Excellence is reflected through colors, innovative designs, fabric quality and meticulous finishing thereby creating both couture and ready – to – wear garments with impeccable detailing.

Maze was born in Nigeria and came to the UK aged 18 to study, following courses in London, Maze graduated from the University of Greenwich with a degree in Civil Engineering. During his studying, he made clothes for individual clients and worked with couture and product designers. Maze has also worked for luxury companies such as Montblanc and Christian Dior under the LVMH Moët Hennessy  helping him develop his creative style and gain an understanding of luxury garments.

Contact

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 489 1542

Mobile UK: +44 (0) 798 414 960

Mobile Nigeria: +234 706 969 9903

Email: info@mazecouture.co.uk

Website: www.mazecouture.co.uk

According to the founder, “It all started on Facebook but with the popularity and high demand there was a need for a more user friendly, self service site to bring you what you need, when you need it.With a vision on starting a new business…., but confused on how and where to begin …  A Pet Project for Bola has now become a fulltime job for Sade Adesuyi-Ajayi and loving every minute of it …”

“The greatest fundamentals of success is the aptitude to speak and acknowledge the expressions of truth and wisdom”

Designer Abimbola Oyewole’s inspiration comes from simple understated pieces, colors and patterns to create beautiful designs that display well. Her passion for fashion was born as an unsatisfied retail consumer. With a lot of influence from her heritage, through the use of vibrant and ethnic prints, Qétura strives to bring awareness to the renaissance African woman. Qetura’s Philosophy is elegance through simplicity.

Qétura is for that stylish woman who works hard during day, meets her girls for happy hour on a week day, weekend brunch and of course provides that extra kick for an evening out on the town

Credits: Africa Fashion Week NY, Designer, Abbiee Oyewole

Qetura is available online. www.Qetura.com

Also check us out on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Qetura

Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/Qetura

Contact Info; Abbiee Oyewole; abimbola.oyewole@Qetura.com

Beyond our hopes and dreams, only lies the execution of actually exhibiting pure efforts into those perceived thoughts and allowing those thoughts to become alive that were once conceived. Chigozie Anaele allows this notion to be more than just a statement. She makes it reality. It’s simple; she is pursuing her dream with eloquence. Transforming Nigerian fabric to unstoppable and undeniable custom made pieces to help a woman get to her destination. She is more than just a designer. She is an artist and an entrepreneur. At the tender age of 24, Chigozie has seeded her dream and birthed KACHI Designs.

Every stitch, every hem, every cut is worthy of museum display. With the choice of favorable colors, the creation embarked on a silhouette displays true fineness and compliments true beauty for all shapes and forms. Her selections are sensual but yet they all burst with a certain amount of sex appeal. One can feel exotic and priceless all at the same time.

Her journey began with the urgency of constantly pleading with her father to buy her a sewing machine. In her state of mind, “I can’t” was never discovered because impossible became possible in her dream and reality. Her drive to hone her craft and perfect her sewing was fueled by her determination. How many of us have used the simple fact that we can’t because we don’t know how? Well, pay attention, because without a single class or even the slightest instruction from any seamstress, this young Nigerian talent has proven that she can.

Her dressmaking is round the clock from dusk to dawn and it began from the sheets stripped from her cushion of comfort. Yes, ladies and gentleman, I do mean her very own bed. Chigozie had sewn her very first dress using her bed sheets. Money was scarce starting out so she used the resources that were in front of her. However, trial and error has molded her to what you see today.

Little did she know her hobby became her gift?  From one custom request to another, has led to many invites to numerous fashion shows and unending orders. Thus far, however, her biggest accomplishment is her ability to maintain her focus, pay attention to quality, and thus limit her growth so that neither is compromised. With the anticipation of Houston Fashion Week, she is solidly in execution mode, not wanting to disappoint in her hometown.  She is set to showcase a collection that will, undoubtedly, leave the crowd yearning for more.

