THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 20TH DECEMBER 2020

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

DECEMBER 20,2020 2020 SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

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S I R E N N E I Z W I E H H T T E D N N A N KE

S E R Z I E N H N T I E W N E N H E T K &

D L R O W E H !

T S S E W K O A T H020 S L 2 L K E A E F W OION W H S O 0 A 2 H F 0 2 S E S 5 I AR 193

M R O T

BY S

We are faster, closer closer and safer safer With Withour ourscale, scale,expertise expertiseand anddeep deepdesire desireto tosatisfy satisfy your needs, we will deliver exceptional experiences your needs, we will deliver exceptional experiences for forthe themoments momentsthat thatmatter matterthe themost mostto toyou. you.

A R I S E FA S H I O N W E E K T E A M Show & Creative Director Desiree Ejoh

Fashion Director Ruth Osime

Executive Producer Bolaji Animashaun

Show Producer

ARISE Fashion Week has come and gone the event but has left us with a lingering memory...till next year! For me though, the cherry on the cake was when Anna Wintour (Editor-In-Chief of American Vogue), courtesy of Naomi Campbell, gave her stamp of approval! The world’s most powerful woman in Fashion sent a video to inspire our young designers. lf l was chuffed, imagine how elated these young designers were!

Naomi Campbell has been an avid supporter of the AFW for several years and no doubt her global influence and clout has pushed the envelope even further for the brand. AFW has always been a first amongst equals and is doing tremendous work in changing the African narrative globally. So much has been invested in pursuit of this goal and it is most rewarding when it yields desired results. lt was also interesting to watch the young designers fight for the most coveted prices of the evening...the $100,000, $75,000 and $50,000 bonanza wins with the remaining of the $500,000 shared amongst the participating designers. To be fair, some designers still have a long way to go in terms of craftsmanship but quite a few showed great talent. The winner of the coveted price was deserving of it because when a very high caliber of judges collectively have one voice, their choice should not be undermined as they are titans of various fields in the fashion industry.

Any designer deserving of that price must have established a machinery in place to maintain their quality of production even if they are still relatively new in the business. Your goods have to be marketable and be of international standard in terms of finishing and skill. Basically, you must be ‘ripe enough to be plucked’. If you are plucked too early, you might not have enough experience for long term sustenance. Which is why, young designers should dedicate the time and effort required to showcase collections that would shine on the AFW platform. It takes years of dogged hard work to master the art of dressmaking. There is a lot more to its construction and execution. The good news is that you learn the ropes on a daily basis which will reflect in the cohesiveness and execution of your future collections. Rome was not built in day, but practice makes perfect! There is ample time to harness your talent.

We look forward to another such show next year. Good luck everyone and well done!

Adeola Kingsley James Salaudeen Abayomi

Content Producer Femi Johnson Sonia Ugochi

Backstage Managers Seun Bolaji Bukky Oyedele Immaculate Okafor Yusuf Oreniwa Samuel Mago Olueba

Artist Manager Joan Aronu

Sunday Are

Model Management Team Lead Elohor Isiohor

Set & Model Logistics Eniafe Momodu

Model Management Team

Head of Logistics/Venue Management

Chris Bill Alexandra Mouth Bobby Epundu Faith Ajayi Anthony Okonkwo Damani Oma Amagrawa John Affah Muyiwa Bernard Drey Tayo Judith Iwaya Godwin Led Thompson Linton

Stylists

Telepromter Operator

Hair & Makeup

Show Broadcast Crew & Equipment

Judging Producer

Samuel Bamidele

Nenesi Ibru

Head of Travel

Ojy Okpe

Benjamin Oluwaseye Ofoesuwa

Stage Manager

Head of Accommodation & Logistics

Casting Director

Moses Ebite Daniel Obasi Oluwatosin Ogundadegbe Kanayo Ebi Complete Beauty Ltd supported by Zaron

Ihuaku Okoko

Nellie Okoro

Accommodation & international travel Logistics Support Emmanuel Ezerika

Head of Covid Compliance /Front of House Coordinator Ozinna Anumudu

Finance

Toyin Kessington

Media & Strategy Team Leads Konye Nwabogor Funke Babs-Kufeji Ese Amromawhe Ozinna Anumudu

