House of Makeda

Afrodisiac by Teni (music video)

2011-05-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ogeyinka 2011 collection.

2011-05-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Ogeyinka (meaning surrounded by beauty and style in Yoruba) 2011 collection by the House of Makeda, inspired by Fela Kuti and his Queens.... A cornucopia of pinks, greens and blues using ankara, aso-oke, satin, silk, sequins, leather and velvet.

Modelled by Uju

Photography by Hakeem Salaam

Make-up and styling by Teni

Shot at the House of Makeda, Lagos.

Africa.

2011-01-07T00:31:00.000-08:00

Teni Music.

2011-01-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.tenimusic.org

Happy New Year!!!xx

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance...........

2011-01-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Teni

2010-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Teni in a leopard print chiffon kaftan by the House of Makeda.

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance rehearsing "Surrender".....

2010-12-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

Listen to my new song Surrender, a new neo-soul......

2010-12-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

http://soundcloud.com/teni/surrender

My debut single Afrodisiac and it's B-side Africa free for you!

2010-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

http://lastplanetolagos.com/2010/11/teni-ft-tony-allen-afrodisiac/

I'm a jazz singer and composer and my name is Teni. I'm also the artistic director of the iconic, afrocentric House of Makeda. My debut single Afrodisiac from the upcoming album Afrodisiac featuring legendary master drummer and afrobeat co-creator Tony Allen and it's B-side, Africa, a cover of a song by Kenyan 70's funk band Steele Beauttah and Matata are here free for you. Please spread the word! Viva Africa!

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance at Felabration 2010!

2010-11-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Teni and the Afro-Renaissance rocked the House of Makeda on Sunday 17 October at Felabration 2010!

"Gunmetal Grey" 2010

2010-11-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Black Marilyn in the concrete jungle, toting an AK47, wearing "Gunmetal Grey" 2010.

All available to order. Price upon request.

Teni, Afrodisiac.

2010-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Listen to Afrodisiac, the first single by me, Teni, from the upcoming album Afrodisiac, featuring legendary master drummer and co-creator of afrobeat, Tony Allen.

www.myspace.com/tenisoulrebel

Fashion's Night Out at the House of Makeda

2010-10-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Fashion's Night Out at the House of Makeda is a monthly shopping experience designed to encourage people to buy Nigerian, buy African. Join us every last Saturday of the month for music, champagne and a 10% discount on our fabulous collection. See you at the next Fashion's Night Out on Christmas day for wonderful gifts for men and women. At our boutique, 7 Manuwa st, off Keffi st, off Awolowo rd, Ikoyi. Bring a friend and get a 10% discount, bring three friends and get a 20% discount! Spread the word!

Makeda diffusion line.

2010-10-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Our classic afro-bohemian diffusion line "Makeda," modeled by the famous and fabulous Ulo my assistant, is now available at our flagship store in Lagos and at the Bohemian Exchange, Abbot Kinney, Venice, Los Angeles! Luxe, unique, minimalist, ethnic '70's inspired gorgeousness using mainly ankara cotton African print, aso-oke which is native silk, adire which is local tie and dye, linen and silk. We also make accessories, pick up one of our molded snakeskin clutches, snakeskin bangles, cowrie shell belts, banana skin earrings and raw crocodile skin bags. Spread the word! Africa is in style! Viva Africa!

Ms Funmi Iyanda in House of Makeda.

2010-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

The incredible Ms Funmi Iyanda, Nigeria's top talk show host, in "Nigeria, My Country" documentary on BBC World in a dress from House of Makeda "Gunmetal Grey" 2010 collection.

House of Makeda at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out!

2010-09-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

House of Makeda launches today in Los Angeles at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out! Join us for an avante garde, Age of Aquarius fashion show at the Bohemian Exchange on Abbot Kinney, Venice from 7.30pm! House of Makeda's afro-bohemian design now available for purchase at the Bohemian Exchange! The takeover begins!

AfroSoul and Summer 2010 "Aso-Ebi" Collection

2010-09-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

And here they are! Well as many as I have time to put up.... "Aso-Ebi" is a Nigerian uniform worn to parties and weddings using the same fabric to create unique styles for each person. The theme for our Summer 2010 collection was an afro-bohemian wedding complete with bride in an alternative wedding dress and her ladies in waiting wearing their haute hippy aso-ebi. My band, dancers and I provided the music on the night as you can see above. African musician Bantu, seen with me in the picture, was one of our fans there on the night. Oooh yeah!

Updates....

2010-09-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful Kinky Apothecary natural hair workshop, the amazing book reading by Sade Adeniran of "Imagine This" with a performance by Yoruba gospel artist Sola Allison and last but not least, AfroSoul with yours truly and the band, where we revealed our Summer 2010 "Aso-Ebi" Collection..... Pictures coming in a hot second!

I'm back!