Beyond the inches of her measuring tape, she has a passion to help you and I bring out the beauty that resides in all of us. Chigozie celebrates the woman form with a strong emphasis of color in an avant-garde and couture kind of way.  She combines ethnic fashions with her own modern twist creating one-of-a-kind unique designs that makes a statement for the modern woman.   Her pieces are timeless and bold. And, like every artist, her works are an expression of who she is. KACHI Designs is by far, play wear. If you decide to step into one of her designs, please be ready to bring it and not necessarily with an attitude but with sophistication. She brings the art of culture to its finest form. Taken back by the gawking of others but to leave one standing with stage presence in pursuit of the runway! In a KACHI Design, you are at the forefront and will literally be center stage.

You can rest assure Chigozie Anaele will be emerging as one of the leading new fashion designers of today.

Houston was the first City to crown America’s Next Top Healthy Hair Stylist.  It was not easy but the judges decisions are set to be final.  Houston, Texas now has a winner of the Extreme Healthy Hair Showcase and his name is Robert Young of Robert Young Salon.  Robert Young placed first to walk away crowned America’s Next Top Healthy Hair Stylist in Houston, 2010.

As the winner of the contest, Mr. Young received a huge trophy, a 7 day 6 night Cancun Vacation at a 5 star resort, a personal video, and many other prizes valued at over $5,000.00.  All of the nominees received plaques, so everyone walked away with something.

The competition was both fierce and exciting.  The contestants were, Robert Young of Robert Young Salon, Zenobia Smith of Lady Z Knows Hair, Donita Conner Bessard, Mass Appeal by Episodes, Renae Hardy, All About You Hair Care Envy Salons #132, all of Houston, Texas and Ashley Sparks, Hair By Ashley of Pearland, TX.

The evening was filled with beautiful people, light cocktails, tasty appetizers, raffles, vendors and so many levels of entertainment and excitement to keep up with it all.  The show was co-hosted by Healthy Hair Society’s CEO Leola Anifowoshe and Top Houston Hair Designer, Rodd Anderson who changed designer suits to further entertain the crowd, throughout the show.

[View with PicLens]

123►

Donita Conner Bessard came in 2nd place and Ashley Sparks came in 3rd place. Zenobia Smith won the Charity Challenge portion of the contest which entailed contestants collecting the most items for a charitable cause in the least amount of time.

To top off the elegant hair designs displayed throughout the hair show, was an exclusive top of the line fashion show presented by Ms. Makeba Collins of Houston’s Shoezy Lover Boutique and http://www.qscollections.com.

The Hair Showcase ended with a Celebration of the Launch of the Extreme Healthy Hair Society’s cutting of the 2 tier Vanilla, Burberry creme cake. The cake cutting and photo session was done with both CEO Leola Anifowoshe and Contest Winner, Robert Young simultaneously cutting the cake.  Robery Young made sure to share one of a few delectable, Specialty dark, chocolate dipped Strawberries with none other than his two beautiful Hair Model Winners , Sierra Ellis and ___________________ as well as his lovely Mother who was relishing in smiles and adoration throughout the show for her son’s big win.

This show was sponsored in part by Pro Image International, Paul Mitchell the School and Aurum Strategies.  Ms. Leola encourages everyone who has or knows of a healthy hair Stylist to nominate your Stylist for the Next Houston Show which will be in April 2011.  Also if you are in search of a Healthy Hair Stylist, the Healthy Hair Society can direct you to one.   You can visit www.NominateMyStylist.com for more details on how to nominate your Stylist.  To visit the Healthy Hair Society online go to www.healthyhairsociety.com

Photos by Bode Ojo for Golden ICONS Inc. Golden ICONS is a celebrity, lifestyle, inspirational and entertainment magazine tailored to embrace and highlight the outstanding deeds of ICONS and Citizens of Africa, America and Europe.

The fashion show also featured designs from Sheila Denanyoh (Ghana) of Ill-la-la Designs; Arthlene Legair (Dominica, West Indies) of the Legair Brand; Kahindo Mateene (Democratic Republic of Congo) of Modahnik; Maryanne E. Mokoko and Stephanie T. Mouapi (Cameroon) of Côté Minou; Mekdes Tefera Taye (Ethiopia); jewelry designer Monalisa Okojie (Nigeria) of NEHITA, and Christiane King (Ivory Coast) from season 6 of “Project Runway.” Liberian-born Korto Momolu, also showed pieces from her fall 2010 Collection — the Korto Momolu Collection.

