alure july 22nd edition

JULY 22, 2012

DOTED ON & LOVED: DOTED ON & LOVED: PRINCESS ABAH FOLAWIYO @ 70PRINCESS ABAH FOLAWIYO @ 70

thisweekINSIDE

E-mail: [email protected]@vanguardngr.com

All correspondence to:P.M.B. 1007 Apapa, Lagos

CONTRIBUTORS:Princess Kate EmikoJerome OnipedeFolake AkinolaBamiyo Iselema Emina

EDITOR:Remmy Diagbare

DEPUTY EDITOR:Jemi Ekunkunbor

ASST. EDITOR:Yemisi Suleiman

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR:Latasha NgwubeCOPY EDITOR:DD William-West

CORRESPONDENTS:Fatima Garba - StyleDavina Ayodele - Beauty

Printed and published byVanguard Media LtdVanguard AvenueKirirkiri Canal, P.M.B. 1007 Apapa, Lagos

For advertisement/Enquiries please call:Janet: 0803715691Oge: 08039777910

OFFICE ASSISTANT:Ebere Okoh

LAYOUT/DESIGNS:Remi OguntegbeIsaiah Amupitan

PHOTOGRAPHY:Oscar Ochiogu

Cover: Princess Abah FolawiyoMakeup: Visage MakeoverStylist: YolandaPhotographer: Reze Bonna

thhen I wrote Princess Abah Folawiyo's biography ten years ago, I was sure I would do a follow-up for her 70

birthday. There was just too much to go into one edition. The follow-up would capture the life of bliss and Waffluence that she ended up with. But alas, providence had plans we didn't envisage.The man she had hoped to spend the rest of her life with passed on. With the passage of Chief Wahab

thFolawiyo, things were no longer the same. Understandably, the grand plans that she had hoped for her 70 had to be shelved since the one who plays the tune is no longer her piper.Never one to be put down for long, Princess Folawiyo has picked up the shattered pieces and adjusted to life as a widow. Doted on by her son, grand children and step children, Princess Abah has much to be thankful for as she turns 70 today.The significance of her birthday during Ramadan is not lost on her. She intends to spend the day in prayer with close friends who would be invited to break the fast with her later in the evening. In this special edition of Allure, Aunty Abah, as I have always called her, shares with me her special moments and about turning 70. Doted on and loved: Princess Abah Folawiyo @ 70 is a must read. Enjoy!

Remmy DiagbareAllure is all about You

2 ALLURE JULY 22, 2012

A man's heart may have a secret sanctuary where only one woman may enter, but it is full of little anterooms which are seldom vacant.

o d- Helen R wlan

Marriage is a wonderful institution. If it weren't for marriage, husbands and wives would have to fight with total strangers.

rayPatrick Mur

He took his misfortune like a man - he blamed it on his wife.

Bob Phillips

DOLAPO ONIOn fashion and major highlights on TVOn fashion and major highlights on TV

PRINCESS ABAH

FOLAWIYO

PRINCESS ABAH

FOLAWIYO

@70DOTED ON & LOVED:

Intuition is the strange instinct that tells a woman she is right, whether she is or not.

Oscar ilde W

thisweekINSIDE

CONTRIBUTORS:Princess Kate EmikoJerome OnipedeFolake AkinolaBamiyo Iselema Emina

Printed and published byVanguard Media LtdVanguard AvenueKirirkiri Canal, P.M.B. 1007 Apapa, Lagos

Cover: Princess Abah FolawiyoMakeup: Visage MakeoverStylist: YolandaPhotographer: Reze Bonna

thhen I wrote Princess Abah Folawiyo's biography ten years ago, I was sure I would do a follow-up for her 70

birthday. There was just too much to go into one edition. The follow-up would capture the life of bliss and Waffluence that she ended up with. But alas, providence had plans we didn't envisage.The man she had hoped to spend the rest of her life with passed on. With the passage of Chief Wahab

thFolawiyo, things were no longer the same. Understandably, the grand plans that she had hoped for her 70 had to be shelved since the one who plays the tune is no longer her piper.Never one to be put down for long, Princess Folawiyo has picked up the shattered pieces and adjusted to life as a widow. Doted on by her son, grand children and step children, Princess Abah has much to be thankful for as she turns 70 today.The significance of her birthday during Ramadan is not lost on her. She intends to spend the day in prayer with close friends who would be invited to break the fast with her later in the evening. In this special edition of Allure, Aunty Abah, as I have always called her, shares with me her special moments and about turning 70. Doted on and loved: Princess Abah Folawiyo @ 70 is a must read. Enjoy!

