I’ve been following up with Blue Marine since their last spring collection. I think it is something I can wear regardless of time. “It is very important to me to buy pieces that I know that I can see myself wearing in the next five years” When asked if there is anyone else she draws inspiration from she replies her family. Her mother, father and brothers. “I will say I have something in my wardrobe that every single person in my family can wear” She also noted that she didn’t really think her style had changed that much in comparison to when she was younger, “I also haven’t even gotten to the vision that I had for myself at this point”. She feels that there is still more evolution to undergo, linking her ideology to her constant exploration “I do not know what I want from life yet, I do not know where I want to settle, what I feel is more important is the people you surround yourself with and the relationships you build. Going back to her style inspirations and influences she describes her mother’s style as impeccable, extremely chic and timeless.
52 “That is probably why she hated my style for a long time” When questioned if living in Lagos also plays a bit in how she dresses she agrees. “Starting with the weather, I dress according to the weather, It is very hot here so you have to be very comfortable and wear breathable clothes which is why I don’t understand the alté trend” (A trend we discuss further on page 54 “I also don’t really show much skin. Lagos is still conservative, although we have made progresses. I was raised a certain way, so I don’t feel comfortable showing a lot. I do wear crop tops though”. Lagos is a very vibrant city with vastly different yet unified people. As the country’s metropolitan city, there is always a lot to do and things happening. People are always on the move. I inquired if Abigail partook in the Lagos life. “Lagos is a very loud place, now that I am getting older I am more drawn to activities that embody peace. I usually find myself going to places like the beach, art galleries, art exhibitions, going on random adventures where I know a lot of people wouldn’t actually be there.” She may look for quiet places but she is also very much a part of the fast life in Lagos. “A bad habit of mine is I would always say, I can’t wait to be in a quiet city. But every single time I visit a country, I find myself in the main city. In a quiet city, I get bored. So, in conclusion, I like the fast life. However, I definitely do need a break from it.” Living in Lagos takes a certain type of stamina and strong will. You need to be able to adapt quickly to multiple scenarios. From yelling at a bus driver for overtaking abruptly to the Photographer - Abigail
Photographer - Abigail
54 rolling down of your window in order to signal to a hawker selling plantain chips, Coca Cola and sausage roll. You might as well have lunch and an impromptu nap in the 2 hour stagnant traffic you are held in. “I don’t exactly fit into the Lagos scene but people these days don’t really care. Like I said earlier they are more liberal now. In addition, people do not care if you don;t look like them - a very different life to 10 years ago.” One thing that is becoming more apparent with the current generation, Gen Z, is the lack of needing to conform to customs and tradition for the sake of. It is very refreshing to see younger people pave the way for themselves in a culture where you are supposed to follow or listen to your elders because they know what is right and have lived life more than you. As aforementioned, Abigail has a passion for video documentation. In her video diaries you often see her showcasing Lagos every day life but with a serene and calming lens. Truly a testament of her character and thought. I asked her what sparked the initial thought/ desire. “2020, the Pandemic. There was nothing to do. We were bored in the house and my older brother had told me about a place he saw trains. Abandoned trains from the 60s I think, so we visited. The next time I went, I brought my younger brother and then I just filmed. I pocked up editing through my Photographer - Abigail
younger brother. He had been making videos on snapshot, he still does. Naturally, I started using the same software. I had seen the videos and thought Abigail had a great artistic and cinematographic eye/lens. As a fellow art director, I was drawn to it and appreciated whenever she posted. She had been putting them out on her instagram. The scenery documentation turned into short form videos of things she enjoyed: makeup, skin care, fashion and general conversations. I was curious if this was going to stay a hobby or transform into something more. “It is a hobby that I want to turn into something more than a hobby. Not financially, but artistically. I want to creatively direct short films, fashion films, music videos, silent films/videos. I definitely want to work on beauty ads, but the approach, the vision I have for these ads” She ascertains that the visions she has is definitely not anything that hasn’t been seen under the sun for sure. She goes on to talk a bout a movie she watched that she is currently inspired by. “H is for Happiness, The attention to detail, the set design, the costume, the way the set matched the costume in every single shot and how symmetrical it was so beautiful I aspire to create something as engrossing. Photographer - Abigail
