The event took place on the 22nd June, 2019 at the Whitespace, Ikoyi. In attendance were budding fashion stylists, fashion entrepreneurs, photographers and intending fashion stylists and curators.
We had the honour of hosting seasoned Stylists and Fashion Entrepreneurs; Jane Michael Ekanem, Yolanda Okereke, Daniel Obasi and Tosin Ogundadegbe of Style Infidel, who engaged the participants in one on one sessions where they shared insider knowledge and other vital information as regarding fashion styling and creative direction. Some of the aspects covered include;, commercial and editorial styling, celebrity and personal styling, insights into creative direction for campaigns, content and fashion shows. They were also taught charging ethics and ethics on how to relate and communicate effectively with their clients even in the face of challenges.
Here’s a quick look at our facilitators and their sessions;
The same way you take what you eat seriously, is the same way you should take what you wear seriously – Jane Michael
Jane Michael Ekanem is a household name in the business of fashion styling. She has a wealth of experience which spans over ten years and her clientele includes a list celebrities in the entertainment industry like Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, South Africa’s media personality Bonang Matheba and a host of others. She spoke extensively on the how she has been able to carve a niche for her brand in styling for music videos in the Nigerian music industry.
If you are not passionate, you have no business in the fashion industry- Yolanda Okereke
Yolanda Okereke is a renowned costume designer, fashion stylist and a brand consultant. She has earned her space in the art of costume designing over the years. Blockbuster Nollywood movies like The Wedding Party, King of Boys, Oloture and others. Yolanda spoke passionately about her work in the film industries, she shared how she has been able to achieve success designing and styling for film.
I’m all about the client being happy, no matter the budget, I give it my everything – Tosin Ogundadegbe (Style Infidel)
Tosin Ogundadegbe (Style Infidel) is an award winning stylist whose passion for fashion he describes as a case of Accidental Romance gone Right. The creative consultant and former fashion content writer has tirelessly worked his way from bottom to becoming one of Nigeria’s top fashion’s-go-to editorial stylist and fashion curator. In his session, Tosin maintained that the fashion industry requires those with passion, enthusiasm and intense hunger for success. He recounted his ordeal in his early days as a stylist and how he has remained undeterred in his pursuit for excellence.
I treat styling like a form of activism – Daniel Obasi
Daniel Obasi is a 24 year old Nigerian art director, stylist and photographer whose work is deeply concerned with advancing the scope of African narratives visually. Daniel combines his experience and expertise in photography and styling in telling African stories through fashion and style in his own unique way. His session was quite expository and in-depth. He extensively took the participants through a journey of how to begin as an intending fashion stylist to how they can maintain the uniqueness of their brand. He equally talked about the significant role of passion and dedication in any pursuit. Â
The facilitators in common stressed on the need for the incoming enthusiasts to maintain uniqueness, authenticity as well as originality in their brand. They reiterated the importance of learning and mentorship, advising the participants to look out for mentors who appeals to them and learn so as to fully grasp the hands on experience, skills and expertise required to stand out in the creative direction and styling business. They also did not leave out the significance of humility and tolerance as a virtue for a successful career in fashion styling.
It was indeed a master class worth attending, especially for those who are passionate about creative direction and styling and are seeking first class knowledge how to make a living off their passion. We are certain that our participants had the best time learning from our resource persons.Â
We hope you wouldn’t miss the next edition in case you missed this one!
The Assembly would love to say a big thank you to our supporters; Meet The Models, Style Vitae, Nnoye Udeogu and Kaylah Oniwo,
Follow us on our social media platforms to stay up to date for future Mastering Creative Direction + Fashion Styling events and keep in the loop with everything happening in The Assembly.
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Event Images by John Alechenu for The Assembly
Editorial Images by Deji Haastrup for The Assembly
