Wednesday 27 February 2013

The Next Big Thing: Coconsa Handbags……




Senah Handbag by Coconsa....




Esinam Handbag by Coconsa ....




Kwame Rucksack by Coconsa.......



The Elesi clutch by Coconsa.....



More must-have handbags by Coconsa.... omgoodness I want them all!!!!



Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Omgoodness I’m in love with Coconsa handbags!!!! Honestly, if I were to design handbags –the Coconsa brand would be it!!! You know I’m excited don’t you!!!

I’m truly blown away by the sheer beauty and quality of Linda Fiamanya, a Ghana born Australian designer’s collection of must-have sexy bags that combines 100% leather with the latest hot Ghanaian wax prints, Kentes and Lace fabrics…

A unisex label, Coconsa also offers a bespoke service, where you can choose from a choice of different bag designs and have it made in your material of choice)..

I’m loving the entire Coconsa collection but my heart is really set on both the Elesi clutch (above) and a yummy big bag called Kweku, which I think makes for the best travel companion…

I’m predicting big things for Coconsa and look forward to seeing this delectable brand stocked in some of the finest boutiques around the world!!! A big well done to Linda Fiamanya!!!

For more info, to purchase any of the above or to see the entire Coconsa collection visit: http://www.coconsaonline.com/


 
More Info:
Coconsa is a vibrant and fresh new range of designer handbags that combines the quirkiness of traditional West African (Ghanaian) fabrics with contemporary materials giving avid fashion lovers that fun, flirty, classy and quirky feel. Each design is individually crafted ensuring the uniqueness of the styles. We endeavor to give each customer the opportunity to be in the spotlight because our exclusive collection guarantees the rarity of our range of products. Not only do we limit the production of each design, we may also tailor make them to suit your specific needs where you have the option to choose from our exclusive range of materials and designs. Our boutique range is designed to suit those who seek to express their individuality and distinctiveness through fashion so if you're one to defy the norms of the regular crowd, then Coconsa is definitely the label for you
 

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Is Nana Addo Tamakloe’s Confidence International Model Agency about to change the face of Ghana’s embryonic Fashion Industry?



Amanda at Confidence International Model Agency….



Amanda is 5ft10 from Ghana. A perfect dress size 6/8UK.

 



Clarissa at Confidence International Model Agency….



Clarissa is 5ft10 from Ghana. A perfect dress size 8UK



Mary Sak

Could Mary Sak be Ghana’s Next Top Model?



Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Last year I stumbled across the above photograph of one of the most stunning girls I’d seen in a long while, I think she is called Mary Sak and there was a real buzz about her –and the fact that she was on Confidence Models’ books!!!!

Anyway I made a note of said model, she definitely has the whole ‘super-in-the-making’ package (well from the above photo anyway). So I was Facebooking –as you do, and stumble upon Confidence Models FB page today and saw the following message:

 
“Hi Guys, We are sorry to break to you that in April 2013, we will be breaking all ties and attempts to reassemble Confidence in UK and fully launch with a whole new set of models and advanced presentation in Africa, Ghana, whom we will ensure go international. We are proud of all the faces we discovered, a lot of them that are now modelling internationally, and also grateful to the clients that made it possible for a new agency like ours to achieve so much in 3/4years. We are aware some of the CMM fb page fans are here in support of our UK activities and won't be excited about the changes. For those that wish to keep with our progress, watch us revolutionize fashion modelling in Ghana, Africa, April 2013. We hope this answers the messaged we have been receiving. “

Sooo…..I don’t know if it’s a case of ‘another one bites the dust’ but that Nana Addo Tamakloe, the tenuous guy behind Confidence Models, it later became  Confidence International, seems to have gotten the bug(like everyone else)  –and looks like he’s ready to launch his model agency exclusively in Ghana!!! And I think this is very good news for the Ghanaian fashion industry, as he knows his stuff!!!

I’ve had dealings with Nana in the past, once concerning the very beautiful Alethea Van Der Puije Quartey and also when we needed models for the late Princess Diana Awards fashion show –and approach this agency!!!

Nonetheless I feel for Nana!!! Not only is Ghana’s fashion industry not fully formed, but whilst UK models know all about keeping themselves looking chic/neat (no weird weaves, no plaits, no weird make-up, looking after their skin, eating well, drinking lots of water, exercising, waxing, going to castings in simple t-shirt and jeans and not maame water dresses etc) –Ghana like most developing countries –is a different ball game!!! Still, I believe that we [Ghana] are ready –and Nana Addo Tamakloe will do well.

