allure 27022022

February 27, 2022
5
Stylish Ways
To Rock
Shirtdress
How To Get
Rid of Pot
Belly
Folashade
Balogun
Showcasing African Fashion Globally

6
6
IN THIS ISSUE
email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com
HAPPINESS
4 Cover : Folashade Balogun -
Showcasing African Fashion Globally
6 Sexmatics: Let’s Talk Dirty (2)
8 Billboard
CELEBRATION
3
7
Fashion : Five Stylish Ways To Rock
Shirtdress
Living : How To Get Rid of Pot Belly
27 FEBRUARY 2022
WELCOME...
The campaign by many
designers to dress Nigerian using
local fabrics like, ankara, aso-oke to
design garments of contemporary
styles has paid off. More interesting
is that Nigerians are currently
owning their own stores abroad
where ethnic garments that are now
much sought after are sold.
In celebration of the Black History
month this February, Folashade
Balogun, CEO, House of Sota was
in Nigeria for the launch of her Spring collection.
On page 4-5, she tells Yemisi Suleiman how after a stint
in the oil and gas sector, she moved into fashion to pursue
her passion.
On our fashion page, we show you several interesting
ways to style the shirt dress; one wardrobe piece that suits
any body type. This is one piece you can wear as a shirt,
dress or duster.
Certain negative lifestyles, helps to accumulate fat
around the midsection, resulting in protruding and
sometimes, distending stomach. Call it pot belly but there
is nothing healthy or aesthetic about it. Time to level the
mountain if you adhere to these simple tips put together to
help. Pg 7
It was all celebrations last week; Adesuwa Etomi-
Wellington turned 34, Tv show host, Morayo Afolabi-Brown
celebrated eleven years in marriage, The Momohs and
Konyehas were united in marriage, while Fashion
Consultant, Ovo Ogufere was appointed into Ckrowd
advisory board. All on Billboard,
Pg. 8.
Enjoy the edition and have a
great week.
J . E
Jemi Ekunkunbor
lookposh2017@gmail.com
08052201126
Quotes
“Fashion is about
dressing according to
what’s fashionable. Style
is more about being
yourself.”
- Oscar de la Renta
“Fashion is very important.
It is life-enhancing and,
like everything that gives
pleasure, it is worth doing
well.”
- Vivienne Westwood
Clothes is just something
you put on to cover
yourself... fashion is a way
to communicate.”
- Dries van Noten
“Fashion is a weapon
that you can use when
you need it.”
- Donatella
Versace
8
EDITOR
JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
ASST. EDITOR
YEMISI SULEIMAN
REPORTER
Josephine Agbonkhese
ALLURE ONLINE
RITA OKOYE
TEMITOPE OJO
LAYOUT / DESIGN
OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE
TEAM
CONTRIBUTORS
ADESUWA
EWOIGBOKHAN
BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
CHARLES KAMMA
HEAD MARKETING
JANET NAJOMOH
(08037156911)
PHOTO
OSCAR OCHIOGU
(08034746487)
Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd
Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007
Apapa, Lagos.

FASHION
5
Stylish Ways To
Rock Shirtdress
by - Yemisi Suleiman
Shirt dresses perfectly toe the line between feminine and masculine. They are
effortlessly cool and polished. They can be worn for the office, casual outings,
and even a black-tie event, depending on the fabric and colour.
Gone are the days when every shirt dress was loose, collared, with solid
colour or striped. Today, you can take your pick from silk shirt dresses, satin,
and bodycon dresses in bold colours, for a look that aligns with your taste.
Satin Shirt Dress
For a luxe look, opt for a fabric such as
satin or silk, which could easily be worn
for a daytime event such as a wedding
or for an evening event.
Go For Easy-Breezy Stripes
A loose-fit stripe shirtdress is the perfect everyday
go-to and looks chic with jeans.
Wear
Over
Leggings
You may prefer
to cover up
your legs,
either because
you feel your
shirtdress is
shorter than
you are
comfortable
with, or
because you
are not one for
short dresses.
Wear A Shirtdress Alone
You can wear a shirt dress alone as a dress,
obviously. Opt for a stylish monochrome
look, and add a touch of colour with your
accessory.
February 27, 2022 /
Try A
Bodycon
Style
You may prefer
A sculpted
silhouette in a
figureskimming
fabric is great
for evening.
3

INTERVIEW
Folashade Balogun:
Showcasing African Fashion Globally
Words By - Yemisi Suleiman
The launch of her fashion brand House of SOTA, about six years ago, saw Folashade
Balogun boldly stamp her arrival on the Nigerian and international fashion scene.
