SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018€¦ · fun ways to wear denim pg 8-9 mini bags pg 10-11 7 wardrobe...

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...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018 @ 50 A SALESMAN’S PITCH KAYODE EDWARD OLABODE

Transcript of SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018€¦ · fun ways to wear denim pg 8-9 mini bags pg 10-11 7 wardrobe...

Page 1: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018€¦ · fun ways to wear denim pg 8-9 mini bags pg 10-11 7 wardrobe essentials every lady should own pg 18-19 nhn couture thisday style @ runway dubai 2018

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@ 50A SALESMAN’S PITCH

KAYODE EDWARD

OLABODE

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Tick tick, tick tock...it’s not a question of months away, weeks away but just days away before we bid goodbye to 2018 and embrace 2019! At this time we wait with

abated breath as we literally step into the New Year. We are excited and grateful for being alive to witness another new year. We silently promise ourselves to

erase our flaws and embrace new and better beginnings. We breath a sigh of relief that we are not amongst the unfortunate who did not live to see the new year. We look around us, our lives, our families and loved ones, our work and businesses, and for once...silently thank God for giving us our most valuable gift...Life!

Many a time, we take things for granted and sometimes even feel entitled. We assume and presume. Sometimes we ask questions but most times we

believe we know it all and are quite vocal about that whether solicited or not. We are less tolerant of those or things that do not meet up with our expectations and

we think nothing of bending the rules now and again to suit our desires or purpose. We have long outgrown new year resolutions but try as much as possible to make silent mental

lists of what to do and not to do. As we mature in years though, we become more introspective and begin to see life with much ‘stronger lenses’ so to speak. We learn not to sweat the small stuff and literally ‘pick our battles’.

With all this, we also learn how to juggle so many balls between work, family, home, not to mention charitable or philanthropic ventures. We begin to understand and appreciate that life is not just about what makes you happy but how you make other people happy. We begin to derive more pleasure in pleasing others. lm putting smiles in faces of those you know cannot reciprocate that gesture. We begin to focus less on ‘appearances’ and more on ‘depth and substance’ of character. We are more aware of our mortality and as such, the need to be positively impactful in people’s lives becomes paramount to our existence.

As we approach 2019, with good health, we cannot be thankful enough for this wonderful, beautiful and most cherished precious gift of life! We are well aware of just how lucky we are to witness the turn of the clock from 12:00 2028 to 12:01 2019!

THISDAY STYLEFASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

RUTH OSIME

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

STYLE CORRESPONDENT MOJISOLA ALLEN

STYLE CORRESPONDENT SAFINA MOHAMMED

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG

CONTRIBUTORSRUKY SALAKO

JULIET ALUAYODEJI ROTINWA

PHOTOGRAPHERTY BELLO

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION. CHUKS ONWUDINJO

08111847085

08111847086

08111847087

08116759745

07054965500

08077092196

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

For any major hotel, gearing up for the holiday season can prove to be a great challenge, yet one filled with the amazing opportunities of catering to new clients. All responsibilities concerning this and more of its kind falls at the desk of whoever holds the post of Director of Sales. And for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, that would be the ever buoyant and cheerful Kayode Edward Olabode. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, he lets us in on some trends to expect in the hospitality industry and also what turning 50 feels like.

CONTENTFashionTHRICE AS NICEPG 6

FUN WAYS TO WEARDENIMPG 8-9

MINI BAGSPG 10-11

7 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS EVERY LADY SHOULD OWNPG 18-19

NHN COUTURETHISDAY STYLE@ RUNWAY DUBAI 2018PG 20

THE FF FINE JEWELRYS/S 19 COLLECTIONPG 22

SocietyBELLLA VEHIDALAUNCHES IN LAGOSPG 4-5

CARNIVAL FOR CHRISTPG 4-5

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ADA SIEKPE & BERNICE OLASHOJU