2010-09-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a long hiatus from blogging, I've been too busy, distracted and generally too overwhelmed but now, from the peace and quiet of the Malibu artist's retreat I'm staying at (in the mountains of Los Angeles, California, with amazing views and a yoga studio ;), I'm back to the original and inimitable African design house blog with updates of everything that's been happening in the last few months. Stay tuned!

Janelle Monae.

2010-05-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

My favourite new soul singer, Janelle Monae. She is incredible. I love her natural hair and androgynous style. And her music. I obviously have a new girl crush..... Anyway check out her amazing new single and video "Tightrope" featuring Big Boi of Outkast fame where she channels James Brown. Her debut album "Archandroid" is released on 18th May.

Teni Promised Land

2010-05-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal at the House of Makeda........

Rhassoul Clay.

2010-05-05T01:08:00.000-07:00

Rhassoul Clay is a sweet smelling gentle clay that is simply great for the skin and hair. Rhassoul can be used as a face mask, facial cleanser and hair mask. It clarifys and exfoliates the skin, smoothing out wrinkles and dry skin. I use it as a cleanser and occasional mask. Some people use rhassoul to wash their entire hair and body instead of soap! It comes from Morocco where it is used as part of the hamman bathing tradition with hamman soap (olive oil and eucalyptus soap) for cleansing, rhassoul clay for toning and exfoliating and the divine vitamin E rich argan oil for moisturising. Try it at home some time! Nothing like a bit of decadent, exotic luxury!

My favourite Organic everything!

2010-05-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a complete purist when it comes to what I put on my skin and in my hair. So not only does my skincare have to be 100% natural, I also prefer it to be 100% organically grown. Meaning no carcinogenic or harmful pesticides or fertilisers were used in growing the plants and also no chemicals used in processing or manufacturing. Such products usually come with Soil Association (UK) or USDA (US) certification.

Sunscreen: Kimberly Sayer antioxidant cream with spf 25 is at least 95% organic, uses natural sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is light and does not contain too much alcohol (which is often used as a preservative in natural skincare). Paula Abdul uses this too!

The best organic sunscreen for the body is by Soleo Organics spf 30, hands down! It protects from the sun without leaving a white cast on even brown skin.

Soap: I love Tisserand soaps because they are made with organic palm and coconut oils as well as other nourishing organic plant and essential oils. My favourite is the sweet orange and jasmine! I use it on my face and body. Trevarno Organics also make beautiful 100% organic soaps. Dudu Osun is a Nigerian black soap that has fans of all races, all over the world, it is rich in formulation containing aloe vera and honey which attract moisture to the skin and lemon oil which brightens skin tone.

Body oil: Weleda is one of my favourite organic/biodynamic brands for body care. I use all the Weleda body oils and organic babies looove the Calendula baby oil and complete range. Even using olive oil from the kitchen is better for your skin than many chemical-laden commercial body lotions.

Face care: Dr Hauschka is amazing! Slightly more expensive than it's German counterpart Weleda but I can't live without my rose day cream! All the models and magazine editors rave about this one and the dewy glow it gives your skin. The normalising day oil is also a must for me. I have normal to dry skin and it's meant for bringing balance to oily skin but works fine for me too, brightening and evening out the complexion with carrot oil. Once again, olive, sunflower, avocado, coconut and sesame oil work well for the skin, you just have to find which is best for your skin type.

An American line I love for face care is Juice Beauty's USDA line which consists of a face wash, moisture concentrate and face mask. This is currently in my skincare arsenal as well on rotation with everything else!

Eminence Organics, a Hungarian company loved by Alicia Silverstone and countless other celebrities have the most amazing face masks. I'm currently using the lime stimulating masque which is hot as hell and gives you a beautiful glow, the stonecrop masque which evens out the skintone and the yam and pumpkin peel. These masks are freshly made with real plant extracts and they smell heavenly! I want the pink grapefruit masque next! At home you can try using a puree of vitamin A rich carrots or tomatoes or some vitamin C rich lemon or lime juice to bring a glow to your skin.

Luxury: Spiezia Organics is a Cornwall based company that makes heavenly handmade 100% organic skincare. Their facial cleanser has been called the best in the world, I personally love their rose and chamomile facial scrub and nourishing moisturiser. They also make a delectable sugar scrub for the body and the most sensual, divine smelling body oils and balms! For ultra dry or pregnant skin try some shea butter mixed with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and even olive oil for extra moisturising, nourishing power and also a fabulous home salt or sugar scrub using salt or natural AHA, brown sugar mixed with olive oil and some essential oils. Fabulous and silky smooth!

Natural makeup: Jane Iredale simply has the best and most extensive line of natural makeup. I also use Prescriptives mineral foundation powder with spf 15 which i have found to be the best because it does not need any finishing powder over or primer underneath and stays on all day. You just brush some on and go! A little goes a long way too.

