The Nation Newspaper

Category: Fashion

  • Abuja hosts AfriCulture fashion show & awards March

    Abuja hosts AfriCulture fashion show & awards March

    The global spotlight will turn to Nigeria’s capital on March 13, 2026 as the Transcorp Hilton Hotel prepares to host the prestigious AfriCulture Fashion Show and Awards. 

    This highly anticipated event, orchestrated by the Global Awareness for Development Initiatives, transcends a typical fashion gala, positioning itself as a powerful platform for cultural dialogue and social advocacy under the resonant theme: “Empowering the African Boy Child Towards a Balanced Future.”

    The evening promises to be a confluence of high fashion, political leadership, and humanitarian discourse, featuring an extraordinary assembly of Nigeria’s most influential figures. 

    Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa will be the chief host 

    underscoring the government’s endorsement of the creative industry’s role in societal development.

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard Doro, will deliver the Keynote Address. 

    His speech is expected to frame the urgent conversation around nurturing, educating, and creating equitable opportunities for young boys across the continent, a crucial step in achieving sustainable and balanced societal growth.

    The red carpet will witness a remarkable gathering of political stalwarts, with Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Babagana Zulum (Borno) as special guests of honour. 

    Read Also: Minister urges universities to drive Tinubu’s economic agenda

    True to its name, ‘AfriCulture,’ the fashion showcase is a celebration of continental unity and creative diversity. 

    Designers and models from across Africa will present collections that weave traditional heritage with contemporary design. 

    Confirmed participating countries include Egypt, Liberia, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria, turning the runway into a vibrant tapestry of African identity and sartorial innovation.

    “This is more than a fashion show; it is a movement,” a statement from the organisers reads. 

     “By harnessing the compelling medium of fashion and culture, we aim to redirect attention and resources towards the often-overlooked narrative of the African boy child. Empowering him is foundational to building families, communities, and economies that are resilient, innovative, and balanced.”

    The event will also feature the AfriCulture Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to fashion, cultural preservation, and youth advocacy across the continent.

    With its potent blend of glamour, governance, and grassroots advocacy, the AfriCulture Fashion Show and Awards 2026 is poised to set a new benchmark for how the creative industries can actively participate in shaping social policy and fostering a more equitable future for all of Africa’s children.

  • Ayoade leads La Mode’s content vision at NHN women retreat in Doha

    Ayoade leads La Mode’s content vision at NHN women retreat in Doha

    Head of Content Creation at La Mode Magazine, Tomisin Ayoade represented the brand on an international stage at the NHN Women Retreat in Doha, Qatar.

    She stated that her role for media coverage at the retreat underscored the firm growing global footprint and reaffirmed the power of African storytelling in international women-focused spaces.

    According to her, she was responsible for shaping and documenting the retreat’s narrative, capturing moments of leadership, empowerment, cultural exchange, and purpose-driven conversations among influential women from different parts of the world.

    Ayoade translated the retreat’s essence into compelling media that resonated beyond borders through strategic content direction, real time storytelling, and visual documentation

    The NHN Women Retreat, known for convening high-impact female leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, provided a fitting platform for Ayoade’s expertise.

    Ayoade’s presence highlighted not only La Mode’s commitment to women-centered storytelling but also the rising influence of Nigerian creatives in global media conversations.

    Her contribution reinforced the importance of intentional content creation as a tool for legacy, visibility, and impact.

    Her Doha engagement marks another step in a career defined by consistency, leadership, and a clear vision, positioning her as one of the emerging voices shaping how African stories are told on the world stage.

  • Seyi Tinubu, others hounoured at 9th African Giants Award, Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant

    Seyi Tinubu, others hounoured at 9th African Giants Award, Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant

    The 9th edition of the African Giants Award and Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant took place on 30th November 2025 in Abuja, drawing prominent personalities, industry leaders, and entertainment figures from across the country. The annual event was organized by Black Giant Signature and hosted by its CEO, Mr. Okpe Lawrence Okpe.