Remmy DiagbareAllure is all about You

A man's heart may have a secret sanctuary where only one woman may enter, but it is full of little anterooms which are seldom vacant.

- Helen Rowland

Marriage is a wonderful institution. If it weren't for marriage, husbands and wives would have to fight with total strangers.

at ck M rrayP ri u

He took his misfortune like a man - he blamed it on his wife.

lBob Phil ips

PRINCESS ABAH

FOLAWIYO

PRINCESS ABAH

FOLAWIYO

@70DOTED ON & LOVED:

Intuition is the strange instinct that tells a woman she is right, whether she is or not.

Oscar ild W e

he British born actress and TV presenter, Marcy Dolapo Oni started her television career as the lead anchor on the Mnet show , Studio 53 Extra and soon became a force to reckon with T

.In this short interview, she gives an insight into her life in fashion.

Honestly No. I fell into presenting! I was working as a professional actor in London for 6 years and when I moved back home the opportunity presented itself. Luckily I got the job.

I think it has to be the different people I get to interview from all walks of life. And of-course the traveling, I love the traveling.

It has to be my mother. She is my rock, my strength, my champion. She has achieved so much and if in my lifetime I get to achieve half of what she has I will be very happy.

Brand Nubians is an online store that guarantees great quality and customer service. Brandnubians.com is a Pan-African fashion e-retailer focused on providing Africans with access to authentic products across multiple categories including, women swear, menswear, kids- wear, accessories and jewelry. They also have exclusivity on certain brands as well. As their brand ambassador I promote them as much as possible with photos, adverts, webisodes at their launch and so on and so forth.

Jeans and a tank top with some flats ,my shades and chunky jewelry to give it a lift.

My turtle shell Brian Attwood pumps. GORG!

A simple clean cut black blazer

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A TV PRESENTER OR WAS IT A FLARE YOU PICKED UP OVERTIME?

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MAJOR HIGHLIGHT SO FAR IN THE TV PRESENTING INDUSTRY?

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

AS THE NEW FACE AND AMBASSADOR OF BRAND NUBIANS, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS VENTURE?

WHAT IS YOUR CASUAL STYLE LOOK?

WHAT FASHION ITEM CAN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?

WHAT FASHION ACCESSORY DO YOU THINK EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE IN HER WARDROBE?

lakija,

r Zaro

British noble retro designer tote bagBritish noble retro designer tote bag

Eans with crowns designer jeans

Jackie sun glassesJackie sun glasses

Dolapo Oni

Chunky JewelryChunky Jewelry

Sheepskin flatloafers casual wedding boat shoesSheepskin flatloafers casual wedding boat shoes

S yletIQ

he British born actress and TV presenter, Marcy Dolapo Oni started her television career as the lead anchor on the Mnet show , Studio 53 Extra and soon became a force to reckon with T

.In this short interview, she gives an insight into her life in fashion.

Honestly No. I fell into presenting! I was working as a professional actor in London for 6 years and when I moved back home the opportunity presented itself. Luckily I got the job.

I think it has to be the different people I get to interview from all walks of life. And of-course the traveling, I love the traveling.

It has to be my mother. She is my rock, my strength, my champion. She has achieved so much and if in my lifetime I get to achieve half of what she has I will be very happy.

Brand Nubians is an online store that guarantees great quality and customer service. Brandnubians.com is a Pan-African fashion e-retailer focused on providing Africans with access to authentic products across multiple categories including, women swear, menswear, kids- wear, accessories and jewelry. They also have exclusivity on certain brands as well. As their brand ambassador I promote them as much as possible with photos, adverts, webisodes at their launch and so on and so forth.

Jeans and a tank top with some flats ,my shades and chunky jewelry to give it a lift.

My turtle shell Brian Attwood pumps. GORG!

A simple clean cut black blazer

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A TV PRESENTER OR WAS IT A FLARE YOU PICKED UP OVERTIME?

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MAJOR HIGHLIGHT SO FAR IN THE TV PRESENTING INDUSTRY?

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

AS THE NEW FACE AND AMBASSADOR OF BRAND NUBIANS, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS VENTURE?

WHAT IS YOUR CASUAL STYLE LOOK?

WHAT FASHION ITEM CAN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?

