Year: 2025

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Channels Nollywood Icon Chidi Mokeme for BBNaija Eviction Night

Sundays in Big Brother Naija land are all about suspense, drama, and the one thing viewers secretly (or not so secretly) wait for: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s outfit reveal. And trust him to turn the eviction night runway into his personal fashion stage. This week, he ditched the predictable for something with a bit of cinematic nostalgia — a nod to Nollywood’s style icon Chidi Mokeme. Ebuka stepped out in a teal corduroy blazer worn effortlessly over a black tee and trousers. Add in slick black sunglasses, a chain necklace, and a subtle crossbody strap, and you’ve got a look that’s relaxed yet razor sharp. The teal popped against the black, the corduroy gave it that textured retro wink, and the whole vibe? Modern homage meets timeless cool. Basically, if Chidi Mokeme was the original Nollywood GQ, Ebuka just gave us the remix. “Inspired by Nollywood’s original fashion boy, Chidi Mokeme,” Ebuka shared on Instagram, reminding us of the actor’s legacy — and his legendary return after overcoming Bell’s palsy. It wasn’t just an outfit; it was a tribute. Evictions may send housemates packing, but Ebuka’s style storytelling is what keeps viewers glued every Sunday. And this week? He proved yet again why no one does BBNaija fashion quite like him.

Slurp Your Way Through Japan: 4 Regional Ramen Styles Worth the Flight

Ramen isn’t just soup with noodles — in Japan, it’s practically a geography lesson in a bowl. Each region has its own spin, tied to local flavours, climate quirks and centuries of food tradition. These bowls are cultural landmarks in broth form — salty seas up north, garlicky decadence down south, and everything in between. If you thought ramen was just soy, salt or miso, think again. Japan’s regional ramen is a culinary map that shows how food adapts and thrives wherever it lands. Here are four iconic bowls that tell their own story — and where to find the best versions. Kumamoto Ramen: Garlic Lovers, Assemble Right next door to Hakata but with its own flair, Kumamoto ramen keeps it porky but tones it down with a bit of chicken stock. The real star? Garlic — smoky black garlic oil drizzled on top and crispy garlic chips tossed in for good measure. It’s bold, bitter and earthy, perfect for cutting through the richness. Old-school spots like Komurasaki (since 1954) and Keika (since 1955) made this style famous, with Keika even taking it to Tokyo. Yokohama Iekei Ramen: The 70s Rebel Born in the 1970s, Yokohama’s iekei ramen is a mash-up of Hakata’s tonkotsu depth and Tokyo’s soy sharpness. The broth is thick, salty, fatty, and almost creamy — basically the kind of comfort food you need after a long night out. The noodles are thick and chewy, with toppings like spinach, nori and (if you’re brave) a dollop of garlic paste. Yoshimuraya is the OG shop (since 1974), while Sugita-ya carried the torch into the 80s. Hakodate Ramen: Clean & Classic Forget heavy, oily bowls — Hakodate keeps it light with a clear shio (salt) broth. Made from chicken bones, kelp and dried seafood, it’s elegant and comforting, almost like sipping on a refined soup. Straight noodles, minimal toppings, nothing too fussy. If you want the purest taste, head to Ajisai (since 1930) or long-standing favourite Seiryuken. Kitakata Ramen: Noodles on Centre Stage Over in Fukushima, the town of Kitakata lives and breathes ramen — so much that locals happily eat it for breakfast. The signature style? Wide, flat noodles with a bouncy chew, swimming in a soy-based pork broth that’s flavourful without being overwhelming. It’s all about the texture here. For the true experience, check out Bannai Shokudo (founded in 1951) or the legendary Genraiken, which dates back to the 1920s. The takeaway? Ramen is more than a quick comfort fix — it’s Japan’s edible travel guide. Each bowl tells you something about where it came from, and if you’re a noodle enthusiast, these regional styles deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Riccardo Bellini Steps In as CEO

Photo: Courtesy of Valentino

Valentino names Riccardo Bellini as its new CEO, succeeding Jacopo Venturini. With Alessandro Michele leading design, the duo faces the challenge of reviving sales and navigating Kering’s stake in the maison.

7 Luxury Soaps That Deserve a Spot on Your Bathroom Counter

There are two types of bathrooms: the ones that quietly get the job done, and the ones that whisper “yes, I live here and I have taste.” Guess which one we’re aiming for? Luxury soaps are more than just hand-wash essentials—they’re like tiny, scented sculptures that turn a boring sink into a mood board. A chic soap says: I care about the details, I’ve thought about my hand wash experience, and yes, even my guests deserve a little pampering. From Italian pharmacy classics to Japanese skincare science and Parisian staples, here are seven luxury soaps that will make your bathroom counter look (and smell) like it belongs in a glossy interiors magazine. Santa Maria Novella Rose Liquid Soap Straight out of Florence, this rose-scented number feels like a love letter to your skin. Calendula extract soothes, the soft floral scent lingers, and the packaging whispers “refinement” without shouting. Edobio Masu Soap Tokyo’s gift to your bathroom. A cube of alkaline soap that works for face and body, packed with cherry leaf and green tea extracts. Basically, centuries-old Japanese rituals meet skincare biotech wizardry. Frederic Malle Hand Wash If chic minimalism had a scent, this would be it. Magnolia notes, a delicate cleanse, and packaging that’s quietly confident. Ideal for the bathroom you know your guests will snoop around in. Diptyque Do Son Soap Citrusy, creamy, and honestly a work of art. Inspired by tuberose flowers of Indochina, this almond oil–rich bar moisturises while looking like it belongs in an art gallery. Bathe to Basics Best Wishes Trio A Hong Kong-made set with Pomelo Leaf, Seven Flower, and Peach Blossom soaps—each symbolising prosperity, love, and longevity. Housed in a pinewood box, they’re as giftable as they are sink-worthy. Neal’s Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Wash Botanical, bright, and proudly organic. Think clear bottle, cheerful fragrance, and a gentle cleanse that feels refreshing without going clinical. Officine Universelle Buly Savon Superfin The Parisian classic. Subtle scent, natural oils, timeless design. It’s the kind of soap that never gets hidden away, because displaying it is half the point. Luxury soaps prove that even the tiniest corner of your home can feel intentional. And honestly, there’s something delightful about turning a hand wash into a little luxury ritual.