Jamming with JayPaul By Designer Tasha 

By Designer Tasha 

Welcome to the Spring & Summer Fashion Roll out series… I had the chance to jam it out with my good friend JayPaul! I have been knowing JayPaul for about 7 years and I initially met him by being on his TV show in Nigeria years ago. He is such a great host, for those who haven’t witnessed his greatness yet. Since then, I have watched this Prince grow into such a dope KING. He is growing daily in TV through acting, hosting and so much more. A lot of people have been introduced to him via the popular tv show Big Brother Naija and he was such a favorite on this show. He truly knew how to make the audience smile, which is his natural being. JayPaul feels like blood family and I am blessed to know him! Check out the Interview & Fashion Editorial with JayPaul… PS: He is on my upcoming film “HeOnlyFell” as well! 

Designer Tasha: 

Introduce yourself? 

JayPaul:

My name is Paul Barnaby Ephraim. I’m a TV personality, creative director, content creator, broadcaster and artiste and most recently a TV reality star. I’m a complete entertainer. 

Designer Tasha: 

Where are you from, what tribe are you from? 

JayPaul: 

I’m from Cross River state, Nigeria. I’m a Prince of the Efik Kingdom.

Designer Tasha:

How long have you been in TV? When I met you years ago you had your own TV show.

JayPaul: 

I have been in television all my life. Started out as a child actor to a TV presenter. I fell in love with Television going to studio sets with my father who was also a broadcaster. 

Designer Tasha:

How long have you been doing music? You are not new to music at all…

JayPaul: 

I can’t even remember but I started music a longtime ago when I was in secondary school. I think it was 2005. 

Designer Tasha:

What do you love about Nigeria? 

JayPaul: 

The food, the diversity in culture, the people. Nigeria is a beautiful place blessed with amazing natural resources.

Designer Tasha: 

What’s one of the craziest things that a fan has done to/for you? 

JayPaul:

It’s amazing how these amazing people wake up daily to send me prayers and good wishes. It’s heartwarming that they want to see me succeed. That alone supersedes every other thing. 

Designer Tasha:

What are some of your goals you have in mind for your career? 

JayPaul: 

I want to be one of the best TV host ever. I want to be able to tell our African stories to the world through film and music. 

Designer Tasha: 

Who would you like to work with in the industry and in what capacity? 

JayPaul: 

There are so many amazing people I’d love to work with. From music to television, there are so many Legends; Kemi Adetiba, James Cameron, Burna boy, Wizkid, Tems etc.

Designer Tasha:

Everyone knows you as the “Happy Guy”, tell me about a time you had to overcome a hard obstacle. 

JayPaul: 

The hardest obstacle I had to overcome was when my father passed away and I had to push all by myself on this journey. The self realization that my biggest cheerleader was no more was heartbreaking but I had to keep going. 

Designer Tasha

Who inspires you? 

JayPaul: 

I take inspiration from everything from around me. Humanity, creation, life itself. There’s no end to learning. Even a newborn baby can teach you something.

Designer Tasha:

Name a few of your favorite places to travel and where you would like to travel.

JayPaul: 

I can’t to see the world and it’s beauty. Dubai is a very beautiful and organized place. I want to see Paris, Vegas, Santorini and many more. I want to explore and document the experience

Designer Tasha:

How was your experience working with Designer Tasha (me), what was your favorite moment

JayPaul: 

Tasha (you) is someone I have known for years. Her tenacity, drive and creativity is top notch. I remember years ago interviewing her on my show when she came to Nigeria. We bonded ever since. Working on this project was definitely something I looked forward to and it was worth it. Every moment on set with her was mind blowing.

Designer Tasha:

Tell us what you have coming up? What should we look out for? 

JayPaul: 

There’s so much coming. I just launched my eyewear line with Neen called WBTG (Who be this guy). I dropped a jam as well recently. 

I’m working on a TV show amongst many other things. Let’s not let the cat out for the bag just yet. 

Designer Tasha: 

What advice would you give the youth that are following in your footsteps of being a tv show host, music artist and entertainer?

JayPaul:

Never ever give up, you are just step away. Keep grinding and stay consistent. It will be hard but it’s a test you have to pass. The universe has to make sure you are ready and deserving of that which you seek.

Team:

MUSE:

@jaypaulmtflamez (JayPaul) 

STYLIST & INTERVIEWER: 

@designertashavr (Designer Tasha) 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: 

@simeon.akin (Simeon Akinbulumo)

APPAREL DESIGNERS:

@yanga_trybe (Philip Uzuazomaro David)

@thestylentity (Labake Temetan)

PHOTOGRAPHER:

@albertogundephotography (Albert Ogunde)

JEWELRY:

@earthonall (Simeon Akinbulumo) 

LEATHER BAGS & SHOES:

@winstonleather 

Rihanna Dines at Nobu in Alaia Blue Denim Knit Halter Top, Pants, and Vintage Dior Bag

Rihanna dined at Nobu Restaurants in Los Angeles last night wearing a vintage Dior saddle bag, a vintage LAFD trucker hat from @blndvsn, a $753 Alaia Denim Halter Top and $1,390 Alaia pants , and $75 Adidas samba sneakers.

