Participating labels include: Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW) 2012 Young Designer Of The Year Finalists, AGU and House of Silk, DOT Handbags, Eki Orleans, Ituen Basi, Jewel By Lisa, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Odio Mimonet and Tiffany Amber. These designers will be showcasing their Spring Summer 2013 womenswear collection and accessories exclusively at the special Nigerian pop-up store within Selfridges during the project.
Commenting on the project with Selfridges, the Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje stated that GTBank is a Proudly African and Truly International? institution with a passion to revolutionize banking in Africa and advocate the projection of Africa?s rich culture to the world. He further stated we have decided to sponsor this initiative because we realize that the whole world needs to know about the creativity of African fashion designers and their contributions to global art development.”
Omoyemi Akerele, Creative Director of Style House Files stated this partnership with GTBank and Selfridges signifies what Style House Files represents; moving beyond the runway and making an impact which will result in creating a financial viable model for creative growth in the Nigerian fashion industry.? She further added ?at the moment the global fashion industry is being influenced and inspired by Africa and it is time to move Nigerian labels to the mainstream to take advantage of this.?
Judd Crane, Director of Womenswear at Selfridges said “We are very excited by the prospect of being the first department store in the world to give a proper showcase to some of the best fashion designers in Nigeria. We were won over by the talent we found there and are delighted to be able to help the Nigerian fashion industry to be further exposed to an international clientele.”