This year, the RFC established a global digital competition where fashion designers from various parts of the world could showcase their crafts through various virtual and live streaming platforms. It was a breathtaking experience seeing our community members exhibit their beautiful and outstanding work of art to the world. But it wasn’t a bed of roses for them.
Chioma Ogbudimkpa, Founder of a highly sustainable fashion brand; RedButton was one of the first Creatives in our community to quickly take hold of this opportunity. She was in Moscow, preparing to exhibit her fashion pieces at Mercedes Fashion week when the pandemic struck and crippled all her plans. With the expectation of expanding her client base into Russia, Chioma quickly applied for the competition with a mandate to meet up to five days’ deadline. Regardless, Chioma applied for the competition and emerged one of the winners alongside other trailblazing Nigerian Designers. That wasn’t the end of it, she got selected to work with a top fashion brand for an international fashion film, which gave rise to more opening for partnerships, collaborations and increased demand from customers within and across Russia.
Visuals from Chioma Ogbudimkpa’s Collection
The 2018 winner of Dare 2 Dream, and now Creative Lead of Kwara Fashion week, Abolarinwa Taofeeq Yahaya wasn’t an exception. He is known for his unrelenting efforts and drive towards success. Bola also emerged as one of the winners of the Digital Talent Global competition. He had to work 24hours, day in and day out to ensure he was up and running and ready to deliver.Â
Visuals from Abolarinwa Taofeeq Yahaya’s Collection
In addition to the select number of winners, Chechi transitioned from creating ready-to-wear and delved more into sustainable fashion just before the competition was announced. She got to showcase her work to over 50 countries. Shortly after this, she was featured in Vogue Russia and other international fashion magazines. Â
Visuals from Abolarinwa Chechi Arinze
It’s evident that the key to harnessing a successful career or being recognized globally starts from courageous efforts, it might seem impossible but in reality, it just takes one step. Sometimes these steps surface in the form of challenges, but that’s the essence of being an entrepreneur. Big congratulations to Abolarinwa Taofeeq Yahaya, Chechi Arinze and Chioma Ogbudimkpa.
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