Nigeria Fashion Council

Summary

Nigeria Fashion Council is a platform for Nigeria fashion brands; an independent organisation created by and for the Nigeria fashion industry with the purpose of bringing together, supporting, promoting and growing Nigerian fashion, particularly homegrown talent who are ready to expand across borders, but lack the opportunity to do so.

History

Founded as a special interest group for Nigerian fashion, not-for-profit organisation Nigeria Fashion Council by a group of pioneering designers, industry leaders, and cultural advocates as a unifying body that would represent the interests of fashion professionals across the country. The founding of the council marked a significant moment in the evolution of the Nigerian fashion landscape, signaling a collective move towards greater organization, advocacy, and recognition on both a national and global scale.

The early years of the Nigeria Fashion Council were characterized by significant outreach and engagement with various stakeholders to establish a solid foundation for its activities. Key initiatives during this period included building partnerships with government bodies to advocate for policy support and reaching out to educational institutions to develop programs that would nurture future talent. This groundwork was essential in creating pathways for young designers and artisans, offering them the tools needed to not only enter but excel in the competitive fashion industry. The council’s early focus on capacity-building and education laid the framework for a sustainable and impactful fashion ecosystem in Nigeria.

As the council gained momentum, it expanded its role to include organising and hosting events that showcased Nigerian fashion on both local and international stages. The Nigeria Fashion Council spearheaded collaborations with other fashion councils and organizations around the world to promote Nigerian designers, facilitating their participation in global fashion weeks and exhibitions. These efforts played a pivotal role in elevating Nigeria’s status in the global fashion scene, as designers who showcased their work gained opportunities to collaborate with international fashion houses and gain visibility. The council’s promotion of diverse and authentic representations of Nigerian fashion helped reshape global perceptions and open doors for more cross-cultural partnerships.

Over the years, the NFC has continuously adapted its strategies to meet the changing dynamics of the fashion industry. This has included advocating for sustainable practices and supporting designers in adopting eco-friendly and ethical production methods. By aligning its activities with global fashion trends and sustainable development goals, the council has ensured that Nigerian fashion remains innovative and relevant. The council’s commitment to inclusivity and representation has also strengthened the industry, making it more reflective of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. Today, the Nigeria Fashion Council stands as a symbol of progress and resilience, contributing significantly to the growth and recognition of the country’s fashion industry.

Ultimately, the council aims to promote and establish Nigeria fashion as a cultural and economic asset. This is achieved through support for young and established Nigerian talent. Nigeria’s fashion industry is evolving into a more serious contender in Africa’s leadership race. This is evident in the metamorphosis of fashion retail despite African designers lacking many of the resources available to fashion designers in Europe and America. The council is doing everything to promote and support talent and deal with issues such as unpredictable electricity supply, limited shipping infrastructure and volatile currencies while designers from Nigeria are connecting with consumers in international markets by putting their cultures front and centre.

Vision

The vision of Nigeria Fashion Council is to create a dynamic and thriving fashion industry that stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural and economic development. By fostering robust partnerships with corporate entities, government bodies, educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and community networks, the council seeks to amplify opportunities for designers and industry professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that the industry benefits from a well-rounded support system that drives growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The council envisions Nigeria’s fashion sector as a beacon of creativity and talent that can compete on an international stage while showcasing the country’s rich heritage and modern ingenuity.

In addition to growth and visibility, the Nigeria Fashion Council aspires to establish a sustainable ecosystem where fashion contributes to the nation’s economic landscape. Through strategic partnerships, the council plans to create pathways that support training, mentorship, and access to resources that empower designers and industry players. This vision extends to promoting policies and practices that make the fashion industry more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that every level of talent can contribute to and benefit from its expansion. Ultimately, the Nigeria Fashion Council aims to position the country’s fashion sector as a key player in the global market, reflecting the unique narratives and potential of Nigerian creativity.

Mission

The mission of Nigeria Fashion Council is to drive the growth and global recognition of Nigeria’s fashion industry by fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and advocating for sustainable practices. The council is committed to supporting designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs by providing them with access to resources, training, and professional development. Through educational programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, the council aims to equip industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive global market.

Additionally, the Nigeria Fashion Council is focused on building partnerships with corporate, governmental, and community stakeholders to create a comprehensive support network for the fashion industry. By collaborating with these entities, the council seeks to advocate for policies that promote fair practices, sustainability, and ethical standards. This mission not only aims to enhance the local industry’s infrastructure but also to project Nigerian fashion as a major cultural and economic force on the global stage. Through these combined efforts, the council envisions a resilient, inclusive, and globally respected fashion ecosystem that contributes to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Services

Nigeria Fashion Council provides national and international platforms for Nigerian fashion designers and brands to showcase their talent through impactful fashion initiatives such as Lagos Fashion Week, Lagos Showrooms and Nigeria Fashion Awards. Lagos Fashion Week is a fashion platform that drives the Nigerian and ultimately, the African fashion industry, by showcasing Nigeria’s established and emerging designers’ current collections to buyers, consumers and the media at a four-day event in Lagos.

“We looked inward and saw the best of ourselves, our own models, our own aesthetic, our own stories, and [Lagos Fashion Week] put all that on our own runway,” author Godson Ukaegbu told Business Of Fashion. Lagos Showrooms provides a unique opportunity for a curated group of Nigerian designers to promote themselves outside Lagos. The pop-up showroom is a strategic element of the council’s support and mentoring scheme and the final decision as to who gets included in the project is at its discretion. Finally, the annual Nigeria Fashion Awards showcases Nigerian designers and present awards to those who have made the most outstanding contributions.

References

• Official website Nigeria Fashion Council
• Africa’s Powerhouse Is Rewriting the Fashion Week Playbook BoF
• Twitter profile of Nigeria Fashion Council Twitter
• Meet the young designers shaking up sustainable fashion in Africa Vogue Business
• Facebook profile of Nigeria Fashion Council Facebook
• Lagos Fashion Week Carves Out Space For The African Fashion & Beauty Industry Essence
• Six Best Shows From Lagos Fashion Week Vogue
• Instagram profile of Nigeria Fashion Council Instagram
• 8 times African fashion ruled in 2022 OK Africa
• 10 Brands You Need to Know From Lagos Fashion Week Elle
• Street Style Vogue
• LinkedIn profile of Nigeria Fashion Council LinkedIn