Naomi Campbell, Ozwald Boateng, Others Wow At Arise Fashion 2018

By Fatimatu Binta Muktar

Naomi Campbell, Tiffany Amber ,Ozwald Boateng ,Oluchi Orlandi, Chulaap Suwannapha, Mustafa Hassanali and others were part of the top-list fashionistas who graced the show, the Arise Fashion Week, leaving the audience amazed.

The iconic pieces left the audience wearing astonishing looks, and dropping jaws.

Boateng redefined the star-studded event with his redefined interpretation to “fashion as not just as a clothing but a concept he termed Africanism,” he told our correspondent.

Boateng is an English fashion designer of Ghanaian descent, known for his trademark twist on classic British tailoring and bespoke style.

His uniqueness speaks volume of his works, particularly that confident look which stands him out from the crowd.

His bespoke style particularly for male speaks volume of his great works, giving that confident looks which stands him out from other creative works.

Supermodel, Campbell left the audience almost lost with their deep sight on every detail at her glamorous looks, as most described her as a goddess. Naomi also had a special meet-and-greet session with other designers on the opening night of the AFW.

she made a model almost falling down, but quickly hugged her and left the model in total excitement.

The top Nigerian model Oluchi Orlandi who is based in New York was suddenly moved into the international scene after winning the M-Net Face of Africa in 1998 demonstrated elegance as she sashayed away in a gorgeous black dress, which prompted loud applause leaving the audience excited.

Tiffany Amber owned by Lanre Da-Silva left the audience in awe of her collection which was a captivating mix. She interestingly blended with gold colours, spawning sheer elegance with her fabrics on the runway.

Chulaa Suwannapha popularly known as “the prince of prints” left the audience in dropping jaws. He blends his Asian background with vibrant African culture. He intends to tell a story in his fashion brand. Though a Thai descent, he considers Cape town, South Africa as home. This really stands him out.

In an interview with Mustafa Hassanali, he said “I am a medical doctor by profession but I decide that I would not only make fashion my bread and butter but also as a jam too.
I never looked back and I never regret that decision. And I’ll suggest that people in the art field should go for the discipline which comes from the medical school as it prepares you for the life ahead.”

The show was kicked off with Vonne Couture, owned by the Lagos based fashion designer Yvonne Nwosu. Her collection-brightly coloured apparels with floral patterns- is really stunning, inspired by the traditional Hawaii culture.

Taryor Gabriels known for his men fashion also lined up his activities on the runway.
The male models rocked the Kimono brand on the runway, as ex-Big Brother Naija housemate Leo walked the runway for Kimono collection.

It showcased iconic pieces from its famous tuxedos and jackets with lapels. The new twist to his collection is the new metrosexual look, a unique dungaree worn over a shirt. It was simply ‘wowzers’ as the audience were left really fascinated.

Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo graced the runway dressed in an embroidered Agbada with a red priest cloak draped over his shoulders, Mofe-Damijo walked the runway like a king with Taryor Gabriels mens wear. Mofe- Damijos theatrical display fetched him a very loud ovation from the audience.

Abaya Lagos, a fashion brand that infused the Asian/Arabian fashion, also dazzled the audience with its embellished styles of Abayas and kaftans, buttered with turbans and sunshades.

Funke Adepoju of Phunk Afrique also brought glow on the runway, with most of her creations showcasing dance and movement.

Latasha Ngwugbe, rocked the runway the runway which showcased plus sized models. Under the fashion brand, About that Curvy Life, she celebrated big women who are rarely presented the opportunity to walk the runway.

Latasha’s took a bold step by dressing them edgy and sheer garments which speaks volume of their confidence. They rocked from Jumpsuits, kimonos, to lacy sequinned gowns. The models catwalked on the runway with pride , which attracted a loud applause.

“It’s a good approach to the fashion industry, particularly for African women who are not really skinny. It’s a bold statement that we are diverse and look nice,” said Uzo, a model also a chef.

Yegwa Ukpo, the founder of Strangers, a concept fashion store in Lagos in an interview with our correspondent said “it’s very important we grow our own local designers both in terms of visibility, as sometimes you see something on instagram but you don’t know where to get it. And also to ground the fashion industry in Nigeria, I mean real business practices not just producing a collection that no one can buy for the retail or commercial aspect of it, and that’s what I really wanted to be part of helping to create.

“Though the economic crisis is a big catalyst but we are also carrying the Nigerian designers anyway.”we need to focus more on our local designers”

Louise Phillipe de Gagoue, a stylist thrilled the crowd as all eyes steered at him. In a chat with him , he revealed “I want something unique, so I bought these pieces, as the golden drapes worn on his head was gotten from India and the crown from ivory Coast. It’s Ivory Coast and Indian inspired style. I don’t care about the piece coming from Indian but because I love it. I combined both because am from ivory Coast, because am pretty sure when I walk down the street no one would look like me”

Mobolaji Dawodu, a Nigerian-American fashion stylist known for his positions as style fashion editor and fashion director at GQStyle in a chat, revealed his outfits: “I am wearing a kaftan made in Uganda, I am wearing a pant that I have had for 10 years. And my shoes are Christian Louboutin. I was giving the red hat from Trevor Stuurman a friend in South Africa my glasses is Vintage Rayban”

Adama Ndimi daughters of billionaire oil magnate, Maiduguri-based Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, the Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources was also gorgeously dressed, her pretty looks called the attention of the audience on her, speaking with our correspondent, she said “I promote made in Nigeria products”.

Lola Ogunnaike, an American features and entertainment journalist, in a chat said “I am wearing a dress by Iteun Basi, what inspired this newspaper print on her dress was because I have been a newspaper reporter for New York Times. So I am always drawn to things that reminds me of my past as a newspaper reporter. Now, I am on television, I am a journalist who loves fashion, I am fashion obsessive.

“So I have to work to pay for my fashion addiction. Nigerian Fashion designers are top notch. I can’t wait for the world to see just how fabulous, smart, beautiful, accomplished and innovative in this continent, particularly Nigeria.

“We should all buy Nigerian dresses and wear Nigeria designers, celebrate our home grown talent, and encourage them by not only wearing but buying their clothing.”

Eku Edewor, a British-Nigerian actress, television presenter, and model said “I juggle with a lot of patience, and I am very selective with the work I do and that’s how I manage my time. I love Oluchi Orlandi because she has a real elegance to her dress.”

Toyin Sokefun-Bello, known as TY Bello, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and photographer. said said “That though “photography consumes, as it takes over your heart, mind but I still connect with music. I am excited, it’s finally here, I love the culture that Arise fashion week has, and the fashion industry is excited too.”