Africa Fashion Week London 2014 by Africa Fashion Week London

africafwl

www.africafashionweeklondon.com

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AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Programme

FRIDAY AUG

SATURDAY AUG th

SHOW TIMES

Afternoon 2.00pm

4.00pm

1.00pm

3.00pm

GKat Fashion

Alabi Couture

Zisu

Erwin Michalec

Giberky

Mia by Mia Nisbet

Huda Dagnew

TheoDora

Touch of Africa

GaTsh Fros

i.Kollection

Njema Helena

Ije Shop

Dearcurves

Adaoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (for Daviva)

AkuaSei

Sally Intiego

Zabeth Issac (for Daviva)

Boutique Mahali

Monis Fashion House

Kass Kouture

Thora Jewels

TTDALK

Eldimaa Fashion (for Daviva)

Rasheeda

Anthig

AAMAA a la Mode (for Daviva)

Evening 6.30pm

8.30pm

5.30pm

7.30pm

Afrolucious ZandyB Ruutz Creations LNK Designs Amanda May M.Shade Skortsz BELLO

Sluu by Sluuvin Designs Steve Mandy Designs (SMD) Glamelle Boutik Designs by Prelim Vaishali Morjaria Creations Alisha Izelia Needle Point

RAAAH

Porjai Thai Printer

Sylvia Owori

TIR Fashion House

Zarita Kouture

Ambiance Couture

Fyyfe Miss Boss

LIMELIGHT by SimplyGlamorousFashion

Jazz Effects

Adama Paris

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Ade Couture

PRESENTS

at the Dorchester

Supporting the African Creative Arts Industry An evening of appreciation and recognition of those who have contributed towards the growth, promotion and advancement of the African Fashion Industry.

For more information

www.africafashionweeklondon.com THE DORCHESTER HOTEL, PARK LANE, LONDON W1K 1QA

afwl Founder’s Foreword

Welcome to

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON SEASON 4 RELOADED I would like to use this opportunity to

Adama Paris, whose designs are popular

THE AFWL TEAM

thank everyone who has continually

in New York City and Tokyo boutiques.

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

supported the growth of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) as I welcome you to the fourth edition. Since inception in 2011, the success of this platform has grown year on year and this is all possible because of your followership and support. Africa Fashion Week London is a celebration of African and Africaninspired design, talent and the diverse ethnic

Come and discover emerging designers such as Steve Mandy and Sluu, hailing from South Africa and Botswanan Tsholo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SOLA OYEBADE

Enjoy a fashion-forward showcase,

EXHIBITION MANAGER

peruse and purchase stunning and unique

JO OJERINOLA

pieces from handpicked designers and brands at the AFWL Marketplace.

shows and vibrant exhibitions, this 2-day

strength to strength, championing new and

event brings together fashionistas and

emerging designers who are inspired by the

industry professionals from around the

rich culture of Africa and incorporate this

world, to Europe’s largest and most

heritage into their contemporary design.

important African fashion event.

AFWL 2014 will be at the Olympia West

Furthermore, the winner of The Face

continent and the African Diaspora. This

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ART DIRECTION

JOANNE OMIGIE

With four daily eye-catching runway

over 200 designers from across the African

KAMARI ADEMILUYI

for her non-conformist fashion approach.

UK. This inspirational event has gone from

August 2014. It will showcase and exhibit

CO - FOUNDER

Dikobe, who is currently gaining a following

influences that contribute to fashion in the

Hall on Friday 8th August and Saturday 9th

ELVIS UDEGBE

WEB DESIGNER

KUNLE SADARE VOLUNTEERS MANAGERJ

JOSETTE M.KAHOZI HOSPITALITY MANAGER

TITI ABDULAL

of Africa Fashion Week London 2014

SECURITY MANAGER

competition, Chi Chi Nwuba, joins the

RICARDO DUBERRY

stellar line-up of our models and brand icons on the runway on 8th & 9th of August 2014.

summer, Olympia will be transformed into

Once again, with all gratitude to the

an exhibition of African and African-inspired

Almighty and with full appreciation

fashion, showcasing top designers and their

of your support and followership,

collections on the catwalk, including British-

we welcome you to join us on our

born designer Ade Bakare and Senegalese

journey through AFWL 2014.

PR CONSULTANT

LADY CHARLOTTE LYNHAM ANNAMARIE BENEDICT EVENT MANAGER

SEYI OLUSANYA ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER

CJ ADEMILUYI INTERNS

DAMILOLA HARRIS DAMILOLA TIJANI

africafwl

www.africafashionweeklondon.com

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Patron

with

Airing on M-NET’s premium channel, Africa Magic Entertainment and reaching over 42 African countries, ‘Designing Africa’ is a television show in a magazine format that focuses on the development of the fashion industry in Africa. AFWL Magazine had a chat with the producer, Diana Opoti. BACKGROUND: I started my television career as host on TV, first for the breakfast show Africa Rising on Africa Magic Plus (2008). For seven years I have contributed to top shows for satellite broadcaster MNET; as Senior producer on the Patricia Show MNET and later as series producer for the magazine show Mashariki Mix (Africa Magic Entertainment) before leaving to produce my own show – Designing Africa.

THE FASHION CONNECTION: I have always been fascinated by fashion, producing segments of fashion events and interviewing designers. The inspiration behind the show was to celebrate African fashion across the continent and not just for Diaspora communities, as we often find is the case.

FASHION IN AFRICAN ECONOMIES: Fashion and the entire textile and apparel industry could become a very profitable industry in specific countries. It is important to consider that different African countries have made progress in different aspects, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya have all made progresses in retailing, locally made fabrics and IT related visibility strategies.

FASHION & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA: We have seen the rise of the fashion blogger in Africa (as a professional career) photography, make-up artists and stylists, self-published fashion bloggers, social media strategists, fashion PR and re-sellers of fashion– there is profitable business from

all angles of fashion. The rules are changing and they are being rewritten by the younger generation who are not afraid to use their understanding of the digital system to their success.

AFRICAN FASHION AS FASHION OF THE FUTURE: I feel that the African designers who are able to re-interpret traditional fashion into modern luxurious textile and designs will keep the great buzz of African fashion.

FASHION WEEKS AND VISIBILITY OF AFRICAN FASHION: Countries should pool resources together to get maximum benefit from single events. I would like to challenge us to have an official fashion week per country – with fashion events scheduling their events around this time. This way international media and buyers will definitely come because of the variety of designers and the excitement around it.

CHALLENGES IN MAKING AFRICAN FASHION AN EXPORT ITEM: African fashion designers are struggling to get acceptance in the international fashion market without the same resources as designers in the west. But in terms of creativity, Africa has a wealth of fashion creative.

THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA: Media have the power to set the agenda. They can help shape attitudes on the value of African fashion and encourage consumers to buy and wear local fashion.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

C OM

OO NG S

www.africafashionweeknigeria.com

afwl Grand Patron

Africa Fashion Week London celebrates our Grand Patron

Senator Daisy Danjuma frica Fashion Week London is delighted to have in our support as grand patron, most respected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and accomplished legal practitioner, Senator Daisy Danjuma. Senator Daisy is the Grand Patron of the first edition Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and 4th Edition of Africa Fashion Week London, in recognition of her support for innovation and creativity and economic empowerment of youth and women. The beautiful and supportive wife of General T.Y. Danjuma, Senator Daisy is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the international Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA).

We are greatly honoured and excited to have Senator Daisy Danjuma as the Grand Patron of AFWL and we believe that she will assist in the extraordinary job of building the profile of AFWL worldwide. Africa has some of the best creative fashion talents worldwide but there also needs to be a platform that celebrates, supports and promotes them; a platform that will contribute to their growth.

