Scanning the world from head to toe STARRING Nnamdi Abigail Featuring Krystal David Tinuade Moby Fiction Studios
2 MASTHEAD Editor in Chief/Founder - Fejiro Ovah Writer & Editor - Fejiro Ovah All Photography work is listed below Some pictures have been donated which has been cited Subscribe Never miss our seasonal issue by subscribibg via our website voyageur.com Contact Us For general inquiries , write to us at [email protected] Submissions If yiu want to contribute get in touch via [email protected]
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4 Photographer - Krystal
Contents London 6 Nnamdi 10 Lagos 42 Abigail 46 Photographer - Krystal
6 This issue marks Voyageur’s publications first launch - Issue 1 Summer ’23. It is so surreal that an idea I have for almost 2 years has now come to fruition and is tangible. I am very glad that we are starting with a summer volume, one of my favourite seasons for many reasons. It is usually the only time in the entire year I really get to myself, rejuvenating from all the hard work. Voyageur itself is a media platform that seeks to report on all things fashion and culture from multiple cities around the world. This year we start off with London, U.K and Lagos, Nigeria, two places that I call home. We bring raw authentic stories from ordinary people of these cities by ordinary people in these cities. Voyageur seeks to document fashion and culture through an unfiltered lens and through day-to-day people. We look to our neighbours, family, friends and strangers for their unfiltered fashion and culture thoughts and news. We want to start off with these two cities but are already looking to expand to Bangkok and Shanghai. We operate on an ambassador like programme - where we approach interesting people to hear and see their take on fashion in their city and wardrobe editorially. For this issue I sat down with an old friend of mine Abigail and a mutual friend Nnamdi, both Nigerians. Nnamdi our ambassador for London, has been living in London for a year now but in the U.K. overall for three. He just wrapped up his business management degree and is looking to further his studies via a Master’s degree this coming autumn. He talks about his constant fashion evolution. A few years ago he was obsessed with streetwear and moving to the U.K. caused him to dabble in a bit of trap wear with the matching track suits but now he is taking a more sophisticated approach to fashion, see more on page.. Abigail born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria works a normal corporate job. However, her short video diaries caught my attention. She turns her travels and exploration within the city into cinematic masterpieces. She notes that her family serves as her style inspiration,
especially her mother’s chic and timeless way of dressing. Her style reflects a vintage feel, whilst staying comfortable enough to tackle the Lagos heat. We talk about how the city influences not only her style but her livelihood on page. When you’ve absorbed the stories of our ambassadors, you can learn more about the major trends that have trickled its way throughout the entire city and how it’s being implemented into daily life. In addition, we have our “Emerging creatives’’ segment where we spotlight new talent across fashion, film and music. We give them space to talk about their craft and showcase with their selected pictures. Finally we highlight areas to discover in these cities in our “What’s On and Hidden Treasure” segment where we suggest activities and experiences that we think you would enjoy and also spotlight new and small businesses. We hope we can be a place you visit when you want a bit of excitement in your life but also a destination for travellers looking to encounter and mix with locals and their way of living. For more diverse type of content such as short videos revealing more of the city’s residents lives like our “What people are wearing in..” diaries, more pictures from the editorials and extra up to date news from the streets you can visit our website at www. voyageur.com or scan the qr code on page 81 Photographer - Krystal
8 Photographer - Fejiro
London London in the summer season, viewed through the prism of fashion, presents an intriguing blend of styles and adaptations. The city’s capricious weather, swinging between somber downpours and radiant heatwaves, has seamlessly integrated into the daily routines and fashion preferences of its inhabitants. In a span of days, the atmosphere might transform from heavy rain showers to dazzling sunlight. This meteorological duality has given rise to a distinct fashion ethos that effortlessly combines functionality with flair. Londoners have become adept at adjusting to this erratic climate, using it as an avenue for self-expression. Their wardrobes become versatile canvases, where practical raincoats and sturdy boots harmonize with airy sundresses and vibrant shorts. Fashion metamorphoses into a tangible reflection of the city’s ever-changing mood. It’s not unusual to encounter someone donning both sunglasses and an umbrella with equal aplomb. With the rising temperatures, the banks of the Thames and the city’s parks become vibrant with picnics, music, and laughter, providing a glimpse of Londoners in their natural habitat. There exists an unspoken consensus that the city’s weather is as fickle as it is iconic, and this sentiment is mirrored in the realm of fashion choices. London’s summer, seen through the fashion lens, radiates liveliness as brilliantly as the intermittent sunshine, encapsulating the spirit of a metropolis that thrives amid the unpredictable turns of nature.