Before Awilo hit the stage, the crowd was warmed up with an opening act performance by Avin-U C, consisting of three artists – EddyB, Naomi Achu and H.Bolo – all hailing from Cameroon; as well as a performance by Liberian hip hop artists Romeo Mulbah aka 2C and Chris Deshield. The “King of Techno-Soukous Music” then rocked the crowd with his stirring performance.

A portion of the proceeds from the event went towards supporting the magazine’s “1,000 Africans for Haiti” initiative to help the earthquake victims of Haiti.

[View with PicLens]

By Ngozi Mba

Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Felix Saltzman/LookbookLA.com

Bengjof Couture is a private collection of European tailored suits, dress shirts and accessories in contemporary fabrics, colors, styles and silhouettes for the fashion-forward male.

[View with PicLens]

1234►

Photos by Bode Ojo for Golden ICONS Inc. Golden ICONS is a celebrity, lifestyle, inspirational and entertainment magazine tailored to embrace and highlight the outstanding deeds of ICONS and Citizens of Africa, America and Europe.

For more Information about BENGJOF Couture, visit their website at: http://www.bengjof.com/

[View with PicLens]

Golden ICONS Exclusive Interview with Ngo

Golden ICONS: Thank you for giving Golden ICONS the opportunity to talk to you, as we recognize that you have a very busy schedule. Once again, thank you.

Ngo: You’re welcome. It’s truly my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

Golden ICONS: Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far, especially becoming a two-time Golden Gloves Champion in 2008 and 2009 in the Heavyweight Open Class category. What was the experience like while preparing for it, and after you won the first and second time?

Ngo: I will never forget the day that I started boxing.  It was always a dream of mine to play sports at a high level and compete with the best in the game.  It was perfect for me because I did not have to learn any teammates’ position.  It was just me and my will to succeed against that of my opponent.  I threw myself into it completely.  I breathed it, lived it and dreamt it.  It consumed my whole being.  The New York Golden Gloves Tournament is the oldest and largest amateur boxing tournament outside the Olympics in the world.  Winning was the only thing I thought about.  Losing was not an option.  When I won in 2008, it was more than I had ever imagined.  To win at the Madison Square Garden, in front of a sold out audience was amazing.  It was the happiest day of my life. The first was definitely a dream come true and the second championship was about making history…and I DID.  No one else has ever won back-to-back Golden Gloves championships at the age that I did it.

Golden ICONS: So after winning two back-to-back titles, what’s next for you as a boxer? Should we expect to see more from you in the boxing world or will you focus more on acting?

Ngo: The jury is still out on me fighting professionally. I need to have the right team of promoters, managers and publicists behind me for that to happen. Boxing is a brutal sport and I would like to make sure that my family will be taken care of, before I decide to throw my hat into the pro ranks. Right now, I’m mentoring and coaching a few up and coming boxers, helping them realize their dreams of becoming champions.  I’m currently producing a documentary about making it in America and succeeding as an athlete.

Golden ICONS: You had a recent role as an actor in a movie titled ’THE REBOUND‘ with Catherine Zeta-Jones. When will it be out in the theatres? And could you please give us a snippet of what the movie is about, and what your role was?

Ngo: “The Rebound” is a romantic comedy. I can’t tell too much about the film, but it’s me doing what I do best.  I play a boxer in the film. I want everyone to go out and check out the film when it comes out.  The release of the film has been pushed back a few times for different reasons.  The new release for the US is scheduled for spring 2010.

Golden ICONS: I know that you went through all the trials one can possibly expect anyone from grassroots to becoming a successful model. Every door you tried to penetrate through got closed based on several criticisms, as you have mentioned recently that people in influential positions kept saying: “you’re too big, too muscular, too tall, to grow my hair and all kinds of other insensitive comments which were meant to consciously or unconsciously break my spirit.” I definitely have to commend you for not giving up, and also would love to commend those beautiful ICONS that gave you a chance like “the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige and the Queen Bee, rapper Lil’ Kim for MAC Cosmetics”. What do you have to say about these beautiful ICONS, and what was the experience like while working with them?