My favourite plant oil: I love organic rosehip oil! Amazing for regenerating the skin, smoothing out fine lines and scars because of it's high levels of vitamin A. Olive oil is readily available, potent and great for dry and mature skin. Geranium is simply the best essential oil because it can be used for many purposes from increasing circulation to balancing oily and dry skin to healing acne and scars and uplifting mind, body and spirit. Love geranium!

Fela on Broadway!

2010-05-02T00:48:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful, afrocentric experience on Broadway, celebrating the legendary icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti! I went shortly after it opened in November 2009. It has been nominated for 11 2010 Tony awards! Quite simply awesome and it's coming to London too. Not to be missed! And the Fela movie is coming soon! Can't wait!

Keziah Jones!

2010-05-02T00:41:00.001-07:00

Went to a Keziah Jones gig at Jazzhole in Lagos on Friday. It was quite simply amazing. There are few musicians that can hold my attention for that long. I've said it before and I'll say it again he's an afro rock god that plays the guitar like a man possessed! His albums are available at Jazzhole, Awolowo rd, Ikoyi.

The M studio.

2010-05-02T00:17:00.001-07:00

The M studio is a Dance, Yoga and Pilates studio where you can take classes in Bikram yoga, Afro dance, Latin dance, street dance, belly dance, Pilates, and Capoeira. Our yoga and pilates classes and some dance classes are women only and thus geared to building strong, graceful and shapely bodies and also preparing the body for pregnancy and childbirth. We are located in Ikeja and Ikoyi and will soon be open to the public. For more enquiries, do send me an email.

The Kinky Apothecary

2010-04-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Kinky Apothecary will be enlightening us about natural hair at the House of Makeda on Saturday 8 May 3-6pm! Every African woman needs to hear this one. Join us for "Champagne, Cupcakes and Curltalk" by the fabulous naturalista Nibi Lawson! Entry fee is 3000 naira.

Harmattan 2009 Collection......

2010-04-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

More fashionably late pictures of our Harmattan 2009 collection of classic black dresses........
We are an Afrikan label. We don't do the whole autumn/winter thing yet because we are not making autumn and winter collections. Not yet anyway. So we have the Summer collection and the Harmattan collection that reflect our Afrikan seasons. Contemplating a Rain collection too!

Dry body brushing.....

2010-04-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Dry body brushing is an excellent way of exfoliating, stimulating lymphatic drainage and detoxifying the entire system. It's great for smoothing out dry skin, cellulite, scars, stretchmarks and uneven skin tone if done daily as it increases cellular regeneration of the skin. It is also one of the best preventative measures against cancer. Get a natural bristle brush and brush in long gentle strokes from feet up, all over body, always brushing towards the heart.....

Egyptian Magic.

2010-04-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

I love Egyptian Magic! It's an all natural, all purpose cream made of honey, olive oil, propolis, pollen and beeswax. It can be used on face, lips, body, dry hands and feet, hair, as a cleanser, for babies..... It has amazing healing and skin softening properties and is also great for ezcema and scars. It's a thick balm but that does'nt stop me from smearing it all over my face day and night at the moment. I'm glowing!

AfroSoul

2010-04-25T12:02:00.001-07:00

Join us at the House of Makeda for an intimate performance of songs from my upcoming album on Friday 28 May, 8-10pm! 7 Manuwa st, off Keffi st, Ikoyi, Lagos.......

The New Amerykah II: Return of the Ankh

2010-04-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Check out Badu's new album, the New Amerykah II, Return of the Ankh and the controversial video to it's first single, "Window Seat." Miss Erykah strips naked for her art in "Window Seat" and everyone and their mama's talking about it! And her body is still banging after having three children! Go Erykah!

My home studio at last!!

2010-04-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

I'm unstoppable now. Prolific songwriting, here I come!

The Oil cleansing method...

2010-04-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

I'm loving oils today! The oil cleansing method is one of my favourite ways to cleanse my face. It may seem strange cleansing with oil, especially if your skin is oily but nourishing your skin instead of stripping it will usually bring balance. You could use any plant oil or combination of plant oils such as olive, avocado, jojoba, macadamia and castor depending on what works for you. I love potent, deeply moisturising olive oil mixed with a couple of drops of my favourite essential oil, geranium. Massage a generous amount, using clean hands onto your face for five or more minutes and then use a clean white washcloth and hot water to steam and wipe off several times till your face feels clean. Your skin will be soft, smooth and glowing!

Oil pulling.

2010-04-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

Oil pulling is an ayurvedic practice of washing the mouth with vitamin-rich plant oils such as sesame and sunflower. It's great for strengthening your teeth, healing gum disease, healing eczema and other skin diseases, promoting hair growth and healthy skin, clearing dark circles and bags under the eyes, removing toxins from the system and potentially healing a variety of diseases including cancer. Amazing, considering all you do is just take two tablespoons of your chosen oil and washing and swishing around your mouth and between your teeth for twenty minutes! Then brush your teeth as usual and drink water. Do for six days and rest on the seventh day for as long as you can!

