The International Exhibition of fashion and Ready-To-Wear garments
Over an estimate of 250 exhibitors from Turkey and different locations in Nigeria stepped away from their
busy schedules and converged in Eko hotel in Lagos on the 8th of October for the International Exhibition of fashion and Ready-To-Wear garments (Lagos Fashion 2013).
Mr. Nuvit Becan, the representative of the president of Meridyen International Fair Organisation, Chief Mrs. A.O
Adebutu , representative of the national president of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry,
Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Mrs.Funmi Ajila Ladipo, president of Fashion Designers Association of
Nigeria (FADAN) were the speakers at the opening ceremony.
In their addresses, they had similar opinions about Nigeria. Mr. Nuvit confirmed Nigeria as the ‘target country’ in Africa. “Nigeria is fast becoming the fashion hub of Africa. The president of FADAN, Mrs.Ladipo said Nigeria is indeed a country flowing with milk and honey. This Mrs.Adebutu Reiterated in her address.
The international exhibition which was geared towards creating awareness and acquaintance between international business men and their counterparts in Africa struck a chord with Miss Janet Fawole who remarked, 'I feel a new sense of purpose towards the fashion world. As a budding fashion designer, i'm motivated to not just trade my designs but explore ways to exchange them with international designs. it's no longer about the money but creating a pressence internationally. This exhibition has given me a chance to interact with big Turkish designers."
During the inspection and interaction with the exhibitors, Mrs Ladipo stressed that it should not be a 'win win'
thing but there should be room for exchange.In an interview with Fouad Fakis yesterday, the 2nd day of the event, the Turkish designer with 25 years of experience revealed that fashion is an art but he is not faced with any challenge as designing is his talent. "I never learned to be a designer. I have talent for it.
Without talent you cannot go far"John Martin had something different to say when he was asked for a good advice for budding fashion designers. "If you want to be successful, you must work with rich companies as money is of the essence. There's a popular saying in my country, if you have money, you have happiness.
Kijipa, a unique African designer also had this to say: "Kijipa has carved a niche for itself and has sold Africa to the diaspora because of its uniqueness and style. I infuse a touch of Africa in my designs to promote my culture. I want to be remembered when i am dead as a Nigerian designer who has been able to in each of his pieces sell the African lifestyle and that is why my slogan reads fresh African styles.
The grand finale of the exhibition is happening right now so if you are a designer or a fashionable person, hurry
down to the venue. A lot has happened in the last two days. It's an exhibition to remember.
