When one thinks of the middle east, African fashion is probably the furthest from anyone’s mind. Many of us think of tall high rises, shopping, family fun, and entertainment when we think Dubai. Arise Fashion Week took Dubai by storm and has put Nigeria on the world map through fashion.
Against the backdrop of the world-renowned Burj Khalifa, surrounded by water fountains and Dubai’s bright lights, the event gave guests a visual spectacle that celebrated art, fashion, and music made in Nigeria, Supermodel Naomi Campbell strutted the catwalk at the Burj Khalifa in outfits by renowned Nigerian designers during the Arise Fashion Week (AFW) Friday. Akon and D’banj gave superb performances, getting the crowd excited and up on their feet.
The event, which took place at the Armani Hotel, was organized in partnership with the industry, trade, and investment to mark Nigeria Day at the Dubai Expo 2020. The welcome address was given by the founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena. President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by Niyi Adebayo, the minister of trade. African fashion is now considered lucrative. Nigeria’s fashion industry is valued at $4.7 billion, 15 percent of the sub-Saharan market. While still a fraction of the global $1.5 trillion fashion industry, African fashion and models are being acclaimed locally and internationally for adding a diverse culture. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was also present and said over $5 billion was given to support creative industries from film to fashion in the country.
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Lisa Folawiyo, Ituen Basi, Banke Kuku, Huddaya Fadoul Abacha, Adju Thompson, Onalaya Kanyinsola, Taju Ibrahim II, Yutee Rome, Tzar Studios, Odio Mimonet, Kenneth Ize, Lanre Da Silva, Titi Adesa, Syari Bespoke, Ziva Lagos; The Nigerian designers who showed their new collections to an audience of fashion connoisseurs, musicians, politicians, journalists including Latasha Ngwube, Mary Edoro, Timi Dakolo, Aisha Augie and others.
For decades African fashion has been on the backburner of international style, and Arise is committed to changing the narrative. AFW has been at the forefront of promoting and celebrating the next generation of African fashion designers and providing a platform for designers to showcase their work. Its award last year promoted 30 designers selected from a group of 150 talented designers. The whole ceremony was televised on ARISE News and streamed on ARISE Play. It was the first time that winners received monetary prizes. Kenneth Ize received a $100,000 cash prize while runners-up Ré Lagos and South African Mmuso Maxwell received $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.
