The second edition of the GT Bank Fashion Weekend may have ended but the impact of the fashion event which without a doubt left an indelible mark on t
The second edition of the GT Bank Fashion Weekend may have ended but the impact of the fashion event which without a doubt left an indelible mark on the fashion and beauty scene, is most likely going to linger on for a long time to come. From the various master classes which featured leading names in the international fashion and beauty world, to the retail experience which treated fashion enthusiasts to the ultimate shopping experience, the crafts market which featured indigenous fabrics and accessories, the colourful fashion presentations from some of the most talented fashion designers on this side of the divide as well as the runway shows which ended each of the two day event, here are highlights from the 2-day fashion event.
The Master Classes
The master classes provided a platform for ideas to be shared and nurtured while also providing fashion entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to learn from global industry leaders and experienced brands. Relevant topics addressing challenges and opportunities, fashion entrepreneurship, growth and profitability, physical and e-commerce retailing, fashion blogging, fashion journalism etc were discussed. The speakers at the master classes were:
TY Bello
The talented Nigerian photographer kicked off the master classes with a class on fashion photography. Not only did she reveal the secret behind the iconic images she has photographed in time past, TY Bello who also moonlights as a gospel singer gave out tips on how to be the best in the photography business. She implored attendants at her class to ensure that they are very aware of who they are first before venturing into the business and be sure to know the aspect of photography they want to specialize in as there are various aspects of photography that one can’t possibly venture into. She also highlighted the importance of getting to know the history of photography and the different styles of photography as opposed to just knowing the technical aspects. While she didn’t think it was a bad idea to stock up on photographic equipments, she was of the opinion that spending more time and money on the knowledge of photography through research is by far, a better deal. And finally, she enjoined the participants to find a higher calling to their work, something they care about for the purpose of using photography to project that passion.
TY Bello
Vanessa Kingori
Originally from Kenya with a Caribbean mother, Vanessa attributed her global outlook as being instrumental to getting her job done as the publisher of the high profile male magazine, GQ Style. Having been at the helm of affairs at the magazine for three years and counting, she shared useful insight from her own personal experience about what it takes to successfully run a male fashion magazine. Vanessa said she always brings something new, fresh, a different perspective from what is already on the table. According to her, because it is a really male dominated environment, a lot of times, the men have really great ideas but always come at things from the same perspective but as a woman, she ensures she comes at things from a different place so it feels different and exciting. Also because the digital landscape is always changing all the time that helps keep her on her toes so she doesn’t become complacent. In this regard, she is constantly finding ways to evolve in order to keep up with the changing times.
Vanessa Kingori
Jenkins Alexander
The runway coach who has been an authority in the modeling business for 26 years, brought his A-game to his master class and even beyond. A bundle of energy, J as he is fondly called revealed that the only way one can make it in the modeling world is to, “Be you, do you and be passionate about it.”
He added that compromise should never be an option. He expects aspiring models to stick by what they believe in without conforming. He said, “I never compromised for anyone. I was always me, I never conformed. I mean what man walks around in high heels, pants and Tee shirts and still look fabulous? Not many.”
Even though many frowned at his style when he started out years ago, they eventually came around seeing that he was good at what he does. Asked why he chose to do what he does, J said, “I didn’t chose it, it chose me.”
J.Alexander
Danessa Myricks
The professional makeup artist and cosmetic expert who runs her own self named makeup brand, Danessa Myricks Beauty, held nothing back during her master class. She willingly shared some of her success secrets on how to create, run and sustain a brand in a world of competing brands. She was quite particular about one being consistent, resilient and focused.
Danessa Myricks
Others who were present to share their wealth of knowledge were;
Shiona Turini
A freelance stylist who has worked with some of the biggest brand names and an editor who has worked with high profile fashion and lifestyle magazines. Shiona talked about fashion in the ever evolving digital age.
Shiona Turini
Giles Deacon
A British fashion designer, Giles who is also an established illustrator shared his wealth of experience on how to leverage talent and build a successful fashion brand.
Giles Deacon
Sophie Hedley
A fashion consultant and public relations expert, offered insights on how to successfully position a fashion brand.
Sophie Hedley
Rebecca Osei-Baidoo
Rebecca’s class was quite instrumental to fashion designers looking at breaking into the international market. As a fashion buyer with 20 years of experience she freely shared what it takes to successfully have one’s designs displaced at targeted stores around the world.
Rebecca Osei-Badoo
Vanessa De Luca
Vanessa De Luca ended the master class section on day 2 of the fashion event. Her master class was quite insightful as she freely shared personal experiences from her job as Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine. Because curating content for the magazine for each edition is team work, among other things, she talked about creating harmony among the various editors spread across all the departments of the magazine to ensure a job well done.
Vanessa De Luca
The Retail Experience
GT bank wasn’t paying lip service with their recurring theme, ‘Promoting Enterprise’. It demonstrated its commitment to growing SMEs, particularly in the fashion and beauty sector in a sustainable manner that is not driven by profits but focused on empowering and growing the economy. The retail side of the fashion event created an ultimate fashion experience where promising and talented brands showcased their products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, fashion aficionados and industry professionals. The over 80 brands selected, all ranging from textile, clothing and apparel, ready to wear, footwear, jewellery and accessories, hair and beauty, crafts and many more, were not charged a fee to participate in the fashion event.
The Crafts Market
The crafts market at the GT Bank fashion weekend which was headlined by the renowned batik and textile designer, Nike Davies-Okundaye, who is also the founder of Nike Arts Gallery, one of the biggest art galleries in South West Nigeria, saw participants and visitors watching live, how plain materials were transformed into fashion master pieces such as adire, tye and dye and batik.
The Fashion Presentation
While the master classes were in full swing, a few Nigerian designers; Samuel Noon, Tokyo James, Adebimpea, Mile Mosun etc put up a presentation of some of their exclusive and well curated designs just at the entrance of the main hall during the fashion weekend.