ANGELA KONMAHBUSOLA THOMAS

DAYO BANKOLE HAMMED & SOLA AJIDAGBA

MOHAMMED BANKOLE-HAMEED & TOKUNBO FAGUN

TOKUNBOH GEORGE-TAYLOR & DAKORE EGBOSON

OYINDA & AYO OLASHOJU AROLAPE ADEBOWALE & TOSAN OTUBUHAKEEM MURI-OKUNOLA & NABILAH MURI-OKUNOLA

TUNDE BANK ANTHONY,KIKE FAWEHINMI & LEKAN THOMASBUSOLA THOMAS, BOLANLE AUSTEN-PETERS, BOLAJOKO ODUNOWO, SOLA ADEBOWALE & NIKE LABINJO

SHOLA ADEBOWALE, MRS OLASHOJU & FELA OLATOYE

With the green carpet graced by gorgeous Great Gatsby-inspired outfits, staff, clients,  and well-wishers came out to celebrate with Nigerian financial service giants,  Meristem Securities Limited at its 15th year anniversary and end of year party. The event which was held recently, at the Havillah Event Center, Oniru Lagos kicked

off with opening remarks by the Group Managing Director,  Oluwole Abegunde  welcoming guests

to the soiree and reminiscing about the illustrious journey thus far. In his opening remarks, the GMD thanked the staff for their diligent contribution and appreciated clients for their constant belief in Meristem Securities. He promised the company will continue to build on the excellent reputation it has garnered over the years.The night continued with award presentations to staff and clients in different categories but the major highlights of the event came with scintillating performances from Able God entertainer, Chinko Ekun and rave of the moment, Teni the Entertainer who dished out several hits to the amusement of the guests. It was indeed a momentous occasion as guests danced the night away.

THE MERISTEM PARTY

Twinwaters’ first Year Anniversary celebration took place in style recently.

To mark the event, an intimate evening was set up at 788 On The Sea, Twinwaters’ luxury Seafood Restaurant. Guests present celebrated this milestone with Twinwaters over delicious canapés, finger food, wine and cocktails, during the SIP ‘n’ DRINK event, enjoying the mellow sounds of the restaurant resident saxophonist.

Children were not left out, as Rufus & Bee provided lots of entertainment and games at the arcade, sending them all to a state of euphoria. R & B was tastefully decorated in a carnival style, where the kids were treated to all their favourite things: Popcorn, Candyfloss, Face painting & Balloon animals.

To end the fabulous night, all guests were ushered to The View Rooftop to watch the firework display.

TWINWATERS ONE YEAR

ANNIVESARY

OLA & LARA OLANIRAN

DAMILOLA HASSAN & CECILIA MAJEKODUNMI

DAMILOLA ODETOLA-ODELYE & SOLAPE AKINPELU

WOLE ABEGUNDE

ADEOLA OSENI & KIKELOMO APATI

SEYI WRIGHT & SULAIMAN ADEDOKUN ABISOLA ABEGUNDEGBADUNOLA SOKUNBI

MUBO OLASOKO & TUNJI ESAN

CHIOMA & EZINNE MRS ODIFA

PRINCESS SAHEED BASHIR

MOJIBADE

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It was a night of glitz and glamour as the Chairman of Nova Merchant Bank, Phillips Oduoza, hosted staff, customers and guests at his residence in Ikoyi Lagos in recognition of the Bank’s achievements since it commenced operations.

The guests were thrilled by the antics of MC Larry Foreman and were wowed by the talents of the Bank’s staff who sang and displayed their paintings at the event.

A good time was had by all who eagerly await next year’s edition.

