Tag Archives: Cuts for him

Title is still work in progress: all suggestions welcome!

Quite laterally, I cannot settle for a name for this article as my mind keeps pushing and pulling me back and forth on different ideas. Seventies look with a modern twist, a story of brown on navy, or simply settle for the re-emergence of the turtleneck? At best none of those titles even come close to telling the full story and at worst, well they just don’t make sense by themselves.

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You know what, I’m just going to carry on describing the look and leave you all to come up with Continue reading Title is still work in progress: all suggestions welcome!

Beautiful Architecture – C F HIM in Istanbul

I promised two weeks ago I would share my experiences in Istanbul with you but have not been able to do so until now. I apologise for the delay and hope its worth the wait.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in all its beauty with a blue sky backdrop. This architectural beauty also holds great historical significance as it connects Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It was once a church, then converted to a mosque, and now a museum. one of my fav monuments in the city

I will be sharing my experiences of Istanbul in two parts. The first article (this one) will look at this city’s architecture, where the second article will explore food, hospitality and the people.

First of all, whenever I talk about architecture in Europe, there are two main cities I benchmark my idea of beautiful architecture from which are Barcelona and Prague. I know other European cities have beautiful architecture as well, but the above two left a lasting impression on my mind for so many reasons. You can check out articles of my Prague experience here and here. But anyway, this article is about Istanbul so let me reel it in a bit before I get carried away with talking about other cities. Oh and the fact that Istanbul is not even in the European union is probably a good enough reason for me not to compare but anyway, moving on.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue mosque) was built from 1609 to 1616 during the rule of Ahmed 1. This mosque caused an uproar within the muslim world when it was built with six minarets matching the great mosque in Mecca. The uproar prompted the Sultan to order a seventh minaret to be built in the Mecca as a gift. The blue most is opposite Hagia Sophia with less than four minutes walk between them

Ok, basically I have heard so many things about Istanbul from different people who gave good reviews about this city. At this point, you would think it’s a no brainer for me to just pick up my suitcase and head out there right? Well guess what, that’s exactly what I did. Apart from the little scare I got after seeing on telly the tragic occurrence of the Ankara bombing on the 10th of October, there was no stopping me from travelling to Istanbul. As with many of the places I travel to for the first time, I did not know much about Istanbul. In fact, I know so little that I couldn’t have told you more than 10 facts about this city. Shocking right? Well wait until you hear my big confession. Continue reading Beautiful Architecture – C F HIM in Istanbul

Beauty and Brains – Three cheers for success!

Before i go any further, i just want to advise you in advance that this post is very personal. Thought i would take a little break from the usual and celebrate the success of my sister and model, Jennifer for not only completing her masters degree but also in outshining everyone in her course! This beauty and brains was able to do us all proud by completing, with distinction, which warranted a prize as she was the only student to achieve such a feat.

It was a beautiful moment for the entire family to hear her name called up on that stage and see her confidently walk across to collect her degree.

If there is one person that deserved a distinction, it would be Jennifer, she burned the midnight oil night after night persevering for her dream. If i am completely honest, this came as no surprise to the family as this young woman has a history of doing very well academically. However, one never gets used to that amazing feeling you get when you see your sister souring and reaching her full potential.

Anyway, let me not bore you with a lengthy article. Please help me in congratulating Jennifer on applying herself diligently with one of many gifts given to her by God.

Oh and please forgive me for the image quality. I struggled with the lens i used on that day.

Once again, well done Jennifer. Many congratulations to you and your friends!

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Pre-graduation ceremony shots
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Pre-graduation ceremony shots
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Pre-graduation ceremony shots. #Family
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This is what happiness looks like
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Pre-graduation ceremony shots

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Cuts for Him and Her – Men’s fashion on the modern woman

Creative director Rita Colson and Model Jennifer Kamara – make up session just before the shoot

The short story

This article is not so much about me and what I am wearing but has everything to do with the look model Jennifer has on. You can read about the description of my look and it seasonal significance in my previous article “How to stretch your summer into autumn with a suit”. Right here right now, I just want to say men’s clothing rock. I mean how else can a woman wear an iconic piece of men’s item like a dress blazer and completely own it with such elegance and grace? One word, versatility!

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Model, Jennifer Kamara

The long story

Ok now hear me out for a few minutes at least. This shoot or indeed this concept of sharing my wardrobe with Jennifer started off as a necessity which quickly turned out to be a total blessing and a revelation to me personally. I picket up the phone to style consultant and creative director Rita Colson two days before the shoot was due to resign myself to the fact that the shoot might be called off as the male models I casted to feature with me could not make it. Sensing the massive disappointment in my voice the genius that is Rita quickly turned my fortunes round by suggesting the use of a female model instead. I have to be honest and say that I was very wary and apprehensive of the idea at first for the simple reason that I wouldn’t know what to do if I should style a woman using my wardrobe. I mean I already planned and styled the male models so I struggled to replace that idea at such a short notice.

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Model, Jennifer Kamara

 

You can image the relief and excitement I had when Rita offered to style Jennifer. With an entire floor to ourselves, we spent the whole day shooting and reshooting to get everything right. Because the shoot was a great success, I was able get enough content for four distinct articles two of which explores men’s clothing on women. I made the shoot with Jennifer into a mini two-part series with the first being this article and the second to follow soon.

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Model, Jennifer Kamara

Anyway, who better to talk about this look than the person who put it together herself, Rita Colson. Below is a few paragraphs she put together for this article.

Designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Ghost have sent dresses reminiscent of nightwear down the catwalk, and some stars have even worn nighties out on the town. It’s a real favorite on the red carpet.

There is nothing like a sexy slip dress with a masculine jacket to balance. As demonstrated by Rose Huntington when launching her collaboration with Marks and Spencer earlier this year.

This is the ultimate effortless look for the confident woman who likes to switch it up every now and then. 

A Perfect solution for the festive seasons upon us. If a slip dress or a ‘nightie’ is too daring, this look can also be achieved with a bohemian or a Victoriana twist with a masculine jacket to balance.

Why not try it in one of this seasons must have hues ‘Masala Tones’ Paprika, plum, and burgundy to give it an autumnal touch

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Model, Jennifer Kamara

So there you have it. Here i was thinking the shoot was doomed only for it to turn out to be one of the best so far. Never underestimate the power of men’s clothing.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. I will try to reply to every comment or question

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Model – Jennifer Kamara

Stylist – Rita Colson

Photography – Mista Skee

Location – West thirty six