Los Angeles, CA – Pregnant Rihanna shows off her massive bulging belly leaving after a solo dinner at Nobu in Los Angeles. Pictured: Rihanna BACKGRID USA 6 APRIL 2022 BYLINE MUST READ: The Daily Stardust / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

Rihanna looks just about ready to pop!

Her vintage trucker had is from resale store, Blind Vision:

Her fitted, cropped, V neck, halter neck, sleeveless top is structured at the front, darts at front, open at back, all over ribbed and knitted, and a straight hem.

It looks like she’s wearing custom pants. The matching skirt available to the world features a back slit in denim-inspired wash.

Her Dior bag is a classic.

Her shoes have a leather upper and a suede toe overlay with a comfortable textile lining.

Love it? Get her look below:

What say you?

Tiffany Haddish attends Grammys Afterparty in Custom Orange and Black Dolce Gabbana Dress

Tiffany Haddish wore a Dolce & Gabbana look to the 2022 GRAMMYs After Party, styled by @waymanandmicah.

With hair by Ray Christopher aka Hair 4 Kicks and Makeup by Kilprity, her bomb look was complete!

Thoughts?

📸 by @mr_dadams

Celebs Love: Both Rihanna and Dess Dior Step Out in Saint Laurent Fuchsia Pink Dress with Mint Green Feathers

Celebs Love!  Both Rihanna and Dess Dior have been spied recently in this $2,290 Saint Laurent feather-trim knitted mini dress.

While Rihanna paired hers with a Dries Van Noten bag and $618 The Attico shoes, Dess Dior rocked hers with $1,420 Rene Caovilla wrap sandals and a $3,695 Judith Leiber Star Elipse bag.

Saint Laurent presents this bold mini dress. Knitted in a mohair and wool blend, the fuchsia-pink piece is trimmed with exuberant feathers on the hem.

They both styled it beautifully!

Love the look? Get it here:

What do you think?

Images: Backgrid/IG/Reproduction

ICYMI: The Top Outfits at the Real Housewives of Lagos Premiere and Everything Worn by the Cast!

While The Real Housewives of Lagos officially airs on April 8th, the series debuted at a private celebrity viewing in Nigeria. The theme for the premiere event was ‘Eko Glam’ and welcomed the cast and Africa’s celebrity elite to celebrate in a cultural display of glamour! Here are the looks that stole the show:

Toke Makinwa

Photo: Felix Crown

Toke Makinwa hosted the event and wore not one but two incredible looks! The first was an intricate crystal embellished, floor-length naked dress by Matopeda Atelier.

Photo: Felix Crown

The next was a Lacey embroidered canary yellow off-the shoulder gown with train, also by Matopeda Atelier. Her makeup was done by Anita Brows, hair by Royce Samuel and outfit styled by Dahmola.

Chioma Ikokwu

Photo: Timi & De Brains

Cast member Chioma looked lovely in a gown by Xtra Brides Lagos with Aquazzura heels and L’alingi bag. Her glam team consisted of makeup artist Tolu Felix with Ade Funke on the hair unit install.

Carolina Hutchings

Image: The Lagos Paparazzi

Fellow cast member Carolina also wore a dress by Xtra Brides Lagos, styled by Mimi Linda Yina. Her hair was done by DV Hair Salon and makeup by Tony Felix.

Toyin Lawani

Image: IG/Reproduction

Toyin Lawani wore an Elegante by Tiannah gown! In this lion-inspired ballgown, she stood out next to the other cast.

Olori Alice Iyabo Ojo

Photo: Nikan’s Konxepts Studios

Olori took to her Nigerian heritage wearing traditional designs by Culture Speaks and Galimi Couture. Her Gele headwear was done by Adufegele and accessories by Wow Accessories. Mirelle Layefa was the makeup artist behind her beautiful glam.

Mariam Timmer

Photo: The Lagos Paparazzi

Styled by Moses Ebite, Mariam wore a sultry Matopeda Atelier dress. Her hair and makeup was completed by Flawless Faces by Jane.

The only cast member who was reportedly not present at the premier event was Laura Ikeji Kanu. Here are some other honourable mentions of looks that commanded our attention!