NOVA MERCHANT BANK HOSTS END OF YEAR PARTY

PHILLIPS ODUOZA ANYA & IFEOMA DUROHA FOLUSHO PHILLIPS & TIMI ALAIBE

BOLU AKIN-OLUGBADE

UCHE AMAJOR

EMMANUEL IJEWEREWALE EDUN FIDELIS ODITAH

AYODEJI ADIGUN HARUNA JALO-WAZIRI

HABIBA WAKIL, BOLA ONAGORUWA & MODELE SARAFA YUSUFSAM IWUAJOKUCHARLES AHIZEPATRICK ENEHMC LARRY FOREMANBOLA ONADELEEKAETE BASSEY FUJAHAJAY VASWANI AND MS KAPOORALBERT OKUMAGBA

AUSTIN OKEREEDO UKPONG AKINWALE & OMOBOLA OLAWOYE EBITARI TEGA DAMILOLA OSCAR ONYEMA BISMARK REWANE ADESUA EDOKPOLOR CLAUDE MACARON GBOLAHAN ELIAS IKE CHIOKE FREDRICK UDOKA

KELECHI UBA-OSIGWE, CHIOMA AMAEFULE & MANJI GOFWANMR & MRS OMATSEYE

TOYIN OGUNTUYI

CHIDINMA IBEAWUCHIJOHN OBAYUWANA

ERNEST & LIZZY EBI

EMEKA NDU

CHIOMA OKIGBO & EBERE AGBOGUN

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New Year’s resolutions: We’ve

all made them, we’ve all tried desperately to

stick to them, and we’ve all broken them. While it’s key to not beat

yourself up over failed resolutions, there is one type that’s a cinch to keep: Breaking out of a fashion

rut.We understand

it’s hard to break out of your

comfort zone, but resolving to start wearing (a little)

more colour, ditching your

oversized bag, or starting to make the most of your shoe closet, can

go a long way in helping reshape your look and

your outlook on fashion for 2019.

2019Fashion

Resolutions

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

ALERO BUTTERCUP

FIFI DILLY

TONI TONES

IZORE BAMAWO JENNIFER OBAYUWANA

TOSEEN ADEGBITE

PLAY WITH PRINTSSick and tired of

dressing to blend in? This year, step out in style by choosing a print (or three). If you’re starting small, think

about switching your everyday bag

for a tote in a bold stripe or polka dot. If

you’re ready to take a risk, mix-and-match both into an

outfit -just be sure to maintain a similar colour scheme to

avoid eyesores.

BREAK OUT OF A DENIM RUT.Take a break from denim and pick up a pair of edgy trousers instead. Not only will you look chic from office to cocktails, but you can easily wear them the same way you would your beloved jeans: with a great pair of shoes and a structured blazer. Of course, pairing striking pants with T-shirts also looks extra-cool.

DITCH THE OVERSIZED BAGS

Challenge yourself to pare down by picking up one the season’s

coolest accessories: An adorable mini-bag or clutch for everyday

use. You (and your neck and

shoulders) can thank us later.

INCORPORATE HEELS INTO EVERYDAY

OUTFITSTry wearing one pair

of heels per week with anything from

boyfriend jeans to skirts and tights. If that’s

daunting, keep your trusty flats in your bag, just in case. After that

becomes a routine, bump up the

circulation to twice a week and so on.

OPT FOR MORE COLOURFUL OUTFITS

All black is a classic, but everyone benefits from a little variety in their closet. Resist the urge to buy another black top or pair of jeans, and see if it’s available in any other colours. From there, you can always accessorize with black. To start

small, try a pair of coloured shoes or purse, while a bold blazer looks especially chic when paired

with—you guessed it—black.

TRY A DARING TREND (WE

VOTE FOR SHEER!)Sheer isn’t just for after-hours—it can be completely chic while offering an updated edge. Choose pieces with strategic peek-a-boo panels that highlight your best features without revealing too much skin. For a basic sheer look, try showing a sliver of your neck/upper chest, for a slightly more daring take, opt for a short skirt with a long, loose sheer overlay to channel some of the most popular designer looks of the season.

for

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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TREN

DS

FOR

201

9

Whether it’s a casual frill or full-blown frou frou, ruffles are a key trend right now and also one of the easiest to wear. If you’re thinking that they sound more sartorially suited to a seven year old, we can assure you that they can be chic, directional, mature and playful, depending on the way you wear them. The beauty of ruffles is that they can adorn pretty much every item you can think of, so if dresses aren’t your thing nod to the trend with sandals, a frilled bag or even a flourish on some swimwear.

