Twenty Four Carat Cocoa

March Press Release

2010-03-10T09:53:00.016Z

Our March press release is now available! It has some information about the inspiration behind our Autumn/Winter collection: Frozen Inferno

We've had a few requests from stylists and a UK magazine to use our clothes for upcoming photo shoots. This is very exciting for us and I don't want to jinx it by saying too much so I'm going to stop ~~talking~~ typing now and just wait until I have some pictures to show you.

Have a blessed week!

Renaissance of Our Roots - March2010 Press Release

The making of... RooR 'Frozen Inferno' (Part 2)

2010-03-02T21:16:00.005Z

So the clothes were all in some stage of preparation and we started to think about the other details for the show: jewellery being one of the important aspects. We had thought about making the jewellery ourselves, we had some of the materials and we knew what we wanted it to look like. However we had to finally admit to ourselves that there was no way we could have done it all ourselves.

Through a mighty struck of luck (actually scratch that, more of God's perfect timing) I met someone at church who makes jewellery, Mimmie, and she took on the challenge of making a range exclusively for RooR. Mimmie and I took a trip down to Portobello Market to find some special beads and materials for the show. We found so many great stuff (and some pieces for myself too...don't judge me) and then Mimmie started her amazing creations. Because the feel of the show was Ice Queen we chose mainly glass beads and crystal in clear, pinks and blues.

We also started to talk music for the show. We knew we wanted an old school African sound and went through scores of Fela Ransome Kuti's old albums (courtesy of dad and one of our Uncle's music collection) and came across 'Waka Waka' and decided it was exactly what we were looking for.

We're still waiting for the official pictures and video from the show producer and will be updating our website RooR Design once we get them. In the meantime here are some of our shots from the show:

Catwalk Professor - Mr Fierce, runway coach diva extraordinaire

The making of... RooR 'Frozen Inferno' (Part 1)

2010-02-25T23:43:00.012Z

Hi lovely people. This post is long overdue but after a few consecutive days of little or no sleep before the show we all pretty much conked out on Saturday night. I remember my mum (who was out of the country in Nigeria at the time of the show) text me after the show and asked what our choice of bubbly was, little did she know we were counting down the seconds till our heads hit our pillows. The rest of the week was London Fashion Week and the girls and I were out and about at shows et al. But fashion week is over and we return to our regular scheduled broadcast.

I have pictures! Not the actual photos, not yet, but I have pictures from 'Frozen Inferno...The Making Of' to give you an insight into the making of the clothes, from the sketches, the fabrics used and the final pieces. All the pictures are on my Flickr account but I have chosen some of my favourite ones to blog about:

Pieces for the silver flip skirt. Each panel is made from two layers of Gele (Nigerian material traditionally used for head ties) and one piece of lace that has a similar flower pattern. We wanted the panels to be plain on one side with the lace giving the panels a 3D look on the other side.

The skirt starting to come together; with the 3D side

...and the 2D side

This was the first draft so to speak of the silver flip skirt but we weren't happy with the large gaps in between. So we took it apart, made the gaps half the width and doubled the number of 'flips' we had to 24.

Pink/silver gele head tie used for the 'ice cube' dress and tulip skirt

The traditional way to wear gele (well it's usually tied to look a bit prettier than that)

The 'Ice Cube' dress coming together

Lace used for the 'Wedding dress'. We fell in love with this the minute we saw it, it's sheer and has sequinned details as well as the silver leather details that we thought were gorgeous!!

The other lace we bought is pretty gorgeous as well (we struggled to pick our favourite out of the two). It looks like grey suede flowers interconnected with tiny tiny silvery grey 'stems' and 'leaves'

Black/Blue flip skirt, made in the same way as the silver flip skirt except here the blue side is Gele and the black side Aso-oke

The makings of the lace turtle-neck dress

Make up options for the show ; the look for the show was Ice Queen to go with our African ice age concept and we wanted a smoky eye but using blues and silvers for a cool frosty look. We tried the pink but didnt really like it so decided it would be just the blue with the strong brows and nude lips. We were also starting to think of what jewellery we would use and thought big crystal/glass looking pieces would really complement the outfits. Now all we needed was some big crystal looking pieces...

That's the end of part 1, next we discuss music choices, shopping for jewellery and final details.

