Official Home Page of Tinu, author of The Shoeholic book and writer of hit video "Shoeholic" that started it all.
You know it’s officially the end of the summer season when masqueraders and titanic proportion speaker enhanced truckers pull through Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn blasting out classic Caribbean hits at the highest decibels! The event featured revelers from all walks of life, age and race! A very celebratory video can be seen on my instagram page. You definitely don’t want to miss watching it.
Below are some of the highlights I captured using my mobile camera. Click to enlarge. 😃
Fresh off my 3 week vacation, I barely pulled out my bags from the airport uber ride when I saw the protest march for animal rights parading through my neighborhood. Alas! I’m back in the big apple, US of A where freedom of speech was at play, and animals too get heard. Gotta love America for that.
The participants descended upon the luxury giant Louis Vuitton SOHO store, fully escorted by the police of course. The store was noticeably protected by security team and barricades. Obviously, they had been notified ahead of time and had taken the caution to prepare for the worst.
The movement was rather peaceful, peppered with blow horn assisted boos towards shoppers that streamed out of the store. Award winning Actor and activist James Cromwell was the main anchor who helped bring attention to their cause. He demonstrated the cruelty of animals for luxury by pouring what looked like real blood on the side walk in front of the store while chanting his messages of animal cruelty towards the store front.
The crowd peacefully dispersed shortly after. I asked a few of the participants how helpful they think it’ll be to achieve their goals with this march. I was told it’s been highly successful in the past, but simply had to do this to remind the brands of their now forgotten promises.
See the video footage of the march below and Click on images to enlarge.
The effect of Barbiemania has officially reached the equestrian community, with big thanks to my beloved honorary Aunty Barbara Tober! The horse riding community had a chance to feel and taste a bit of the pink energy currently sweeping the world, much ado to the Barbie movie phenomenal success, to the tune of almost $400 million domestically at the box office, and showing no signs of slowing down!
The Millbrook Horse Trials for the first time since its debut in the 80s, had been on haitus for the past 4 years due to the covid pandemic. After several meetings and ponderings, Mrs. Tober was invited to help resurrect the annual equestrian festivities, with a full on support as one of the main sponsors, under the auspices of “Yellow Frame Farm”, her countryside residence. Inspired by her namesake, Barbara aka Barbie, decided to forgo the traditional horse jump for a Barbie themed version! I was called on to help source the appropriate sized Barbies. The 28–inch Barbies of every race ever produced (white, black, latina & Asian) were successfully acquired. Joanna Johnston, one of her managers was diligent and resourceful in pulling it all together cohesively. The jump was painted in the classic pink, 20 Barbies were cleverly arranged in accordance with the horse trials rules, making it the talk of the community. Not a soul (or horse) strolled by without a double take and a few selfies to mark the moment. Where else would you see a work of art as such? If anything, you saw it Millbrook first!
The patron viewing tent was not spared either! The Barbie theme carried over effortlessly, providing a chic and elegant “high tea” atmosphere, good enough for a royal family. The fete wouldn’t be complete without a Barbie cake, generously gifted by Elizabeth Mayhew of “The Dutchy of Millbook” to Mrs. Tober, shortly before she presented the winning ribbons & trophies to the riders.
Be sure to watch the short video reel below of Mrs Tober cutting the cake, horses jumping over the Barbie hurdle and more memorable moments from the blissful weekend at the Millbrook Horse Trials.
Click on the images below to view larger sized versions.
World renowned photography artist Renee Cox’s riveting on going exhibition “A Proof of Being” at the Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY made my summer getaway there extra special. I’ve been to many photography exhibitions but none left my jaws on the gallery’s floor like Renee’s extraordinary work! With AI snapping at the delicate heels of humanity, or whatever is left of it, Renee’s body of work is making steadfast leaps and bounds breaking the usual norm in photography. I don’t think we mere mortals are quite ready for where Ms. Cox is taking photography. Granted we’ve got flying cars about to dominate our airways, Renee is doing just that with photography. Have you ever seen a thought provoking 3d photography play a rollercoaster ride right before your very eyes? Photo trimmed images of subjects in a kaleidoscope montage that’ll leave you craving a taste of Mars and beyond! Her work is futuristic to say the least. The viewer is taken to an out of body experience through photo story telling using self portraits, to a time far flung, yet near in an immersive series.