BY K

ON

YE C

HEL

SEA

NW

ABO

GO

R

TOKE MAKINWA

AMA

ANITA

RITA DOMINIC

SADE AKINOSHO

OZINNA ANUMUDU

SHAFFY BELLO

RUF

FLES

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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Follow the Nigerian elections of 2019www.arise.tv

41644519

#arise&voteARISE NEWS ANCHORS// FRONT ROW L-R: IDIA AISEN; OJI OKPE BACK ROW L-R: MODELE SHARAFA YUSUF; OLANIYI OYELOWO; ARON AKEREJOLA; VICTORIA PEPPL E; NDEE AMAUGO; MAERCY AJISAFE; ADESUWA OMORUAN, REUBEN ABATI; VERONICA ODEKA

2019

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For any major hotel, gearing up for the holiday season can prove to be a great challenge, yet one filled with the amazing opportunities of catering to new clients. All responsibilities concerning this and more of its kind falls at the desk of whoever holds the post of Director of Sales. And for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, that would be the ever buoyant and cheerful Kayode Edward Olabode. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, he lets us in on some trends to expect in the hospitality industry and also what turning 50 feels like.

How did you end up in your current role as Director of Sales at Transcorp Hilton Abuja?

Two things saw me to my current position; one, focus on purposeful career pursuit and secondly, the tenacity to succeed. Both complement each other. Salesmanship is a realistic and target oriented profession, in other words it’s a game of numbers and as in any game, the quality of your team counts.

So, consistently I ensure an annual sales strategy that is centred on teamwork, knowing that I have a team that can deliver always. I would like to state that my success is anchored on the team and my personal career principles. Indeed God has blessed me with the best sales team in whole world.

Did you have any mentors or people who deeply influenced your career?

I have rode on the mentorship of my superiors over the years. I consider myself blessed in this regards. Of these, those worthy of mention would be Peter Idoko, who is currently the hotel Manager of the new Hilton brand in Nigeria – the Legend Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Olufunke Olakunri, Ahmed Abdel Ghaffar, who sadly passed away four months ago. Also the outgoing Country GM Etienne Gailliez, a man of un-parallel attributes in the hospitality industry. Etienne exposed me in no small way to the treasury of his boundless professional wisdom. And I am definitely not forgetting my Late Dad, Otunba Anthony Olabode Obele of blessed memories who gave me hope in life.

What does this role involve exactly?In a nutshell, my role as the Director of Sales is

to ensure that the Transcorp Hilton commands fair market share in segments of the business and remain properly positioned on guaranteed profitability. On a broader spectrum; it rests on me and my team to formulate strategic steps pursuant to our set targets, which include building lucrative business relationships across accounts, sustaining old relationships and ensuring all clients/customers, experience traditional excellent service delivery consistently.

Tell us a bit about the Transcorp Hilton? The Transcorp Hilton is an iconic business entity

that has defined modern hospitality business in Nigeria for its 31 years of existence in the country. As our vision statement goes, we aim, “To be the pride of Nigeria, consistently delivering world class experience by living the hospitality values whilst taking care of our community.’’

What cultural experiences does the hotel leave its guests with?

Our corporate philosophy is premised on the phrase, “think global, act local”. Being a global company that caters to an equally global community, we encourage our guests to savour Nigeria’s diverse but rich cultural attributes at every inch of their stay with us. The experience is one that always keeps you coming back.

What do you find most challenging about the hospitality industry in general?

Challenging? Not at all. I find it exciting and interesting.

The fact that we are tasked to ensure the satisfaction of people from all walks of life is a

thrill in itself. My favourite part of the hospitality business is the ability to keep customers.

Considering the rate of development in the sector and also technology, guest satisfaction is also changing at a very fast pace. The pace at which the hotel responds to customer changes in order not to lose them is extremely key. Also, the ability to keep and sustain good staff is very critical.

