Nigerian Designer, Kenneth Makes Official Debut At Paris Fashion Week

Austrian- Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize made his official debut at Paris Fashion Week, after making waves with his label on the international circuit for the past few seasons.

He was an LVMH prize finalist this past September, having first caught the world’s attention at Lagos Fashion Week a few months prior.

Images of Naomi Campbell and Imaan Hammam striding down Ize’s runway in his signature handwoven checks, a traditional Nigerian fabric known as Asoke, caused something of a global social media frenzy.

Kenneth is best known for his men’s tailoring, though he kicked things off on a distinctly feminine note with a quilted striped miniskirt and matching funnel-neck zippered jacket.

He tends to work best in an androgynous zone, however, and his strongest moments were shaped by a workwear influence think carpenter pants spun from silk and fringed at the hem. Adwoa Aboah looked especially striking in one of his new quilted boilersuits.

Ize has been working with a small circle of Asoke weavers in Nigeria with the hopes of preserving the centuries-old craft from the brink of extinction.

For fall, he expanded on that commitment to local artisanship by collaborating with Austrian lace-makers in Vienna where he was born and raised.

The green and orange lace tunics and suiting were a nod to Ize’s mother, who, like many West African women, would source Viennese lace to make custom outfits for special occasions.

You Would Not Believe What Nollywood Style Star Has Been Up To Lately!

Talented Nollywood actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande despite her great achievement in the entertainment industry makes it a point to make fashion statements in her outlook.

She continues to climb new heights in fashionable styles which makes her remain classy and stylish. She is a proud supporter of made in Nigerian brands and along with her stylist, Rhoda Ebun, she celebrates the cause with every occasion.


Check out some of her looks for this week:

Check Out: The Latest Collection To Style You Up At All Times

Nigerian womenswear brand Wana Sambo has released the first part of its latest collection which was inspired by specific leading women from different industries in the creation of the pieces.

The collection, “The Woman Who Conquers” is an ode to women who do not conform to ideals that put limitations on women in society.

According to the brand:

All around the globe, women are fiercely taking charge and shattering boundaries in politics, sports, tech, media, finance, etc. The Wana Sambo brand has decided to celebrate these women by naming each garment after one woman every season, all year round to celebrate her achievement(s).

The Woman Who Conquers” (Part 1) is an ode to women who do not conform to ideals that put limitations on women in society. These women have defied the odds while daring to be more. All garments in this collection are specially curated and named after these women who are resilient, daring and constantly re-defining the status-quo. As every collection is released and a Wana Sambo Woman puts on any garment(s) from these collections, she will be reminded of and will join us in celebrating some of the amazing we know as we keep on conquering the world.

The specific leading women who inspired the collection include; Ola Orekunnri, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mo Abudu, Michelle Obama, Fade Ogunro, Kimberly Anyadike, Ilhan Omar, Lilian Ajayi-Ore, Nozipho Sibanda, Condoleeza Rice, and Tiwa Savage.

Wana Sambo is an award-winning Ready-To-Wear Womenswear Brand, which was officially launched in December of '10 in Lagos, Nigeria. Wana Sambo brand has grown to become a household name in Nigeria, with the opening of our Flagship Store in April 2015 in Lagos, the brand now serves an array of clientele within and outside Africa.

Check out the collection below:

Nigeria's 75th British Council Anniversary Celebrates Nigerian Fashion For It's Rapid Growth.

Over the years, Nigeria's fashion industry has grown in reputation, size and stronger global attention which has attributed to striking patriotic move towards made and designed in Nigeria consciousness that has driven an increase in demand.

Events such as Arise Fashion Week hosted by Naomi Campbell, Lagos Fashion Week among others have driven the fashion movement through their anticipated annual runway fashion shows and incubator-style techniques used to grow fashion designers and their brands as well as local artisans.

The growth of the fashion sector has been empowered by various initiatives and programmes by the British Council, aimed at nurturing skill advancement and entrepreneurial acceleration in this industry. This will contribute to the improvement of livelihood as well as national socio-economic growth. 

As part of the British Council's 75th-anniversary celebration in Nigeria, they are celebrating 75 of their programme participants in the areas of their work, arts and culture, education, civil society, businesses and communities who have impacted positively following their participation.

Emmanuel Okoro is one of the participants being celebrated for his participation in the 2017 British Council's Fashion Focus Fund accelerator programme held in association with Lagos Fashion and Design Week. Emmanuel brought the Nigerian fashion unto the world stage when British former Prime Minister, Theresa May wore his Emmy Kasbit Akwete print jacket on her state visit to Nigeria.

That moment was and still one of the moments Emmanuel can't and would not seem to forget. He made his debut on the Nigerian fashion scene at the British Council supported Lagos Fashion Festival in 2017 and was one of the finalists winning $13,000, which he reinvested in his business.

Nigerian fashion is growing faster and has received widespread recognition over the years. Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Lupita Nyong'o and many others have been dressed by Nigerian designers.