Glitz, style and creativity as FADAN holds talent hunt
By Vivian Onyebukwa
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The grand finale of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) talent hunt was held recently amidst glamour, creativity and style. The hunt, which was the first edition, took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The aim was to search for new, young and brilliant designers from all over the country. Speaking at the event, the President of FADAN, Prince Oyefusi, described the event as the first of its kind to give equal opportunity to all irrespective of their pocket.
Over a hundred candidates entered for the competition out of which only 10 finalists were selected. During the competition, the young designers showcased their creativity in three different categories-the casual line, corporate and cocktail outfit and red carpet wear. Each of these categories was a display of fantastic designs. With fabrics from Vlisco products, the major sponsor of the event, the designers were able to make variety of contemporary styles in vibrant colours.
After a careful selection by the judges comprising Frank Osodi, Funmi Ajila, Adesuwa Onyenukwe and FADAN Project Director, Awu Stella, Elvis Ikechukwu emerged winner. He was declared winner based on his intricate cut, good finishing and good fitting. The second position went to Aderonke for her choice of colour, fabric and cut. Jeffery Bent clinched the third position. His choice was based on beautiful casual dresses he made.
The winners went home with mouth-watering prizes. Prizes for the first winner include all expenses paid trip to an international fashion show, industrial machine, displaying machine, trainings, among others. The second position also went home with an industrial training machine, three-month training in Noble and entrepreneur developing training. Also, the third winner will get an industrial sewing machine and undergo a- three month scholarship training at Noble and Dress Making Academy.
The remaining seven contestants did not go home empty-handed. There were also consolation prizes for them, which include three-month industrial training.
The event provided an opportunity to display Vlisco collection theme, Frozen Dreams in designs with a unique Vlisco signature. “One word comes to mind when overlooking the collection-contrast, both in design as well as in the outspoken colours”, says Mrs. Else Hartsema, MD, Vlisco.
The event was quite colourful and witnessed lots of dignitaries from across the country. Among them are the first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, the Deputy Ambassador of Netherlands and the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs. Also, in attendance were Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Chief Mrs. Nike Akande and the Patron of FADAN, Chief Orenope Adefuwure. Chief Mrs. Opral Benson, Iya Oge of Lagos, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and many other top Nigerian fashion designers also graced the occasion.