What leadership strategies do you apply while dealing with your sales team?

I operate a democratic leadership style. I carry everyone along and I also give room for feedback so that everyone will be able to have a feel of what is expected of them.

What are some common challenges faced by a hotel sales manager?

Asides being time consuming, striving to make each and every client happy sometimes at the expense of the hotel can be a challenge. Another challenge is the issue of ensuring you have a profitable full house. It is not always that a full house or 100% occupancy translates into profit.

How has the advent of social media influenced the hospitality industry and the growth of Transcorp Hilton?

Just like all of human endeavours that thrive on modernity, the social media has caused a revolution that invites all businesses to launch itself into greater height. For us at Transcorp Hilton, the social media serves as a veritable tool to gauge our performance and obtain feedback from our guests. We also use social media to project and advance our presence in the market. These days, you have no choice but to be in tune with all social media apps anyway. It helps keep you abreast of happenings around the world.

You recently turned 50, how did you celebrate and what does this new age mean to you ?

My 50th birthday party was a surprise one. I am sure that it must have taken months of well-crafted clandestine preparations. I was amazed at the level preparation that went by without my suspicion. Hmmm!! 50years attained to the glory of God. It’s not by my power or might but just by His grace and I am not taking it for granted at all.

My wife gave me a surprise birthday celebration, which indeed was the greatest shock of my life. My new age to the glory of God means a higher level of maturity in every sphere of my life and renewed commitment to the service of God and humanity.

What do you love most about being in the hospitality industry?

Exposure. The industry has exposed me to people from all walks of life and I have being able to network properly and create a good relationship with most of the people I come in contact with.

What are some of your most significant achievements in the industry?

I have had a very eventful career and I am indeed

KAYODE EDWARD

OLABODE

The fact that we are tasked to ensure the satisfaction of people from all walks of life is a thrill

in itself. My favourite part of the hospitality business is the ability to

keep customers.

C O V E R C O V E R

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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very thankful to God for it. In 2013 I emerged the winner of Hilton Worldwide Deal of the Year’. In 2016 I also won the Hilton Worldwide Director of Sales of the year; Hilton Europe, Middle East and Africa. Those two were individual awards, but the most profound are the many departmental awards that we have won as a team. Severally we have won the Hilton Worldwide Sales Team of the year. GC&E Team of the year. Seven stars Award. We just won the World Luxury award as the Luxury City Hotel 2018, Circle of Excellence 2014 by Hilton Worldwide

Further to that are the relentless achievements of meeting and exceeding business targets against national economic projections.

Finally, hosting international events like World Economic Forum, CHOGUM, COJA, ECOWAS Heads of Governments Summit and a lot more.

How, in your opinion, do you feel this industry has given back to you?

Nothing is as rewarding as job satisfaction. The joy I derive in my job is a huge reward for me. Asides that, the exposure I have gained cannot be quantified.

On a general note, what are your observations on the hospitality industry in Nigeria?

In my opinion, the hospitality industry is a clear measure of the level of peace that prevails in any given nation. It is also an indicator of a nation’s economic development. I think for us a nation; our hospitality industry is growing and evolving. I would like to state though, that to maintain this growth, we would require more stability in our economy, good security and social development.

What would you say are the biggest trends for hospitality industry in the near future?

Trends in the hospitality industry actually do vary from society to society. In more advanced societies, celebrities are more inclined to boutique hotels, while for us here; we are more attracted to bigger and glamorous hotels.

So it really is relative. Here at Transcorp we have decided to have a mix of both flavours so we can easily cater to both markets. Also more and more hotels are embracing signature services that serve as a statement or identity for their guests. This trend is largely missing in Nigeria and I will like to encourage indigenous brands to try and embrace this practice.

What should young people expect from hospitality industry jobs?

The Hospitality industry offers huge and promising opportunities for anyone who decides to create a living out of it. Those who are endowed with good customer care skills can start a career in Front Office, House Keeping, Sales and grow from there. Those who are blessed with culinary artistry can have a fantastic paying career as chefs. I would like to use this medium to encourage the youths to come forward and express the vibrancy of this fast growing industry.

