In the last decade, the Nigerian fashion industry has emerged as the next big thing on the African continent, from being on the global spotlight of international runways in Paris to London and New York.
Our reporter, Damilola Odunukan, was at the GTCO fashion weekend in Lagos to speak with brands and the unique styles they have to offer.
On one of the stalls on the lines at the GTCO fashion weekend event was a unique outfit that caught my attention; a minimalist design yet unique outfit on a mannequin was an above-the-knee length Aṣọ-òfì dress with a raffia-taped hem.
This unique style by Gọzi Fẹgọ “celebrates the duality of women”, said the founder and Creative Designer, Ngozi Fẹgọ.
Fẹgọ, one of the vendors at the GTCo fashion weekend noted that her fashion brand is to push the narrative of “no woman is one thing” and it’s a transitional, fluid and structural design to make the wearer stand out.
One may wonder how the wearer will look in a raffia infused outfit, that’s the uniqueness of Gọzi Fẹgọ’s brand as she speaks on blending the northern Nigeria culture with modern creativity.
In addition to this, this generation of fashion entrepreneurs are becoming more self-aware, blending culture, tradition and beauty therapy with wellness without losing the authenticity.
At the cosmetic section lies Máadán by Adeitan Fisher. Fisher’s Máadán is a combination of beauty and wellness, whose beauty products are plant based.
The oil, body wash, butter among other products on display at the Máadán stand are a unique blend of traditional African roots and plants.
Just as its name depicts – Máadán – Glow or best put glow continuously – focuses on “wellness, promoting inner radiance” said, Fisher.
Ultimately, the beauty of a woman isn’t entirely complete without the crown – the hair.
Nigerian women are a big “sucker” for hair and this is a million-dollar industry, metaphorically though, that both the young and aged do not joke with. From the street parlance of “never to be caught unfresh to no bad hair day” over and again, hair is a huge investment and a great part of “accessorizing” their looks to both small and big events.
Even under the gèlè, the hair must not “gbá”. Nigerian women are big on hair like that.
This is where Zuto hair has also come to fix. From Bohemian, kinky to faux locs and authentic weaves, the hair manufacturer is taking its space in the hair industry.
Zuto representative, Mercy, reiterated that the brand is all about making women look good with affordable hair extensions that won’t make their pockets weep.
According to her, Zuto has been in business since 2019, making it six years of running the hair business in Nigeria. She added that Zuto is developed for all hair types and any woman who loves to look good can wear it.
While expressing their satisfaction about the event, beyond the digital branding and innovation in promoting their businesses, the vendors noted that the GtCo fashion weekend also enhances their brand visibility and puts their brands out there in the faces of every fashion enthusiast and potential investors.