AFWL 2013- DESIGNER FOCUS- ALL HAIL OGWA IWEZE & OFURE ADIVE OF DZYN

The brand is one of the great brands from the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja in Nigeria. Their ultimate dream is to rule the world of fashion design. And with very assured steps & doggedness they are on their way to the acme of it. 

2 very stylish & creative sisters, in the persons of Ogwa Iweze & Ofure Adive calls the shot at DZYN. And from their showcase & collection, they have signposted that Abuja is gradually taking over as the fashion capital of Nigeria. 

The DZYN collection 2013, was like the geniuses of Picasso, Monet, Matisse & Raphael combining to put out a showcase, it was that great, that divine. We haven't stopped applauding ever since. 

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AFWL 2013-DESIGNER FOCUS- DESIGN VETERAN ZIZI CARDOW SPARKLES IN LONDON

Experience can never be wished away. Knowledge they say is power, and that was what grandmaster of fashion design Zizi Cardow displayed in London at her showcase at the Africa Fashion Week London earlier this month, from August 1 to 4, 2013. 


The award winning designer of note, showed she's still very relevant in the scheme of things. We particularly love it, when a collection has cohesion and a storyline, there was a sequence from start to finish with Zizi's collection. Known for her audacity when it comes to sexiness, she boldly showcased it in her collection. Reminding all and sundry that she's a master of the game.


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AFWL 2013- DESIGNER FOCUS- ELLA & GABBY MASTERCLASS DISPLAY

Incredibly!!! This label or should we say fashion brand is only just about 2 years old. And in that short while they have shown like a thousand star, DISPLAYING CONFIDENCE with so much gusto & aplomb like veterans of many years of acclaim. So much so that even British Vogue took notice. 


This particular 2013 collection as showcased at the AFWL 2013, was sophistication unparalleled. So assured was the brand that they had a 'solo show', they were all by themselves showcasing over 30 winners. From the beginning to the ending.

This brand should be amongst the Liga of world class brands and the creative director amongst the celebrated masters of fashion design world, nestled in the temple of grace. 

Kudos Ada Mgbudem for the masterclass display. So well appreciated was the brand, that there was an encore at the Africa Arts & Fashion Banquet 2013, which was the Grand Finale of the 3 days fashion extravaganza.

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AFWL 2013 DESIGNER FOCUS- YINKA FASHOLA OF MOOFA DAZZLES WITH CLASSY COLLECTION

One of the sure bright stars of this years African Fashion Week London 2013 fashion showcase, is this incredibly talented but quiet designer from Lagos, whose showroom is in Dolphin Estate in Lagos, Nigeria. 


Her collection showed a massive dose of confidence and unbridled talent.

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AFWL 2013- DESIGNER FOCUS 2- WELCOME THE INCREDIBLY SENSATIONAL YUTEES

One of Abuja's finest and most talented came, saw and conquered with her well planned out showcase. You could see the flow of her storyline, the gorgeousness of the beat she was playing. Obviously her stars shown brightly and she was readily appreciated for her great effort.


It was a very cohesive collection, one after there was a good beginning and a great ending. It shows that the creative director has matured in leaps and bounds. 

A brand that should be far more celebrated and that would give others a run for their money in month's to come.  Pictures were by NIA ROSE.


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SIMEOGIEME'S SIM SIMMA 2014 COLLECTION AS SHOWCASED AT THE AFWL 2014

OSIME SAIBU FLANKED BY THE FORMER MISS SEYCHELLES

We thought to showcase the full new collection by Osime Saibu of Simeogieme brand as showcased at the Africa Fashion Week London 2013 on August 4, 2013 at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London. 

Her collection was tagged the Sim Simma Collection 2014. And she explains that it is about celebrating femininity. According to the urban dictionary, "Sim Simma" is a phrase used as a declaration or recognition of greatness by oneself or another person, an exclamation in response to anything worthy of admiration. The vision Simeogieme had with the Sim Simma Collection is to dress women in colourful, bold and beautiful pieces that emphasizes flattering attributes of the female body.
From the body fitting pieces to the maxi dresses, which cascades elegantly on a variety of female forms, the wearer will be worthy of the admiration of all... including herself.

Check it out!!!

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OSIME SAIBU IS THE LADY OF MANY PARTS BEHIND THE EMERGING FASHION BRAND- SIMEOGIEME which means 'GOD SENT ME'

MAESTRO'S MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

OSIME SAIBU OF SIMEOGIEME

 
We came across the quiet, but brilliant Osime Saibu at the just concluded Africa Fashion Week London 2013. Her designs from the emerging label - Simeogieme were quite simply- 'classic, body shape enhancing and very functional' , to us a breath of fresh air.

