A horrified student of Garissa University College was rescued two days after hiding in a closet to escape the horrific attack on her school. According to the Kenyan Red Cross, the 19-year-old was found dehydrated but apparently unharmed.
Cynthia Cheroitich who said her room mates that hid under the bed were ordered to come out told CNN of how the terrorists separated muslims from non muslims before killing them.
“They told my other roommates who had hidden themselves under the bed,” she told CNN. “They told them to go out. When they were outside now, they said if you don’t know how to read to them in the Muslim word, whatever, you lie down. And then if you know, you go to the other side.”
Cynthia said she covered herself with clothes while hiding in the wardrobe and drank body lotion because she had no access to water.
When she was found, Cynthia was too terrified to come out of hiding. She only believed it was safe to come out of hiding after the head of the university convinced her that it was finally over and safe to do so.
The horrible and bloody attack took the lives of 147 people.
Vashtina Johnson is the winner of Diva Face of Colour 2015. Apart from Divas Face, the 31-year-old model has participated in Top model UK 2015 finalist (3rd place in public votes), as well as Miss Jamaica UK 2014 finalist.
According to Vashtina, her “forename is partly derived from the bible” and says she’s a “Diva by nature!,” because in the book of Esther – Vasthi was a Queen.
Vashtina, who said she’s proud of her Jamaican heritage and say’s her grandmother is a Ghanaian from the Ashanti tribe. She holds a degree in Beauty Therapy and Health Studies, as well as another one in International Spa Management.
On her career she to Divas of Colour: “I’m currently excelling in 2 careers; one is a full-time Executive PA for the Professor of Medical Physics and Bioengineering. This role extends to the provision of admin support for a team of gifted medical scientists and technicians. Additionally, I’m a freelance catwalk and commercial model and recently directed my first charity fashion show for Children with Cancer UK. With support from a dedicated team of volunteers, I was able to donate £1,217 and intend to continue these Charity Fashion shows, supporting a new children’s charity per event.”
In the middle is Vashtina Johnson accepting her price as the winner of the face of Divas of Colour, standing beside her on the left is Diana Tambe of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam and Black Pearl Secret, an African inspired fashion brand. On her right is the founder of Joliette.
Speaking of her InspirationVashtina Johnson said: “I feel extremely honored and privileged to be part of the Divas of Colour organization, which was selflessly established by Faustina Anyanwu to recognize the difference our prominent women of colour make to society. On March 21st, 2015 I felt so spiritually elevated to be surrounded by so many inspiring women of colour and look forward to promoting the work of these high achievers.”
Speaking on her aspirations, Vashtina Johnson said: “It is evident that Beauty Queens have the power to influence charitable giving via promotion of charitable causes and education of the strife and plight of those in need. As Diva Face of Colour 2015, I will continue to strive to be a leading humanitarian, using my status and talent to improve quality of life for socially and economically disadvantaged people.”
On her motto, the Diva Face winner said: If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.” Muhammed Ali.
Maggie Smith has been announced as the Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2015. Maggie was the overwhelming favourite, chosen by the public on Africa Fashion Week London’s social media platforms and takes over the mantle held by Chi-Chi Nwuba, the winner of the title in 2014.
“Maggie is of Ugandan and Scottish heritage and with her beautiful personality and impressive work ethic; she is an excellent ambassador for African fashion and the perfect representative for Africa Fashion Week London,” the brand’s press release states.
Speaking about the title, Maggie said: “I’m so proud to be the Face of AFWL 2015. The journey so far has been very overwhelming & the support I’ve had so far is incredible. I look forward to the rest of this experience & intend to enjoy every minute.”
For winning the Face of Africa Fashion Week London award, Maggie’s had a photoshoot with renowned photographer, Gabor Szantai. She was styled by a top Paris stylist Crystal Deroche. She was styled by the top stylist, Sandra Webb who was provided by Motions – the official hair sponsor of AFWL 2015.
“Maggie was a pleasure to work with, she was a natural in front of the camera. She is a great example of the Motions woman, in she does not merely wear a hairstyle, she owns it, said Szantai.
SEE ALSO: What Do You Think Of Nnooll’s Latest Collection Showcased At Africa Fashion Week London 2016.
Makeup brand Fashion Fair’s artist Abby Hopkins enhanced Maggie’s striking looks to create an unforgettable day and a magical shoot.
“It was a pleasure working with Maggie who is a great representation of AFWL 2015. We used Premae Skincare to prep her skin before applying Fashion Fair make-up products and she looked wonderful,”Hopkins said about working with Maggie.