Media Support

Ifeanyi Ene

Sakina Renneye

Isioma Usiade Etse Aliu

Camera Operator

Creative Team Coordinator

Design Layout/ Art Directors

Tunde Adepoju Elebesunu Abraham Ebimielen Ayomide Ademiluyi

Project Administrative/ Program Manager Ayomide

Olufawo

Vanessa Cole

Production Support

Chuks Onwudinjo Mathias Archibong

Fare Olagbaju Winston Sylvanus Hamra Obaigbena

CONTENT INTRO

KENNETH IZE

PG 4-6

PG 28-29

THE DESIGNERS DAY 1 PG 4-16

RELAGOS

THE DESIGNERS DAY 2 PG 17-21 THE JUDGES

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Stage Manager Music

PG 22-23

PG 30-31

MMUSO MAXWELL AJABENG ONALAJA ZIVA LAGOS TJWHO

THE PERFORMERS

PG 40-41

THE ACCESSORIES

PG 41-43

THE BACKSTAGE

PG 44-45

PG 32-38

Official hair & beauty supplier

ARISE Fashion Week 2020 Opening in January 2021

@completebeauty_ng

No.2 Raymond Njoku, off awolowo road ikoyi Lagos

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

ANNA

WINTOUR

Editor-In-Chief US Vogue and Artistic Director, and Global Advisor of Conde Nast

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

W

ith the just concluded ARISE Fashion Week 2020, young African designers from all over the world tugged it out on the biggest and most spectacular runway fashion show in Africa for a collective grand price of $500,000!

The show which was staged at the Geregu jetty on Walter Carrington Crescent in Victoria, Lagos was transformed to a twilight zone of stars and lights. On the first day, 20 designers showcased their collection some of which were aesthetically pleasant to the eye. The categories used to judge the collections was design, cohesiveness, cratfmanship, presentation and execution.

Some fell short while quite a number scored high. The first day was supported

by musical performances from musicians who belted out their popular songs whilst the models strutted on the runway. The next and final day, featured the 10 remaining designers some of which also put their best foot forward with their collections. The day was also supported with performances from more musicians who added flavor with their most scintillating performances.

The judges’ results of the two days were then collated together with Kenneth Ize of the eponymous fashion brand emerging winner of the grand prize of $100,000 followed by Orire Omtasola of Ré Lagos in second place with a cash price of $75,000 and the South African based duo of Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane of Mmuso Maxwell placing third with $50,000.

CBN Governor Godwin Emiefele gave a speech congratulating ARISE Fashion Week for its positive impact not only in Nigeria but across the globe and also spoke about the refurbishment of the National Theater lganmu, Lagos and how they intend to build a creative industry hub around it to hold conferences, seminars, events and shows such as the one AFW just put up.

Super model Naomi Campbell, Alton Mason and Alpha Dia were also star models who walked the runway paving the way for the young designers for the international scene.

The show streamed live on the new ARISE Play streaming app where thousands of Nigerians were able to watch the show for free and it also aired live on the ARISE News channel.

THE FACE BEHIND THE BRAND

NDUKA

OBAIGBENA

I

f there is one man that has invested hugely in making African designers more prominent on the global stage, it is none other but the face behind the ARISE Fashion Week brand, Chairman THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE Media, Nduka Obaigbena. He has painstakingly built a phenomenal brand that showcases the best of Africa’s talent.

This is by no means a small feat not just because of the millions of dollars invested in every show, but also because of the work involved in putting a show of such magnitude together. People only see the glamour, they do not see the backstory where the sweat and labour is involved. Nduka has never compromised on quality of delivery and spares no expense to ensure every venture lives up to expectations. This last ARISE Fashion Week 2020, ‘30 Under 30’ was no different as Obaigbena pulled all strings to present a spectacular virtual event that took the world by storm! He decided to do something new. Something different. And 30 lucky designers were given the chance of a lifetime to partake in this journey of discovery and creation of awareness of their brands. Some were emerging designers and others more known but the cause was the same - aspiring for global relevance. What made this latest venture even more poignant was the monetary gift packages of $5,000 all the

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participants got for their efforts. Obaigbena also footed their bills for traveling, accommodation and feeding, something very unique in Africa because such luxury is not given in any other show of such magnitude. Nduka understands how impactful such gesture is in the lives of these young designers. For those even luckier to have won much larger prices, it is a life changing moment! Some designers in the top eight, before the last three, have vowed to return next year to win the coveted price of$100,000.

