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From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials - Bellafricana

From Rebrand to Radiance: The Timeless Elegance of Moelle Essentials

How Doyinsola Ogbeifun is redefining occasion wear with a focus on fit, femininity, and confidence

 

 

 

 

When you meet Doyinsola Ogbeifun, founder of Moelle Essentials, there’s an instant calm that draws you in, the kind that comes from someone who understands grace, structure, and the quiet power of confidence.

Her journey into fashion wasn’t a loud or impulsive one. It was built over time, shaped by observation, curiosity, and an ever-present desire to create clothes that make women feel as good as they look.

A Pause, A Rebirth

Moelle Essentials first came to life in 2018, born from Doyinsola’s vision to design elegant, well-fitted pieces for women of all shapes and sizes. But as with most creative journeys, there was a moment of pause — a three-year break that became a period of reflection and rediscovery.

In 2022, Moelle Essentials returned rebranded, refocused, and ready to redefine occasion wear.

The brand found its rhythm again, this time with a clearer purpose: to celebrate diverse body types through elegant, accessible designs that don’t compromise on quality or comfort.

 

 

Fashion That Fits Every Woman

Walk into Moelle Essentials’ world, and you’ll find pieces that speak of balance, classic yet modern, bold yet feminine. From flowing dresses that move like poetry to structured fits that celebrate the body’s natural silhouette, every design is made to make women stand tall.

Whether you’re petite, curvy, or tall, Moelle offers both ready-to-wear (RTW) and made-to-measure pieces. The goal? To eliminate the struggle of finding occasionwear that truly fits.

As Doyinsola puts it,

“Elegance should never be a privilege. It should be accessible — and it should fit.”

The Moelle Woman

 

 

 

The Moelle woman knows her worth. She loves sophistication without shouting it. She values quality but also seeks versatility. And above all, she wears her confidence like her favourite dress effortlessly.

Every piece by Moelle Essentials is designed with that woman in mind. From the first sketch to the final stitch, Doyinsola ensures that comfort, style, and precision go hand-in-hand.

Redefining Occasionwear

Moelle Essentials has carved a niche in occasionwear, reimagining what it means to dress up. It’s not just about sequins or silhouettes; it’s about emotion. The feeling of slipping into a dress that fits perfectly. The quiet excitement of looking in the mirror and saying, Yes, this is me.

With elegant fabrics, timeless cuts, and detail-oriented craftsmanship, Moelle’s creations are meant to stay in your wardrobe, and your memory for years to come.

 

 

 

 

The Future of Moelle

As Moelle Essentials continues to grow, one thing remains clear: the brand isn’t chasing trends — it’s setting a standard.

It’s about creating clothes that tell stories of women who rise, reinvent, and walk into every room like it was designed for them.

And in that story, Moelle Essentials isn’t just making dresses. It’s making statements — one confident woman at a time.

 

 

Connect with Moelle Essentials
Instagram: @moelleessentials
Website: www.moelleessentials.com

Bellafricana published in africa, Destinations, Life Style, People & Culture, Travel

5 Reasons Why I Want To Visit Mauritius

Lately I have been thinking about travelling the world, and making memories that I will gist my kids about later on when they’re born, and almost everyone around me seemed to be talking about Mauritius, so I decided to do some research, and now I really want to go there!!!! Don’t judge me yet though, here are 5 reasons why I really want to visit Mauritius.

  1. I always aced Geography in high school, and I really did love the subject. But I never got to see many of the things I was taught in my textbooks. E.g Volcanos. Interestingly, Mauritius is a volcanic island that first rose above the waves eight million years ago. Who wouldn’t want to see that? Especially if you claim to love Geography
  2.  In 2017, Mauritius was named one of only four countries in the world which had no involvement in ongoing international or domestic conflict and no tensions with neighboring countries. The others were Botswana, Chile and Uruguay.
    (Source: p.13, Global Peace Index 2017) 

  3. Known to Arab and Malay sailors as early as the 10th century , Mauritius was first explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and subsequently settled by the Dutch, the French and the British in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries respectively. It finally gained independence in 1968.
    (Source: CIA World Factbook) Four different colonial masters, and they still managed to stay grounded till date? Please I need to go there and ask some questions.

