From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and other African countries are set to rake in billions of naira from the creative industry investment.
Convener of Fashion Fables Runway Africa (FFRA), Obinna Kwame Temple, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said the event would also demystify the negative impression of dreadlocks by young people.
According to Temple, the initiative is also designed to empower young Africans through fashion creativity while promoting African fabrics, sustainability and talent development.
He outlined plans for the Pan-African fashion event, stressing that FFRA would go beyond the conventional runway show by incorporating arts, entertainment, talent development and initiatives focused on inclusion and environmental sustainability.
He said the platform would provide designers, models, artists and other creatives with an avenue to tell African stories through fashion and fabrics.
According to him, inclusion would remain at the heart of the initiative, while sustainability, green initiatives, upcycling and recycling would form key components of the programme.
“We have decided to do a fashion show here in Abuja and take up space and also tell stories around African fabrics, from the orators of the fabric, from the masters of the threads, who are the designers, to the models who are also the dream workers who are going to be wearing these pieces on the runway,” he said.
He explained that the event was powered by 1% International, a talent management and creative platform which, according to him, had consistently supported young people and promoted visibility in fashion, entertainment and talent development.
Temple said the organisers were deliberately introducing new elements to distinguish FFRA from conventional runway shows.
“This is like paying it forward in fashion and reminding us of who we are. Creativity is part of it; youth empowerment is also part of it,” he said.
He added that the event would feature plus-size models and other creatives whose talents extended beyond fashion, noting that the organisers were committed to using the platform to inspire hope and showcase the diversity of African creativity.
“It is fashion and rebirth of every creativity, everything that will make us remember who we are as Africans,” Temple said.
The convener said the Pan-African character of FFRA was expected to attract participants, designers, models and fashion enthusiasts from across the continent to Abuja.
He also called on individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders interested in supporting young creatives to partner with the initiative.
The organiser described collaboration as critical to the growth of the project, urging more stakeholders to join efforts aimed at building opportunities and greater visibility for young African talents.
The organising team includes Ambassador Stephanie; Ms Justina; Media and Publicity Director, Diola Ademokoya; Marketing Director, Amarachi Ironque; Fitness and Model Instructor, Edwin; Project Management Director, Hilary Oje; and IT Development Lead, Genesis Akpolo Y.
Temple said the organisers remained committed to using FFRA to create greater visibility for African designers, models and other young talents while promoting sustainable approaches to fashion and creative expression.
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