Renee’s youngest son Tosh, who stars in a few of the photographs was equally in awe of his mother. He saw the exhibition at the Guild Hall for the first time as well. I could only imagine how proud he must be of his mother.
Below are just a taste of what awaits you in East Hampton, on view until Sept. This is an exhibition not to be missed. Click on images to enlarge them, but I must say, it’s better experienced in person, especially the immersive photography projection, which you can preview the video on my instagram page here.
Calling all Swifty fans! A once in a lifetime opportunity just magically appeared in the heart of New York City in the form of Taylor Swift never before seen up close stage wardrobe! The Grammy Award winning songbird and her management company single-handedly chose the avant-garde and always ahead of its time, Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) in New York City to exhibit her concert/stage wardrobe ahead of her upcoming concert in New Jersey.
The music icon, having seen the exquisite exhibition of Machine Dazzle, in previous months, knew perfectly well the MAD would be the undisputed place for her coveted and enviable wardrobe to be shared with the world. You can preview the video on my instagram post here.
Yesterday afternoon, my beloved friend Mrs Barbara Tober hosted an intimate luncheon in celebration of its opening after a private viewing of the exhibition. It offered a great opportunity to see friends and make acquaintance of new ones.
The “Taylor Swift: Storyteller” exhibition is certainly an opportunity not to be missed. Be sure to check it out at the MAD located at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.
Featured below are some of my favorites. 😉
I just got back from my very first Barbie Convention and it was exactly as I had imagined it would be! Yes, there’s actually such a thing, in case you’re wondering. Some of you might not know of my doll collection and doll artistry which can be seen @dolliciouslife on instagram and Facebook (You can see the convention videos on instagram). I’ve been at it for quite sometime now, but it recently reached another height during the covid lockdown when we all had nothing but time and flashbacks. That was when many doll collectors like myself, started unboxing the precious little fellas displayed on shelves to begin what some of us now call a “dollstagram” community. We photograph dolls in fashion, dioramas, lifelike, etc. They helped fill a void for creativity during covid. I for one couldn’t photograph real models/celebrities for Shoeholics magazine at the time due to covid. Alas! The dolls opened my eyes to another life of miniature world of unlimited creativity. I soon found my niche making over dolls, placing them in life like photography. It caught the attention of Longhouse Reserve Museum in East Hampton, where I was invited to photograph on the property. It was featured in the July 2023 edition of Purist magazine, both digital and hardcopy released just in time for the debut of the highly anticipated Barbie movie. (Click on the magazine images below to enlarge it).
Doll collectors alike have since found a “home” on social media, where we share our collection, doll artistry and admiration of one another. Once a year, we gather in person at the convention to celebrate what we all have in common… dolls! Sometimes, dressing up and looking like a favorite doll comes with the territory. Gifts are given and exchanged, lifelong friendships are forged. It’s a joyous occasion many from around the world look forward to. We can’t wait until next year when Barbie celebrates her 65th birthday in Palm Springs! The ageless diva doesn’t look a day over 21! I’ll have whatever she’s having, please!
The highlight of the convention for me was when a beautiful young girl with Down Syndrome, Gigi asked me to be her Barbie and take pictures with her. She made my day! This is why I enjoy doing what I do. Loving life and light one day at a time, making myself and others happy. ❤️🙏
The iconic Pride March came roaring down 5th Avenue like never seen before, it did not disappoint! There certainly was a different kind of electrifying sensation about the event this year. Could it be because some of corporate giants like M.A.C actually gaving away makeups and not just stickers? Or perhaps the unusually high number of attendance, including kids with their families.