Priscilla Ajoke Ojo

Photo: Snapp Code

Influencer Priscila Ojo arrived in a feathery Lasosa by Pam Pam dress. Her makeup artist Mirelle Layefa glammed her up who hair stylist Emmanuel Obinna took care of her undo.

Roseline Afije

Big Brother Nigeria runner-up looked beautiful in a semi-nude, fuzzy yellow patchwork piece.

Nonye Udeogu

Photo: Tobi Loke

Content creator Nonye Udeogu strutted her stuff in a red sequins Lex Culture dress with Mach and Mach heels and Tavin Beads jewels. On her makeup was Buoro Sarah Omokoshe.

Sanchan Elegushi

Photo: Seye Kehinde

Fashion, beauty, lifestyle and travel content creator Sanchan Elegushi wore bold prints against neon green, a stellar combination.

Thoughts?

On the State of Fashion: Top Looks from the GLAAD Awards, the Grammys, and the 15 Percent Pledge Gala

Visit + Subscribe to theStateofFashion.Bulletin.com to read highlights from the GLAAD Awards, The Grammys, and the 15 Percent Pledge Gala!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 02: Iman and Tamron Hall attend the 2022 Inaugural Fifteen Percent Pledge Benefit Gala on April 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Fifteen Percent Pledge)

I write, “The 15 Percent Pledge is a non-profit organization created by Aurora James that encourages retailers to pledge at least 15 percent of their shelf-space to Black-owned businesses. They held their inaugural gala on April 2nd at the New York Public Library. The dress code called for Black Tie by Black Designers. Now if only celebrities on major red carpets could try to incorporate more black designers into their wardrobes. Or maybe even just 15%! What a wonderfully diverse world it would be.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 02: Claire Sulmers attends The Fifteen Percent Pledge Benefit Gala at New York Public Library on April 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Read more + Subscribe to theStateofFashion.Bulletin.com for more photos from the epic night!

The Top 10 Grammy’s Red Carpet Best-Dressed Stars: Tiffany Haddish in Prada, SZA in Jean Paul Gaultier, Saweetie in Valentino and So Much More!

After being postponed from it’s usual January slot due to the on-going pandemic, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! Celebrities lined up to parade down the red carpet at 64th annual Grammy Award’s held in Las Vegas. Well-known for being one of the most out-there and daring red carpet events each and every year, 2022 was no exception! The only rule is… there are no rules! See our top 10 picks of the night below!

Tiffany Haddish in custom Prada

Photo: D. Adams

Three words: opulence, dazzle and class! Tiffany Haddish emerged on the scene sporting a custom Prada sequins number styled by the Wayman and Micah duo. She wore Norman Silverman diamonds with hair and by Ray Christopher and makeup by Keita Moore. She did not miss a beat tonight!

Doja Cat in Atelier Versace

Photo: Getty Images

Doja was also dripping in jewels wearing a barely-there, mint-colored, studded Versace dress, platform heels and diamonds by Samer Halimeh, Jacob & Co., Candy Ice, 64Facets and Hueb Jewelry. Her stylist Brett Alan Nelson added a JBL x Disco Daddy Studio bag speaker and Coperni x Heven combo to keep things interesting. Doja’s hair, created by Jared Henderson courtesy of GHD, was giving 90’s pop star realness with an internet-age edge! Her makeup was done by Ernesto Casillas using Pat McGrath, with nails by Saccia.

Saweetie in Valentino

Photo: Getty Images

We loved Saweetie in this shade of Pierpaolo Piccioli pink, wearing a well fitted FW22 Valentino bralette and skirt! Her stylist Timothy Luke truly revolutionized her style in this very moment, and she has never looked better. We stan!

SZA in Jean Paul Gaultier

Photo: Getty Images

The songstress who was won an award alongside Doja Cat stayed true to her garden fairy aesthetics as she made her way down the red carpet in SS06 Jean Paul Gaultier, an excellent occasion to pull out the archives! SZA was styled by Kollin Carter and wore Messika Jewelry.

Jazmine Sullivan in Christian Siriano

Photo: IG/Reproduction

Speaking of award recipients, R&B artist Jazmine Sullivan took home two trophies while stunning in a tribal print Christian Siriano leather suit! The look was finished off with Dena Kemp accessories styled by Zerina Akers.

Snoh Alegra in custom Versace

Photo: Getty Images

Wearing a custom, sleek, strapless silver Versace design, Snoh Alegra shimmered her way down the carpet looking sublime! The gown boasts distressed cutaway slits at the sides with crystal and chain elements – it’s all in the detail!

Billy Porter in Valentino

Photo: Getty Images

You couldn’t miss Billy Porter as he made his entrance wearing a fluorescent pink FW22 Valentino ensemble styled by Ty Hunter and Colin Anderson! The look was accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes and Kismet by Milka earrings.

