From Lagos to London: Lagos based Ladies of Fashion Get Ready for Africa Fashion Week London 2013

TOYIN LAWANI OF ELEGANTE BY TIANNAH STYLING

ELEGANTE BY TIANNAH STYLING

ASAKE OGE

With only two months to go to the biggest African fashion extravaganza London’s set to see, the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London taking place 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery at the capital’s hip and happening district Shoreditch, the heat is up. 

Fabrics selected, scissors, pins and needles at the ready, our designers are fast preparing for their moment on the runway in front of thousands of fashionable Londoners and guests coming in from across the world and all over Africa as well as celebrities, dignitaries and VIP guests including this year’s patrons Abuja based business woman and architect Mrs. Fifi Ejindu and London-based Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare MBE.

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Amongst the African and African-inspired designers from across the globe signed up to showcase on this international runway are also three Lagosian ladies getting ready to dazzle a thousand-strong audience: Meg Alabi of Alabi Couture, Toyin Lawani of Elegante by Tiannahstyling and Asake Agoro of Asake Oke who has recently relocated to Lagos from London. Having participated in some way in last year’s Africa Fashion Week London, they are no strangers to the event, and it was perhaps last year’s success that inspired them to hit the runway in their stylish strides this year. 

 

MEG ALABI

DESIGN BY MEG ALABI

Meg Alabi of Alabi Couture who exhibited her designs at AFWL 2012 says, “AFWL is a great avenue to reach a targeted clientele and a great platform whereby we showcase our ready-to-wear collection with a twist.”

Alabi launched in MD’s Clothing in 2005 in Surulere, Lagos, which proved an instant hit with the Lagos power dressers due to Meg's eye for fashion and a rich stock which included everything for men and women from coshes to fragrances, footwear accessories and gifts. In 2011 Alabi launched the eponymous Alabi Couture, specializing in designing couture, high tempo fashion with an eye for cut and fit.

When asked what the audience at AFWL 2013 can expect from her, Meg describes her collection as a “2-in-1 collection, a combination of Ankara, cotton, silk, chiffon and a combination of a day wear and evening wear with much needed comfort, sassy and trendy class for both men and women.”

 

DESIGNS BY ASAKEOGE

Asake Agoro of Asake Oge London was another one of the exhibitors last year who was so dazzled by the flashing lights of the catwalk she had to come back this year as a runway designer. Third generation seamstress, who launched her label in 2009 says, “I wanted to be a part of Africa Fashion Week London because it is the biggest African event in Europe and it has the best platform for African talent to get Western exposure”

The label who creates for women who are “unique, individual, daring in a stylish way” promises to bring a brand new collection of structured futuristic lines fused with soft feminine silhouettes.

Another lady who is no stranger to AFWL both front and back of stage is none other than Toyin Lawani, Creative Director of Tiannahstyling and Elegante by Tiannahstyling. Having worked as a stylist backstage at last year’s event, styling for a number of designers including the grand finale by Adebayo Jones on Saturday’s gala show, Lawani feels ready to showcase her own designs on the AFWL runway this year.

“I’m really thrilled to be showcasing at AFWL this year.  I had a chance to showcase at Africa Fashion Week London last year but didn’t take it because I wanted to learn a lot from working backstage internationally,” explains Lawani. “I had also worked with Music on the Catwalk styling backstage in NYC prior to that. I am now ready to take on the challenge of showcasing my collection this year.”

Elegante by TiannahStyling was launched in 2012 by young entrepreneur Toyin Lawani, one of Nigeria’s number one creative directors and stylists. Sleek and sophisticated, Elegante by Tiannahstyling encapsulates the essence of femininity with designs that flatter the female form. 

Spring/Summer 2013 collection “Daring”, a mix of different fabrics including lycra, silk, chiffon, cotton and leather, was inspired mostly by Toyin Lawani’s love for fairy tale illusions, art and colours. And we are sure to expect nothing less of the designer known for her edgy style. “My collection is very dramatic and London fashionistas  should expect the best my unpredictable and creative mind has to offer,” Lawani says.

Toyin Lawani, Asake Agoro and Meg Alabi are only three of the ladies, along with others like Zizi Cardow, Ella and Gabby to name a few, who will be hitting the runway with designs cut from a different cloth, representing Nigeria in the heart of London.