Highlights, fun memories from ARISE Fashion Week 2018

ARISE Fashion Week (AFW) 2018 came to a memorable end after three days of sheer creativity, runway shows and performances. Top designers from the Afri

ARISE Fashion Week (AFW) 2018 came to a memorable end after three days of sheer creativity, runway shows and performances. Top designers from the African fashion industry such as Abaya Lagos, About That Curvy Life Collective, Andrea Iyamah, Bridget Awosika, Chularp, COLRS, Divine Endowment, DZYN, Fashpa, Funke Adepoju, Gavin Rajah, Gozel Green, House of Divas, House of Irawo, House of Nwocha, Ilare, Imad Eduso, Karolyne Ashley, Kenneth Ize, Kimono Kollection, Kluk CGDT, Kola Kuddus, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Laurence Airline, Loza Maleombho, Mai Atafo, Maxhosa by Laduma, Maxvive, Moofa, Mustafa Hassanali, Odio Mimonet, Orapeleng Modutle, Ozwald Boateng, Quinteria & George, RE, Rich Minsi, Style Temple, Sunny Rose, Taryor Gabriels, Thebe Magugu, Tiffany Amber, Tokyo James, Tsemaye Binitie, Tzar, Vonne Couture, Washington Roberts, Weiz Dhurm Franklyn, What We Wear By Tinnie Tempah, Yutee Rone and Ziva Lagos, showcased stunning collections to a wide range of audience at the ARISE Fashion Week.

It was fun to see international supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Imaan Hammam, Oluchi Orlandi and Joy Okpe walk the ARISE runway. AFW is recognized for heralding the best runway shows in the history of fashion events in Africa and this year’s edition was nothing short of standard it has always been known for. The show sparked trending conversations around Africa and here are a few moments from the three day event.

Day 1
Abaya Lagos showcased an Arabian inspired contemporary collection accentuated with sunshades and turbans. Naomi Campbell made her first appearance on the runway in a gold ensemble by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi. The guests cheered Oluchi Orlandi as she gracefully closed the show for the designer. Not too long after, Naomi Campbell was spotted again on the runway looking glamorous in KLUK CGDT.

Model for Abaya Lagos

Naomi Campbell for Lanre Da Silva Ajayi

Oluchi Onweagba for Lanre Da Silva Ajayi

Naomi Campbell for KLUCK CDGT

Day 2
The bar was raised on Day 2 as Taryor Gabriels opened the show in an all men’s collection. Nollywood Actor, Richard Mofe Damijo showed his artistic versatility as he graced the runway for him. The crowd was in high excitement when ex-Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Leo DaSilva made a surprise appearance on the runway for Kimono Kollection. British-Nigerian artiste, Tinnie Tempah launched his new fashion label, What We Wear for the first time in Lagos, Nigeria. The presentation was accompanied with stellar performances by British artiste, Not3s and Dice Ailes. International model, Imaan Hammam brought her A-game as she walked the runway in his collection, however Olajumoke Orisaguna stole the show when she walked the runway. Guests were stunned as she held hands with Tinnie Tempah to take a bow at the end of the show. Olajumoke is the bread seller turned model who photo bombed Tinnie’s photo shoot with TY Bello for Thisday Style in 2016. Naomi Campbell, Oluchi Orlandi and Ojy Okpe looked effortlessly chic as they owned the runway in Tiffany Amber. Ghanaian-British designer, Ozwald Boateng closed the night with a breath-taking presentation on the runway.

Richard Mofe Damijo for Taryor Gabriel

Leo Dasilva for Kimono Collection

Imaan Hammam for What We Wear

Tinnie Tempah and Olajumoke Orisaguna

Naomi Campbell for Tiffany Amber

Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi for Tiffany Amber

Ozwald Boateng with Naomi Campbell

Imaan Hammam for Ozwald Boateng

Naomi Campbell for Ozwald Boateng

Day 3
Day 3 marked the grand finale of the biggest fashion event of the season. Designers such as Bridget Awosika, Quinteria & George, Mai Atafo, Sunny Rose, Rich Minsi and more wrapped up the event with spectacular presentations. Thereafter, guests were treated to exotic cocktail mixes sponsored by Belvedere Vodka.

Imaan Hammam for Bridget Awosika