EU to Sponsor Young Fashion Designer to Madrid Fashion Week

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The European Union (EU) is sponsoring a young Nigerian fashion designer to this year’s Madrid Fashion week holding in September.

This was the prize for winning the 2023 Europe Day Afro-Euro Runway fashion show held in Abuja at the weekend.

The young Nigerian, Oyindamola Aleshinloye, with the brand name “Kadiju” would be in Madrid being the winner of the maiden edition of the Fashion Show organised by EU.

Aleshinloye, was declared winner from among the seven finalists who had emerged from 124 young Nigerian designers who sent in their entries.
According to the judges, the winner was picked using the five components of the theme of the competition, namely: Interpretation of Afro-Euro fusion; Creativity; Execution; Cohesiveness and Presentation; and Story-telling.

Samira Mohammed a.k.a Sultana came second, Oluchi George a.k.a Malite was third, and Happiness Miwori a.k.a Jasmineafrik came fourth.
The first to third runner up went home with different prizes.

Speaking earlier, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and West Africa, Ms. Samuela Isopi, said that the Afro-Euro initiative identified talents. According to her, fashion is the culture and innovation was needed in the fashion industry.

“2023 is the European year of skills. So this will bring about skills and innovation in the fashion industry for young people,” she said.
She added that the fashion runway showcased both African and European designs which have promoted both continents’ cultural and fashion diversity.