The Photographers were EVERYWHERE!

PAPARAZZI IS OVER BUT THE PICTURES ARE FOREVER.....

The Photographers were EVERYWHERE!

CMINOU would like to use this opportunity to thank all those who came to the Côté Minou Launch party. The CROWD was awesome, the ENERGY was amazing, the MODELS were smoking hott, the performances were totally great and our MCs were fantastic.

Big UPS our show MCs Stephen Munaboand Nathalie Fobi .

To the Performers APEXX, STEPHANE AFENI, ZARA, DREAM TEAM, and LES BELLES D'AFRIQUE

In French we say.... GROS BISOU!!

EXTREME THANKS to all our Sponsors, Promoters and the CMinou Team.

Thanks to Miss Moyin Ayanbiola founder of Finishing Touches for her combination of Extreme Accesories.

The Magazines....
Check out for PAPARAZZI.... @ UZURI MAGAZINE, JAMATI ONLINE, HAUTE MAGAZINE, BLACK HERALD, LA TRIBUNE DU TEMPS, MAMI MAGAZINE and many more.

For your support consistency and your love. We thank our mamas, and papas, LOL!

Valmy Awasom, Ashley Ojongtambia, Karine Zekam, Azocha Nkobena, DC Ladies, Nyenpu Kamara, Paul Anchang, Montee Gibson, Matena Kamara, Maxi Mbinack , Fausta Tabe, Nadege Etabong, Bianca Richardson, Busola Dallass, Abel Ojo, Adedoyin Kalejaiye, Adedayo Ogunleye, Bola Omisore, and the one and only DJ Yveco.

........so OK! ......Why didn't we put it like this the day of the show!


We are so EXCITED!!!!

Côté Minou is soooo Official.

Get yours NOW!!! Clothes available for MEN and WOMEN.

Yours TRULY and Always Maryanne & Da Gurl Nini

;-)

FAUSTA MS. CMINOU IN THE CROWD

MODELS POSING FOR THE PAPARAZZI

AFTER PARTY PICS

P.S FOR RECAPS ON THE SHOW....

Check out:

JAMATI ONLINE INTERVIEW
http://www.jamati.com/online/style/cote-minou-bringing-out-the-paparazzi/

PAPARAZZI LAUNCH RE-CAP
http://www.jamati.com/online/style/cote-minou-launches-in-style/


BLACK HERALD PRE & POST SHOW RE-CAP
http://blackherald.egoong.com/?p=573


PARTY ADDICTS DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT-June 2008
http://www.afroalliance.com/afrocomics/JUNNL.html

THANKS TO ALL OUR MAGAZINE PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR THEIR COVERAGE AS WELL AS PHUNSHOTS PHOTGRAPHY, FASHION LINGO, J.U. HARDEN PHOTOS, AKU DIGITAL, BRYAN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY, SHOBOY ENT. and the CAMERAS OF OUR FRIENDS, LOVED ONES, AND THE PAPARAZZI CROWD.....

PAPARAZZI THANKS

PAPARAZZI- THE LAUNCH PARTY

DMV's Own Dream Team

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=182859550&MyToken=2de6ba7a-d72d-45cb-9353-ad6a93df970e

ZARA
http://www.myspace.com/zwagger

APEXX

www.myspace.com/apexxmusic

Stephane Afeni- Repping La Côte D'Ivoire

www.myspace.com/bledrecords

www.myspace.com/rayonfrais

PAPARAZZI-You Ready!!

FACEBOOK Event page.....
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=13430787827&ref=ts

PAPARAZZI TIX available NOW!!For a limited time- $20

Groove Tickets-Keyword PAPARAZZI

http://www.groovetickets.com/ordersystem/Groove/eventviewqb.asp?AffilID=93&EventsID=39047&PGname=Cote%20Minou


ULTRA WHITE WAS TOTALLY AWESOME. We had so much fun......

KUDOS TO BCBG PRODUCTIONS and IDOA!

THANks to all who made the night memorable! The names are just too many...
We should do this again!

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne & Da Gurl NINI

PASSPORT TO AFRICA- TRUNK SHOW

Aaahhh MAY 20th.. Such a dear Date!

Happy Birthday to Maryanne's Mom! Luv ya!

Happy Independence Day to all our CAMEROONIANS!!

Passport to Africa's Trunk Show was a nice event. Hosted by I Dream of Africa, it was a week long celebration of events and ceremonies related to Africa. Tuesday May 20th 2008 was their Trunk show and CMinou was invited.......

The showcase was very nice, Station 9 Restaurant was a nice and classy venue and everyone danced and toasted as we celebrated Africa in the arts....The event was real nice.

The DJ was also awesome. Lovely music from ShowBoys.ENT

The Passport to Africa Trunk Show also featured other fashion, and jewelry designers from the DC/MD/VA area.

Thanks to Maxi, Tamara, Karine, Azocha, and Emmanuel who came out to support. LOVE YA!!

Special thanks to Natasha, Seward and the whole IDOA Crew for making us part of this event.


Check out Blackherald.com for more info on this and other events....

http://blackherald.egoong.com/?p=569

See you at the Ultra White Party @ Gallery this May 25th.......

xoxoluvluvxoxo

MAryanne & Da Gurl Nini

CMINOU TRAIN......

So its Graduation time....
Our lovely graduates reppin' CMinou.

The real H.U.....U kNOW!!
Univ of MD! (UMCP)
COPPIN University!

Shout out to Nichole, Cynthia, Whennah, Fausta, Anyi and Me...


Next stop on the CMinou train......................

PASSPORT TO AFRICA
MAy 20th 2008- African Trunk Show- 6:30pm – 9:30pm
http://www.passporttoafrica.com/

Station 9
1438 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009

CSU's 8th Annual CAMEROON NATIONAL WK-END CELEBRATION DAY
May 24th 2008- Sexy Fashion Show -9:00pm-4:pm

Blu Lounge & Grill
6821 Reed St
Bethesda, MD

BCBG Productions ULTRA WHITE PARTY-10:00pm-4pm
http://www.bcbgproductions.com/
May 25th 2008

Gallery Restaurant and Lounge
1115 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Be there or be []

BE ON THE LOOK OUT!!!!
Our launch party June 21st 2008, PAPARAZZI @ Gallery Restaurant and Lounge. It will be a great day for networking featuring musical and dance performances...and CMinou first Menswear..
Clothes available for sale after each of these events..

Pre show 2-4PM
Main Event 4-7PM
Post Show 7-8PM

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!!!!

Tickets available at groovetickets.com
KEYWORD- PAPARAZZI

African Dance Explosion (ADE 08)

THE HORREST AFRICAN DANCE COMPETITION IN THE NATION!!!

Hands down, ADE was off the chains...I know......nobody say that anymore......but thats how bad it was mein. We had the best time EVER. The show was full of culture, people, music, and of course dancing. The show featured the best teams from all the coasts. The Teams were:

-Les Belles D'afrique 2008 Winners (Also won in 2005)
-Mwangaza Dancers (North Carolina A&T)
-Ba na Ba Africa (Penn State and also 2nd Place)
-Afro Beatz (from Atlanta)
-Z'fora

Just thinking about it gets us exhausted. We screamed so hard because they were just destroying the stage with what my people call SAKA -"dancing" .... The dancers had to compete in three categories. These included Traditional, Contemporary and Freestyle.

We featured in the show with our designs while there was a performance by the original NAIJA BOYS.....They performed about four songs...Our models proudly exuded our clothes twice and the crowd was lovin' it! The Hostess (actress Sophie Aiida) also showcased our clothes on the event at the event.

DJ Yveco was spinning on the 1s and 2s ;-)

The dancers and the crowd were great. I wish we could just repeat the whole show.
However all things had to come to an end. Prior to the Grand Finale, we presented the Free Style Award and it went to Cameroon reppin AfroBeatz!

I still can't get over this show. the dancing, the uniforms, the choreography, the whole chabang!
TWAS GREAT>

Here with Photos by Tunji Sarumi.................

http://www.tunjisarumi.com/

Shout out to the HOsts: Aba O, Actress Sophie Aiida and the NAIJA BOYS.

Our models Bianca, Deborah Dee, Ashley, Valmy, Olivia, Nadia, and Mable.

Also Azocha and Karine (Force Afrik), BCBG Productions, I Dream of Africa (IDOA) and Generation NAija and ADE 2008 Staff. You guys were a great team.

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da gurl Nini

*SNAPSHOTS OF AFRICA*

Miss Mfon Umoren, from University of Delaware called us showing interests in our line.

Her Organization the Delaware African Students Associaction chickly termed "DASA" otherwise, was preparing a show which was to recall the Beats of the Motherland.


The show was on Friday April 18th at the University of Delaware and had over 100 guests.
Following last year's success, this year was a night to remmember as well. It involved, music, fashion, dancing, drama, food, poetry, documentaries.


Our showcase features, casual, evening and party styles.... The models were awesome.

In short it was very EVENTFULL!!! The show was enjoyed by all....

It was hosted by We were so proud to be part of this event. Snapshots of Africa represented Africans from the continent and the Diaspora!!


Shou out to Jackie, Mfon, Diniece, Dionna, Titilola, Bolarinwa, GiGi, Angel, Nife, Shola, Jaqueline, Gloria, Cynelsa, Jeffrey, Chinedu, Margot and Angel.....

For more info on the DASA Spirit............ very inspiring, Check out
http://copland.udel.edu/stu-org/dasa/index.htm


lovin thisss ;-)

Coming RIGHT UP>>>

African Dance Explosion - ADE 08' TONIGHT at Cramton April 19th...


xoxoluvluxoxo


Maryanne and Da Gurl Nini

CM Scene @ (RORRIM)

RoRRiM- Spring Fest Show

Spring is IN! And we are lovin' it!
Cherry Blossoms in DC, nice weather coming up! (well, its kinda raining a lot in our town now!!! :-( )

Will White, Howard University's Spring Fest Fashion Show 08' cordinator, informed us of their interest to showcase Côté Minou at their event.

The show was entitled RORRIM (Mirror in reverse).

The MIRROR- A surface capable of reflecting sufficient undiffused light to form an image of an object placed in front of it. Also called looking glass. (http://www.answers.com/)

In this case the stage was the mirror, relfecting spring fashion from designers in the area.

The show was nice, a lot of people came and the MUSIC was awesome. The show also featured a performance from a new Hip Hop artist called BOB.

>>>>>>>>>>Côté Minou is on FACEBOOK and also on Youtube.

We are preparing for our Launch Party this June 08' .....................
Will keep you posted.

See you guys at the African Dance Explosion 2008 coming up April 19th hosted by Force Afrik and Generation Naija featuring the Naija Boys (http://www.africanremix.com/)

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne & Da Gurl Nini

HUCM Cultural Affair & African Heritage Festival

So.....Doyin called us to tell us about a fundraising event that organized by the Howard University College of Medecine (HUCM) International Medicine Interest Group.


The show was held on Feb 28th 2008, entitled A "Cultural Affair".

The show took place in what the medicne students call the RED Room. Full of musical peformances, fashion, dancing and a documentary on the University's medical missions; it was an event full of entrigue.


Côté Minou was happy to be part of this event which. The event helped raise a lot of money for the students in the school of medecine to be able to provide some neccesitiesities for the many people who are sick oversees.


Our showcase featured a combination of daytime and ballroom dresses. Music was awesome and the models did a great job!



Here with Phunshots by Ladi at HUCM's Cultural Affair..

Busy as ussual we also designed the clothes for the Omoge dancers at the Howard ASA Fashion Show 08'

Côté Minou also participated at the St. Scholastica's African Heritage Festival in Minnesota. The show is was held March 29th 2008. The show was hosted by Ilyasha Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X.

The African Heritage Festival had performances from a youth gospel choir called voices of vision, ‘2one8’ another local hip-hop group. Poetry by Sister Naomi Tamar also a motivational speaker,
African and hip-hop dance groups from Duluth, the Twin Cities and Madison, WI.

The show also had a Darfur documentary by UMD student Akin Falade. Really Nice show.

Also check out at the Howard University's Annual Spring Fest Show on April 3rd 2008 at the Cramton Auditorium in Washington, DC.

Later on April 19th 2008, come see us feature at the African Dance again at Howard's Cramton Auditorium in Washington, DC. It will feature the greatest dance teams from accross the country. You don't want to miss it. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne & Da gurl Nini

Totally Awesome......

Very excited to forecast this event.....Penn State Show on February 16th 2008.

After months of preparation with Abdul and Jennifer, we are glad to say the it was all so worth it.

The trip was from DC to PA was long but unforgetable. We spent numerous hours wondering where the heck we were going and if we were lost...I mean -admiring the landscapes and vast geographic features:-))

We landed the Penn Stater, the location of the wonderful event late the day before and began pre-show preperations. The models were all excited to see us and so were we to be part of their event.

Prep was fast and effective and everyone couldn't wait to get their hair and make up done and show their audience what Penn State ASA was all about.

We also got a chance to meet the Bana Ba Africa dancers before hand and once we saw their dances we knew the show was going to be the horrest thing that hit the east coast.

The next day was refreshing. prep for the show was on point, make up, accessories and we were ready to go.

The Touch of Africa event whose theme was Experiencing Africa's Virtue: The promise of tomorrow, the appreciation of Today was totally Awesome!!

The show began with opening remarks, dinner , poetry and a mind twisting acrobatic display. The event also featured as always musical performances from Kulu Mele, Young Tone, and the Afro Kings.

As I said before the Bana Ba Africa Dance Team killed the show with three seperate performances. My favorites so far.

Apart from our fashion scenes the show also featured a hair show, skit and award presentation. The show was well put and I am sure the 700+ attendees were definetly not disappointed.

The show all came to a finale with a special performance by Soukous Stars together with Mambo and the Protectors of the rainforest.
We had fun...sad tis over now but we'll move on right??

Shout out to Abel, Babs, Busola, Dayo, Yvon, Carine , Maxi, Stephane, Joelle, Marie, Tomi, Ajab, Paula de la Côte d'Ivoire and all the models....

signing out but will be back soon;-)

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and DA gurl Nini

The $$$ Shots!!!!!

Its all about the Money Shots.... !!!

Money Shot- a word invented by the man IKE Onyewuenyi.

Definition of a money shot>>> self explanatory!

Okay getting to the point! So we decided to seize the nice sun that came this weekend to have a photo shoot. It was a nice day in the mid winter and I think we all did a good job.

This time Ike was in charge of bringing the money shots. He claimed it was all the models' faults but we must say the guy still got the eye.

Alisha Croom came through again as our make up artist and beautified the lovely ladies for the shoot.

The two day shoot began on Saturday. We tried to make the most out of the sun so we shot outdoors.

We went to U Street in Washington, DC, whose character is absolutely vibrant. The shoot was fun. I must say we were probably crazies because people kept on looking at us as we were posing for the cameras.

Sunday was more indoors cauz it was a colder day and I have to say we did pretty well. Sunday's shoot was improvised at ol' HU campus. Always comes through doesn't it!

Aaahh! Well hope you like the pics and I guess see you if you are coming to Penn State's Touch of Africa Show next week....We'll be there!

Shout out to Busola, Abel, Nikki, Nini, MaxiMax, Alisha and Ike. Y'all were Grrreat!!

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da Gurl Nini

The GQ Party Part II....

To end the year 2007, Côté Minou joined forces with renowned party promoters BCBG Productions (Bon Genre-Bon Chic) on Dec 29th 2007, to present our newest line at their 2nd year Anniversary which they called the GQ PARTY II.

This event a follow up to the previous years success, was exhilerting. The party as always was the bomb...BiG UPs to DJ Yveco and partner Stephane. The place was full and many of our friends and family came to support..We had fun mein!!!

The party began at BLU Lounge in Bethesda, MD at about 8pm with the 2-hour cocktail event. Both ourselves and the models enjoyed the pre-party as the DJ played some favorite old school joints. Many of BGBC Productions' important friends and personell were also there for the pre celebration.

The party begun and some were already almost drunk...(I mean excited)....We danced and danced and danced.....and danced with friends and so forth.

At around 11:45pm we headed backstage with our models some whose fashion make up were already finished thanks to the Ivorian reppin' make-up artist Ms. Vanessa Gnoan. Everyone got dressed in their first outfits and were eager to walk.

Impatient as the music was still playing for the "party people", we stayed backstage dancing as we waited for the show to start. .....Ummmmm "Go Nini" chanted all as she dropped down lown and swept the floor to Beyonce's hit...You know I did the Naomi Campbell walk....or tried to.

Well dancing time was up for us cauz the show was about to start. We got the heads up from the DJ who later formally introduced us and it was strudd time!!

We had over 30 clothes featured in this show........that originally got Nini excited! The girls all came out about three times in three different yet continuous scenes categorized as Day, Night time and Ballroom. Many of our friends were impressed and we were very pleased with the models' performances.

After the show we were recognized, took pics with the models in their outfits and cleaned up then went right back to Couper Decaler.....

The Anniversary party was beyond imagination a wonderful success. Thanks to all who came to support BCBG Productions and our feature.

To close this one we would like to say we were happy we did this and as the theme for BCBG Productions goes....MUSIC is FASHION-FASHION is MUSIC. This proved to show as the French would say "Un bon marriage".... (a good union).

Special Thanks to Raoul who helped cordinate the male models.

Also Special thanks to Abel, Doyin, Eliane, Babila, Fausta, Anita and Nadege.

and all our our models....Ashley, Valmy, Maxi, Mable, Comfort, Alicia, Lily, Tamara, and Ihuoma. Also again Raoul, Ibrahim, Insa (Dream Team) and Lance....OK! I'm done!!!!

Check out BCBG Productions website at www.bcbgproductions.com for info on their upcoming parties and events.

Oooooohhhh............Get your orders in ;-)

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da gurl Nini.

A Night of Enchanment

The Royal Affair at Towson University hosted by their African Diaspora Club was as the M.Cs would say.........FANTASTIC!! If you were there you would know what I mean.

Everyone was in the house from Mali, to Senegal, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Togo and many more... everyone left with something to cherish.

We spoke with the president of the African Diaspora Club, Ms. Gboyinde who informed us of their interest in featuring us at the African Explosion Event. The show, which had been planned for over a year now was a wonderful success. There was not a single moment of boredom.

The evening began December 1st, 07, with dinner which took place at the .....at 4pm. The crowd was filled with people from various backgounds. All ate as we listened to African music excited about the show's future unravelling. The room was full. Its funny...many people evening had even skipped dinner because the wanted to be first in line when the door was open.

Doors for the cultural event opened at 6:30pm on the dot and in 10 minutes most of the seats were occupied. The Royal Affair was rich with musical performances, comedy, skits, fashion segments and of course dance performances. Côté minou was in the house and the action was definetly not missed.

This show was one that was really appreciated because it had so much diversity yet unity was definetly felt. Throughout the show many noticed a number of similarities among countries. Even the ones in East Africa compared to those in West Africa. The show began with belly dancing from Egypt and another traditional dance from club members from Ethiopia. The show was featured musical performances from Ghananian duo the "Afro Kings" and the Nija group called APEXX who were crowd pleasers. Dance Performances from Les Femmes D'Afri'k and Fusion Dancers were spectacular.

The show also had an funny skit with a prize called "African Idol Live". You know 50 cent; well he ain't got norring on Towson's Lenny and female duo Rising Star took our Francophone audience back home with the dramatic zouk performance.

The fashion segments occured at different intervals throughout the show. It featured the tribal scene where we saw styles from what the M.C called the first Fashion Capital- AFRICA!. It was accompanied with accessories to capture aspects of ancient African lifestyle. The show also had a clothing from Stylz couture designed by a Morgan Graduate and of course us....

We got great feedback. I came ready with business cards this time so people could know how to get their orders.

The best part of the show would have to be the fundraiser. It was for the PANZI Hospital in Congo. Many women in Congo have been suffering human violence and rape. The speaker for the fundraiser who was actually from Ghana expressed that this act of injustice was one which was not just an African, Congolese or woman problem but one that we ought to make our problem as well for the sake of humanity. The Panzi Hospital is one of the fewer organizations with a health proffesional which stayed in the country even during its times of uproar to help many women regain their dignity and stand up for their rights. The fundraiser was concluded by a mini documentary showing the effects of the whole matter. You had to be there it was heart wrenching!

Ohhhhh...The show also had an After party which many enjoyed. I have to say after a long year's preparation I am sure that members of the African Diaspora Club were exhilerated about the show's success....WE were!!

for more on the show visit the link for the Towerlight, Towson University's Newspaper at http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2007/12/03/News/A.Night.Of.Enchantment-3127258.shtml

Big ups the the Explosion Crew...and special thanks to Valerie, Doyin, and Louise.

You all know who you are ;-))

Again signing off.

xoxxoluvlvuxoxo

Maryanne and Da gurl Nini

And There Was The Photoshoot...

So we decided to work with a friend Jonathan Harden and some HU model friends of ours on a little photoshoot this past sunday......Well the shoot was preety GREAT I must say. Good job guys!!
Special thanks to our make up artist Alisha Croom, and Johnathan the photographer.

Johnathan........
Alisha......

Shout out to Jamila, Bianca, Comfort and Titi. You guys were great.
It was cold and rainy but no one could tell.....(Well now you do..haha :-))

Watch out for us our upcoming event at Blu Lounge for the BCBG Productions (Party Promoters) on Dec 29th 2007 as Cote Minou tries to close the year with more noise.

All thanks to God ...without Him nothing is Possible.
Here with pics of the photo shoot crew.

Bianca..............
Jamila.........


Comfort............

Titi.......

Study Smart!! Stay Focused. and for all those not in school...I think we envy you-but that's okay ;-)

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da gurl Nini

A Blast at G.W!!

......So Ms. Fumi from George Washington University called us and informed us of their cultural event entitled "Taste of Africa" hosted by their Organization of African Students.

The show was to be on Friday November 9th 2007 at the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom.

It was a wonderful event which raised awareness on the stereotypes people have on or about the African continent. It was enriched with, a series of short skits, fashion, African jewelry expo, comedy, quizes, dance performances and what we call in Cameroon "Item 11" (Food :-)).....Don't Ask!

Lessons some people learned:

-Africa is not a country
-People from Africa come in different complexions (skin tones)
-Wild animals in Africa are seen only in reserves, wild parks or zoos.
-Africans do not all speak the same languages
-Africans know how to have to good time.....LOL (That is (cough-cough)...a personal analysis!)


I have to say this was another memorable night. We laughed and laughed and laughed.
HI 5s to the models and OAS Team. You guys were awesome.


We got again a lot of good feedback from this show and we were also featured in G.W school's newspaper__ the HATCHET. Here with the link from the 11/12/07 issue.
http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2007/11/12/News/A.Night.Of.African.Culture-3094129.shtml&sourcedomain=www.gwhatchet.com&facebook


Enjoy your Day ;-)


xoxoluvluvxoxo


Maryanne & Da gurl Nini

R.A.R.E .....Howard Homecoming Show

Our latest show was the Howard University's Homecoming 07 Fashion Show.

We were contacted by the H.U. Fashion Show coordinator Ms. Yasmine over the summer and were excited to participate in the event. Homecoming Fashion shows which occur at Howard University's Cramton auditorium has graced the presences of notable clothing lines such as the Sean John, Rocawear, Baby Phat and Phat Farm. This year's Homecoming theme was called "R.A.R.E" as in Rekindle an Amazing Remarkable Experience. Their goal was to create a homecoming experience which would be memorable;

and so they did.....

This year's Fashion theme was entitled "Art of War". It featured scenes such as street war, glam war, and ours "tribal warfare" which we thought to be an interesting title. We worked with the commitee to extend a political statement on the effects the on the War on the African continent and the paralyses in infringes on its people. Trying to make some fashion out of that our scene was choreographed to resemble a civilian uproar that would occur after a coup d'etat. The models strud our wares looking like warriors "standing for their rights to be free to live life".

It was superb!!

The show was published on the Howard University's Hilltop Magazine. Here with an excerpt on our the Côté Minou scene from the 10/19/07 issue.

"In the scene "Tribal Warfare," guests watched models adorned in African-inspired

patterned clothing with a modern and stylish twist as cultural music was played."

Our scene was accompanied with music from the renowned Mali song artist Salif Kieta.

We were also highly excited to debut our dear friend Ms. Moyin Ayanbiola's accessories from her upcoming boutique called "Finishing Touches". The duo of our clothing and her accessories was dynamic.

Homecoming was great!! The show also included a performances by the wonderful Janelle Monae. The show also featured the works of Bravo's Project Runway finalist contestant Mychael Knight, HU's Cranberry and of course Sean John and Rocawear.

Special thanks to Ms. Raquel and Dayo for being there when we needed help.

Here with the video from YOUTUBE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=uP1lekEngOk#

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne & Da gurl Nini

Work work work don't be tired.....

Hey guys and gals......

As always we have been busy .....however we are proud to say we have good news.

We recently had an article on the Howard University Hilltop Magazine Sept. 23rd issue on Africhic designs with a traditional twist. Just a little gist as to what our line is all about. This article is not available via online. Thanks to Ike who wrote and helped publish the article.

So what is Côté Minou all about??? You may ask.

We are about making the african cloth an element you can wear all the time as opposed to just on special occasions. Our designs are unique as they put a twist to the traditional way one may observe and experience African material. We enjoy, pattern, rythmn and texture.

So many people often ask what does the name itself- Côté Minou mean....here we go!!!

Well it is derived from two french terms. Côté is french for corner and Minou is a combination of both myself and Stephanie's nickname. Coucou (mine) and Nini (hers). With M being the first letter in both our last names, Minou is coincidentally also a cute pet name you would give a kitten.

Okay so there you have it. The long and short story of the formulation of our name.....;-)

Côté Minou will be featuring designs at the following shows:


Howard University Homecoming Fashion Show October 18th 2007


George Washington University Nov 9th 2007


Towson University African Explosion IV - Dec 1st 2007


Penn State University February 15th 2008


Also check us out in the future God willing on the BHF Magazine (made in Nigeria)

and check us out at the entertainment section of the new African TV Show hosted by our friend and top model Ms. Malaika from Cameroon coming soon.

Here are some pics from the cminou mini shoot.~~

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da Gurl Nini

Summer is at its end

So school is back.......

school assignments, projects and college life mania......but we all can handled it right??


Aaaaaahhhh the break went by so quick! Agree???


Neways, we have been busy selling clothes, and taking new orders. We recently finished our involvement in the Cameroon Convention August 17th 07' which was great hosted by the Cameroon Students Association in the U.S. (CAMSA).


