EU holds 1st Afro-Euro fashion show in Nigeria

By Maureen Okon

The Ambassador of European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi says the bloc has stepped up measures to strengthen its cooperation with Nigeria with Afro-Euro Fashion Runway show

Isopi said this at a news conference in Abuja

The Afro-Euro fashion show with the theme: “Fusion of Culture through Fashion” would hold on Friday at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

Isopi said the seven finalists of the Afro-Euro contest would show-case their designs at the event.

The envoy said that 2023 was the European year of skills, adding that fashion was chosen as a way to celebrate the year because it engages youths, skills and innovation.

She added that fashion connect people, brings innovation and this would strengthen Europe and Nigeria fashion world.

“Skills to develop sectors that can be beneficial to the economy.  Nigeria has the wealth of young people who are skilled,  talented and innovative to develop sectors that are beneficial to the economy.

“This initiative has brought about talents in the process and their talent and fashion is the culture and innovation in the fashion sector.

“2023 is the European year of skills , so this will bring about skills and innovation in the fashion industry for young people,” she said.

She added that  the fashion runway would showcase both Africa and Europe designs to promote the continents cultural and fashion diversity.

She also said that during the selection process 124 young Nigerian designers sent in their designs and seven finalists were selected to participate in the Afro-Euro fashion runway show in Abuja.

“The initiative targeted designers from age 18 to 40 . Four winners will be announced at the end of the fashion runway show on Friday.

NAN reports that the first position will participate in the Madrid Fashion week in September while the second position will participate in Dakar Fashionn week in December.

The Madrid fashion week is called the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid.

The third position will get a professional lantern, while the

fourth position will take home a professional sewing machine.

NAN reports that Isopi was also joined by a renowned Fashion Designer, Paolo Sisiano a Nigerian-Italian, who would be one of the judges of the fashion show.

Others are: Enioluwa Adeoluwa the EU Brand Ambassador and an Influencer, and CEO of the Abuja Fashion Academy Mrs. Nine Kwande

The judges encouraged the seven designers to use the platform to grow their craft and see it as an opportunity for youths that are ready to make it big in the fashion industry.

(NAN)