    This year’s ceremony attracted distinguished guests, including the son of the President, Seyi Tinubu, who was represented by his personal assistant. 

    The event, anchored by Sugar Sugar of AOP Love FM Abuja, kicked off with guests arriving in large numbers. Nollywood actors, politicians, business leaders, and media executives were among the attendees.

    Several high-profile individuals were honoured during the awards segment. Chief Uzochukwu Akinedozi, CEO of Blake Resort Abuja, received the Entertainment Personality of the Year Award. The Humanitarian Award went to Oba Barr. Chukwudi Oli.

    The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was honoured as Political Man of the Year, while Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South) received the Political Icon of the Year Award.

    Dr. Hajia Ramatu Ibrahim was named Arewa Woman of the Year, while other awardees included Mr. Ali Adoyi Abah (Media Personality of the Year), Chief David Daser, Engr. Tony Nakale (GM, Bingham TV), among others.

    The event also featured the grand finale of the Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant. Out of 30 contestants, seven finalists took to the stage, with 19-year-old Precious Mawah from Edo State emerging as the 9th Face of Art Nigeria.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu gets kudos for initiative

    Other titles awarded include: 1st Runner-Up / Face of Art Charity Nigeria – Miss Philomina Enenu John (Benue State), Face of Art Entertainment Nigeria – Miss Patience Danadebe, Face of Black Giant – Miss Ruth Danjuma

    In his remarks, the organiser, Mr. Okpe Lawrence Okpe, expressed gratitude to all guests for their overwhelming turnout, noting that the 10th edition will coincide with the 10th anniversary of Black Giant Signature.

    One of the awardees, Madam Aisha Kwalmi, founder of Nana Berry Orphanage, appreciated the recognition, saying, “I have received many national and international awards, but this means more to me.”

    The colourful ceremony concluded with the official crowning of the beauty queens, setting the stage for an even bigger celebration in the coming year.

  • TDA founder named African fashion entrepreneur of the year

    TDA founder named African fashion entrepreneur of the year

    Founder of TDA Couture, Dare Aliu, has been named Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the African Fashion Designer’s Award, one of the continent’s leading platforms celebrating excellence in fashion.

    The award, organisers said, recognises Aliu’s rising influence in the industry, his commitment to promoting African couture, and his ability to merge creativity with strong business leadership.

    Since establishing TDA Couture, Aliu has carved a niche for himself as a designer committed to reimagining African fashion for global audiences.

    His pieces, known for their craftsmanship, originality and cultural depth, have featured on international runways and red carpets, strengthening the brand’s presence across markets.

    Describing the award as a major milestone, Aliu said the recognition reflects years of creativity, resilience and steady brand growth.

    He thanked the artisans, collaborators, clients and supporters who have contributed to the TDA Couture journey, adding that the honour reinforces his drive to push African fashion further into the global luxury space.

    Under his leadership, TDA Couture has expanded its reach through international showcases, bespoke collaborations and a growing portfolio of clients. Beyond design, he continues to mentor emerging creatives, promote local talent and advocate sustainable practices within the fashion ecosystem.

    The African Fashion Designer’s Award, regarded as one of the industry’s most respected honours, celebrates individuals shaping the future of fashion on the continent. Aliu’s emergence as Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year underscores his growing role in driving innovation, cultural pride and economic value within the creative sector.

    TDA Couture, known for blending African heritage with contemporary elegance, says it remains committed to telling authentic African stories through design as it strengthens its global footprint.

  • Nigerian entrepreneurs launch Route25.55 to showcase African luxury fashion in Dubai

    Nigerian entrepreneurs launch Route25.55 to showcase African luxury fashion in Dubai

    Two Nigerian professionals with thriving careers in luxury marketing and global event production have unveiled a new fashion platform designed to elevate African luxury designers on the international stage, starting with Dubai.

    The founders, Kike Tewe and Kehinde Otitoju—daughter of Sir Kayode Otitoju, a former Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State, said their brand, Route25.55, was inspired by a shared passion for promoting high-end Sub-Saharan African fashion and addressing longstanding barriers that have limited its global visibility.

