Given the historical nature of the 2022 Met Gala theme being centered around the gilded age, fashion critics, fans and spectators have begun to speculate and research possible references and inspiration that forged the looks that graced the runway. If you are not interested in fashion and you are immersed in the study process and only think, “who could write my dissertation for me” you can always turn to various services for help. But back to research. While some of these are confirmed, others are mere observations, though shockingly accurate! Just see for yourself:
Nicki Minaj in Burberry: The 1899 Countess Victor di Carrobio who wore black feather, satin and lace
Anitta in Moschino: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961 poster
Katy Perry in Oscar de la Renta: Royal Mistress Agnes Sorel (1422-1450)
Hailey Bieber in YSL: Jerry Hall in YSL 2002 couture
Kim Kardashion in Bob Mackie: Marilyn Monroe in Bob Mackie, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to president JFK in 1962
Lena Mahfouf in Markarian: Mrs. George Swinton during the gilded age
Dove Cameron in Ires Van Harpen replicating the bustled silhouette that was popularized during the gilded age.
Billie Eilish in Gucci: Madame Paul Poirson
Blake Lively in Atelier Versace: The Statue of Liberty
African reality TV has taken the international entertainment landscape for a whirlwind recently, so when Showmax Nigeria released The Real Housewives of Lagos back in April, everyone, including us, was instantly hooked! One housewife in particular stole our hearts with her infectious energy and undeniably exquisite taste level for all things style and beauty. Meet fashion PR expert and entrepreneur Mariam Adeyemi Timmer! The bombshell businesswoman joined us exclusively for a deep dive into her experience on the show and personal style, get into it below:
FBD: Every Friday, when The Real Housewives of Lagos comes on it truly makes our day, I have to say! Episode four was the moment that many of us viewers had been waiting for because we were longing to get to know the gorgeous, charismatic 6th cast member. Now, you were introduced on the show through Tiannah who is one of your good friends. Did you two meet through the Nigerian fashion industry?
Mariam: Episode 4 was so amazing because that’s when I was introduced and I must say the responses I’ve been getting have been nothing short of incredible. The support has been unwavering and almost overwhelming both locally and internationally. Toyin (Tiannah) and I, met years ago through a mutual friend but our friendship wasn’t established until 2011 when she hired me as a Public Relations and Co-Coordinator person for a project she was working on. We remained friends since then, she was part of my bridal party for my wedding in 2015 and I was part of hers in 2021. We both have a lot of respect for each other and I must say we have shared some lifetime events together that we both can never forget. Toyin is definitely cool! She has also styled me for some events.
FBD: Speaking of fashion, you were a huge fan favourite when the photos from the RHOL premieres came out, especially in that phenomenal beaded blue and silver Matopeda number – even Tammy Rivera has a girl crush on you! Tell us about the inspiration behind that look.
Photo of Mariam in Matopeda styled by Moses Ebite, hair and makeup by Flawless Faces by Jane: The Lagos Paparazzi
Mariam: First of all, I’d like to thank all my fans out there, You guys have been amazing. I sincerely appreciate you all. Secondly, I absolutely love Tammy Rivera. I appreciate her love and support for my style and personality. My beaded dress for the RHOLagos premiere in Lagos was designed by Matopeda. I must say no one else could have done a better job on that look than Tope. My inspiration is usually based on my personal style and mood. I’m not one to follow or copy what others are doing or be regular! I wanted something different, that would compliment my skin tone, figure and at the same time be the embodiment of grace and poise. Matopeda was able to capture that in one dress. I appreciate her talent because she understands my body, style and personality.
FBD: You also have quite the fashion sense on the regular, how would you describe your personal style?
Mariam: I would describe my fashion sense as aspirational with a side of relatable. I also love high fashion, and as a Nigerian, well…couture is our life! I try to look absolutely chic in everything I wear and but it’s important I wear the fashion and not allow the fashion wear me.
Photo of Mariam in Wild Culture and Karlha Jewels: The Lagos Paparazzi
FBD: So, let’s talk life after the reality show’s debut. America loves you girls and the show, that’s for sure! How has your life changed and what has the response been like for you?
