{Culture.} Femi Kuti

My apologies for the lack of posts, I have been extremely under the weather. But alas finally i'm regaining my strength and getting back into the groove of my daily routine :)! I will announce the winner of the Manimal Giveaway shortly, check back later in the day to see if you've won. Today's post is actually a re-post of a post I did back in Dec. 08. Today is Fela Kuti's b-day and I thought this video of his son Femi is an inspiring compliment to his father's legacy, enjoy!

I came across this interview Fader Mag did with Femi Kuti...It made me miss my other home(Nigeria), a place I've only visited once in my lifetime when I was 5...I can remember it like it was yesterday, bathing outside in a tin basin, swimming in the river in the countryside, meeting my grandmother for the first and only time, the look on my dads face when he saw his mom after more than 10 yrs., wishing I could have met my grandfather whom they buried under the bed we slept on during our visit, Nigeria.

It just reminded me of how important it is to stay aware of the happenings in the world and how we are responsible for helping our brothers and sisters worldwide in some capacity whether big or small. I know this post is totally random, just touched my soul! CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

Photo of the Week

(Found via Nicholas Routzen)

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE MANIMAL GIVEAWAY ENDS MONDAY OCT. 12.09!!!

Keeping You Warm Since 2001: Rachel Mara

As I'm sitting here typing this post, the brisk cold air is coming through my window. Today is such a  befitting day for this post! Rachel Mara is one of my favorite independent designers. Every season i'm drawn back because of her visually stimulating aesthetic. This is the type of brand that I want to read about and be inspired by when I open my favorite magazine; simple yet refined. I've been on the hunt for the perfect coat for the Fall season, and when I received Rachel's lookbook for F/W09 I felt my mission was complete! Classic silhouettes, exposed zippers, gold buttons, cowlnecks, wools & tweeds an abundance of goodness to choose from. I was blown away with the presentation for this season. A sort of city feel combined with quintessential femininity.


Rachel sent  a brief synopsis of the F/W 09 collection and I debated whether to attempt to dissect and translate her beautiful words. But concluded to allow the designer to speak for herself. I wanted to give you a small glimpse into her world as a designer and only she could put it best:

I was very contemplative while designing this collection. I felt a sense of restraint and responsibility during this challenging economic and political climate. I wanted to make a collection that was relevant. This is an interesting time that has encouraged revaluation. I started to think about women’s inner strength and adaptability. At the core we don’t need much to be happy or survive. We need food, shelter, clothing and love. I wanted to make clothes that looked warm and felt good to the touch; like flannels and wools. I wanted high cowl necks on tops and coats; to keep warm and protect. Strong exposed zippers that showed the durability. When we were working on the concept for the photo shoot my husband, a brilliant creative, wrote the line “In hard times you need a good coat, and a good woman” and it all just came together. I loved the idea of the solution to these times as being that simple. Both are warm and reliable. Both are sturdy. Both are beautiful. Both protect. Make the investment in a good woman…and a good coat, they can last a lifetime.



Please visit Rachel Mara to view the full F/W09 collection and to browse her recenlty launched ONLINE SHOP!!!!!

Timeless:Juliette Hogan

(All Images from Juliette Hogan Website)

The ability to consistently create classic collections as a designer can be daunting. Auckland based designer Juliette Hogan is well on her way. For S/S 09 Hogan references a few shapes from the past and appropriately titles the collection, Some Other Time. A Pink/green floral tuxedo blazer(exclusive print to the collection) paired with a pale pink cami and slouchy gray pants are an exciting edgy contrast to the predominantly feminine collection. Subtle colors throughout the collection like gray and light pink balance the bright coral plaid print on the Skater Dress. Dainty flirty pieces infused with a little bit of edge that are easily interchangeable and comfortable sum up Juliette Hogan's S/S 09 line. Take a more extensive peek of the full collection by visiting her site!

IAMTHENUBLACK: Ebony David of Nuvany Nice

Please check out my feature on the lovely blog IAMTHENUBLACK! Many thanks to Gabrielle for reaching out, I truly appreciate the love :). Click HERE to check out the full feature! Check back later on in the day for a new post and don't forget to enter the MANIMAL GIVEAWAY, one more week left!

Photo Of the Week

(Found via Dan Ahwa)

I've always had a love for Photography and I think it stems from my Father. He set out to pursue a career as a fashion photo-journalist and attended The Institute of Commercial Art in Madrid Spain. Although he didn't fulfill his dream of becoming a photographer(became a spanish/english teacher instead after a 20yr. stint in the US Army), he maintained a passion for it and always encouraged me to indulge in the craft. I would always flip through the many photo books he kept chronicling his photography years. I took one photography class in H.S. and used a vintage Pentax camera he had used during his schooling in Spain. Even though I did not stick with it, I have vivid memories of developing film in the dark room and the meticulous technique it took to hopefully produce a memorable photo.

I've decided to let Fridays here at Nuvany Ni'ce be "Photo of the Week" day! I'll simply post a picture that I think is beautiful and inspiring, no words just a picture. I would love for everyone to leave a comment with your thoughts on  the photo, create a dialogue. Sometimes pictures can tell a story better than words, so hopefully you will enjoy the SILENCE hee hee and be inspired like myself! (I will cite the source of every photo at the bottom of the photo)

DONT FORGET TO ENTER THE MANIMAL GIVEAWAY, ENDS MONDAY OCT.12TH!!!!

Giveaway: Manimal Scrap Rounds Necklace

Thanks for all the entries, the winner is Chelsea! Lookout for the next giveaway coming up soon!



Its GIVEAWAY time again! Thanks to everyone who entered the last NYFW giveaway our 1st officially on the new blog. Kristen Lombardi creator of Manimal is graciously sponsoring today's giveaway. If you haven't checked out our visit to Manimal Studios please take a moment and do so, I had an amazing time. I remember  briefly glancing at the Scrap Rounds Necklace when I visited Kristens studio, but forgot just how well made and hefty it is until I received it in the mail. Using leather scraps from various Manimal projects, Kristen creates wonderful accessories and more like the necklace above.

Leave a comment telling me what you look for when visiting a fashion blog? Please be specific :) AND DO NOT FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE WINNER. Giveaway starts today and will end on Monday Oct. 12 20009. If you have a Twitter acct. and would like to gain an extra entry, simply RT @nuvanynice Don't forget to enter the Manimal Giveaway on Nuvany Ni'ce ends Monday Oct. 12th www.nuvanynice.com! Leave the link to your RT in the comments with your entry. Have a wonderful day!



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