OUT & ABOUT ON THE RED CARPET AT THE AFRICA FASHION WEEK NIGERIA 2014

VIVIAN AGBONKHESE

DAISY DANJUMA

BIOLA OKOYA

The maiden edition of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, an off shoot of the very successful Africa Fashion Week London which is in her 3rd season held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the main hall of the Eko Hotel. Victoria Island, Lagos.

Truth be told, all other existing fashion shows had better take heed and that's because the AFWN has arrived with a bang and is going to give all comers a serious run for their money from now on. Many didn't give this fashion showcase a chance to succeed, but on the day of the event and at the end of the day, with what many saw, the only thing most could say was that the organisers did a fantastic job and that they were astounded beyond measure, first by the fantastic organisation that was obvious, then also by the showcase of talents that was displayed.

The AFWN platform was specially created by the founder Ronke Ademiluyi to give the required opportunity to super talented, but unknown designers who without opportunities like this might not have gotten the encouragement, the necessary push and launch pad to make a career out of their passion.

By virtue of the AFWN, many unknown designers who most assuredly would have given many of the well established ones, a big run for their money were discovered. So very soon, prepare to hear about some unknown creative gems taking the scene by storm to the delight of many.

A very big thank you to Senator Daisy Danjuma for her massive support and for her putting her money where her mouth is.

Away from all the 'plenty talk', we were on the red carpet at the event and we got a couple of pictures for your viewing delight. Check them out.

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

ELLA & GABBY DAZZLES AT THE DAY 1 OF THE GTB LAGOS FASHION & DESIGN WEEK 2013

The Ella & Gabby brand continues to dazzle all with another fine showing last night at the on going Gtb Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2013, at the Ocean View Ground, Victoria Island, Lagos. It's quite unbelievable that this brand is just about 2 years old. 

The Lagos based, Internationally acclaimed fashion brand owned by Ada Mgbudem, launched their 2013 capsule collection with a catwalk showcase last night to loud applauds. 

The collection showcased we hear is a continuation of the brands Autumn/Winter 2013 collection tagged ''Tropical Sophistication' as shown at the recently concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2013 & also at the Elite Nigeria Model Look Finale Competition 2013. 

As usual with the brand, it was a classy, well coordinated and gorgeously colourful collection. Simple yet chic. 

Check out the showcase.

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

FASHIONISTA EXTRAORDINAIRE NKIRU ANUMUDU DAZZLES AT THE LAGOS FASHION & DESIGN WEEK IN ELLA & GABBY

NKIRU ANUMUDU

 

NKIRU ANUMUDU & EUNICE EFOLE

Nkiru Anumudu, Executive Director, Globe Motors Ltd., is undoubtedly one of the most daring fashionistas in Nigeria. At every events, occasions you get to meet her, you are sure to be dazzled by one thing or two she adorns. To show that hers is a love for fashion on the highest level, we hear she's on first name basis with many of the international designers or their representatives or agents. So a lot of the times, when a new collection is just about to come out, you can be sure she's one of those that would have gotten it, so it's always straight from the catwalk/runway for this style maven extraordinaire.

Last nite, at the Day one of the on going Gtbank Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2013, she was one of those that added colour and drama to the fashion showcase, as she arrived on the red carpet specially to come view one of her favourite Nigerian brand showcase-, that is Ella & Gabby.

As usual and as expected she wowed all comers with her ensemble. She had on an intricately embellished Ankara number made for her by Ella & Gabby, that's one good way to show unflinching support for a brand she believes in. Then like she's known to do, she accessorized the package with some of the best pieces one can lay hands upon. First the headgear or fascinator, a golden pineapple piece by Piers Atkinson, renowned for his awesome pieces, as worn by some of the most iconic style mavens in the world, Anna Del Russo, Princess Kate of Cambridge& Lady Gaga just to mention a few; then her golden Auth Judith Leiber Hawaii Pineapple Crystal handbag, said to cost in the region of $4499 Dollars & finishing off the look with a Charlotte Olympia Gold Andrea Sandals which goes for about $1133 Dollars. 

