The Nation Newspaper

Tag: designer

  • Nigerian designer seeks sustainability in fashion

    Nigerian designer seeks sustainability in fashion

    Fashion outfit, Paul Williams Atelier, has unveiled its collection, ‘The Sovereign Trio,’ at Birmingham Fashion Week in United Kingdom, saying its goal is to exhibit and promote sustainable fashion and African culture via traditional designs infused with modern vigour.

     “The Sovereign Trio” is a symbol of unity, strength, and tradition through the fashion lens. It features a fusion of modern silhouettes with traditional Nigerian elements, bold colours, and intricate patterns,” said Paul Akpukpor, lead designer.

     With a focus on sustainability, Paul Williams makes use of materials like linen, silk, and cotton, utilising techniques as laser cutting and same-colour embroidery to minimise waste while maintaining quality craftsmanship.

    Each piece in “The Sovereign Trio” pays homage to Nigerian cultural attire, including influences from Yoruba agbada, Igbo Isiagu, and Hausa Babbanriga. These traditional elements are designed with modern cuts, making the designs culturally expressive and wearable.

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    In addition to its showcase at Birmingham, Paul Williams is supporting the next fashion designers. Through collaborations with universities in Nigeria and UK, the brand promotes sustainable design and nurture young talent. These include workshops, mentorship, and research initiatives focused on ethical fashion and cultural heritage.

    Paul Williams Atelier engages with students to instil sustainability and cultural preservation. This initiative helps ensure future designers prioritise ethical practice in fashion. By learning these principles, students are better equipped to build successful careers, create jobs, and solve unemployment after graduation.

    The brand’s presence at Birmingham aims to share Nigerian culture with the world. While it has built a local following, this debut shows its potential to resonate with a global audience. Paul Williams’s approach to blending sustainability and cultural storytelling through fashion positions his brand uniquely.

    Planning ahead, the goal is going further into the international markets while continuing to develop his collection.

  • Designer wins award, trip to Dubai

    The founder and creative director,  Creo Hub Designs, Mr Ifeoluwa Sopeju, has won the maiden edition of the Designers Arise Contest (DAC) Live Edition in Lagos.

    With the theme: Let’s design together, the DAC Live Edition, a one-day design competition, that had designers converged and assigned a brief by Wakanow, which was executed in two hours by the contestants.

    The event, organised by Ellae Branding Agency, was borne out of the need to create a community for Nigerian graphic designers, giving them an avenue to interact and learn from one another, while exposing them to local and international opportunities.

    According to the organisers, “over 300 designers applied for the live edition, submitting a number of their works, but only 40 top-notch designers were selected and invited to participate in the live event”.

    They added that the contest would be held quarterly. As the grand prize winner, Sopeju received N100,000 along with a flight ticket to Dubai from the organisers.

    The competition was sponsored by Ellae, Wakanow, Guaranty Trust Bank and Red Bull Nigeria.

    The agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Noella Ekezie, said: “The Designers Arise Contest will be a quarterly event, and is expected to address every aspect of the design field and draw graphic designers from around Africa. Our aim is to project Africa to the world through designs and to provide an enabling platform for creative talents to showcase their work and get discovered by the global design and tech communities.”

    Sopeju started his career as a Senior Graphics Associate at The Guardian in 2011 and moved to KPMG Nigeria as a graphics design specialist in 2013.

    He joined Deloitte & Touché in 2016 before he was poached by Visionscape Group as a Lead Creative Designer last year, after which he left to establish Creo Hub Designs – a creative outfit proffering design solutions to organisations, small and medium businesses who want to be distinct and remain ahead of their competitors.

    A graduate of Visual Arts from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Sopeju is grateful to God, his family, organisers and co-competitors for the award.

    “I am thankful and grateful to Ellae Branding Agency for putting up an amazing event with the aim of developing and growing the design ecosystem, which I believe has raised the bar for other creative agencies, as no one has done such before,” he said.

  • Owner of Mercy Aigbe’s birthday dress angry, as designer claims dispatch error

    Owner of Mercy Aigbe’s birthday dress angry, as designer claims dispatch error

    The ongoing drama on the red dress worn by actress Mercy Aigbe on her 40th birthday is yet to abate, as the excuse preferred by the designer, @Rikaotobyme, has only heightened anger.

    The designer, who had been quiet since the allegation, attempted an excuse late Tuesday, blaming the problem on dispatch error.