She got everyone's attention because prior to her showcase, she just moved around without any 'airs' and inconspicuously not wanting to draw to herself any undue attention.

But the moment the models came out one after the other, wearing her creation with much aplomb! Everyone immediately exhaled that they were seeing a 'bright star' in the making, a fashion meteorite has landed, ready to make an impact. She was one of the highlights (BRIGHT SPARKS) of the 3 days fashion extravaganza at the old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.

We had a great interview with the Creative Director of the emerging label and it was qyite insightful. 
Interview was conducted by Abiola O. Aloba for Maestro's Media. ENJOY!!!

SIM SIMMA 2O14 COLLECTION AS SHOWN AT THE AFWL 2013

How did you come into fashion? What made you embrace it as a career path?

I have always been interested in fashion since I was a child. I believe the interest developed as a result of being around the tailors my mum hired for her tailoring business, which was established using the garage of my home in Lagos, Nigeria. I was interested to see how yards and yards of fabric could be transformed into something really elegant for women to wear, so I would always help out after school. My mum eventually taught me how to sew. I enjoyed sketching, so I would imagine different dresses and sketch them on a pad. This was a hobby at the time.

As I became an adult, my interest in fashion increased especially as I had moved to live and study in London, the fashion capital of the UK. So I bought a sewing machine and for practice, I would cut up bed sheets to make little dresses and skirts. Also, sketching designs during lunch breaks at work became a habit. My interest had become a passion, and this led me to ask Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah if I could intern with him. He agreed.

Then I was asked to be a bride’s maid at my friend’s wedding and the bridal train had to buy a particular fabric “aso-ebi” to make dresses with for the wedding. I decided to sew my dress for the wedding myself. This was the first time I would make a dress which would be worn for an occasion. At the wedding, which was in Washington DC, I received several compliments on my dress and a few people asked to take pictures of my dress. This was a massive confidence boost for me, and that led me to establish the business.

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DAY 1- OUT & ABOUT AT THE AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2013..........

OGWE IWEZE OF DYZN & FOLUKE

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

DANIELLE ALLEN & STEPHANIE ADU

 

TOYIN LAWANI

Thank you Glo for your great support at helping to give a platform to those designers who might not have had the opportunity to showcase their talents. Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! Just in case you didn't know before, now you know.

The 3rd edition of the annual AFWL began on Thursday, August 1, 2013 with a bang!!!!! Venue was the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, in the Shoreditch area of East London. A district or area known for fashion and great food. It's just about 50 meters away from where the 2nd edition held the year before (2012 during the London Summer Olympics) at the Spitalfields Market Hall. 

The vision behind the AFWL is to create an affordable yet international platform for emerging designers in Africa and across the diaspora. An opportunity to help the young but very creative minds to showcase the talents before a global audience & international media. The choice of London is very strategic, in that it is one of the 4 major fashion capitals of the world. Any recognition from London, which is known for always birthing new fashion ideas & fashion designers is an assurance of a great future. 

So on Thusday, August 1, 2013 the massive hall of the Old Truman Brewery threw open her doors for exhibitors & fashion designers. On the first day, it was more of the young and the very creative emerging designers that showcased. Allowing everyone a glimpse into their future with their works. 

The show was opened by the CEO dancers and thereafter the catwalk show began. Before this, the exhibitors that dotted the whole space in the building were making brisk sales as visitors thronged in to see what was up. 

We were on hand to cover the showcase and in this post, we have for you the out & about on the first day. Loads & loads of the pictures of some of those we saw at the event. 

ENJOY!!!

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OUT & ABOUT AT THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AFRICAN ARTS & FASHION BANQUET IN LONDON AN AFWL PRODUCTION

ALEXANDRA BURKE & PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

AFWL FOUNDER, RONKE ADEMILUYI & NTDC DG Ms. SALLY MBANEFO

MRS. OBIOMA LIYEL-IMOKE, 1ST LADY OF CROSS-RIVER STATE

NADIA BUARI

 Date was Sunday, August 4, 2013. Venue was the very prestigious Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Mayfair, Central London. Some say this is London most prestigious and most expensive Hotel in London. It used to serve the Queen of England very well in times past and we heard that the late Michael Jackson and many other stars/celebrities have stayed there before.

The event was the Inaugural edition of the African Arts & Fashion Banquet. It was the crowning glory of the 3 days fashion extravaganza known to all as the Africa Fashion Week London, which had clocked 3 this year. It is the 3rd edition of the annual catwalk & exhibition showcase. For 3 days, from August 1st till the 3rd, 2013 at the massive Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, in the Shoreditch area of East London, 100 designers and a large number of exhibitors showcased their talents and exhibited their wares, while many thousands of fashion enthusiasts, guests, buyers, media people etc converged at the venue to feed their eyes and buy or make orders.