  4. The is no official language in Mauritius, although English and French are the ‘national languages’. The vast majority of the population (85.6%) speak Creole, a French-based patois.
    (Source: CIA World Factbook) I am thinking about teaching a few people the Pidgin English I learnt while I visited Warri for 4 months. I’m positive that they will love to learn it.
  5. The life expectancy in Mauritius – 70 years for men and 75 years for women – is higher than the world average and is well above the average for African countries.
    (Source: Britannica) I just want to find out how they live that long. I want to live long too. I need to confirm if the world will actually be run by robots like all those sci-fi movies tell us.

Above all, Mauritius is a really beautiful island, and I love beaches, I am a fine girl, and I have a good camera on my phone. Don’t we just go together like bread and butter?

Have you been to Mauritius? I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below.

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Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, Clothings, News, Textiles

Kenyan Company Green Nettle Textile won a major fashion award for making fabric from nettles

Organic fibers made from nettles has bagged a Kenyan company one of the world’s top sustainable fashion prizes.

Green Nettle Textile was this year awarded almost $170,000 as part of the $1.1 million Global Change Award, a fashion innovation challenge initiated by H&M Foundation in collaboration with management consulting firm Accenture and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Described by some as the Nobel Prize for sustainable fashion, the award seeks to disrupt the fashion industry by choosing early stage ideas and incubating them towards the goal of an environmentally-conscious, circular fashion instead of a wasteful, linear model.

This year, the competition received 6,640 entries from 182 countries, with a tremendous increase in entrances from emerging markets. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa were among the top 10 nations that submitted entries for the award.

Green Nettle won the award along with four other firms that made expanding children’s clothes (United Kingdom), a biodegradable vegan leather (Peru), a digital system that helps make garments recyclable from sketch to scrap (Germany) besides a toxic-free membrane for outdoor wear (Switzerland). Besides financial support, the winners will also get access to a mentorship program that will take them to markets including Sweden, Hong Kong, and the United States.

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Using nettles in producing fabric was astute given that the plant grows in Kenya and is used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. After the Kenya Bureau of Standards certified the plant in 2009, farmers in Kenya started betting on its newfound commercial capabilities. Green Nettle Textile is now proving an extension of that dynamism, hoping to grow the stinging plant in barren areas to make an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fabric and create income for farmers.

As clothes become cheaper and more disposable, the fashion industry has explored how to create clothes for rapidly growing populations while protecting the planet. The overproduction and overconsumption of fast fashion have especially come under criticism—including how eco-friendly is clothing from the chief GCA award sponsor H&M. There have also been concerns about how much energy and water clothing production consumes, besides how much industrial waste factories release into oceans, rivers and natural habitats. Environmental groups like Greenpeace have, for instance, advocated for companies to change their customers’ mindsets and to design clothes for long life.

In Africa, where there’s a nascent manufacturing and fashion industry, local designers are not just challenging reductive ideas of what makes up “African” fashion but also where to source materials from. Last year, Rwanda raised tariffs on used clothing and footwear from the US as it positions itself to become a significant exporter of clothes. Yet funding has proved critical for these designers and manufacturers, an issue creative funds like HEVA want to change.

To further support companies like Green Nettle, H&M Foundation this year partnered with crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to not only get more people to back the winners but also raise awareness about sustainable fashion worldwide.

This article was originally published on qz.com

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Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, bellafricana, Destinations, Resorts,

Tourism The Beauty Of Africa : Top 8 Wildlife Safari Parks In Africa

An African safari trip is an experience of a lifetime as you get to satisfy your wanderlust in the wild and marvel at nature at her absolute finest. Each destination is as diverse as the culture and people so visitors always have a wealth of options for their adventure.

