Want To See More Of Me?

"Want to see more of me?" is a striking new series of portraits of talented and successful black British film actors by photographer Donald MacLellan, funded by the UK Film Council. A dynamic group of images, opulent and rich in colour, "Want to see more of me?" celebrates both individual and collective achievement and contributes to debates around diversity, on-screen representation, content and portrayal. Sitters include Colin Salmon, Adrian Lester, Ashley Walters, Mona Hammond, Sophie Okonedo and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

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(Sophie Okonedo)

MacLellan is an established portrait photographer, whose images have appeared regularly in national and international magazines over the past fifteen years. His portfolio includes leading figures across the arts and entertainment industries such as John Hurt, Tilda Swinton, Benjamin Zephaniah and Ewan McGregor. He has had many commissions for book jackets and record covers along with numerous advertising and design commissions.

"Want to see more of me?" is the third project by Donald MacLellan to be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, having previously shown Black Power in 1998 and Tartan Army in 2000. In addition, a number of his works are held in the Gallery's Photographic Collection. On this new series of portraits MacLellan comments: "I did a number of test shots which helped me determine the look of the series and I knew I wanted a good cross section of well established actors, new comers and those who are in the later stages of their career."

(Kwame Kwei-Armah)

The UK Film Council is the Government-backed lead agency for film in the UK. The Council aims to stimulate a successful, vibrant film industry and to promote the widest possible enjoyment and understanding of British and World cinema throughout the UK. Through the Leadership on Diversity Forum, the Council has formed a strategic partnership of 21 lead industry bodies, who in turn have adopted its Equalities Charter for Film. "Want to see more of me?" is funded by the UK Film Council as part of its drive to ensure people from all backgrounds can thrive and achieve their potential in the film industry.

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council said: "The UK Film Council is delighted to be partnering with the National Portrait Gallery on the 'Want to see more of me?' project. We want to stimulate debate about on-screen diversity and we think that celebrating some of the UK's most successful black actors is a brilliant reminder of what is possible."


For more information, visit the National Portrait Gallery's official website: www.npg.org.uk

Peter Cairns at D1

Levi Palmer styling, make-up/hair by Holly Silas and Peter Cairns at D1

Hit Me on My Beeper

The Paddingtons at The Monarch

The Shamed and The Paddingtons at The Monarch, in Chalk Farm organised by Tom Wright (see below).










For more details see: www.monarchbar.com

Katoucha Niane's Dans Ma Chair

In February of this year, the news of Guinean-born model Katoucha Niane's sudden and mysterious death made international headlines. Although Katoucha (nicknamed "The Black Princess") is remembered as a groundbreaking model—she is considered a forerunner of Naomi Campbell—as well as one the world’s most successful black models, Katoucha stopped modeling in 1994 to work as a vocal opponent of female genital mutilation (FMG). Katoucha who was excised at age 9, openly addressed FMG in her book Dans Ma Chair (which translates to In My Flesh). "I will never get the incomparable pain out of my head," she wrote in the book, which she dedicated to her three children. To learn more about Dans Ma Chair, visit Katoucha's website www.katoucha-niane.com.

MIMI Features Links: The Truth About FGM

Objects of Desire: Colorful Embroidered Clutches

These colorful clutches are perfect for the summer, and available at madimports.net and in stores including Fred Segal, Anthropologie, and Planet Blue. Always collaboratively designed, handmade and sustainable, Mad Imports is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and your purchase supports economic development efforts in artisan communities. Whenever possible Mad Imports' materials are recycled, renewable and consciously sourced.

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MIMI Style Link: The Beauty Behind The Bag

D'Banj At The Nigerian Youth Summit Abuja

The Student World Assembly-Nigeria will be co-sponsoring the Nigerian Youth Summit Abuja, which will take place from May 18-22, 2008. This 5 day event is aimed at steering the Nigerian Youth towards becoming leaders in national development and away from crime, unemployment and conflict.

D'banj, Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace will be speaking at the Nigerian Youth Summit in Abuja. D'banj will address the 2500 anticipated guests comprising of students and youth delegates from each of the 36 states of Nigeria and the 774 Local Government areas.The event plans to feature distinguished guests such as President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Vice President Dr. Goodluck Johnathan and other dignitaries.