This, is what gives Obaigbena and the ARISE team the utmost pleasure. This, is what inspires him to surge ahead in this industry. This, is what the AFW brand is all about. Discovering designers and models who have gotten global recognition through their participance with the AFW brand.

Models have been signed up internationally as have designers who have gone on to cloth global celebrities through the same brand.

Nduka continues to play a very pivotal role in changing the African narrative and has used his platforms to highlight the talents within our midst.

If there is anyone that deserves a standing ovation for his singular effort and the brain behind these ventures, it is him. For him, no cost is too high to showcase the richness and diversity of our culture through our music, our clothes and our narrative.

For the first time ever in the African continent, the ARISE Fashion Week brand got a nod of approval from the most powerful woman in the fashion world, Anna Wintour. Not only did she send this message via video, she also showed her rarely seen eyes to the public who most times, only see her in her famous black glasses! It was a moving speech as she spoke about ARISE Fashion Week, and how the brand has drawn even more awareness to the talent within the African continent which is a welcome change!

That this act of hers is a major feat for the AFW brand which cannot be undermined! And of course, the woman who made this possible is none other than the Queen of Catwalk herself, Naomi Campbell who has continued to lend her influence, name and connections to promote the AFW brand and maintain its relevance on the global platform.

NAOMI

“ One of the great joys of my job at Vogue has been to spotlight each new successive generation of designers.

For the longest time, those designers came from the United States, and from Europe and Asia. That’s why I am so honoured to be a part of this year’s ‘ARISE Fashion Week ‘30 Under 30: The New Stars. This initiative will bring young design talents from Africa and beyond to the fore, showcasing their work and allowing them the chance to receive business and development support.

All of us have been through the most incredibly difficult year.

But there have been some remarkable lessons, which have come out of it, experiencing moments of joy and optimism and looking competently to the future. Now, more than ever, we all understand that we share a collective responsibility to lift up talents, all over the globe, not just on our doorstep.

CAMPBELL She is called the Queen of Catwalk for a reason and this is clear when she graces the Catwalk with her powerful strides! That she captivates the audience with her ageless beauty is also not debatable. The ARISE Fashion Week brand has had a long relationship with the famous model as far back as over a decade ago when she modeled in some of its shows abroad. But in the last four years, this relationship has blossomed to a partnership where Naomi has been the Producer of its last couple of shows. With her involvement, she has pushed the AFW brand to another level giving it global prominence.

She has since launched the careers of many designers with the singular act of adorning their creations and not just that, last year at AFW 2019, the CEO of Gucci, Marco Bizzari, aside from his congratulatory message to AFW 2019, Naomi made him introduce a Fashion Development program in four African countries including Nigeria where the lucky recipients would learn a Fashion Course in this program after which they will intern for a year with the Gucci brand.

Arise Fashion Week has strived to showcase Africa fashion, African designers, and Africa style bringing them to the global stage, shinning a bright light on their creativity and excellence. In the progress creating some of the up-and-coming brands in global fashion. This year for the first time we reveal the future fashion designers with our 30 under 30 the new stars competition.

Over the last two days 30 designers have showcased their collections powered by my favourite genre of music afro-beats. They are young, they are innovative driven and daring, they are the future and the time is now. Judged by their Mentors’ critics and fashion enthusiasts. These 30 remarkable designers have put together some of the most inspiring designs and I would like to use this time and opportunity to thank all the judges for their time, we are so grateful. Also, I would like to thank the models themselves who have been so patient and walking so beautifully. I thank the ARISE team that have made this show possible during this challenging time. I thank my bestie Desiree Ejoh for championing this cause and always coming through. And last but not the least, l thank Nduka Obaigbena for bringing us all together and making this happen when most countries in the world are not able to put something like this together. I am so grateful to be here and I am honoured to work with all of you young future models and new stars. The time for Africa is now, we will stay on the global fashion circuit.

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ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

DAY 1

GODWIN

EMIEFELE

CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR Always an advocate in supporting the Art, Music, Fashion and IT Industries, Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank Governor, gave a long speech at the ARISE Fashion Week re-iterating the bank’s support for these booming sectors. He acknowledged that the country has started to look inwards to harness the growth of these talents within our midst and pledged to give more financial support to enhance their growth. He spoke highly of the high standard of their works and was quick to give accolades to those who have helped in changing the African narrative to the global village.

We congratulate ARISE Fashion Week because of the positive impact it is having not only in Nigeria, but across the globe. As we are all aware, Nigeria’s creative industry which comprises the music, movie, fashion and I.T sectors is beginning to emerge as a key source of wealth and job creation in Nigeria.