    She wrote on Instagram: “Our attention has been drawn to the ongoing chaos surrounding a dress and one of our esteemed clients on Instagram and possibly on other blogs and social media sites,” said @rikaotobyme.

    “We would have preferred if this matter was addressed directly to us for a quick resolution and to avoid the media frenzy, but unfortunately it wasn’t.

    “We hold our clients dearly and offer our services on first come first served bases with no iota of discrimination or insinuation of such. We admit that a dispatch error occurred in the delivery of a dress to Miss Lawrentta, who was set to get married on the 30th December, 2017 and the pickup of another dress on behalf of actress, Mercy Aigbe.

    “Please note that both dresses were of the same style, the same colour (red) and almost the same measurement. On realising the error on dispatch, we quickly tried to rectify the mix up. But it was too late as the wrong dress was already on its way to Edo state for the bride to be, she further explained.

    “We contacted the bride and explained we had an issue and asked if she would be comfortable with another dress, of same kind (which was the one meant for Mercy Aigbe), the bride agreed, so we allowed the dress to be delivered as time to recall dispatch was short in relation to the time of the wedding. We have already apologised to Miss Lawrentta, but once again use the public fora to tender an unreserved apology to her and by extension to Mercy Aigbe who shouldn’t have been dragged into this.

    “We assure all our clients, past and future that our resolve to deliver top notch designs to clients within the country and beyond will not be compromised and the error that led to this unhappy situation has since been corrected.”

    However, it was obvious the designer’s response did not placate the bride, who tagged the designer wicked, and went ahead to dismiss her claim by asking further questions.

    “Reading your reply @rikaotobyme to the pain and embarrassment you deliberately caused me for financial profit on the eve of and on my wedding day, I am convinced that you are indeed wicked, A wickedness that has consequences.” Lawrentta said.

    “Firstly, in your response you claim there was a dispatch error. Was the error of dispatch the cause of the delivery agent’s number being “not reachable” as you claimed? Secondly, you also claimed the “dispatch error” was too late to be rectified as the wrong dress was already on the way to Edo state. At what point was the “dispatch error” discovered since your staff Kate, dropped off the dress at Ojota at around 9pm for night bus delivery?

    “Thirdly you claimed also that similarities in the dresses caused the “mixup”. If that was the case why did @realmercyaigbe on receipt of a dress that wasn’t hers still go ahead to wear it for her 40th birthday shoot and post on social media on the 31st of December?”

    According to Lawrentta, the wrong dress which was eventually delivered to her was not in any way new.

    “Mind you, the dress you sent to me was torn and musty on delivery, not in any shape for a client how much more a celebrity. While that which conveniently landed with Mercy Aigbe, was a fabric I purchased myself from @bshani_bridalfabrics. Lastly in your response, you lied about apologizing to me. Since the 29th I have not heard a single word from you and there is not a chance in hell that what you called an apology on “public fora” or the chat above would suffice.  In all of this, it’s blatantly obvious from your statement you have refused to accept responsibility like a true professional should and sincerely apologize for your moment of indiscretion and weakness.”

    Actress Mercy Aigbe has however remained silent in the ongoing drama.

  • I only wash once a month, says Westwood, British designer

    I only wash once a month, says Westwood, British designer

    Vivienne Westwood, 76, British Fashion designer says not washing too much is her secret to staying young.

    The businesswoman and Environmentalist is largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.

    Westwood, who is an example of a modern day female impresario, says achieving eternal youth may not be as difficult as one imagines.

    She said she had a bath only once a week when reporters asked her about her youthful appearance while she watched her husband, Andreas Kronthaler’s show at Paris Fashion Week, according to vogue.com.

    “Don’t wash too much,” Westwood smiled and said.

    Kronthaler interjected: “She only takes a bath every week. That’s why she looks so radiant … I only wash once a month.”

    Westwood, who has campaigned against the meat industry depleting water supplies, previously said, “I just wash my bits and rush out in the morning and more often than not get in the bath after Andreas.’’ (NAN)

  • Etihad Airways partners Indian designer Manish Arora at Lakme Fashion Week

    Etihad Airways partners Indian designer Manish Arora at Lakme Fashion Week

    Etihad Airways and Lakmé Fashion Week have announced a collaboration with Paris-based Manish Arora, who returns to the prestigious Mumbai fashion event after more than five years.

    The celebrated Indian couturier marks the 10th anniversary of his colourful Paris collection by presenting ‘CosmicLove’ at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter Festive 2017 on August 19. His show, ‘Etihad Airways Presents Manish Arora,’ will take the star-studded audience of Bollywood celebrities, lifestyle media and fashion lovers on a visual journey that spans the tribes of Africa and the outer reaches of the universe.