56 ALTÉ Trend Alert
Donated by- Temilola
58 Donated by- Temilola
The Alté fashion trend’s emergence and rapid rise in Lagos, Nigeria, is intricately intertwined with the country’s vibrant and influential film industry, known as Nollywood. This cinematic powerhouse has not only inspired Alté fashion but has also contributed significantly to the nostalgic y2k momentum that fuels the movement. Nollywood’s impact on the Alté trend is multifaceted. The industry’s unique storytelling, often centered around contemporary urban life and cultural fusion, has deeply influenced the fashion choices of Alté enthusiasts. The colorful and dynamic characters portrayed in the films provide a wellspring of inspiration for bold and eclectic fashion combinations. Set in the same time as the y2k, the early 2000s, outfits worn by the actors were adorned with vibrant prints, eccentric accessories, and a mix of traditional and modern elements. Furthermore, the resurgence of y2k worldwide and the nostalgia of Nollywood in Nigeria propelled Alté fashion to the forefront. The early 2000s, a distinct era in Nollywood filmmaking, characterised by the production of iconic movies such as “Beyoncé Vs Rihanna, Total love and Weekend Getaway” resonated with audiences across Nigeria and wider West Africa. This era is imbued with a sense of nostalgia that has fueled the y2k trend, as individuals fondly look back on the fashion, music, and cultural influences of that time.
60 The characters and settings portrayed in Nollywood films of the y2k era often showcased a fusion of traditional and modern elements, reflecting the complexities of contemporary Nigerian society. Characters donned micro skirts, coloured tinted shades and black lined lips, this fusion directly parallels the Alté fashion movement’s ethos of blending diverse styles, genres, and cultural references into a cohesive and individualistic aesthetic. Alté fashion enthusiasts draw inspiration from the eclectic visuals and narratives of Nollywood, the trend takes on an Afrocentric identity that celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. With big names such as Afro beats stars: Ayra Starr, Tems and Rema, fronting the trend - Alté has become a cultural movement majorly led by the new generation of creatives that want to do things differently. Straight out of Lagos, the metropolitan city of Nigeria, alté seeks to counter traditions and cultural norms. The fusion of Nollywood’s influence with the y2k resurgence amplifies the Alté movement’s nostalgic undertones, creating a dynamic and visually striking style that resonates deeply with the youth of Lagos. In conclusion, the Alté trend’s incorporation of Nollywood’s influence and y2k nostalgia creates a captivating synergy that celebrates individuality, cultural fusion, and the vibrant spirit of contemporary Nigerian fashion.
Donated by- Temilola
62 Photographer - John Eke
Photographer - John Eke
64 Emerging Creators Full time pharmacist Tinuade pursues photography in her free time. Like most Nigerian, she was encouraged to find a “real job” but seeds sown in creativity began to grow in the form of photography. She speaks on her inspiration and describes what her eye for picture entails. We get to investigate what ot takes to run a street wear brand in Nigeria’s number 1 hustle city. Perpetus a.k.a Perry breaks down how he unwillingly stumbled into fashion deisgn. All pictures have been put forward by the creators.
Tinuade Photographer
66 Tinuade is a fulltime pharmacist and part-time freelance photographer from Lagos, Nigeria. “I love documenting, which is why I got into photography in the first place. I enjoy telling stories, capturing moments, and evoking emotions. I use photography as a tool to express myself creatively and my goal is to create photos that make people feel something with minimal equipment – as cliché as it seems.”
Is how tinuade would describe her photography style. “It has always been about what I see and how I feel.” Minimal, Emotional, Textured, and Colourful.
68 I draw inspiration from everyone, my friends and family – especially my brother. In terms of other photographers that inspire me, I would say Jessica Kobeissi, Vuhlandes and Victor Edeh .
70
To see a bit more of my work and my journey, check out @sephhotos on Instagram.