Chloe Bailey in Valentino

Photo: Getty Images

The Bailey sister was dressed by Valentino, wearing a silver pailette dress with a matching removable cape. Chloe’s jewels were Tiffany & Co. jewels and her heels were Jimmy Choo. Her beauty team consisted of makeup artist David Velasquez and hair artist Fesa Nu.

Cynthia Erivo in custom Louis Vuitton

Cynthia Erivo wore custom Louis Vuitton to the Grammy’s this year, styled by Jason Bolden! The look was a hit, including makeup by  Sam Fine and hair by Nai’vasha.

Kourtney Kardashian in Et Ochs with Travis Barker in Givenchy

Photo: Getty Images

These two were the ultimate cool couple of the night! Kourtney was styled by Dani Michelle wearing FW22 Et Ochs while Travis wore Givenchy.

What do you think of this year’s red carpet?

Main Image: IG/Reproduction + Getty

Celebs Love: Haute Couture Designer Gaurav Gupta, As Worn By Saweetie, Cardi B, Jennifer Hudson, Megan Thee Stallion and Others!

Gaurav Gupta is the mastermind behind the opulent, gravity-defying looks that are topping the best-dressed lists at our favorite award shows lately! The Central Saint Martins alum has carved an aesthetic of his own, and everyone wants in on the fashion action. Debuting his designer trajectory in his home country, Gupta’s designs have made their way onto the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar India amongst a multitude of additional fashion publications. He has spent the last 15 years dressing India’s elite and is now steadily conquering American fashion! Read on to discover more about who he has dressed and his design style:

Saweetie at the 2020 Grammy Awards

Photo: Courtesy of Gaurav Gupta

One of the earliest moments that we discovered Gaurav Gupta was during the 2020 Grammy Awards when Saweetie would arrive to a pre-party wearing a hypnotic Swirl Sculpture gown that was made to her fit. The look was rare and truly noteworthy!

Cardi B’s ‘No Love’ Music Video

Photo: IG/Reproduction

Most recently, Cardi B wore Gupta’s Amorphous Shapeshifter Sculptural Outfit for her music video for ‘No Love’ styled by Kollin Carter! His signature sculpting technique immediately tells us that this is a Gupta creation.

Megan Thee Stallion at the 2022 Oscar’s

Photo: Getty Images

Megan Thee Stallion looked poised as she posed on the recent Oscar’s red carpet laced in Gupta Gaurav. Many thought the look to be a big style moment for Thee Stallion! Styled by Eric Archibald, the sculptured, crystal-encrusted, strapless gown with train and took more than 1500 hours to create.

Jennifer Hudson at the Producer’s Guild Awards 2022

Photo: IG/Reproduction

Jennifer Hudson attended the 2022 Producer’s Guild Awards wearing a custom gold Gaurav Gupta Couture gown that was styled by Jeremy Frierson. Gupta is known for his meticulous glass bead work that bring life to every garment.

Lyric Nicole Ross at the 2020 NAACP Image Awards

Photo: Courtesy of Gaurav Gupta

‘This Is Us’ Actress also blessed the red carpet in a unique Gaurav Gupta design at the 2020 NAACP Image Awards!

What say you?

Main Image: Courtesy of Gaurav Gupta + IG/Reproduction + Getty Images

Bella Thorne Goes for Barely There at Morbius Screening in Naked Woman Syndical Chamber Dress

Bella Thorne attended a screening of Morbius in a $497 Syndical Chamber Dress:

Her double layered mesh dress has a classic red naked body illusion sublimated on. Straps are adjustable for perfect placement. 

A lot of clothes these days leave little to the imagination, but if you love it, get yours here.

What say you?

Images: Getty/Syndical Chamber

Rihanna Steps Out with ASAP Rocky Wearing Freaknik “Who Dat Is? Dat’s Just my Baby Daddy” Tee

Rihanna certainly has a sense of humor about her pregnancy! She was spied walking hand in hand with her baby daddy, ASAP Rocky, wearing a Freaknik t-shirt boasting the lyrics to the song, “Dat’s Just my Baby Daddy.”

She completed with jeans, an AWGE hat, and Union LA x Air Jordan Guava Ice Sneakers.

Her shirt debuted during Freaknik ’97 ( see a similar shirt below):

Listen to the song by B-Rock and The Bizz below:

A collaboration between Jordan Brand and Union LA, the Union LA x Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Guava Ice’ released in 2020 as a follow-up to the brands’ joint 2018 effort. Built with pink suede the upper includes mesh at the toe box, quarter paneland collar to provide breathability.

I grew up in Atlanta during Freaknik days, so this shirt gives me a bit of sweet nostalgia. Thanks, Rihanna!

Get similar tees here.

What do you think?

Image: Backgrid