BY: ALEX ADI
The Lagos International Trade Fair shone bright, from tech talks to product showcases, highlighting West Africa’s prowess. And the fashion show was pure magic, with African creativity stealing the spotlight. It had on display stunning designs and vibrant styles that left everyone in awe.
The ECOWAS fashion show was an explosion of African creativity — a mosaic of pattern, rhythm, and intriguing design. Five fearless designers — Wuman, Sean Nobayo, Johanna Bramble, Gameplus, and Olivia Perez — proudly displayed their stunning works, weaving an interesting tapestry. The audience was spellbound by the unrestricted originality and African fashion spirit.
WUMAN, founded by Ekwerike Chukwuma in 2013, is a fusion of art and fashion that speaks volumes. Their creations — garments, shoes, bags — are a blend of anatomy, poetry, and architecture, designed to spark conversations and inspire change. WUMAN’s artistry transcends clothing, becoming a powerful tool for positive transformation.
Sean Nobayo is repping Benin with style. This fashion brand masterfully blends African traditions with modern flair, crafting bold, elegant silhouettes that scream cultural pride. With a focus on cotton and local craftsmanship, they’re keeping it real and authentic.
Gamplus is giving Gambian vibes. They’re turning heads with their eco-chic creations, blending African prints, leftover textiles, and upcycled jeans to craft unique, culturally rich pieces that scream sustainability.
Olivia Perez is bringing Ivorian glamour. Her collections are a masterclass in versatility, catering to the modern woman — young professionals to fashionistas — with timeless pieces that exude confidence and uniqueness. On-trend touches meet elegance, making every woman feel like a queen.
Creative director Ekwerike Chukwuma said his vision is to build a successful brand, using art and fashion as a tool to inspire positive change globally.
“I feel we have so much in our continent, there is much to be done to tap into that, i encourage ECOWAS to look inwards , think systems, build structures because we are sitting on a large fortune of creativity,” he said.
ECOWAS Director of Trade, Kolawole Sofola, who was inspired by the creative works, said West Africa is endowed with creative minds that must be explored and showcased to the world.
” Anything and everything is possible on our continent, I thought I was in Milan or Paris, everything I saw here is absolutely fabulous, we should not limit ourselves, what we have here in West Africa is as good if not better than anywhere in the world, this is a simple demonstration of what we can do especially with our creative economy,” he said.
And when the curtains closed, the models’ thrilling performance left the audience cheering and satisfied.