Trends in the hospitality industry actually do vary from society to

society. In more advanced societies, celebrities are more inclined to

boutique hotels, while for us here; we are more attracted to bigger

and glamorous hotels.

C O V E R

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BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

One December, myself and a group of ladies in my estate decided to organise a

Christmas carol evening. It was meant to be an informal gathering over dinner. We thought we needed to remind ourselves that there is more to Christmas than decorating our homes, exchanging gifts and making merry. We felt we should to reach out in love to others in our community of over 40 nationalities.

So, we began preparation in earnest. We decided that it would be a evening of psalms and songs, after which buffet would be served. My home was chosen as the venue. We then went ahead to divide the assignments; two of us would go to the restaurant to order the food, two others had the responsibility of printing invitation cards while another two would be in charge of music. We were to invite our husbands and at least two other people each.

I looked forward to the carol evening with anticipation and excitement. The D-day came and the room began to fill up with guests. We started on time and things were going as planned.

About 30 minutes into the evening the door bell rang. As a good hostess I opened the door. Standing before me was a young man I recognised as a support staff in our estate. I figured out that he had lost his way. He asked if there was a Christmas concert holding here and I said ‘no’. Indeed we were not having a Christmas concert but a Christmas carol evening. I thought to myself that there must have been a Christmas concert taking place in the estate and that he had mistaken my house for the venue because there were a lot of cars parked outside. The young man rephrased his question twice before it occurred to me that he had come for the progamme in my house! When I realised this I made a quick adjustment and welcomed him in. He joined us for the rest of a truly wonderful evening. (I later found out that he had been invited by one of the expatriate women in our group).

Whenever I remember that incident I think how easily we can miss an opportunity to be a blessing because of our biases and expectations. And how, despite the fact that we claim to know and love God, our innate social prejudices do dictate the way we relate to people.

Scripture actually tells us to be kind to strangers because God sometimes sends angels to us in the form of men. And, in being unkind to a stranger, you may end up driving your blessing away.

I once read a story that buttresses this point. It tells of a woman who was expecting God for dinner. As you can imagine she spent the entire day preparing for her August visitor. She cleaned up, arranged her home and made a gourment meal. As the evening drew close she had to dash to the nearby bakery to pick up some fresh bread and hot soup to add to what she had at home. It was a cold winter evening. As she made her way back home a figure in rags crawled out of the shadows to ask her for some food. She was in a hurry to get back for her important appointment but somehow she chose to spare a moment to meet the beggar’s need. She gave the shrivel old woman some of the bread and hot soup and rushed home. She eagerly awaited the hour when the Lord will knock at her door. As the story goes, she heard no knock on the door but she heard the Lord say “Thank You for the fresh bread and hot soup. You saved me from the cold. I enjoyed your warm hospitality.”

The incident of the Stranger At My Door reminded me that God cares about the way we treat strangers and He does care about our party guest list! He actually tells us (Luke 14:12-14) to invite the rejects to our parties. The fact that they cannot pay us back is actually our scoring point, because we then qualify to be rewarded by God!

Incidents like the one of the Stranger At My Door show up our social prejudices and the class consciousness embedded in our lifestyle. Such happenings remind us that we can still do better in showing love to others.

True faith must be translated into our day to day dealings with people. Christmas is as good a time as any to show true love.

A STRANGER DOOR

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

This year has punched many repeatedly in one sore spot and battered they limp on wondering how to reassemble their broken lives

Gosh, what a year...from January to December we have survived by a strength of will worthy of applause.

The angel of death forced himself into homes and stole the lives of many treasured souls forcing them to relocate, without forwarding addresses.

What a year, a year of forced introspection....The good book says “O death, where is thy sting”, let me quickly tell you

all, it’s right there on PAIN boulevard, how can anyone miss it, the STING of death is there, gnawing at you, nibbling at every fibre of your soul.

