by Yemi Olowu

2012 is coming to an end but while some people are fretting about whether the world is really coming to an end or not, we  at YNaija, as part of our #2012Review  are for getting the future for a bit and looking back at those special moments that happened in the Nigerian fashion scene this year.

Read on, as we give you a list of the 10 memorable fashion moments in Nigeria.

Designer, Roberto Cavalli and Vogue Italia Editor, Franca Sozzani visits Lagos

The Lagos fashion crowd played host to luxury designer, Roberto Cavalli and one of Conde Nast’s most celebrated Editors, Franca Sozzani in January.

They both visited local fashion houses like, Tiffany Amber, Jewel by Lisa and had a glimpse of what the brands in Lagos have to offer. Their visit was a big opportunity for Nigerians, and  many interpreted it as the beginning of a collaboration with an international designer or a feature in Vogue Italia.

Toni Tones’ daring outfit at FAB Night Out

For Fashion photographer, Toni Tones, being behind the camera does not always give one the attention one craves. So when she turned up at an event in a provocative dress, it caused quite a stir.

Seemed she was determined to make a buzz, and where else could she think of, other than a place filled with papz, lovers of pretty dresses and lovers of ladyparts.

The photographer was photographed in a black dress which had most of her chest area and mid-section on display, leaving very little to our imagination. We wonder what Cossy thought about that?

Designer, Folorunsho Alakija was name richest black woman in the world

We don’t know where Venture Magazine got their figures from, but this was good news to the fashion circle when the news broke that designer Folorunsho Alakija was the richest black woman.

Alakija was the president of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and owns the label, Rose of Sharon with people like the late Mariam Babangida on her client list.

Let those who call fashion people airheads be damned!

Terrence & Wana Sambo Vs L’Espace

This could probably be the messiest fashion drama we had this year, it almost never went away – thanks to social media.
Twitter, Blog posts and Blog comment sections played a prominent role in fueling the drama after Wana Sambo felt she was being ripped off for stocking her designs at L’Espace.Her brother took to twitter to discuss the issue and he got several responses from Isoken, the co-owner of the store (L’Espace).

By morning, L’Espace issued a press release, but from the comment observed on various blogs, it was not thought through professionally.  Sambo found out her designs won’t be stocked at the store anymore through the release.

The drama took a different tow, when blogger, Ladun Liadi blogged about it, then the comments went filthy and the blog world was reading about the L’Espace girls’ London life. It was a lot of mess we wished had ended sooner.

Women’s wear designers Funke Ogunde and Akpos Okudu got hitched

Don’t read that the wrong way. Funke Ogunde, owns the label, Phunk Afrique, she got married in a lavished ceremony at the Landmark Event Centre in Oniru, Lagos. The wedding attended by the Lagos fashion circle had guests like Elohor Aisien, Veronica Ebie-Odeka and Shade Okoya to name a few.

On the other hand, Akpos Okudu, owner of eponymous label Akpos Okudu, tied the knot down south in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. She married her beau who she met back in university.
We wish both brides the beauty of a good marriage.

The death of Remi Lagos

It was a very sad day for us, when we woke up to the news that one of Nigeria’s pioneer designers, Remi Lagos had passed away. She lost her battle to cancer and died in a London hospital. Remi was known for her well-tailored Kaftans, which was a big hit in the 90s. She had her last show at the Africa Fashion Week in London. RIP Remi!

 

 

 

Matthew Williamson shows at MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week

International luxury designer, Matthew Williamson, headlined the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week. The British designer closed the show at the finale, bringing his bright and flamboyant designs to the runway.

Jewel by Lisa designs Blackberry cases

We’re used to designers designing iPad or iPhone cases, but design house, Jewel by Lisa took a turn by designing lustful Blackberry cases in prints. The cases unveiled at The Porsche Centre in Lagos was a success.

 

Nigerian designs seen on international red carpets:

 

It is always a joy to see international celebrities spotting designs by our local designers and thankfully we had so many moments of it in 2012.
From Carrie Underwood in Tsemaye Binite, Thandie Newton in Jewel By Lisa, to Solange Knowles in Maki Oh.

 

 

 

Tyra Banks covers Arise Magazine

For the Top 100 Women issue of Arise Magazine, super model/ media mogul, Tyra Banks, leads the way as cover model for the Nigerian owned publication.  The monochromatic shoot was photographed in New York.