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By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
The annual Lagos Fashion Week, sponsored by Heinkenen and produced by Style House Files, is back again this October! As one of the most prestigious fashion weeks on the continent, a fashion designer’s collection debuting on its runway is no small feat. LFW has a knack for attracting big names, as the likes of Vogue, Business of Fashion, Vanity Fair, 49th Street and Okay Africa, are a few of the publications usually onsite. So if a designer can score a spot to unveil its collection, then they are definitely a step closer to achieving their very likely dream of becoming a household name. There are however some requirements for showcasing a collection during the fashion week. First, the designer should be a registered business and must have been in business for at least 2 years. Another important criterion is there must be evidence that the designer has stockists, produces collections for sale in-store, or offers made-to-measure services. While these two requirements can make it difficult for an emerging designer who is yet to find their footing, for a notable platform as successful as LFW, this mandatory checklist is reasonable. Nevertheless, the organisers are aware that sometimes talents need a boost, a platform, a programme. That’s where their Green Access Programme comes in.
In 2018, Lagos Fashion Week teamed up with Style House Files to create a skill discovery initiative called “Green Access”. Green Access serves as a fashion accelerator initiative, dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging designers while championing a renewed focus on the core values of resource efficiency, biodegradability, longevity, and recyclability. This program is designed to not only nurture the creativity of young designers but also to instil in them the essential principles that should guide the entire process of fashion design and production. Its mission goes beyond mere mentorship, as it spearheads a vital shift in the industry’s paradigm. As it empowers young designers, it also imparts the knowledge and ethos required to reimagine the entire lifecycle of clothing.
In essence, The Green Access programme embodies the era of sustainable and circular fashion across the continent. Following a rigorous selection process, the spotlight shines on the chosen 5 finalists and this marks a pivotal moment in the finalists’ fashion journey. These exceptional talents will be unveiled, and they will be poised to step onto a transformative path. The announcement not only celebrates their creative prowess but also signifies a significant shift in their careers as they will be invited to workshops facilitated by stakeholders in the industry.
The best part is your collection stands a chance to strut down the Lagos Fashion Week runway. Green Access designers are given a remarkable challenge: to craft pieces that embody sustainable ideals like zero waste and up-cycling. Their visionary creations find their ultimate stage at the Lagos Fashion Week runway, where a collective Green Access show unfolds.
This year, the Green Access programme is back again with its fifth edition. So maybe you’ve got talent, skill and craftsmanship but haven’t been successful at getting through the door. This is your opportunity to enchant an audience, network, be part of a mentorship enterprise, learn about brand building and ultimately, build your career as a fashion designer. Previous winners and finalists include Lu Adesola of Lulla House, Themba Shezi of Heru Shezi, Desirée Iyama of Desirée Iyama, Oyindamola Aleshinloye of Kadiju, along with Funke Ola, Ijeoma Jibunoh & Abisose Ola of FIA.
Application for the programme closes on the 23 of August 2023. Be a part of the Green Access programme by clicking here.
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