Trendy Fashion Report: ARISE Magazine Fashion Initiative Inspires

ARISE Magazine Fashion Week just recently wrapped up another successful year filled with a level of vibrancy and decadence that the fashion world was forced to recognize.

Kola Kuddus

Africa has long been the dependable source of inspiration for globally recognized designers who found fame and critical acceptance based on their not so original blueprints.

Finally, the original cradle of civilization, is finally getting its due and sending a loud clear message that vibrates the urgency to respect the immense and incomparable talent that is continuously sprouting from its sturdy branches.

ARISE Magazine thankfully made it their mission two years ago to enlighten the sometimes nonchalant world of fashion about the growing trend that was slowly plaguing the industry which seemed to stem from Africa-infused themes dripping from collections showcased by designers like Proenza Schouler and Yves Saint Laurent among others.

Now, there is no need to wonder where the templates were imagined from because the originators are now taking center stage and their creations are even more breathtaking.

77 designers, hives of editors, and a bevy of spectators descended on Lagos, Nigeria to celebrate another highly-anticipated fashion event sponsored by ARISE Magazine, and despite the predictable setbacks that are bound to surface when staging a production in a third world country, (constant electricity issues and infrequent running water), the affair proved to be deliberately prolific.

Nduka Obaigbena, the publisher of Nigeria’s ThisDay newspaper and ARISE magazine eloquently summed up what the end goal was “We are demonstrating that Africans can contribute and be the best and be world class”.

If the consistent slew of designers like Folake Folarin-Coker, Loza Maleombho, Tsemaye Binitie, and Ozwald Boateng continue to pop up with rapid fervor, there is little doubt that a global takeover is in the works.

The saga of Africa Rising continues…

Toju Foyeh

Loza Maleombho

Re Bahia

Paul Herve Elisabeth 

La Quan Smith