Is there any way to talk about the Nigerian fashion industry circa 2014 to date without talking about the phenomenal strides our modelling industry has made? There is the birth of several modelling agencies, most prominently of which is Bolajo Fawehimi’s Few Models. This is of course, not forgetting Fowler Models, Zahara Models and Pearl Modelling agencies. These new agencies join veteran agencies like Oluchi Orlandi’s O’ Models, Elohor Aisien’s Beth Model Africa and Joan Okorodudu’s Isis Models, widening the possibilities and expanding the specifications for what is considered beautiful.
This year has also seen several local models gain rapid international success. Mayowa Nicholas, Nneoma Anosike and Moyin Arowoshola (who we profiled here) have dominated runways across the world breaking the stereotype that African models are usually itinerant people who need a benevolent western gaze to show their true potential as models.
This is why it is also so important that the Vogue Italia spotlight on the Nigerian modelling industry as the new source of beauty on international runways is written by a person of colour, Declan Eytan. His article touches many of the relevant people in the industry and gives a fairly expansive introduction to anyone unfamiliar with our industry. Here are our favourite quotes.
Nigeria’s models have the potential to establish careers across Milan, Paris and New York. Obtaining a visa for models often forms a major obstacle however, which could be facilitated with the support of a partnering agency in the West. In short, there would be no better time to start building bridges than now.
Truer words have never been said. To read the full article, go here.