Complete Fashion in this interview brings to you Hauwa Liman the overall winner at the 2015 Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week (NSFDW) as the most creative designer.
Q: Who is the person behind the “AFRIK ABAYA” Brand?
Hauwa: Hauwa Liman is the one behind the “AFRIK ABAYA” Brand. She is from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State. I had my early school days in Kaduna and Katsina States. I attended Federal Government Girls College Bakori for my secondary Education and proceeded to Bayero University in Kano where I studied Economics and Development Studies. I am a self taught tailor with a passion for Arts and craft and an advocate for women empowerment.
Q: How did you find your way into fashion as an Economics student?
Hauwa: This is an interesting one. I have always had a love for fashion. The way fabrics are cut, twisted, folded and in some cases even pressed to produce outfits really fascinates me. I can say that the consciousness of my present day entrepreneurial pursuit in fashion design was influenced by fascination of class work in the study of Art and Craft back in secondary school and my mother who happens to be a seamstress. While the Art and Craft module exposed me to the early rudiments of patterns, designs, and use of color, having a sewing machine at home made it easy for me to keep trying to change the style of my Sallah clothes each holiday. That was how I taught myself how to sew and have been sewing my clothes since 1998, but I never planned on making a career out of it. Matter of fact, I never saw myself becoming a fashion designer full-time. My dream was to become an educationist and lecture in the university and I have worked towards that since gaining admission into the university by striving to be among the best in my class. I was the best female student in my class. However,at a point I thought of doing the two but along the line, I realized that it was not possible for me and the vision I have cannot be realized if I continue to see my fashion interest as a mere hobby as such. The constant demand for my clothes from family and friends ,that informal attention to details of tailoring at home coupled with my love for originality, artistic work, African fabrics and above all, that of the Abaya, crystallized the passion for garment making that today becomes the bedrock of our business at “AFRIK ABAYA” where we focus on Abaya (The traditional Arabian outfit), Kaftans and Kaftan tops by creatively infusing African fabrics and accessories to give it an African touch.
Q: How did you hear about the Nigerian Student Fashion And Design Week?
Hauwa: Sometime in 2014 around November to be precise, I accidentally came across the NSFDW on the internet. I instantly became interested told myself I should be part of this next year. With that on my mind, I kept checking the website for updates. Around March /April this year, while going through the website as I frequently do, I saw that the registration of designers for this year’s edition has started. I tried registering but encountered some difficulties, I then called the phone number that was there and an application form was sent to me and I registered. That was how this journey began.
Q: What should people expect from you?
Hauwa: To be a participant at the African Fashion Week is more likened to the center-stage of a global fashion event .Of course, that is exactly what it is to me at the moment. It is an opportunity to roll-out a masterpiece collection. AFRIK INVASION was rolled-out at the NSFDW with lots of mass appeal .Definitely; we are raising the bar with sizzling trends at the AFRICA FASHIION WEEK because it is time to conquer hearts with the uniqueness of AFRIK ABAYA with lots and lots of creative and beautiful designs that are a statement of African grandeur and uniqueness.
Q: What was the highlight of the NSFDW for you?
Q: What are the major challenges you face as an emerging designer?
Hauwa: The challenges faced are not different from those faced by virtually all emerging small businesses in Nigeria. Issues of high cost of production resulting from erratic power supply, international shipping of certain fabrics and accessories that are not available locally and inherent tariffs, as well as quality control and the difficulties that comes with promoting a new brand as well as the lack of access to existing governmental policies to strengthen entrepreneurial dynamics. Issues of high cost of renting shops, finding good tailors and getting them to bring out the designs the way I want them is not easy at all. Also I can say that the issue of “Founder Dependence” is really affecting this business. May be because my workaholic nature is rubbing off on that as I find it difficult to let go off some responsibilities. But Thank God, I am gradually adjusting (smiles).All the same, we are striving to excel.
Q: What should we expect generally from your brand in the nearest future?
Hauwa: My desire was to break away from the norm, do something different and certify my brand with originality and appealing ideas that will always create a memorable impression. Therefore expect more creative designs that rock the jingle bell with lots of “ETHNIC INFUSIONS”.As the name implies-AFRIK ABAYA ,we are definitely going to go all out and explore different African cultures and experiment with them in our designs. AFRIK ABAYA will set a new trend in modesty fashion Nigeria and beyond in the nearest feature.