Some travelers come in for the amazing scenery, while others flock to get some outdoor action like hiking and hot air balloon rides. As such, it pays to have an idea of which locations offer what experiences you seek. If the highlight of your safari is to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, however, then consider these top eight wildlife safari parks on the continent:

1. Kruger National park

This is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa and is located in the northeastern parts of South Africa in the province of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The park occupies a 19,485 km square and is regarded as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The Kruger National Park is a beautiful wilderness that is home to the ‘Big Five’, as well as hundreds of mammals, including antelope, wild dog, jackal, giraffe, and Blue wildebeest.

2. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is located in Tanzania, stretching all the way to the East Masai Mara regions in Kenya. It is a world famous safari park spanning over the 30,000km square with an unparalleled panorama of vast rolling plains. The Serengeti boasts a variety of wildlife including the famous ‘Big five’ – Lions, African leopard, African bush elephant, eastern black rhinoceros and African buffalo. There are over 500 species of birds and carnivores like cheetah, hyena, honey badger, and African wild dogs.

One unique feature and a must-see for every tourist is the annual migration of wildebeest. Over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, and antelopes migrate here between June and November to find better grazing. This phenomenon has been categorized as a world wonder.

3. Hwange National Park

Formerly known as Wankie game reserve, Hwange National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe today. The park spans an impressive 14,651 km square and was named after a local Nhanzwa chief. It became a national park in 1961 and is located in the northwestern part of Zimbabwe between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Hwange offers an amazing variety of wildlife, such as impalas, African buffaloes, lions, as well as one of the largest population of elephants on the planet, and more than 400 bird species.

4. Masai Mara National Reserve

Recently ranked as the number one Safari Park on the planet by World Travel Award(WTA), the Masai Mara Game Reserve is indeed a wonder to behold. It is located in the southwest of Kenya, running along the Tanzanian border and occupying a 1,510 km square area. The park is named in honor of the famous Masai tribe and is famous for its exceptional variety of wildlife including the ‘big five’ and the Great Wildebeest Migration.

5. Chobe National Park

This breathtaking wildlife park is located in the northern parts of Botswana. It is the first national park in the country and third largest park after Kalahari and Gemsbok national parks. Covering up to 12,000km square of land, Chobe National Park plays host to concentrations of diverse wildlife including lions, giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and over 450 species of bird. The Park is divided into four areas: The Serondela area, the Savuti march, the Linyanti March, and Hinterland.

6. Kibale National Forest Park

Kibale forest national park is located in western Uganda and spans across 776 km square. It is regarded as having the highest concentration of primates in all of Africa because of its impressive array of chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as other endangered species. Visitors here will also be amazed by the lush rainforest and scenic landscapes.

7. Etosha National Park

Located in the northwest region of Namibia, Etosha National Park covers more than 20,000km square and is famous for its ease in spotting varieties of wildlife. Unlike other African safaris where you have to drive round to see the animals, the animals at Etosha national park usually come to you. Simply park your vehicle near one of the many water holes and enjoy viewing animals in their hundreds — lions, elephants, gemsbok, springbok and various bird species.

8. Luangwa National Park

Several wildlife enthusiasts have dubbed Luangwa National Park as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This is because the concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The park is situated in the eastern part of Zambia and covers 9,050 km square area. The river is filled with hippos and crocodiles, while the land supports over 60 species of mammal, including Thornicroft giraffe, cape buffaloes, elephants, and leopards. It also supports a large population of bird species.

Article culled from africa.com

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Bellafricana published in Articles, Clothings, Fashion, Fashion

EONL’s New Work Wear Collection Is Definitely A Stunner

Make way! Eyiyemi Olivia Nigeria Limited (EONL) is coming through with some banging work wear pieces for our corporate chic. And as a sharp girl that I am, I decided to give you a sneak peek at some of the amazing pieces in this HOT new collection.

EONL is a women’s wear design outfit with a strong bias for The Real African Woman who is confident in her curves and loves her African Print. EONL has a ready to wear line made for the real African woman, to supersede her expectations in terms of quality, price, comfort and aesthetic. The mission of EONL is to promote, wear and invest in Africa.

Whatever your size, shape or structure, EONL has what you need to make that body pop! EONL creates pieced for the discerning African Woman, and helps to boost their confidence.

