council Member for the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology International Headquaters, London. So this makes a huge difference in our business policies and strategies. Our sales Manager is a former Louis Vuitton Manager e.t.c

2. Developing a strategic business plans and policies that is shared with team
We develop effective management system that works for our business streams by developing good business policies and standards and ensure it is implemented. We are working towards ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification in our business. Also we work with good reputable firms like KPMG to audit our business.

3. Project Management:
We have a very functional and efficient project management division. All our projects are supervised and detailed to give accuracy so it tends to succeed.

4. Building lasting relationships with all people and organization
By taking feedback and encouraging effective communication skills within the business. As a result we have generated some awareness about our brand and it is very rewarding to see our hard work.

5. Effective Market Plans
Be focus driven and resilient. Develop our sales and marketing plans by always demonstrating our Bunmi Koko strong innovation and design aesthetic on all our products and services. Being able to adapt quickly to the ever changing market and delivering luxury product and services to our customers.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: How are you both using social media to leverage your brand?
Bunmi Koko: We are using all possible social media to connect with the world at the right time. Social networks like facebook, twitter and you tube are very important in sending out our major news like press releases, photos, magazine editorials and such. Also, we are distributing the news on our web site. But the most important is “live” communications, like holding networking events and communicating with people, just to get to build relationships on a personal level.

Bunmi Olaye Speaks on Use of Social Media & Online Retail Store

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I know you now have an e-commerce/e-retail store presence where you sell your clothes. Tell us a bit about why you felt that was the right direction to go for your brand?

Bunmi Koko: Firstly, today’s online shopping is more developed than just stores on Bond street etc. For example if a garment is not available in a store, you can just order it online. Moreover, we have a lot of buzz internationally and if a product is not currently present in a certain country, they can just order online and it will be delivered right to their door. This also gives us a clear statistic on which garments were the public’s favorites by looking at which made the online sales. Also, more opportunities can be offered via the online shop such as exclusive online garments.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I believe e-retail has made clothing really accessible particularly for African designers in the continent looking to reach a new market. For those looking to have an e-brick and mortar store, can you share some of the business principles they should be aware of before opening a e-retail store?

Bunmi Koko: We started out as just an e-brick and mortar store, but I do believe that in our modern day, you have to open an online store eventually if you want to reach the global market. I think the most important thing to keep in mind before taking this step is what you aim to do through it whether it is increasing sales, advertisement, or just brand awareness. Then you can start to build your e-retail store around the clear direction you have put for it. We researched it thoroughly and designed and developed our website. It is amazing to see all the hard work and we are constantly getting feedback as to improve our services to all our loyal fans.

Bunmi Olaye Speaks on How Michelle Obama Commissioned the Bunmi Koko Label to Make a Coat for Her

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Promotions and marketing is so critical for any brand. Somehow, you were able to get the attention of America’s First Lady Michelle Obama. Tell us the informal and formal methods you used to give your brand the type of visibility that attracted the First Lady?

Bunmi Koko: During our visit to South Africa, we won an award and met with the Great Nelson Mandela and his lovely family. They saw our look-book and were very impressed with the collection and recommended that we show them to First Lady Michelle Obama because his wife thought she would like them. This visit also gained us a lot of press coverage that is crucial to attracting big names out there. We continue to dress global celebrities like Mel B, Michelle Williams and fans like HilaryAlexander of Telegrapgh & Sarah Bailey of Harper’s Bazaar. Our clothes have also appeared on several editorials and photoshoots and everyday we are getting more requests to showcase our clothing, so I think we are going in the right direction!

LADYBRILLmag.com: You were recently called on to give insight on the Kate and William wedding. What did that feel like?
Bunmi Koko: It was really an honor to have been invited as a brand to discuss the most talked about dress of the century and also to showcase a design I had in mind for the new Duchess. It was such an amazing and memorable day and I feel so lucky to have been part of it in some way.

The Bunmi Koko sketch of the design I had in mind for the new Duchess of Cambridge was revealed on the television coverage on the day. The dress was made in French lace and had a classic and vintage feel to it. It was made in-house and was called the “Duchess” named after Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge. It displays classic couture techniques of intricate hand finishing as well as a modern and innovative twist to traditional bridal wear for today’s modern bride. It follows a theme of royalty, with the timing of its release.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: I know you now have a bridal line. Why bridal wear?
Bunmi Koko: When we started Bunmi Koko, we solely worked on couture orders for private clients and bridal wear was popular. We just wanted to wait for the right time to promote it and launch it officially. As a brand, it is also important for us to develop and venture into new markets, and bridal wear just seemed to be the perfect fit where we can illustrate the elegance of the brand. After our involvement with the Royal Wedding, which gave the brand exposure to about 2 billion people, it was the perfect time to launch the mini-bridal collection. It was one of those once in a lifetime moments, as I was invited by ITV alongside three top British designers to offer expert commentary on the Royal Wedding Coverage of the Newly Wedded Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: In terms of brand expansion and diversification of retail products, how many years do you think a designer should be in business before diversifying into other lifestyle products?
Bunmi Koko: It depends on brand awareness, funding and a brands design aesthetic. However, there is no equation for this. It depends on the business plan and strategy of each brand.

Bunmi Olaye Speaks on the Awards & The Future of the Brand

LADYBRILLEmag.com: You won an Award at the Africa Fashion Awards in South Africa last year. Earlier this year, you won another award at Arise Magazine Fashion Awards. The big prize for Arise is that you get to show at New York Fashion Week this September. How are your preparations coming along?
Bunmi Koko: At the moment, I’m working on the collection and all of our team are busy organizing and planning everything for the event. At Bunmi Koko, we are very detailed and specific with our work, so a lot of attention is being diverted into the collection so we can approach perfection as close as we can! We are also working on the Nigerian trunk show and the launch of our United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) products in August which is being organized by our sister brand Eagle & Thistle, so as you can tell it is a very busy season. Also we are recruiting top models in the UK, Nigeria and South Africa for Eagle & Thistle Group.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What are you hoping to accomplish from showing your collection at New York Fashion Week?
Bunmi Koko: It is such a great opportunity for us to be in New York and we know it is a bigger market. We want to establish Bunmi Koko in New York, by increasing our wholesale stockists as well as generating awareness for the brand. As part of our Spring/Summer 2012 collection, we have designed our first beauty product in a collaboration for Cargo cosmetics to be marketed worldwide through Ulta.com, which will be launched during our New York Fashion Week show in September 2011.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: What next for the Bunmi Koko brand?
Bunmi Koko: We will be showcasing our collections all over the world starting with the trunk show in Nigeria, to New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. Everyday something new comes up and we get more opportunities to visit new countries. We’re also diversifying into electronic accessories such as MacBook, iPad, and iPhone covers. Moreover, we are thinking of collaborating with shoe designers to introduce footwear into the brand. Basically, we are developing our product portfolio.

LADYBRILLEmag.com: Thank you for your time and congratulations on being our Woman of the Month for our Fashion Designer Edition!
Bunmi Koko: Thank you very much for all your support. And to all our fans in all professions, may God Bless you for all your support to us in one way or the other. We love you all!

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-Interview by Uduak Oduok
-Courtesy photos