KENNETH IZE

( First Place, $100,000)

How did you feel when you were selected as one of the designers to take part in the Arise Fashion Week, 30 under 30 competition?

It was a huge honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity

How long did it take you to put your collection together and what message was behind your collection?

This collection “A Man is As Good As His Word” is very special to me. Working with the restraints that 2020 has “gifted” us allowed me delve deeper into my own creativity and resources. I named the collection after a song that really speaks to me as a designer and my journey. The message is one of embracing yourself and all the things that make you yourself. It’s one of being honest with yourself and allowing yourself feel.

Looking at other designers collection, aside from yourself, whose collections were you most impressed with and why?

I thought Re Lagos was amazing, I can relate to the unapologetic use of colour. Lagos Space Program also had a lot of interesting pieces, Tzar, Mazelle & Weizdurm Franklin also had pretty special collections.

How did you react when your name was announced as one of the top eight?

I was just so overwhelmed by the entire day, I don’t even remember the exact reaction.

When it was narrowed down to the top three, were you a bundle of nerves? What did you do as soon as you realized you were so close to cinching the top price?

I was so emotional, it was a full circle moment for me. I’ve been working for as long as I can remember and these opportunities do not come by everyday so I was really moved.

Winning the competition must have been so thrilling for you! What do you plan to do with your $100,000 price?

I’m really grateful for it all. I hope to use this opportunity to shed light on the Weavers Community we are currently building in Ilorin and Lagos.