The nation’s fashion scene is agog at the moment with chatter about the upcoming Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN). Whether the wait has acquired a frenzied edge or is quietly feverish, this event is one that is boldly marked on the calendars of Nigeria’s fashion aficionados and keen industry watchers. Everyone from the top guns of the bigger fashion labels to the small scale designer, the models, and the press have their eyes fixed on the first three days of the month of July when the Fashion Week is slated to take place.
The AFWN describes itself as “a social enterprise that promotes a platform to help promote Nigerian brands through worldwide visibility, distribution, and manufacturing”, and focuses on “empowerment, creating jobs and skills training in fashion.” It appears to be living up to its high ideals, as the Fashion Week will be showcasing trendy and attention-grabbing styles created by no less than 30 Nigerian designers and more from across Africa.
One of the main attractions of the show will be the debut of singer Yemi Alade’s House of Tangerine (HOT) brand. Alade is the ambassador for this year’s event.
On Friday, July 1, the fashion week show will kick off with a conference which has the theme “Positioning Nigeria as a Production Hub”; no entry fee is required. Exhibitions are to take place on Saturday, with three shows planned for 12 noon, 1PM, 4PM, and 8PM; entry fee for each session is ₦3,000. Two shows are scheduled to take place on the final day: the grand finale of “Nigeria’s Next Top Designer” (a competition aimed at promoting African inspired design), and a Gala night which begins at 6PM. The night show only has spaces for VIP tickets and tables.
The venue for the 2016 edition of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria is Eko Hotels and Suites.
Tickets are available at Eko Hotels. For inquiries, email info@africafashionweeknigeria.com or visit www.africafashionweeknigeria.com.