72
I am Perpetus Ugonna Ekwueme (a mouthful I know). I am a Nigerian & I reside in Lagos. Co-Founder of Mob Fiction Studios
74 Voyageur: How did this all start? Why a fashion label? I would say it all began when my friend and fellow co-founder of our fashion label, Mob Fiction Studios, reached out to me. With a simple pitch, he laid out the notion of embarking on a shared journey into the world of fashion branding. Initially, I had been inclined to decline his proposition. The prevailing landscape was swarming with lackluster brands cropping up without distinction, leading to an oversaturated market – a realm I had no intention of contributing to. Yet, the narrative took an intriguing twist. The persuasive words and confidence my friend imparted in me urged me to take him up on his offer. Before then no one really took notice of my outfits or creativity. He was the first person to see that in me Voyageur: Who/what is your inspiration While I do monitor the releases of popular fashion brands, notably Jacquemus, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga, I wouldn’t say that they directly inspire me. To begin with, I am a big fan of streetwear, which resonates with my daily attire choices and involves the practice of harmonizing pieces that might not typically complement each other, yet creating a harmonious ensemble. I give my inspiration to local brands in Lagos that have successfully crafted distinctive brand identities, such as Pith and Man Acquired Knowledge (MAK). However, when it comes to brand presentation, my preference would be Seventh, despite the unfortunate fact that it’s not based in Lagos.
76
Voyageur: How would you describe Mob Fiction Studios Firstly the name took us a while to settle on but one thing was certain. That was we didn’t want something to tie us down to a singular concept or ideology. We wanted to be able to create pieces without having to worry about matching a certain image that was placed on us. Hence the “Fiction” in Mob Fiction Studios represents a sense of creative freedom. Telling you more than this is not allowed funny enough. A deeper meaning of the brand is held as a close secret. But I can say that we don’t create streetwear but pieces that can be used for streetwear. Voyageur: What motivates you? I take great pleasure in observing the final outcome of a piece of work. Witnessing impeccably finished creations, from the creative process involving fabric selection to the eventual photoshoot, all culminating in a piece of art that garners admiration and is embraced by those who wear it. All to translate into a work admired and worn by others. I love it.
78
Instagram: @mobfiction.studio Website: www.mobfictionstudios.com
80 Wetin Dey? Photographer - John Eke
Art Gallery 4, Art Twenty One, Eko Hotels & Suites is running an exhibition by Yusuff Aina tagged “Escape Room”. Running from 21 July till 28 August. A solo exhibition comprising 31 new paintings, a site-specific installation, and a soundscape. Yusuf makes a representation of his artistic practice and a visual journal of his personal transformation—from vulnerability to strength, self-awareness, and stillness through altered physical spaces, experimentation, and symbolism. Music Theatre Freedom Park Lagos brings you a three-hour live music experience featuring an afrocentric 35 man crew consisting of amazing singers, dancers and dramatists. Focusing on cosmopolitan, afrocentric sounds fulled with a contemporary, youthful energy, you will be transported to the 70s and returned to the present experiencing global afrocentric/afrofusion sounds. Performances of evergreen hits, self-composed works from the best talents at Tenstrings Music Institute – Nigeria’s largest school of music will be showcased. Amongts the many productions at The Terra Kulture theatre, “Fela & The Kalakuta Queens” musical stands out. A critique on post-independence Africa with commentaries on the political abuse of power, money and corruption. Fela & The Kalakuta Queens demonstrates the rich cultural heritage that Nigeria is blessed with, telling the story of legendary musical icon and activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and unmasking the sensational life of the world-renowned queens of Kalakuta.
82 Jackpot! Lagos, like Miami, is a coastal city. With this feat comes stretches of white sand beaches, which are made safe by the ‘Great wall of Lagos’, a sea wall that breaks the aggression of the Atlantic Ocean’s waves. Sol beach offers its vistors ice cold daiquiris, platters of fresh sea food whilst enjoying the cool sea breeze, live bands, and fireworks in the evening. The famous Nike art gallery home to enthralling and majestic pieces of western africa has a subsidiary the “Art Hotel”. A luxury modern hotel, which blends art seamlessly into its tasteful decor. New Afrika Shrine Sol Beach Now an open entertainment centre, the Afrika Shrine was built by legendary singer and political activist Fela Kuti in 1970. Serving as a community centre, the shrine showcases some of Fela’s work. During the day, chatty locals use this space as a bonding and recreational centre whilst at night it hosts numerous musical concerts and events Nike Art Gallery
84