The process of grieving in our clime is oftentimes just like sipping a cup of cold black coffee laced with nivaquine.....a very bitter experience.

You are told “it is well” BUT “dude” it is not well, a loved one just DIED, it is NOT well, let people deal with that fact rather than play ostrich.

You are also told to “take heart”, BUT how do you take something that seems to have stopped beating.

You are told that the dead have gone to a better place; REALLY???? why are the rest of us not in a hurry to join them then. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a torturous process, your heart feels like it’s on fire and at the same time “iced up”. We must help people “fluid” this process not freeze it with our cryptic cliches.

Account balances also decided to self destruct and turn to red, as many watched in trepidation, drained, willing water out of stone but alas faith refused their entreaties to move mountains.Whilst we must not make money an object of worship we must also not deceive ourselves that poverty is awesome.

There are people who believe erroneously that they have a support system, people who will see them through the dark days but alas many are fast finding out that their so called FRIENDS are actually FIENDS, who watch them bleed out unconcerned whilst alive and then offer money for their coffins upon their demise.

There are others who love throwing pity parties celebrating the “unfairness” of their lives, “I have been dealt a poor card” they whine and whinge like mosquitoes in a choir. We need to wake up to the reality that life is a battlefield, from the moment you are born till the day you depart, you will have to fight for everything. We need to chin up and attend to our issues with military discipline whilst cutting ourselves some slack by canceling these pity parties.

We model our lives after the “made men”, because we wan “blow”......we must remember that many who are at the top of the ladder we keep trying to climb today were once at ground level scratching the dirt for a crust of bread, through sweat they swam, with grit they groped till they got to their destination.

Tomorrow is another day we say, a fresh page with no mistakes on it, so start over if need be, you will need tenacity and hard work before you can look to time and chance and who cares who is jeering, na dem sabi, stay your eyes on your goal.

Despite the toil, despite the tears, despite the weariness, it is still a beautiful world and to truly LIVE, you have to LIVE with the knowledge that even roses as beautiful as they are also have thorns.

Let me offer you a few SOUL renewing capsules for the NEW year: HOPE for despair, FAITH for fear, COURAGE for weakness, LOVE for hate, BEAUTY for ashes, take these capsules daily and watch as you increase in stature. No matter how dark the night, light always peeps at the break of dawn, please chest up with determination and go for that gold at the end of the rainbow having put up with the rain.

CAPSULESAlero [email protected]

at my

Aramide is a Fashion stylist and designer. If you have any questions on fashion you can contact her via Instagram on ARAMIDESCLOSET.

New Year’s resolutions: We’ve all made them, we’ve all tried desperately to stick to them, and we’ve all broken them. While it’s key to not beat yourself up over failed resolutions, there is one type that’s a cinch to keep: Breaking out of a fashion rut. We understand it’s hard

to break out of your comfort zone, but resolving to start wearing (a little) more colour, ditching

your oversized bag, or starting to make the most of your shoe closet, can go a long way

in helping reshape your look and your outlook on fashion for 2019.

FITNESS GOAL

WEARABLE TECH WILL BE HUGEWearable tech, like smart watches and fitness trackers, boasted

the number one spot, but are you really that surprised? Every one is wearing one right now. Get yourself a Fitbit, or consider purchasing a

more affordable activity tracker to help you reach your fitness goals all year round.

GROUP WORKOUT CLASSES WILL CONTINUE TO SLAYIf you have yet to try a group workout class, it’s high time you do so, my friends. These types of workouts will definitely be trendy in 2019.Not sure where to turn with the huge array of classes at your fingertips? Consider dancing to shake your stuff, dance your heart out, and get a killer workout in.

Dance inspired fitness classes delivers a fun, effective, and athletic workout for dancers and non-dancers alike, and

the classes include both high intensity dance cardio, as well as strengthening exercises for an awesome full-body workout.