It is definitely a breathe of fresh air that you can now rock amazing, properly fitting, timeless pieces to work, and slay like a boss all through your activities!

This new collection will be available for purchase from the 14th of April 2019. To ensure that you do not miss out on this, follow @eo_nl on Instagram, or connect with the  via email on eonl@eonl.net

For now, here’s your sneak peek. See something you like? Feel free to pre-order by sending an email to eonl@eonl.net or send a DM to eo_nl

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Bellafricana published in Articles, Fashion, Fashion, Life Style, Textiles

Why Naomi Campbell believes Africa should guard its fashion and fabrics jealously

Africa should guard its fashion and fabrics jealously to stop the western world coming in and making a fortune from them, says one of the world’s best known supermodels.

Naomi Campbell– draped in an elegant gown, in the colours of a peacock with a flamboyant head wrap crowning her towering six foot frame, took to the stage Friday at the Durban International Convention Centre, South Africa for the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit.

“Africa needs to keep its fabrics to itself,” said Campbell.

Campbell is known as one of the longest working supermodels in the world and she hopes the continent can make more out of her fashion world. She believes that African prints and designs can be but exported profitably.

Campbell was the epitome of fashion on stage and appeared to practice what she was preaching.

“It’s Marianne Fassler,” said Campbell proudly of her frock. Fassler is one of South Africa’s pre-eminent fashion designers, who has worked with Campbell before. Elevating African fashion and its designers is a passion of Campbell’s, who has spent 33 years strutting down the catwalks of the world.

“My passion and drive is to see this continent of Africa be as great as it should be,” said Campbell.

The self-styled rebel, Naomi Campbell, was in Durban, South Africa to address leading women from across the continent and the world over.

Today marks the 44th celebration of International Women’s Day. The official date, March 8th, was recognised by the United Nations in 1975 and is a public holiday in many countries across the world.

“We should have more than just one international women’s day, because we do so much,” insisted Campbell.  As well as fine jewellery, Campbell wears many hats. She has spent over a decade working on charitable causes with organisations such as UNAIDS and says that other than empowering women’s health, making sure young girls are educated and self-reliance is very important to her.

Culled from CNBC Africa

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Bellafricana published in African Food, Articles, Local, People & Culture

African Platter Map – 6 Mouth Watering African Rice Dishes You Should Try

Rice can be considered a staple food in Africa, because majority of people in African countries eat this meal in a variety of ways. I think we have more rice recipes than the Asians who first cultivated this crop. My mum is a caterer, and I remember eating different types of rice meals while growing up, and my favorite used to be coconut rice. Still is actually.

The most common way rice is served in African homes, is usually with stew made from tomato puree and any protein of choice. But all over the continent, there has been an amazing rice evolution and we have seen rice dishes made with the craziest ingredients. The fun part however, is that they always taste sooooo good. Today, I will be taking you away from the ”conventional rice world” and I will be showing you some amazing African rice dishes you should definitely try. Lets get started!

WAAKYE

This is a Ghanaian delicacy made with rice and beans, which can be served on its own, or eaten alongside the famous Ghanaian pepper sauce, fish, or spaghetti. This dish is one thing to look forward to on your next trip to Ghana.

KENYAN/SWAHILI BIRYANI

A speciality of the Coast of Kenya, this biryani is one of my absolute favourite kind! The masala is cooked separately and the rice separately, then the two are served together. Some ingredients used in this dish are potatoes, fresh tomatoes and yogurt, to name a few.

MUPUNGA UNE DOVI (Peanut Butter Rice)

I’m pretty sure you have never thought about using peanut butter for anything other than toast. But here in Africa, we make it a point of duty to change the game. This rice dish is prepared with Dovi (peanut butter) and can be eaten plain or served with beef sauce and best cooked with Basmati.

PALM OIL RICE

This rice dish is popularly known as concoction rice, mostly because all the ingredients are put in at the same time. It is an alternative of Jollof, and is prepare with palm oil and other local ingredients such as, dry fish, scent leave or pumpkin leaves.