A law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria, with over 35 years post call experience as a Nigerian Lawyer, Senator Daisy began her career as a state counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice (Department of Public Prosecutions). She has worked as legal counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Company Secretary to the Nigerian Television Authority NTA, among many other organizations spanning as far as the financial sector.

Ronke Ademiluyi, AFWL Founder

At AFWL, we have the best understanding of how the African fashion industry can contribute to the African economy, youth employment and improving the GDP of African nations. With people like Senator Daisy on our side, we feel assured of realizing our visions for the African fashion industry.

In 2003, she was elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has served on numerous committees, most notably as chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Women and Children’s Rights Committee and as senate committee chairman on Women Affairs and Youth Development. She is also the executive vice chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) Limited.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Senator Daisy is globally recognized as a lawyer and lawmaker, and has a strong international media profile. As the Grand Patron of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, she is a spokesperson, inspiring leader and ambassador for the organization; and alongside the AFWN and AFWL team she has been instrumental in the growth of Africa Fashion Week’s profile globally.

afwl 2O12 Highlights

The second edition of Africa Fashion Week London coincided with the 2012 Olympics in London and on the crest of the Olympic summer crowds, excitement and international media fervor, the event was a huge success. Hosted at Spitalfields Market London, it recorded an attendance of 20,000 guests, a great leap from the 2011 total attendance of 4,500, in 3 days of African fashion frenzy and funfair. It showcased 60 designers and over 50 exhibitors and scores of models from all corners of the globe.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl 2O13 Highlights

The third edition of Africa Fashion Week London, held at the Old Truman Brewery in Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hipster district of Shoreditch, took the ante a notch higher than previous editions. Featuring a hundred designers, exhibitors and a sterling collection of models across four days of African inspired fashion and glamour the event climaxed with the African Arts and Fashion Banquet at the Dorchester Hotel.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

he AFWL 2013 African Arts and Fashion Banquet, greatly supported by our Patron, Princess Fifi Ejindu, was an African arts and style renaissance fundraiser in aid of youth empowerment in Africa. Programmed to provide initial support and capital for talented student fashion designers and artists with an African theme, the platform creates opportunities that foster partnerships with business communities globally that gives the designers business links, a range of clientele connections and wealth creation synergies.

director of the Smithsonian Institute.

The Banquet featured an art exhibition by Tiwani Art Gallery of London. Keynote speaker was Professor Edward Ayensu, eminent Ghanaian Economist and former

including The X Factor winner, West End

Other speakers were Her Excellency, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, First Lady of Cross River State of Nigeria and His Excellency, Hon. Walther Mzembi, Minister of Tourism Zimbabwe. In an evening of class and creativity to map out ways of empowering African fashion talent and give them a footing on the global front, attendees of the Banquet read was a roll call of diplomats and celebrities from the world of international arts and fashion; attendess actress and recording artist Alexandra Burke; TV presenter and personality June Sarpong and artist Yinka Shonibare MBE.

Top left: Alexandra Burke. Top right: AWFL Fashion Ambassador Shingai Shoniwa. Clockwise from bottom left: Show Producer Mr Mahogany with models; Artist Yinka Shonibare MBE with AFWL Founder Ronke Ademiluyi; SKY News presenter Lukwesa Burak; AFWL Ambassador NoĂŤlla Coursaris Musunka; Ronke Ademiluyi and Chief Edem Duke; AFWL Patron Fifi Ejindu with husband Barr Ejindu; TV presenter June Sarpong; Ronke Ademiluyi and designer Adebayo Jones.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Brand Ambassador

ulti-hertiage and multi-talented Danielle Allen is a picture perfect example of the new breed Africans with global citizenship. Former Nollywood actress and the founder of TIR Fashion House, Danielle Allen shares her career in fashion and movies with Africa Fashion Week London Magazine.

AFWL: What do you find most attractive about the Ankara fabric? DA: Colours of course; Ankara is so diverse. Another thing is that the Ankara is so versatile and this has made it very acceptable among people from different walks of life. Ankara is now being used in making a range of accessories such as shoes, bags, bangles, earrings, slippers, purses, belts and rings.

AFWL: Tell us about your heritage? DA: I am British by birth, but my mother is Zimbabwean and my dad is American. AFWL: How did you get into Nollywood? DA: By chance really, a paid holiday and a wage (acting roles in a few movies) sounded good to me at the time, so I took up an offer I couldn’t refuse. I starred in quite a few movies with the likes of Desmond Elliot, Mike Ezuronye to name a few, but I am best known for my part in the movie titled “Girls In The Hood” starring Kate Henshaw, Monalisa Chinda and Uche Jumbo. AFWL: How you you think the Nigerian film industry differs from others? DA: The uniqueness of Nollywood comes not only from its actors and actresses but also the resourcefulness of the production companies and their ability to churn out film after film with limited resources. In addition to that, the ‘never give up’ spirit has obviously paid off. AFWL: Your decision to enter the fashion industry, how did that come about? DA: I moved into the fashion industry as a result of two things; one was my love for fashion and perfection in its entirety - I love to see things put together in its intended manner. This love for fashion manifested in me describing my personal styles and likes to designers, who would eventually make what I wanted. People would constantly ask “Where did you get this?” or “Who made this or that?”, and the truth is that whilst it was put together by a seamstress, the original concept came from me. The loss of my mother also contributed in my becoming a fashion entrepreneur. Her love for fashion inspired the creation of TIR and our corporate colours will also be a constant reminder of her favourite colours.

TIME OUT WITH

DANIELLE ALLEN A HOT AFRICAN FASHION TALENT

The value of this platform can never be overstated. Africa Fashion Week London has been able to cast so much light on African fashion and designers...

AFWL: How do you feel participating in Africa Fashion Week London? DA: Firstly, the fact that I will be there surrounded by so much talent and creativity makes me even prouder to be African. The way our generation of designers are fusing together the traditional prints and styling of African heritage and adding a contemporary spin on them is so exciting and inspiring to be around. AFWL: How valuable do you find AFWL as a platform, being an African-themed fashion designer yorself? DA: The value of this platform can never be overstated. Africa Fashion Week London has been able to cast much light on African fashion and designers. As a designer, AFWL will solidify our line’s intent in maintaining the African theme in our designs. This will send our message of heritage and tradition across our clientele. AFWL: How well do you think African-themed fashion designers and their designs are being received? DA: With the help of platforms like this, African fashion designers have had wonderful reception. With international celebrities and cross-continental governments lending supports one way or the other AFWL: Do you encounter many challenges? DA: Sourcing of fabrics, finding a reliable team, and sourcing of other materials are some of the main challenges I face. However, counter measures to the challenges are developed and implemented and are continually developing through experience. AFWL: What do you think African themed designers need to do better for themselves? DA: Well, we need to inculcate more fabrics and styles. There is an ongoing epidemic of the Ankara fabric and that’s all right for now but Africa is known for more diverse traditional fabrics. We also have to break out in styles and embrace the opportunity in every trend.

I didn’t go to Fashion College, but I was self-taught through years of following fashion trends both in Africa and the various fashion weeks around the world. AFWL: At which runways you have showcased your collections? DA: TIR have participated in two major events in Zimbabwe where we launched our brand; the Zimbabwe Carnival Queen Pageant and the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013, where we won an award.