Last Summer's Collection.....

2010-04-17T01:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some fashionably late pictures of some pieces from our Summer 2009 collection!

Some opening pics........

2010-03-31T15:02:00.001-07:00

It was a small, cute and satisfying opening, not too overwhelming! Thanks to all who came!xx

Sittin' pretty.....

2010-03-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

In a Makeda tie-dye t-shirt dress and ostrich skin wide belt!

Sheba Nature skin care....

2010-03-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

Our all natural skin care line is coming soon! It is called Sheba Nature and is the first truly natural skincare line to be created in Nigeria. It is among the purest and the best in the world with indigenously sourced ingredients and truly stellar formulations that rejuvenate and bring new radiance to your skin!

At last!

2010-03-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening!!!

2010-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

We're opening at last! House of Makeda will be open on Saturday 20- Sunday 21 March at 7 Manuwa st, off Keffi st, S.W Ikoyi, Lagos! We'll be there from 1pm to 6pm on both days! Do join us for some champagne and live jazz as we open the most beautful boutique in Africa!

Natural beauty, our philosphy.....

2010-03-08T07:05:00.001-08:00

It's all about becoming a more beautiful you, effortlessly, naturally, simply...... Simplicity is an amazing gift in these chaotic times. I want to be able to put something on that is like second skin, natural cottons, silks and linens and know that I'm in harmony with Nature. I want to be able to use precious plant and essential oils on my skin and hair and be free from from man made, toxin-filled skin care. Effortless and natural beauty is our lifestyle and philosophy.

I'm back!

2010-03-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Bigger and better and about to open the most beautiful boutique in Afrika, home of everything afrolicious and eclectic! It's been a lot of hard work, quite a bit of delay, but finally we are here!

Eccentric Glamour

2009-08-07T02:24:00.000-07:00

Eccentric Glamour by style writer, window dresser and Queen Elizabeth II impersonator Simon Doonan is a wonderful book about glamorous eccentrics, people who are irreverent, mysterious, self-invented and above all, non-conformist. I'm a glamorous eccentric! He talks about the three roads that lead to the kingdom of eccentric glamour;

The Gypsy is the ethereal, poetic, crafty, artsy, bohemian face of eccentric glamour. Though stylish, she privileges sensuality, freedom and comfort over fashion....

The Existentialist is infinitely more severe, dramatic, graphic and intellectual than her wayward Gypsy sister. While the Gypsy is all about the flesh, the Existentialist is all about the mind. Think edgy. Think beatnik.......

The Socialite is heavy on the gloss, light on the eccentricity. She's laquered, designer clad, high-heel addicted, manicured, elegant and slightly bitchy.......

I think I'm mix of all three, a beatnik gypsy who occasionally turns up at certain events looking like a socialite!

Naomi Sims

2009-08-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Naomi Sims, sometimes referred to as the first black supermodel,, has died of cancer. She was 61.

Sims said childhood insecurities inspired her to become “someone really important”. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology where counselors and classmates encouraged her to give modeling a try. Every agency turned her down, however, some even telling her that her skin was too dark.

Sims then decided to try a different approach. She began directly contacting photographers herself and within a year she was earning $1,000 a week and modeling for top designers such as Halston, who told the New York Times in 1974, “Naomi was the first. She was the great ambassador for all black people. She broke down all the social barriers.”

Hollywood took an interest in her and offered her the title role in the movie Cleopatra Jones in 1972, but Sims was appalled by the racist portrayal of blacks in the movie and turned it down. The following year, she retired from modeling and created a successful wig collection. It expanded into a multimillion-dollar beauty empire, and Sims authored a number of books on modeling and beauty.

Zoe Kravitz

2009-08-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

My favorite socialite quirky Zoe Kravitz is the new face of Vera Wang’s Princess perfume. The actress-and-musician is the daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. Bohemian Zoe, 20, fronts Philadelphia band Elevator Flight, and has appeared in a number of films including 2007’s ‘No Reservations’, and ‘The Brave One’, featuring Jodie Foster, which was released the same year.

Green Tea

2009-08-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

Green tea is a great appetite suppressant and an even better anti-oxidant preventing cancer and other ailments associated with natural aging by fighting free radicals in the body. White tea is even better.

The little black dress

2009-08-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

Coco Chanel invented it, Audrey Hepburn popularised it in Givenchy in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Chic, simple, sophisticated, classic.

Anti-aging supplements

2009-08-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

I am in search of the fountain of eternal youth! It's not enough to use anti-aging products on the outside, you have to feed your skin from within. I take 2000mg of antioxidant Vit C, 1000mg of antioxidant Vit E, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil (essential fatty acids keep your skin supple from within) and a multi-vitamin daily.

Challenge!

2009-08-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

I challenge all readers of my blog to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables and drink 8 glasses of water every day! Water's the hardest bit for me, I don't like the taste!