Ajabeng

THE HOSTS THE DUO OF ADEFEMI AKINSANYA & SEYITAN ATIGARI 6

Bibi

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THE DESIGNERS DAY 1

Bloke

Boyedoe

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

DAY 1

Clan

Colrs

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THE DESIGNERS DAY 1

Dna by Iconic Ivanity

Iham Garba

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

DAY 1

a r a w a J e n y e ll A

o e m o R o k i K

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THE DESIGNERS DAY 1

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS DAY 1

Ladunni Lambo

o s u m M ll e w x a M

Mazelle Studio

e M y b n Moo

HAKIMA DUOT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

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THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

DAY 1

DAY 1

Onalaja

n a th a N Ti

Pepper Row

Vicnate

HAKIMA DUOT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

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THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

DAY 1

DAY 2

Weizdhurm Franklyn

i l a D a d e r f l E

Wuman

Frusche

HAKIMA DUOT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

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THE DESIGNERS DAY 2

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS DAY 2

Geto

e c a p S Lagos

Kenneth Ize

Muyishima

HAKIMA DUOT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

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THE DESIGNERS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

THE DESIGNERS

DAY 2

DAY 2

Re Lagos

Tzar

Tj Who

s o g a L a v i Z

HAKIMA DUOT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

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THE JUDGES

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

L-R KEHINDE WILEY, RUTH OSIME, BOLAJI DAUDU, FOLAKE COKER, NIYI OKUBOYEJO, MICHELLE ELIE,

KEHINDE WILEY

Kehinde Wiley is an American portrait painter based in New York City, who is known for his highly naturalistic paintings of African Americans. He was commissioned in 2017 to paint a portrait of former President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, which has portraits of all the U.S. presidents, this painting single handedly brought the artist to renowned fame.

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RUTH OSIME

Voted as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism, Ruth is a Nigerian trailblazing celebrity journalist. As the Fashion Director/ Executive Editor of THISDAY Style, the magazine has broken many grounds with the high caliber personalities featured from Nigeria and beyond not to mention constantly creating awareness of many talents in the Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle industries till date. Ruth plays a pivotal role in the success of the ARISE Fashion Week brand and remains an avid supporter of changing the African narrative which AFW stands for.

MOBOLAJI DAWODU

A NigerianAmerican fashion stylist. Dawodu is best known for his positions as Style Editor and Fashion Director at GQStyle where he has styled Brad Pitt, Jared Leto and Mahershala Ali. He also served as costume designer for the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe. He was the man behind the photoshoot of Burna Boy when he was recently featured on the GQ cover.

FOLAKE COKER Folake is a Nigerian designer and the creative director of the Tiffany Amber brand. The brand was launched in Lagos in 1998. She has staged several fashion shows in Africa, Europe and the United States. In 2008, Tiffany Amber made history as the first African-based fashion designer to stage a show twice at the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. She has not rested her laurels ever since as she continues to make her mark on the global stage churning out stunning creations.

NIYI OKUBOYEJO

A Nigerian-born, New York based designer Niyi Okuboyejo occupies a rare space within the menswear realm.

He is a Professor at the world renowned Parsons University where he teaches the different dynamics of the Fashion industry.

The business of Fashion is very key to its growth and Niyi focuses on manufacturing practices. As a textile manufacturer, he also crafts his collections using traditional dyed fabrics from his homeland, Nigeria.

MICHELE ELIE

Michelle Elie is an American-Haitian jewelry designer, a former fashion model and stylist.

Elie has found a singular voice in the world of fashion and collecting fashion, not only by archiving legendary runway pieces by designers, but by wearing them and living with them with a passion and fervour that escapes most collectors and curators.

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

RENI FOLAWIYO, OJY OKPE, KK OBI, LOLA OGUNAIKE, MAI ATAFO, JENKE AHMED TAILLY &ABI KOLA-DAISI

RENI FOLAWIYO

Reni is a Nigerian lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur, business woman and founder of Alara, West Africa’s first fashion luxury and lifestyle concept store designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye. Reni herself is a style connoisseur and her store is an extension of her sense of style. Alara stocks beautifully crafted clothes, accessories and furniture that showcases various talents not just the African continent, but the world at large. She also runs the exclusive NOK restaurant and NOK Garden to promote African cuisine. Reni has hosted Naomi Campbell and has had several fashion shows at her store. Alara is an architectural masterpiece reported to be one of the best designed in Africa.