Discovering her creative flair earlier in life, Shade as she’s simply called did not follow her
gift, until, after a stint in the oil and gas sector. Launched with the aim to promote African
clothing globally, House of SOTA designs depicts a rich African cultural heritage, influenced by
African and western fashion. With stores in the US and different cities across Nigeria, she services a
diverse range of clients addressing their needs both domestically and internationally, while feeding
the diaspora market with the much sought-after African wears.
She shares with Allure her passion and love for the African brand, her very humble background,
and breaking new grounds.
You recently celebrated; Black History Month with
the launch of your spring collection. Does it have
any correlation with Black History Month in the US
and the UK? What does it mean to you?
Yes, it does. Actually, Black History Month is
celebrated in America, Canada, and the UK in October.
It is all about celebrating us, our historical background,
and a more formal time, to remember and honour those
who came before us. It is a very significant event for me
because; I believe we should celebrate ourselves as
Africans. If we don’t celebrate ourselves nobody will.
I have been in this business for the past six years.
We have a store in America, and over the years, I found
out that white Americans love our brands, what we do,
and what we wear. As a matter of fact, the Kaftans that
our men wear here are called African suit, and I have
white clients who come to my shop to buy them.
As blacks, we do not appreciate what we have. I
took it upon myself to always rock African attire
whenever I am travelling, and whenever these people
see me in my Ankara, they are like, “oh wow, this is so
beautiful”. Two years ago, I was wearing one of my
designs made with adire and aso oke, I was on a flight
from Orlando to Las Vegas when I stood up to use the
toilet, the air hostess followed me to the toilet, just to
appreciate what I was wearing. She asked where I got it
from, I told her it was from me, she went on-site and
bought it. If these people want to be us, and we are
trying to be like them, then I think something is wrong
somewhere. So Black History month for me is so
significant. I love what we have and I have to celebrate
Africa proudly. I do not believe that any other foreign
brand is better.
So what is it like running a business in Nigeria and
the US, how would you compare both, marketwise?
Lots of bills, believe me, we are really enjoying in
Nigeria. In America, you have to pay your tax, you have
to pay your rent, you have to pay lots of bills but, guess
what; the market is there. That is what has kept us going.
People love what they see, they love what we are selling.
However, it has not been easy, especially with the
exchange rate.
So how do you deal with the exchange rate issue?
As I said, it is not easy but we try to strike a balance.
Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
Sometimes, it could be around me, when I see
someone, for instance, what you are wearing is a
beautiful style, and it could be nice in Ankara or Aso-ebi,
then I could twist it a bit. Sometimes I could be watching
a movie and I get an idea. My inspiration comes from
anywhere and everywhere. So it is just a gift from God.
What do you love about being a designer?
I love the fact that I make people happy, and
comfortable with what they wear. Most of our designs are
casuals, but even in our casuals, you look chic and
trendy. Anywhere I walk into, even if it is a birthday, or a
wedding, party there is always a wow factor. Again when
people say they love what I am are wearing, that makes
me happy. I love putting smiles on people’s faces.
What could be the most uncomfortable about the
job?
I don’t like it when I am trying to make a client happy
and the client would not have it or just refuses to be
happy. You know that there are some clients that are like
that. They complain about everything. That is why most
of the time, we don’t do bespoke. I only make bespoke
for people very close to me, people who understand
what we do. I prefer you to go to our store to pick what
you want, with that; we don’t get to have problems.
Before fashion you were into oil and gas, why did
you leave oil and gas for fashion?
I am still into oil and gas. I have a filling station. The
oil and gas industry is not really as lucrative as when I
started. When I started oil and gas, it was very profitable.
But right now, a lot has changed. Again, it is about
following my passion. I have a strong passion for fashion
and decided to fulfill my dream.
What was growing up like for you, especially coming
from two different ethnic groups?
I speak Yoruba and Igbo very well. My mother is
from Ondo State, while my father was from Imo state. He
died during the war. He was a naval officer. My mother
single-handedly, trained all of us.
And what in your upbringing informed the woman
you are today?
Growing up was very tough, it wasn’t easy because I
lost my father early. And in those days, the Igbos were
very strict with their widows. When a husband dies, they
strip the woman naked, they take everything away from
her and she is left alone. That was the same thing that
happened to my mother. So my childhood wasn’t really
interesting, we were all living in a one-room apartment
and she had to do so many things, just so she could take
care of us. She used to sew. She has a chemist, she is
still alive. My mom is very creative too, and she loves
fashion too. I can say I got that from her, looking at her
then as a teenager, inspired me a lot. I grew up in
Mushin, and I must say that the Mushin in me is really
helping me. It is good to be street-wise. When you are
streetwise even when you are facing any challenge you
look at it as one of those things. My upbringing has really
impacted my life greatly.