AFWL: Where do you see the position of African Fashion in the next 15 years. DA: At the top most level! We have worked hard to be where we are now and in 15 years, African fashion will be setting trends, vogue and pace worldwide.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Brand Ambassador

WHO IS TSHOLO DIKOBE?

to the public in providing efficient and

Tsholofelo Dikobe is a young passionate woman of high morals, born in Thamaga, Botswana. I am lover of laughter, life and I have the capacity to love the whole world.

developed information in all fields of fashion and culture. Furthermore, we have created a collection that we aim at positioning as Botswana fashion staple, using an important integral part

A CAREER IN FASHION

of Botswana culture, mogagolwane

I am a fashion artist. I explore my own creative identity while integrating fashion, art and culture, fashion research, innovation and creative techniques, art direction, trends forecasting, brand positioning, creative entrepreneurship and sustainability. Furthermore I work as a fashion columnist, creative consultant and a stylist.

Photographer, RAEES ABDOOLA. Stylist, THAPELO LETSEBE. Makeup, JENNIFER OSEI MENSAH

GETTING INTO FASHION Growing up, my mother subconsciously ignited this love I have for fashion. She has the eye and passion for creating with her hands. She gave us needed garment tucks, quirky hair styles and would fix our loose buttons whenever we needed a fashion fix. From that, I grew up with this love for art: from painting, drawing and dancing. I fell in love with fashion and culture, the creative arts and its industry as a whole.

(Botswana blanket). Mogagolwane is an integral part of everyday tribal tradition and are gifted to a person at important stages of their Tswana life. i.e. birth, marriage, on initiation and even death.

AFRICAN CULTURE IN FASHION

A RISING FASHION SUPERSTAR Ranked as one of the top five rising stars in Africa by New Africa Woman Magazine, Botswana-born fashion icon and blogger at GaTsh Fros, Tsholo Dikobe, shares a few personal words with Africa Fashion Week London Magazine.

AFRICAN FASHION African fashion is culture in design. Our designs are created and influenced by our African historical ethics, values and tradition, moreover the yesteryears, our present times and anticipating our future. African fashion should be in the interest of the Africans and be in deep symbolic connection to the sense to African culture and identity.

It is from African cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creativity that modern African fashion has influenced, and has been influenced. Historical and present cultures of African origins has been re-entered back into Africa through modern African fashion.

MAKING AFRICAN FASHION A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS African fashion designers have to ensure the ability of their products to beat global competition. Commercial relevance stems from being able to evolve and being versatile. We are

seeing the promotion of Africa fashion outside of Africa with heightened interest. There are many more opportunities now.

AFWL AMBASSADOR I am humbled and honoured to continue providing Africa, and my country Botswana, with the help of this platform

PROJECTS

[as AFWL Ambasssador] to encourage a more proactive role

GaTsh Fros continues to provide Botswana with a platform that encourages a more proactive role and being a conduit

and to be a conduit to the public in providing efficient and developed information in all fields of fashion and culture.

We are seeing the promotion of Africa fashion outside of Africa with heightened interest. There are many more opportunities now. AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

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FASHION WEEKEND GAMBIA Words: LATIRR CARR

As The Gambia gets an even younger and more exposed population, the desire to explore creativity and revive the vibrant yet dwindling tourist industry has brought in a flurry of ideas that have over the years gained prominence and strength. One such idea is Fashion Weekend Gambia (FWG). Boasting countless young and talented designers who explore the world of design using an infusion of Gambian and African roots, a number of fashion events have borne root in The Gambia over the last five years.

Starfit

Fashion Weekend Gambia has showcased established Gambian fashion design brands, including Yawz and Ziza Creation and up-and-coming highly creative brands Tara, Phuzion and Starfit. The event continues to attract both the young and old audience with its innovation in ensuring that this annual event is different from preceding years and each year continues to shine a light on new talent.

Phuzion

Under the direction of its founders Lena Grey-Johnson and Fatou Drameh, Fashion Weekend Gambia was created to be the ultimate fashion event in The Gambia, showcasing the year’s biggest and brightest designers and their collections. Lena Grey-Johnson, professional photographer, graphic designer and event organizer has gone further to build a team of amazing women who now organize FWG, now into its third year, with ideas streaming in all year round. This has created the noticeable brand that is truly The Gambia’s ultimate fashion event. The colourful 2-day event incorporates the growing music industry into the mix with fashion whilst still showcasing beautiful photography, design and pictorial art. FWG is a beautiful and perfect representation of Gambian art compressed into two days with fashion as its core.

FWG 2014 will again be held in December, a month which marks the height of the tourist season in The Gambia. Designers will be given the chance to showcase their creativity to both a local and an international audience and from young entrepreneurs, students, tourists, government ministers and art enthusiasts alike, FWG brings together an amazing mix of people offering up two days of art in fashion with the ultimate wow effect. With a cause focus every year that has moved from breast cancer awareness to child sex tourism, this year’s project will be in support of the fight against skin bleaching. Over it’s two year history, FWG’s impact with urban Gambia has been tremendous. This year sees the inclusion of rural Gambia in the nationwide initiative, in what promises to be an amazing weekend of fashion in the Gambia. Fashion Weekend Gambia 2014 will be held on 5th & 6th December 2014

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

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AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Ambassador

Most people know the delectable and adorable Stephanie Adaeze Yobo as the wife of Joseph Yobo, Fenerbahce F.C. centre back and Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National football team captain. In 2008, she was voted the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN).

Above: STEPHANIE ADAEZE YOBO WITH HUSBAND, JOSEPH YOBO

On occupation ...

In this chat with AFWL Magazine, Stephanie reveals her goals, aspirations and childhood dreams.

STEPHA NIE ADAE ZE YOBO

On childhood ... Honestly? My childhood years were pretty eventful, but fun all the way. I come from a close-knit family of four - 2 girls and 2 boys. We did everything together and had the very best of times.

ON DREAMS... I dreamed of a great future like any young child growing up would aspire towards. One major ambition was to become a beauty queen, and to the glory of God, I have achieved that.

On childhood ambition ... Becoming the MBGN was most definitely an ambition of mine from when I was very young; I was fascinated by that very colourful world in my mind.

The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria ... We had gotten the application form just a few days before the closing date, filled it as we should, prepared for it and prayed for success too. Everything went well and as you know I was declared the Queen over 30 plus contestants. It was a fantastic experience. I met a lot of fantastic people and had a super year. It made me understand that if you believe in your dreams, nothing can stop it from becoming a reality.

I took time off after getting married to take care of my home, dedicating some time to bring up my son. I then returned to education and went to New York Film Academy. Currently, I am studying for a degree in New Media at the BahĂ§e-D ehir University in Istanbul.

A surreal blend

beauty,

glamour, &class A CHANGED LIFE ... With this new platform, I was able to meet many people from all walks of life. I was able to understand what this responsibility meant. I could see that being a Beauty Queen was an opportunity to be responsible for others; it was at that time I had to focus attention on my foundation, which was dedicated to sickle cell anaemia. We do our best to bring awareness to the disease, which affects a lot of people of African descent.

I was very happy to be appointed a celebrity ambassador. I believe in the ideals of AFWL and what it represents; promoting the creativity and talent of Africa and Africans. Everything that can propagate the creativity and talent of Africa and Africans is something that I should be a part of.

On being a role model ... I guess I have become like the Icon of the brand, I would majorly help in preaching the gospel of the African talent and creativity to the world. I believe that the AFWL is a fantastic platform created to help the young creative African talent who normally might never been given the chance to stand in the limelight.

AFRICAN FASHION ... Fashion to me is an expression of inner wellbeing. The way I dress defines the way I want to be addressed.

THE VISION ...

ON MOTIVATION ... Whatever it is that you dream to become or aspire towards, make sure you aim for the top. Have it in mind that getting to the top is an opportunity and a responsibility to impact on the lives of others positively.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

AFWL Ambassador ...

I would like to help to bring the necessary attention and resources needed to help discover the many undiscovered talents and creative geniuses that would be taking the world by storm in the next few years.

