Doing the Gele Thing

 So I decided to do the gele (African Head wrap) thing. For the longest time my mum has been trying to get me to wear hats or african head wraps.
Gele's are traditionally used for many occasions from sunday services to weddings
and they have been part of Nigeria's history for a long time.
They come in various colours as well as texture,
but generally they are hand made from damask, brocade or asoke.
 I decided to give it a go as I observed from one of my aunty's,
 you don't have to wear the whole traditional outfit to wear a gele.

You  can actually wear these colourful materials with your usual english get ups like i did.
This was my first time tying the gele by myself
(many times someone ties the it for you)
I think i did a pretty ok job lol

Enjoy the pics!

Here is how my beautiful cousin (Peach gele) and other beautiful ladies wore their gele on their traditional wedding day

Check out some of House of Dara has hand made head wraps available on 

http://shop.houseofdara.com/

Perfect to style up your outfit or cover up a hair do. 

Edges are sewn to make for easy styling.

Read more for a video on how to tie your own gele.

Its Wedding Season!

This is definitely the season for weddings. I enjoy wearing African print material to all kinds of events from weddings, to shows, and church events  they are stylish and customized to your fit so why not. 

Do not be afraid or ashamed to step out in your cultural wear find a material/print you like, and

a seamstress you can trust with the the design you have in mind.

Here is one of the outfits I wore to a Nigerian wedding of one of our pastor friends.  

In my culture we have two weddings 

a traditional and white wedding.  This was my get up to to traditional wedding.

Have a blessed day.

We've Got a New Look!!

Yay!!! After sleepless nights, and long hours the new look to House of Daras Online Store and website is completed. They are both up and running and I'm praising God with all smiles!!!! 
*BBM Dancing* 

Everyone is now able to access our website via mobiles/Iphones and smartphones, with the ability to share your favourite T-shirts designs with friends and family through various social medias.

You can even purchase your favorite T-Shirts on your mobiles/smartphones and Iphones

Wherever you are! 
SHOP NOW!

shop.houseofdara.com 

VISIT US!

www.houseofdara.com 

 

www.houseofdara.com 

I want to thank all those who gave me their opinions and helped me out Love you all.

This is starting to sound like an award show. So, I’m out (lol)

Let me know what you all think and I hope you all love it as much as I do!!

~Dara~

For a look at our previous website
Read more
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what do men wear?

I come from a house of girls and even went to an all girls school in london. I have realized that it is more challenging for me to come up with male designs than females. Even when shoping for the guy I am somewhat clueless. lol

I really think this is due to my surroundings. 

So, I always wonder what do men wear?? lol.

I mean when it comes to T-Shirts,
 I love the designs we have so far and I look forward to more wonderful designs.
I ask different guys every year and this year
I want to hear from all of you male and female,

But, I would really like to know

1. What Type of T-shirts guys like?

2. What colurs are best worn?

3. What is your ultimate customized shirts?

4. What type of accessories do you like to wear?

5. Does it matter if the words on the shirt is in another language?

Just to make designing  more of a breeze

Feel free to leave a comment bellow
 or email info@houseofdara.com
 your response..

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Bellow are some of our handsome designs. :-)

 

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

~Dara~

shop.houseofdara.com

Bow-ties In all its glory

I had to write a post on this because bow-ties are EVERYWHERE!! lol  at school, on the train, bus, kids, adults, men and women are rocking their bow-ties in the most unique ways. As you know, House of Dara makes bright and vibrant customized bow ties which are sure to outshine the rest lol. So, I thought I should get some pics that can give everyone an idea of how to rock their bow ties! 

Lets get this show started!

House of Dara Unisex Bowtie
Order here

Lets start with the ladies

Check out the ladies- 

I like the Bow-tie but not too sure on Rihanna's Jacket

Now to the men

Love the Zebra tie. 

Bow ties can be worn with 

a button up shirt, a jacket or a blazer.

