EXCITEMENT PERVADES EVERYWHERE AS MOMENTUM GATHERS FOR 2ND EDITION OF MISS MOREMI AJASORO BEAUTY PAGEANT

This is a pageant that's very different from all others put together. The cultural significance of it is linked to a great icon by name Queen Moremi Ajasoro a great heroine linked to the source.

For those who might be wondering what the source refers to, that's actually the other name for Ile-Ife (the land of love), the domain of his imperial majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, the current Ooni of Ife.

Ife according to Yoruba folklore passed down from generations to generations is said to be the very "source of existence". It is acknowledged as where it all began and by extension Oduduwa is the one referred to as the "father of all". So anything connected to this historically significant place would normally receive very much attention.

The Royal House of Oduduwa, meaning the house of the King are currently doing all that's possible to make sure that the 2nd ever edition of "Miss Moremi Ajasoro's pageant" that is Miss Moremi Ajasoro 2017, is the best yet in her short history. The organisers led by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi are leaving no stone unturned to deliver an event that would be first historic, secondly very exciting and that would further embed the name of one of Ife's greatest heroine in the heart of all and sundry far much more. So this pageant is not just a flight of fancy or one that would diminish the history of the heroine in any way or manner.

More after the break.

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.

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AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON PREPARES FOR A SUPERSONIC 2014 EDITION

With preparations already in full swing for the 4^th edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) on the 7^th-9^th August, the organizers of Africa Fashion Week London have announced that they will also be hosting the first Africa Fashion Week Nigeria on the 17^th & 18^th of May.

 Established in 2011, AFWL was borne out of the urgent need to support young and emerging African inspired designers in the UK and globally providing them with a professional and affordable showcasing platform that enables them to create awareness, visibility and exposure for themselves, a platform that celebrates their own kind of fashion sense and themes.

The event is fast becoming the biggest African inspired fashion event in the UK, combining runway and fashion exhibition shows in three days of perfectly paced illuminating expos. AFWL as a platform has hosted the creations of over 200 African and African inspired designers from across the African continent and the Diaspora.

From the success of the Africa Fashion Week London and the influx of creativity from Nigerian designers presented during the past editions of AFWL, we decided to host the Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria (AFWN) as there are still talented young and emerging designers who have not been privileged with the opportunity to showcase on an international platform.

 AFWN intends to provide the opportunity of wide exposure to up & coming designers who have not been discovered, yet have a lot of creativity to show the world.  However for creativity to grow there needs to be a platform that celebrates and supports it, hence contributing to its growth.

 Nigerian designers are drawing their inspiration from years of cultural fashion history and refitting it for modern-day life, creating apparel that can actually sell at home and abroad.

 NIGERIA’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER,( NNTD)

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON has also launched THE FIRST REALITY TV SHOW FOR DESIGNERS IN NIGERIA  (A COMPETITION SERIES)

 A magnificent platform for emerging designers, it is a talent hunt show, aimed at bringing together various fashion designers from across the country to showcase the richness of the Nigerian Fashion Culture and fabrics.

 Hundreds of young designers turned up from different states in Nigeria for the NNTD auditions, where they were narrowed down to 21 contestants who will be going into the NNTD house. The winner goes home with prizes including an all expense paid trip to showcase at AFWL 2014.

                                                         

AFWL 2013, DESIGNER FOCUS- THULA SINDI FROM SOUTH AFRICA

The 2013 edition of the Africa Fashion Week London has come and gone. But the memories, echoes of the 3 days fashion extravaganza is still lingering. The social media has been agog with news about the showcases. It was the 3rd in the series of the annual showcase and this edition was by far the biggest. 


The Old Truman Brewery, on 91, Bricklane, in Shoreditch hosted the 3 days. Designers from everywhere were around and the place was packed full with media sorts from all over, CNN, Financial Times, Sky etc.

We would be showcasing a few of the designers that got our interest at the 3 days event. Some of who we have seen the mark of greatness on and we are sure if they continue in their strides are already on the path to 'superstardom'. 

So let's welcome the incredibly talented 'THULA SINDI' from South Africa. He is already so very well known he needs no introduction. He was one of the main highlights at the 3 days showcase. 

