(London, (5th) July 2012) – Ghana’s budding fashion design talent Brigitte Merki-Ibrahim and Nigeria’s fashion veteran George Adesegun are confirmed to take part in the Saturday evening gala show at Africa Fashion Week London 2012, joining Anita Quansah as well as Nigerian King of Couture Adebayo Jones who will be closing the gala show.
The organisers of Africa Fashion Week London 2012 are pleased to have on board these two stellar talents who will be showing to a London audience for the first time on Saturday 4th August of the two-day fashion extravanganza set to bring the best of African fashion to London Spitalfields on 3rd-4th August 2012.
Born to a Swiss Ghanaian family, Brigitte Merki-Ibrahim behind the label Brigitte Merki (BM) juxtaposes her two cultures through the use of elements of traditional Ghanaian material influenced by European fashion trends. She experiments with natural fibres like cane, seagrass, leaves, feathers to create eclectic and spectacular designs for contemporary women.
George Adesegun Couture is another designer who marries colours and textures of African fabrics with the shapes of Western design; however the inspiration behind his handcrafted corsetry is the aim of enhancing the feminine silhoutte. With three decades of experience, now working out of his studio in Lincolnshire, the creator of exquisite bespoke bridal and evening pieces is a darling of British gentry and Nigerian First Ladies alike, who is very selective of the fashion shows he participates in.
“Some call me a ‘reclusive’ designer as I do not like the limelight but I am very excited about using this platform to showcase my work to an African audience for the first time not only because it has been 29 years since I left Nigeria and I think it is time to go back to my roots and share my work with the African diaspora but also because I support Africa Fashion Week London’s positive work in showing the world the best of African fashion,” said George Adesegun regarding his showcase at the Africa Fashion Week London gala show.
Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London, said, “We are delighted to have George Adesegun Couture use Africa Fashion Week London as a platform for his first showcase to an African audience; likewise we are very pleased to have Brigitte Merki choose AFWL as a medium to showcase to the diasporan audience.”
In just over a month, London Spitalfields Market Halls will play host to AFWL where on 3rd and 4th August 2012, African and African inspired designers from all corners of the world will showcase their work to a 10,000 strong audience daily in London’s hip Shoreditch district. With back-to-back catwalk shows and exhibitions showcasing clothes, accessories, homeware and jewellery, AFWL promises to be a fashion extravaganza like no other.
Tickets are now available to purchase from www.africafashionweeklondon.com
Ticket packages include:
• Basic (free) – access to the show and exhibition
• Shoppers delight package (£7.00) – access to the show and exhibition + 10% discount on all purchases made on the day + AFWL magazine
• VIP (£50.00) – access to the show and exhibition + access to the VIP lounge + welcome drink + 10% discount on all purchases made on the day + AFWL magazine
For more information about Africa Fashion Week London please visit www.africafashionweeklondonweek.com
Photodescription: George Adesegun in studio working
Courtesy photo
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