What is the most memorable thing that comes to
mind anytime you remember growing up in Mushin?
4 / February 27, 2022

INTERVIEW
Hmm… we lived in a one-room apartment where we
didn’t have access to a proper toilet, and those were very
interesting times. I tell my children that when we send
them abroad to school, it’s a privilege, it’s not as if they
are entitled to it. So, I let my children know all these. I tell
them, to go out there and work hard like their lives
depend on it. And that has really paid off, because all my
children made first class, and are doing well today,
thanks to God. My upbringing really gave me a different
view of life.
How do you cope with work and family?
When I first started my business, it was a bit
challenging because I had to do school runs, go to the
depot, then; my filling station was in Seme, before I had
one in GRA. Now my kids are all grown up. I am a
grandmother of two. All my kids are graduates, my first
son is happily married with two daughters, my second
son is here with me, my third son is a pilot in the US, and
he is flying already. My only daughter graduated in 2020,
she is a psychologist working in the US. I have four
children, three males, and a female.
What is your perception of the fashion industry in
Nigeria today?
I must say we are doing very well.
What, in your opinion, are some of the ways African
fashion designers can be supported so that they can
become global businesses?
The government needs to support us financially.
African fashion is really out there, and globally people
love what we are doing. We are very creative in Nigeria,
but we need the government’s support in every way.
Apart from finance, they should put the right structures in
place, so we can have ease of doing business like our
counterparts in other countries, and be able to massproduce.
When this is done, a time will come when you
can walk into a shop and buy a Nigerian-made dress off
the rack like in western countries. It is achievable.
What is your eventual dream for House of Sota?
My dream for House of Sota is for the brand to
become like Zara. That is why we are opening outlets in
different parts of the continent.
I want the House of Sota to live after me. When I am
gone, there will still be House of Sota, just like some of
the popular international brands that we don’t know who
owns them.
When you are not working, how do you relax?
When I am flying, I relax on the flight, I love travelling
a lot. If I am not in Lagos, I am in Abuja, if I am not in
Abuja, I am in Owerri, or in the US. I love travelling a lot.
Where in the world is your favourite holiday
destination?
I do not really go on holiday. I can’t remember the
last time I went on vacation, maybe on a business trip
because even when I am in the US, it is not a vacation.
Throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays, I was
working, setting up the second store. On Christmas day,
in the US, we went to the motherless babies home and
gave out blankets and food. In Lagos, we normally do
orphanages. So I can’t remember the last time I went on
vacation.
So what lessons have you learned about life?
A lot; don’t look down on people, be friendly, be nice.
When my children were young, I trained them not to look
down on people, but to be nice. Even if that person is a
beggar, be nice, because that beggar might be a
billionaire tomorrow. You never can tell.
My upbringing
has really
impacted my
life greatly.
Makeup Artist: Kabire for
@kamanismakeover
Hairstylist: Destiny for
@pdhairconvenient
Fashion Stylist: Funmi
Lefevre
Photographer: Bamiyo
Iselema Emina
Clothes by House of Sota
February 27, 2022 / 5

....CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS WEEK
with Adesuwa 07052403531 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com
LET’S TALK DIRTY (2)
eep your spouse in the loop, he or
K
she can’t really read your mind. So, if
you know what makes you feel good,
what needs to be done and you’d
really love it if he/she could focus all
his/her energy, then you both benefit. Once you
can say what your desire is, and how you want it,
you are no longer too far from saying how it
makes you feel. The dirty talk will just roll from
there, though it will take time but you will definitely
get there, trust me the Dsexpolice.
It makes you creative -Your style of talking
dirty is letting your lovebird know you are about to
climax. This is usually one aspect of dirty talk that
people can relate with, but think about how hot it
might be just to let loose and reveal all the stuff
you keep in your head during love-making.
It’s a form of foreplay as you may know.
Foreplay is an extremely important part of sexual
activity for the ladies especially, because they
take longer time to get aroused than men, and
this is one reason they don’t orgasm as quickly as
guys.
Start with dirty talks then, tease each other in ways
that are as important as physical sexy play. Quickies
are quite fun. If there is time, indulge in it. Chat dirty for
20 minutes before removing your clothes to touch
each other. The difference will be crystal clear.
