Lacing Lagos

BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL

THE launch of Austrian lace in Lagos attracted stylists, fashionistas, designers and other stakeholders in the fashion industry to the Austrian Embassy, Ikoyi, venue of the event.

   Held last week, the launch was a foretaste of the fashion show that held yesterday, Saturday, May 14, at Eko Hotel.

 Tagged, Austrian Lace – Nigerian Fashion, the show aimed at celebrating the long history of the Austrian lace in the Nigerian fashion scene.

     Speaking ahead of the event, Ms. Shanay Hubmann, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy said, “the show is aimed at celebrating the history and the future of Austrian lace culture in the country, as well as everyone in the distribution and use. We have intricate and exciting agenda, which apart from showcasing new outfits would take the gathering beyond fashion show.” 

  Four Nigerian designers — Ituen Basi, Folake Folarin-Coker of Tiffany Amber, Frank Osodi of House of Bunor and, Godwin Mekwuye of Vivid Imagination — featured on the show.

   Using Austrian lace, the designers made alluring attires for both men and women.

  Aside from previewing the African Lace Exhibition held last year in Vienna, organisers plan to launch the Vienna show in June at the National Museum, Lagos.

 

The Arise crown goes to…

Maiden Ibru present award to The New Face of the Year – Chika (Nigeria) – model.




THE Arise Magazine Fashion Week, which ended last week, was indeed a splendour of event, with models of Black Coffee, a South African fashion outfit strutting the runway in diverse stunning wears.
  The event also witnessed presentation of awards to some designers and models. Among those recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award were Deola Sagoe, Eredappa, Shade Thomas-Fahm from Nigeria; Mali’s Xuli Bet and South Africa’s Malcolm Kluk and Christian Gabriel du Toit — the duo of Kluk CGDT.
  While Kluk received Designer of the Year award for 2011, the Model of the Year award went to Tanzanian model, Flaviana Matata; and Elite Model Look, Nigeria 2010 winner, Chika Emmanuel won the New Face of the Year award.
  Tiffany Amber won the Fashion Brand of the Year award and Ituen Basi, who unveiled Ankara helmets as part of her collection during the show, won the Creative Designer of the Year award. In the 2009 edition held in Johannesburg, Basi also won the Most Innovative Designer of the Year award.
  Other winners include Buki Akib in the Young Designer of the Year category; Maki Oh was crowned the Emerging Designer of the Year while Pierre-Anthonio Vettorello was Innovative Designer of the Year and Angello Van Mol got Menswear Designer of the Year. Nike Oshinowo-Soleye, ex beauty queen/entrepreneur received the Style Icon award.
  In addition to the awards, five designers were chosen to participate in the Arise Collective Show at the New York Fashion Week billed for September. They are Kluk CGDT, Jewel by Lisa, Bunmi Koko, Tsemaye Binite and Pierre-Anthonio Vettorello.
  Nigeria’s rap princess — Mo’ Cheddah and Tinie Tempah, thrilled guests at the event.

Menswear Designer of the Year – Anjelo Von Mol (Belgium/Ghana)

The Fashion Brand of the Year – Tiffany Amber (Nigeria)

Emerging Designer of the Year – Maki Oh (Nigeria) (Nigeria) with Maiden Ibru

Designer of the Year Award – Kluk CGDT

Model of the Year – Flaviana Matata

Young Designer of the Year – Buki Akib (Nigeria)

Best in Creative Designs – Ituen Basi (Nigeria)

Style Icon of the Year – Nike Oshinowo