EU To Sponsor Nigerian Fashion Designer Kadiju To Madrid Fashion Week

The European Union (EU) is sponsoring a young Nigerian fashion designer to this year’s Madrid Fashion week holding in September,

This is the prize for winning the 2023 Europe Day Afro-Euro Runway fashion show held in Abuja at the weekend.

The young Nigerian, Oyindamola Aleshinloye, with the brand name “Kadiju” would be in Madrid being the winner of the maiden edition of the Fashion Show organised by EU.

Aleshinloye was declared winner from among the seven finalists who had emerged from 124 young Nigerian designers who sent in their entries.

According to the judges, the winner was picked using the five components of the theme of the competition, namely: Interpretation of Afro-Euro fusion; Creativity; Execution; Cohesiveness and Presentation; and Story-telling.

Samira Mohammed a.k.a Sultana came second, Oluchi George a.k.a Malite was 3rd; and Happiness Miwori a.k.a Jasmineafrik came 4th.

The first to third runner up went home with different prizes.

Speaking earlier, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and West Africa, Ms. Samuela Isopi, said that the Afro-Euro initiative had identified talents.

According to her, fashion is the culture and innovation is needed in the fashion industry.

“2023 is the European year of skills. So this will bring about skills and innovation in the fashion industry for young people,” she said.

She added that the fashion runway showcased both African and European designs which have promoted both continents’ cultural and fashion diversity.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja