Fashion is being taken to new heights in Lagos.
Shows have become networking events for industry players as the city is hosting its third annual Fashion and Design Week.
It’s crunch-time for Lagos-based designer Ada Mgbudem.
She runs contemporary fashion label Ella and Gabby and is putting the final touches on her designs ahead of fashion and design week.
Ella and Gabby’s ‘Tropical Sophistication’ collection showed at Africa Fashion Week in London this past August.
But it will be the label’s first showing at the Lagos event.
“Ever since I launched the brand, I have been out there to be visible because I want to build a strong brand in Africa. The International eyes are on us; the fashion industry, the entertainment industry and the rest if them, and I feel that there is a lot of room for growth. People are coming up to organise big events that will bring designers to the international forefront,” said Mgbudem
One such organiser is Omoyemi Akerele, the founder of Style House Files.
It’s an agency geared to put Lagos and Nigeria on the international fashion map.
“From corporate partners getting on board to fulfill their PR and Community social responsibility obligations to providing jobs for the unemployed and artisans who assist throughout the production value chain of one outfit it seems to be win win solution for everyone,” Akerele said.
eNCA West Africa Correspondent Adaure Achumba says the event is also about networking.
“From media to bloggers and buyers…an event like this one is crucial for talented small-time designers with ambition. Local brands have the opportunity to enter international markets. And it all starts right here on the runway.”
While the fashion industry’s growth in Nigeria has been a gradual one, events like Lagos Fashion Week are fast turning fashion into much more than just about clothes.
Designers who showcased their designs were Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa, Maki Oh, Sunny Rose, Orange Culture, Grey, Mai Atafo, Republic of Foreigner,, Oido Mimonet, Re Bahia, Nkwi, Samson Shoboye, Alter Ego, Christie Brown, Iconic Invanity, Marayah Oh, Tsemaye Binitie, Kiki Kamanu, Funlayo Deri, Kola Kuddus, Xclamations, Tae, Gozi Umi I, Washington Roberts, Orente Ayaba, Ella and Gabby, Sholly Jay, Meena, Josh Samuels, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Mi-Le, Wana Sambo, Viv La Resistance, House of Form and Function, Obsidian and House of Maine.
-Adapted from eNCA-
