African football heads to Brazil: Team Review- Ola Adetoye (10/12/2013)

Ghana are one the best and most successful African powerhouses in football, blessed with technically gifted players some of whom ply their trade in Europe for some of the top football clubs. Additionally they have a number of players that are going to be important to them if they are to progress further than the group stage next year. Players such as Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Kevin Prince-Boateng (Schalke), Michael Essien (Chelsea) and the Ayew brothers (Marseille) to name but a few. Those players are all great in their own right but the spearhead of their attack and their Captain Asamoah Gyan (below) will yet again be their most important player.

 With 39 goals in 77 appearances for Ghana his goals will be central

to the team's success at the World Cup. Looking at the group he and his team-mates have been drawn in reaching the quarter finals as they did in 2010 will be demanding. Germany, Portugal, and the

 USA shall be scrapping with the West Africans for a place in the Round of 16.  You would think that Ghana have to get a result against Jurgen Klinsmann's USA team at the very least to have a chance and then give 100% to overcome either one of the favourites to escape the group Germany and Portugal. But after their 2010 run anything is possible especially when u take in the humidity in Brazil and the potential match-winners they possess.

Nigeria enter the tournament as the reigning kings of Africa having

 won their first AFCON trophy since 1994, after beating 

Burkina Faso. The old faces have vanished and been replaced by new personnel who work for each other and play a strong attacking game captaining the side is of course Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who for Nigeria plays the number ten role rather than then defensive one he's asked to play for Jose Mourinho.

Nigeria have a fairly young team now with their oldest players 

being Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (Lille), who are both 31 and 32 respectively. In addition the Under-17 squad recently won their own World Cup so there is plenty more talent yet to wear the green and white at senior level. But that aside it was between Emenike and John Obi Mikel (below) for who to put as Nigeria's key player.

Both will be central to any success the 'Super Eagles' are to achieve

 in South America. But Mikel just edges as he acts as the pivot for the team.

But ignore the rest of the team at your peril as players like Victor

 Moses (Liverpool) and Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow) have the pace to get at any defence in the tournament.

Nigeria were drawn into Group F with Bosnia and Herzegovina Iran

 and Argentina. They have been drawn with the latter in two of the last three World Cups (2002 & 2010). As AFCON champions they would be expected to beat Iran fairly easily, consequently they could be fighting Bosnia for 2nd place. But Argentina for all their attacking prowess have defensive frailties that can be exposed. It remains to be seen whether this Nigeria team can expose them, but thy definitely look a better team than their 2010 compatriots.

Brands with a purpose. By Motunrayo Oyetunji. (2/12/2013)

Have you ever bought an item just because of the name attached to it? Don’t deny it, we all do it; majority of us buy clothes, shoes, accessories even home decor; Just because of the big brand label that comes with it. Do you ever just stop and ask yourself “what is the purpose of this brand I am splashing hundreds of pounds on? What is the message this brand is trying to send? What exactly does this brand stand for?” No? Yeah, neither do I. However, I recently came across young and upcoming British brands that take great pride in its label and the purpose and integrity in which their brands stands for. So I am going to share the top five brands which made a lasting impression on me and truly stand out from the rest.

 

Age of Reason – Age of Reason is a UK accessories label by designer Ali Mapletoft, creating beautiful scarves, hats and cushions. The brand pride it’s self on quality and integrity, creating wearable luxury with a punk and playful twist. Age of Reason creates accessories for people who have come of age in the personal style (Hence the name of the brand) who also love a statement piece and appreciate quality, versatility and longevity. The designer draws inspiration from literature, art and punk culture; applying a quintessential British sense of humour, often including adventurous imagery like bondage clad Russian dolls in her scarf designs. She aims to stand out by using hidden motifs and surprises as her signature. This brand really stood out for me because of the hidden motifs included in her designs and the vivid imagery created by the designer.

<

FURY- FURY is a footwear brand which takes sexy to a whole new level. The brand exudes a rock and roll spirit; aiming to blur the lines between art and fashion. FURY Juxtapose opulence and restraint, livening up the look with unexpected defiance using a line of aggressive studs down to its signature origami- swallow which is emblazoned on every outsole. The brand takes pride in its “fierce luxury” design theme combining strong silhouettes and fine materials; drawing inspiration from furious and fearsome worlds such as medieval punishments and Jurassic age. FURY’s designs are gaining a wide range of audience such as Jessie J and the cast of the hit television series Gossip Girl.

Draw In Light – Draw in Light is a clothing brand founded by best friends Harry and Polly. This brand truly stands out as each garment made are individuals and the only one of its kind; catering to those who seek individuality and wish to stand out within a crowd. The designers draw inspiration from seas and starry nights using free hand silk screen techniques to structure these ideas. I find this brand really intriguing because of its unique selling point, making each and every garment an individual makes it really stand out from other brands.

 

<  

Aries– Aries is a clothing line founded by Sofia PranteraFergus Purcel. The brand aims to exist beyond time and place, creating pieces in which people would want to keep for a very long time as they are very special. Aries has the vibe of an early Isabel Marant with its low-fi cool and laid back nonchalance; deriving its inspirations from the anti consumerist youth movements of the second half of the 20^thcentury and the clash between high end fashion and pop culture trash. I particularly like this brand as its designs are dated back but yet freshly modern also quite different as it challenges the fashion norm, just like a girl in a beautiful dress but with a t-shirt over it.

  PYRUS– PYRUS is a modern and contemporary label founded by London based designers Lorraine and Ash Johnson. The brand strives to create wardrobe favourites for fashion conscious women who aren’t necessarily influenced by transient fashion fads but posses a refined yet eclectic personal style and has an eye for small details and quality. PYRUS takes inspirations from art to be found everywhere, street floral and fresh thinking. I must admit that this brand is my favourite as it caters to my taste as I have an eclectic taste when it comes to fashion, music and art.