Once the usual government officials such as the Senator, Mayor, Governor, et.al made their way out, Grand Marshall Billy Porter led the party. Corporations used the opportunity to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community, and of course to promote their wares. It’s inevitable. Political statements were also prominent at the event.
I don’t recall the last time I left the Pride March with so many swags. I made it home with makeup, towels, shopping bag, Barbie canvas bag and so many items! The March is the only event in the city you can expect not to go home empty handed… provided you know to place yourself in the earlier part of the parade route. Check out the video reel on my instagram post.
Africa to the world! There’s never been a better time than now for African Fashion. Ever since the smashing success of the fictional onscreen country of Wakanda at the box office, African fashion has moved from the shadows of the down cast to the center stage of the fashion world. Not too long ago, we saw Virgil Abloh’s take on the iconic Ghanaian Kente print on the luxury brand Louis Vuitton’s famous motifs and modeled on the American Vogue cover!
Brooklyn Museum took a solidifying and validating step by celebrating the continent’s rich fashion history and culture with carefully curated collection from pre-colonial era to the works of Africans in diaspora today. The West African classic shopping bag, “Ghana must go” didn’t miss the party either.
I was privileged and honored to wear a creation by one of Nigeria’s finest designers to the opening day festivities.
My pride as an Nigerian couldn’t be more obvious when I saw a room full of guests (including non Africans) clad in various attires from the motherland on opening day celebration. Gone are the days when Dashiki or Ankara wearing Africans were laughed at when walking around the city , not too long ago. Something I myself experienced first hand. We’ve come a long way and I’m hopeful of the better days ahead for humanity.
God is good. 🥳🎉
If you haven’t seen the iconic motion picture New Jack City, then you haven’t lived… myself included. To my surprise, I’d never seen it until the 32nd anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival last night! I’d heard of it growing up in Nigeria, know many of the accompanying landmark music, but never saw the movie. Yeah, shame on me. I’m forever grateful to my dear friend, a world renowned artist Renee Cox for the invitation. She was in attendance in support of her childhood friend, the movie director Mario Van Peebles, and had me tag along. I was at the edge of my seat clutching imaginary pearls, transposed by each jaw dropping scenes! To think there was a time America was in fact like what was depicted in this movie?! It was mind-blowing!
The picture would mark the triumphant directorial debut of Mario Van Peebles, and onscreen acting debut of many of the actors including Vanessa Williams, Michael Michele and Chris Rock. It was astonishing to see young Ice T and Wesley Snipes go toe to toe onscreen. They all gave riveting performances, definitely one for the ages!
It was interesting to hear the cast talk about the inspirations, behind the scenes and making of certain iconic scenes in the movie (see the video below). Many of which has now paved the way for others like it. It was so profound and influential at the time of its debut in a drug drenched society of 1991 and still holding solid weight in a social media/hip-hop culture of 2023. New Jack city was ahead of its time with catch phases such as being “canceled”, a very diverse cast and well thought out plots that’s educational and life changing for its viewers at any generation.
The Tribeca Film Festival was extra special to me this year with the legendary, iconic and activist Bethann Hardison screening her long awaited documentary on the inequality that was rife in the fashion industry for decades! As a former model myself for over a decade few years ago, a lot of nerves were touched by “The Invisible Beauty” documentary. Certain scenarios from years ago suddenly made more sense. I would wonder why only one or no person of color that looked like me seldom booked a certain job.
Needless to say, the part that really had me choked up in tears were her struggle as a mother. Bethann Hardison balanced motherhood between her models (after forming an agency of her own) and her only child, Kadeem Hardison. She ended up sacrificing so much of her own personal life and welfare for the greater good of others, models of color. Many now regard her as the grandmother and foundation of highly successful models, both past and present. She paved the way for so many! Due to her hardwork, persistence, and tenacious nature of never giving up, the industry is more united.
The Invisible Beauty, a documentary relatable to all works of life, spotlighting the daily struggles of humanity, delving into the inequality and injustice, is definitely one to watch.
I certainly enjoyed watching the documentary with my friends, and celebrated the legend together shortly after.