Hauwa: Hauwa Liman is the one behind the “AFRIK ABAYA” Brand. She is from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State. I had my early school days in Kaduna and Katsina States. I attended Federal Government Girls College Bakori for my secondary Education and proceeded to Bayero University in Kano where I studied Economics and Development Studies. I am a self taught tailor with a passion for Arts and craft and an advocate for women empowerment.
Q: How did you find your way into fashion as an Economics student?
Hauwa: This is an interesting one. I have always had a love for fashion. The way fabrics are cut, twisted, folded and in some cases even pressed to produce outfits really fascinates me. I can say that the consciousness of my present day entrepreneurial pursuit in fashion design was influenced by fascination of class work in the study of Art and Craft back in secondary school and my mother who happens to be a seamstress. While the Art and Craft module exposed me to the early rudiments of patterns, designs, and use of color, having a sewing machine at home made it easy for me to keep trying to change the style of my Sallah clothes each holiday. That was how I taught myself how to sew and have been sewing my clothes since 1998, but I never planned on making a career out of it. Matter of fact, I never saw myself becoming a fashion designer full-time. My dream was to become an educationist and lecture in the university and I have worked towards that since gaining admission into the university by striving to be among the best in my class. I was the best female student in my class. However,at a point I thought of doing the two but along the line, I realized that it was not possible for me and the vision I have cannot be realized if I continue to see my fashion interest as a mere hobby as such. The constant demand for my clothes from family and friends ,that informal attention to details of tailoring at home coupled with my love for originality, artistic work, African fabrics and above all, that of the Abaya, crystallized the passion for garment making that today becomes the bedrock of our business at “AFRIK ABAYA” where we focus on Abaya (The traditional Arabian outfit), Kaftans and Kaftan tops by creatively infusing African fabrics and accessories to give it an African touch.
Q: How did you hear about the Nigerian Student Fashion And Design Week?
Hauwa: Sometime in 2014 around November to be precise, I accidentally came across the NSFDW on the internet. I instantly became interested told myself I should be part of this next year. With that on my mind, I kept checking the website for updates. Around March /April this year, while going through the website as I frequently do, I saw that the registration of designers for this year’s edition has started. I tried registering but encountered some difficulties, I then called the phone number that was there and an application form was sent to me and I registered. That was how this journey began.
Q: You were shortlisted for the Tony Elemulu Entrepreneurship Programme, tell us more about your experience?
Hauwa: The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) as you are aware is an entrepreneurship programme of the Tony Elumelu Foundation that was launched this year. It is aimed at identifying 10,000 African startups and entrepreneurs with ideas that have the potential to succeed in the next ten years. The programme plans to help grow the businesses through business skills training, mentoring, access to seek capital funding, information and membership in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Africa-wide alumni network. It provides the much needed supportive platform to young compelling businesses with strong market feasibility, clear financial models and run by capable teams. I happen to be among the first 1000 that made up the first class (TEEP2015) those that were selected out of the 20,000 that applied. We just completed the twelve weeks online training programme and the Boot camp that took place at Convenant University in Ogun State. The online training and Boot camp were intensive, highly impacting and offered an excellent opportunity for networking with young entrepreneurs from 50 African countries. It gave me the opportunity of meeting other young fashion entrepreneurs from across Africa and we are helping each other. I connected with entrepreneurs from South-Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, Sudan, Madagascar and Mali aside the many that are from all over Nigeria. It was indeed a life changing experience and opportunity. I am glad and proud to be part of it all because the benefits can only be quantified in the long run. As my business is centered on exploring African cultures particularly different African fabrics that represent different cultures across the continent, the networking opportunity on this platform is enormous and will help me greatly. Matter-of-fact, I have already started seeing the impact of it because the NSFDW took place a day after the Sallah celebration, my family and friends from the North couldn’t make it to Lagos to show me support as I showcased, but I did not feel it at all because my TEEP FAMILY were there and one interesting thing was that I have not even met some of them even at the boot camp or via the learning portal before, but the fact that I was a TEEP15 member, they were there an some even invited their friends.. I am still relishing in the euphoria of it all. With the completion of the 12 weeks training, and mentoring. We were able to come up with a comprehensive business plan that was examined and an access to a seed capital. The boot camp gave us the opportunity of having top-class resource persons and established entrepreneurs lecture us. Having the likes of Mr. Tony Elumelu himself, The vice president, Gov.El-Rufai,Mr.Lanre Olusola (The Catalyst),Mr Adewale Ajadi,Sam Nwanze, Mrs.Arunma Oteh, Mo Abudu, Omotola Jalade, Rasheed Olaoluwa of the Bank of Industry and others. It was a once in a lifetime experience that really shaped us and gave us all it takes in moving our businesses, country and Africa forward. It was a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I urge all young aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups especially women to watch out for the next TEEP in 2016 as it will definitely take their businesses to the next level
Q: What made you think up this collection?