Ngo: These women are definitely trailblazers and leaders in the music industry.  They are both great artists and I’m a big fan of their work.  I was able to go on the road with Mary J. Blige’s band.  We went to South Africa and several cities in the US.  In the time I spent with them, I learned how important a strong work ethic is.  Talent can only take you so far.  Hard work will make you a star.

Golden ICONS: It is also very impressive to know that you have featured as a model in a lot of reputable magazines such as: “Vogue, Fortune magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Vibe, The Source, ESPN magazine, and W, among many others”. What reasonable advice do you have for aspirant models? What would you say to other young individuals who would like to follow your footsteps as a model?

Ngo: My advice to aspiring models is to be dedicated, focused and hungry.  If you truly believe that modeling and/or acting is your destiny, then go after it with unyielding force and never take “NO” for answer.  Use the word “NO” as a motivator. Hard work is the key to success.  You have to take care of your body.  Your body is your tool.  You have to continue to work on perfecting your body.  It’s a never-ending job.

Golden ICONS: How do you balance your hectic work schedule with your personal life, and what do you do for leisure?

Ngo: My work is my life.  I’m pretty much a workaholic.  I love what I do, so every minute I put into it is for the love of the business.  Even though it can be challenging at times, I enjoy every minute of it.

Golden ICONS: As you have clearly mentioned in the past, becoming Golden Gloves Champion in boxing is just one of your dreams. What are some of your other aspirations?

Ngo: I want to write and produce films.  I would like to run one of the most powerful production companies in the world.  My biggest dream is to make films that portray Nigeria and Nigerians in a positive light.  In the near future, I would like to get married and have children.

Golden ICONS: Who would you say contributed the most to your success?

Ngo: I would say my grandfather.  I was named after him.  He was an artist and a free spirit.  I have always believed that he is watching and guiding me on my journey.  My father played a large role in my success.  He taught me the importance of hard work.  He drove 2 hours each way to-and-from work and would come home and do some more work.  He taught me that no one has time to listen to excuses.  There are two types of people in this world, he would say: people who succeed and people who make excuses and blame others for not succeeding.

Golden ICONS: Tell us more about your documentary that is in the works. Is it a project that you have been working on for a long time? Can you give us a teaser on some unknown interesting facts about your life we can expect to discover?

Ngo: The documentary is about my life.  It tells my story of growing up in Nigeria, coming to America and the story behind my life in boxing and in the entertainment business.  The documentary was the motivating force for me to fight in my second Golden Gloves tournament. I needed a reason to fight and the documentary was it.  I wanted to make history and tell a story about it.  I had to win because we all know that nobody wants to listen to the story of a loser.  So, I had no choice but to train hard in order to win.  You have to check it out.  There is so much that no one except members of my family know about me that I will share in the film. People think they know, but they don’t have a clue.

Golden ICONS: You mentioned earlier that your Dad attained his PhD graduate degree from Harvard University; that is very impressive to know. How is your family dealing with your fabulous career path as a Model, Boxer, and Entertainer?

Ngo: My brother, you know how Naija parents are.  They don’t care too much for the entertainment business. All they care about is that you can pay your bills, help them with their bills and give them grandchildren.  I’m working on the grandchildren part.

Golden ICONS: Lastly, are you a fan of Nollywood movies, and do you have plans to work on any Nigeria based production in the future?

Ngo: I am a big fan of Nigerian movies.  It has always been a dream of mine to come home and work with some of the great Nigerian filmmakers and actors.  I believe that the Nollywood film industry will explode soon and gross more money than other film industries in other countries.

To learn more about Ngo, visit http://getingo.com/

Interview by Bode Ojo for Golden ICONS Inc. Golden ICONS is a celebrity, lifestyle, inspirational and entertainment magazine tailored to embrace and highlight the outstanding deeds of ICONS and Citizens of Africa, America and Europe.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

NGO-MODEL,ACTOR,GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPION IN A FOX NEWS SPECIAL

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Take a peek at NGO featured on the website of the Wall Street Jornal (WSJ) “behind-the-scenes look at athletes modeling spring suits“. Kate Auletta reports.

