Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion & Design Week kicks off on the 23rd – 26th of October at Eko Hotel’s Ocean View in Lagos.

The Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013 scheduled to take place on the 23rd of October to the 26th October 2013 at Eko Hotel’s Ocean View in Lagos, Nigeria is a multi day premiere fashion event platform that aims to drive the Nigerian fashion industry and lift its profile by bringing together buyers, consumers and the media to view the current collections of designers in the fashion capital of Lagos, Nigeria. It will feature both local and international designers and showcase the best of African talents.

Commenting on the sponsorship at the Press Conference, which held on the 25th of September at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos, General Manager, Communication & External Affairs, GTBank; Lola Odedina said ‘As the headline sponsor of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013, we recognize the importance of the fashion industry to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and The Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013 will act as a catalyst to ensure that fashion can become a sustainable business model which can drive commerce in Nigeria’.

Different activities have already begun in Lagos to commence the Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion & Design Week. Guaranty Trust Bank Lagos Fashion and Design Week in partnership with British Council, recently concluded a fashion film work shop for film makers as well as master classes on the business of fashion for the 20 shortlisted young designers from the ages of 21 to 30; who were selected from a vigorous screening process across Nigeria. These 20 shortlisted young designers will all compete to create a collection for the MTN Young Designer Awards 2013 where the winner will receive a cash prize of N4, 000,000 courtesy MTN.

Omoyemi Akerele founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week stated ‘For 2013, as part of our vision to build from within, we are exploring retail partnerships for our designers across Nigeria. With garment manufacturing becoming more accessible within the country, this is feasible.’ She further added The LFDW Platform is also unique for its ability to provide opportunities for both young and established designers. As established designers in the industry seek expansion into new markets, we have created opportunities for retail within the continent and internationally.

Akerele also added ‘our by-line for this year is “building from within” and the key word here is “building”. As we work towards positioning the platform as the hub for commerce and creativity on the continent, we are also aware of the need to contribute to creating structures in place for the industry to grow and thrive’