London Fashion Week - RooR Exhibition

2010-02-19T22:41:00.001Z

Today was the start of London Fashion Week in the capital and also our exhibition at Fashion Mavericks. For those of you who missed it (what could else could you have possibly had to do eh? *hee hee*) here are some pictures of our display and a special guest who came to see us

Us with Nike, Creative Director of Nike Akinola

Invitation to RooR A/W 10/11 show

2010-02-08T23:29:00.000Z

You are cordially invited to

Renaissance of our Roots
“Frozen Inferno”
Runway Show
and Exhibition

During London Fashion Week at Fashion Mavericks

February 19^th 2010 – Exhibition 1pm-8pm | February 20^th 2010 – Catwalk show 4:30pm

The Strand Palace Hotel
372 Strand, London
WC2R 0JJ | Map

To RSVP email ekaete.inyang@roordesign.com

For additional press/media inquiries about Renaissance of our Roots, please email ekaete.inyang@roordesign.com

For more information about the hosts of the show please email info@sunshine-grace.com

Renaissance of Our Roots - Press Release

RooR Spring/Summer 2009

2010-02-07T02:29:00.004Z

Our first professional photo shoot for RooR! You can tell the difference too, it's not just us girls mucking about at home with our SLR and Photoshop. Here are some behind the scenes snaps shots:

Thanks to all for a great day - our first professional photo shoot was amazing! For a video montage with more pictures check out this YouTube link.

Clothing - Renaissance of our Roots
Photographer - Kitty Gallannaugh
Photographer's assistant - Nathan
Hair and Makeup Artist - Andie Okon
Model - Tope, from Mahogany Model Management
Stylists: Ekaete Inyang and Rotimi Ladeinde

It's as easy as hitting 'Reply'...

2009-08-19T21:25:00.002+01:00

It's been a loooonnnnggg week (does anyone remember Lil Miss Jocelyn? - random side-bar). We met with a website developer to set-up our RooR page and apparently it would cost £400 for about 10-pages and a bit of flash. That's about....£400 more than we're willing to spend on our website. Ok. I'll be fair. About £360 more than we wanted to spend. :)

So now we're on the look out for a cheap (or free, we're really not picky) web developer. Anyone out there? *knock knock*

Some more bad news - the venue we were really hoping to get turned us down - sth about the venue not being able to 'accomodate our event'. What does that even mean? So now we're looking for some more venue prospects with one possibility in Shepherd's Bush, fingers crossed.

And more bad news - yes this has been quite the week - the fashion show that we were supposed to be featuring in tonight (right this second in fact) that Phloh magazine was organising didn't go through in the end. And we found out that grown-ass men frequently still behave like 12-year olds. We knew I suppose but I'm a believer of second chances. Even after being 3 hours late to a meeting, moving it a different part of London and then bringing a child I held on the that faith (E had her doubts about him at this point, I should have listened to her).

The show still went on don't get me wrong, but RooR was not a part of it. And it wasn't a big deal that they couldn't use our clothes (ok, it was kind of a big deal as we did work really hard on our mini-collection and turned down some clients to allow us time to work on the clothes). We would have just appreciated a phone call/text/facebook message/BBM/email/Twitter DM to let us know. Honestly there's such a HUGE range of communication available....

And to top it off, after me practically stalking the guy to get some response from him I finally get through to his number and he plays the "hello....huh....i can't hear you...." card and hangs up. I was absolutely stupified! It was like I was back in primary 5, except my class was full of 20-something year-old idiots. It made me sooo mad. E actually reckons he's kinda cool for even having the balls to try that. I'm not sure I agree.

Anyway we do have one bit of good news. E got stopped in the streets the other day by headhunters for a model agency and they called her to come in for a photo-shoot tomorrow. If she gets booked (and of course she will) she'll get paid good money and get to keep the clothes after the shoot. And she had to think about it. *hiss* nonsense girl

RooR and The September Issue (NYC Premiere tonight)

Top Model of Colour

2009-08-12T22:55:00.006+01:00

I just got sent a link to this video!! It's a preview video from when we went to the Top Model of Colour regional heats on the 18th of July. I have no idea why my voice sounded so funny....or maybe it's just wierd listening to yourself? Anway, check it out here courtesy of Mahogany Model Management (M3 for short. Omo e don long type am multiple multiple times)

We're all at home at the moment, that hasn't happened in a minute, D, E and I are sewing. D's making a dress for a client for a wedding and E's making Aunty L's birthday outfit for Friday. I'm... blogging. Yes. But I have been hard at sewing. I'm just taking a much needed break. I'm probably going to be up till about 7am again anyway. So yes, the 'girls who sew' are working hard. We've got our reggae music (ChoiceFM) on in the background and a supply of sugar-filled sweeties and coca-cola.

Random thought, is it just me or does everyone also feel like you've kinda seen it all before in terms of the recent trends? I mean, I know fashion is always recycled but having flipped through the magazines this month nothing's particularly jumped out at me as WOW. It's all a bit 'been there, done that'. I'm gonna have to go looking somewhere different for inspiration for my new look. I think im getting tired of my present slightly preppy look... maybe 60's? Or further back even - the 20's was another cool era. Hmmm... I'm already re-arranging my wardrobe in my mind and thinking of some great pieces I could use to bring the 20's into the 21st century. Will have to show you what I come up with...