Photographer - Fejiro 10
Photographer - Fejiro
Photographer - Abigail Ford 12
Tell me about yourself, your journey, who is Nnamdi? Lol, I don’t really know how to answer this question. Nnamdi’s a recent graduate that is going to be starting his master’s in Strategic Marketing at UCL this September. He likes dressing up, going out with friends, reading, cooking and going to the gym. In your shopping, do you have any favourite stores you frequent? Uniqlo, I think it’s just Uniqlo. I might have a browse maybe, in Liberty, Aime Leon Dore, Stüssyy, Wood Wood, yeah. These are some of my favourite stores in London. How did you get into fashion, what sparked the initial curiosity. Back in Nigeria, (Nnamdi is a Nigerian that moved to the U.K for sixth form and stayed to further his education) and mostly in sixth form we would wear uniform to school so I never really thought about how I dressed till my last year of sixth form. In Nigeria all we wear is shorts, shirts because it is hot. People don’t really wear long sleeves, the only time I did was in my school uniform. So, moving here and transitioning allowed me to try different kinds of things. I was easily influenced by the
Photographer - Abigail Ford 14 Photographer - Abigail Ford Photographer - Abigail Ford
British black boys tracksuit situation” however, it just wasn’t my aesthetic so I dumped that I moved to trousers and doc martens boots, trying to look dressy. It was okay but at the time that wasn’t what I wanted. So I took it one step at a time, picking things that would look good on me instead of just replicating what I saw on others. The weather is so different in comparison to Nigeria, so I buy my winter pieces in summer and summer pieces in winter for cost effectiveness. How would you describe your style now? I believe my style is very into me, things that suit me. Everyone has different body types and aesthetics so for me, I buy things that fit my body type. I don’t think I have a particular aesthetic. I was into street wear but now I am going away from it to a more mature way of dressing. More buttoned up shirts, loafers,I still wear streetwear from time to time and I incorporate my new style into it. What inspired this style evolution? I get inspiration from fashion influencers on social media that I am fond of. I replicate their style or incorporate it to suit my body type. I also watch a lot of fashion documentation Youtube videos an example: “What are people wearing in London, New York…”. I’ve been watching them more often recently, thus drawing inspiration from the people being interviewed. I don’t take everything I see. I only incorporate things that resonate with my style and body type. I take a lot of inspiration from the black men in these videos and black men that dress really well in general. I’ve started buying more basic stuff from Uniqlo and such. I am quite excited for the end of the year because I can pull out the jackets, so it is exciting to experiment with.
16 Speaking of people that inspire your fashion style, is there anyone in your immediate circle that does? I would say my dad. When I was younger, he would always buy me really nice clothes. Especially from Polo Ralph Lauren, that’s what I grew up wearing all the time. So, I mean, dressing up like that all through your young life enabled me to want to find my own identity and my own style. Obviously in Nigeria, I couldn’t really do a lot of dressing up because I was just mainly going to school. I would probably go out during summer, but church on Sundays. Yeah. So I think the whole process of dressing so well when I was younger, transitioning to uni and realising that I had to dress myself up every day made me want to be extra intentional with it. How does your dad dress then, does he have a particular aesthetic? I don’t think he does. I think it’s more of a mature dad vibe. That’s truly how he dresses. Since I’ve known him, that’s how he’s been dressing, very smart. He could do like a nice semi casual look yeah, I think I drew a lot of inspiration from what he wore. I feel like when he was younger as well. So yeah, I would say he does the dad look - a pair of nice slippers, a nice polo ruffler and buttoned up shirt.