    Unlike traditional pop-up stores, Route25.55 functions as an “experiential concept space,” immersing visitors in a multisensory journey through African culture, from fashion and textures to scents, sounds, and tastes.

    “We want people to feel Africa, not just view it on racks. Our goal is to bring the continent’s creativity to life in a memorable and multisensory way,” Otitoju said.

    The initiative launches at a time when African fashion continues to gain global traction. The recent appearance of Grammy-winning singer and style icon Ciara on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week further amplified global interest.

    “That moment showed the world that African fashion is not just emerging; it is here. We felt it was the perfect time to introduce Route25.55,” Tewe noted.

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    Beyond celebrating culture, the platform aims to tackle practical challenges faced by African designers trying to enter global retail markets—especially high shipping costs that often rival the price of garments, and the limited African presence in major luxury retail spaces across the UAE, including Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette.

    Route25.55 seeks to bridge this gap by bringing African luxury closer to Dubai consumers while offering designers access to one of the world’s most vibrant fashion hubs.

    The founders say they are eager to foster deeper conversations around African creativity, global retail equity, and cultural exchange, and have expressed interest in speaking with Arise News for a feature or interview.

    “It would be an honour to share how Route25.55 is connecting cultures and opening new pathways for African fashion on the global stage,” Otitoju said.

  • NSFDW cohort designers make waves at Dallas Fashion Week Spring 2025

    NSFDW cohort designers make waves at Dallas Fashion Week Spring 2025

    In a spectacular celebration of creativity and cultural identity, five talented alumni of the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week made an unforgettable statement at Dallas Fashion Week 2025.

    Their collections were more than garments; they were artistic expressions of heritage, modernity, and bold individuality.

    The historic participation marks another proud moment in Nigeria’s fashion evolution, as designers continue to expand their influence beyond borders and earn global respect for their originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling through fabric.

    The presence of these designers was made possible through the invaluable guidance and network of Mr. Abiola Orimolade, founder of BlackNBold Fashion House and the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week (NSFDW), who has become a vital bridge between local talent and international opportunities. His continuous support for NSFDW alumni and his passion for seeing Nigerian creatives thrive globally have played a crucial role in shaping success stories such as this one.

    From the heart of Africa to the spotlight of Dallas, these designers showcased the richness of Nigerian artistry with collections that merged traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion innovation.

    Read Also: Joy Madubuike advocates healthcare overhaul in Nigeria, seeks support for women in Africa

    Here are the five remarkable Nigerian designers who brought their creative brilliance to the global stage at Dallas Fashion Week, unveiling collections that celebrated culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance.

    1. Gbaluwe Ayodele Moses — GCC Classy Clothings

    GCC Classy Clothings presented a collection that embodied timeless elegance and precision tailoring. Drawing inspiration from royalty and cultural identity, Ayodele reimagined traditional agbada and modern suiting using indigenous vintage fabrics, earthy tones, and intricate old-school embroidery. His designs beautifully merged nostalgia with modern sophistication — a testament to what he describes as “the art of wearing culture with dignity.”

    2. Bibi Lawrence — Bibilawrence

    Bibilawrence’s Oge Ntoju collection — meaning “A Time of Fullness” — celebrated feminine strength, rebirth, and grace. Through fabric-manipulated florals, raffia weaving, 3D embellishments, and fluid drapery, the collection showcased a masterful blend of artistry and spirituality. Each piece told a story of restoration, beauty, and divine femininity in full bloom.

    3. Esther Okonta — Estaz

    With The Rewoven Collection, Estaz explored the intersection of heritage, innovation, and sustainability. Each couture piece served as a dialogue between culture and conscious fashion, empowering women while addressing the environmental responsibilities of the modern industry. The collection reflected confidence, purpose, and a renewed commitment to timeless design.

    4. Oludipupo Yetunde — Goldgirl Couture

    Goldgirl Couture’s Garden of Love was a deeply personal tribute to the designer’s late mother. The collection featured exquisite aso-oke fabrics inspired by her mother’s iconic head ties and vibrant floral motifs representing the fall season of her passing. From figure-hugging silhouettes to flowing gowns, each design captured the tenderness and beauty of womanhood — a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and legacy.