In fact I know he’s going to do well because I’ve already spied two girls, Clarissa and Amanda, and I truly believe that with some editing –they can go far!!!. **Unfortunately I didn’t see the uber striking Mary Sak on the Confidence International model agency board [???]

For more info or to book Clarissa and Amanda visit: http://www.confidencemodels.com/
Do LIKE their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ConfidenceModels

 

Monday 25 February 2013

Business opportunities in Ghana: Shopping Malls are Us…



Economic Update

Ghana: Tapping demand in retail

Ghana | 19 Dec 2012
A rise in purchasing power and a shift towards formal retail space is helping burnish a positive outlook for retailers in Ghana. Mall retailing is still in its infancy, particularly outside the capital, but international brands and developers are increasingly enthusiastic about the country.

Ghana has been attracting growing interest from foreign investors, due to oil-fuelled economic growth in excess of 8%, along with rising incomes, political stability and – crucially for retailers – low level of modern retail penetration. Ghana’s two bona fide malls, Accra Mall and A&C Square, have proved very popular, boasting occupancy rates near 100%, and a waiting list for retailers keen to open outlets. This has pushed target rents up to around $50 per sq metre, from around $25-35 in the past few years.

Real incomes grew 44% between 2009 and 2011 alone, and last year the economy grew by around 14.5%, one of the highest rates in the world. In 2011, Ghana improved its standing to become a low-middle income country, according to World Bank definitions. At present, however, modern retail accounts for only around 5-10% of sales volumes.

“Although there is a high demand for retail space from both foreign and local companies, supply of space has been sluggish,” William Bobie, executive director of Assenta Real Estate Investment Managers, told international press. “With a growing population of 2.5m-plus in Accra, the city has capacity for more retail centres to augment the current 30,000 sq metres of formal retail space.”
However, Ghana’s modern retail potential is no longer a well-kept secret. A number of mall and mini-mall projects are already underway in Accra, some apparently following A&C’s successful model of a “neighbourhood mall”, which has also proved a hit in a number of other countries.

The Marina Mall, a two-story centre near the airport, opened recently, and projects underway include: the West Hills Mall, with 27,300 sq metres of gross leasable area (GLA), due to open in 2014; One Airport Square, an office centre including a mall with 2000 sq metres of retail space, from the same developer as Accra Mall (also due 2014); The Octagon, another office-and-mall development on a 6500-sq-metre plot in Accra Central; (due 2014) and the 5000-sq-metre GLA Oxford Street Mall in Osu (due 2013).

Bobie added that there were “huge opportunities” for modern shopping centre development in Ghana’s growing regional centres, particularly Takoradi, the heart of the country’s oil industry, and Kumasi, the second city and capital of the Ashanti region.

The sector was affected by the unexpected and tragic collapse of a building housing an outlet of local retail chain, Melcom, in early November. The collapse was reportedly caused by a structural failure in the building and killed nine people, and resulted in the property's landlord being detained. It is likely the authorities may take a tougher approach to mall and retail construction in the future as a result of the collapse.

With a number of new projects in the pipeline, competition among malls is likely to increase, even with the economy doing so well. Existing malls have tended to target high-income Ghanaians, still a relatively small minority of the population, and expatriates. While the small malls coming online will likely lean towards the high end of the segment, some of the newer malls may look to focus on attracting middle-income Ghanaians.

Though the economic outlook remains very good, retailers and mall developers are keeping an eye on two important downside risks: foreign exchange fluctuations and inflation. Modern retailers tend to import a large proportion of the goods they sell – for example, Game, a South African discount household goods chain, imports 95% of its products.

Ghana’s national currency, the cedi, has fallen 17.5% against the US dollar in the first 10 months of the year, substantially pushing up the cost of imports. In a market that is still fairly price-sensitive, this has created challenges for retailers, prompting them to absorb some of the impact of higher costs, and in some cases switch to offering cheaper brands.

Connected with the falling cedi, as well as linked to strong growth in a country that has supply bottlenecks, is inflation, which was running at 9.2% in October. At this rate, many Ghanaians’ real incomes will begin to erode, limiting capacity for the sort of discretionary spending on which modern retailers thrive.

