My Style...

Meet Shipinen  Tseayo. Fashion designer, tutor, dressmaker, blogger and fashion lover. Yes, this is me in all my stunning glory :)

In this post, I am wearing a classic black tee, a really pretty flower print knee length pencil skirt I made, a purple-pink head scarf and dark red pumps. The individual pieces come together in a stylish and sophisticated way.

Watch out for more of my personal outfit posts as I'll be bringing you something fresh from time to time. In keeping with my new life motto: "Not saving the best for last", this is one of my Instagram moments - what's yours?

Introducing....(Post 3 of 3)

When I saw the completed space...words failed me. I hope you're as amazed as I was at the transformation.

Let me introduce you to Shipie's Little Studio: SLS.

Also known as...Perfection :)

 

 

                                       
                                             
                                              

 

                                    

 

 

Fixing Up.... (Part 2 of 3)

I needed a space that would function primarily as a design studio, but one that would also allow me to produce my fabulous clothes. I needed retail space, a changing room, and storage. And I needed all of this in the very small space I had.

Designing and renovating was soooooo challenging, but so much fun. The lessons I learned from this process? Trust your instincts; stay true to your vision; but be open to new ideas. Never, ever, compromise: you only end up with regret if you do; never be afraid to throw all your old ideas into the bin, and start all over again. And again. And again.

Until you get it right.

Humble Beginnings.... (Part 1 of 3)

Hi everyone, its been a little while since my last post. I've missed you guys, but the good news is that I've been fixing up and setting up my design studio!

 

This post, and the next two, are a chronology of the story of my shop: its transformation from a dirty, dusty store, to a beautiful, and inspirational design space.

 

To budding fashion designers, all you need is a note pad, a set of coloured pencils, and a fertile imagination. It also helps if you truly love what you do. Finding a space that nourishes this love is an added bonus.

 

I was lucky enough to find such a space:

 

 

 

 

....SweetTooth

 Driving round town with my camera, looking for inspiration, I bumped into Nneka Edekobi of CAKES by NEKA.

She's wearing a striped crop tee, black leggings, a yellow jacket, and the cutest pair of flats ever.

Nneka's outfit is very trendy: she looks fresh, young, comfortable  and confident as she goes about her activities of the day. The simple cut of her jacket makes it easy for her to be smart but casually chic, and the blindingly bright colours she's put to together literally stop traffic. Add a pair of John Lennon-esque round frame sunglasses and we have a fashionista on our hands.

......Vintage Naija

 

A few pieces from "Komole", the new collection by Nigerian designer, Deola Sagoe. The collection was inspired by the work of Nigerian Fashion Legend, Shade Thomas Fahm, one of the first designers in Nigeria to begin using our traditional African fabrics to design contemporary clothes.

The collection features feminine pieces beautifully tailored in rich fabrics.Whi;st they evoke the spirit of the traditional nigerian woman, they remain unmistakably  modern. The cut outs, pleating, the fullness in the sleeves closely follow recent trends,but her collection still has the  "iro and buba"''oleku''feel about it.

This exquisite meld of the old and new gets my jealously guarded nod of approval. I applaud our Nigerian designers for their continuous efforts and hard work.....

Oscar winning...

 

 

Bond Girl, Naomie Harris, attended the 2013 Oscars in a dress made by Ghana-born fashion student Michael Badger.

 

This dress is the winning design in a Red carpet green (sustainable) dress challenge. It is made from organic material, recycled zippers, and was hand embroidered with vintage glass beads and chocolate wrappers.

 

For me one word says it all; ELEGANT. She looks amazing. The lovely mustard color and golden beaded bodice does bring to mind molten lava (which is the inspiration behind the dress).

 

I am so proud of our African designers.. We are getting there ;-)

....African inspired

American actress Blake Lively's dress by Marchesa definitely looks like it was inspired by african print.
The shape of this dress is just so beautiful and feminine. The fitted bodice accentuates her slim waist and the short length shows off her legs perfectly.  I love the way the patterns on the dress are artfully arranged in rows. Nice shoes too.

On men...

London based Ghanian Label Ohema Ohene featured African print suits in their menswear spring summer 2013 collection. I love the versitility of our African fabrics, and the sharp, severe lines this designer employs to restrain the vibrancy of the prints.

I don't doubt that this trend will be embraced by Lagos fashionistas, but I'd love to see it adopted as an everyday  clothing staple by the less fashion-concious.....Fabulous ;-)

Standing tall

I love this lady's african print pants paired with her yellow polo top. Her shoes and bag complete the look. She also has the right amount of confidence and carries herself like a princess.