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Meet international designers showcasing at the debut edition

Scarlett & Jo, Von Ray Designs, GatsbyLady London and Remi Ray London are set to present their latest collections at the PFWAfrica 2017.

The debut edition set to hold at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos on 2nd September 2017 was created to highlight plus size models and apparels featuring runway shows, exhibitions, business masterclasses and skill acquisition amongst other activities lined up for the first ever edition.

The international brands join other brands to showcase their latest offerings at the fashion week.  With a theme 'Celebrating the real African woman', the 2017 edition will attract over 20 designers who will take the stage and exhibition booths to showcase their latest designs and fashion pieces specifically made for the plus sized woman.

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The Plus-size Fashion Week Africa was birthed out of the need to stop the stigmatisation and body shaming of the plus-sized woman; "we believe that every woman should be comfortable in her skin and body regardless of what the society thinks as long as they are healthy" a rep for the organizing team shares with Pulse.

A major highlight of the event is selecting a winner for 'Africa’s Next Plus-Size Model'. The search started on 1st of July, 2017. Successful participants at the auditions will grace the stage at the PFWAfrica and will also be signed, trained and developed by a renowned partner modelling agency who will give participants International exposure.

Meet the designers:

1. Scarlett & Jo

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Scarlett & Jo a small team based in London strives to develop the best products; and manufacture the best quality from factories in the UK, Romania, India and China.  Most styles are indeed made in the UK.

Scarlett & Jo was founded by Gifi Fields the veteran; whose career started in the 1960’s. Gifi has always been an innovator and is credited with designing and producing the first ra-ra skirts amongst many other iconic designs and shapes, also well known for producing beautiful prints, and soft flowing fabrics, with Scarlett & Jo he has set about designing new fun and feminine cuts and shapes that enhance the full figured woman. There is a consistent illusion of the hour glass that Scarlett & Jo produces that work with women of all shapes. Some say Gifi has invented cuts and shapes that have made all women curvy.

Scarlett & Jo reinvented the 40’s Tea dress as the ultimate dress of wear, style and comfort. They have developed distinctive unique prom dresses that somehow transcend their 1950’s heritage to become a present day dress of occasion. Best known, for the power fit and body con series. There is always that little thing that is special about a Scarlett & Jo product.

2. Von Ray Designs

For over 10 years, Von Ray Designs has adopted a positive attitude that has translated to success in fashion when all odds were against them.

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The husband and wife design duo, Latasha Henderson-Robinson and Dennis Robinson originally hail from Shreveport, Louisiana. With a hint of southern influence, Tasha was formally educated at The Art Institute of Los Angeles & West Los Angeles College (Fashion Merchandising & Business), and Dennis is pursuing a Master's in Illustration from SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design).

Known for Latasha’s edgy eye for fashion and Dennis’ attention to graphic detail, it’s no wonder that Von Ray’s work has been seen in publications such as Heed Magazine, Marie Claire, Vibe Magazine, Urban Ink, Beyond Classically Beautiful, Stylish Curves, Lane Bryant's Blog, Just Jared, Eclec Magazine, Huffington Post (Style) and more.

Most recently, Latasha appeared on season 15 of Project Runway, an American reality television series and competition that chronicles the journeys of fashion designers in a full competition with each other. As a published photographer and illustrator, Dennis’ graphic tour art and album cover graphic artist at Atlantic Records has been admired by the masses. Some of Von Ray’s most recent style work can be seen on the cast of B.E.T. The New Edition Story, and editorial styling in Africa (The Eleventh Fashion Show-Nigeria), New York, Pennsylvania (Philly Fashion Week), New Jersey (Atlantic Fashion Week), Florida, and Georgia.

3. Gatsby Lady London

Gatsbylady London has been sewing and designing clothes since she was a little girl. She started working in factories and she endeavoured to learn every aspect of sewing and pattern making that she could. After that, she continued to strengthen her knowledge with a postgraduate degree from University of London, as well as an MSc degree in Fashion from one of the leading Universities in Great Britain.

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After attaining handful degrees and with knowledge gained from working in production, she moved on to the high fashion designer industry, where she worked for many years. She had always dreamed of setting up her own business one day and being able to design the way she feels each day.

What sets Gatsbylady apart from other designers is the quality of their fabric, their unique hand embellished designs and the flexibility of their fits. Their designs are individual, effortless, comfortable and stretch by a size for an easy fit. Gatsbylady dresses are sure to make you feel special and beautiful.

4. Remi Ray London

Remi Ray London is a cutting edge plus-size fashion brand, based in London. Led by the inspiring self-entitled founder Remi Ray, also known for her pioneering mind-set which at the tender age of 23 erupted the European plus-size fashion wave.  She created the award winning British Plus-size fashion weekend, where she was also nominated by Cosmopolitan Magazine UK in 2014 & 2015 for the body confidence award for her contribution to the plus-size world. Remi Ray London encapsulates a fashionista with a split personality that craves classic pieces but treasures style.

Here at Remi Ray London we offer reinvented classics using modern techniques and wardrobe essentials that we cannot live without. Our vice is to create collections that are made to not only last beyond one season but are also bold and inspiring with great attention to detail and quality.

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The brand ‘Remi Ray London’ has been bubbling away with some of the most influential plus-size models and bloggers of the world, which has helped to shape their vision for what was not being offered to plus-size shoppers.

Being a plus-size woman herself Remi Ray understands the journey plus-size women endure each time they go shopping. She uses this energy to translate her desire to change the attitudes towards plus-size women with each piece from her collections. While many brands think fashion is just about producing, Remi Ray London takes the time to understand the functional needs of plus-size women and sprinkles each piece with Love.

Details:

Date - September 2nd, 2017

Venue - Main Banquet Hall, Oriental Hotel V.I Lagos

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