Eventful Limited, a pioneer of corporate events outfit run by Yewande Zaccheaus, held the 3rd edition of its signature event, The Fashion Souk, at the Harbour Point Victoria Island, Lagos on December 1, 2019. The Fashion Souk (named after the Arabic word for market) is emerging as a major platform to identify and nurture fashion industry talents. Apart from the usual runway show and designer-retailer networking, there was a business pitch competition for young entrepreneurs in the fashion space.
This business side of fashion is an attraction for First Bank Nigeria, the major sponsor of the 2019 Fashion Souk. There is much to play for – the global fashion industry is worth $2.4 trillion, about 5 times the size of the Nigerian economy. Increasingly, even very picky Nigerians who hitherto pride themselves on wearing only luxury Western brands now must make the sort of Nigerian-designed bags, hats, jackets, jewelry etc. a big part of their wardrobes thanks to events such as The Fashion Souk. They are also critical to moving Nigerian fashion to the next level – exposing established and upcoming brands to the world and capturing a bigger chunk of the global $2.4 trillion fashion industry.
Here are few exhibitors at the Souk:
- MORIN O
Morin. O is a contemporary leather accessories brand inspired by artistic innovation and ethnic designs for sassy, confident, and fashionable individuals. Manufacturing handbags for men and women, laptop bags, travel accessories, belts, wallets, Ipad covers and other small leather goods using the finest of leather from Nigeria, Italy, India and skin farms in Nigeria.
Also Read: Style by Zenith: Best of Fashion, Food, Tech etc.
All Morin O bags and accessories are handmade at a workshop in Lagos, and are sold at exhibitions and high end stores in Nigeria, US, Europe and on the company’s website.
Contact: Shop F23, First Floor, Central Lekki Mall, Block 69, Plot 15, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1
Tel: +2348033043822
- AIMAS
Aimas is a fashion and lifestyle brand that sews readymade dress for women, kids and teens. Aimas also makes accessories such as clutches, purses and handbags in an array of colours and patterns.
Contact: 32, Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Tel: +2348098824627
- OBI LEATHER
Obi Leather, manufacturers of crafted design leather goods, is a family business. In the business for close to two decades, Obi Leather manufactures ladies bags, clutches, brief cases, satchel bags etc.
Contact: +2348037170695
- GBENGA ARTSMITH
Founded in 2008 by one of West Africa’s most renowned male jewelry designers, Gbenga Ayo Dada, the Artsmith collections are handcrafted jewelry made with precious/semi-precious stones from Nigeria, Hong Kong, Italy and China. Over the years, their collections have won several awards. In 2016, the brand was selected as the official jeweler for the blockbuster movie, The Wedding Party. Artsmith is worn by high profile celebrities and business people including Adesua Etomi.
Contact: www.artsmithcollections.com
62A, Opebi Road, Ikeja
28, Fola Osibo Road, Lekki Phase One
Tel- +2349021960205
- TURBAN TEMPEST
Turban Tempest makes headgears exclusively for women. It has casual and more formal lines, both reflecting a perfect blend of Asian, African and Western influences. Turban Tempest in 2018, launched the Urban Turban, its iconic casual line for younger women.
Contact: www.turbantempest.com
Yinka Bodyline – 47 Awolowo Road, South West, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel- +234 (909) 888 8409
- CLATURAL
Clatural is a Ghana-based luxury fashion brand. Its designs are infused with African motifs.
It made its name making reversible jackets for professional women. It has since ventured into leisurewear, accessories and clothing for children.
Contact: www.wearclatural.com
Tel- +233244230531
- ISSA AND KENDI
Issa and Kendi is a Nigerian footwear brand that makes luxury footwear, flats and heels. Representing the chic vibrancy of the modern African woman, their shoes come in variety of colours and shapes.
Contact: www.issaandkendi.com
- CELIA’S AVANT GARDE
Celia’s Avant Garde is a dealer in all kinds of high-end fabrics – lace, bijoux etc. They also make accessories such as bead neck laces for women.
Contact: 42 Admiralty Rd, Lekki Phase 1.
Instagram: @celiasavantgarde
- PEARL X
Pearl X are manufacturers of luxury handmade bags inspired by nature – most of their designs creatively incorporate beads and very colourful flower patterns.
Contact: Instagram: @Pearlxbags
- AABOUX
Lagos-based Aaboux are manufacturers of luxury leather clutches and purses for women. Everything is 100% designed and handcrafted in Lagos.
Contact: www.aaboux.com
Instagram: @aaboux
