The Nigerianstreet wear scene for some time has been dominated by labels in the west most especially in the country’s fashion capital Lagos. But don’t be deceived the boys in the other parts of the country are not sleeping.
GRD stands for Graphic research department and they have Graphic design Lab (design studio) and GRD clothing. The outfit operates out of Kaduna and Abuja. It was formed way back in 2005 by Williams "blackchild" Chechet and Jesse Yakubu whilst they were under grads at A.B.U Zaria.
Williams was studying building engineering while Jesse was studying Architecture in the same faculty. They noticed they both had unique skills that when fused could create something big so they decided to work together in 2005. They initially made first contact with each other since 2002 when they both got admitted into the university.
The panda "graphic panda" is the logo of the GRD clothing line and the concept behind the graphic panda is that, it’s actually a gas mask with cross pencils and spray cans just like the idea of skull and cross bones.The tees are available in black with different panda logo colors for guys and all other colors for girls.
In the near future GRD clothing plans to roll out with stuff like hats, denims and snickers; also a children’s line.
Nigerian Top Male Model TY Ogunkoya as most of you know is on the cover for FAB magazine’s 4th issue but for the sake of those of you who haven’t seen the full inside spread, here you go….Styling was done by my pal Larry B of (I’m The Only One On My Street blog) and photography was done by the dynamic husband and wife duo known as SubySinem.
FAB is available at 1000+ WH Smith's shops and independent retailers in the UK alongside other retailers in the US, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, Australia, South Africa and the Caribbean as well as of course their long-established countries of distribution, Nigeria and Ghana.
I thought to add a dose of menswear to the blog after being away for so long and readers who have mailed me requesting to add more menswear stories. One Nigerian Boy is not strictly for women, its FASHION period.
As I continue to advance in age I find that I like proper dress shoes more than any other kind of footwear. My tastes are so deep that if I walked into a roomful of people it’s probably only the elderly ones that would fancy my grandpa looking shoes.
My favorite shoes in my wardrobe are all vintage and over 10 years old each from the look you sef go know and I got them all from my coded guy at his bend down select roadside stall somewhere on Lagos island.
These tassel loafers are my favorite of the pack and they are by Nunn Bush, known for quality and craftsmanship.
These are Tombelli, I don’t need to tell you that they are Italian kmt. I wear them the most out of the shoes featured here. These shoes give me pure oxygen, even though at first they were sort of tight on the feet.
The vintage levels wan kill dis one, so tey d name sef don peel comot fact these shoes are sort of ugly at first sight and cool later makes them one of my favorites. I mostly wear shoes without socks so the holes help with proper aeration.
In a world where image is crucial, we usually have music stars exemplify the ideal way to portray yourself fashionably. This trickles down to the fans of music who also take their style to new heights that are evidenced at music shows like The underground which happened on the 26th of dec in Lagos, Nigeria.
Love the not so discreet tattoo
The Underground is a music talent hunt gathering held monthly and now in its 3rd month. I was pole axed at the size of the crowd who turned out to listen to Nigeria’s next music stars and support the growing underground music scene in Nigeria. My raving eyes did not miss certain stylish details and elements of style in display and not only was I trend spotting, I was also cool hunting.
I love the fact that loads of guys are getting into beads but I prefer them tinier, like the ones this dapper dude has got on.
Rings Porn!
Colored watches were the time telling medium of choice for many
Is it safe to say that girls don’t fancy tiny strap watches again?
Batik Print Shorts
At yet another event, a boatload of Toms, espadrilles and summer chic loafers show up, retailers TAKE NOTE
One of the acts of the night Sammy, I must confess he was my fav
The Fagbure twins Fola and Fela (pictured above) are the creative’s and owners of startup label, Alex Folzi. They were born August 13, 1991 in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria and grew up in Benin/Lagos/Abuja before finally moving to Canada for studies. Growing up they practically travelled all over the world and have been to more than 20 states in Nigeria alone. This knack for adventure and exploration served as inspiration for their label. They are undergrads at Grant Macewan University studying commerce with majors in International business.
What’s the inspiration behind starting up Alex Folzi? Funny story; we remember getting into an argument on how much we spend on clothes in a month (because it was really much). We argued and fought so badly my sisters couldn’t separate us. So we finally came up with a conclusion “Hey why don’t we just start our own line” The inspiration for the brand came from our “Entrepreneurship Sprit” like our mum would say. We always had a huge passion for fashion. So we decided to mix that with the little knowledge of business to start our own line. It motivation started last year back in December after a trip from New York. We decided to start this company because we had so many designs already drawn on paper.
What’s the story behind the name of the label?
We are Alex Folzi. Well Alex is the short form of Fola’s English name “Alexander” and Folzi comes from Fola as well. That was the nickname given to him back in high school. People often ask why we decided to use one person’s name for the brand. But to us it doesn’t really matter. We decided to use Alex Folzi because Fola had the first idea to start the line.
How old is the label?
The label is just 11 months old. It was founded January 2010 and incorporated April 2010.
What’s the label's ethos?
The world leader in vintage, classy and elegant style. Alex Folzi has been associated with the art of fashion since January 2010. Our styles allow for the uniqueness of individuals who seek to express themselves through fashion.
What other creative endeavors are you guys involved in?
Modeling, Fashion designing, Interior designing, Fashion styling, Directing (short movies, photo-shoots), photography, Entrepreneurship and PARTYING (Yup, we party hard lol)
Who is the Alex Folzi man?
The Alex Folzi man is gentle and that allows him to express himself through fashion. Also inspired by vintage looks, and the iconic design styles of the Military.
Do you guys intend to add other products to your product list?
Yes we do. We have actually started working on the next collection for our apparels and accessories. It’s been delayed for a while due to schoolwork. But hopefully before next month we should be done with the designs.
Where are your goods produced?
This collection was manufactured in China. Our next collection would be manufactured in Canada/The States.