COCONUT RICE

Have I said that this is my favorite? Oh yes! This dish is made using the milk from the coconut and garnishes with dried fishes, crayfishes, prawns etc. Trust me. this dish is divine! I can make some for you if you like.

JOLLOF RICE

The most popular! This rice dish has caused very interesting twitter and Instagram wars. I don’t even want to go into that right now. This dish is a West African favorite that generated from the Wolof people of Senegal. This dish is used in almost every celebratory gathering, ranging from birthdays to weddings and so on.

What are some other African rice dishes you have tried out and would recommend? let me know in the comments. I just may try it out.

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Bellafricana published in African Food, Events, Exhibitions, Restaurants

GTBank Food And Drink Fair Is Back!!!

Are you wondering why I am so excited?

Just imagine yourself surrounded by deliciously looking cuisines and delicacies from all around the world. You will definitely be spoiled for choice. Just imagine looking through and seeing some sizzling hot afang soup, efo riro, ewa agotin and agege bread, some lasagne, tacos and so much more staring at you in the face! Ah! Heavenly right?

This is just the tip of the iceberg, because GTBank food and drink fair promises a whole lot more! If you are hearing abou this fair for the first time here, here’s a brief explanation below. (You can find out more here)

GTBank Food & Drink Fair is GTBank’s annual food exhibition and sales event that aims to project the diverse angles of the food industry by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sale of food-related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts.

This year’s edition will take place on 28th, 29th, 30th of April and on May 1st, 2019 at the GT Centre – Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

GTBank’s annual Food & Drink Fair is an annual exhibition and sales event that aims to project the diverse angles of the food industry by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sale of food related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts.

There will be a wide variety of food exhibitors showcasing and selling food products ranging from fresh organic groceries to dry foods, confectionary and pastries, ready to eat consumables, top quality crockery and wine & champagnes.

In addition to the exhibition and sales, the GTBank Food & Drink event will also offer culinary experiences such as food and wine tastings, cooking master classes with renowned International and Nigerian chefs, outdoor grills and thrilling entertainment.

The exhibition will host more than 70 food exhibitors across 2,400m2 of exhibition space within the Food & Drink Centre at Plot 1, Water Corporation drive, Oniru, Victoria-Island, Lagos. The best part is attendance is free!

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Bellafricana published in africa, Destinations, Life Style, Resorts, Travel

Tourism The Beauty Of Africa : Most beautiful beaches in Kenya

I have always loved pictures of the amazing places in Kenya. Even when asked where I want to spend my holiday, most times I’d just passively say Nairobi. I wasn’t sure what drew me to Kenya, but looking through pictures while putting this article together, I’ll have to say that subconscious just knows how to pull me closer to the things I love. Beaches are a happy place for me anytime, and I have even been jokingly saying that I’d love to have a beach side wedding. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something right? Hahaha….