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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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NewAfricanWoman is the Official Media Sponsor for Africa Fashion Week London 2013

 Aligning visions to create unique and reputable platforms for African talent, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 and the award-winning bi-monthly magazine NewAfricanWoman have joined forces to make the third edition of Africa Fashion Week London scheduled for 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch a success.

The only women’s publication that covers the entire African continent and its Diaspora, NewAfricanWoman, also published in French, provides in-depth coverage on a diverse range of issues that truly speak to and resonate with the modern African woman worldwide. Following its launch in 2009, the magazine has become a popular must-read and is the only pan-African women’s magazine distributed in the 54 countries of the continent and its Diaspora in Europe, America and the Caribbean. The magazine truly celebrates African/black women’s beauty, fashion and culture with a deliberate and unique indigenous twist.

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Menaye Donkor Muntari Returns as Africa Fashion Week London Ambassador in 2013

 Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) organisers are delighted to welcome back Menaye Donkor, model, philanthropist and champion of African fashion, as 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.

Menaye, who made her debut as AFWL Ambassador at last year’s event, won the Miss Universe Ghana pageant back in 2004. She has since used her international profile to back many causes close to her heart, including supporting talent from the world of fashion in her home country of Ghana and throughout Africa.

Throughout her own modelling career, Menaye has walked catwalks and featured in magazines from North America, Europe and Africa, including in publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and Maxim. She continues to use her attendance at high profile events around the world to champion designs both inspired by and made in Africa.  

On her appointment as AFWL Ambassador 2013, Menaye said:

“I am so excited to be chosen as an ambassador for the African Fashion Week London for a second year running and know that it will be the biggest and brightest showcase of the beautiful fashion from our continent to date! Fashion has given us all the opportunity to share our different cultures and styles with the rest of the world and this year I am looking forward to seeing bold and original designs that really define the spirit and creativity of Africa.”

Menaye, who is married to AC Milan and Ghana Black Stars footballer, Sulley Muntari, also runs the Menaye Charity Organisation which provides hundreds of children in her native Ghana with access to free, quality education. Both Sulley and Menaye also support several other education, arts and sports programmes throughout Ghana, the UK and Italy.

Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of AFWL welcomed Menaye Donkor Muntari back to AFWL with these words:

“We are delighted to welcome back Menaye as an ambassador for AFWL 2013. Not only a glamorous role model for young African women, Menaye is also a proud champion of African fashion and an inspiration philanthropist. We truly appreciate having her as an ambassador for the second year running and look forward to working with her towards the success of our event.”

Menaye Donkor Muntari will be working closely with Regina Manneh, The Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2013, ahead of the event 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 once again promises to be a huge success.

With still a few spaces left for runway and exhibition space, Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is accepting applications from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition.

EVA'S PHOTOSHOOT@ AFWL CONCESSION STORE STUDIO 29

Studio 29 boutique, an extension of the highly successful Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) brand is set to open its doors to Lagos fashionistas from Sunday 14th April 2013. The first of a series of concession stores in Lagos, African Fashion Week London, the biggest African themed fashion event in Europe launches Studio 29 as a response to demand for the exclusive pieces featured in its runway events.

Eva Alordiah smoulders in a series of playful and sultry poses in pieces from award winning AsakeOge brand stocked at Studio 29. Wearing limited edition pieces from casual to evening to occasion the gorgeous rapper embodies the spirit of the AFWL brand: fabulous, black and beautiful. Working with bold colors that matched her vibrant personality, the styling team at Studio 29 found Eva’s funky sense of style and easy humor a refreshing choice as fashion ambassador for the first campaign.

 

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Gambian/Senegalese Regina Manneh Emerges as the Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2013

REGINA MANNEH

 

The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London 2013 are delighted to announce the winner of the Face of AFWL 2013 competition as the Gambian/Senegalese model Regina Manneh. After a fierce competition on Facebook, with Nasai Forna and Vanessa Simpson taking the second and third places respectively.

Raised in Denmark, Sweden, Ivory Coast and lived in Dubai, the UK-based 24-year-old model and Interior Design student speaks English, French, Danish, Swedish and Wolof. Modelling since 2009, Regina has walked at Los Angeles Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Week.