Click here: http://online.wsj.com/video/behind-the-scenes-with-model-athletes/F0AF12B9-7684-4068-B85B-FD56D4946ED3.html

In celebration of the 2010 Grammy Awards, Essence magazine recently hosted Essence Black Women in Music, a red-carpet reception to honor nine-time Grammy-winning music icon Mary J. Blige. The magazine’s 40^th anniversary commemorative event was truly a star-studded event and attracted a specially-invited crowd of celebrities and guests to the Sunset Tower Hotel in Hollywood in celebration of “the career and accomplishments of Mary J. Blige as an influential artist, successful entrepreneur and passionate philanthropist.”

Other notable guests at the event included Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Ludacris, Tatyana Ali, Anthony Hamilton, Melanie Fiona, Joy Bryant and Elise Neal, to name a few.

Known by many as “The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige is the first-ever recipient of the Essence Black Women in Music Award. Her multi-faceted career spans over 15 years, including eight multi-platinum records and over 40 million albums sold. Her recently-released ninth studio album, “Stronger With Each Tear,” reached #1 on the U.S. R&B chart.

In addition to her creative and business ventures, since 2007 Blige has used her personal story and success to inspire women through her non-profit organization FFAWN (Foundation For The Advancement of Women Now), whose mission is “to inspire women from all walks of life to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their individual potential.”

[View with PicLens]

By Ngozi Mba for Golden ICONS Inc.

Photos: Wireimage

[View with PicLens]

An Exclusive Insight with the CEO of Studio D-Maxsi “Afuasam”:

The record indicates that your company had featured in several magazines and TV shows including: KITUKIZURI, 3G MAG, AYIKOO MAG, GHANIAN TIMES, GHANA WEB,AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS MAG. Being on council Mag. exposed her designs to over thirty countries around the world. Not forgetting TV feature on WUSA9, WBAL TV and WBFF TV in Baltimore and AFRICAN TOUCH TV SVELTE TV. Afua’s brand of elegant yet edgy collections has gained her a diverse clientele that includes Jamie Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Glynn Jackson of the Golden Scissors Awards Show,

GOLDEN ICONS: I must commend you for all your hardwork and success thus far and you’re such an inspiration to those that are still yet to start. What advice do you have for the upcoming fashion designers?

Afua: MY ADVISE TO INSPIRING FAHION DESIGNERS IS TO LET THEIR PASSION BE THE MOLTIVATION TOOL.

GOLDEN ICONS: What motivated you into fashion and design? Is there anyone in your family that is doing the same thing?

Afua: My father was a Musician. What motivated me aside from my Dad being an artist was my passion for CREATIVITY.

GOLDEN ICONS: How did you come up with the name Studio D-Maxsi?

Afua: Over the years, Afua’s sense of strength and purpose has grown tremendously allowing me to broaden my horizons and use my experience to create an empire; a legacy that my children could inherit. My vision and focus led to Studio D-MAXSI. The name was derived from the initials of my children – MAwuko and SelaSI e (the “D” stands for design and the “X” is included for phonetic reasons). Hard work, determination, and self sacrifice have kept Afua motivated.

GOLDEN ICONS: Who do you look up to, and who inspire you?

Afua: I LOVE VALENTINO, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, AND JOHN GALLIANO.I,M INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING AROUND ME

I ALSO CREATE A LOT IN MY MIND.

You can contact Studio D Maxsi Designs at http://www.studiodmaxsidesigns.com/ or afua@studiodmaxsidesigns.com or301 442 3977.

More Exclusives about Studio D-Maxsi coming  soon to you by Golden ICONS.

Interview by Bode Ojo for Golden ICONS Inc. Golden ICONS is a celebrity, lifestyle, inspirational and entertainment magazine tailored to embrace and highlight the outstanding deeds of ICONS and Citizens of Africa, America and Europe.