Fashion is one huge contributor of economic growth for any country
and/or region if the right things and structures are in place. Take for
example,
Milan, regarded as the current fashion capital
of the world has major fashion houses labels such as Versace, Gucci,
Armani, Valentino, Prada, Moschino and Missoni headquartered in the
city. This greatly contribute to its economy. The United States of
America enjoys about 25% of its GDP through fashion alone! Arguably,
China, the world's biggest fashion land mine "is a rapidly growing
consumer market and more companies are looking for ways to develop
marketing, branding and communication that is relevant to Chinese
consumers." [SOURCE:
marketingtochina.com].
From the foregoing, Africa, particularly the West African region could
enjoy attendant benefits of fashion given the raw talent and creativity
available, moreso the continent is overly blessed with mineral and human
resources. Again, with the right structures in place, West Africa and
extension could be a fashion "land mine" just like China.
OBJECTIVES OF ECOWAS FASHION WEEK 2014Being
the maiden edition, the organisers of ECOWAS FASHION WEEK will seek to
cash in on the growing African fashion market, especially the West
African region. ECOWAS-governed region is comprised of fifteen (15)
countries, namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire,
Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria,
Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The objectives of the upcoming fashion
week will be to:
- To revive the African culture through fashion.
- To promote the dignity of womanhood.
- To open new windows of business opportunities.
- To encourage indigenous fashion designers.
- To redefine fashion shows by showcasing other fashion accessories.
Encouraging the exportation of local designs in the region.
This
will be the focal point and preoccupation of organizers of ECOWAS
FASHION WEEK who are desirous of making impact during the fashion week
coming up in August, 2014. Talks are ongoing with buyers who will be
expected to grace the fashion week.
ATTENDANT BENEFITS OF ECOWAS FASHION WEEKThe average African youth is known for their vibrant and entrepreneurial spirit especially if in an enabling environment.
Apart
from the chrematistic gains of ECOWAS FASHION WEEK in the region, one
other key benefit will be the entrepreneurial engagement of youths
across the 15 countries. Young fashion creatives in designing,
manufacturing, makeup artistry, styling, media, PR, photography, and
beauty segments will be brought on board.
Secondly, as
mentioned earlier, organisers of ECOWAS FASHION WEEK are partnering with
top buyers who will be exposed to the raw ingenuity of these fashion
creatives.
Thirdly, awards and recognitions like
"Lifetime Achievement Award" and The "ECOWAS Young Designer of the Year"
will be given to designers who have contributed immensely in the area
of fashion and most outstanding upcoming designer respectively. Being a
yearly event, this will spur healthy competitiveness among young
upcoming designers in the ECOWAS region to put in originality in their
work.
Finally, one other critical benefit when ECOWAS
FASHION WEEK kicks off is it will put Africa on the world map thereby
attracting mainstream investors in the region.
CONCLUSIONBilled to take place between 22nd to 24th August 2014, ECOWAS FASHION WEEK will be holding at the ultramodern, world-class
Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Studio24 is the event planner. World Press Conference with major sponsors will hold in Lagos and is expected in July 2014.
For more on
ECOWAS FASHION WEEK 2014, visit
www.ecowasfashionweek.com
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