Ok, really need to go now. E's having a go at me. Just because I've also got youtube open doesn't mean that I'm not working, she says indignantly. Anyway, I should go finish Twix's dress now (it's her birthday tomorrow and I'm acting as designer/stylist/make-up artist to make sure her day is extra special. I know - you wish you had a best friend like me right?) so I can get to work on the trench coat we're making as part of our A/W mini-collection.

Don't do anything I wouldn't do especially if it involves falling back in love with one of your exes. Move forward people! I had to remind myself that yesterday...

RooR and yoghurt-covered strawberries

Pink Berries & Suede Shoes

2009-08-06T02:47:00.007+01:00

Epele o, sorry it's been sooo long. Been crazy hectic trying to finish our application for Glasgow Fashion Week in November (fingers crossed), sorting out a venue (why don't people reply their emails and make you have to go all stalker-mode to get a quote on a place? You would think I was not the one trying to give them money *hiss*) and fabric shopping for our own show (also in November).

Great news today though, had a meeting with Phil, the editor of Phloh Magazine and RooR will be featuring in a fashion photo shoot at a trendy bar in Soho in 2 weeks. YAY!!! It's on Wed, the 19th at Freedom Bar (used to be a gay club but apparently is now just 'metrosexual') It's soooo exciting, there's gonna be all sorts of press there and hopefully it would be a great chance for us to network and get our name out there. We've only got to make 5 outfits in a week...including what we're going to wear to the show, and Aunty L's outfit for her 70th birthday on the Friday, and B's friend who wants 5 outfits this month, plus our own show....

Hmmm..... doesn't seem like we really thought this through does it.... We'll survive! We'll just stock up on coffee and Red Bull.

Anyway, gotta run off to bed. It's almost 3am and I desperately need to get more than 4 hrs sleep tonight. Helping B do some painting at her place so will need all the strength I can get.

Ooohhh...btw our website is up --> here. Ok so it's not the whole website that's up but it's much better than when it just showed some random symbols and letters, and I got a mini crash course in Dreamweaver in the process :D There's always our page on facebook if you want to look at some of our stuff from the photoshoot.

Good night y'all and don't do anything I wouldn't do especially if it involves wearing white leggings as pants... teamed with white underwear. I really don't know what that girl was thinking today.

P.S. I am a new supporter of Arsenal ;)

RooR and suede Dune shoes (feel free to send me a pair of these. I'm a size 8...)

Haircuts and Top Models

2009-07-26T18:48:00.003+01:00

Allo' Allo' all. How are we on this fine Sunday? I didn't go to church today as I should have, was sooo tired this morning. And no, it's not because I was out and about getting drunk last night. I did go out, but it was TOTALLY work related. And, no I didn't drink, that much. And NO, there weren't any gorgeous half naked men involved ;)

E and I were out last night at one of the regional heats for Top Model of Colour in Shepherd's Bush. We got complimentary tickets from Sola Oyebade (CEO of Mahogany Model Management) so we went to check out the show and do some networking. It was really fun. I was one of the judges for the TMC heats last week here but it was still good to sit back and watch it from the sidelines this time around.

There were some seriously good lookers at the show and E and I were plotting to steal a few of the models for our show in November *wicked laugh* especially some of the male ones. Wowzers! There was this one guy who looked so sweet and cute (but in a rugged kinda way) like you could take him home to meet the parents. And then he took off his shirt.

.....

A-MA-ZING! Work of art that was. Perfectly sculpted abs and a chiseled behind (can you have a chiseled behind?) Sha, he was awesome! I wanted to be friends with him, I did. Have some tea and biscuits with him. Me and him. sigh. And for those of you with filthy minds, I was thinking of a perfectly platonic relationship with Adam (I don't know his name but I've decided he looks like an Adam). Purely friendship. Friends can go out with each other and do...friendly...stuff

I digress.

We did get some work done. Exchanged names and numbers with some fashion designers and make-up artists. We got to meet Jerry Osei-Tutu, Samata Angel (of Samata's Muse) and Phil Holder, editor of Phloh magazine. We also got chatting with Jackie Adholla of Sunshine Grace (who actually needs designers to dress celebrities for an upcoming event, so fingers crossed!)