What is one item of clothing that is your goto in your closet? A plain black Uniqlo t-shirt. Okay. I think I own, like, about five, and I wear them so often. So, every time I want to put on an outfit, I know, like, once I wear that shirt, it’s okay. All I have to do is think of what to wear on my bottom. I feel like simplicity is always key. The simpler, the better. I don’t think that with fashion, that you need to overcomplicate things. You just end up looking like a hot mess. So, I just go with my black shirt because I know it can never go wrong. Has living in London influenced your style and/or livelihood? Does the London fashion scene intimidate you? I don’t feel intimidated but rather draw inspiration from people around me. I am naturally an observant person, so I see what people wear all the time, especially on the tube. If I see something I like I do a quick google search on the pieces and incorporate it into my wardrobe. From there on I make outfits based on these pieces in my mind, giving me a wardrobe of clothes I have intentionally curated. I am now intentional with things I buy, not just buying for buying sake. I’ve sold a lot of my initial streetwear collection. Photographer - Abigail Ford
18 London culture is very individualistic so when you look at your own style, do you feel like you fit into this noise of what’s going on? Like I said before, I think my style is very unique to me, so I don’t really try to fit in. I believe in standing out, it’s very important because I think when people see that you can dress by yourself, stand out, and you know, wear your own. It is already really nice, they will be more attracted to you - in terms of wanting to be friends with you or make a conversation, than seeing you wearing things that other people are wearing. So I try not to put myself in those kinds of situations. Situations where I’m wanting to dress like other people and hindering the growth of my personal style. Do you feel the pressure to always dress well, to give your best self each time you step out? I don’t think so. I just feel like I always dress up and be on my way. I don’t really ever have a pressure of needing to impress people. I just wear what I feel like I want to wear on a particular day. And I go, yeah. You’ve mentioned that you’re observant. Are there any social media fashion influencers/ creators that you follow? I think Daniel Simmons. Okay. Yeah. Daniel Simmons. He just, I just like how he dresses. He has a very mature aesthetic to him and he’s, and when I, I watch his videos a lot and he tends to talk about how he rather invests into sustainable pieces rather than buying short term trend pieces that don’t last. Because I think the mistake a lot of people make with fashion is, they buy something now, they don’t think about how they’re gonna wear it in the next two years, and down the line they end up wanting to sell the piece. Finally, what are your favourite places around London, what would you recommend to a newbie in the city? I frequent this magazine store, Good News in Soho. When it comes to planning things to meet up with friends, that’s always the spot to go.There are a few shops around, there’s food, so you can just always go there, chill. You might even bump into one or two fashion influencers or creators you follow online.There is also Shoreditch! When it comes to restaurants, I have a list but my favourite right now is Choo Choo’s:a Nigerian tapas place. There is also a South African restaurant in Peckham, Kudu. Lastly, an Italian place in Shoreditch called Mantecca
Photographer - Abigail Ford
Photographer - Abigail Ford 20
22 The Maxi Skirt Trend Alert
Photographer - Fejiro
24 From bohemian chic to urban street style, the maxi skirt effortlessly transcends boundaries, Photographer - Fejiro
The maxi skirt trend has surged to the forefront of fashion in the UK, particularly in London, captivating fashion enthusiasts with its timeless elegance and remarkable versatility. Among the various interpretations of this trend, the denim maxi skirt has emerged as a favourite, garnering attention for its classic appeal and adaptability across seasons. The resurgence of the maxi skirt can be attributed to its ability to seamlessly blend comfort and style. This fashion staple, which initially gained prominence in the 1970s, has experienced a revival, capturing the attention of designers, influencers, and trendsetters. One notable catalyst for the maxi skirt’s resurgence is its inherent versatility, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of occasions and seasons. In the temperate climate of the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable, the denim maxi skirt has proven to be a sartorial saviour. During the summer, it embraces breathable fabrics in the form of satin, silk, linen, and nylon that allow for easy movement and comfort, while in the cooler months of autumn and winter, the denser denim, tweed or knit provides a shield against the chill, effortlessly pairing with cosy sweaters and boots. The denim maxi skirt’s ability to harmonise with various fashion aesthetics has made it a staple for fashion lovers. Photographer - Krystal
26 becoming a canvas for individual expression. By pairing it with different tops, accessories, and footwear, one can effortlessly transition from a casual daytime look to a sophisticated evening ensemble. Laura Ingham’s observation about the maxi skirt effect at the spring/summer 2023 womenswear shows underscores the trend’s influence on the fashion landscape. The incorporation of stretch-bodycon skirts and crop tops signifies the trend’s evolution, as designers experiment with new silhouettes and styles that complement the modern sensibilities of today’s fashion-forward consumers. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the maxi skirt’s inclusive nature makes it a perfect fit for individuals of all body types. Its adaptable design ensures that it flatters various figures, creating a sense of confidence and empowerment for those who embrace this trend. In the dynamic fashion landscape of London, the maxi skirt, and particularly the denim variation, has undeniably made its mark. With its timeless charm, versatility across seasons, and the ability to cater to diverse styles and body types, the maxi skirt trend stands as a testament to the enduring allure of fashion’s most iconic pieces.