Speaking about why the award was organised, Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder of Africa Fashion Week London said, “It was to engage with our social media fans and a way of giving something back to them by getting them involved in the voting process a fun way of getting our ever-growing supporters involved in AFWL.”
According to AFWL, attendants of the 2015 edition of the biggest event in Europe with a focus on African and African inspired fashions, will have the opportunity to meet Maggie, who is this year’s Face of Africa Fashion Week London.
The Face of AFWL is the flagship competition, awarding the winner with the chance to work with and learn from industry professionals.
SEE ALSO: #AFWL2016: Nipo Skin Showcase Latest African Print Styles For Men.
Born in Birmingham United Kingdom, Rose Perkins is a fashion designer and the winner of Diva Designer a the just concluded Divas of Colour event. She is the owner of FashionSistas, and describes it as a “clothing brand for Strong women and men who are not afraid to go against the norm.”
Perkins, who is of Jamaican heritage says her designer Icon is Alexander McQueen. On how she became a designer, she said: “In 2012 I was made redundant and decided to enrol on a sewing course in March 2014. I had been managing an online shop buying and selling prior to that with much success but I felt the urge to take it one step further and invest in myself to learn a new skill. This gave me the opportunity to express my creativity into designing unique edgy clothing.“
On her design inspiration, she says she design “by sight not by sketching”. She says she loves reading magazines, visiting material shops, and creates something everyday through her imaginations.
“Fashion to me is a passion and an expression, where a person can differentiate themselves
and create a style that is comfortable, empowers them and shows their individuality,” she said.
On winning the Diva Designer from Divas of Colour, she said: “I won! This is my first ever fashion award. I am so overwhelmed. When the divas of colours diverse models of all shapes and sizes strutted their stuff on the catwalk it was heartfelt. I couldn’t contain myself backstage I was welling up because they were all so different but unique on the catwalk. They acted in the character of the clothing they wore. I am so grateful for this award as I have had a long journey full of adversities to get to this achievement.”
Happy and proud about receiving the award, she says it’ll help the community take her collection seriously as she’s not a fashion graduate. “ This will be the start of something great,” she said about the award.
“ In the past 6 months I have had some amazing opportunities in the Midlands Awards and with House of Ikons in Dubai and L.A. I am hoping to return there to showcase again. I have styled for musical artists at Brazil Carnival 2014, MOBO awards Lady Leshurr, Miss Brazil UK Paula Souza our Brand Ambassador, Miss Birmingham pageant, upcoming opportunities include Miss England contenders and Miss Nigeria U.K, pending collaborations are in the pipeline too,” she said about the opportunities coming her way.
Talking about how the L.A. show gave her the opportunity to meet influential people, she said: “ it was amazing I met a lot of influential people there including famous international designers, movie stars, musical artists. It was such a red carpet experience with House of Ikons in conjunction with forthestars who dress the likes of Rihanna, Nicki Minaj.”
On her advice for aspiring designers she said: “Do what you enjoy, learn as much as you can whether on a sewing course or via a degree and believe in yourself because believe me you can make things happen if you really want it enough.”
Nigerian-German female artist, Nnneka covers New African Woman Magazine UK April/May like never seen before. In a feature interview with the magazine, Nneka talks about her new album, Nigeria where she grew up, and about empowering women.
Africa Fashion Week London has announced Motions to be the official hair sponsors of this years edition of Europe biggest fashion event. Motions, a leading care hair brand will be supporting the best African fashion event to provide a platform for the best fashion designers of Afro origin or those whose works are inspired by African prints and other African fabrics. The event will also provide a platform for unknown African fashion designers to showcase their work to a large audience.
This is not the first time Motions is sponsoring the annual fashion event designed to showcase the best of contemporary African designs that will be taking place on the 7 and 8th of August at Olympia, London.
Motions will be creating all the hairstyles for the catwalk during the two-day event. Top hairstylists will be styling the models with Motions’ wide range of innovative hair products, creating glamorous and iconic looks to complement the dynamic fashions that audiences have come to expect from the shows.
In addition to producing catwalk looks, Motions will also have its own stand where they will be hosting numerous activities including demonstrations competitions and a Hair Clinic where top stylists will be on hand to provide expert hair advice. As hair sponsors there will also be a Motions VIP Lounge & Hair Boutique where visitors will be able to purchase the exclusive AFWL Motions Gift Sets.
The partnership between Motions and Africa Fashion Week London continues into its second year; proving to be successful collaboration for two innovative and pioneering brands. With all the action taking place in one of the most exciting, culturally diverse cities in the world, AFWL 2015 promises to be showstopping two days.
It was 19:00, and it was finally showtime! Before the anticipated collections that we were all waiting for, we had a few talks from motivational speakers such as the CEO of Divas of Colour and editor of C.Hub Magazine Faustina Anyanwu.