CONSIDER WORKING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER IN THE NEW YEAR

Fitness professionals are expecting a growing emphasis on employing certified fitness professionals in 2019. The idea of working with a personal trainer especially if you’ve never done so before can seem kind of daunting or intimidating, but if you’re interested in giving it a try, sign up to a good gym and find a trainer who will work great for the goals you are trying to achieve.

HIT IT HARD IN 2019Short, yet challenging workouts are the name of the game in 2019. Short workouts have great value, and can be done several times throughout a day, or can be a great way to utilize 10 to 20 minutes of time, rather than wait for 60-minute blocks that may never happen. Google to find out about some quick, high intensity interval training workouts to feel the burn and save some time in the new year.

2019for

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

FITBIT FITNESS TRACKERS

TOSIN ADEGBITE

DANCE CLASS

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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2019What’s in!!!With every New Year we grow more and more accustomed to seeing the

runways brim with endless inspiration. And as the fashion trends begin to take shape, we know what to expect for the new fashion season. Take it all in, but do choose to wear only what you love. As always, we are here

to inform and inspire, but never to dictate.

Tailored wear is the must

have for 2019. Don’t be surprised to see short

suits and skirt suit options which are

also emerging.”

T

ailoring

By Konye Chelsea nwaBogor

These bags will be the ‘it’

accessory in 2019.  The structured design is luxe

and polished, making for the perfect

everyday bag.

To

p H

andle Bags

Both leather and faux leather

would gain a lot of momentum in 2019. 

Black is a staple, however browns, fiery reds, and

white will be most fashion forward.

Leather

Prints will even be bigger and better

in 2019. Designers are getting into python and leopard prints layered on

floral summerprints. Look out for them on

feminine blouses; wrap dresses, sling

backs or pumps.

A

nimal Print

 The colour of the season is

any bright shade of neon. Pastels will also be big in 2019. Look

forward to seeing softer,

feminine shades. Pic 0zinna

N

eons and Pastels

Expect to see more

artisanal craft details, but on very

minimal silhouettes. 

Cr

aftwork

ozinna anUMUDU

jennifer oBayUwana

Tiwa saVage

BolanleMoniCa awe eTUK

saDe aKinosho

A sea of beige outfits is here

come 2019. We love the idea of mixing shades within one

look and experimenting with fabrication like

leather, denim, silk and linen. But if head-to-toe tan isn’t for you, try styling it with

other colours. 

Beige

ola CopyToKe MaKinwa

Function meets fashion

in the form of the utility chic trend. Expect to

see an abundance of khaki, patch pockets, cotton drill and cargo

pants.” 

U

tilit

y Dressing

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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LIVING CORAL PANTONE

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

It’s that time again: Pantone has announced its colour of the year for 2019. Following on from Ultra Violet in 2018 , Greenery in 2017 and Rose Quartz (better known as millennial pink) in 2016, the institute’s predictions have proved to be accurate in recent years. So which colour will be infiltrating our Instagram feeds over the next twelve months? Pantone predicts it will be Living Coral. The new hue is described as: “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.”

The Pantone Color Institute also notes that in addition to representing one of the earths most essential and magnificent ecosystems, the color coral “is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time displays a lively presence within social media.” On the international catwalk, top fashion houses have recently embraced similar shades and we see it trickling down to high street fashion and the beauty industry as the year 2019 goes on.

2019

COLOUR YEAR of the

for Womenswear label, Vonne couture has unveiled its latest collection named ‘Dudu’- which means black in Yoruba language.

The creative director, Yvonne Nwosu who poses as her own model for the lookbook expressed that ‘Dudu’ was inspired by the ‘African Woman’ who is an embodiment of strength and beauty; with all that she is burdened with doesn’t lose her femininity and sense of pride”.

Featuring black sheer fabric, thigh-high slits, nicely detailed appliques, accessorised with the gele head wrap, the Dudu collection represent the brand’s very chic and edgy aesthetic.

DUDU BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

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S T Y L E & D E S I G N S T Y L E & D E S I G NTHISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 8648 Sunday, December 30, 2018

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GLO AD