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.

Duro Olowu meets J.C. Penney

As we all know african fashion na # 1 right now lol meaning (African Fashion is #1).
 I am so excited to see the Western and African world merged in a way that the glory is shared. In the recent years we have seen western shops and use african print and overpriced it to the max, not saying african designers dont too. Its just that I am glad that this collaboration offers 

clothing in such an affordable way. According to okay africa the price

of the clothing and accessories will start from $10 to $100.00 which is pretty fair.

Bellow are pictures of clothing and accessories from the collection that are my favs.

     

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

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.