Janelle             Miley                   Kendall                Carrie
Janelle has to be my fav next to Kendall

 This is how I rock mine!
Send in pics of how you rock your House of Dara Bowtie and Accesseries and we''ll post it
info@houseofdara.com

Myself & Toke@Her B-day Dinner

House of Dara Unisex Bow-ties are made with Ankara .This is a traditional worn in West Africa (Nigeria) The colours are bright and vibrant ready for any special occasion or a day out with the friends
House of Dara Unisex bow-ties are also available as hair clips and headbands.House of Dara Bowtie
order here

 House of Dara Bowtie
order here

House of Dara Bowtie
order here

House of Dara Bowtie
order here

House of Dara Bowtie
order here

House of Dara Bowtie
order here

For more Bowtie pictures
<--Read more--

Dont forget to follow our blog
~D. D~

shop.houseofdara.com

Funke Akindele!! (Inspiration for all 1)

I have decided to Start a segment called "Inspiration For All".  Being in the fashion industry or any business at all, it is essential that one always stays motivated so as not to lose sight of their goal.  As a result,  throughout this segment I will be sharing with you different bits, pieces, and people that inspire me to keep on moving.

If you have anything you feel inspires you feel free to 

email info@houseofdara.com and 

if it inspires me I'll share it.

Let's start off with this young woman I am a huge fan of... Funke Akindele!

Now Mrs Funke A. Oloyede

(Love this Teal pumpkin dress on her) 

Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa is one of the biggest actresses in the yoruba movie industry and I love what she is all about. In her breakout movie "Jenifa"  she plays a hilarious character which pretty much showcases yoruba (Nigerian language) movies in mainstream african entertainment. What I loved about her and the movie was that it was not only about laughs and games, it also sent a message educating individuals about the truth on the

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV)/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome ( AIDS). 

So why am so inspired by her? I just happened to see a snippet of  an interview put together by Dudu -Afric- AH  and Telafric. The interview reveals that she is a believer of being yourself, following your dreams even if it means "hustling" for it in the beginning. Most importantly, she also speaks on disciplining yourself to be respectful to your fans and always have them in mind.

Snippet 

To view the full interview with TelAfric & Dudu -Afric- AH of Funke Akindele

<----Read more--------

shop.houseofdara.com

AfriCanada Event Pics!

As you all probably know House of Dara was the sponsor for AfriCanada's fashion T-shirts for their 2012 photoshoot, and I must say the whole process has been fun from the moment they called me and stated they wanted House of Dara to sponsor their T-shirts till the very end after the new queen was announced.

  I enjoyed working with the team, the Ladies and the other sponsors. The photoshoot was busy! lol but everything got done in good time.
I am also really happy to see through videos and Facebook postings how Miss AfriCanada 2011
Used this platform to make a difference in her community and represent Africa in with such .

If you missed this years event MAKE SURE ! you dont miss next years
Bellow are photos from
of the beautiful contestants and the event and behind the scenes of the photoshoot

My favourite Pics from the shoot
Pictures  of ladies by Kamshuka

House of Dara, Zainab and Jamal Seaton (AfriCanada Team)

Read More for many more pictures
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Business Vs. Pleasure

My trip to Nigeria was one that has been long overdue for the past 14 years! Yes I said 14 years.

* BB hand over face emoticon*.

My main goal was for business purposes, but as you know, all work and no play makes House of Dara a very dulling house. So here are pictures of the good times in Nigeria. Keep in mind that I do not remember the names of all these places any longer so if you do recognize the area feel free to comment. 

Roommates !!!

Oyinkansola & Dara

The Crew. lol.

Toke, Dara & Ohita

Dara, Chioma & Toke

Chilling at Q Lounge

Favorite meals & Snacks

I actually attempted to bring some Gala back to Canada

and La Casera is just so addictive

Fresh Ackara and bread mmmmmm... That 

was the number one snack I wanted to taste in Naija. Unfortunately, 

it was eaten before meals (see pic below). I didn't 

know Akara could fill a girl up like that. So, enjoy the pics

 of the meal I should have had at the wedding but instead was full

with akara and bread.