Patrick Oyewole, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - Lagos recently played host to one of the most eagerly anticipated events in African fashion—the FashionEVO Fashion Day at the Africa Creative Market. The event, known for blending African fashion with innovation, cultural identity, and business, attracted an elite audience of fashion entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders, all eager to push the frontiers of African fashion on the global stage.
A key highlight of the event was the participation of Ivie Odemwingie-Osula, Founder and Creative Director, DWL (Defining Women's Lifestyle), as a prominent panelist. Drawing from her vast experience in scaling and growing the DWL brand across borders, Odemwingie-Osula spoke passionately about how African fashion startups can position themselves for funding. She provided valuable insights into navigating the international market, discussing the strategic decisions that helped DWL expand into new regions. Her session resonated deeply with attendees, particularly entrepreneurs keen on taking their African-based fashion brands to global heights.
One of the major highlights of the day was DWL’s mannequin installation, which received rave reviews from visitors. Attendees were captivated by the creativity, precision, and cultural richness displayed in the installation. It was widely regarded as a standout feature of the event, earning excellent feedback for its fusion of traditional African aesthetics with contemporary design. The installation not only showcased DWL’s mastery of fashion artistry but also underlined the potential of African fashion to resonate across different markets.
FashionEVO’s event served as a platform for fashion entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and explore the intersection of African fashion, culture, and business. The discussions and exhibits celebrated the richness of African cultural identity, while also fostering dialogue on how the continent’s fashion industry can innovate and thrive globally.
With the success of FashionEVO Fashion Day, Lagos further solidified its position as a key hub for African creative expression, business innovation, and fashion leadership. The event not only highlighted the growing influence of African fashion on the global scene but also encouraged the continued investment in and support for African fashion startups looking to scale new heights.