Designer Ebere Ebonam awaiting judging

AFRICA FASHION WEEK presents

NIGERIA’S FIRST FASHION DESIGN REALITY TV SHOW

Designer Folahade Abimbola and model

In its continuous and never-ending mission to improve and highlight the African fashion industry, AFRICA FASHION WEEK NIGERIA will soon hit Nigerian television screens with Nigeria’s Next Top Designer (NNTD), the country’s first fashion design based reality show. Brainchild of Ronke Ademiluyi, a visionary and pioneer in the promotion of African contributions to the world fashion industry in Europe and Africa, NNTD is a 13week talent hunt reality show aimed at promoting the Nigerian fashion industry as an instrument of youth empowerment and economic growth. Contestants include fashion designers, accessory makers, milliners and jewelers, all of whose journeys are filmed from start to finish; from sketch to garment finish, providing plenty of drama and entertainment viewing.

NNTD Resident Judges: Sola Oyebade and Ronke Ademiluyi

Nigeria’s Next Top Designer will be aired on both terrestrial and satellite television channels.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl Brand Focus

BUCHIVER

AFWL: You trained as a chemical engineer, how did you become a fashion designer? B: I have always had love for art, painting, colours, and the design process. Now it might sound a bit funny, but one of my uncles calls me a Fashion Engineer. Fashion design in so many ways is like the engineering design process: from research, concept and design to production!

AFWL: Tell us about your journey into fashion. B: My journey into fashion began during my third year at university. While applying for jobs so that I could work after graduation, I starting making clothes for people. My clientele grew quickly; and I enjoyed what I was doing so much so that I decided to grow a fashion business and make that work. Thank God for the compulsory enterpreunrship and production management taught in my final year, the business side of fashion wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of a hassle to demystify. AFWL: What drives your passion for excellence in your work? B: There is an enemy called Average, anything worth doing is worth doing well or at least keep at it until it is done well. In fashion there is no room for mediocrity. Fashion is beauty; beauty is excellence, perfection, and all these come with paying apt attention to detail. AFWL: What inspires of your creativity? B: God inspires me; the elements of earth; nature. AFWL: How did you attain success? B: Nature rewards diligence and hard work. Also meeting the right people helped; I had people who believed in me, encouraged me and supported me.

This fast-rising fashion designer shares her experiences on the challenges faced by up-coming fashion designers in Africa

university courses in Nigeria with a fashion design programme! Most of us just use our raw talent and are self-taught. The ones with a fashion design education are very few and privileged; those who can afford to go abroad to study. Young designers have to put in so much work and effort because fashion is very fast paced.

AFWL: How were you able to raise funds, initially to start the business? B: Funds! Well I started with zero, after my first job the money started coming in. But when I needed to expand, my family was on hand to support me.

AFWL: Do you think there is anyway Government could help? B: The Government has a very key role to play in this matter. First of all, looking at how many unemployed graduates the booming fashion

AFWL: How did you acquire your clientele? B: To the Glory of God, 95% of our clients are through referrals. This has increased exponentially over the years. How easy is it to keep them coming back? For us, our secret is integrity; we keep our word.

industry has helped absorb in the last five years,

AFWL: Do you have much competition from other established fashion designers? B: I believe every fashion house has a target market. Also Nigeria has a population of 170 million people; there is enough to go around.

businesses, because the fashion business has good

AFWL: What other challenges does a young fashion designer have to cope with in the current Nigeria market? B: Just as in life, there are a lot of challenges. If you want to be a victor, you have to be ready fight and win. I believe designers from this part of the world though very talented, have more challenges and some also at a very disadvantaged point, because of our economy, government, environment, education. For example, there are no

fashion industry as an avenue for youth

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

more attention should be paid to this industry. They should establish a proper fashion school in Nigeria so designers here can have competitive edge on the global stage. Also they should make it easier for us to access funding to grow our growth and profit potentials that can turn our economy around for good; moreso in this day and age, entrepreneurship is the only way forward. AFWL:

How

would

you

describe

the

empowerment and economic self-reliance in Nigeria? B: As I said earlier, the fashion industry does what no other industry could do in the lives of the youth of this nation. A lot of unemployed graduates turned to fashion for a means of livelihood. So yes, the fashion industry in Nigeria has succeeded in the area of youth empowerment and economic self-reliance.

LABANELLA

afwl Brand Focus

PRINCESS ABAH FOLAWIYO Celebrating Princess Abah Folawiyo, founder of the Labanella fashion label and the Queen of Nigerian Fashion Design. Princess Zainab Abah Folawiyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passion and commitment to fashion is so strong that she designs from her heart, rather than from her head, hence the loving effort put into each and every design at her label, Labanella.

Above: Princess Abah Folawiyo, AFWN 2014 Top row: Labenella runway collection at AFWN 2014

Labanella Creations was founded in 1978. The label, one of the foremost and most successful in the Nigeria, became a pacesetter and has showcased in many a fashion shows, from London to Paris and New York. At present she is the Matron of the Fashion Designers Association of West Africa (FADEWA) and the Matron of Honour of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN).

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

The contributions of Princess Abah Folawiyo to the Nigerian fashion industry cannot be easily chronicled. A quintessential pace setter in fashion design, deserving of wide acclaim across the African continent, she not only lives fashion, she breathes and talks fashion. She has left indelible trail of footprints for thousands of current and potential players in the fashion industry to follow. Princess Abah Folawiyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations were featured on the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria runway earlier this year May 2014 as a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerian fashion followers, designers, students and buyers alike.

afwl Brand Focus

I entered fashion in the later part of my life. I have always loved to draw

JAZZ EFFECTS

FORAY INTO FASHION

JAZZ EFFECTS

Switching careers from a trained artist to an award winning fashion designer, Doris Gam-Dede, CEO and Creative Director of JAZZ EFFECTS talks with AFWL Magazine.

and paint, so I did that for many years at school in Port Harcourt where I studied fine and applied arts. I started making clothes around 2009 and I translated my love for painting with colours to my love for designing clothes. It was like a dream when I made my own clothes and people wanted a piece of my clothing, willing to pay money for my work!

TRAINING & FASHION SCHOOL I always wanted to be trained but

FASHION SHOWS

never found the opportunity nor time

2013 was a good year for my label

so I kept using the internet to up date

JAZZ EFFECTS DESIGN. I won the

my skill for designing and making

first ever Port Harcourt ‘Native and

clothes. As a designer I’ve come to

Vogue’ International fashion show,

love the Ankara fabric, it has given

which was put together by the Rivers

me a way to express myself. Its rich

State Government. That same year

intricate designs and patterns have

I flew to Germany and South Africa

given me a new medium for creativity.

to represent Nigeria. I was also named ‘Best Designer’ at the African

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN

Fashion and Design Week in 2011 in

My designs are inspired by my mood

at the finale of Africa Fashion Week

and surroundings at any given time.

Nigeria and I am here showcasing

I look at nature a lot and blend it

at Africa Fashion Week London!

Port Harcourt. Most recently I was

with current trends in fashion.