Iconic RiRi.

2009-08-02T00:57:00.001-07:00

One word, iconic.

Supplements for hair growth.

2009-08-02T00:29:00.001-07:00

Black girls can grow long hair too! It just takes a little more TLC and effort, especially if your hair is relaxed. These are great supplements for feeding your hair. Horsetail herbal extract, Biotin, Vit B complex, MSM, Flaxseed oil/Essential fatty acids, multi-vitamins. Popular oils to put in your hair to enhance health and eventually length, jojoba oil, wheatgerm oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, organic and unrefined is best. Mix with a few drops of rosemary essential oil for a scalp stimulating massage. There's also an indian oil called Amla Oil that's great. Great protective styles are the bun, bantu-knots, braid-outs and twist-outs (braid outs and twist outs are when you braid or twist your hair and then loosen it for a wavy, crinkly look). Keep ends trimmed and healthy. Happy hair growing!

Chrisette Michele

2009-07-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Check out rising soul singer Chrisette Michele's debut album.

I'm not obsessed.

2009-07-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that Amber Rose has the body I want?

Ghetto Fabulous

2009-07-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Amber Rose and lil Kim wannabe, rapper Nicky Minaj, looking ghetto as hell!

Mahogany

2009-07-30T05:37:00.001-07:00

Love, love, love Diana Ross' iconic seventies style in the 1975 movie Mahogany. House of Makeda is all about the seventies.

How to Keep a Man by Coco

2009-07-30T05:10:00.001-07:00

Here's rapper Ice-T's wife Coco's advice on how to keep a man......

How do I keep a man? Well, I can only speak from experience because I'm not a doctor, just a woman that knows what she wants. To lay out my history with Ice, we have been married for 8 years and still going strong. We met in California on a movie set and have been inseparable ever since. Now we live in NY and at the moment we don't have any kids together. Everybody says relationships get boring, but it doesn't have to be that way, its entirely up to the both of you. As for me, I totally remember the feeling when I first fell in love with Ice.
The conversations, the kissing, the touching, the joking, the politeness, the feeling of always wanting to be near each other. Take that reminiscing and apply it to where your relationship is now. It is important to rekindle the moments.

I always like our "Date Nights". Always set aside a day out of each week and do something fun together and then end the night in love making or just plain HOT SEX! Ice and I also like Sundays, that's our "Movie Night" where I get cute for him and he appreciates the effort (men do notice..they're just not always verbal).

Ice and I work all day together on the set of his show "Law and Order", because I have an office there. But as soon as we get home, I'll change into a skimpy outfit like booty shorts and heels because it changes the mood from being business oriented. LADIES & GENTLEMEN...the most IMPORTANT advice I can give is to make sure you listen to one another!!!!! TALK A LOT!! I think the reason that Ice and I have made it in the celebrity world for so long is because we constantly communicate. Remember, relationships will always have those bad moments and it won't be rosy all the time. You have to be strong for one another and don't chicken out when you come to a bump in the road.

It may seem a little old fashioned but here are some pointers that you can do to cater to your man:

Make him a cold drink
Cook him his favorite food
Give him a body rub
Dress in his favorite outfit or item
Draw him a bath
Watch all his favorite shows for a night
Play video games with him
And finally, kiss or lick his feet. Hehe- LOL. - very optional

Until my next thought....

Love,
Coco

That licking his feet thing better be optional!

Reverse Crunches

2009-07-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

Reverse crunches are the only kind of crunches I do. They strengthen your abs without overdoing the six pack and focus especially on the lower abs which are the hardest part to get in shape once you've had a baby. You lie on your back, legs stretched out in front of you and then bend your knees up in to your stomach lifting your hips off the floor as you do that, then return legs to starting position. Repeat 15-20 times.

Princess RiRi

2009-07-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

Looking fly as ever..... Love the blue.

Teyana Taylor

2009-07-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

I love teenage socialite, stylist, designer, rapper, singer, choreographer extraordinaire Teyana Taylor. She is too cool for school.

Coco Chanel

2009-07-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Original mama of fashion, the legendary Coco Chanel said.....

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

A woman has the age she deserves.

A women who doesn't wear perfume has no future.

As long as you know men are like children, you know everything!

Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.

Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.

Elegance is refusal.

Fashion fades, only style remains the same.

Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.

Fashion is made to become unfashionable.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.

I love Coco Chanel's attitude!

L'Wren Scott

2009-07-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

I love former stylist L'Wren Scott super chic, sexy yet understated designs with a rock and roll edge.

1930's dresses

2009-07-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

Bias cut, velvet, beaded luxury.

Dorothy Dandridge

2009-07-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

1940's triple threat, singer dancer, actress was the first African-American nominated for an Academy Award.

Betty Davis

2009-07-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

1960's funk, rock, soul screamer and model Betty Davis, Miss "They say I'm Different". She was Miles Davis second wife and his muse infusing a new found funk/rock into his jazz by introducing him to Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone.