OJY OKPE

Discovered by a model scout at the age of 17 in her home country Nigeria, Ojy emerged in the world of modelling to get rave notices and acclaim. She has graced the pages of Elle, Cosmopolitan, Drum, True Love and strutted the runway for SA fashion week. She has also partaken in several ARISE Fashion Shows. Now she is a host in ARISE The Morning Show.

LOLA OGUNNAIKE

KK OBI

KK Obi is a stylist, curator and editor based in London. He is the Fashion Editor of Seventh Man, a print publication and platform which seeks to examine the diaspora and male identities through contemporary art, fashion, and theory.

He also worked for ARISE TV and has over the years, played a major role in highlighting global young talents in the Fashion industry.

MAI ATAFO

Ohimai Atafo is a Nigerian fashion tailor, fashion entrepreneur, founder and creative director of fashion label Atafo, a brand that specializes in bespoke men’s suit and traditional outfits.

He attended the Leedsbased Savile Row Academy to train as a tailor and his craftsmanship in the making of men’s suits is second to none. He has clothed so many personalities and is the top go-to person for wedding dresses and suits in Nigeria today.

Lola Ogunnaike is a Nigerian-American Features and Entertainment journalist. A seasoned media veteran, with a career as a writer and television correspondent, Lola has covered key events in entertainment, focusing on celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Ozwald Boateng, Oprah Winfrey to name a few. She also recently did the GQ Burna Boy Interview. With her robust resume, it comes as no surprise to know she has worked with ARISE TV and also CNN - an impressive portfolio acquired over the years.

JENKE AHMED TAILLY Le Jenke is one of world’s most influential stylists and Creative Directors in the Fashion industry with lists of clients like Naomi Campbell, Beyonce and Kim Kardashian to name a few.

His distinct style interpretation has seen his works grace many global magazines. He is the ‘star boy’ of his craft and his editorial works are largely inspired by his African roots. He is from both Senegal and Ivory Coast.

ABISOLA KOLA-DAISI

Abisola Kola-Daisi is a Nigerian Luxury Retail Entrepreneur.

She is the founder of Florence H Luxury, a multibranded women and menswear boutique in Lagos, Nigeria; AKD Lifestyle. She is a walking example of the services she provide with her well trained eye for exquisite pieces of luxury personified.

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ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

L-R WINNER, KENNETH IZE, NAOMI CAMPBELL, 2ND PLACE, RE LAGOS, NDUKA OBAIGBENA & 3RD PLACE, MMUSO MAXWELL

THE WINNERS THE JUDGING PROCESS & WINNERS The Judges were carefully chosen because of the significant roles they play in the Fashion and Art industries. As titans in their chosen fields, they have eye and experience to take on such a task. Kehinde Wiley is a world renowned artist famous for his painting of former President, Barrack Obama. Ruth Osime is the Executive Editor of THISDAY Style Magazine, Nigeria’s most widely read Sunday pullout, Bolaji Dawodu is the Style Editor of the exquisite GQ Magazine, Niyi Okuboyejo is a well respected Professor at Parsons University, Michelle Elie is an exotic jewelry designer, Reni Folawiyo owns Africa’s most spectacular and luxurious fashion store, Alara, Ojy Okpe is a host on ARISE TV, The Morning Show, KK Obi is a well known Stylist as is Jenke Ahmed Tailly who also styles Naomi Campbell, Lola Ogunnaike is captivating for her interviews on American TV, Folake Coker is one of Nigeria’s biggest and most popular designers as is Mai Atafo and Abi Kola-Daisi is a luxury buyer and retailer. With a roll call as robust as this, certainly the credibility of the collective choice by the judges, of the final three winners cannot be doubted.

On both Day one and two, each judge was 26

given a tablet which had a brief profile of all 30 designers. Underneath their profile was a place created to mark their scores in different categories; Design, Execution, Cohesiveness, Presentation and Craftsmanship.

Each of these categories carried four stars and they were graded individually by the 12 judges’ scores on each category. The results of the judges’ grades were then added up collectively to give each designer their final scores in total. It is through this process the winner emerged. The list was initially narrowed down to the top eight, then the final three.

