Inferno Runway Clarifies Joel Namso Thomas’ Brooklyn Fashion Week Journey

Uyo, Akwa Ibom / New York

Organisers of Inferno Runway and Brendance and Crusader Ltd. have reacted to recent public claims surrounding the international fashion journey of designer Joel Namso Thomas of GIM’S Exclusive.

According to the organisers, recent reports suggested that Joel’s opportunity at Brooklyn Fashion Week came through Uyo Fashion Week and the Arise Runway platform. However, Inferno Runway says public records show that the designer secured the international opportunity after emerging winner of the first season of Inferno Runway.

Inferno Runway, a fashion reality competition created by FE TV HUB in partnership with Brendance and Crusader Ltd., explained that Joel’s Brooklyn Fashion Week appearance was part of the official rewards attached to winning the competition.

The organisation stated that several media reports, including publications by THISDAY and Leadership newspapers, previously confirmed that Joel earned the international showcase through his victory on Inferno Runway. Organisers also pointed to Fashion Week Brooklyn’s official event listing, which reportedly identified GIM’S Exclusive as “winner of Inferno Runway – Africa by FE TV HUB.”

While acknowledging that Joel may have participated in events connected to Uyo Fashion Week, the organisers stressed that appearing on a local runway platform is different from securing an international fashion pathway.

Speaking on the development, creator of Inferno Runway and FE TV HUB, Bob Cal, said it was important for the records to remain accurate.

“We celebrate every platform supporting fashion talents in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, but the truth must remain clear,” he said. “Joel Namso Thomas got the Brooklyn Fashion Week opportunity as winner of Inferno Runway. That international pathway was created through Inferno Runway and our partnership with Brendance and Crusader Ltd.”

The organisers noted that proper recognition matters because several partners, sponsors, and creative stakeholders invested resources into creating opportunities for young Nigerian designers to access international platforms.

Brendance and Crusader Ltd. also explained that Inferno Runway was created to help Nigerian fashion creatives gain global visibility through television, competitions, and international collaborations.

The organisation further called on media outlets, sponsors, and public stakeholders to avoid reports suggesting that Uyo Fashion Week created or secured Joel’s Brooklyn Fashion Week opportunity without acknowledging Inferno Runway.

According to the statement, an accurate description would recognise that Joel Namso Thomas showcased on different platforms locally, but secured the Brooklyn Fashion Week opportunity after winning Inferno Runway.

Inferno Runway organisers added that the platform remains committed to promoting Nigerian and African fashion talents through global partnerships, entertainment projects, and international fashion opportunities.