Mariam: Awww! I absolutely love America too! As you know my husband is American so we go back and forth quite a bit as we have a home there. John is an amazing husband who loves his life in Nigeria so it’s important to me that his family and heritage be a huge part of our lives as well. Life after the show has been amazing so far even though the work doesn’t stop just because the cameras are wrapped on season 1. It’s getting more exciting day by day and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be me before the world. The messages, DMs and prayers I get from fans, family and friends have been incredible. People who have followed my career for years message me to tell me how they admire my drive and goals. This is the kind of inspiration I want to give people, to make them understand that consistency is key and no matter what the beginning of your journey may look like, eventually the sun will shine on you. I’m looking forward to working and partnering with alot of brands, both locally and internationally, and I’m very excited about that.
FBD: Coming onto the show in the fourth episode certainly must not have been easy. Everyone has already mingled while you had just arrived on this journey with cameras, crew and all! What were your first impressions of the experience, and how were you received by the other ladies? How did you navigate all of this?
Mariam: Coming onto the show while Episode 4 was shooting, because I didn’t know who the cast mates were until I joined, it was clear all the ladies had established a relationship. Nevertheless, I wasn’t worried at all because like I said in my introduction, I don’t get intimidated so holding my ground while letting them get to know me was easy. My personality is so dope that I knew I wouldn’t have a problem being around them. If I’m being honest, I’m happy I joined late because that helped me cut through the initial energy and all I had to be was the new girl. I love my own company as it allows me understand what happens around me and I was able to apply that to the show which I enjoyed. My experience with the crew of the show was amazing from the first time on set. It’s very hard for me not to get along with those I work with. I consider the crew my family and that will never change.
Photo of Mariam in Wild Culture and Karlha Jewels: The Lagos Paparazzi
FBD: Now, I have to ask the question on everyone’s mind… Can we expect a season 2 and, if so, will we get the chance to watch you in all your glory again?
Mariam: Can you expect a season 2? Lol! Fashion Bomb Daily is just going to have to wait and see. And if you stay tuned, you will definitely see Mariam Timmer in all her full glory. There’s more layers to this Queen and I can’t wait for you to see it.
Catch more of Mariam on The Real Housewives of Lagos, only available on Showmax!
What say you?
Main Image of Mariam in Sevon Dejana styled by Moses Ebite, hair and makeup by Flawless Faces by Jane: The Lagos Paparazzi
A refreshing take on the classic white cotton shirt, her short dress from Prada has a tonal construction with long sleeves and a lace-up panel.
Her shades also come in dark gray and black. Prada sunglasses use only the finest materials to strike the ideal balance of form and function.
With a recycled nylon construction, this red logo-plaque bandeau has a clean-line design – which is a typical theme throughout the brand’s AW21 collection.
Her white leather high sandals by Prada feature a red leather rounded toe with logo triangle insert, buckle closure at the ankle and a leather sole.
Her decadent crystal-embellished Hot Lips clutch bag resembles a Pop Art masterpiece with its playful and quirky design. Carry it in your hand as a clutch or wear across your body courtesy of the silver-tone chain strap.
In case you missed it, this weekend closed out the 25th yearly South African Fashion Week in bustling Johannesburg! Over a period of three consecutive days, from April 28th through to the 30th, twenty designers from the continent showcased Spring/Summer 2022 collections for a world-wide audience. The occasion held at the prestigious Mall of Africa celebrated fashion innovators as well as up-and-coming design talent. Below is a rundown of the must-see moments from each day!
Of course, the event kicked off with an opening party to set the tone for the days to follow! VIP Guests, designers and media were all in attendance.
Photo of DJ Zihnle Jiyane: IG/Reproduction + Ronamo Media Photo of Gemaén Jordan Taylor: IG/ReproductionPhoto of K Naomi Phakathi: IG/Reproduction + OPPO South Africa
Slated to open the industry event this year was the announcement of the New Talent Search 2022, a competition that is held annually during SAFW. The talent search is known to help launch the international careers of numerous designers and underscore the next generation of socially conscious fashion creators – definitely something worth getting excited about! A total of six finalists showed collections down the runway, of which designer Thando Ntuli was given the winning title for her brand Munkus.