Hauwa: Like most of my designs, I was driven by the richness of two cultures, and the quest to merge two fashion trends. Inspired by the way floral patterns are beautifully combined with geometric elements in the Vlisco fabric and some unique fabrics, I thought of creatively incorporating these African fabrics into the traditional middle-eastern fashion trends. Thus, combining modesty, creativity and style. THE AFRIK INVASION celebrates the stylish modest fashionista.
Q: Does African design necessarily involve the infusion of Ankara because we noticed that in your collection?
Hauwa: No, not at all. Africa is diverse and rich in culture. Ankara is not the only African fabric as such African Designs must not be defined by the infusion of only the Ankara fabric. I used the Ankara for this collection and I intend to explore other African Fabrics like the Adire, Kente and many more in my coming collections. Also,Its not only the fabrics that define African designs. So many other things that tell the African story can give a designer the inspiration for a collection. For example, I was fascinated with the last collection from Lanre Da Silva Ajayi where by the inspiration came from the famous “OLUMO ROCK”. Clearly, African designs go beyond the infusion of the Ankara fabric alone.
Q: What determines the “African-ness” of a design?
Hauwa: To me, the African-ness of a design can be determined from the “AFRICAN TOUCH/CONTENT” incorporated into it. The diverse culture of Africa revolves around our numerous life settings from east, west, north and south of the continent, our lives, lifestyle and trends to dynamism of inward and outward, looks and feels are wrapped in grandeur all telling our rich cultural history and showing the ease at which we explore each others culture. Take for instance the ability of Africans irrespective of regional divides to cross-sell their diverse apparel uniqueness to one, another and the world at large. Kente for example is traditionally from Ghana. It is unique and cherished not only in Ghana. It commands a mass appeal around the globe for those who respect and have the desire to uphold African originality.
Q: How does it feel to have emerged as the most creative designer at the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week?
Hauwa: Matter of fact, I am overwhelmed. A feeling of excitement that I just can’t express .The fact that out of the about 30 designers that showcased I was adjudged the most creative. It gives me the encouragement to work harder and remain focused. It has also given me the zeal to go all out and achieve my goals.
Q: What was the most important lesson you learnt as a brand during the show?
Hauwa: The most important lesson I learnt is to always believe in myself and my ideas. When I registered and was preparing for the show, many people tried to discourage me. It was like-What are you going to do in a Fashion show in Lagos? Your designs are not for Lagos. Lagos is not your market, focus on Kano, Kaduna and Abuja! It is not worth the stress, it’s a waste of time energy and resources! But deep inside me, I believed in myself and my ideas. I knew what I wanted, I am fully aware of the path I was threading; I know that my designs can be styled in different ways. A lady in Lagos can style my top without a jean or leggings, a lady in Abuja with a jean and a lady in Kano can wear same top with a skirt and they will all look gorgeous. So also the Abayas. They can be styled in an African way with the Ankara head or the Arabian way with the veil, and a lady can rock the Abaya alone as I demonstrated at the Fashion week. It was a pointer to me that the Nigerian Fashion industry is really thriving and it’s left for us to tap into the gaps as upcoming designers.
Q: What do you think it takes to establish a successful fashion brand in Nigeria?
Hauwa: So many things are involved but looking at the competitive nature of the Fashion industry, I can say that creativity is one. The ability to come up with new ideas .This is necessary because everyday many fashion designers come on board. So, to be successful, the fashion designer should be able to deliver something different, something new and unique, and something that defines that brand and makes it appealing. Also, Mr Kola Kuddus of KOLAKUDDUS COUTURE once said that it takes PLANNING, FOCUS AND PERSEVERVANCE to succeed in the Nigerian fashion industry. In my candid opinion based on my own experience so far, these three words summed it up. With them, a successful fashion brand will surely be established.
Q: Your showcase fee will be fully funded at the African fashion Week Nigeria 2016, how does that make you feel?