Josephine Baker

2009-07-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

Josephine Baker was the jazz singer and dancer who took France by storm in the 1920's. Her exotic, sensual act reinforced the creative images coming out of the Harlem Rennaissance in America.

Pocahontas

2009-07-26T01:23:00.001-07:00

I am heavily inspired by Native American style. I love Pocahontas!

A little positivity

2009-07-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

Michelle O looking sunny at the National Design Awards.

Queen Latifah

2009-07-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

Queen Latifah, legendary rapper and actress is a beautiful curvier woman who shows that you don't have to be a size 6. As long as you eat right and exercise you can be in better shape than the size 2's of the world.

Johnny Mad Dog

2009-07-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

I'm watching a bad ass Liberian movie at the moment called Johnny Mad Dog. It's about child soldiers in Liberia. No offence but if Liberians can make these kind of movies, we Nigerians should be able to do better. We're meant to be the giants of Africa.

Solange Knowles' buzz cut

2009-07-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

This is what Beyonce's quirky, intelligent sister had to say to those making noise cos she took her lace front wig off and cut her hair;

listen. if. i. wanted. to. make. a. statement. i. would. have. twitpic’d. photo shoot. ect. i. was. simply. taking. my. son. to. school. stupid. paps. took. pic. ive. had. my. hair. cut. like. this. for. two. weeks. i. was. NOT. inspired. by anyone. but. my. self. i. have. done. this. twice. in. my. life. i. was 16. i was 18. did. not care about your opinion. then. dont. care. now. dont. need. your. attention. or. your. co-sign. dont. want. a. edge. up. or a perm. because. im not trying. to make this “a style” or a statement. i. just. wanted. to. be. free. from. the. bondage. that. black. women sometimes. put. on. themselves. with. hair. this. phase. of. my. life. i. want to spend . the time. the energy. and the money. on something else. not in the hair salon. im. not. mad. at . all of you. that have made your opinions known. and have sent negative. energy. my way. i expected this of you. you. have. the right to have. an opinion. so. do. i.

Go Solo! Tell it!

My girls

2009-07-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

Amber Rose and Rihanna are the truth! No breast or butt implants, no nose jobs, no weave just natural beauty and ridiculous swag. I think they have the same stylist. Rihanna's going to be in Vogue Italia soon.

The Future

2009-07-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Makeda is a lifestyle, from womenswear, menswear, children's wear, mama's wear, accessories, for the home, leather, jewellry and very soon an all natural cosmetics line starting with just one product that's currently being mixed up in my magic lab and a simple, earthy mineral makeup range. We do yoga, pilates, dance African style for the world... And music. It's crazy in here. It's a movement and it's African.

Michelle Obama

2009-07-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Michelle Obama is the most stylish woman the White House has ever seen. I love how she boldly shows off her toned arms and banging body no matter what the haters say. Obama is so proud of her. She puts even Jackie O to shame.

Recession proof.

2009-07-23T10:16:00.001-07:00

The House of Makeda is a recession proof company.

3 boyz from my hood.....

2009-07-23T09:44:00.001-07:00

Seun Kuti is Fela's son whom I've talked about before. He makes contemporary afrobeat.

Ayetoro is an amazing jazz pianist that I collaborate with and he's also a filmaker. We're supposed to be working on a film together in Ghana.

Shank is a dope ragga inspired Nigerian artist. He sang "Julie." Everyone here knows him!

Uju

2009-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Uju is one the faces of Makeda. She's about 6ft tall, dark skinned and stunning with great bone structure. When she first came in to see me, I did'nt realise how great she was till I looked at the pictures I took of her later. Very photogenic. And very intuitive, when I think of her, she calls me. I lost my phones and was wondering how i'd get in touch with her and she found my new number and just called me. I can't till you all see our banging ad campaign!

Size 0.

2009-07-22T23:44:00.000-07:00

Is it really true that extremely skinny size 0 models look best in clothes? I'm not convinced. Who is selling us these lies? Men that don't like women, i bet. Give me a size 4 girl with some curves instead. This is an African label. Check out smouldering Afro-Brazilian Adriana Lima below.

Drum

2009-07-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

Marching to the beat of my own drum!!! Living life my way.......

The Little Black Book of Style

2009-07-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Little Black Book of Style by Marie Claire Fashion Editor Nina Garcia is a great little book with lots of style wisdom.

Mulberry Roxanne

2009-07-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite bags is the Roxanne by Mulberry. Tan. It took a bit of getting used to with all the buckles and fastenings but it's great on a flight. Easy access to travel documents. Oooh, I'm going to London and New York soon, can't wait!

Exercise ball

2009-07-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

I love using an exercise ball for Pilates and other core strengthening and full body workouts. I sit on one at my desk as the lady above is doing for toning my precious waist!

Dressing for your body type...

