The Macallan and Mai Atafo have renewed their collaboration geared towards showcasing Nigeria’s fashion industry on the global stage following a successful mentorship session held in Lagos earlier in the year.
Fashion Conversations, a sponsored fashion workshop by Nigerian creative designer, Mai Atafo, has been extended to Abuja. The initiative, which is aimed at educating budding fashion enthusiasts and creatives, was held in Maitama, Abuja.
Hammed Adebiyi, The Macallan’s brand manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, stated that the long-standing collaboration between the brand and Atafo is deeply rooted in its continued investment in the fashion industry.
“As a brand that values distinctive character and outstanding quality, we are proud to be associated with an initiative that promotes excellence. Events like the Fashion Conversations are crucial for the growth of the fashion industry in Nigeria, and we are committed to investing in such forward-thinking initiatives,” Adebiyi stated.
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The workshop brought together young fashion entrepreneurs and creatives to engage designer, Mai Atafo, in one-on-one conversations about the commercialisation of the fashion industry, running a successful business, fashion branding and more.
“It is a delight to bring the Fashion Conversations to Abuja. The Lagos edition was a success, and it prompted us to expand the Abuja session. Our goal is to provide a platform for fashion enthusiasts who are uniquely poised to become masters in their craft. And by collaborating with partners like The Macallan, we are able to focus our efforts on delivering as promised,” Atafo stated.
Atafo emphasised the need for creativity and innovation in the industry and encouraged the mentees to strive for excellence and quality in their work. While the Lagos edition, held in March 2023, gave access to 40 young designers, the Abuja workshop took it up a notch, catering for 50 fashion enthusiasts.
“As a young fashion enthusiast, I was eager to learn about the business side of the fashion industry. I got the opportunity to gain practical skills in marketing and branding while networking with other young creatives,” one of the aspiring designers, Uguma Emmanuel, a 27 year-old bespoke tailor stated.
The Macallan announced Mai Atafo as one of its influencer icons in October 2021, in line with its exclusive collaboration with exceptional brands and individuals who have excelled in their fields. Following a three-year break from the runway, the whisky brand and Atafo co-hosted a specially-curated luxurious fashion show, The Atelier, on November 20, 2022.