Although Kenya is justly celebrated for its national parks and wildlife, it’s also home to some of the continent’s best beaches.
Astride the equator on roughly the same latitude as the Seychelles and Maldives, Bali and northern Brazil, Kenya enjoys the same geographical conditions as some of the world’s top sun, sea and sand destinations.
The Indian Ocean is soothingly warm, colored varying shades of green and blue. Coral reefs, many of them protected inside marine national parks, shelter much of the coast, providing habitats for a plethora of sea-life.
There’s enough breeze for sailing and wind-powered adventure sports, but not so much that it’s going to blow you away.
Once upon a time, there wasn’t much in the way of beach side hotels beyond Mombasa and Malindi. Nowadays, however, there’s accommodation at every level, from backpacker hostels to chic boutique properties.
The same goes for the restaurant scene, where a wide selection of places serve modern takes on traditional Kenya cuisine, as well as international dishes.
Most of Kenya’s best beaches are located just north and south of Mombasa in the southeast. The northeast shore is virtually deserted except for exotic Lamu Island and a few hideaways around Mambrui. Read on for the lowdown on the best beaches in Kenya.
Diani
Despite the powder-soft sand and seawater that runs a dozen shades of blue, Diani Beach on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast always has you looking skyward.
At the black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees and scampering over the roofs of the seaside villas. At the skydivers and kite surfers hovering high above the strand. And — if you’re up early enough — at those incredible sunrises over the Indian Ocean.
Framed by coconut palms, Diani is wide, white and very long. Coral reefs protect the beach from heavy surf, creating perfect conditions to swim, float or snorkel. Beach side bars and cafes provide snacks and liquid sustenance. After dark, some of Kenya’s best coastal nightlife is on offer here.
Diani also makes it easy to combine surf with safari at nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, both little over an hour away. It’s also an adventure sports hub, renowned for kitesurfing, skydiving and deep-sea fishing.
Overnight digs run the full range, from backpacker hostels and modest B&Bs to beach side boutique hotels like AfroChic, and upscale private villas such as Alfajiri.
Chale Island.
Kenya’s only private island resort floats less than the length of a soccer field off the mainland but feels like it’s a million miles away.
Surrounded by coral reefs and covered in thick tropical vegetation, the island has one main beach as well as several small secluded strands where yours are likely to be the only footsteps in the sand. Except for amphibian fins, that is, because Chale is a nesting place for several species of endangered sea turtles.
The Sands at Chale Island hotel curls around the main beach on the island’s windward shore. Beach bumming is the main activity, but the resort can also arrange snorkeling or scuba diving in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, kayaking in the nearby mangroves, catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing and excursions up the coast to Diani Beach.
Gazi
Perched along the coast road between Diani and the Tanzanian border, this secluded sandy stretch is known only to the most ardent Kenya beach freaks. Sheltered by Chale Island, the waters are calm and the sand backed by old coconut groves which provide shade for those who find the equatorial sun too strong.
Mangroves thrive at the north end of the beach, accessible via the Gazi Women’s Mangrove Boardwalk, a landmark coastal ecology and ecotourism project. Women from the village manage the site and provide guided tours of the mangroves. The closest hotel is the Cove Treehouses, on the far side of the mangroves from Gazi village.
Kikambala
This lovely stretch of coast between Mombasa and Malindi is a different beast to the rest of Kenya’s beaches. Until a few years ago, the shoreline was more renowned for its sisal (agave) plantations than fun in the sun.
But several new mega-resorts have transformed the beach area into something more resembling the Caribbean. Foremost among these is Vipingo Ridge, a sprawling hilltop compound with incredible Indian Ocean views and the top-rated golf course in Kenya. Also new is the daily Safarilink air service connecting Kikambala with Nairobi and Diani Beach.
Despite the frantic development, you can still find refreshingly empty sands and more modest digs along Kikambala’s southern stretch, as well as further north, around Kilifi Creek.
Lamu Island
The old Swahili town of Lamu is a living museum of the hybrid African-Islamic-Arabian culture that dominated the East African coast for hundreds of years.
Shela Beach on the island’s windward side is long, soft and entirely undeveloped. And because there’s no barrier reef, this is one of the few places along the Kenya coastline where you can hang ten on fairly surfable waves.
Crash at Kizingo resort and spend your evenings wondering the waterfront, popping in for drinks on Peponi’s breezy terrace or the rooftop bar at the old and venerable Petley’s Inn.
Mambrui 
A short drive north of Malindi on the coast road, Mambrui flies under the beach-going radar, a hideaway for those who know the coast well. Steady offshore winds make this another kitesurfing nirvana, but Mambui also lends itself to deep-sea fishing, snorkeling at Malindi Marine Park, long strolls on virtually empty beaches, and quick jaunts into nearby Tsavo East National Park.
There are a few modest hotels in town, but the place to stay is Che Shale out on the cape. Founded in the 1970s and still run by the Aniere family, the stylish seaside escape caters to couples, diehard kitesurfers and those who just want to get away from it all.
Nyali 
Located across the creek from Mombasa, Nyali is Kenya’s most metropolitan beach. Happily, though, the lack of high-rise hotels and urban traffic makes it feel farther away from the big city than it really is.
Behind the long white-sand strip lie upscale beach homes and resorts like Whitesands and the Serena. The coral reefs and sea grass meadows of Mombasa Marine National Park are ripe for exploration by scuba or snorkel.
There are also plenty of urban distractions here: Malls and supermarkets, butterfly and crocodile farms, Hindu temples and even a golf course.
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Bellafricana published in Exclusive Interviews, Fashion, Fashion, Uncategorized

The Bellafricana Verified Tribe – Gbemmy Johnson

Hi there amazing reader! I know it has been a loooong time since we talked about the fabulous members of the Bellafricana verified family, so I decided to bring you some amazing insight on the delectable Gbemmy Johnson of Oeclat today.