Emer O’neil Chief executive of Depresseion Alliance
Following from the talks we had a selection of collections such Ghanaian designer Kwame Koranteng who showcased his beautiful cuts of cultural attire from his Kwame Koranteng Couture for both males and females. We also had designer brand Ashanti Heritage who showcased the elegant evening – wear collection. There was also an exclusive performance from the one and only Valentine Afrobeat, and comedy by Oyinbo Princess.
Emeka Anyanwu co-host of #DivasofColour and husband to Faustina Anyanwu
Our hosts for the night were Tunde Bella and Emeka Anyanwu. Emeka Anyanwu is the publisher of C.Hub magazine and husband to Faustina Anyanwu, the organizer of Divas Of Colour.
Tunde Bella, co-host of #DivasofColour 2015
Mandy Sangera a human rights activist speaks on forced marriages and human trafficking.
The man himself Mr Kwame Koranteng (middle) with two models wearing his collection.
Remi and Sade
Photo above is model Remi in red and Sade Johnson in white. Sade is the fashion editor of AfroCosmopolitan and the founder of Fashion Feast TV.
The man himself Mr Kwame Koranteng (middle) with two models wearing his collection.
The second edition of the annual Divas of Colour was held on March 21st at the prestigious Hilton Hotel located on Rotherhithe Street in South London. The show, in association with International Women’s Day was organised to celebrate, encourage, as well as inspire women.
Since we arrived on time to witness the exhibition and the #DivasOfColour 2015 show, this article will show and talk about some of the statement pieces that were exhibited. From flags to geometric shapes, bold colours and big size, most of these pieces were inspired by Africa beliefs, tradition, and more! If you’re someone that like to stand out among the rest, some of the statement pieces that were showcased at the event are sure to vamp up your dressing table.
STATEMENT PIECES
When we spoke to Sabrina about her African inspired jewellery, she mentioned that her personal style is heavily influenced with the handmade collection as it is a representation of who she is and where she comes from.
All the jewelleries are handmade from perspex and wood. Another word for the perspex is acrylics – as most of us know it to be. Sabrina stated that black African women tend to shadow away their heritage and embrace westernized culture. However, Sabrina has chosen bringing back the African within her and embracing it through her intricate pieces.
Sabrina’s pieces are inspired by African flags, women combs, the cross, shapes (such as triangles, circles, rectangles, etc.), bright colours, cowries, alphabetical letters, and many more.
Kyna Jewllery
Kyna Jewellery was another brand that exhibited its statement pieces at the #DivasOfColour 2015 event. The UK based online jewellery boutique sells exquisite 18K Gold plated jewellery and bead sets to women who wants to stand out.
Intimate Ties Couture
Intimate Ties Couture exhibited these colourful and African inspired ties for men. The brand describes its products saying “The neckties and accessories we design tell the history of Africa through the use of visual images known popularly as Adinkra in Akan language.”
The Kent based African-Inspired woven and printed silk neckties makers says Adinkra symbols are linked to the beliefs, songs, proverbs and stories Ghana people.
Here is some kids fashion style you should be taking a look at. Jennifer Hudson attended the Kids’ Choice Awards with her 5-year-old son David Daniel Otunga, Jr. where the little fashion icon stole the show. The proud mother goofed around with her soon while on the red carpet posing for photos in Los Angeles yesterday Saturday, March 28th. After having some fun time with her son, who is fathered by her longtime fiancé David Otunga, the Dreamgirls star and recording artist took to the stage where she performed Trouble with Iggy Azalea.
The little style icon wore a pair of black pants, a black tshirt with prints on the front, a pair and black ad white bomber jacket.
David completed the look with a pair of multi print sneakers, a fedora hat, and dark sunglasses.
Kids fashion can be fun and Jennifer Hudson is seen enjoying her moment on the red carpet with her son.
What do you think of David’s attire for this red carpet event? Is this a style you would like your little boy to rock? Share your views by leaving a comment below.
American actress and mother of six, Angelina Jolie attended the Kids’ Choice Awards with her her daughters Shiloh (8) and Zahara (10). They children were very happy and jubilated when their mother was announced as the winner of the of Favourite Villain for her role in Maleficent in the live-action reimagining of “Sleeping Beauty.”
Angelina made her first public appearance yesterday after revealing she had a preventive surgery to lower her risk of cancer by removing her ovaries.
“When I was little, like Maleficent, I was told that I was different. And I felt out of place — too loud, too full of fire, never good at sitting still, never good at fitting in,” Angelina said about feeling out of place in her acceptance speech.