Photographer - Krystal
28 Photographer - Fejiro
Photographer - Fejiro
30 Emerging Creators This season of voyageur brings you triple threat - photographer, stylist and model all in one, Krystal. Emmigrating with her whole family from HongK ong to a country they had never set foot in. Leaving behind all she knew she brings with her her colourful yet deep creative flair. Rookie actor, David Ogundare tells of his journey in acting and what fuels his passion for it. He briefly chats on his initial struggle with character connection and how he’s overcome it. All pictures have been put forward by the creators.
Krystal Photographer, Stylist & Model
32 Styling myself has always been a daily routine since junior form of high school, I enjoy exploring different styles and aesthetics. To record my styled outfits, I asked my friends and partner to help take pictures of me, sometimes I took the pictures myself. In order to take good pictures, I researched professional model posing skills and practised accordingly. That’s how I developed my modelling skills. I used to have a partner who’s always willing to take street portraits for me. After modelling seriously for quite a long time, I started to wonder what it looked like from the photographer’s point of view. I asked my partner to lend me his camera, the more I explored, the more I enjoyed the control being as a photographer. I’ve also always enjoyed putting clothes together that I felt resembled my essence, my own aesthetics. I started asking friends and family members to model for me, whilst deciding on what and how to style and shoot them. It was all according to my preference, that’s how I developed my own eye in photography and styling.My modelling skills also helped me to guide the models to pose in specific ways that suited the vibe of the environment and the outfit. My inspiration constantly changes as I grow. It began with one of my high school classmates whose style was so original and chic, she inspired riginally from Hong Kong and graduated there from BA(Hon) in Creative Arts and Culture, majoring in music. Krystal immigrated to the U.K with her family in 2021 due to the political tension between Hong Kong and China. Jack of all trades master of all, Krystal is a Ophotographer, stylist and model.
34 me to explore and to find my own style. I do not have a single source of inspiration. I take from during different styling periods/aesthetics. I always research and save many styling inspirations from Pinterest and Instagram accounts according to the different style I wish to achieve. But for now, I’m focusing on Japanese modern aesthetics. I’ve been working hard to save posts from Japanese salons and boutique ambassadors for over 3 years, understanding the common approaches within their diverse and distinctive expressions. I often tend to capture the specific temperament, subtle emotions and atmosphere that the model and the environment presented to me.
Gentleness, vulnerability and relationships between models and myself are the essence of my work
36 Revisiting my previous work reminds me of the subjective feelings that only I can feel in that specific environment and with that specific model. This motivates me to continue photography with my perception and relational character. In terms of styling, it’s very straightforward that I’d like to express my unique sense of aesthetics, but also trying to explore possibilities of gender fluid expressions in fashion. Currently my Instagram accounts are the major platforms showcasing my work @kaleido_sky for photography and @kaleidosky. style for styling. I’ll be working on my personal website soon. I’ve also had publications in several magazines including Frenchfries, Flanelle, Vanguard, Air, Kazarj.
38 I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I have always loved performing since I was a toddler. From dancing at class parties, to playing prominent chorus members in school musicals, to acting leading roles in school productions. It wasn’t till 2019, however, that I made the decision to pursue acting as a profession. During a performance of an excerpt from Harold Pinter’s ‘One for the Road’, my drama teacher critiqued my lack of connection with my character. Her guidance brought to mind Stanislavski’s ‘emotion memory’ and ‘magic if’ techniques. As a result, my subsequent rehearsals involved completely immersing myself in the character and I was unable to generate any original thoughts. This sensation instantly captivated me and solidified my love for acting. My inspirations start from my parents, who have constantly urged me to chase my dreams. In the words of my Dad: “I am not going to pay school fees for you to study something you’re not even interested in” (sounds a lot nicer than it was intended). My name is David Akinola Oluwaseyitan Ogundare, and I’m an aspiring actor.