COPING WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL CHALLENGES

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FASHION IN NIGERIA The Nigerian government is starting

As a young designer I have had to work

to see the huge impact fashion has

hard to source for funds to start the

on Nigerians and the economy.

business. I began small with a machine

Different government bodies are

my late father gave me. As my clientele

starting to fund small and up-

grew so did my profit margin. I have

and-coming designers with money

relied on word of mouth and the

and machinery to start their own

internet for advertising platforms to

business. This is a good development

promote my business.

for the younger generation.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Above: Collection form Jazz Effects - the young, up-andcoming fashion designer from Rivers State, Nigeria.

afwl Brand Focus

ZIZI CARDOW A FORERUNNER OF NIGERIAN CONTEMPORARY FASHION DESIGN izi Cardow launched her namesake fashion label in 2000 and began a revolution for the African fabric with a view to globalization. The result was a growing patronage in ethnic fabric through her creations in Nigeria. A year in to entering the Nigerian fashion scene, Zizi won the prestigious Designer of the Year Award at the premier event, Nigerian Fashion Show 2001 (NFS). This award launched her collections into the African and Europe markets (South Africa, Italy, France and the UK). 2002 ushered in a series of awards, the DAME award for outstanding achievement in fashion; the St Moritz Style Selection Award and many others. Cardow was nominated as the only Nigerian representative to the AFRICANDO fashion and art exhibition in Milan. 2002 also saw the fashion house stage the critically acclaimed Jungle Renaissance fashion show, which received both local and international rave reviews.

Now a household name in Nigeria, Zizi Cardow talks fashion with AFWL Magazine.

AFWL: How did your journey into the fashion industry begin?

AFWL: How did you cope in times

ZC: It started off firstly as a hobby but then morphed into a life form borne out of the need for global cultural awareness and recognition as regards Nigerian fashion.

ZC: The fact that I was very much hands on

of adversity?

AFWL: Zizi Cardow is now a household name in Nigeria; what personal attributes would you ascribe this achievement to?

in terms of being my own creative director helped a great deal and my perseverance and believe in myself helped me to cope. AFWL: What distinguishing style system do you infuse in all your designs to make them unique?

Hard work and perseverance. AFWL: Winner of over 26 major awards globally, this is a highaccolade for any fashion designer in Nigeria. How did this come about?

ZC: The asymmetric cuts form fitting silhouettes and organic designs. AFWL: You staged the ‘Jungle Renaissance’ fashion shows sinlged

ZC: I would say with all humility it’s an honour due to first the grace of God and again, hard work.

handedly, how did you get the finance?

AFWL: What opportunities existed for budding fashion designers in the country when you started ZIZI CARDOW?

shows we have staged.

ZC: It was a solely self-sponsored show much like the subsequent

ZC: Amazingly there was not as you have now. Social media was nonexistent, runway platforms were few and far between, skilled workers and artisans vital to the dynamics of the industry was also just being developed.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

AFWL: What avenues do you have for mentoring up-coming fashion designers? I have a working partnership with Fate Foundation, also with select schools for summer internship and taking in weven more select special needs individuals pro bono.

afwl Brand Focus

Getting to know

JACQUELINE SHAW

AFWL: What is the Africa Fashion Guide? Africafashionguide.com began in 2011 as information based online platform for fashion professionals, students, retailers, magazines, bloggers and all those interested in

On top of this is the connection more and more international designers are making with the continent (like Vivienne Westwood, Sass and Bide, Stella Mccartney etc). Also there have been more designers getting into press and attending international shows like PITTI in Italy and more! But the exposure is getting bigger and greater to the point that retailers are dipping their toes more and more onto the continent in recognition of the growing consumer market are now trying and testing their businesses there with pop-up shops and small stores (though mostly in South Africa ad Morocco at present) AFWL: What opportunities exist now for the African fashion industry globally? I think the market is there for the taking. If African designers can get their product made and promoted to the highest standard and not

There is a renaissance going on within the continent and an interest generally in Africa, full stop – not just in the textile industry.

book in 2009 entitled Fashion Africa in 2014 (Jacaranda Books).

AFWL: What impacts do you think a greater visibility would give to African fashion? JS: More visibility in the first instance allows the greater industry and the consumer market to recognize the existence of African fashion, the designers the textiles and the creativity of artisan heritage. Then secondly more visibility allows African fashion to be in a place of competitiveness and this puts it on the same level as the more recognized fashion markets globally, bringing revenue to the continent.

JS: For women and youth especially those in developing and undeveloped communities there is the opportunity for fashion to provide income, a sense of wealth, a future for a family, education and health benefits.

acqueline Shaw is the founder and director of

AFWL: So tell us, who is Jacqueline Shaw? JS: I am a London born fashion designer with professional experience working for international retailers, brands and designers companies in the UK, Turkey, USA and Germany since 2001. I have degree in Fashion Design and a Master’s in Ethical Fashion. I self published my first

TV programs like Designing Africa and Africas Next Top Model and fashion schools like Lisof, Elizabeth Galloway and CPUT in South Africa as well as Kenyatta and Unity in Kenya and Radcliffe in Ghana have all contributed to the many achievements in the industry.

AFWL: What are some of the potentials of fashion as an avenue for economic sustainability for African youth and women?

Fila, Chillipepper London and Babylon Princess in China. An eco-entrepreneur and owner of ethical wedding dress company, Latibeau Ltd, Jacqueline has a deep interest in Africa’s fashion and textile industry, ethical fashion sustainability and international development through trade.

Jacqueline has worked with the ethical fashion front, Africa Fashion Guide (AFG). representing African businesses She is a professional fashion at the Source Expo Events and designer with background has written for the West African designing for fashion companies Trade Hub/USAID website and such Puma, Russel Athletic, Dazed and Confused magazine.

African fashion and textiles. It was birthed with the focus of creating an awareness campaign that promotes the full supply chain of the African fashion and textile industry with an ethical perspective and create links with the greater global textile industry.

AFWL: What achievements has the African fashion industry made in the last decade? There is a renaissance going on within the continent and an interest generally in Africa, full stop – not just in the textile industry. But for fashion I believe that the growth of the many fashion weeks around the continent and in the Diaspora; is helping. The growth also of organizations such as source Africa, Origin Africa, the international trade centre and more creating platforms often funded or organized by the USAID but with seminars on business tips tools and understanding the market, bringing professional local and international industry people to Africa to talk to local producers and designers help too.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

settle for less, then the African manufacturing industry can solve the power issue (as challenging as it is), the supply chain in check, the export market in place and the general promotion and marketing more out there, then eventually as the industry realizes even more that the present manufacturing units are over capacity and over stretched they will look even more seriously at Africa and start to do business there professionally and not with a poor you mindset. African fashion is definitely open for business and has been for generations. It is just now for the rest of the world to realize that too. I believe in Africa. The question is do you?

Beatrace talks fashion with AFWL Magazine. NEW PROJECTS

I am proud to announce that a new cooperation with an Institution in Germany just started. The aim is to support upcoming designers from Africa with scholarships and enabling them to spend six months in Germany. I will be heading the collaboration and coaching of the candidates. The designers will be introduced to the German fashion industry and facilitated networking and knowledge exchange from Africa, Caribbean and Europe. The main focus lays on the economic part; learning how to take part in an international exhibition, getting in contact with wholesale buyers, placing orders in stores and so on. African fashion is

Founder of Africa Fashion Day Berlin, Beatrace Angut Oola (right)

designed by a creative and dynamic generation of cosmopolitan designers working in an increasingly networked and globalised world and this new partnership is a great chance for a young designer to participate successfully on a well-founded economical basis. IMPORTANCE OF VISIBILITY TO AFRICAN FASHION

In Europe we have several fashion platforms where designers of African heritage can showcase. I think for a strong impact it needs a campaign where African Fashion is in the focus. ON FASHION & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

For African youth and women. I hope to see more African fashion designers creating their own fashion houses. I want to see them creating profitable businesses for themselves, to train and employ staff and benefit their communities. The creative industry in Africa has the potential to grow an incredible African fashion industry. CHALLENGES

I have heard some African fashion success stories; the biggest challenge is mostly the finance. Never give up! There is always a way to get there.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In last decade the African fashion industry made a huge step internationally. Through several international African fashion platforms in Africa and the Diaspora the awareness increased. African fashion is out there. You can’t ignore it anymore. The web has helped to make this happen. The Luxury conference 2012 in Rome was dedicated to Africa. Collaborations with Diesel, Zara, Clarks, Samsung etc. brought international awareness. The African industry is growing. OPPORTUNITIES

I think that it is easier for the African fashion industry to be taken serious in the global fashion scene. International companies are more interested in collaborations. African Fashion is as diverse as the continent itself. The biggest fashion labels in the industry have borrowed from it over the years, yet the public want to be in denial over this or simply really don’t know. Now the African fashion industry can show where the origin is coming from.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Beatrace Angut Oola is the founder of Africa Fashion Day Berlin. An event platform envisioned to showcase the fashion designs of African origin in Germany, it includes runway shows, showrooms, exhibitions, networking opportunities and a fair trade program. With a Mercedes Benz partnership, the event is going global and becoming a strong voice for African Fashion.