Some sure do have it, or don't you think?

Also wearing an Ella & Gabby piece for the same event, was none other than property developer Eunice Efole. Just like Nkiru above, she had on an Ankara print & silk mix, made into a floor length gown. Her own gorgeous accessories were diamonds & emeralds to add more splash & oomph! to the whole ensemble. 


MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

OUT & ABOUT AT THE GHANA FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK 2013. DAY 1

JOYCELYN ADUAKYE & LOVETTE

DANIELLE ALLEN & STEPHANIE ADU

MUNACHI ABII

 The 2nd edition of the GFDW 2013, that is the Ghana Fashion & Design Week held very recently, in fact it was last week, between Friday October 11 and 13, 2013. It was 2 days of runway and then VIP gathering on the 3rd day. 

MORE GIST & PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK. PLS CLICK ON READ MORE BELOW

NIGERIAN DESIGNERS SET TO STORM GHANA FOR THE GFDW 2013

This year's edition of the Ghana Fashion & Design Week 2013, which is the 2nd edition ever would have plenty of Nigerian flavour in the mix. At least about 6 Nigerian fashion brands based in Lagos & another owned by a UK/Accra based Nigerian would be part of the 3 days showcase. 


The Nigerian brands are Vonne Couture with Yvonne Nwosu as the Creative Director, she was recently at the Kenya Fashion Week in Nairobi, where we heard she had a fabulous showcase, the others are Trish 'O' couture, House of Marie and Modella B. Three out of the 7 brands would just be exhibiting their wares- these brands are Design for Love, Nichole by Haguanna & Jodi B. 

Event date is from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13, 2013. The 2 days fashion showcase would hold at the Movenpick Hotel, Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana on the 11th & 12th. While on Sunday, there's the invite only VIP Evening, where there would be loads of fashion & champagne. Venue for the VIP evening is the gorgeous Villa Monticello. 

On Monday, October 14, 2013 which is the spill over day of the GFWD 2013, the fashion week would come to an official climax with the pop-up showroom at the Viva Boutique at their Osu Branch, from 11AM - 4.30 PM.

Some of the sponsors for this year's show includes Moet & Chandon, Villa Monticello, Organic Root Stimulator, SO Aesthetics and Largess Affair.

Maestro's Media would be on ground to bring the week's proceedings your way in living colour.

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON PARTNERS WITH OHTV

The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London are pleased to announce media partnership with OH TV in the run up to the third edition of AFWL scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch a success.

Africa Fashion Week London is the largest African fashion exhibition outside of the continent, providing a global platform for emerging and established designers alike. Since its debut in August 2011, AFWL has become a key platform for capturing the surge of the African inspired trends in the fashion industry.

OH TV will film this year’s event and key highlights in the new season a popular flagship show ‘Out and About With Lola’. OH TV is an international TV network providing contemporary entertainment, available via Sky Channel 199. The OH TV Network delivers family friendly, ethical programming that is innovative, authentic, diverse and inspirational. 

“African fashion is clearly making its mark in the fashion industry. OH TV is always proud to partner with events such as Africa Fashion Week London that celebrates some of Africa’s finest. We are particularly excited about this year’s event as AFWL continues to be a leading event on the African fashion calendar,” Vidal Juba, OH TV Channel Manager and Head of Production said of the partnership.

“We are delighted to have OH TV as our one of our official media partners for yet another year. As doubtless fashion and entertainment go hand in hand, we hope that this partnership introduces the event to a broader audience both in the run up to and after the event,” said Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of AFWL.

With Mrs. Fifi Ejindu, the Nigeria-based architect and businesswoman and Yinka Shonibare MBE, the London-based globally celebrated Nigerian fine artist as patrons, this year's event will see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the event expected over 20,000 people to attend the event over the course of the three days.

For more information visit: www.africafashionweeklondon.com 

---