Photo: IG/Reproduction + LR Photography
The program was then followed by a showing by a handful of designers Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, Michael Ludwig Studio and Sipho Mbuto.
Photo of Michael Ludwig Studio SS22: IG/Reproduction + LR PhotographyPhoto of Sipho Mbuto SS22: IG/Reproduction + LR Photography
Days two and three consisted of four different shows grouping various designers together at a time. Check out some BTS images and snaps from the runway:
Photo: IG/Reproduction + LR PhotographyPhoto of Artho Eksteen SS22: IG/Reproduction + Pierre Van VuurenPhoto of Ntando XV SS22: IG/Reproduction + Pierre Van VuurenPhoto of Isabel de Villiers SS22: IG/Reproduction + LR Photography
What do you think?
Main image: IG/Reproduction + LR Photography + Eunice Driver Photography
Featuring a v-neck, a front button fastening, two front pockets, long sleeves, button cuffs, a side button fastening, a mid-length, a ribbed hem and cuffs, a signature grosgrain loop tab and a 4-Bar stripe.
In keeping with the designer’s avant-garde aesthetic, Thom Browne’s checked skirt arrives in a mini, pleated silhouette with a deconstructed hem. It flaunts the label’s signature ‘uniform’ stripes with frayed edges for a nuanced take on a classic design.
After the Met Gala is the after party! And Celebs switched into sassy ensembles to hit up parties everywhere from the Edge to the Boom Boom Room.
Take a look at a few stand outs:
Credit: Backgrid
Wendy Williams teased a return to her talk show in September outside the Boom Boom Room, posing with Jason Lee in a custom Robert Wun dress. With makeup by Merrell Hollis and hair by Derick Monroe, Ms. Williams looked hot! And healthy. It’s good to see her out and about!
Credit: Tomas Herold
Lala looked lovely in lace LaQuan Smith for his party at the Edge.
Credit: Backgrid
Kim, Khloe, and Pete eschewed the normal after party antics, and instead grabbed some food in casual clothes, including Kim who wore head to toe Balenciaga, topped off my a croc Hermes bag.
Teyana Taylor indulged in a delicious looking Popeyes sandwich wearing a Laquan Smith Fall 2022 look.
Credit: BFA
And Cardi B celebrated a wonderful Met Gala night wearing a vintage Versace dress. She’s hot!
Of course catch all the looks from both the Met Gala and the after parties on @FashionBombDaily.
For this year’s Met Gala (click here to see who made best-dressed), the dress code was white-tie, ‘Gilded Glamour’. Allow us to break that down a bit: fashion in America during the gilded age was known for it’s top hats, corsetry and multi-colored bustles. With that in mind, you can understand our audible gasp when Sarah Jessica Parker entered the building wearing a Christopher John Rogers gown that embodied an iteration of exactly that!
Not only was her execution of the theme fully realized – finished with Swarovski crystal buttons and a custom Philip Treacy headpiece – but the true beauty behind the look lies in the clear nod to African-American couturier Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley.
Photo: Getty
Elizabeth Hobbs was an accomplished seamstress and dressmaker from the late 19th century who called First Ladies Varina Davis and Mary Todd Lincoln regular clients. She was born in Virginia during slavery and later bought her freedom through her exceptional abilities as a seamstress and dressmaker. This is when she’d make her way to Washington, D.C. where her legacy would continue to flourish.
Keckley rose to fashion fame, sewing and tailoring for the women of notable families at the time. Apart from being a dress maker, she was also an author and activist in her own right. Elizabeth Keckley was an is an inspiration to many designers, past, present and future.
Photo: Getty
A telling story of what gilded glamour means from a different perspective. We commend SJP for such an iconic fashion moment, and for using this occasion to showcase black talent and shed light on black history! What a true class act.
If you tuned in to Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Season 14 Premiere last night, you might have seen a familiar face!
That’s right, I attended Marlo Hampton’s Le Archive party wearing a Nadia coat from FashionBombDailyShop.com and Hair from IndiqueHair.com! In a confessional, Marlo calls us the #1 Black Blog in the World. So Cool!
