Iyanga: When fashion meets diplomacy, culture

Iyanga, a fashion and cultural diplomacy event embeded in creativity and art, held at the International Conference Centre penultimate Saturday.  The event which was organised to give Nigerians a Chinese fashion experience was inspired by the need to create a platform for Nigerian fashion and beauty entrepreneurs. According to Oghome Emembo, brain behind the initiative, […]

Iyanga, a fashion and cultural diplomacy event embeded in creativity and art, held at the International Conference Centre penultimate Saturday. 

The event which was organised to give Nigerians a Chinese fashion experience was inspired by the need to create a platform for Nigerian fashion and beauty entrepreneurs.

According to Oghome Emembo, brain behind the initiative, the idea behind Iyanga is for practitioners to be inspired by Chinese designs and also, suggest ways of adapting them into Nigerian local textile and domesticating them to suit the Nigerian fashion culture.

The event which targeted the Chinese community and other diplomats, based in Nigeria, was put together to communicate and showcase ways by which designers can use fashion to achieve their diplomatic goals during the process of social interaction in Nigeria.

Chinese models paraded no less than 35 outfits ranging from knee length dresses to dinner gowns and corporate clothing. 

A model dressed in Chinese blouse with Nigerian George as traditionally worn by women from Southern Nigeria with matching headgear, was used to showcase fashion diplomacy and culture exchange and fusion. 

“The event is an annual one which will continue to add value to Nigeria’s thriving fashion industry,” Emembo said.