Hauwa: I am so excited. It is really interesting and pleasant. In this business lots and lots of factors always interplay. Growing up from the North of the country and being exposed to the elementary rudiments of cloth making then the flairs that comes with nominal classroom art and craft session. I have always understood that my heart desires are not far away from the glorious heights of industry pioneers and pacesetters such as Mrs. Abbah Folawiyyo, Mrs. Bensons, Zizi Cardow ,Tiffany Amber, Deola Sagoe,Lisa Folawiyo,Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and lots of others too numerous to mentioned that lighten up the torch. To be candid, I feel so excited that am being sponsored for such a huge project and it further ignites the passion for excellence in me. I believe my aspirations of following in the footsteps of the above mentioned industry top-notchs is gradually unfolding. I am delighted beyond words knowing I now have the opportunity of showcasing on a bigger and better platform. It is awesome and thanks a million for this wonderful opportunity and all the support and encouragement I am getting.I am proud to be part of NSFDW. AFRIK ABAYA will surely do you proud there!
Hauwa: The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) as you are aware is an entrepreneurship programme of the Tony Elumelu Foundation that was launched this year. It is aimed at identifying 10,000 African startups and entrepreneurs with ideas that have the potential to succeed in the next ten years. The programme plans to help grow the businesses through business skills training, mentoring, access to seek capital funding, information and membership in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Africa-wide alumni network. It provides the much needed supportive platform to young compelling businesses with strong market feasibility, clear financial models and run by capable teams. I happen to be among the first 1000 that made up the first class (TEEP2015) those that were selected out of the 20,000 that applied. We just completed the twelve weeks online training programme and the Boot camp that took place at Convenant University in Ogun State. The online training and Boot camp were intensive, highly impacting and offered an excellent opportunity for networking with young entrepreneurs from 50 African countries. It gave me the opportunity of meeting other young fashion entrepreneurs from across Africa and we are helping each other. I connected with entrepreneurs from South-Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, Sudan, Madagascar and Mali aside the many that are from all over Nigeria. It was indeed a life changing experience and opportunity. I am glad and proud to be part of it all because the benefits can only be quantified in the long run. As my business is centered on exploring African cultures particularly different African fabrics that represent different cultures across the continent, the networking opportunity on this platform is enormous and will help me greatly. Matter-of-fact, I have already started seeing the impact of it because the NSFDW took place a day after the Sallah celebration, my family and friends from the North couldn’t make it to Lagos to show me support as I showcased, but I did not feel it at all because my TEEP FAMILY were there and one interesting thing was that I have not even met some of them even at the boot camp or via the learning portal before, but the fact that I was a TEEP15 member, they were there an some even invited their friends.. I am still relishing in the euphoria of it all. With the completion of the 12 weeks training, and mentoring. We were able to come up with a comprehensive business plan that was examined and an access to a seed capital. The boot camp gave us the opportunity of having top-class resource persons and established entrepreneurs lecture us. Having the likes of Mr. Tony Elumelu himself, The vice president, Gov.El-Rufai,Mr.Lanre Olusola (The Catalyst),Mr Adewale Ajadi,Sam Nwanze, Mrs.Arunma Oteh, Mo Abudu, Omotola Jalade, Rasheed Olaoluwa of the Bank of Industry and others. It was a once in a lifetime experience that really shaped us and gave us all it takes in moving our businesses, country and Africa forward. It was a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I urge all young aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups especially women to watch out for the next TEEP in 2016 as it will definitely take their businesses to the next level
Q: What made you think up this collection?
Hauwa: Like most of my designs, I was driven by the richness of two cultures, and the quest to merge two fashion trends. Inspired by the way floral patterns are beautifully combined with geometric elements in the Vlisco fabric and some unique fabrics, I thought of creatively incorporating these African fabrics into the traditional middle-eastern fashion trends. Thus, combining modesty, creativity and style. THE AFRIK INVASION celebrates the stylish modest fashionista.
Q: Does African design necessarily involve the infusion of Ankara because we noticed that in your collection?
Hauwa: No, not at all. Africa is diverse and rich in culture. Ankara is not the only African fabric as such African Designs must not be defined by the infusion of only the Ankara fabric. I used the Ankara for this collection and I intend to explore other African Fabrics like the Adire, Kente and many more in my coming collections. Also,Its not only the fabrics that define African designs. So many other things that tell the African story can give a designer the inspiration for a collection. For example, I was fascinated with the last collection from Lanre Da Silva Ajayi where by the inspiration came from the famous “OLUMO ROCK”. Clearly, African designs go beyond the infusion of the Ankara fabric alone.
Q: What determines the “African-ness” of a design?