    Etihad Airways flew Manish Arora on its recently-launched Airbus A380 Paris – Abu Dhabi service and onwards to India, capturing his journey on film from the French capital to Delhi, during which he speaks candidly about his inspiration from the varied cultures and environment.

    “The line I am bringing to Mumbai is inspired by the tribes of Africa and outer reaches of the cosmos,” Arora said.

    “Having spent 10 years of my working life in Paris after launching my career in Delhi, I have drawn much inspiration from my travels to the work I create. It’s wonderful to be associated with Etihad Airways, an airline I have admired and travelled with for so many years.”

    The collaboration with Manish Arora is the latest initiative by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier to demonstrate its position as the fashion industry’s preferred airline. This will be the airline’s third presence at Lakmé Fashion Week over the past 12 months, further elevating its premium brand presence alongside the world’s most revered luxury names.

    Last year, Etihad Airways struck a global agreement with WME/IMG to become a long-term partner of the fashion community.

    Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways Vice President Marketing Partnerships, said: “Working with esteemed designers such as Manish Arora strengthens Etihad Airways’ commitment to the fashion industry, where we are fast becoming the airline of choice. Our video is a unique portrait of Manish’s journey back to Lakmé Fashion Week, one of the leading events on the international fashion calendar.”

    Mumbai is the latest stop in Etihad Airways’ global fashion calendar, supporting 17 men’s and women’s fashion events worldwide every year, with shows in London, Milan and New York following next month.

  • Police stray bullet kills fashion designer

    Police stray bullet kills fashion designer

    •Family demands justice

    A fashion designer, who was last Wednesday hit by stray bullets allegedly fired by a policeman attached to the Lion Building Division on Lagos Island died yesterday.

    Mr Hassan Taiwo sustained severe injuries on his hands, thighs and stomach.

    The policeman was said to have fired the shots that killed Taiwo while pursuing hoodlums around the popular Folawiyo Market on the Island.

    It was learnt that the 35-year-old victim, was performing ablution in preparation for the afternoon prayer when the corporal in company of his three colleague fired the bullet that hit him in the stomach.

    The Nation gathered that the policemen attempted to leave the victim who was bleeding profusely at the scene but were prevented by the traders.

    He was reportedly rushed to the General Hospital, Lagos Island.

    The hospital authorities demanded police reports and an initial payment of N100,000 before treatment could begin.

    Taiwo was left writhing in pains for over two hours.

    He later underwent a surgery after his colleagues at the market paid the money.

    Taiwo’s relative who declined giving his name said officers at the Lion Building Division were not bothered about saving Taiwo’s life but were only interested in supporting the policeman, while the victim suffered excruciating pain.

    The victim’s distraught wife, Rukayat, said: “I went to Palmgrove on that day and he called me, asking about my welfare and my trip. I asked him same and he said there was no problem. While returning, I went straight to his shop just to check on him. I didn’t even know what had happened. They told me he went out. A woman later told me that some policemen shot my husband while he was performing ablution. I went straight to the hospital and found him on the bed, swollen and changed.

    “Bullets penetrated his stomach, thighs and hands. Traders from the market were already there, rallying round to raise money for his treatment. He was taken to the theatre for surgery that night and thankfully, it was successful. Since he was brought to the ward, the family has been responsible for his treatment.

    “He had taken four pints of blood; my friends and his (Taiwo) elder sister’s friends had to donate blood while the hospital kept demanding more money.

    ”We didn’t see anything from those police officers. All we heard was that the police officer had been locked up and they started disturbing us to come and sign that we weren’t interested in following up the case so as to save the officer from dismissal.”

    The mother of four urged the Lagos State Government to ensure the officer face the law.

    “I have four kids and the last is one-year-old. It was my co-tenant that gave me N500 for their feeding this (Friday) morning. Government should please save us from police officers’ indiscriminate shooting. How can they storm a densely populated market and started shooting anyhow? The officer must be punished to deter others from such act.”

    A trader who raised the N100,000 for initial treatment, Shola Mogaji, said: “The government also should assist victims in emergency situation, so they don’t need to wait for people to contribute money before they are treated. They asked for a police report, we went looking for the radiologist for x-ray and they said he wasn’t around. We waited for almost two hours before the doctor came and said he was ready to do the operation without x-ray because if we allowed that victim to stay more than necessary, the reverse would have been the case.”