Gbemmy Johnson is the brain behind O&#39Eclat Designs – a dynamic brand creating beautiful and affordable handcrafted totes, clutches, purses, wallets etc.

Oeclat is influenced by African rich culture and colours, hence the use of rich African prints, leather and plethora of other materials with a contemporary edge. Each piece represents a perfect individuality and style with key attention to details. With inspiration drawn from everywhere, every piece is a unique, classic design made for fashion lovers of all ages.

Gbemmy Johnson is making moves everyday and with each opportunity, to fulfil her vision of becoming a unique fashion and home accessories brand by providing accessories which value longevity and individuality over the disposable. Her mission is to make clients stylish with beautifully created artistic and tasteful adornments that exude an elegant edge. Creating affordable and quality handcrafted leather handbags and accessories brand inspired by the rich and beautiful African culture and tradition. Made for the modern woman who does it all without compromise.

Oeclat, birthed in 2010, is pronounced O-ey-klah and is a derivative of the designer’s name Oluwagbemisola and a French derivative English word Eclat which means distinction. Oeclat was born out of passion and an ongoing love affair with African rich prints and leather – its smell, malleability, durability, color and texture.

Gbemmy Johnson studied Biological Sciences (Microbiology) at the University of Ilorin and also has a diploma in Fashion Merchandising & Design from the Stratford Career Institute. She has also participated in various online and hands-on seminars and workshops on designing, and leather repair and restoration.

Focusing on perfecting her product and the attendant slow-burn success, the talented Gbemmy is building a brand, and importantly – a business that is here to stay. With an unrelenting mindset, despite formidable infrastructural issues plaguing the fashion industry, she soldiers on – producing an extremely well-made leather line and best selling purses season after season.

With this stable foundation, O’Eclat is poised for more ground-breaking success – she boasts more than a few fashion insiders as her brand loyalists, and word of mouth is her best press. Plus she is Bellafricana Verified.

The label’s core collection, with signatures including the Michelle Midi and Michelle Maxi handbag, her bestselling pieces are available for sale in nationwide through her online store and partner stockists.

Today, I’m throwing it all the way back to 2017, when Gbemmy Johnson was interviewed by Isoken Ogiemwonyi on Bellanaija Style. I enjoyed reading this interview a lot, and I thought to share with you. Keep reading to find our more.

NB: This interview was culled from www.bellanaijastyle.com

On choosing the brand name O’Eclat & its meaning:

O’Eclat Designs (pronounced O-eyklah) is a derivative of my name Oluwagbemisola and Eclat which means Style, confidence, distinction etc.  I wanted a name that is not entirely eponymous and would not be too much hassle to register as a business name.

O’Eclat Designs is a Nigerian ethical leather handbag and accessories design label, birthed in 2010 by Gbemi Johnson.

We produce quality and affordable handbags using premium leather and indigenous fabric handbags and accessories locally from our workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. Our range of handbags will take every modern woman from dawn to dusk, appropriate for a business meeting as they are for brunch or happy hour, giving you the freedom to go about your day with ease, empowered to better live your busy, modern lifestyles whilst also preserving the traditional techniques used in the production of our handbags, providing jobs for the skilled artisans and supporting indigenous businesses.

How did you start the brand ?

O’Eclat Designs was born out of a need to find the beautiful, perfect sized and affordable handbag and clutch that fits all our essentials and allow us keep up with our everyday lives. The need encouraged us to find skilled local artisans who are [into] handbag making within the country.

