Design for The Stars: The AMVCAs

Dreams emerge from a single thought, and they are not always accompanied by a plan. It usually starts with “I wish to be like this” or “I wish to be like that,” and then you find yourself doing everything you can to realize that dream, thinking about it every day until it comes true, and trust me, the sensation of being able to do so is wonderful.

For some young designers, it would seem their journey to living their dreams is underway in the form of a competition. These talented few had ambitions and now enjoy the wonderful sensation of achievement that comes with achieving those dreams, and this story is just a stepping stone to other undertakings, honing their abilities and skills, and showcasing them to the world. Abdul Auwal of DOWNTOWN chatted with the nine nominees for the upcoming AMVCAs “Design for The Stars” Competition.

AZEEZAT ALAWUSA

Can you tell us about your journey into fashion design?

I started in 2014, although I was just doing it for fun while in school. But when I left school and couldn’t find a job, I decided to take it on fully, so I got a small store and focused on it.

What is the name of your brand?

OLABISI ODUNNE

Have you ever had your designs on the runway?

No, I have never. Having this on the AMVCA runway is special to me, because I have big plans and I have been thinking of getting on the runway for a while, but I’ve been shying away from it. When I saw the AMVCA Design for Stars competition, people reached out to me to try, and I decided to try and now I’m back. For me, it came at the right time.

OSELUESE

Tell us about your journey into fashion design?

I actually started in 2021, right after school, and I just was playing with designs cos I was very young and I didn’t have any experience, I was pretty much doing it for my friends, and family, so I tried my hands on everything, bridal, couture, bespoke, ready to wear, so I’ve done pretty much everything in fashion now, and I’ve been featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue for my bridal.

What’s the name of your brand?

HOLLYROSE

What has been your greatest achievement so far as a fashion designer?

Being on Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, I think those two have been the best for me, because it was surreal especially for Harper’s Bazaar, because I was just at home when I received a mail from them, saying that they wanted to feature my pieces, at first I thought it was fake but then I called and messaged them, then they posted it on their magazine, this was in October 2016. So for me, that has been my biggest highlight.

OMOWUNMI

Tell us about your journey into fashion design?

Mofari has been in the industry for a decade now although we went on a break for a while, so I was opportune to be a part of the Lagos fashion design week and fashion focus in 2015. I was among the finalist and after then it’s been. I had staffing issues, I had tailors who tried to rob me who tried to raid my store so it was really tough and I had to go on a long break after which I got married and I had a baby, the journey was really tough so I went on a 3 years break but getting back into the industry, a lot of things had changed so I had to go back to my drawing board and I started my brand again. In 2020, we launched a bridal line, that was our first bridal collection and ever since then it’s been amazing. When I heard about the AMVCA I just said again, we want the Mofari’s voice to be heard again and just decided to give it a try again that’s why I’m here.

Who is your role model in the industry and why?

Deola Siego. I like her because she’s true to herself. I love creative designers, and they know what they are doing, they have a process for doing things. Of course, we all get inspiration but after getting inspiration all you need to do is now look for a way to put everything together and find your own unique way of doing things and that’s why I love Deola Siego.

What designs should we look forward to at the AMVCA fashion show?

So, I really don’t know what we are doing; we may have to express ourselves as real designers or if they’d give us a theme to follow but for me, it’s about something unique and mind-blowing. I just like designs that are unique and unconventional, not something you’d see every other day.

NKECHUKWU NWOSU JNR.

What is the name of your brand?

NWOSU OFFICIAL

How excited are you for the AMVCAs Fashion Show?

I am very excited because it is an opportunity for me to showcase my talent.

What message would you like to send out to aspiring fashion designers such as yourself?
Stay true to yourself, find what you like, and stick to it. Everything else will come into place.

 

FELIX ASUQUO

What is the name of your brand?

FAI WORLD

How do you think the involvement of the AMVCAs has helped the Fashion Industry?

The AMVCAs have always been about fashion. There is no AMVCA without the red carpet. Fashion has been interwoven into the organizational structure; it is a component of the AMVCAs and as they grow, so will the Fashion Industry.

What message would you like to send out to aspiring fashion designers such as yourself?

There will be days when you wake up in the morning and want to quit, and people at the top will feel the same way. Believe in your trade, be unique, and there will always be people who appreciate what you do.

 

SOPHIE CHAMBERLAIN

What is your brand name?
PHERLA NUBA

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is perfection, and it should be provided in the finest possible way.

How excited are you for the AMVCAs?
With everything going on, I would have expected otherwise. It’s a significant matter, and it’s being taken seriously, as we should be. I’m quite excited.

AMY NADO

What is your brand name?
AMYAGHOMI

Africa Magic Channels were established in 2003 with the goal of delivering entertainment for and by Africans. Today, more than 15 years later, they have been introduced to contribute to the expansion of African film and entertainment; how has this aided the growth of Nigeria’s fashion industry?
Before now, I believe it was clearly a forum for fashion designers to promote their work autonomously in the sense that they got to create Justice for honorees, give awards, and so on. This year is different; they’re reaching out to emerging designers, which gives me hope that there will be a lot of growth.

As a fashion designer, what kind of clothes would you wear to a fashion show?
Couture, that’s it

IMA MANELL

What is your brand name?
MANELL

What sparked your interest in fashion?
Clothes allow me to choose how I want to present myself to the world. My personal style is an important aspect of who I am.

What are your opinions on the AMVCAs focusing on fashion this year?
The presence of the AMVCAs has drawn attention that was not previously there. Fashion designers will now be given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

OBINNA OMERUO

What is your brand name?
OMERUO.NG

What sparked your interest in fashion?
Connectivity. I know that working in fashion allows one to encounter a diverse range of people with diverse origins, experiences, and stories. To learn a lot from those people in the fashion business, and impact people through my designs.

What message would you like to send out to aspiring fashion designers such as yourself?

Fashion design is unquestionably an excellent career option since it has a promising future due to its growing popularity and consistent income. The finest aspect of fashion design is that it is not limited to clothing; it also includes accessories, jewelry, shoes, and many other items.