    5. Oyinkansola Durosinmi — House of Fluffy

    House of Fluffy’s Art of Culture collection was a vibrant expression of color, texture, and heritage. Incorporating traditional beads, raffia, knitting wool, and English fabrics, the collection paid homage to the richness of African craftsmanship while presenting a modern interpretation of cultural artistry.

    The Golden Thread (Africa in Dallas) showcase during Dallas Fashion Week symbolizes more than individual success; it reflects the collective rise of Nigeria’s fashion industry and the limitless potential of its creative minds. Together, these five designers demonstrated that Nigerian fashion is not merely participating in global conversations; it is leading them.

    Through the continued guidance of Mr. Abiola Orimolade and the platform provided by NSFDW, Nigerian designers are not only showcasing fashion but telling the story of a nation whose culture, creativity, and resilience continue to inspire the world.

  • Lanre DaSilva celebrates two decades of elegance with anniversary collection

    Lanre DaSilva celebrates two decades of elegance with anniversary collection

    Influential designer, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) is celebrating 20 years of defining fashion and creativity by unveiling her Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) line, “The Anniversary Collection,” at a grand showcase in Lagos on November 16th.

    For two decades, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi has remained a trailblazer in African fashion, celebrated for her timeless elegance and unique ability to blend vintage glamour with bold African identity. Her journey, from her 2005 debut to international features, has been a masterclass in consistency and reinvention.

    Her eponymous label, launched in 2005, specialises in couture women’s wear, ready-to-wear collections, jewelry and hairpieces. 

    The high-profile anniversary event will feature celebrities and models gracing the runway, alongside live performances by two surprise musical acts, creating an unforgettable blend of fashion and art. The production will be led by Elizabeth Elohor, Founder of Beth Model Management, whose creative direction ensures a world-class experience.

    In line with her passion for mentorship, LDA will also relaunch the Runway Renaissance, supporting three emerging designers who are redefining sustainability and craftsmanship in Africa.

    Reflecting on her journey, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi said, “Fashion has never been just fabric and thread for me. Clothes hold memories, the scent of celebrations and the pulse of our ambitions. They are silent witnesses to who we are and who we’re becoming.”

    The collection features LDA’s signature grandeur, sculptural sleeves, flowing silhouettes, and meticulous detailing. Traditional adire fabrics meet modern textures like Chantilly lace, brought to life in a rich colour story; emerald green for growth, gold for triumph and sunlit yellow for joy.

    This milestone celebration is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bank of Industry, Standard Chartered Bank, Heineken, and Privé Events who all share in her vision of creativity, craftsmanship and cultural excellence.

    Two decades later, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi remains not just a designer, but a storyteller shaping how Africa expresses beauty, confidence, and culture through fashion.

  • Zeera Culture’s Worgu Victory Izeoma rekindles spirit of African fashion

    Zeera Culture’s Worgu Victory Izeoma rekindles spirit of African fashion

    In an era where global fashion often chases fleeting trends, Worgu Victory Izeoma has chosen a different path — one that looks inward, back to Africa’s roots, and forward to its creative future.

    As the visionary founder and creative director of Zeera Culture, she is redefining what it means to be stylishly African by merging the authenticity of traditional textiles with the sophistication of modern design.

    At the heart of Zeera Culture lies a simple but powerful mission: to promote Nigerian textiles and revive African fashion. For Worgu Victory, this is more than a business — it is a movement. Her brand stands as a celebration of identity, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity in a world increasingly dominated by mass production and disposable trends.

    Each Zeera Culture collection feels like a love letter to Africa — bold yet elegant, nostalgic yet refreshingly contemporary. The designer’s signature aesthetic blends the richness of indigenous fabrics such as aso-oke, adire, akwete, and ankara with minimalist tailoring and cutting-edge silhouettes.