The Youth Summit Event will mark the official collaboration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and SWA Nigeria. D'banj was crowned Youth Ambassador for Peace by the United Nations in 2007.In August 2008, Dbanj will be introducing his foundation which is geared towards education and empowerment for Youth in Nigeria. For more information on this event please contact Charles Osareimen Akponah at charles[at]studentworldassembly.org

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of Bobby Taylor Consulting)

Jennifer Hudson Steps Into The Spotlight

After her critically-acclaimed performance in Dreamgirls, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson makes her long-awaited foray into the music scene with Spotlight, her official first single from her self-titled debut album, set for release in September on Arista Records. Written and co-produced by Ne-Yo and produced by Stargate, Spotlight, which addresses insecurities within a relationship, is one of many stellar songs which showcases Hudson's amazing powerhouse vocals. Spotlight impacts radio June 9 and will be digitally available at iTunes on June 10.

"I'm beyond ecstatic about my new album," says Hudson. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised, because it shows a side of my work that no one has heard before. This album has a huge variety of sounds and one of my favorite songs is Spotlight because it has this great infectious groove. This is completely new territory for me and I can't wait for people to hear it."

In addition to her debut album, Hudson continues with her burgeoning acting career in the much-buzzed about New Line Cinema version of the HBO hit series Sex and the City, in theatres May 30. On October 17, Hudson returns to the silver screen in the film adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees.

(Photo Credits: PRNewsFoto/Arista Records)

CHIQ Consultants Exclusive Industry Launch Party!

CHIQ Consultants are a London based, pioneering Event Management and PR Consultancy firm. On the 9th of May, CHIQ launched (www.chiqconsultants.com). Marketing director, Isabella Obaseki said: "For too long the events industry has focused solely on 'glitz and glamour' rather than the clients needs. We are offering something that has been neglected for so long, which is a personalized service for our different clientele needs." Here are some photographs from the event:

Mahogany Models CEO Sola Oyebade Makosi

Founder Of Screen Nation, Charles Thompson

Adulthood Actor Arnold Oceng

Corset Art By Romantic Images

CHIQ Allure CHIQ Consultants Street Team

(Photo Credits: Provided Courtesy Of CHIQ Consultants)

Central Saint Martin's Graduate Show 08

April 2008: Black Beauty

MIMI's April 2008 issue, Black Beauty, features Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede on the cover; get to know a side of Liya that is about more than modeling in More Than A Pretty Face. In this issue you'll find articles about Tanzanian-German jazz singer Lyambiko, Nigerian house of fashion Peridot & Ruby, as well as Zambia's "street kids." Also in this issue, Clairol Professional Celebrity Colorist Tippi Shorter and Color Me Beautiful Consultant Keisha Roberts share their beauty tips in the articles Color Therapy and For Your Eyes Only. These are only some of the articles you will find in MIMI's April 2008 issue ... for all the details, visit MIMI Magazine.

All About MIMI Link: Volume 4, Issue 4: Black Beauty

Les Nubians On Tour

Les Nubians are doing a limited world tour and performing in venues in France, the United States, and Canada ... rumor has it they're coming out with a new album soon!

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[click on poster for larger image]

Bezemymailan, So Afri-Chic!

Paris based Afri-chic label Bezemymailan, which is often worn by Les Nubians, is hosting a series of sales in the upcoming months, starting with an event at Ethik Concept (Forum des Halles) on the 23 and 24 of May. Get all the details at: www.myspace.com/bezemymailan


MIMI Style Link: Culture to Couture: Bezemymailan

The Versatile Shopper: Remi Fagbohun

Remi Fagbohun is the proprietor of The Versatile Shopper! She is also one of New York's finest image consultants, professional shoppers and stylists. Her life story is filled with exciting chapters from bustling Harlem, to exotic Nigeria and stately London. Absorbing the colors, sights and sounds of her environment has developed her fashion and artistic sense that goes unparalleled in the fashion consulting field. Remi not only looks for the latest trends, she creates them.

Her connections in the fashion industry gives her access to the most established design houses as well as the up and coming, providing her clients with the latest in design and fashion.While focusing on the goals of each of her clients, Remi also inspires them to transform themselves into someone they never thought they could be. Conscious of her clients lifestyle, needs and budget, she analyses appropriate colors, styles and fabrics to create the perfect fusion of fashion and design.

Available for wardrobe maintenance, special occasions or wedding day glamour. Remi Fagbohun is there every step of the way to offer you her fashion and image consulting expertise."Whether looking for a million dollar look or the bargain of the century, look no further than The Versatile Shopper." Get all the details at www.theversatileshopper.com

A day in the sun

Fletcher Cowan at Premier, John-Gabriel Harrison's new collection and hair and make-up by Rino Ozaki.