By Yemisi Suleiman
Three emerging designers, Obinna Omeruo, Felix Asuquo, and Sophie Chamberlain last Sunday at The Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, moved from obscurity to fame, when they emerged winners of the Design For The Stars competition at the first-ever, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) Runway Show, the second event from the 8-day lineup of events for the eighth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Selected from hundreds of entries for the competition, the young designers worked to create unique collections displayed at the show. They were coached by some of Nigeria’s biggest designers; Lanre Da Silva Ajayi of Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Mai Atafo of ATAFO and Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture.
The event saw nine finalists; Amy Aghomi, Azeezat Alawusa, Ezioghene Egbelefiyo, Felix Asuquo, Ikechukwu Nwosu, Obinna Omeruo, Omowunmi Pillot, Oseluese Okpamen, and Sophie Chamberlain showcase colourful, vibrant collections in avant garde, red carpet and punk designs for men and women.
However, Obinna Omeruo, Felix Asuquo, and Sophie Chamberlain were selected as winners by judges; Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Denola Grey, Idia Aisien and Stephanie Coker. The trio also clinched most of the votes from the audience for their exceptional talent and creativity, walking home with N5 million each.
One of the high points of the night was the presentation of the Pepsi Street Style collection by the contestants. Pepsi, tactical sponsors of the AMVCAs, rewarded the winners of this segment; Obinna Omeruo and Sophie Chamberlain, with N1 million each, bringing their total grand prize to N6 million each.
Another highlight of the evening was the showcase of unique, and show-stopping hairstyles by Lush Hair ambassadors which included award-winning, Afropop singer, Yemi Alade and popular media personality, Denrele Edun.
Guests were also entertained by urban afro pop duo, Ajebo Hustlers, and treated to a spectacular performance by the defunct R&B pop group, Styl Plus, who, came together for the night, getting the audience on their feet with some of their favourite hit songs.
The show according to Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola, this year’s show is “taking the competition further, putting the spotlight on fashion in acknowledgement of its pivotal role at the AMVCAs and its role in the African film industry in general.”