It’s quite fun when you give yourself a
surprise by going the extra mile especially if
you have to go the extra mile to do stuff that
you have never done before. You might just
realize it was made for you. This can
revolutionize your love life,but you may never
know unless you give it a try.
There are a number of ways to spice up a
long term relationship when things are getting
a bit stale.
If your sex position is always missionary
style, right before bed, talk dirty to your
spouse. This is an easy way to switch things
up a bit. There is a chance of you saying the
things you have been thinking, but couldn’t
voice out. This will really surprise them.
Whisper in your partner’s ear, making sure
your lips slightly graze their earlobe.
Depending on the response, you can take it
further or let him or her take over.
It improves love making- If you are honest,
open and graphical about what you desire
out of every sexual experience, it will lead to
better sex. With communication and all the
dirty talk, there will be no secrets and neither
you nor your spouse will be forced to figure
out what that moan or facial expression really
means. Intercourse shouldn’t be a riddle.
This can be fun all the way and you don’t
have to act serious to talk dirty- A number of
times, couples forget that not only is sex fun,
it can be funny too. So, relax, loosen up
enough, to have a good time, laugh and joke
about it, you will be amazed by what sort of
good time you will have.
Go for it tonight if you are good at it,
kindly stop if you suck at it. Ladies hate
deliberate dirty talk. It is also cool to be quiet
during love making especially if you are good
at what you do, just heat up the notch with
your moans and everyone will be fine.
ESSENTIAL IDEAS FOR
DECORATING LARGE WALLS
We know how hard it can be to find inspiration when staring at a completely
blank wall. Before you begin looking for the perfect wall decor, it is helpful to
look at ideas to get you inspired. Check out our ideas below to learn how to
decorate a large wall.
Single Artwork
While this choice may feel obvious at first, opting to decorate a large blank wall with
just one piece of artwork allows it to
shine and embrace the negative space.
Choose anything from artwork to
photography to a tapestry. Maximize the
impact of your piece in the space by
anchoring your artwork to a central spot
on the wall – hang it above a sofa,
between two accent pieces, or at the
halfway mark of the wall – and then hang
it at eye level.
6
/ February 27, 2022
single artwork
Paired Up Artwork
Doubling up on frames is a great way
to introduce structure and visual
interest when decorating a large blank
wall. Multi-piece artwork and
photographs can be spun one of two
ways: as one piece that bleeds across
two frames (a diptych), or two related
pieces paired together. You can use
more than two frames as well – many
diptychs occur across five frames.
Displayed Collections
An easy way to fill a blank wall is to
display a collection of items – try a
group of gold-coloured ornaments,
matching art pieces or family photos.
Display these items in an open
bookshelf or cube storage, where they
can be seen easily. Add small details
like a matching set of books for an
effortlessly coordinated look.
Handy Shelving
An easy way to fill a blank space is
with shelving. Beyond occupying the
empty wall, your shelving will provide
additional storage space as well. You
can use this space to keep books and
other essentials easily accessible from
your sofa, or to display items that
accentuate the decor in your room.
Choose standing shelves for solo
pieces that will take up the most
space, or find smaller wall-mounted or
floating shelves that can be
interspersed with wall art.
paired artwork
displayed collections
shelves

How To Get Rid
LIVING
Of
Pot Belly
By - Jemi Ekunkunbor
A pot belly is, simply, excess belly fat. Generally, fat
around the stomach area that’s more than one inch thick
When fat around the belly go beyond one inch thick, it
will look like a pot and described as pot belly. The situation
can be made worse when the muscle around that area is
weak, making the bulge more protruding. The consumption
of too many calories, not burning enough calories, and
leading a sedentary life, can all cause an individual to
develop pot belly which is more common in men.
This starts becoming a lifestyle problem, when clothes
don’t rest properly or fit well around that region.
When you find it difficult to button your suit or a bulge
becomes visible under your clothes, then it’s time to have a
lifestyle change.
Here are some tips to help you bring down the mountain
without going under the knife.
Address your diet
While pounded yam, eba, fufu etc may be
popular choices on many Nigerian menu, for the
man looking to shrink his pot belly, he has to cut
down or completely eliminate these foods that
are high in carbohydrates. If you must eat them,
take a small portion with mour soup preferably
vegetable soups.
Drink plenty of Water
Water they say is life. You can’t have too
much of it. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice
and vegetable juice.