The designer with the most stars was Kenneth Ize who cinched the $100,000 top price followed closely by Re Lagos in second place who won $75,000 and then the duo of Mmuso Maxwell who placed third with $50,000.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

kennethIZE

BY ZINA ANUMUDU

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

(First Place, $100,000)

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

How did you feel when you were selected as one of the designers to take part in the Arise Fashion Week, 30 under 30 competition?

It was a huge honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity How long did it take you to put your collection together and what message was behind your collection?

This collection “A Man is As Good As His Word” is very special to me. Working with the restraints that 2020 has “gifted” us allowed me delve deeper into my own creativity and resources. I named the collection after a song that really speaks to me as a designer and my journey. The message is one of embracing yourself and all the things that make you yourself. It’s one of being honest with yourself and allowing yourself feel.

Looking at other designers collection, aside from yourself, whose collections were you most impressed with and why?

I thought Re Lagos was amazing, I can relate to the unapologetic use of colour.

Lagos Space Program also had a lot of interesting pieces, Tzar, Mazelle & Weizdurm Franklin also had pretty special collections.

How did you react when your name was announced as one of the top eight?

I was just so overwhelmed by the entire day, I don’t even remember the exact reaction.

When it was narrowed down to the top three, were you a bundle of nerves? What did you do as soon as you realized you were so close to cinching the top price?

I was so emotional, it was a full circle moment for me. I’ve been working for as long as I can remember and these opportunities do not come by everyday so I was really moved.

Winning the competition must have been so thrilling for you! What do you plan to do with your $100,000 price?

I’m really grateful for it all. I hope to use this opportunity to shed light on the Weavers Community we are currently building in Ilorin and Lagos.

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ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

reLAGOS

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

(second Place, $75,000)

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

How did you feel when you were selected as one of the designers to take part in the Arise Fashion Week, 30 under 30 competition?

I was really excited. I was really excited to get chosen. I really wanted to be a part of the competition and I really prayed for it. I just was happy to be a part of it , to be selected to compete on a wide platform.

How long did it take you to put your collection together and what message was behind your collection?

It took most of the textiles about six months. I had started making the collection in June. I wasn’t aware of the competition but was just ready to start working again. With a lot of downtime during the covid period, I wanted to channel my time and efforts into my brand and putting a collection together. When the competition was announced, I begun getting patterns and the cuts ready. This process took me about two weeks. The message behind my collection is daydreaming, thus the title being “Life in a Day Dream” Everyone who knows me, knows that I’m a big daydreamer. This collection allowed me to escape into that fantasy. I wanted to create something fun and fluid but still had a lot of structure and color. My vision was to create a fantasy world with clothes my ideal people will wear and enjoy living in.

Looking at other designers collection, aside from yourself, whose collections were you most impressed with and why?

Honestly, Day One for me was Onalaja - her collection was amazing . I enjoyed her showcase because her pieces were easy, really strong and sexy.

The colors, the styles and silhouettes were cohesive and the styling was great. She made me tremble - in a good way because I was happy to see the quality of work in the final 30. Another designer was Kenneth Ize - his collection was also really nice and the pieces were very well tailored.

How did you react when your name was announced as one of the top eight?

I was really really really happy. I was actually praying for top three earlier in the day but at that point I was just wishing for top eight. So when I heard my name, I was so happy and relieved.

When it was narrowed down to the top three, were you a bundle of nerves? What did you do as soon as you realized you were so close to cinching the top price?

I was backstage packing my clothes actually. I was just happy to be have been selected in top eight and wasn’t worried about the top three.

Becoming second must have been so thrilling for you! What do you plan to do with your $75,000 price?

It’s going straight into my business. It will be really nice to buy better equipment, be able to invest in better staff, opening up a small studio. Basically, the main goal will be focusing on exporting the Re Lagos brand out of Nigeria a lot more to an international audience and ensuring my resources are making the brand more efficient.

Are you aware of the buzz this is going to create for your brand and if so, how do you intend to maximize this mileage for your brand?

I am well aware of the buzz, and I’m not really good at managing buzz so I’m going to ensure I have the right team around me that can capitalise on this pivotal moment/experience.

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ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

mmusoMAXWELL (Third Place, $50,000)

Mmuso

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

How did you feel when you were selected as one of the designers to take part in the ARISE Fashion Maxwell Week, 30 under 30 competition?

Maxwell- We were elated because we wanted to showcase at ARISE Fashion Week anyway, even before the launch of the 30 under 30 competition and didn’t think it would be possible this year due to Covid-19.