Regina’s role as Face of Africa Fashion Week London will see the model represent the event on all promotional material and social platforms. She will also have the opportunity to represent the organization at major African fashion and entertainment events in the UK as well as model on the runway at AFWL 2013 taking place 1-3 August 2013 at Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London.

“I cannot thank enough all the well wishers who voted for me around the world. I am lucky to win because all the other contestants are all very beautiful young men and women who can represent Africa very well. I am honored to compete with them and wish them all the best and continued success in their modeling careers. I am happy to be part of young aspiring African models to make a breakthrough in the industry. 
Thank you Africa Fashion Week London for providing us a platform to showcase our beauty and modelling ambitions,” said Regina of her win.

“We are very delighted to have another deserving young woman to represent this year’s event and we do hope AFWL will provide Regina Manneh an equally fruitful platform for her career as it did for last year’s winner Edith. We look forward to Regina representing Africa Fashion Week London in the UK and beyond,” said Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London.

Following the unprecedented success of their sophomore event in August 2012 which attracted over 20,000 visitors over two days, in a bid to grow bigger, AFWL has not only expanded to three days but also moved to a bigger venue, Old Truman Brewery F Block.

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 is set to see 100 designers on the runway and over 100 exhibitors spread across Old Truman Brewery’s massive indoor space. Once again, Africa Fashion Week London is set to be the biggest fashion event across Europe showcasing African and African-inspired fashion.

Africa Fashion Week London 2013 is also accepting applications from designers who wish to showcase on the runway and/or exhibit their merchandise over the three-day exhibition. To participate in AFWL 2013 as a designer or support the event as a sponsor, please email info@africafashionweeklondonuk.com

 

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON LAUNCHES FIRST CONCESSION STORE, STUDIO 29, 14TH APRIL 2013

 Studio 29 boutique, an extension of the highly successful AFWL brand is set to open it's doors to Lagos fashionistas from Sunday 14th April 2013.  The first of a series of concession stores in Lagos,  African Fashion Week London, the biggest African themed fashion event in Europe launches Studio 29 as a response to demand for the exclusive pieces featured in it's runway events. 

Opening at 29 Opebi road, Ikeja, with Lekki branch at 1 cottage drive off Durosimin Etti, Lekki phase 1 and the prestigious Oxford Street, London branch opening later in the year, the boutique will be stocking the best of African fashion designers around the globe. With London based multi award winning brands Adebayo Jones and AsakeOge already in store and other exotic pieces from designer brands such as Zebra Living, Kola Kuddus, Violet Couture, Mademoiselle Aglaia, Nene Kester and more designers signing up every day, the boutique caters to the everyday needs for the modern fashionista. From day to evening, casual to occasion, there's something for everyone in store. With it's contemporary deco and furnishing, Studio 29 will also be open for event bookings, fashion tea parties and product press launches.

The official opening is set for Sunday 14th April with press, media and celebrities invited. To get an invite to the exclusive opening simply send an email to studio29@africafashionweeklondon.com

 Founder AFWL Ronke Ademiluyi says, "Studio 29 was specifically set up to give women and men access to the runway pieces they fall in love without having to break the bank. We recognize the increasing rise of the ever savvy fashionista and we want to fill a gap in the market" As applications from designers and exhibitors continue to stream in, Ademiluyi is confident Studio 29 will create an affordable chic platform and designer's hub for established and emerging designers alike.

London based designer Asake Agoro of the AsakeOge brand says, "We always get enquiries from Nigeria about where our pieces can be bought, partnering with AFWL is a step towards giving our fans in Africa access to our ready to wear pieces and bespoke services"

Africa Fashion week London is set for 1st-4th August 2013 at the Old Truman Breweries in Shoreditch London  with over 100 designers taking part and 30,000 guests expected in a much bigger affair than the previous edition. AFWL is currently receiving applications from designers across the globe keen to reach an international audience in one of the quirkiest fashion capitals of the world. With other projects in the pipeline such as Africa fashion week Nigeria and Nigeria’s Next Top Designer reality Tv show The AFWL brand is pursuing it's vision to expose African Fashion to the world.