Vanessa Obioha
When twin brothers Daniel and Joshua Asiegbunam set out to revolutionise the Teens’ Ministry of Redeem Christian Church of God [RCCG] City of David Parish, through fashion, they did not anticipate the huge impact the fashion show will have on the teens. They simply wanted to do something that will stand the teens out. With the help of other likeminded teens, they came up with the Genesis Fashion Show where the teens model decency on the runway.
“We wanted to change the modern-day concept that fashion has to be too revealing.We wanted to prove that there could be beauty in decency,†they said.
Now in its fourth year, the show has recorded impressive achievement beyond its initial plan. Among the teens today are fashion designers whose works are being appreciated by the public. One of such success stories is that of Josephine Alabi who has been designing on the platform for two years.
There is also SisanDaibo who won the 2012 God’s Children Great Talent competition-another initiative of the church. For her, she never believed that she possesses designing skills, let alone have people wear her designs. She was stunned when people demanded for her services. She also said that the fashion event has changed her perspective towards fashion.
The Genesis Fashion Show did more for Stephanie Akhigbe. The very shy teen said through the platform she’s been able to overcome her extreme bashfulness.
For the organisers, these are all good testimonies that their work has not been in vain.
“We want to promote positive self-image in the teens. Genesis Fashion Show is now a platform to groom young entrepreneurs . All the teens are involved in each stage, from the graphics to the runway.No one is left out.â€
“We are building a family and making sure that we stay connected to our collective goal, that is promoting decency in fashion,†added Daniel.
The fourth edition tagged ‘Identity’ will take place tomorrow, December 18 at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s edition is coming with huge anticipation from the public due to the tremendous feat previous editions have recorded. The organisers expect a larger number of participants. The 2016 edition witnessed an encouraging audience of over one thousand.
There will also be fashion designs Masterclass with Ejiro Amos-Tafiri, Tara Koko [THOD BESPOKE], Peter Adebayo among others. The event as usual will also create great avenue for budding young entrepreneurs who have flair for fashion, modelling, photography,media, videography, graphic designs among other related vocations.
The organizers have already embarked on designers selection/screening of designs,model casting/audition and coaching under the watchful eyes of creative expertise of Mai Atafo among other participating prominent designers.
