FASHION’S NEXT GENERATION
Despite its budding international fame, the Nigerian fashion industry still has ways to walk before “Made in Lagos” commands the same respect as “Made in Paris.” Regardless, what cannot be denied is how designers from Africa are changing the face of fashion and also changing the narrative. Their creations are being adorned at global events and commanding the same attention as their foreign contemporaries. It has been a long journey from the days of simple African fabrics being used just for casual wear. Now they are created indigenously in the most intricate details infused with the richness of our culture. Many African designers have crossed the continent and emerged as players on the global scene. As the bar has been raised by them, the time to celebrate the new kids on the block has come. These are young designers whose talent shows plenty of promise and just need the right tools to master their art and create their own presence in the fashion space. And this right here, is precisely what the ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020 hopes to change with this year’s event, titled THE NEW STARS - 30 UNDER 30.
Since its inception, AFW has contributed significantly to the African fashion industry, and this has seen a steady growth of the presence of indigenous fashion designers and models on the global circuit. Whether one is reading a fashion magazine or scrolling down social media pages, it has become quite the norm to come across images of Nigerian models strutting the international runways not to mention famous international acts dressed in garments made by Nigeria designers.
The added twist to this year’s event is the whopping $500,000 prize money to be shared amongst some winners and some very lucky winners! This prize money is to help in establishing the brands even further. They are many talented designers who just need a financial breakthrough to enable them execute their plans and projections better. Everyone knows what the journey from a sketch to a finished product entails. It is tough and when not handled properly, reflects on the execution and final outcome. To kickstart the process, and provide an opportunity of a lifetime for some, out of over 150 applicants, AFW invited key players with a proven track record in fashion and design to lend their trained eye in helping to oversee a selection process which produced 30 promising talents, from which the eventual winners will be picked.
The show which promises to be very exciting, will hold a very spectacular location in Lagos with LIVE shows from 9th - 12th December 2020. There will be NO AUDIENCE as it is a virtual show which will be broadcast to worldwide viewership on the new ARISEPLAY streaming service and other ARISE/THISDAY platforms.