By Azuka Ogujiuba
• Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, Hon. Lola Akande, Kate Henshaw, Kaylah Oniwo, More
Cocktails & Dresses “Made-in-Africa” Movement plus Dressmeoutlet.com officially launched, recently. This marks the maiden edition of the bi-annual fashion exhibition.
The long -awaited fashion exhibition, which has been the outlet’s brainchild from inception, took place at the Grand Ball Room of Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, which was completely ‘revamped’ exclusively for the special event. The space was transformed, literally overnight, by Chronique Events into a fashion exhibition gallery, which showcased high-quality fashion. It had new life breathed into it by both new and also well-known African fashion designers.
The ‘Made-in-Africa’ exhibition was, without a doubt, an addition to the growing fashion industry, showcasing the best of bags, shoes, accessories and beauty products. Cocktails and Dresses fashion industry event is all organised by the “Fashion Amazon of Africa,” Dressmeoutlet.com.
Cocktails & Dresses was hosted by Coolfm OAP, Kaylah Oniwo, while Idia Aisien of Spice TV was the black carpet host. She was looking elegant in a dress by Amarelis and clutch from Mobos Fashion. The black carpet certainly came alive with the likes of Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Hon. (Mrs.) Lola Akande, Mrs Oyinda Ogunsawo, Olatorera Oniru – CEO Dressmeoutlet, Kate Henshaw, Chief Majekodunmi, Stephanie Coker, and many others.
Murray-Bruce reiterated just how the important and worthwhile event was providing people reasons to buy Nigerian products to grow the naira, as well as highlighting its social and economic benefits. Mrs. Lola Akande emphasised the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting made-in-Africa products. Ogunsawo represented the First Lady of Lagos State.
The event received great support from media organisations like Pulse.ng, Spice TV, Silverbird TV, Genevieve Magazine, EbonyLife TV, GuardianLife, Ovation TV, City People, 53 Extra, MyTv Africa, Daily Times, Glam Squad, OnoBello and many more.
Guests enjoyed great music throughout the day, as well as delicious treats by Intercontinental Hotel, Buttercups, Bimbimmz events, and cocktails by Unbeatable Cocktails and signature cocktails from Cointreau. They were also treated to a massage from “TirtaAyu Spa”.
In a nod towards a made-in-Africa fashion, Tiannah Styling, Kiki Kamanu, Trish O’ Couture, Kinabuti, Amarelis, Princess Aisha Turban, Udo Culture, Terre Lagos, Fin Afrik, BimBeads, TWC Accessories, Addict by Pawprint, Xclamations, Ciana Jewelries, Mobos Fashion, MaBello Clothier, Crystal Hair, Lawiza Creations, The Potter’s Signature and Dot Fashions made special creations.
These handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces were sourced entirely from the best manufacturers in Africa.
They are a superbly elegant reminder that Nigerian and African fashion are classy.
Audio docks from Samsung mobile, free exquisite dresses from Trish O Couture and free Ankara-made robes from Udo Culture were given to lucky winners.
Planning has begun for the December edition of Cocktails & Dresses which would be bigger and better with massive publicity and visibility within and outside Africa, and has over 50 creative and innovative designers to shop from.