WHAT FASHION ACCESSORY DO YOU THINK EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE IN HER WARDROBE?

lakija,

r Zaro

British noble retro designer tote bagBritish noble retro designer tote bag

Eans with crowns designer jeans

Jackie sun glassesJackie sun glasses

Dolapo Oni

Chunky JewelryChunky Jewelry

Sheepskin flatloafers casual wedding boat shoesSheepskin flatloafers casual wedding boat shoes

hen it comes to edgy fashion trends, first thing that comes to mind are spikes and studs. Bejeweled clothing is a trend that has always Wbeen in vogue therefore spikes and studs give an outfit more

details. From clothes to accessories, there's a variety that everyone can choose from to give your wardrobe and style some edge.

Spikes & Studs TrendsBY FATIMA GARBA

he SPIKES look is a little demanding but it can give your outfit an extra vavavoom! There are T

so many fashion statements in spikes especially on the runway this season. Here is a look at some of the things the fashion world has created for us to indulge in.

TUDS is all the rage this season. Celebs Sare walking around with studded bags, studded dresses, studded shoes, studded leggings, you name it. Studs are certainly influenced by the punk movement, but when worn properly, can compliment any look beautifully.

The Spikes

The StudBCBG Max Azria spiked clutch

Burberry spiked jacket

Jeffrey campbell spike shoes

Thomas sabo spiked cuff

Spiked earrings

Topshop stud dress

Jeffrey camp ell stud shoes

Novella royalebowler stud bag

Eni Balogun

hen it comes to edgy fashion trends, first thing that comes to mind are spikes and studs. Bejeweled clothing is a trend that has always Wbeen in vogue therefore spikes and studs give an outfit more

details. From clothes to accessories, there's a variety that everyone can choose from to give your wardrobe and style some edge.

Spikes & Studs TrendsBY FATIMA GARBA

he SPIKES look is a little demanding but it can give your outfit an extra vavavoom! There are T

so many fashion statements in spikes especially on the runway this season. Here is a look at some of the things the fashion world has created for us to indulge in.

TUDS is all the rage this season. Celebs Sare walking around with studded bags, studded dresses, studded shoes, studded leggings, you name it. Studs are certainly influenced by the punk movement, but when worn properly, can compliment any look beautifully.

The Spikes

The StudBCBG Max Azria spiked clutch

Burberry spiked jacket

Jeffrey campbell spike shoes

Thomas sabo spiked cuff

Spiked earrings

Topshop stud dress

Jeffrey c mpbell stud shoes

Novella royalebowler stud bag

Eni Balogun

JULY 22, 2012 ALLURE 98 ALLURE JULY 22, 2012

CONGRATULATIONS AS YOU TURN 70 TODAY. HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING 70?

TEN YEARS AGO, YOUR BIRTHDAY CELEBERATION WAS A CARNIVAL. BUT TODAY, ALL IS QUIET AS YOU MARK THE ALL IMPORTANT 70.

THHOW DO YOU PLAN TO MARK YOUR 70 BIRTHDAY TODAY?

HOW HAS IT BEEN WITHOUT YOUR HUSBAND?

WHAT HAS LIFE TAUGHT YOU AS YOU MARK 70 TODAY?

WHAT ARE THE CHOICES YOU MADE IN LIFE THAT HAS MADE YOU THE HAPPY PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?

DO YOU MISS DESIGNING?

LOOKING BACK, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE IN LIFE?

OVER THE YEARS, YOU HAVE MAINTAINED YOUR ELEGANCE AND HIGH FASHION SENSE. DO YOU GET CRITICISMS FOR THIS?

THERE WAS A REPORT, ONE TIME, THAT YOU HAD CONFLICT WITH YOUR HUSBAND.S CHILDRERN…

WHAT ABOUT THE RUMOUR THAT YOU HAD BEEN RELOCATED TO SURULERE?

I don't feel anything. I actually feel the same as when I was forty, fifty or sixty. I thank God. I have not seen anything that has pulled me down for me to say that I am getting old. Although, I realise that I am getting older and I have to take it easy on some of the things I do. On the whole, I feel very good and I thank God.

You know, I lost my husband and he is the person that always lifts me up. He encouraged me in so many ways. Whatever I wanted to do he was happy to let me do it. When I had my fiftieth birthday, he did it for me. He did same when I turned sixty. It was the climax. He said, ''Just do whatever will make you happy.'' He supported me through out. Well now, I am alone. I won't say I am really alone because my son is there and my husband's children have always been supportive. Chief has lovely children. They don't make me feel my husband is not around. I have reasons to thank God. What can I do for celebrations? If he were around, it would have been different. This is why I didn't want to do anything elaborate. I really miss him.