    A community leader and activist, Prince Apata Akinsemoyin, condemned the officers’ action, urging police authorities to ensure justice was done for the victim.

    ”This is not the first time people are being shot indiscriminately by men of the Lion Building Division. On March 29, 2014, one Rasheed Oludegun was shot dead. The Lagos State Police Command should call its men to order and ensure justice is done, Akinsemoyin said.

  • NUELLA NJUBIGBO TURNS DESIGNER

    NOLLYWOOD actress, Nuella Njubigbo, last weekend, launched her new project Nuellafrik; an African boutique in a grand opening and exhibition at the Nicon Hotel VGC with some of colleagues gracing the event.

    The new passion of the mother of one will have her showcase her skills in top notch handbags, clothes and accessories in African prints.

    The actress, who is married to Tchidi Chikere, already launched an Instagram page, where some of her designs are being displayed for the public. The actress noted that the passion to have all her designs done in African prints is to bring out the pride in which we are and to promote the rich culture of the land.

    “Africa is blessed and rich in culture; it’s time to take pride in who we are and what we are richly blessed with. Everything about Nuellafrik is of top notch quality,” she said.

    Other celebrities who have gone into fashion include, Chidi Mokeme, Genevieve Nnaji, Muma G, Biodun Okeowo, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, and others.

  • Oyo Assembly to honour designer of National Flag

    The Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday hosted the designer of the Nigerian flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, and deliberated on how to thank him for his contribution to the country.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Labour Ibrahim Bolomope moved the motion for a review of Akinkunmi’s effort and appreciation of his service.

    Bolomope said Akinkunmi is blind and does not live comfortably. Urging the Assembly to assist the old man, he said people should not be celebrated only in death.

    Bolomope urged the House to include a visit to Akinkunmi in the programme for the Independence Day celebration.

    He urged the government to order the Pensions Board to pay Akinkunmi’s pension arrears and pay subsequent ones promptly.

    Bolomope implored the Federal Government to consider Akinkunmi for National honours to encourage others.

    Mr. Fakorede Farintan (Iwajowa) said Akinkunmi should be recognised now that he is alive. He said if the Federal Government does not appreciate him, the Oyo State government would.

    The motion was supported by the House.

    The Speaker, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, said an open letter would be sent to the Federal Government and the National Assembly, urging them to honour Akinkunmi.

    She said the House would make sure the man is rewarded.

  • I’m a police officer, one girlfriend is a fashion designer and the other is a health worker, which is best for me?

    Hello ma, please I am confused in my relationship, the reason is that, I have been in relationship with one lady for three years; she learnt fashion designing, she’s holding O’Level result but still planning to go further in school and I have another just of recent and she’s in a health school. Advise me please: is it bad to marry somebody that learnt work or the one holding certificate because I am a police in which I can be moved at any time; which one should I choose, please?

     

    Oga Police, marriage is much more than consideration for the worth of a woman’s certificate or her readiness woman to move with you to Maiduguri or Yobe especially during this period of insurgency in Nigeria if you are transferred. Marriage should be a union which has graduated from being just mere friends, to friends who are ready to live together to give support of whatever kind throughout life.

    The one you should choose is that one who loves you unconditionally. The woman who takes her job so seriously you can actually see her growing in leaps and bounds in a few years’ time is the one for you. Check her out around other people and check her out with other people’s children. Does she have enough love to go round? See her reaction to crisis – whether domestic or work related or even how she copes when confronted with her family issues. The one who is calm, balanced and gentle in crisis and prayerful is the one.

    Love is very important and we all want to choose that man or woman who professes much love, but love is never enough. Study both women and before long, you will know the one who is right for you.

    N.B: Men shouldn’t make the mistake of looking for the women like their mothers. Some mothers are pure hell; sure you won’t want your wife to be like hell.

  • Top designer, Remi Lagos, dies

    Top designer, Remi Lagos, dies

    Founder of the famed Remi Lagos fashion label, Remilekun Osholake, is dead.

    She was 50.

    The designer cum socialite succumbed to cancer related illness in a London hospital.

    Remi, who was always in black, was noted for churning out creative designs, making her office on Bode Thomas Surulere a Mecca of sort for fashion lovers.

    She was one of those in the fore front of fashion revolution in Nigeria in the 90s.

    When she clocked 50 earlier in the year, many expected her to roll out the drums but sources said her battle with cancer made this impossible.

    She finally succumbed to the ailment yesterday morning.

    Many of her friends have taken to the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to express sadness on her demise.