With over 20 international models, designers from Africa and Europe, fashion enthusiasts and the press both local and international, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, was turned into a fashion Mecca of some sort as the second edition of the Native & Vogue Port Harcourt International Fashion Week, took centre stage.
The three-day fashion extravaganza held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, from September 19 to 21, with vibrant runway shows and exotic collections, the show – an improvement on the first edition, is fast becoming one of Africa’s most important fashion events.
Day one began on a musical note with a classical rendition of the National Anthem by Cobhams Asuquo. The talented music producer went on to thrill all present with another R&B number and a special theme song for Rivers State, the Land of Possibilities, to the delight of the audience. Leading the line up of designers was South Africa-based, Nigerian-born designer, Luiz De Laja of the Ministry of Style, who lit up the stage playing with urban male looks for winter with his military-style collection. From kaftan shorts, men’s skirts to the simple selection of swimwear, the entire look was fun and well interpreted by the models.
Dumebi Onyejiaka’s girly-girl collection in flowing dresses and sheer sequins was beautiful carved to fit. Johnson Johnson, a Port Harcourt-based designer, impressed with his line up of collection that had the urban stylish man in mind. His impressive collection sold out before the show ended. Giving a more exotic vibe to lace was EjiroAmos Tafiri. This young, fast-rising designer, proved her worth as a strong hand on the field, with her classic evening wear collection. Designed using cord lace, lycra, Chantilly lace, sequins and more, the collection depicts the Mediterranean lifestyle of the madam.
Day 2: The audience was jolted with a number of exhilarating designs from Revamp’s contemporary pieces, Yomi Casual’s Rivers inspired two piece suits, Ade Bakare’s chic adire collection while House of Bunor closed the day with form fitting bustiers, tops and skirts in contrasting colours and a lot of glitter. Perhaps, the only designer whose work was different was Carpe Diem whose dramatic collection of fascinators was not only glamorous but classic pieces of art.
London-based designer, Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah, opened Day Three with gusto, displaying his combination of day and evening wear and closing with his classic bridal wears made to perfection.
From Dak Val, AD by Agbani Darego to South Africa’s KLUK/CGDT, it was an overwhelming collection of flirty dresses, bejewelled blouses and skirts studded with jewelled flowers, edgy shirts and blouses, all-in bold, bright colours.
The three-day event was, no doubt, fun and as it came to a close with an exhilarating performance by Nigeria’s top act, 2 Baba, with Port Harcourt designers and models strutting the runway, doing what they know how to do best.
For the Rivers State Government, the Native& Vogue show was established as part of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s continued efforts towards improving human resources and quality of life of the people of Rivers State. See photos below…
Related articles across the web