How long did it take you to put your collection together and what message was behind your collection?

Due to the lockdown, it actually took longer than normal. The message this season, we wanted to challenge the narrative of a women’s place in society especially in African cultures.

We dove into the world of culturally influenced women living in a modern space, the woman who encompasses domestic features and in spite of our nation’s deep rooted patriarchal notions, can still hold primary positions in business, politics and society.

Looking at other designers collection, aside from yourself, whose collections were you most impressed with and why?

Maxwell - We were absolutely shocked because of the immense talent that our fellow designers displayed. Our favorite collection for both Mmuso and I was Ajabeng. It was such a clean and fully realized collection throughout. We were also blown away by TjWho’s technical skills and the structured silhouettes!!

How did you react when your name was announced as one of the top eight?

Maxwell- At that point, we already felt a sense of gratitude to have made it to top eight, so anything else was just a cherry on top!!

Placing third must have been so thrilling for you! What do you plan to do with your $50,000 price?

Mmuso- Certainly invest it back into our business. Get a studio, buy proper machinery and hire a machinists in order to help us grow our business and hopefully create more job opportunities in the near future.

Are you aware of the buzz this is going to create for your brand and if so, how do you intend to maximize this mileage for your brand?

Maxwell- We’ve already felt it through the media attention we are receiving. We are so lucky because we also got a chance to dress the Queen, Naomi Campbell in the process.

The plan for us is to utilize all this attention to garner more sales for our brand. It also adds credibility to our brand because the selection panel was made up of renowned continental and international fashion giants.

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AJABENG

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ONALAJA

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ziva LAGOS

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tj WHO

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lagos SPACE

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PROGRAM

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THE PERFORMERS DAY 1

BY ISIOMA USIADE

ARISE Fashion week 2020 ‘30 under 30: The New Stars.’ The Day 1 show kicked off with stunning exhibitions by 20 designers in a fun evening spiked with performances from top artistes like Wizkid, Wurld, Wavy the Creator and The Cavemen. These performances were show-stoppers.

WurlD opened the show with belted out tracks like “Show You Off “, “Wayo,” “Trobul,” and “Nobody Wins”, while for the second set, the multi-talented artist and fashion designer Wavy the Creator took over the stage with her best song “H.I.G.H”. The Highlife sibling duo, the Cavemen trilled the audience with highlife songs.

Afrobeat superstar Wizkid was the closing act on Friday. His electrifying performance opened with the instantly recognizable, award-winning single, ‘Ojuelegba.’

Transitioning seamlessly between songs from his latest album such as ‘No Stress’ and ‘True Love,’ and older hits like ‘Soco’ and the Drake-feature ‘Come Closer’, the Starboy performed as the five final designers of the night hit the runway.

WIZKID

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

DAY 2

Day two, being the final day, had 10 designers send their looks down the runway as top artistes like Asa, Ré Olonuga, Falana and Wande Coal performed on stage.

Asa mesmerized the audience with her hit tracks “Dead Again,” “Murder in the USA.” and “Bi Ban Ke.” as the models walked through the catwalk. Though it was a virtual show, Asa mingled with the judges while performing and managed to charge up the models and technicians on ground. They all gyrated towards her music and for a minute, everyone almost forgot it was a virtual. That’s how charged the atmosphere was at her performance.

Both closing acts of the two day electrified the show with their world class professionalism.

ASA

WURLD WAVY THE CREATOR

WANDE COAL

FALANA

CAVEMEN

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BY ISIOMA USIADE

MODEL FOR PEPPER ROW

MODEL FOR ONALAJA

WEIZ DHURM FRANKLYN FRANKLYN

FRUCHE

COLRS MODEL FOR WEIZ DHURM FRANKLYN FRANKLYN3 WEIZDHURM

MODEL FOR TJWHO

WEIZDHURM FRANKLYN 2

MODEL ALTON MASON ON COLRS

MODEL FOR BLOKE

GETO

ONALAJA

BIBI

MODEL FOR COLRS

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MODEL FOR FRUCHE

MODEL FOR KIKO ROMIO

ZIVA LAGOS

PEPPER ROW 2 MODEL ON DNA BY ICONIC INVANITY

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THE BACKSTAGE

ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 |“30 UNDER 30”| THE NEW STARS

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9355 Sunday, December 20, 2020

BY ISIOMA USIADE

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