The children asked me what I want to do for my birthday. I said I didn't want anything elaborate. Maybe, we will just have prayers because we are in fasting period and after we break our fast, people will come and join me to break the fast. We will sit and talk because I can't do anything during at this time. Then, I have I been thinking about Ghana. Even my husband knew because I told him that my next birthday is going to be in Ghana. That is where I want to celebrate. I have never celebrated anything there and they agreed with me that in October, we will all move to Ghana to celebrate.

Well, since he left me, everything has been quiet. Most things have been quiet. I do what I am able to do. Like I said, the children look after me. They are still looking after me in the house; making me feel like my husband is still around. I should call myself a lucky woman because in some families, widows have a hard time. Before my husband died, I treated his children as if they were my own. We were very close then; we are still close up till now. Like I said, I have my grand children too. My son who is still very much with me, I go over there (from time to time). Sometimes, I sleep there. Occasionally, I have one or two friends that I visit. Generally, that has been my life. Like you know, I have retired from my work. I just stay home and do the little that I can do, just to keep me going. I am not a lazy person. Occasionally, when I miss my husband, I walk up to the door of his room and turn back remembering he is no more there, feeling miserable the whole day. Somehow, I find a way to keep happy. I either call one of my

friends, we go and have lunch or I go and visit. That has been my routine since he died.

When I look at life, I see that there is nothing really in life that one has to force one self to do. What you can do, you do. What you can't do, you leave it and move on. That has been my style; moving on and being a happy person. I am a very happy woman, very friendly and I am happy for everybody around me. I wish everyone well. I have some friends that are richer than me. I still relate with them as if we are all the same. I am not jealous of anybody. I am always happy for those who are getting on and those who are average. I mix with any class of friends, whether high or low. That is just me.

What makes me happy is cut and sew. All my life, I have been sewing. Since I was thirteen years old and I keep on doing it because it makes me happy. So now I am fulfilled. Designing is the best option for me. It's still inside me, because I was born with it. My mother used to be a seamstress and I took after her. When I was young, I used to help her to sew buttons and hemming dresses. All my life, I have been occupied with designing.

I don't miss it because I have not totally retired. I still do bits and pieces for people. My old customers, they don't let me go. They still call me. I think I will do it till I die. Designing is in my blood.

I have not faced any challenge in life. None whatsoever, none that I have said ''Oh, this has really pushed me down''. As I told you, I am a happy person. You know, when you are happy inside that is what you bring out. Nothing bothers me. I don't bear grudges or keep malice. A lot of people wonder, this woman how does she do it? What type of person is she? I relate with everybody; any class and I love people.

If you know my family, you will understand that it is part of our life. I have told you that I am half Ghanaian, half Nigerian and in Ghana, you know how we are. My mum, when you see her you won't believe that that woman is my mum. When she dresses up and comes out gracefully… and that is the way I am. No apologies at all and I will do that till the end of time. I love clothes. I love good things. If I can't afford to buy diamonds and the rest anymore, I am happy.

No. No conflict at all. Chief was a good man. He was a holy man. What he wanted his children to be and do is what they are and he looked after them. All of his children, they are not fighting each other. They are all content. They are all happy. I don't have any problem with them. We are all happy as a family. There is nothing I will ask them that they will not do for me. They give me my pocket money; they give me money abroad and anywhere I want to go to.

If they had relocated me to Surulere, I would have been there the day my husband died. Surulere? Can you imagine back to surulere? There is nothing like that. They were just talking rubbish. Maybe, that is what they were expecting them to do to me. Everything is fine. Hundred percent beautiful and I am happy.

Princess Abah... I don't feel anything. I actually feel the same as when I was forty, fifty or

Well now, I am alone. I won't say I am really alone because my son is there and my husband's children have always been supportive. Chief has lovely children. They don't make me feel my husband is not around. I have reasons to thank

he history of fashion in Nigeria cannot be told without an extensive focus on the role played by Princess Abah Folawiyo and her Labanella Fashion House. Apart from being in the fashion industry, Princess TAbah's sheer style and glamour, which has spanned several decades, makes her a true style icon with a

retinue of admirers.In the seventies, when nothing good was local, Princess Abah's Labanella Fashion House stuck to all things local. The ankara fabric and lace mixes with linen and cotton fabrics were her stock in trade. With these fabrics, she set several trends, notable of which is the cullote - the wide baggy trousers that became her signature style. She turns 70 today. Heart filled with gratitude for one-heck-of- a-great-life, Princess Abah is, this morning, head bent, thankful for everything.By Remi DiagbareDoted on and loved by her son, Segun, Bola his wife, grand-children, step-children, friends and admirers, she would go this route again and again. In this interview, Princess Abah talks about life without her late husband and what is most important in life.

BY REMI DIAGBARE