BEATRACE ANGUT OOLA. TAKING AFRICAN FASHION TO GERMANY.

“AFRICAN FASHION IS OUT THERE. YOU CAN’T IGNORE IT ANYMORE.”

CHILLING OUT WITH

Kevine Bikebi THE LOVELY MISS KEVINE BIKEBI WAS CROWNED MISS CONGO UK 2013. SHE TALKS CANDIDLY WITH AFWL HERE ABOUT HER FASHION, HER CROWNING AND THE CONGO.

So I came back that September of 2009, and made a change for the better. I went from being low achieving student at school with no real interest of going to University, to studying Anthropology at uni with hopes and ambitions of completing a graduate diploma in Law. I changed my perspective of myself. I’m passionate and I love meeting new people, trying new things, but I always know what I want. Becoming Miss Congo UK was a childhood dream and learning more about Congo added purpose. So it was by God’s grace that I ran into one of the organizers of Miss Congo at Congolese fundraising event. I decided to apply and was accepted in the pageant. It’s difficult to put in to words how it felt to win the pageant. It was a beautiful night, it was an incredible moment, others cry, but I couldn't stop smiling; I've never smiled so much like that in my life, I was just immensely happy; I was crowned the beauty queen of the country I love.

As Miss Congo, I've worked with Save the Congo on the Anniversary celebration of Lumumba. I'm working on a project with Save the Congo, to raise awareness about the sexual violence in the east of Congo. I'm also a part of the Positive Pageants, the collective of Beauty Queens, both past and present, coming together to give back to the community. I've also supported a number of other charities and charity events, organized by young Congolese youth, namely Walk With Us, H2O Congo, Revive Congo and Young Professional Congolese (YPC).

African fashion is timeless, and that is what I find so beautiful about it. Through the years, it's continued to remain vibrant, exciting and cultural really capturing the African personality. When I wear my African attire it adds an extra spring to my step. I’m not just wearing the clothing, I’m representing the passion and true essence of Africa. My mother did it, my Grandmother did so before her, and my children will do the same. Being African is such big thing. We are so proud to be African that it has become difficult to hide it. With pride not only do we say we are African, we dress African, we sing African and we dance African. My personal favourite is Nigerian wedding attire. If I could I would wear the gele everywhere. They are so beautiful, so elegant and show stopping. When an African woman walks into a room with a gele it’s like the Queen has arrived! What is my beauty routine? Happiness, is the greatest part of my beauty routine, if you are at peace within, you will see it on the outside, and so will others.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Ever since I was a child, I was consistently told and reminded of what I couldn't do. I always had my flaws highlighted by everyone around me. It was not until I went back to Congo that I not only fell in love with my country and my family but also myself. I learnt so much about my family history and the history of Congo and amongst other things, I began to then realize that I was unique, and so was where I come from. Congo gave me purpose, connection and the understanding that, in this life you must do all you can and to make sure that when you're gone, your legacy is not forgotten.

afwl Brand Focus

BRIDGING CONTINENTS WITH AFRICAN FASHION! Adama Amanda Ndiaye is the talented designer and entrepreneur behind the promising brand, ADAMA PARIS. Born in Kinshasa, Congo, to Senegalese parents, this well-travelled young woman embodies the multi-cultural designer of the new millenium. Over the years, Adama has made her home in several international cities, allowing her to witness a great variety of cosmopolitan trends. This global fashion odyssey inspired the birth of the spirit of the brand ADAMA PARIS. Adama lives between Dakar, Los Angeles and Paris. Urban megapolis are the sources of inspiration for this young 21st-century Afropolitan world citizen. Fueled by her desire to share fashion and create multicultural bridges, Adama launched many events including Dakar Fashion Week, Black Fashion Week Prague, and the Afrika Fashion Awards, later known as Les trophés de la mode Africaine (TMA). April 2014 saw ADAMA PARIS launched in Senegal on Fashion Africa TV, the first television channel dedicated to African fashion.

Adama chats here with AFWL Magazine

AFWL: Have you encountered any barriers in your efforts in providing visibility for African fashion? AP: I think the only problem we have is a little bit of ethnic bias and lack of money. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of sponsors and partners who believe in African fashion. AFWL: What challenges did you encounter early on in your career and how did you overcome them? AP: Financing my fashion projects. I guess imagination and focus in my goals are the key to my successes. AFWL: You put together the Dakar Fashion Week, as well

AFWL: Have you had any international collaboration in your fashion efforts? AP: Yes, a few. I have partnered with Café de Paris and L’oréal Paris who are supporting me.

AFWL: What most inspires your fashion creations? AP: The street, my travels and my unconditional love for Africa.

as similar events in Prague and Brazil. What drives you to keep promoting African fashion? AP: My love for this great continent and her potential. If we don’t promote ourselves, who will?

AFWL: What do you think African fashion designers can do to help themselves on the international platform? AP: Think global, and try as much as they can to be part of good quality fashion show, nationally and internationally. AFWL: What should be the role of African culture in modern African fashion? AP: It should accompany modern African fashion.

AFWL: You moved from banking to fashion design, what attracted you to fashion? AP: I’ve loved fashion from a very young age, but my parents, as parents do, wanted me to secure a future in the banking industry.

AFWL: Where do you hope to see African fashion in the next ten years? AP: Everywhere! In shops, in the media, all over the world!

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl xxxxxxx

Photos: Oscar Jettman www.jettman.se

28th of August @ So Stockholm 10.30-24.00

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

AFRICA FASHION WEEK NIGERIA Hearlding a new era in Nigerian fashion

n Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, 2014, the city of Lagos witnessed what was perhaps the biggest fashion festival yet to occur within the Nigerian clime. Across two days and hosted in two venues, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria was indeed a celebration of African fashion, at it’s finest and most professional panache.

featured the cream of African and Nigerian fashion brands, from both home and in the wider Diapora; Polikem from Ghana, Queene from New York, and homegrown Nigerian fashion A-listers, in the form of Zizi Cardow, Buchiver, Yutees, Tianah Styling and an inspiring show from the doyenne of Nigerian fashion, Hajia Abba Folawiyo.

The event showcased and featured over 40 fashion designers, in a show of absolute fashion pomp and glamour.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, aims to create an affordable, and sponsored platform to give much needed exposure to the best of emerging creative talents in the Nigerian fashion industry. This is to give designers their moment ‘in the spotlight’ for coverage and exposure and the opportunity to network and develop links and strong revenue base that will convert their fashion creativity into economic sustainability.