Some of my other inspirations include Viola Davis, Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, Damson Idris, LaKeith Stanfield, etc. would describe my work as attempts at telling a compelling story. Beyond immersing myself in a character, I place great importance on collaborating with fellow creatives who share a strong desire to convey a captivating story (regardless of the genre). This is what motivates me to continue working Iin theatre and film. Presently, a few of my projects are being submitted/showcased at film festivals in london, Kent and Southampton. So please follow my Instagram @david_ogundare, for greater accessibility. The next short film available to the masses will be ‘The Darkling Fox’ (https://m.imdb.com/title/ tt28284675/ )
40 What’s On? Photographer - Fejiro
Art The saatchi gallery is showcasing sculpture, installation, photography and digital media works by Nottingham- based artist Michael Forbes. His exhibition titled “Want the World to Know” explores themes of racial politics, migration, history, and religion. He approaches these topics/ themes through a lens that challenges us to examine the dichotomy of blackness and whiteness. The exhibition will be from the 21 July till 28 August at Gallery 4 Music Fashion Theatre From August 25 till 28th Victoria Park will be hosting the “All Points East” music festival. Since its debut in 2018, “All Points East” is known for its blend of musical styles and genres. This year’s healdiners are Stormzy, HAIM, The Strokes, Jungle and Dermot Kennedy. The enticing support acts are none other thab Erykah Badu, Amyl and the Sniffers, Confidence Man, Angel Olsen, Tove Lo and more warming up the stage. Whilst in Vicky Park why not explore the various bars with live msic, the theatre abd food markets. You can get tickets at this link: https:// www.allpointseastfestival.com/ At the V&A from September 16 onwards are holding an exhibition to showcase the work of the iconic Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. It is the first U.K. exhibition dedicated to French couturière and the establishment of the House of CHANEL. You get to see the evolution of her iconic design style and its ongoing influence in women’s daily dressing. If you don’t want to wait till then there are also a few pop up stores in Covent Garden on the 26th of August is the “Covent Garden Vintage Second Life Pop up” at St Paul Church, Bedfors Street On the 27th of August Lodon Coliseum is playing “We Will Rock You the Musical by Queen and Ben Elton. At the Appollo, the witches of Oz are visiting “Wicked” the musical is running till the 24 June 2024.
42 Hidden Treasures On 58 Charing Cross road, a designer e concept store that retails clothing and accessories made predominatly by asian designers. It showcases a sesnory filled experience It is also a space that artist can use for for immersive exhibitions, workshops and art performances. Tagged as a “place to disappear” Sessions Art Club is an urban sanctuary for people looking to dine in interesting places. Residing on 24 Clerkenwell Grn is a restaurant, bar, art and perfomance space with a menu and art collection that changes each season Eastcheap Records Senspace A home to live music and cocktails, Eastcheap Records is a bar Every night, musicians are invited to perform their best pieces and covers. Mondays are for pop or RnB classics, Tuesday for Jazz, Wednesday and Thursdays are Funk whilst the other days are for special guests. If you’re looking for a place where you can dance the night away or simply have a glass whilst listening ot good music after a stress-filled day at work, head on to monument! Sessions Art Club
Photographer - Fejiro
Photographer - Nupo Daniel from unsplash 44
Lagos Lagos in the summer embodies the harmonious duality of the familiar and the unexpected, much like its weather. While the temperature remains unwavering, the city’s fashion scene continuously evolves, and its streets become avenues of self-expression. As the sun sets over Lagos, its summer nights come alive with an air of celebration and creativity, making it clear that this West African gem is not just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. The creative pulse of the city beats stronger than ever during this season. From the alleys of markets to the sleek boutiques, Lagosians use fashion to articulate their personalities and aspirations. The youth-driven cultural climate thrives in this metropolitan melting pot, where traditional Nigerian fabrics intermingle with global trends, crafting a distinct sartorial identity. Lagos has emerged as a burgeoning fashion hub in West Africa, gaining momentum with its own dedicated fashion week last year. The city has caught the eye of mega fashion companies seeking to tap into the vibrant African diaspora.
46 Photographer - Joshua Olagbemigal from unsplash
Donated by Chioma Akamelu, Photographed by Eric Akamelu
48 states “I would say I don’t have my own fashion identity but rather I have my own style” She goes on to say that she doesn’t think her way of dressing communicates her beliefs politically, religiously nor her education thus she has no fashion identity. However in terms of style, Abigail believes she embodies modern retro. She draws inspiration from fashion that is mostly inspired from her teen years. “When I was much younger, my teen years, I wanted to dress rather vintage, something out of like the thirties and sixties”. With age comes evolution, “now that I’m older, I definitely don’t want to look like I came from the sixties or the thirties” Abigail made it clear that re-purposing is her goal: drawing inspiration from modern designs and past designs to mesh into modern retro. Sitting down for a video call with Abigail was like chatting to an old friend...because she was. We had attended the same high school for 5 years and this was our overdue catch up. “I am actually quite shy cause I haven’t done this before, I don’t know why you would pick me to interview” she laughs. It is obvious that Abigail doesn’t see herself as the fashion enthusiast that she is. When posed with the question how would you describe her identity she Abigail is a personal assistant who enjoys watching videos essays about places she hasn’t visited yet but plans on going. She also makes mini video diaries. Photographer - Abigail
Photographer - Abigail
50 Photographer - Abigail