the new face of ankara

On sunday the 22nd of February i was rudely shaken from my dreams of  student-friendly ankara prices - at least, not if i wanted the latest designs which everyone who was anyone was rocking. 

There was a new wax in town, and a bunch of us drove down in our effortlessly chic ensembles to witness the unveiling of this Vlisco wax; the one that was sure to establish levels in the formerly equal-fingered world of ankara buying. 

with prices at 45 euros for every 6yard roll, i sat at the invitation-only Urban Beat fashion event and began to dream anew - this time, of maybe someday being able to afford a wardrobe full of the good stuff...

an hour into the publicized start time, we arrived at the Expo Center and were chased down by the tireless paps who we tried without fail to dodge (wink). you woulda thought we were late, but typically we were naija-time early-birds. Next time come three hours late if you plan to be fashionablé (say that with a french accent - so much more trés chic... fine, i give up!).

(no, i am not in this shot.not cool enough, it seems. sob.)

A little air-kissing here, some more socializing there, even more scrutinizing of the best and worst dressed way over there and it was finally time to start. There was mention of beard lust somewhere in my vicinity which suitably appalled me (hint, hint!), and then it was lights, camera, fashion!

The host, TV presenter and TW magazine editor Adesuwa Onyenokwe came out in the fabulousity that comes from being dressed by two of Nigeria's finest.

now, i took the pictures so please excuse the somewhat lack of professionalism.

left: design by Jewel By Lisa

right: design by Odio Mimonet

Adesuwa was serenaded by Timi Dakolo, winner of the West African Idol competition, whose shirt was also of the celebrated Vlisco fabric.

Vlisco had shortlisted designers to compete in its Urban Beat Designers' Competition, and as such the show started with a display of their collections, followed by the announcement of a winner.

All the designers that partook in the event worked exclusively with fabric from the Vlisco collection.

a few key pieces from the budding designers:

here, some very traditional designs with 'twists' barely worth the mention.

i personally liked the one in the middle for its classy 'chic-ness'.

here, edgier pieces. i liked that they were daring, especially as there was a prize on the line.

these i think were the audience's best picks... or maybe just mine. They did go absolutely gaga over the dress on the left... but sadly, these are my pictures and i didn't do the designs justice.

Next, Nigeria's finest displayed their Vlisco-inspired collections, but here's where i rest my fingers.. for now. i shall go hunting for clearer pictures of their stunning designs, and would hopefully soon be able to share them.

In the meantime, dream the Vlisco dream with me...

the winner of the Vlisco Urban Beat Designers' Competition, who went home with A customised designer workshop, 2 return-tickets to Europe (where exactly, it didn't say), and a FATE Foundation entrepreneurship program, which all 5 finalists also got.