June, 22nd, 2012

LAGOS NYC STELLA McCARTNEY & BURBERRY I, TSEMAYE BINITIE, ARISE

“Arriving in Lagos, we were whisked to our hotel and show venue by the Federal Palace Lagos, is the most luxurious and as we got closer you could see the huge tents that had been constructed to house the shows, designers, collections and models. After an hour wait to be checked in and h anded our passes it was straight to our rooms, first call for me was to jump on my bed as you do when you are in a five star hotel. A quick regroup and it was straight to the tents to meet the team that was to help us put on the spectacle that was the 2^nd annual I have to say, it was an immense production, as we walked to the tents its slowly dawned on us the scale of the production, we were greeted by the production direc tor and an army of stylists, models, make-up artists, dressers and assistants all eager to make our stay and show as smooth as can be. Two days in to the newly extended schedule and it was d-day for Tsemaye, time to show the waiting crowd of press and admirers alike what he had been working on.”

“Throughout the day we were on high alert, selecting models and having final last minute fittings for the show which was scheduled to go on at 7pm. There was a huge selection of international and home grown models to choose from. Running around the production tent trying to select Tsemaye’s favourites bringing together an army of girls that best represented the Labels essence of a ‘modern icon of strength beauty and glamour’ We had great girls, topmodels Oluchi Orl andi, Georgie Badiel and Ojy Okpe mixed in with new faces like Tatiana, Marvis and Jing ma. We were set, well not before Tsemaye gave the girls a run through and little ‘pep’ talk, “you are amazing, every man wants you and every woman wants to be you! Go out there be natural feel the moment and give me drama!” With that Georgie walks out in a h and embroidered silk organza jumpsuit and it was show time! The energy was great, the show was late but t was electric. Ten minutes later it was over, Tsemaye takes his bow as he has done every season wearing a white shirt with his sister and CEO by his side to award his AW12 collection.

 

 

The last day of shows was followed by the Re Bahia, Nnkwo, Maki Oh, Bridget Awosika, Jewel by Lisa, Tiffany Amber, Maatano, William Okpo, Eki Orleans, Jacob Kimmie and Tsemaye Binitie win Womenswear designer of the year, Maki Oh – designer of the year, Georgie Badiel – model of the year, Oluchi Orl andi – style Icon of the year, Temple Muse – br and of the year and

Tsemaye Binitie named one of five designers to look out for by industry website Fashion etc. This heralded a successful show season for the budding designer who started his own label two years ago after a stint at Stella McCartney and Burberry. Tsemaye Binitie was subsequently invited to Lagos by Nduka Obaigbena to show as part of a collective at its New York fashion week offering. Tsemaye Binitie obviously jumped at the chance, Tsemaye Binitie s tory told us how his journey towards success was a thrill.

La SS12

L’Édi tor