FASHION FRAT PARTY AT STELLA MCCARTNEY

I walked into Stella McCartney's autumn 2014 presentation feeling a little intimidated. It was held at the Harold Pratt House, the stately home of the Council on Foreign Relations, on the Upper East Side. I felt underdressed and uncool as I sidled past Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liv Tyler who were sipping on flutes of champagne. I left, an hour later, slightly doused in champagne, with a big grin on my face.

 Here's what happened in between.

Stella McCartney's presentations have always got a bit of whimsy about them. This one had a lot: enough sugary treats to rot holes in even the most well attended pearly whites (including giant marzipan cakes made to look like Stella McCartney bags and a chocolate fountain), hopscotch, tricked out Mini Coopers for models to play bumper cars in, and a whiplash-inducing guest list. There was Patti Smith in one corner, Alec Baldwin in another, Susan Sarandon coming down the stairs, the Seinfelds, Parker Posey, Blythe Danner, and more. 

Thankfully none of the aforementioned bold faced names happened to be upstairs in the converted bumper cars room, where models clad in McCartney's stellar (and obviously comfortable) pre-fall collection packed two and three to a car, gleefully smashed into each other, nearly missing many guests who proved surprisingly nimble in their stilettos. I was not one of the nimble ones and got in between Hanne Gaby Odiele, still holding her champagne flute from behind the wheel, and a table holding some oversized Stella bags and a few bottles of champagne. Down went the bags and the bottles, and I got a nice misting of champagne. 

TOM FORD IS COOL WITH HAYDEN PANETTIERE WEARING ONE OF HIS DESIGNS OFF THE RACK

Hayden Panettiere showed up to the Golden Globes wearing a sleek black and white Tom Ford gown. "It's the first time I've ever worn him, because I've been begging ever since," she gushed to E!'s Giuliana Rancic. "I feel sexy in it, I feel comfortable in it, and I'm in Tom Ford. I would wear a plastic bag if it was designed by him." Sure, Panettiere looked sexy, but her dress made headlines for other reasons. See, Tom Ford tends to dress one leading lady per awards show and usually it's Ford muse Julianne Moore. His PR confirmed that Naomi Watts was wearing his designs to the Golden Globes but there wasn't a peep about Panettiere. That's because Panettiere bought her dress—gasp—off the rack. She wanted it that bad she did what any normal person would do... she bought it.

Betty Adewole: Catwalk CV

BETTY ADEWOLE has a name, and a face, that you won't forget - and the fashion industry isn't likely to let you try this year, since she's set to be one of 2014's hottest models. Scouted at 15 in her hometown of London - shopping on Tottenham Court Road, to be precise - the model has politely dismissed comparisons with another capital-born model, Naomi Campbell, asserting that, while flattered, she is "very different". After a steady start, the turning point in her career was being signed by IMG last year, and subsequently cutting her waist-length hair into a boyish crop - forcing designers in search of a new look to take notice. From her debut on the catwalks of Loewe and Maison Martin Margiela during the spring/summer 2011 season, Adewole has become one of the industry's most sought-after catwalk faces. With appearances in some of fashion's biggest shows - from Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford to Stella McCartney and Givenchy - under her belt, she's likely to give fellow Londoners Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevingne a run for their money in the popularity stakes when the shows begin next month.

Ronaldo Is World Footballer Of The Year 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the 2013 Fifa Ballon d'Or at an awards ceremony in Zurich, ending Lionel Messi's four-year reign as holder of the crown. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo clinched the prize for the world's best player for the second time in his career after finishing ahead of Barcelona playmaker Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery in the voting.   Ronaldo had finished runner-up three times in the past four years to Messi since winning both the Ballon D'Or and Fifa World Player of the Year in 2008, before the two trophies became one. Portugal captain Ronaldo has been in phenomenal goalscoring form and in 2013 he netted 62 goals in 52 games for club and country.   That was not enough to help Madrid pick up any silverware or lead Portugal to an automatic qualifying berth to this summer's World Cup finals, but he did produce a number of memorable individual performances.    Among them was in the World Cup qualifying play-offs when he struck all four goals - including a brilliant second-leg hat-trick - as Portugal beat Sweden 4-2 on aggregate to book their spot in Brazil. An emotional Ronaldo, who was fighting back the tears as he received the award on Monday night, said: "First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team. "Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award. "Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved."