On Sunday, August 4, 2013 the grand-finale of the whole past 3 days held at the Dorchester Hotel, grand ballroom. Big kudos to the AFWL team led by the founder Ronke Ademiluyi, a really big one to the AFWL Life patron, Princess Fifi Ejindu, who is also the President & Founder of the African Arts & Fashion Initiative. These 2 great Nigerians and their hardworking team with the support of GLO Communications delivered an A-class showcase worthy of several encores. A big thank you to Otunba Mike Adenuga for helping to make the 4 days a reality. 

Just slightly above 200 great guests from all over Africa and supported by other guests from the UK were gathered at the venue. We saw the likes of High Chief Edem Duke, who has gradually shown that he is an orator par excellence, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, the first lady of Cross-River State, looking gloriously elegant, fine artist of International repute Yinka Shonibare, Senator Grace Bent, Bianca Jagger, the wife of Rock star Mick Jagger, Alexandra Burke, Shingai Shoniwa, Biola Okoya, Nadia Buari, Billie Lee, a top UK architect, Alexander Amosu, June Sarpong, Professor Reverend Julien Ciakudia, who delivered a powerful speech about the re-integration of Africa & Africans, top model and philanthropist Noela Coursaris-Musunka, Adebayo Jones, DG NTDC, Ms. Sally Mbanefo, Kemi Adewunmi just to mention a few.

The AFWL life patron & chairperson of the advisory board, who is also the President/Founder of The African Arts & Fashion Initiative Princess Fifi Ejindu, delivered a powerful speech, where she expounded on the need for Africa & Africans to rise up to the challenges of youth unemployment. She went on further to explain that the banquet is in support of the African Arts and Fashion Initiative, and the purpose of which is to drive an African Arts and style renaissance to motivate, sensitise and most importantly, empower Africa's talented array of upcoming designers and artists. Supporting and promoting African exhibitions globally.

In all it was a glorious night, spiced with excitements of all kind. There were fashion shows by the likes of Adebayo Jones, Thula Sindi, Ella & Gabby, Zizi Cardow, Moofa, Kitoko & Sally Intiego. And truth be told they all did very well.  Apart from the fashion showcase there were a couple of musical performances-Debra Dee did so well, a duo also performed and not forgetting the trio of the CEO Dancers who dazzled all with their very well choreographed moves.

We have for you, some of the images for the night.  Event was supported by GLO.

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'BOOBALICIOUS' GHANAIAN BOMBSHELL NADIA BUARI & MOM AT THE INAUGURAL AFRICA ARTS & FASHION BANQUET 2013 IN LONDON

NADIA BUARI & PROUD MOM

NADIA

Many would not forget in a hurry this GLO sponsored event at the very prestigious Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Mayfair area of Central London on August 4, 2013.

The event was the inaugural edition of the Africa Fashion Week London Grand finale banquet tagged the Africa Arts & Fashion Banquet 2013. Africa & Africans were made proud on the day of the event. Kudos to Princess Fifi Ejindu, Ronke Ademiluyi, the AFWL & GLO for a good job well done

It was a gathering of stars, celebrities, top Government officials of many countries, business people etc. One of those that shown like a bright star at the event, was the glorious & ever gorgeous Ghanaian top actress & beau of our own equally handsome actor Jim Iyke, in the person of Nadia Buari. 

Truth be told after standing in very close quarters with her for a while at the event, it's obvious why her beauty is so well celebrated. Nadia is flawlessly beautiful or so it seems. Jim Iyke truly has got a good eye, not only is she beautiful, she's also very pleasant and very respectful;  combinations you don't necessarily get to see or notice from acts (stars) like her. 

She was one of the awardees of the night, she like Genevieve Nnaji, Richard Mofe. Damijo, & Ms. Dawa Noga-Lemberger (Founder of Malawi Fashion Week) were honored with the African Fashion Ambassador Awards. Whilst she was around to pick up her plaque, the other trio were absent, but that didn't take the shine off the awards at all. The delectable one who showed off her equally very beautiful 'twin-peaks' to the delight of all, came to the event well dressed like a very beautiful African Princess with her gorgeous mom in tow. The proud mama, sat inconspicuously by her daughter, not wanting any attention whatsoever to herself.

Ronke Ademiluyi Sheds Light on the African Arts and Fashion Fundraiser

RONKE ADEMILUYI-FOUNDER AFWL

 

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU- AFWL LIFE PATRON

MENAYE DONKOR

SHINGAI SHONIWA

With just a little over a week to go to the biggest African fashion extravaganza outside of Africa that is Africa Fashion Week London 2013 scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery, and last minute surge for ticket to the event, this year’s third edition is to set the standard for years to come.

AFWL 2013, set to take over the fashionable district of Shoreditch with 100 designers showcasing their designs on the runway and inside the grand exhibition hall and around 20,000 guests expected over three days, also marks a difference with this third edition with three ambassadors, two patrons and a glitzy grand finale at The Dorchester Hotel on Sunday, 4 August 2013 to introduce African Arts and Fashion Initiative and the existing Association of African Designers in the Diaspora.

African Arts and Fashion Initiative and Association of African Designers are both initiatives which intend to create start up funds for young designers to assist them in turning their creativity into sustainability. The exclusive debut event intends to serve as the first fundraiser event for both initiatives as well as a number of other selected charities and foundations.

“These initiatives are governed by the same vision that gave birth to Africa Fashion Week London – the passion to support and celebrate emerging designers. While the majority often celebrate established designers across Africa and around the world, it is the emerging talents who struggle to get their work out there due to a range of challenges from lack of start up funds to means of production,” said Ronke Ademiluyi.

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GLOBACOM ANNOUNCED AS THE OFFICIAL AFRICA TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPONSOR AFWL 2013

London, 15 July 2013

The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London are delighted to announce Globacom Limited as the official African telecommunications sponsor for the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.

Also the official sponsors for African Arts and Fashion Banquet fundraiser gala presented by AFWL at The Dorchester in support of emerging African designers, Globacom, as Nigeria’s national telecom operator, has consistently brought innovation, quality service delivery and unequalled benefits to its subscribers. Since its inception in 2003, the company has grown to become a major player in the African telecom industry.

Currently, Glo remains a giant in the telecoms sector with over 35 million subscribers in Africa, including multinational corporations, decision makers in the public and private sectors, students, artisans and rural dwellers who are connected to our network who enjoy access to high quality products and affordable telecom services.

Globacom is also a leading brand in the promotion of African arts and culture through its outstanding support and sponsorship of the creative, literary and the performing arts with support for leading Nollywood actors and actresses, music stars and comedians across the continent as well as its commitment to the discovery and nurturing of young talents through sponsorship of reality shows such as the ongoing Glo X-Factor which offers a top prize of $150,000 USD and a recording contract to the winner of the show.

“In line with our commitment to the promotion and sustenance of African arts and culture as well as our tradition, we have now teamed up with The African Fashion Week towards celebrating our unique and diverse African cultural heritage through fashion,” said Globacom chairman Dr. Mike Adenuga JR (GCON).

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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 

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LONDON GETTING READY FOR AFWL 2013 & AFRICAN ARTS & FASHION BANQUET 2013 WITH THE SUPPORT OF GLOBACOM

PRINCESS FIFI EJINDU

THE DORCHESTER

Two of the best things to happen in London this year are set to happen come August 2013. The Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is going to be far much bigger and far better than the previous 2 in 2011 & 2012.  This year's edition is the 3rd in the series of the yearly event. Dates for the biggest Africa inspired fashion event of the year is from August 1 till 3, 2013, so African designers from all over and even those inspired by the motherland would all be converging in the Queen's Land and the venue is the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane Road, E1 6QL

This year's showcase catwalk/exhibition would have about a 100 designers & close to another hundred exhibitors. Undoubtedly the past 2 editions of the annual event have been unparalleled great successes. Come August 4, 2013, just a day after the grand-finale of the AFWL 2013 at the 5-star Dorchester Hotel, the very gorgeous Princess Fifi Ejindu, who is AFWL Life patron, would play host to the cream of the London society mixed with other top guests from around the world to the inaugural edition of the African Arts & Fashion Banquet 2013. 

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Congolese Model and Philantrophist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka Becomes an Africa Fashion Week 2013 London Ambassador

NOELLA COURSARIS MUSUNKA

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) organisers are delighted to welcome model and philantrophist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka who joins fellow ambassador, Ghanaian model and philanthropist Menaye Donkor Muntari, and champion of African fashion, as a AFWL 2013 Ambassador for the third edition of the fashion event taking place from 1st to 3rd August, 2013.

Africa Fashion Week London 2013 will see over 100 African designers and exhibitors showcasing their designs at the event, taking place in the impressive Truman Brewery space, just off Brick Lane. This years’ AFWL is set to be bigger and better than ever, and will be the largest fashion event in Europe dedicated to African and African-inspired fashion. Organisers are expecting over 25,000 people to attend the event over the course of the three days.

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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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