The opening event on May 17th, brought over a hundred up-andcoming designers to the forefront, and climaxed a Model Street March in Victoria Island to raise awareness for the event. The main event on Sunday 18th May at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island,

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Highlights

AFWN

2014

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Highlights

AFWN

2014

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Highlights

AFWN

2014

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl xxxxxxx

MR MAHOGANY

Sola Oyebade (aka Mr Mahogany) is the creative director and show producer for Africa Fashion Week London and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. An international show producer, he has worked on many international fashion weeks, including London, New York, Glasgow, and Nigerian Student Fashion & Design Week. A sought after Nigerian fashion and entertainment producer, Mr Mahogany boasts a resume second to none. He talks exclusively here with AFWL ...

AFWN: Tell us about what you do? In my everyday working life I am a show producer who puts together all types of shows across the world. I work on fashion shows, awards ceremonies, concerts, corporate events and occasionally on very big weddings. I conceptualise and design events, project manage them or direct shows. At Africa Fashion Week London, which I have been involved with since its conception, I am the Creative Director. This is a role that I absolutely love and it involves me working with the founder of AFWL Ronke Ademiluyi and her team to put the concept together exactly how the fashion shows will run and ensuring we have the right look for our audience and the designers that are participating. A lot of my time is spent working with the designers, styling and the production teams to ensure we are all moving in the same direction and there is synergy in what we are trying to achieve. Putting together a show like AFWL is very time consuming and involves me having to be very well organized to ensure everyone knows what they have to do and when especially when you are dealing with over 70 designers, 40 models and a production team of over 100 people. AFWN: You have strong flair and expertise for fashion events, how did that develop? I have worked in the fashion industry for over 36 years, I started modelling at the tender age of 15 and was producing my first fashion shows at the age of 16. I continued modelling throughout my university days. When I moved to the United Kingdom, I realized that as a black male model it was going to be near impossible to continue modelling, so I decided instead to set up Mahogany Productions. The primary

aim was to cater to the black and ethnic minority community within the UK and beyond. I have not looked back since. I have no skills in actually designing clothes, but I am great in making sure that designers clothes look great on the catwalk.

AFWN: You have such a long retinue of awards, how did you achieve all ? I am fortunate in that I have received numerous awards for my work over the years, but I think the greatest one I have ever received is to be among the unique 100 recipients of the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK 2014. The Nigerian Centenary Awards UK recognised and celebrated 100 outstanding Nigerians in the UK from 1914 - 2014. I think I have received so many awards due to the fact that I have been consistent in my work, the quality of my shows as well as being consistently innovative in what I do. Being one of the leading black show producers in the world has also helped and the fact that I am constantly interviewed by the world’s media means that I am very visible. I am always very humbled and honoured by being recognised by my peers whenever I receive an award no matter what the award is for. AFWN: Looking at the modelling industry in Europe, how you you think it affects ethnic models today? It is very sad that the modelling industry within Europe has not changed that much

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

over the years for models of colour and despite numerous campaigns such as the ‘Black But Invisible’ campaign things are still the same. It is extremely hard, if not close to impossible, for numerous black models to be seen on European catwalks. It is very much a closed shop within the European fashion industry and that means it is closed to black models. To ensure that things look right there would always be at least one black model on the catwalk and it also tends to be the same few black models that are used over and over again. We have a long way to go for things to change and I wonder if things ever will change. AFWN: Would you say models of African origin are doing better than fashion designers of African Origin? This is a very hard question to answer and the answer depends on whether we are referring to designers and models that live in Europe or live in Africa. But I do think that overall African fashion designers are doing better than African models. African designers have made a tremendous impact across the world and there are numerous well known designers such as Deola Sagoe, Stone Cherrie, and Ozwald Boateng who are internationally recognised. You have celebrities and stars wearing African inspired outfits, whereas for African models they are better known in Africa.

The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is a non-government and non-profit making organization, dedicated to the proper care and control of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. The foundation was registered in November 1994, to address important issues such as capacity building, research, policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation necessary for the sustained management and control of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. The foundation operates as a private Public Partnership (PPP) with the Nigerian Government through its affiliations with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital/College of Medicine and the Federal Ministry of Health and the clinics supervised in Lagos, Edo Delta and Kano States. In addition, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria is associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations.

Bringing Hope to the Nigerian Child The vision of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria is to alleviate the burden of sickle cell disorder on the country and to ensure that all affected persons can live normal pain free lives. The mission is to develop a world class National Sickle Cell Center and drive the search for effective solutions to the problems associated with sickle cell and related disorders in Nigeria and beyond. Over 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the Sickle Cell Gene (Hb AS), while over 150,000 babies are born each year with sickle cell anemia (Hb SS). This is by far the largest burden of the disorder anywhere in the world, and most of these children will die in childhood because of ignorance and lack of access to correct diagnosis and proper care.

APPEAL FOR SPONSORSHIP, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

150,000 40million

number of babies born with Sickle Cell Anaemia

number of Nigerians carriers of the Sickle Cell Gene

Sickle cell centres are ideal institutions for addressing the problems of SCD as shown by their establishment in the USA over 30 years ago. Since then, the average life expectancy of persons with sickle cell anemia in America rose from 14 years in 1973 to 53 years in 2003 and about 60 years in 2012.

The sickle cell foundation of Nigeria will like to invite you to join in this cause by supporting the work of saving the lives of many Nigerians with this problem. Funding is also necessary to enable the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dispersed expert committee members meet regularly and engage in effective advocacy, monitoring and evaluation. You can make a difference by making

an affordable amount available every month. Donations are tax allowable and the reflected benefits of your organization will be incalculable. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria is grateful to all donors past and present for their contributions to sickle cell work in Nigeria. Cheques should be written in favour of Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria.

For more information please contact info@sicklecellfoundation.com or scf-ng@hotmail.com

www.sicklecellfoundation.com SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION NIGERIA Bringing Hope to the African Child

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

JAZZ EFFECT

BERRY’S COUTURE

BIG BEN

JAZZ EFFECT

LINES BY CHAAB

ELIKEM THE TAILOR

MADEMOISELLE AGLAIA

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

YUTEES

ZIZI CARDOW

PATIENCE PLEASE

JAZZ EFFECT

LINES BY CHAAB

ELIKEM THE TAILOR

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

BELOIS COUTURE

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl 2014

FUMI DESALU VOLD

Not only has Fumi found fame in Hollywood where she had bit parts in the popular television show, Ugly Betty, she has also featured in films alondside actors such as, Eddie Murphy (Norbit), Hugh Grant (American Dreamz) to name a few.

AMONG DIASPORA AFRICANS EXCELLING IN THE FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT WORLD, THE PROFILE OF FORMER MODEL, FUMI DESALU-VOLD STANDS A HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST.

umi Desalu-Vold is a former super model, actress and television host/presenter. Born in Moscow Russia to a Nigerian father and a

Gambian mother, she was raised in Scotland. Fumi became the first super model of West African descent in 1991. She went on to model for several major fashion labels on the runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York. Upon her relocation from London to New York she was accepted at the famed Actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio where none other than James Lipton declared that she was going to be a star.

Married to a Norwegian, she also had a successful acting career in Norway. She is fluent in Norwegian and has starred in national television soaps and feature films including Varg Veum where she was the only actor in the film to speak in three languages: Afrikaans, English and Norwegian. Just recently relocated to London, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has more recently starred in the American drama television show 24 . Fumi was also featured in People magazine as a timeless beauty. As a professional make-up artist and fashion and style blogger, Fumi claims she has learnt from the very best in the industry during her years working as a model. Her beauty tips have featured in various beauty magazines and websites including for Fashion Fair cosmetics, Vogue and a range of Nigerian and Scandinavian magazines. With experience and training spanning across a 20-year career in the fashion and entertainment industry, Fumi launched her blog, www. fumisfashionfiles.com (with a YouTube channel) to showcase exquisite style and make-up.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Her multicultural background has exposed her to various lifestyles and different attitudes towards fashion and has strengthened her motherland ties and pride in being African. With a degree in Business Administration, Fumi is looking forward to launching her own clothing collection, make-up brand and signature fragrance; building her brand to represents her vision and carving a niche in the industry that is unique to her projects.