2009-07-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

It’s time to embrace our bodies, curves, flaws, and all. When it comes to fashion, there is no ideal shape. All body types have their own unique attributes, and with style and clothing, knowing how to dress for your body type will let you have fun with your wardrobe so that you can flatter your body shape and bring out your best features.

Whether you’re looking for appropriate clothing for special occasions, workwear, or casual clothes and outdoor clothing, a wide range of options will allow you to find the best clothes when dressing for your body type.

Round or Apple-Shaped

If you have a round or apple-shaped body type you will tend to have heavier breasts, narrower hips, and slimmer legs.

Show off your legs! Wear an A-line skirt to add emphasis to your waistline
With tops, choose turtlenecks, boatnecks, or shirts with collars. Knits and woven stretch fabrics are best for your body type
The best jeans for your body type are ones with front and back pockets. These will help disguise a rounder middle area while defining your curves. But avoid pants with pleats, and choose a flatter front instead

Try to avoid tops with puffy sleeves, or overly baggy clothing. Slim skirts and tight clothes should also be avoided, since they will only emphasize a slimmer lower body half and create the illusion of imbalance.

The Pear Shape

Dressing pear shaped women involves balancing a slender neck, narrow shoulders, and a small bust with a shapely waist, generous hips, and full thighs. Your best assets are your waistline, delicate upper body, shoulders and arms, so try to accentuate these features when dressing for your body type.

Look for strapless or sleeveless dresses to play up the arms and shoulders. Or look for empire waistlines and dresses that begin to flare at the hips
Choose flowing fabrics, especially when it comes to pants, and remember that straight skirts are ideal for your body shape
Wear semi-fitted tops with square or cowl necklines to broaden narrow shoulders

Avoid tops that are too loose or too tight and make you seem out of proportion. When looking for a blazer or jacket, make sure the bottom does not meet the widest part of your hips. Lastly, avoid straight dresses that tend to tighten at the hips; this will only accentuate them.

The Straight Body

The straight body type features an upper and lower body half that are equal in width. If you gained a few pounds, they would most likely be equally distributed throughout the body, instead of going straight to your curves.

Choose tops with necklines that fall below the collarbone to elongate the upper body and neck
Look for a longer suit jacket that will help lengthen the torso
Skirts and pants with details can broaden the lower half of the body, while shirts with pockets on the bustline will emphasize the area

Try to avoid belts or pleated fabrics at the waistline. These can make the area look thick instead of narrowing the waist.

General Tips

For women with lots of curves, shapely legs, and a defined waist, accentuate an hourglass figure by wearing belts or choosing tops and bottoms with defined waistlines.

Petite women should avoid a cropped pant, and choose ones with a long and straight cut that will cover shoes to lengthen the legs.

Remember that these rules are not written in stone, but can provide you with some helpful tips on how to dress different body types. The best rule to stick to is finding what flatters not only your body shape and size, but your style too. While darker colors tend to be the most slimming, a fun accessory can add life to any outfit, regardless of your body type.

Lauryn Hill

2009-07-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I miss Lauryn Hill's music. For a while I did'nt understand what happened to the gorgeous Lauryn but I totally get it now why she ran off with that rasta and disappeared from the shady world of entertainment.

Amber Rose!

2009-07-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Amber Rose in her first test shot for Ford models. This chica is a bad b***h!

The New Amerykah

2009-07-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Erykah Badu's latest album, The New Amerykah says similar things to what I'm saying below. It's also very funky.

African products I love!

2009-07-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

I love Living Bitters and Dudu Osun. Living Bitters is a colon and blood cleanser from Ghana and contains aloes, echinachea, honey and goldenseal. It is extremely bitter but very effective in keeping your body pure, thus preventing sickness and disease. Dudu Osun is all natural black soap from Nigeria with aloe vera, honey, shea butter and lemon. It's sooo good for your skin.

My Car

2009-07-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

When my new car was stolen a month ago, I lost so much stuff. I think that's why I'm so damn tired. I lost 60, yes 60 of my recordings, ideas, all my contacts on two phones, song lyrics, pin numbers, essential music, both pairs of glasses, two of my favourite bags, ten pairs of my favourite new shoes (I carried a lot of shoes around in my car for some wierd reason), all my gym stuff, some essential make up, my beloved Thai silk scarves and my leopard print Julien Macdonald scarf, some hard to find yoga and pilates books and God knows what else. I haven't been the same since. Quite depressed actually. Mybe I shoul'nt say that though before some people will now start saying Teni is clinically depressed, she's on meds and the like! I don't even take aspirin.

Body Con

2009-07-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

I love form fitting body conscious dresses like those by Herve Leger (above) and Azzedine Alaia (below). All the Hollywood girls are wearing Herve so i'd go for vintage Alaia!

72 year old Ernestine Shepherd.