    The result is a visual dialogue between past and present — garments that tell stories of tradition while confidently stepping into the future.

    Fashion critics have described Zeera Culture as “a renaissance of African style”, praising Worgu Victory’s ability to balance heritage with innovation.

    Her designs often echo the timeless elegance of the 1960s and 1970s — eras that defined individuality and freedom — but with a distinct modern sensibility.

    High-waisted skirts with handwoven panels, sharply tailored blazers lined with adire, and fluid gowns that move like art — every piece is crafted to make a statement.

    “I want African fashion to be seen not as a costume, but as couture,” says Worgu Victory.

    “Our fabrics carry the wisdom of generations. They deserve to be celebrated on global runways.”

    That deep respect for craftsmanship defines everything Zeera Culture stands for. Beyond its design brilliance, the brand works directly with local artisans — dyers, weavers, and embroiderers — ensuring that traditional skills are preserved and passed on. Each creation becomes a collaboration between artistry and heritage, empowering communities while breathing new life into centuries-old techniques.

    Worgu Victory’s work has positioned Zeera Culture as one of the leading voices in Africa’s contemporary fashion movement. Her designs have graced fashion showcases, exhibitions, and editorials where they stand out for their storytelling depth and impeccable finish. But perhaps her most powerful achievement lies in how her creations make women feel — confident, connected, and proud of their heritage.

    Read Also: African weaving festival targets global recognition for indigenous fabrics, cultural unity

    For her, fashion is not just about beauty. It is about identity and resilience. Through Zeera Culture, she is rewriting the narrative of African fashion — one where local craftsmanship meets international standards, and where the continent’s cultural wealth becomes its greatest luxury.

    Her design philosophy reflects a quiet confidence: the belief that African textiles are not secondary to Western fabrics but equal in artistry, texture, and symbolism.

    Zeera Culture garments are made with the care of couture and the soul of tradition — wearable art that transcends borders.

    In a global industry often accused of cultural appropriation, Worgu Victory Izeoma’s work stands as an authentic counterpoint — fashion made by Africans, for the world, rooted in meaning and made with integrity.

    Each collection not only celebrates Nigerian heritage but also sparks conversations about sustainability, cultural preservation, and creative independence.

    Zeera Culture is not just reviving African fashion; it is reshaping how the world perceives it. And at the centre of this transformation is a designer whose creativity, purpose, and passion are as vibrant as the fabrics she brings to life.

    Worgu Victory Izeoma is not merely a fashion designer — she is a storyteller, a guardian of tradition, and a pioneer ensuring that Africa’s rich textile legacy continues to inspire the next generation of style visionaries.

  • Nigerian designer DGenius Bespoke debuts at Birmingham Fashion Week

    Nigerian designer DGenius Bespoke debuts at Birmingham Fashion Week

    A luxury Nigerian fashion design brand, DGenius Bespoke, made a dazzling debut at the renowned Birmingham Fashion Week on Sunday, October 5, 2025, marking another significant stride for African designers on the global fashion stage.

    Known for its refined craftsmanship and bold celebration of African creativity, DGenius Bespoke captivated audiences with an impressive showcase of bridal couture and contemporary pieces that fused traditional African aesthetics with modern design sensibilities. The brand’s presentation stood out not just for its elegance but also for the powerful narrative it told about culture, identity, and the evolution of African fashion.

    Founded and led by Creative Director, Hassan Sanni, the brand has steadily grown from its roots in Nigeria into an emerging international label celebrated for its bespoke approach to style.

    Sanni, who is both Nigerian and British, graduated from the University of Ibadan, where the early sketches of DGenius Bespoke were first conceived.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    From designing for friends on campus to dressing high-profile personalities, his journey has been defined by ambition, innovation, and a deep commitment to portraying Africa’s vibrant culture through fashion.

    Speaking after the event, Sanni described the moment as a dream fulfilled and a testament to years of perseverance.

    He said, “I’m hoping that this milestone will bring collaborations to other fashion runways like Casablanca show in Paris and New York Fashion Week.”

