The 2017 LAGOS FASHION “International Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Garments Exhibition”, held in Eko Hotel New Exhibition Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos / Nigeria on the 20th to 21st of September, 2017.The grand exhibition which is a one of its kind in Nigeria was organised by Atlantic Exhibition in partnership with Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and NACCIMA, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
The event themed “International Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Garments Exhibition” provided a platform for interaction between its exhibitors and visitors in the best prestigious exhibition centre of Lagos, EKO HOTEL NEW EXHIBITION CENTER with its high standard and first class venue. The over 30 exhibitors who participated in the exhibition had the chance to; Meet with the Nigerian fashion and ready-to-wear garment industries professionals; Evaluate the Nigerian market and realize the possibilities of how to make business with Nigerian businessmen; See the possibilities of making contacts to export their products to Nigeria and establish direct investments, open factories or offices in Nigeria.
The venue which is the Expo Centre Hall of Eko Hotel was transformed into a mini market with stalls erected in all corners overlooking a run way stage with a theatre sitting arrangement where the event proper was on-going while visitors strolled round to meet retailers and make purchases. The event anchored by an MC Christopher Nwagbo had an influx of entertainment and fashion, with some highly entertaining musical performances and fashion show by some designers.
The M.C. ensured there was no dull moment as he also infused a catwalk segment by some celebrities present, Ireti Doyle a star actress, Omowunmi Akinifesi, a designer and beauty queen among few others. There were lecture presentations by some key players in the fashion industry who enlightened from their wealth of experience in the fashion industry.
During the event, some top players were awarded with special recognition awards for their immense contribution to the growth of the industry, there were Dr.Seye Kehinde, Publisher of City People Magazine,Funmi Ladipo ,President of FADAN, Prince Oyefusi, CEO of Nobel Afrik,Fola Kudehinbo, CEO of Fountain Initiative for Society Development,Toyin Lawani, CEO of Tiannahs Place Empire,Chief Iyalode Alaba Lawson, President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)Ireti Doyle,Christian Martins,Adejumoke Aderounmu among several others.Shortly after the award presentation, the designers unveiled their beautiful collections on the runway.
The Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria members were fully present at the exhibition and also dazzled many with their mind blowing collections on the runway. Among the designers who first showcased were Socrous Craft, Victor Bassi ,Manifest Apparel,Deps Fray,Motlog Fashion Academy,Nartwog,Savvy By Mo,Loving Crib, Zaris Fashion Academy, Kiphy &, Le Look House of Bags,Lapenza ,Glue By Nazir Kijipa Africa, Omowumi fashion Brand, Rumen Bags,Darlene,Afrikoncept collection, Be Fab by beadakraft,Gleam Bodice, Divine Collection, Victor Bassi, Zoasahara, Marigold, Rudavson, Bismol Fashion Academy, Pearl Eve, Bunmi Stitched ,Mike & Hills Clothings.
The following day was also a beehive of activities with designers draping their stalls in their wares .There was everything fashion at the exhibition, from clothes, fashion accessories, hair, bags, foot wears, make up ,it was simply a one stop shopping arena and many guests who trooped into the bubbling hall left with smiles and bags of items. It wasn’t all about fashion items as some stands supplied refreshments like natural fruit drinks, finger foods and lots more to complete the package.
The exhibition started at 10 am and ended at 8pm each day. Asides the fashion entrepreneurs, some corporate brands like banks also had stalls at the exhibiton.Some of the outstanding exhibitors were Ibile Vogue Academy, a an Afropolitan clothing line designed to give the afro-cultural heritage a voice in the global fashion orchestral.It showcased lovely designs of maxi dresses in African prints and several other beautiful clothings.His stall was one of the hottest.
Beauty Queen Omowunmi Akinifesi’s stall where she showcased her classy designs from Omowunmi was another converging point at the arena as many guests and celebrities stormed her stall to make purchases. She had a unique collection of ready to wear dresses.
The FADAN designers led by their gorgeous president Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, Creative Director of House of Regalia, was also very visible at the exhibition and they simply stood out with their creativity and timeless pieces. From the dresses, to hats and jewellery, the FADAN stalls were besieged with visitors who thronged to admire their stunning collection of designs. Another focal point at the arena was the Switch Cosmetics owned by Oby Iyama Osifo.
The luxury make up brand which is relatively new in Nigeria is for stylish women of colour and gives a perfect finish. It’s studio located at Abayomi Cole Victoria Island has a makeup & hair studio, nail art/temporary tattoo stations, a retail space and the CMA Pro Makeup Artistry & New Media Arts school.
Other exhibitors at the event were Art smith Collections by Gbenga Dada, an exquisite men and women ‘s jewelry,Savvy By Mo Fashion & Style,Marigold By Adunni, Loving Crib Designs owned by Bridget Jaja Creppy,1470 By Gudy, Enazplace owned by Ifeanyi Enwenna, a fashion, make up and photography outfit,Sucrose Crafts,Rhoz Dance Academy,The Potters Signature,a brand that specialises in ethnic products like Ankara handbags,work bags,belts , wallets, and more,Ruqayya Perfumes Collection, Ibile Vogue Academy,Levenchy Brand, a hair and beauty brand owned by Leesi Vizor,Zaris Fashion & Style Academy, Slimmy Clothing Designs,Divine Collections, Lapenza Couture, Access Bank,Motlog,Deu Royale Appareal, Naworg Association, Mike n Hills Clothing,Rumen Bags,Gymt Fashion Academy,Sahara Sunrise ,Darelene,Bismol,Lle Look Bags by Mrs C. F O Ezenwa,Little Weavers, Potters Signature, Graces Hat, Bims Beads,Kola Kuddus, Bell Rack Fashion, among several others.