13 Hottest Nigerian Designers in 2013

Nigeria has her own share of talents especially in the fashion industry where they keep taking giant strides every day. With showcases at different fashion shows all  over the world, international celebrities donning their pieces and generally putting Nigeria on the world fashion map, these designers have through sheer hard work broken into the international scene and their pieces have continued to be appreciated all over the world. These Nigerian designers had an amazing 2013; they recorded an increase in clientele all over the world, dressed celebrities home and abroad, created outstanding designs with some of them expanding their brands and many more. Notable amongst them are: 1) Yemi Osunkoya Yemi Osunkoya is a UK based Nigerian designer and CEO/ creative director of Kosibah.  A (couture) bridal brand based in the United Kingdom. Yemi, known for his use of corsetry and boned bodices produces elegant and classy dresses that give a hourglass figure; the king of curvaceous bridal pieces, Yemi is known for his stunning bridal wears and has a clientele list that spans the UK, USA and Nigeria. The international award winning designer has continued to churn out fabulous statement wedding dresses and remain at the top of the couture bridal wear industry. The designer's clientele base increased tremendously this year. 2) Folake Folarin Coker Folake Folarin Coker is the creative director of Tiffany Amber Nigeria, a luxury Nigeria brand known for her classic statement pieces. Folake Folarin Coker was amongst 2013 Forbes power women in Africa. A feat she achieved through a stint of hard work and dedication to her craft. Her Tiffany Amber brand has shown across all major fashion shows the world over and takes top place amongst the best African designer. Her brand is retailed by fashion retail giants Yoox.com, La Rinascente and was one of the fashion brands selected by Ndani TV at Selfridges last year. Her designs have been featured in vogue, on CNN and on other major international press. 3) Lanre Da silva Ajayi Lanre Da Silva Ajayi owns the LDA brand. A luxury Nigerian clothing brand; She is especially known for her use of intricate lace fabrics to create her unique Victorian designs. She takes her place as a brilliant and fashionable designer, having shown across major fashion shows. Her brand made it to Selfridges courtesy of Ndani TV last year. 4) Deola Sagoe Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe is known for her haute couture designs she owns the brand Deola Sagoe. This talented designer has carved her niche for herself in the industry with fans as Will Smith, Opray Winfrey and Andre Leon Talley who once nominated her for MNET/ Anglo Gold African designs where she won. She has showcased her brand on various runways, internationally and locally. 5) Lisa Folawiyo Lisa Folawiyo is the creative director of Jewel By Lisa; a brand known for her stunning Ankara embellishments. Lisa Folawiyo has attracted scores of international with her timeless pieces edgy and playful pieces. Her brand which retails on mytheresa.com has also been spotted on a lot of international celebrities including Angela Simmons, Lala Anthony, Kelis, Alicia Quarles of E-news and many more. 6) Emmy Collins Emmy Collins is a UK based Nigerian designer. The menswear designer who owns the Emmy Collins brand is known for his sharp, clean and modern pieces. A sucker for perfect tailoring, he has a clientele base all over the world. His pieces are seen on celebrities all over the world. He currently runs a fashion workshop where he trains upcoming fashion entrepreneurs. He has shown his designs on major fashion shows. 7) Frank Osodi The self-acclaimed king of bustier, Frank Osodi has been in the fashion industry for a while and has continued to soar. The founder and creative director of House of Bunor is known for his well-structured bustier and boned bodices. He has designed evening dresses for most beauty queens in Nigeria and beyond. He continues to reign in the Nigerian fashion industry and beyond. 8) Mai Atafo Mai Atafo is one of the hottest designers around. The CEO and creative director of the brand, Mai Atafo Inspired has carved a niche in menswear and bridal fashion. The extremely talented and fashion forward designer has made a name for himself in the short time he entered the fashion industry. His bridal line is going strong. He has designed for a host of Nigerian celebrities and has showcased across major fashion weeks. 9) Bridget Awosika Bridget Awosika has become a fashion force to be reckoned with. She owns the Bridget Awosika brand. She is known as a fashion forward designer, her pieces push fashion boundaries and she’s known to take fashion risks that have continually put her at the fore. Bridget has showcased at major fashion weeks and her designs are constantly spotted on celebrities. 10) Toju Foyeh This upcoming fashion brand has comfortably nestled with the big brand names in Nigeria. She is known for the timeless and stunning pieces. Owned By Toju Foyeh; the brand within a short time has registered her name in the fashion industry. Toju Foyeh had an amazing 2013 as she notably dressed a lot of Nigerian celebrities. Her stunning designs were all over major weddings this year. 11) Vonne Couture Vonne Couture, owned by Yvonne Nwosu has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. The brand has showcased around major fashion shows. She is known for her fusion of rich colours and bold statement making pieces. The preferred brand for celebrities has continued to grow, increasing her clientele base on a regular basis. 12) House Of Nwocha Owned by Ugonna Omeruo who doubles as the creative director. The brand recorded major red carpet appearances this year as celebrities rocked the pieces heavily. It is a brand to look out for in 2014. 13) Ejiro Amos Tafiri Ejiro Amos Tafiri rocked major red carpets this year as a lot of celebrities especially rocked her pieces. The brand named after the creative director continues to improve, with intricate/delicate designs that really worked infused into the line. The brand is one to look out for this year.