On the design process

‘A lot of thoughtfulness goes into the production of each and every O’Eclat piece. The design aesthetic[s], the quality of material used and the attention to detail. After coming up with a new design or product we normally would start to see what the pattern and the form, which is the size and the silhouette, the function, which includes the purpose and ideal use and then the materials, which includes the fabric, leather, lining and the hardware that will work perfect with your designs.’

On launching a brand in the Nigerian fashion industry:

‘It takes a lot of effort and determination. You have to do a lot of research about the industry, be persistent as the competition is a lot and you can easily loose track if you’re not committed to your journey’

What was your greatest challenge? And how did you overcome it.

My biggest challenge till date will be finding the right team who shares and understands my vision for the brand.

I was very determined and I knew giving up on my business will never happen, getting my desired business goal might be slow but I knew I’m closer to it each time I put in an effort and try again.

What do you think makes O’Eclat different from other brands?

The affordability and quality of materials used.

We also offer a 12 month warranty on all of our bags. If you are experiencing unforeseen quality issues, we offer free and easy repair options within the warranty period and charge a small fee when warranty period expires.

What’s your favourite product/design and why?

As the designer, it’s hard choosing a favourite as each and every product has a story and the purpose it serves. I love my Michelle Midi handbag as my everyday workbag due to its size and functionality; I switch to my Michelle Maxi  handbag due to its size, for days I want to go in between business meetings. Weekends and Travels are for my Michelle Mini handbag and Mila Clutch.

On a day in her life:

I start my business day with my emails, which most times determine how my day will go if I have not had anything pre-planned before,

I get to spend most of my day at the studio to supervise what we have going on, visit some of our retailers and attend to business appointments offline and online.

What have been your best sellers so far?

Michelle Midi and Mila Clutch

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start his or her own business?

Stay true to yourself and be committed to your journey. It’s not going to be an easy ride, prepare your mind to failure, pick yourself up when you do and start all over again. It’s all part of the process.

What’s next for O’Eclat?

We are working on introducing a range of small leather goods while continuing to improve on our production quality and expanding our sales channel[s].

What has given you your biggest boost as a business (fashion show, tradeshow, publication etc)

We are yet to showcase our handbags at a fashion show, so it has to be Publication and Tradeshows in that sequence. Publications have given us a lot of media awareness and exposure while tradeshows allow our customers and first time buyers experience our products first hand, they get to see, touch and feel what they are paying for.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt on your journey so far?

Staying true to myself and being persistent.

In three words O’Eclat is: 

Stylish, Affordable, Quality

You can purchase O’Eclat online at  http://oeclat.com and at her stockists listed below.

Grey Velvet Stores (Lagos and Abuja)

Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja

Circle Mall, Jakande Lekki

Centro Lekki Mall, Lekki

Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja

Glam’d Africa Abuja

40, Durban Street, Wuse II

Abuja.

For more information, contact:
WEBSITE: www.oeclatdesigns.com
EMAIL:  info@oeclatdesigns.com, oeclat@gmail.com
TWITTER: @oeclat
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/oeclat

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Bellafricana published in africa, Articles, News, Textiles

CBN To Set To Revive Nigeria’s Textile Industry

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plans to revive Nigeria’s textile industry, unveiling measures that will see the development achieved. To this effect, the CBN has placed a restriction on forex access to importers of textiles and other clothing materials into the country. Henceforth, importers of textile and textile materials will not be able to purchase foreign exchange from banks and Bureau de change as well as other operators in the official foreign exchange market.

The announcement was made by the CBN Governor, Mr. Emefiele, at a meeting with textile industry stakeholders which held in Abuja last week.

“Effective immediately, the CBN hereby place the access to FX for all forms of textile materials on the FX restriction list. Accordingly, all FX dealers in Nigeria are to desist from granting any importer of textile material access to FX in the Nigerian Foreign exchange market.”

According to Mr Emefiele, the restriction will boost the domestic textile industry as well as create jobs for Nigerians. He noted that the apex bank would initially support the importation of cotton lint for use in textile factories, with a caveat that such importers will begin to source their cotton needs locally beginning from 2020.

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