Hauwa: To me, the African-ness of a design can be determined from the “AFRICAN TOUCH/CONTENT” incorporated into it. The diverse culture of Africa revolves around our numerous life settings from east, west, north and south of the continent, our lives, lifestyle and trends to dynamism of inward and outward, looks and feels are wrapped in grandeur all telling our rich cultural history and showing the ease at which we explore each others culture. Take for instance the ability of Africans irrespective of regional divides to cross-sell their diverse apparel uniqueness to one, another and the world at large. Kente for example is traditionally from Ghana. It is unique and cherished not only in Ghana. It commands a mass appeal around the globe for those who respect and have the desire to uphold African originality.
Q: How does it feel to have emerged as the most creative designer at the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week?
Hauwa: Matter of fact, I am overwhelmed. A feeling of excitement that I just can’t express .The fact that out of the about 30 designers that showcased I was adjudged the most creative. It gives me the encouragement to work harder and remain focused. It has also given me the zeal to go all out and achieve my goals.
Q: What was the most important lesson you learnt as a brand during the show?
Hauwa: The most important lesson I learnt is to always believe in myself and my ideas. When I registered and was preparing for the show, many people tried to discourage me. It was like-What are you going to do in a Fashion show in Lagos? Your designs are not for Lagos. Lagos is not your market, focus on Kano, Kaduna and Abuja! It is not worth the stress, it’s a waste of time energy and resources! But deep inside me, I believed in myself and my ideas. I knew what I wanted, I am fully aware of the path I was threading; I know that my designs can be styled in different ways. A lady in Lagos can style my top without a jean or leggings, a lady in Abuja with a jean and a lady in Kano can wear same top with a skirt and they will all look gorgeous. So also the Abayas. They can be styled in an African way with the Ankara head or the Arabian way with the veil, and a lady can rock the Abaya alone as I demonstrated at the Fashion week. It was a pointer to me that the Nigerian Fashion industry is really thriving and it’s left for us to tap into the gaps as upcoming designers.
Q: What do you think it takes to establish a successful fashion brand in Nigeria?
Hauwa: So many things are involved but looking at the competitive nature of the Fashion industry, I can say that creativity is one. The ability to come up with new ideas .This is necessary because everyday many fashion designers come on board. So, to be successful, the fashion designer should be able to deliver something different, something new and unique, and something that defines that brand and makes it appealing. Also, Mr Kola Kuddus of KOLAKUDDUS COUTURE once said that it takes PLANNING, FOCUS AND PERSEVERVANCE to succeed in the Nigerian fashion industry. In my candid opinion based on my own experience so far, these three words summed it up. With them, a successful fashion brand will surely be established.
Q: Your showcase fee will be fully funded at the African fashion Week Nigeria 2016, how does that make you feel?
Hauwa: I am so excited. It is really interesting and pleasant. In this business lots and lots of factors always interplay. Growing up from the North of the country and being exposed to the elementary rudiments of cloth making then the flairs that comes with nominal classroom art and craft session. I have always understood that my heart desires are not far away from the glorious heights of industry pioneers and pacesetters such as Mrs. Abbah Folawiyyo, Mrs. Bensons, Zizi Cardow ,Tiffany Amber, Deola Sagoe,Lisa Folawiyo,Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and lots of others too numerous to mentioned that lighten up the torch. To be candid, I feel so excited that am being sponsored for such a huge project and it further ignites the passion for excellence in me. I believe my aspirations of following in the footsteps of the above mentioned industry top-notchs is gradually unfolding. I am delighted beyond words knowing I now have the opportunity of showcasing on a bigger and better platform. It is awesome and thanks a million for this wonderful opportunity and all the support and encouragement I am getting.I am proud to be part of NSFDW. AFRIK ABAYA will surely do you proud there!
Q: What should people expect from you?
Hauwa: To be a participant at the African Fashion Week is more likened to the center-stage of a global fashion event .Of course, that is exactly what it is to me at the moment. It is an opportunity to roll-out a masterpiece collection. AFRIK INVASION was rolled-out at the NSFDW with lots of mass appeal .Definitely; we are raising the bar with sizzling trends at the AFRICA FASHIION WEEK because it is time to conquer hearts with the uniqueness of AFRIK ABAYA with lots and lots of creative and beautiful designs that are a statement of African grandeur and uniqueness.
Q: What was the highlight of the NSFDW for you?