Nollywood Divorce The Real Truth Behind Comedienne Princess’ Marriage Collapse

Many of her fans were shocked that the much hyped marriage of Nigerian comedienne Princess, (Damilola Adekoya), could pack up like badly arranged cards barely 7 months after it was held. But what many did not know was that the marriage was doomed before it started as it is being reported that 2 weeks after the May 8th, 2013, high profile wedding, Princess and her hubby, movie producer cum director, Adeshola Jeremiah began experiencing some hiccups that ultimately led to them having the now famous incompatibility issues. Those close to her say she had been inundating them with stories of how her marriage crashed due to irreconcilable differences but insiders are pointing fingers at her extravagant way of life as the reason her husband could no longer cope with her. An inside source hinted that Jeremiah got tired of Princess’ high profile lifestyle, her penchant for parties and events and could not continue living with a woman who placed a premium on such a life rather than being a wife. But some others who are sympathetic to Princess say the producer married her believing that she had a lot of money and could sponsor his movies but when she would not bulge to his incessant demands for money, she had to call it quits. Well, be that as it may, they all boil down to ‘irreconcilable differences.’

Rita Dominic’s Movie, The Meeting Makes History In Two Weeks

The multiple awards winning Nigerian romantic comedy, The Meeting, from the stable of The Audrey Silva Company owned by Nollywood A-List actress, Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo, is now out on DVD. The movie which grossed over N25 million from the cinema, has now reportedly sold over 50 000 copies within two weeks of release, making the company to order for fresh copies. The DVD release will avail all movie lovers, fans and people who did not get the chance to see the movie when it was shown in cinemas the opportunity to see the movie again. The movie which was released on January 1, 2014, according to official release by the media company responsible for its publicity, Big Sam Media, has made history as the first Nigerian movie to sell out within such a period of time. The Meeting has enjoyed rave review and commendation from media, politicos, entertainers and even the president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. “This movie will be much talked about in our country and our continent in the weeks ahead,” President Jonathan had said. The romantic comedy features a mix of emerging stars and industry superstars including the delectable Rita Dominic, Tinsel star, Linda Ejiofor, Femi Jacobs and experienced thespian, Jide Kosoko. The movie also has special appearances by Kate Henshaw, Nse Ikpe Etim, Basorge Tariah Jnr and Chinedu Ikediezie. The Meeting has gathered lots of attention as it got six nominations last year in different categories at the Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA). The categories include AMAA 2013 Prized for Achievement in Costume Design, Achievement in Make-Up, Best Nigerian Film, Best Actress in Supporting Role, (Linda Ejiofor), Best Actor in a Leading Role, (Femi Jacobs) and Best Actress in a Leading Role, (Rita Dominic).