Front-row seats were reserved for editors, stylists and friends of the designer, but that didn't stop crashers from grabbing seats like they were Louboutins at a sample sale. The celebrities in attendance caused a bit of a frenzy among the photographers. Some guy claiming to be a casting director was creeping on a woman too naive to know better.
The show started ridiculously late, but once it did, audible gasps of delight were heard every time a model walked down the runway in a particularly brilliant outfit. The designer walked out at the end, waving and bowing to applause. Then it was over. People collected their things and headed over to another tent for another show.
Yep, it was all pretty typical. Except the fashion shows that took place duringARISE Magazine Fashion Week weren't typical at all. They were exceptional.
Designed to compete with and complete the world's global fashion weeks, the shows took place in Lagos, Nigeria, from the March 10-13 at the Federal Palace Hotel. Some of Africa's top designers spent those three days showcasing their collections for Fall and the festivities concluded with the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week (AMFW) Awards, where it was revealed that designers Tsemaye Binitie, Jewel by Lisa, Bunmi Koko, Kluk CGTDand Pierre-Antoine Vetterello would represent Africa at the AMFW Gala in New York on Sept. 14, 2011, during New York Fashion Week.
While we loved too many collections to mention, the best part of AMFW weren't the clothes but the environment. Being in a room of predominately black females of different shades, sizes and ages was gratifying. BV on Style had a great time style-stalking some of the lovely ladies (and gents) who attended the events.
The ARISE Magazine Fashion Week wasn't just a celebration of Africa's talented designers; it was a celebration of the beauty of women and diversity. In an industry where minorities are still grossly underrepresented, it was nice to see so many models of color walking down a runway and WORKING it!
We applaud them for showcasing the talent coming from Africa. Check out the hottest runway and audience looks in the gallery below.
How adorable is this dress? We love the lace and pink, the brooch and the nude shoes. The whole outfit screams "ladies who lunch". Not to mention how stunning model and AMFW's New Face of the Year winner Chika is.
Johnny Nunez, WireImage
ARISE Magazine Fashion Week Style Stars
How adorable is this dress? We love the lace and pink, the brooch and the nude shoes. The whole outfit screams "ladies who lunch". Not to mention how stunning model and AMFW's New Face of the Year winner Chika is.
New brand Jo Black Craze was a hit with everyone. The guys were impressed with the preppy looks sent down the runway (think Gossip Girl's Nate Archibald but with more swagger) while the ladies were impressed with the male models!
With looks that would make any Victoria Beckham or Calvin Klein fan happy, Binitie's collection will definitely be a hit with those who believe less is more.
The makeup artist also went the traditional (and orange route) with her outfit.
Her skirt and the end of her sleeves are made from ankara, a fabric that's a staple in West Africa and has grown in popularity among celebrities like Solange Knowles and Fergie.
