The editor in chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani and designer Roberto Cavalli came to Nigeria a little over a week ago. The respected fashion editor who also visited other African countries met with some Nigerian designers .
An article on their visit and impression of the Nigerian fashion industry has been published on Vogue Italia's website. Excerpts..........
It seems hard to believe that it has been slightly over a week since Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani visited Lagos Nigeria. Despite endless security warnings and alarming news headlines, accompanied by designer Roberto Cavalli and photographer Francesco Carrozzini, Sozzani embarked on a tour of West Africa in search of the fashion designers of the future.
For Nigerians in the fashion industry the excitement could hardly be contained, the visit served as an opportunity and a sign that Nigerian designers could continue to cultivate an audience outside of the continent and take the industry to the next level. Yemi Akerele founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week said Italian Vogue's visit marks the genesis of something big in Nigeria's fashion industry. "For someone who is passionate about development and uses fashion as a tool to re brand a nation and educate its people this is incredible," she said.
Despite the glitz glam and buzz that
For Nigerians in the fashion industry the excitement could hardly be contained, the visit served as an opportunity and a sign that Nigerian designers could continue to cultivate an audience outside of the continent and take the industry to the next level. Yemi Akerele founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week said Italian Vogue's visit marks the genesis of something big in Nigeria's fashion industry. "For someone who is passionate about development and uses fashion as a tool to re brand a nation and educate its people this is incredible," she said.
Despite the glitz glam and buzz that
more after the jump
has been left behind from last week, Nigerians are realistic about the work that needs to be done in order for a sustainable fashion industry to thrive. Numerous Nigerians have been making waves on the international stage most of the fashion designers (women) are self funded, and as Akerele explains do not just design their own collections, but also their own textiles.
Kemmy Solomon designer of KemKem Studio started her career as a fashion designer in New York just under ten years ago. She is one of many designers that not only designs,
Kemmy Solomon designer of KemKem Studio started her career as a fashion designer in New York just under ten years ago. She is one of many designers that not only designs,