    The Birmingham Fashion Week, one of the UK’s most celebrated style events, has long served as a platform for emerging designers to connect with international buyers, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts. DGenius Bespoke’s inclusion in this year’s edition not only highlights the global appetite for African luxury fashion but also reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence in the global creative economy.

    Sanni’s designs, characterised by intricate tailoring, vibrant fabrics, and an impeccable attention to detail, mirror his vision of global competitiveness within the African fashion space. He further stated that he hopes that “there’ll be global competitiveness in the fashion industry that will put African creativity and culture as a global language.”

    The designer added that DGenius Bespoke intends to build a consistent international footprint, collaborating with global partners while staying true to its African heritage.

    He noted, “We plan to have a presence in every country we showcase in.”

  • African weaving festival targets global recognition for indigenous fabrics, cultural unity

    African weaving festival targets global recognition for indigenous fabrics, cultural unity

    Nigerians have been urged to intensify indigenous weaving heritage on the global stage, using culture as a tool for diplomacy, unity, and economic transformation.

    The organisers of the 3rd African Weaving Festival (AWeF 2025), which is one of the most effective means to not only sustain and prevent the African culture from extinction but also position it as a veritable tool to project African cultural values globally.

    Tijani Sheidu, AWeF’s Executive Director of Media and Publicity, said the 3rd edition of the festival aims to position Nigeria’s rich weaving heritage on the global stage, showcasing its cultural depth, creativity, and economic potential.

    According to him, AWeF 2025 aims to promote locally woven fabrics as instruments of national pride, global competitiveness, and social empowerment while strengthening the continent’s creative economy.

    He said this year’s edition, themed “African Indigenous Fabrics: A Tool for Culture Diplomacy and Unity,” reflects the festival’s growing impact since inception and its commitment to redefining African textile identity in a modern world.

    According to him, the festival, which begins Friday at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre in Abuja, will celebrate Africa’s rich textile legacy and its role in cultural identity, innovation, and continental cooperation.

    He noted that beyond cultural display, AWeF 2025 will catalyze tourism and economic development by attracting investors, exhibitors, and cultural enthusiasts from across Africa and the diaspora.

    “The festival creates a vibrant platform for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural tourism potential, encouraging heritage preservation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border cultural exchange,” Sheidu said.

    He added that the festival would also strengthen efforts to promote indigenous fabrics as viable tools for creative industry growth, while offering artisans and entrepreneurs new opportunities for exposure and income generation.

    The annual festival, he said, is curated by a network of creative technocrats and artists and features exhibitions, workshops, and fashion shows designed to highlight the relevance of traditional craftsmanship in modern design and trade.

    “Our membership spans across Africa, and the event brings together participants from various countries, states, institutions, and private organisations to showcase the best of African art, fabrics, fashion, and culture,” he explained.

    AWeF 2025 is expected to host more than 500,000 participants, including exhibitors, artists, researchers, and tourists, creating a strong platform for networking and collaboration within Africa’s creative economy, he noted.

    The 2024 edition, Sheidu said, recorded over 100 exhibitors, comprising embassies, state governments, academic institutions, and independent creatives and was widely acclaimed for its success.

    “This year’s festival will be even bigger in content, scope, and participation. Three state contingents, Nigerians in the diaspora, and several international partners have confirmed their attendance,” he revealed.

    He listed the key features of AWeF 2025 to include indigenous fabric exhibitions, interior decoration displays, loom weaving demonstrations, skill acquisition workshops, wellness product fairs, sales of local fabrics and accessories, an indigenous fashion runway, and a symposium on fabric diplomacy.

    Sheidu also acknowledged the support of government and institutional partners while appealing for more institutional cooperation from government ministries, departments, and agencies to sustain the festival’s growth and ensure greater visibility for Nigerian creatives on the international stage.

    “The African Weaving Festival and the FCT Department of Culture remain committed to promoting peace, unity, and economic development through culture.

    “By celebrating our indigenous crafts and empowering artisans, we are not only preserving heritage but also advancing Nigeria’s creative economy and global image,” he added.