2009-07-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ernestine Shepherd is a certified personal trainer and retired school secretary from South Baltimore. She describes herself as a "prissy" girl with little athletic interests who didn't start working out until she was 56. After shopping for bathing suits and not liking what she saw in the mirror, she determined to join a gym. Shepherd was in good shape, but had a lot of body fat and didn't know how to lift weights. Fast forward to now and the 5 foot 5 dynamo has become a powerhouse, weighing 130 lbs with 10% body fat. Her husband says they exercise at home and she gets on him when he's feeling lazy.

Women like Ernestine inspire me. Here is living proof that with discipline and determination it's never too late to, not only get fit, but also build an enviable physique. Yet this kind of achievement sets the bar so high. We rarely see women who can maintain such fitness in their thirties let alone their seventies, especially in these parts. Go Ernestine!

My Mojo

2009-07-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

I think I've lost my mojo so I'm gonna start quoting scriptures now in order to get it back.

Luke 1:37: "For with God, nothing shall be impossible."

Psalms 4:1: "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress, have mercy on me and hear my prayer."

Psalms 138.8: "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me, thy mercy, O Lord endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

3John 1:2: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Job 22.28: "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways."

Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Psalms 113:5,7,8: "Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, he raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that He may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people."

Romans 8:31,37: " What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

Psalms 3:3: "But thou O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter of mine head."

Deut 28:13: " And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only and thou shalt not be beneath."

Phil. 4:13,19: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me......"

Thank you Jesus!! I'm back!!!

Lazy

2009-07-12T02:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any exercise for two weeks. I don't go to the gym anymore, I just jump rope, dance, do pilates three times a week, yoga every day and do lots of squats and walking lunges with light to moderate weights twice a week. In the gym i used to leg press 180 pounds! I'm a lot stronger than I look. I never do heavy weights on my upper body though. If you have some weight to lose, apart from doing cardio, you need to lift at least moderate weights because building muscle burns fat. Weightlifting reshapes your body in a way hours on the treadmill can't. You won't bulk up so far as you're consuming less calories. Rather than spend an hour walking on the treadmill, sprint for a minute or two then walk. Repeat five times. Then do 10 minutes of jump rope. Then do some walking lunges. Then some jumping jacks. Then some girl push ups. Then jump squats. Full body movements. So much more effective. Even if you just want to maintain your figure you should also lift weights 2-3 times weekly to keep yourself toned and strong, skinny fat isn't much better. When you have muscle tone you age less rapidly, everything stays in place well into your 50's and beyond. It also prevents osteoporosis. Pilates is great for this purpose. I feel a lot taller since I started doing Pilates. It lengthens your muscles and stops you getting bulky from weightlifting. Now I only do light weights once or twice a week at home. Once you get to where you want to be, you can cut back from working out 4-6 times a week to just 2-3 times a week. Even skinny girls should do 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3 times a week just to keep yourself healthy. It's important to know when to stop and also to know your body. If you have broad shoulders like I have, don't ever work your shoulders directly. If you have big thighs use light or no weight when doing squats. If your pear-shaped tone your lower body with light to moderate weights and cardio and emphasise your shoulders with heavier weights. It's all about bringing the body into proportion, X shape! Do lots of squats and lunges to keep your thighs tight and butt high and round! And for all women, never do too much direct work on your stomach because it will distort your waistline. Has anyone seen Heidi Klum's waist recently? It's non-existent. The result of too many times trying to be on Victoria's Secret runway in lingerie a month after giving birth and doing 1000 sit ups a day to achieve it. I'd strangle my personal trainer if he did that to my body! And there you have it!

Nigerian tailors!!WTF!

2009-07-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Nigerian tailors are almost running me into the ground so I'm going to Cotonou, Benin Republic to find three French speaking tailors. Lord help me!

Lady Day

2009-07-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous and tragic jazz singer Billie Holiday with gardenias in her hair. The greatest jazz singer ever.

The Saddle pose

2009-07-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Saddle pose is great for that essential lower back curve! It also stretches the thighs, feet, ankles and spine and is very relaxing.

BLACK Summer's night

2009-07-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Neo-soul singer Maxwell is back after eight years with BLACK Summer's night. Can't wait to get it!

Amber Rose at Diddy's White Party

2009-07-10T12:03:00.001-07:00

My girl crush Amber looking radiant at Diddy's white party! I'm not into women by the way, but I sure do appreciate their (our) beauty.

Chanel Iman

2009-07-10T11:41:00.001-07:00

Chanel Iman is the new black supermodel. With a name like that she was obviously born to be a superstar model. And she's intelligent, articulate and funny.

Lemon and ginger tea!

2009-07-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

I can't go without my morning cup of lemon and ginger tea. It's great for your circulation giving you that glow from within. I eat lots of pepper for the same reason. You grate some fresh ginger and a slice of lemon in hot water with some honey.....

Aviators

2009-07-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I never leave home without my classic Ray Ban aviators! Tom Ford also makes great aviators. I prefer to buy Ray Ban's cos their cheaper so when I lose them it does'nt hurt so much.