Hauwa: It was the applause that welcomed the appearance of the first AFRIK ABAYA design unto the runway and the scenario that unfolded backstage .It was amazing. So many people were like- Are you the designer? This is great, This is lovely, Wow! And some people were even congratulating me and saying- AH!e be like say na you start the show proper o. See as people just dey clap for all your designs. Imagine,people began to request for some of the outfits as the models were undressing backstage. It was awesome and I just wished the people that tried to discourage me from coming all the way to Lagos to participate were in that hall at that time. It was a great feeling. It actually gave me the opportunity to understand and appreciate the mass appeal for AFRIKABAYA by Nigerian fashionistas
Q: What are the major challenges you face as an emerging designer?
Hauwa: The challenges faced are not different from those faced by virtually all emerging small businesses in Nigeria. Issues of high cost of production resulting from erratic power supply, international shipping of certain fabrics and accessories that are not available locally and inherent tariffs, as well as quality control and the difficulties that comes with promoting a new brand as well as the lack of access to existing governmental policies to strengthen entrepreneurial dynamics. Issues of high cost of renting shops, finding good tailors and getting them to bring out the designs the way I want them is not easy at all. Also I can say that the issue of “Founder Dependence” is really affecting this business. May be because my workaholic nature is rubbing off on that as I find it difficult to let go off some responsibilities. But Thank God, I am gradually adjusting (smiles).All the same, we are striving to excel.
Q: What should we expect generally from your brand in the nearest future?
Hauwa: My desire was to break away from the norm, do something different and certify my brand with originality and appealing ideas that will always create a memorable impression. Therefore expect more creative designs that rock the jingle bell with lots of “ETHNIC INFUSIONS”.As the name implies-AFRIK ABAYA ,we are definitely going to go all out and explore different African cultures and experiment with them in our designs. AFRIK ABAYA will set a new trend in modesty fashion Nigeria and beyond in the nearest feature.
Q: Words to aspiring designers on the platform of Winasbet NSFDW?
Hauwa: They must understand that their chosen profession is a platform that connects globally, thus what you seek, you find. Aspiring designers must passionately strive for excellence and understand that the Nigerian Fashion Industry is thriving, meaning they must pursue excellence at all times in order to make it. NSFDW gave me the opportunity to reach out to the larger section of Nigerian fashionistas. NSFDW is an excellent platform that promotes new designers. As emerging designers, we need a medium to express and communicate our products and services to the larger part of the Nigerian Fashion Industry. NSFDW is an excellent platform for that. As the Biggest Fashion Week in Nigeria for Student Designers, the NSFDW is not all about the showcase alone. It comes with so many opportunities that are useful to upcoming designers; as such I will urge all aspiring designers on this platform to tap into these opportunities. An important aspect of it is the platform for business and social networking it provides. It connect designers with other emerging and upcoming fashion designers and stylists,marketers,etc.For example, we that participated in this year’s edition, all that were interested were given the opportunity of selling their products on many e-commerce platforms such as Konga, Jumia etc courtesy of NSFDW. Moreover, It it provides a link with the media particularly the fashion journalists as they are important in reaching our targeted customer segments. Therefore,I urge them to utilize the NSFDW platform judiciously and promote their brands.
Hauwa: They must understand that their chosen profession is a platform that connects globally, thus what you seek, you find. Aspiring designers must passionately strive for excellence and understand that the Nigerian Fashion Industry is thriving, meaning they must pursue excellence at all times in order to make it. NSFDW gave me the opportunity to reach out to the larger section of Nigerian fashionistas. NSFDW is an excellent platform that promotes new designers. As emerging designers, we need a medium to express and communicate our products and services to the larger part of the Nigerian Fashion Industry. NSFDW is an excellent platform for that. As the Biggest Fashion Week in Nigeria for Student Designers, the NSFDW is not all about the showcase alone. It comes with so many opportunities that are useful to upcoming designers; as such I will urge all aspiring designers on this platform to tap into these opportunities. An important aspect of it is the platform for business and social networking it provides. It connect designers with other emerging and upcoming fashion designers and stylists,marketers,etc.For example, we that participated in this year’s edition, all that were interested were given the opportunity of selling their products on many e-commerce platforms such as Konga, Jumia etc courtesy of NSFDW. Moreover, It it provides a link with the media particularly the fashion journalists as they are important in reaching our targeted customer segments. Therefore,I urge them to utilize the NSFDW platform judiciously and promote their brands.
Originally published in Complete Fashion
http://completefashion.org/exclusivetocompletefashion-meet-nsfdws-most-creative-designer-of-the-year-2015-miss-hauwa-liman/
