The much anticipated inaugural Arise Magazine Fashion Week Lagos has finally arrived! Today, March 10th, 2011, the luxurious Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, where the event is being held, was abuzz with activities. You could see and feel the frenzy at the reception with organizers, media, designers and models, all on the move.
It was also quite hard to miss all the ‘size 0’ looking models from Beth Model Management. “They look breakable,” remarked an observer as these models hurried back and forth for fittings in preparation for the shows. Designers from Nigeria, USA, UK and other African countries were also on location to fit their respective models.
While all of these activities were ongoing, we members of the press waited to begin our job of reporting about the exciting event. Unfortunately, there was to be no events to report about. Needless to say, we were disappointed. The Business of Fashion Conference scheduled for 10am, never took place. Neither did the fashion shows, all of which have been moved to the next day March 12th, 2011.
Although the shows for today were moved, many guests were anticipating the performances of Nigeria’s music megastars Darey Art Alade and Naeto C. That was also a disappointment because (w)hen the (stage) should have (already been looking ready to go), the crew members from Elizabeth R Events were still setting up.
What next? LadybrilleNigeria.com hopes the following days fulfill the promise of great shows, excitement and fashion festivities. So, if you’re looking to rub shoulders with style aficionados i.e. the beautiful, classy and sophisticated in Nigeria and Africa, the Federal Palace Hotel, for the next three days, might just still be the place to be.
~Bola Oyedele
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.
What a disappointment. What’s the reason the shows weren’t held? If Nigeria is going to be recognized in the fashion world, we must kill this mediocre approach of doing things.