Yesterday night I was eye-ing this girl's haircut and I am now seriously considering chopping my locks off (read taking out my weave and rocking my low-cut). So I've been looking for some inspiration for my new haircut but everything seems a bit blah. Everyone seems to just be shaving their entire hair off. I came across this picture of Solange and I have to say I'm not impressed with her new look. I think that unless you have a gorgeous face like Amber Rose you should not attempt the gorimapah* look. And she is sooo cute when she smiles.

*Gorimapa - Nigerian slang for the bald look. More accurately, the I'm-so-bald-and-my-head-is-so-shiny-that-you-may-have-to-doubletake-to-confirm-my-femininity look (also known as the Britney Spears)

I was thinking more of a cute pixie cut. I heart this look on RiRi still and fell in love with Mimi's hair from last night. What do you think? Me with short hair? I actually used to rock my short hair look a while back (I'll have to find a picture and show you) and I've noticed that since I started wearing weaves and extensions I've been seriously lacking in meeting any decent men in my life... I had a steady boyfriend for six years and ever since then I seem to have been dating losers.

OMG! Talk about coincidence (or plain freaky) but my ex just called me! Yes! The one I was just telling you about. The 6-yr one. Yeah. He just called as I was writing about him.

So yeah...gonna have to love you and leave you. Stay blessed and don't do anything I wouldn't do...altho I make exceptions for any 'Adams' in your life.

RooR and Roll

Thank God it's Friday?

2009-07-24T21:17:00.001+01:00

Craziest day today! The week's gone so fast as well and it doesn't feel like I achieved anything major either *sigh* I was supposed to have sorted out the venue for our fashion show by the end of this week...well...I did try. I guess some people still find it hard to return voice mails. We went and saw a few places last week and we think we might have found 'the one', and I was trying to follow up and see prices and sort out... *comes to a screeching halt*

I apologise. You're probably like huh?! Fashion show? 'The one'? Let me update you...

There's three of us, me and my two cousins (okay so we're not technically 'cousins' but you know, cousins sha) started this fashion house that specialises in 'authentic african fashions and fabrics' - straight from our business plan *smiles*. We use mainly African fabrics like kente and ankara for our designs. They're wearable and edgy, and I believe they're truly different. Plus I secretly love that feeling when someone says "Oh, I love your skirt/dress, where did you get it from?" and I'm all like "You can't get it. Not telling. Ha!"

Ok, I don't really say that (as satisfying as that would be). I usually go, whilst blushing very modestly,"Oh, I made it". So what started as a hobby between D, E and I (because we were tired of looking like asos-clones and also quite fed up with the bohemian/jungle/graphic print trend some high street stores called 'african' - as if) actually seemed to be getting a lot of interest from friends and family to complete strangers on the underground!

So that's how...*drumroll please*...Renaissance of our Roots (aka RooR) was born. We thought it'd be cool for Africans who live abroad to re-connect to home, as well as allowing everyone else to have a sense of our range of fabrics (seriously,we have a LOT of fabrics) as well as being funky and cool (ice cold baby! Sorry. Have had quite a bit of chocolate cake and I think all the sugar and possible the Baileys icing might have gone to my head)

Anywaaayyyy, so long story short our label was born and we're having a fashion show in November to launch our brand. Yay! Last week we went venue-hunting from Bank to West London looking for the perfect place for our launch. We wanted somewhere cool, that possibly hadn't been over-used, and of course fit in our budget. Some might say that this might not have been the best year to launch a brand, with the recession and all, but even though money's tight we're sure it'll be more than fine. As mama always says, God wil provide. And we did find some cool places that the prices weren't too ridiculous. Having said that however, there were some ridiculous places as well! There was a place in Chelsea that was trying to charge us £15,000 for the night if it was on a Friday or Saturday. Ehmm...excuse me sah but na only fashion show o! Not asif we dey marry for this place *hiss*

Warning: when I'm annoyed the Nigerian in me comes out. Sometimes in igbo, sometimes in yoruba. Sometimes it's just pidgin english. Don't worry. If you stick with me long enough, you'll get the hang of my crazy, sorry, special mannerisms.

£15,000 ke. Especially when there was a place in Mayfair that only wanted £7,000 for the night. Now Chelsea, Mayfair. *raising both hands in comparison* Chelsea, Mayfair...yeah, I think Mayfair wins. Btw, not that we presently have £7,000 to give anyone...

But there was one place that we saw that we're thinking of using. I would tell you but I don't want to jinx it. I promise I shall reveal the lucky venue once we book it and it's confirmed. Which is what I should have done this week if a certain someone had returned my call as promised. I guess I did get some work done, I finished a dress for a client and she looked pretty good in it if I say so myself.

Wow, this has become a massively long post. I apologise for the essay I have given you to read *smiles* I shall leave you now to have a great night. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and if you must...blame it on Jamie Foxx.

RooR and dark chocolate