Drink water and
lemon juice
Drink a class of hot water
mixed with lemon juice and
one tablespoon of honey. Do
this in the morning on empty
stomach. This is one of the
best ways to get rid of belly fat.
Hit the gym
Belly fat can be tough to break, we know. This
should not be an excuse. Hit the gym daily and
get a fitness regimen that combines strengthtraining
exercises that target the midsection with
cardiovascular activity.
Rounds of intense jumping jacks, lunges or
crunches, with 10-seconds intervals to rest in
between, could be a good option. Running,
cycling, or the use of treadmills and stationary
bicycles will help get your heart pumping.
Reduce or
stop alcohol
consumption
Alcohol is full of calories but
when you consume alcohol you
don’t feel full. Saving all your
drinking for the weekend (binge
drinking) in particular deposits
fat around your waistline. It’s
better not to have alcohol but if
you can’t do that, at least, avoid
binge drinking and also, reduce
the quantity and frequency of
alcohol intake.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Fruits are loaded with anti oxidants and
minerals but also possess ability to burn belly fat
naturally.
Fruits such as apples are loaded with flavonoids
and fibres that may help burn belly fat. Other
fruits include tomatoes, Guava, strawberries
and kiwi.
Drink organic teas
Sip on organic teas such as green tea, jasmine
tea, cinnamon tea or any tea that is flavoured
with natural spices. Green tea for example,
contains compounds called catechins, which
increase the release of fat from fat cells, help
boost energy expenditure and speed up the
burning of fat by the liver.
February 27, 2022 / 7

Stories by - Temitope Ojo
Adesua Etomi- Wellington stuns
at 34
Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi shared an adorable
photo of herself on Tuesday, February 22, when she
marked her birthday.
The mother of one, in a post on her Instagram page,
welcomed herself to her New Year and thanked God for
the blessings it is bringing.
The famous actress made
her Nollywood debut when
she starred in her first
feature film, Knocking on
Heaven’s Door in
2014.
She has since
gone on to star
in several other
movies and also
won many
awards for
her prowess.
When Momoh & Konyeha families
became one
It was the union of two families from Edo State last
weekend, when former Commissioner of Health, Edo
State and Professor of Surgery, University of Benin,
Prof. Moses Momoh from Fugar, and his lovely wife,
Dr. Rita Momoh, led their son, Oshokha to take a wife,
Taye from Engr. and Mrs. Victor Uroko Konyeha of
Ottah- Igbanke also of Edo State.
Taye and Oshokha were last weekend, joined in
holy matrimony, surrounded by friends and family at
the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Admiralty way,
Lekki.
Guests were later treated to a lavish reception at the
Rosetree Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Here is wishing the couple a happy married life.
TV host, Morayo Brown and
hubby celebrates 11th wedding
anniversary
Popular television personality, Morayo Afolabi-Brown
and her husband, Femi Afolabi Brown celebrated 11
years of marital bliss, on Sunday, February 19.
To mark the day, the “Your View” host, took to her
Instagram page to say that though the marital journey
has come with its own ups and downs, they’ve been
able to weather the downtimes and enjoy the heck out of
the good times together.
She prayed for God to keep them together in good
health, joy, happiness, peace and wealth.
On his part, Femi, also in a post, revealed that
before they got married, unlike his in-laws, the
Aka Bashoruns, who were planning an elaborate
wedding ceremony for their daughter, he was
on his knees begging God for a great marriage
because he had been through horrible relationships in
the past.
He stated that for the past 11 years, it gets more
obvious that the Lord answered his prayer.
The couple got married in 2011 and is blessed with
four children.
Fashion consultant, Ovo
Ogufere joins Ckrowd advisory
board
Ckrowd, Africa’s most preferred and premium
content streaming platform, has announced the
appointment of the addition of two new members to its
Advisory Board.
The new members are renowned Nigerian fashion
entrepreneur and CEO of XA, Ovo Ogufere, and
popular Tik Tok sensation, Simplypeace, whose
TikTok followership of over 1.5 million, makes her one
of the most sought after content creators.
The duo will bring significant experience, expertise
and wisdom from their accomplished journey in the
creative and media industries.
Ovo, who joins Ckrowd in the capacity of venture
partner, made the announcement on his Instagram
page.
An ardent believer of the authenticity of the creative
African content, he expressed how honoured,
super excited and delighted he is to lend his voice
and industry influence towards stirring creatives,
particularly within the fashion, modeling and beauty
industries towards the light of the progress that
Ckrowd has to offer.
He thanked Ckrowd Africa for the great opportunity.