The Fashion Show which was part of the entertainment night was a nice show. We are proud to see CAMSA at work.

The show featured number of activities such as comedic and music performances, speeches (like always) and of course dances !


Highlights from this show featured Euphrasie designs and musical group KUMANI (a hip/rnb group all da way from CAMER)


.....Here with a few youtube links of their performances.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PQvPOHpH0k


We are as always working new designs for projects which we will disclose to you at the convenient time.

Leave comments or contact us via email if interested in any of our clothes at our inbox.
Pictures in this post are of a mini shoot da gurl Nini and I did!

Shout out to Nadege, Ashley, Bih, Tina, Valmy, Dayo, Bola and Moyin! and all our supporters :-)

as always,

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and da gurl Nini

@ African Rebirth

Hey ladies and gents...

Hope we are all enjoying the hot sun the summer brings....

So our next show was featured at the University of Maryland College Park। entitled African Rebirth.

My homeboy Ife, the President said his African Student Association was hosting a Fashion show and was interested in our clothes.

It was to be held July 28th 2007 at their University Ballroom.

We thought the show would be a cool one to do because they were trying to raise funds to help fight Malaria in Africa.

Backstage preperations were fun, we worked on final preperations with the model, took backstage pictures and got to meet the other designers. As the start time for the show began, everyone was ready to show Maryland and all who came what they had been working on this summer.....

The show featured, African clothing by Ms. Aghogho's Soul Boutique and works from an nexquisite jewelry designer, talent from upcoming two African groups (singers) and some dancers who were our personal highlight.

It was a good show and we got good feedback! We again got to show our latest designs...and we were personally pleased....

The event also had an after party to close the whole ordeal.

Thanks again to all who came and supported. Really appreciate it.

We are working on new stuff as always and have interesting upcoming projects which we will inform you in due time. Keep posted on our blog and get your CM outfit for this summer.

Next stop। preparing for the Cameroon Convention 07' in Houston, TX this August 07' as the summers comes to an end.

xoxoluvalwaysxoxo


Maryanne and Da gurl Nini

Sexy DC Fashion Fusion

Our next exhibit was to feature in the Sexy DC Magazine's Show entitled "Fashion Fusion".

The show was to showcase some of DC's up and coming designers.

We were invited March 9th by the co-ordinators; ethiopian princess Nunu and her partner Devorne to be part of the event. It went much smoother and I believe this was one which we spent less time preparing for the show since we were no longer rookies....

We featured both our clothes and Men's wear from the Douala, Cameroon clothing store called "France Shopping" like we did at the NOIRE Show. Most of the girls fit perfectly in their clothes so we were happy.

The Show was May 5th 2007 (Cinquo de Mayo) and was to be located at DC's Zanzibar by the Waterfront. This show was cherished by its audience as their DC stars Tabi Boney and emcee Wale...performed "Sexy Ladies" and "Ice Cream Girl."

(Hmmm, not great fans of Dc's gogo music so much but don't mind these songs...actually like these and may like more if they keep it coming like this....

Again for this show, we were backstage during our scene.....we need to hire workers...lol.

Neways we were happy with the show cauz our friends got to see some new stuff from the Côté Minou closet which wasn't featured at our previous show.

So we were too tired after the show to attend the after party! It was right around finals time and our friends would rather watch the boxing game and 50 cent's bet. LOL.

Also Zanzibar is "grown and sexy" and some of our friends were under 21 anyways :-'

Thanks again to all who came by especially Bryan Jones who took pictures...You are a great photographer .

Shout out to Val, Dayo, Maximax, Eka, Funke, Gabby, Ike and our established make up artsit Raquel.

Also to Emmanuel the guy who calls himself our Ari.'

Shout out to Arrey, Raphael and Cyrille.

To those who wanted to come but couldn't be there you tried ;-) and we believe you LOL! ....

Well, now working on new projects and hope twill be exciting and exciting as always....

xoxoluvluvxoxo

Maryanne and Da gurl Nini