FOLLOW FUMI ON: Fumifashionandbeauty w: www.fumisfashionfiles.com /

@Fumisfashionfiles

e: fumisfashionfiles@gmail.com Fumi is represented by RS Management, London.

EXHIBITORS AfroFusion Designs

Gnostic Jungle

Porjai Thai Printer

Afrolucious Designs

Honeybuzzard

Rasheeda

AfroRocks

Ricoton

Akwabad Designs

Iyobosa Clothing & Accessories

Anaisarts

Jacaranda Books

Badumi Beads Cc

Juice Plus

Ruutz Art & Creations Designs

Bello Designs

Liberty Piker

Boutique Mahali

LNK Designs

Scorzch

Brunet Noir Hosiery

Long Feet Boutique

Siyasebenza Cooperative

Da Viva UK

M.Shade Design

Sluu by Sluvin Designs

Dapri Jewels

Steve Mandy Designs

Designs by Ekundayo

Manda May Design & People

Dionne Gooding

Motions

Eldimaa Fashion

Mozaic Accessories

Thora Jewels

Floro Roberts

Newell Accessories

Triballeryโ ข

Frills by AD

Njema Helena

Zandyb Designs

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Sa4รก

Sylvia Owori

afwl 2014

The Princess of Hope

MERIT GORDON OBUA She is a true icon of feminine virtue and kindness. AFWL celebrates a daughter of whom the Nigerian Niger-Delta is very proud. It is often said that if you educate a woman, you educate a whole community. The exemplary life of Dr. (Mrs) Merit Gordon Obua, aptly lends credence to this reality. She has demonstrated that through hard work, integrity and a spirit of perseverance, a woman can achieve greatness and remain at the pinnacle of her endeavors.

footsteps, amidst encomiums and loud ovations.

By her own efforts, she has earned herself the ability to dine and wine with the high and mighty, yet her doors remain perpetually open to the down trodden, who are perpetual beneficiaries of her kindheartedness.

Born in the very challenging terrain of the Niger Delta in Bayelsa State of Nigeria, she always had a prayer in her heart for divine enablement to uplift the lives of the less privileged. She started with her limited means, reaching out to the poor until she formally registered the Branzuk Ikuli Centre for Social Rehabilitation in 2007. Her philanthropic activities through the centre caught the eyes of the world fashion organization where she was named a patron in Paris.

With an unwavering faith in the almighty, this woman of substance has towered above her contemporaries, like a colossus. And since hard work begets rewards, she has been moving from glory to glory with highly coveted awards, trailing her

At the Branzuk Ikuli Centre, activities were woven around women and children. The centre recently intervened in the Abuja Children Home Karu, by screening and vaccinating over one hundred children against hepatitis B-Virus.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON PROUDLY PRESENTS THE WINNER OF THE FACE OF AFWL, SEASON 4:

the face of

CHI-CHI A

frica Fashion Week London has announced the winner of its flagship competition, The Face of AFWL, as Chinyelum (Chi-Chi) Nwuba.

winners of The Face of AFWL include Edith Uba, 2012 competition winner who was subsequently signed up to top UK modeling agency Strike Models and Regina Manneh (2013), who caught the eye of the audience and pundits alike with her striking promotional shoots and her debut on the AFWL runway.

Chi-Chi, a dentist graduate and fashion enthusiast, is a founding member Plymouth University’s African Caribbean Society. his role has enabled Chi-Chi able her pursue her passion for fashion by organizing the Society’s first ever fashion show. She is also the brains behind ‘JANDED’, an up-and-coming online platform that showcases the creations of African fashion designers.

Having previously modeled for a number of emerging designers, Chi-Chi is now looking forward to taking the next steps in her modeling career. On winning she says, “I thank the Lord so much for his blessings and pray that He will use me to make a positive difference”.

On winning the competition, AFWL will award Chi-Chi with the chance to work with and learn from fashion industry professionals at the annual 2-day high profile AFWL event. The prize also includes the opportunity to walk the runway, as well as representing the AFWL brand at various UK events and across all promotional platforms. Previous

With her bubbly personality and a smile that lights up rooms, Chi-Chi is an excellent ambassador for African fashion and the perfect representative for Africa Fashion Week London. The AFWL team looks forward to working with her in the shared mission of promoting African and African inspired fashion in the UK.

Africa Fashion Week London would like to thank all the competition entrants and everyone who took part in the social media voting. AFWL founder Ronke Ademiluyi says, “It was to engage with our social media fans and a way of giving something back to them by getting them involved in the voting process, a fun way of engaging the ever growing numbers of AFWL supporters.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

afwl xxxxxxx

DIDI is a luxury fashion brand, catering for the bold and fashionable by creating unique pieces of unisex clothing, footwear, bags and accessories. Based in the United Kingdom, it was founded in 2012 by Creative Director Tina Ndidi Ugo in her London home; a result of her knack for creating bespoke fashion pieces and accessories. Known for creating unique evening clothing, particularly boubous and kaftans, DIDI has succeeded in revamping the traditional Boubou and Kaftan, transforming them into more appealing garments for the new generation of fashionistas. The inspiration for the DIDI 2014 bag collection derives from a passion for leather, African prints, colour, and timeless vintage inspired pieces. DIDI’s limited edition Structured Bag and Box Clutch are a must have item for any one looking for that ‘pop of colour’ in their wardrobe. Hand-made using the finest polished calf leather and Ankara prints, the handbags have been designed to offer roomy compartments. DIDI box clutches and purses are crafted using the best acrylic and gold plated panels. DIDI collections are perfect for the bold fashionista, one who isn’t afraid the nouveau and standing distinguished from the crowd.

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afwl 2014

Dear Africans and Friends of Africa,

Princess Fifi Ejindu Goodwill Message

he fourth edition of Africa of those who join rebel movements say they Fashion Week London presents are motivated by a lack of jobs. another remarkable opportunity to promote exceptionally talented African African Fashion Week London, the biggest designers and fine artists, while seeking African-inspired fashion festival in the to attract global attention to Africa’s rich UK and Europe, has and diversified dress continued to create culture. Without a opportunities that I have felt my strongest doubt, the committed foster partnerships with artistic emotions when founder and her team business communities suddenly confronted with a at African Fashion of developed nations sublime beauty of sculptures Week London have while boosting the contributed in no small socio-economic growth executed by the anonymous measure to the fact that of Africa’s textile artists of Africa. These works in recent times, African industry. By highof religious, passionate and fashion has become an lighting Africa’s rich vigorously logical art are inspiration to the global cultural heritage, our the most powerful and most fashion industry. There cultural resources beautiful things the human is a renewed interest and industry are imagination has in Africa and all things harnessed to grow ever produced. African, so we must into a vibrant African seize the moment! economy, by boosting PABLO PICASSO small and medium This is the time to tackle enterprises and thereby one of Africa’s greatest challenges. Youth creating jobs and generating wealth. unemployment has risen to 40% in several It is up to us as Africans to bridge this parts of Africa. My passion lies in creating yawning gap. The relevant question is; viable jobs for those who constitute 60% of Can we afford not to? Apathy is no longer an our population; our youths. This is crucial option. Remember, a system that cannot for sustainable growth and peace in Africa. rescue its poor cannot save its rich on the A World Bank survey has shown that 50% day of reckoning.

Thank you and God bless you all.

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU Life Patron AFWL and Chairman of the Advisory Board, President and Founder, The African Arts & Fashion Initiative.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

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