While foreign exchange, inflation and competition remain risk factors, Ghana’s high-growth, low-penetration modern retail market is attracting investment for good reason..



Objects of Desire: Ayikai Couture’s new Handmade Beaded Jewellery Collection….



 












A.C handmade beaded earrings by Ayikai Couture....


 





Ayikai Couture Handmade Pieces Layered Purple Rainbow/Gold beaded Necklace…


As you all know, I’m a big fan of the Ayika brand especially their gorgeous dresses.. -Anyway, Antoinette AyiKai Amuzu, the fabulous lady behind said label has expanded her brand,  thus, alongside her gorgeous handbags & clutches, sandals and coveted clothes, –she has launched a new A.C Handmade Beaded Jewellery Collection –and they are to-live-for… I’m especially loving the large handmade beaded earrings above, they cost £15.00!!!  For more info or to purchase any of the above visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ayikai-Couture/112876252065938

 

Why not check out Root Apartment Hotel’s Rooftop Sky Deli Restaurant on your next visit to Accra, Ghana…..













 
Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says:Wow another exciting hotel to add to Accra’s growing portfolio of fabulousness.  Feted as the go-to venue for good coffee by Accra’s style elite, Root Apartment Hotel is not only a coffee connoisseur’s dream, its rooftop Sky Deli restaurant has the best views of Accra’s sexy skyline…  

For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/RootsApartmentHotel
 

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Ghana Right Now.....



Ghana Fashion & Design Week...

Ghana Fashion & Design Week announces plans for 2013 Event.



ITS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE FIRST QUARTER ... #GM1623 LEGON PRESENTS THE FIRST EVER RED CARPET GHANAIAN NIGHT .. 1ST MARCH 2013 AT APHRODISIAIC NIGHT CLUB ... GHC20 ... THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY AFRICAN WEAR .. COME SWAGG IN YOUR GHANAIAN CLOTH... 9PM SHARP FOR RED CARPET ...


Event: Ghana’s Global Music Icon workshop 23rd February 2013 at Alisa Hotel Accra…




Event: Baby Fest 2013


This BabyFEST 2013 is dedicated to you daddys and daddy to be's.. For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/TICKLZNGIGGLZ




Ghandour Cosmetics Ltd : Feel better with SOLDIER BALM, it is great for use as a rub for colds, respiratory treatments, and localised sports injuries.



https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shades-and-Powder/133381626679406


Music: Atumpan




Beauty...

Courses at 2nd Image International Academy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/2nd-Image-International/39101345786


Music...Tiffany

New Music] Itz Tiffany – Kae Se (Feat. Unda Melody) (R2Bees) (Prod. By PossiGee) -http://www.talkmediaghana.com/new-music-itz-tiffany-kae-se-feat-unda-melody-r2bees-prod-by-possigee/


Film....


THIS YEAR HEARTS WILL BE BROKEN, BUT WOUNDS WILL BE HEALED AS
ABC PICTURES PRESENTS THE BEST STORY TO START THE YEAR

"LETTERS TO MY MOTHER"

... STARING: JOHN DUMELO, ADJETEY ANNAN, KAFUI DANKU, ROSELYN NGISSAH, PAULINA ODURO

VENUE: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ACCRA MALL
DATE: 6TH MARCH, 2013
SHOWING TIMES: 6:30PM AND 9:30PM

DIRECTED BY PASCAL AMANFO







 
Past Events...


Beauty / Past Event



Night Life: Duke's Night Club





https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shades-and-Powder/133381626679406



RON MAXWELL IS THE NEXT BIG THING IN SHOWBIZ, LOOKOUT!

Miss Teen Ghana 2013...




NewMusic Jayso & Sarkodie - Let 'em Know Now (Produced by Jayso)
http://www.ghanamotion.com/music/motion-hype/1497-jayso-sarkodie-let-em-know-now-produced-by-jayso



ANOTHER EDITION OF FLEX NEWSPAPER COMING YOUR WAY THIS WEDNESDAY...HOPE YOU GUYS ARE WARMING UP FOR THE BEST STORIES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY...WE ARE THE PACE SETTERS...FLEX NEWSPAPER IS ENTERTAINMENT NEWS AT ITS PEAK...WATCH OUT FOR THE FLEX NEWSPAPER DISTRICT MUSICAL TOUR COMING SOON...OUR FIRST STOP IS IN KONONGO ON 6TH MARCH INSIDE BLUE MOON HOTEL!!!


Past Event: Dreamz Lounge


Persona....

Meet the CEOExtraOrdinaire and Founder of Silky I.T. Production and TicketGhana | Executive Director and Co-Founder of Silky Entertainment(Chicken-n-Beer Party) | I.T+ Social Media + Entertainment = His JOB!! Like www.facebook.com/CEOExtraO
Follow www.twitter.com/CEOExtraO


Service..... TicketGhana's New Electronic Ticket Cards
The long awaited re-loadable and re-usable electronic ticket cards from the premier ticketing company TicketGhana finally begins circulation after being tested last year at a video premier party held inside club 11. The e-ticket card was seen in use last Thursday @ Raquel’s Valentine Cupid Party. Patrons who attended the event held at+233 jazz bar and grill had the opportunity to experience their ...ticket being loaded on an electronic card and a receipt for proof of purchase delivered to their mobile phones via sms.

In a statement made by the CEO of TicketGhana popularly known as the CEO ExtraOrdinaire (Basil
Anthony), he made mention that the e-ticket card was here to stay and will be seen more often in use at various ticket sales outlets and event gates, also card users at their convenience will be able to check card usage history by visiting the company’s website www.ticketghana.com.
The CEO ExtraOrdinaire added that the groundbreaking product, is set to revolutionize the ticket distribution industry in the country and will provide program organizers with a world class solution that allows real time access to sales updates from all remote locations, real time access to entry statistics from all gates at the event venue and reports on user demographics to aid targeted marketing as well as accounting. It also eliminates the cost of ticket printing

The e-Ticket Card will be used for major concerts, award ceremonies, film premieres, sports events, launch/release parties, fashion shows and conferences amongst others....... For more info visit: http://www.ticketghana.com/tg/ & https://www.facebook.com/ticketgh


Talent....

'BAD BOY' ZION BENJAMIN; coming out with his own Clothing Label: 'ZBENJI', definately on the MSP 2013 show, stay glued!


Fashion....

Pesewas ASAASA Shoes ....
have you got yours? Place your order now
Call or Whatsapp +233 244074385



Night Life....


Stonebwoy BIRTHDAY / INDEPENDENCE Rave
also premiering "ONUMADE" Video ft. Tinny
On 5th March, 2013 inside Club Invasion(East legon)
Other Artiste Passin Thru include: Kwaw Kese, R2bees, Buk Bak, Edem, Jupitar, Iwan, Paapa Wastik and more..
Time is 8PM , Rate is a cool 20ghc
Bhimmm!!!!!


Flex Newspaper....



Night Life: Party



Past Events: GFDW 2012



Hot Music in Ghana....









Past Events: Party
 


Past Event: Legon Fashion Week



Past Events: Charity


Past Events: Music Of Ghanaian Origin....



Business: Naresh

Come to Naresh Supermarket for your Home Appliances with the best prices in town, The More You Buy! The Bigger Your Discount!
Naresh Butchery also has ever fresh Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Goat and more!
We are located on the 2nd Place Link Road, Off the Dadeban Road, North Industrial Area. Accra.
Call 0244984910 / 0247941855 NOW!


Film....






Past Events: Fashion



Music & Persona: C-Tso



Fashion Event.....










Music: Tinny & Agbeshie...



Popular Culture....



Past Events.....DJ Championship Competition, Accra Ghana....





After successfully relaunching his musical career in Ghana in 2012 after a long break of studying and researching in the States, the Sansankroma hit maker Qweci, formerly known as Ded Buddy (Dedicated Buddy) is set to take Ghana and the world by storm as he readies for the release of his first official single of 2013 titled Ohemaa.

Qweci who successfully re-registered his name in the minds of many Ghanaians and the world with the release of Mip3 wo saa (Love you as you are) and So Gya (Light Fire) in 2012 has promised go beyond his capabilities to produce good content as he has always done and says Ohemaa will be no exception.

Ohemaa which comes was written, recorded and produced by him comes out on the 8th of February 2013 and will sweep you off your feet and yearn for more as he puts final touches the album which might be released before the end of the year...GB

Past Events


Music....

BrandNEW !!! @KayDizzle1000 - Heart Break Featuring @ajomoalajah Premieres 15TH FEB. 2013