Fashion week lineup of events continue with worldwide tradeshows

Armed with the vision to make the world a market place for Nigerian non-oil products, NEPC’s mission is to spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian economy by expanding and increasing non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth with an overall strategy to diversify the productive base of the economy away from oil.

“The tradeshows are in perfect alignment with our vision for the Nigerian economy, directly providing opportunities for export for businesses within the Nigerian Fashion Industry. Our presence in these tradeshows is necessary to foster a private sector-driven economy through market oriented export products development” Executive Director NEPC, Segun Awolowo shares about the tradeshows.

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“At the helm of SHF is the goal to contribute to the advancement of the Nigerian and African Fashion Industry through skills acquisition, and at this juncture, access to markets. Through these tradeshow, our indigenous brands make valuable connections that provide access to showrooms, retailers, buyers and editors across the world.” Founder Style House Files (the conveners of HLFDW), Omoyemi Akerele speaks about the partnership.

This season started off with WWDMAGIC in Las Vegas. WWDMAGIC brought the largest selection of women's apparel and accessories in the industry. This global showcase is a must-see destination for buyers looking for the latest in women’s accessories and junior’s fashion. From August 13th to 16th, booth #75726 welcomed Nigerian brands such as Belois Couture, Kiki Kamanu, Aimas and Divine Endowments who showcased various African and Contemporary pieces to a worldwide audience in Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sourcing side included brands such as Ruff and Tumble, OSC Signature, Crown Natures and Tiskies, which was in partnership with the USAidWest African Trade and Investment Hub.

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The next stop is the Pitti SUPER in Milan, Italy from September 23 - September 25. A Pitti Immagine project devoted to women’s prêt-à-porter and accessories. Its focus is product innovation, and new outlooks in accessories bringing together established firms and emerging brands in a totally new presentation; it will promote young Italian designers and welcome foreign talents and stage eye-opening events. Showcasing African designers include: AAKS (Ghana), Gozel Green (Nigeria), Grey (Nigeria), and Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast).

Previous Pitti Immagine outings have resulted in Jewel by Lisa’s products beings carried on Moda Operandi and MyTheresa.com. The label also collaborated with L’Oreal to debut a lipstick and nail polish. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s S/S 2013 collection being stocked at the famous Spiga2 concept store owned by Dolce & Gabbana making her the first African designer to be selected to stock her pieces at the store.

Finally, Gozel Green and Onalaja head to Tranoi in Paris for the final trade show before the main HLFDW event in Lagos. The events take place from September 29 - October 2. Four times a year during Paris Fashion Week, the TRANOÏ fashion trade show takes place in prestigious venues and establishes a relationship between creativity and business. TRANOÏ, which means “between us” in Italian, is an artistic platform that gathers and curates the very best of avant-garde and emerging designers as well as contemporary and leading brands, and puts them in the hands of the most influential players in the fashion industry.

More than a commercial gathering, TRANOÏ features artistic installations, runway shows, parties and an array of events which inspire dreams and desires that are inherent to fashion.

The 2017 Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week will begin from October 25th through 28th.