While we’re thinking about ‘Fashion’ this month, great news emerged last night for Nigeria, as designer Lisa Folawiyo, businesswoman Reni Folawiyo and Lagos Fashion and Design Week founder, Omoyemi Akerele were revealed as some of the fashion talents named on Business of Fashion’s 500 List – a “professional index of the people shaping the global fashion industry,” put together by nominations from current members of the BoF 500, “data analysis and months of research.”
Loading pictures of themselves attending a celebratory dinner for those listed, Lisa – who has been a pillar in fashion design since starting her label, Jewel By Lisa in 2005 – was seen seated with industry greats like Daria Shapovalova of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Kiev, as well as fellow 500 List achiever Reni, who founded Nigeria’s first luxury store, Alara and Ms Akerele who is known for her work in bringing Nigerian talent to the international table.
Business of Fashion stated of concept store, Alara;
“Alara has the potential to be a beacon for other fashion retailers and a centre for gravity for global luxury brands already beginning to cluster around a nascent fashion district in Lagos.”
Of Lisa, who stepped out in one of her own designs (obviously) and styled by Zara Okpara, Bof said;
“…Folawiyo has spearheaded the movement of Nigerian designers achieving international recognition for their work. She has a knack for elevating traditional African prints above the status quo, making them relevant for a global audience.”
Describing Ms Akerele as “instrumental in raising the profile of the Nigerian fashion industry,” the BOF also described the brand strategist’s agency, Style House Files, as;
“A pioneering agency in image consultancy and creative direction within the West African country [working] with Nigerian brands on brand positioning and retail strategies.”
The list also included top design talent Elber Albaz of Lanvin, Angela Missoni of Missoni, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of Kenzo, Christian Louboutin, Christopher Kane, Christopher Bailey of Burberry, Donatella Versace and many more famed figures from the world of fashion.
We at SPICE congratulate Lisa and Reni Folawiyo, and Omoyemi Akerele on their Business of Fashion 500 List recognition, and thank heavens for Instagram for enabling a sneak peek at what went on at the celebratory dinner event.
Image source: @Omoyemiakerele, @Lisafolawiyo
