Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017: Supporting The Dreams Of Tomorrow’s Fashion Professionals
In light of Vlisco’s fashion facilitation system, Vlisco aims to develop and support upcoming tailors and designers to become established professionals through various initiatives. The Vlisco Fashion Fund supports designers in starting and strengthening their own fashion businesses. By applying for the VFF, fashion designers had a chance to win NGN 2,000,000 and a masterclass.
The Fashion Fund is one of the Vlisco initiatives that invests in the African fashion industry, empowering women and young entrepreneurs, creating a platform that connects Africa’s fashion talent and creativity with the knowledge and activities of Vlisco in the African and global fashion world.
The Vlisco heritage is quite unlike any other. Since 1846, Vlisco has been creating unique textiles known as Wax Hollandais, or Dutch Wax. These textiles are cherished for their distinctive designs, colours and wax effects. A special wax process, which originates from elaborate batik techniques, ensures that every centimeter of fabric is truly unique. Vlisco is the only brand still creating authentic Dutch Wax today. Each of our fabrics stands as an enduring mark of true Dutch craftsmanship.
Five hundred applicants submitted their portfolio, CV and business plan between October 23rd and November 3rd. In the first round, 40 selected applicants were invited for an interview. For the second round, 3 of the 40 were selected and given the assignment to make business and cocktail outfits using Vlisco fabrics. The outfits were worn by models and presented to the jury. The six jury members are noted professionals from different areas of the African fashion industry: Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi – LDA, Joan Ibuzo – House of Marie, Afua Osei – She Leads Africa, Dotun Akande – Vlisco Ambassador/Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Mr. Uche – Fashion Illustrator and Mr. Ethan – Fashion Illustrator.
After careful deliberation, the judges chose Oluwakayode Etti as the winner of Vlisco’s Fashion Fund 2017. Though Etti initially dreamt of becoming a singer, he developed an interest in fashion at an early age and sketched and painted dresses which he later developed when he became a fashion designer. Since 2017, Etti started his own label called Skentele by Etti, an Afrocentric fashion brand dedicated to portraying African designs, mixed with western styles for global acceptance. The brand is gradually making its stand in the Nigerian fashion scene.
Here are the pictures from the event:
