Countdown begins for Africa Fashion Week Nigeria

It should come as no surprise that Nigerians consider themselves among the most fashion conscious people in the world. Africa Fashion Week Nigeria kicks off on 1st July 2016 in Lagos and will give the country’s local talent a chance to take the world by storm. As designers, models, photographers and other artistic talents start their preparations, Africa Fashion gives you an overview of what to expect.

Launched in May 2014 by AFWL founder Ronke Ademiluyi, the Lagos-based event aims to empower new fashion talent, help create jobs, support education and develop skills within the Nigerian economy. As these events grow in size and stature, achieving that dream should become easier.

“We have plans to open a fashion hub in Nigeria”, explains Ronke. “We want to host student workshops, provide internships, scholarships and short coursework to develop talent. At the same time, we also want to help designers produce their collections and build their own fashion businesses”.

Ronke believes that encouraging this kind of venture can have a positive, long term benefit for the country as a whole.

“We have seen so many young people in Nigeria being able to lift themselves out of adverse situations and build a sustainable life for themselves and their families through fashion”, she said.

“We want to use fashion as an instrument of sustainable growth and, ultimately, social change”.

If you’re Nigerian, ambitious and fired up by Ronke’s words – what should you do next?   Here is a simple set of guidelines that will tell you if you’re ready for Africa Fashion Week Nigeria.

For the Catwalk & Exhibition, you need to have been in business for at least 6 months – and have a new, ready-to-wear collection that needs attention. If that’s you, then you can apply online before 30th March 2016. You will need to provide at least 3 high quality images of your collection.

The best collections will be considered by a panel of key industry experts and the best/most interesting collections will be asked to submit more details about their work – after which a final decision will be made.

Everyone is keen to know ‘Who is Nigeria’s Next Top Designer’ and this event gives you a chance to prove it’s you!

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