Business
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2023: Celebrating Style, Innovation, and Creativity
The highly anticipated GTCO Fashion Weekend is set to take centre stage this weekend, bringing together the world of fashion, style, and creativity in a show of unparalleled glamour.
Organized by the renowned Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has become a hallmark event in both the local and global fashion calendar. This year’s edition promises to offer a valuable opportunity for hundreds of local fashion enterprises to tap into new markets, and position themselves for sustained growth.
In addition, the 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend will feature series of masterclasses led by esteemed experts from the fashion industry.
These masterclasses, made for entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts, will provide valuable insights into building and sustaining fashion brands in the present and future. The event will also maintain the highly anticipated Runway Show, showcasing a curated collection of bold and captivating fashion statements by Africa’s finest alongside global brands.
Here are some of the designers to look out for this weekend: –
DUABA SERWA
Duaba Serwa is renowned for creating luxurious style lines that cater to the woman who prefers understatements. Duaba’s garments are made for comfort and simplicity, with harmonious lines reinforced by a bold palette of colours and fine materials.
Duaba Serwa has become synonymous with origami folds, triangular pleating and smock work made from luxurious silks and handwoven fabrics, tie-dyes and batiks.
A dress by Duaba Serwa was worn by Michaela Coel on the cover of Vanity Fair’s Annual Hollywood issue in February 2021, which reiterated what the Duaba Serwa brand embodies: Slow Fashion, Sustainably Made, High-End.
The global textiles juggernaut VLISCO handpicked Duaba Serwa to design a collection for their quarterly international campaign. The work was so well received, Duaba designed the subsequent 2 collections for them. The culmination of years of consistent work happened in 2022 when Duaba co-created a gown with academy award winning actress Lupita Nyongo for Ms Tina Knowles’s wearable Art Gala.
TORLOWEl
TORLOWEl, a luxury ready-to-wear brand with a lingerie-inspired touch was founded by Patience when she embarked on her journey in 2006 in Brussels, founding Patience Torlowei BVBA, specializing in bridal wear. Within two years, the brand was supplying wedding and cocktail dresses to six European countries, all crafted in her Belgian garage.
Recognizing a need for wedding lingerie, in 2008, TORLOWEI expanded its offerings. Fast forward to 2014, Patience’s masterpiece, “The Esther dress,” joined the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington DC, making history as the first couture piece from the National Museum of African Art.
TORLOWEI’s creations have adorned dignitaries like Ghanaian First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and notable figures such as DJ Cuppy Otedola, Naomi Campbell, and many more. This trailblazing brand became the first black-owned label in Harrods’ lingerie section and is also available at McMullen in California.
BRUCE AND GLEN
Bruce and Glen share a lifelong love for fashion, even before they knew what to call it. Their formal journey into the world of fashion started at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Here, they delved into the business of fashion, discovering the fundamentals of merchandising, the concept that the fashion figure is 9 heads tall, and the art of pattern drafting. Glen specialized in fashion merchandising and business marketing, while Bruce pursued his passion for fashion design.
Their resume boasts the creation and launch of celebrity brands for icons like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, and Diddy. In 2019, they pivoted their focus towards accessories, crafting an impressive bag collection that soared in popularity, especially during the pandemic.Then, in 2021, they introduced a sustainable clothing line that outshone even the handbags that initially defined their business.Their collections are bold, vibrant, and inclusive, sparking conversations and inviting everyone to be part of their fashion journey.Get ready to be amazed by their ever-colorful collections on display at their runway show.
SUKEINA
SUKEINA, a Parsons School of Design graduate, started his journey at Sonia Rykiel in Paris, later becoming the Visual Director in New York. After valuable experiences with Sonia Rykiel and Christian Lacroix, he established his own fashion house, SUKEINA, in 2012, named after his late mother, symbolizing “bright light.” His passion for making women feel special and his unique worldview have shaped his progressive, innovative, and powerful yet elegant fashion. With a history of putting on stunning shows at GTCO Fashion Weekend, get ready for another unforgettable experience this year!
THEOPHILIO
Theophilio is a fashion brand founded by Jamaican-American designer Edvin Thompson. The brand is known for its bold and contemporary designs that often incorporate elements of Jamaican and Caribbean culture. Theophilio has gained recognition for its vibrant and expressive approach to fashion, celebrating the designer’s Jamaican heritage and exploring themes related to identity and self-expression. Thompson’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the brand’s thoughtfully curated collection, featuring items like flared leather trousers, relaxed denim, intricately printed T-shirts, crochet dresses, and vibrant mesh tops, all crafted from conscientiously sourced materials.
LOZA MALÉOMBHO
Loza Maléombho, born in Brazil and raised between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, Loza started designing at the age of 13. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation from the University of the Arts of Philadelphia in 2006.After interning with top fashion designers in New York City, she established her own brand in 2009. Now based in Côte d’Ivoire, Loza Maléombho’s fashion blends traditional African aesthetics with contemporary style.
For more information on this event, please visit, https://fashionweekend.gtcoplc.com
Attendance is FREE.
Business
Access Bank Group, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Pledge $300m to Transform Africa’s Economic Landscape
“We can’t wait to be saved; Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality’’ – Aig-Imoukhuede
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Access Bank Group have pledged $300 million in charitable commitments over the next 20 years. Access Bank has committed $200 million and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation committed $100 million.
President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
This will fund African government initiatives with a proven potential to transform national economic performance.
Speaking about the commitment, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings and Co-Founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, said, “We can’t wait to be saved, Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality.”
President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
Appropriately, this announcement was made at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where the theme of this year’s event is ‘At the table or on the menu?’. At the event, CEOs from across the continent joined to discuss how Africa can demand a seat at the global table, rather than continuing to wait to be invited.
The fund will see the creation of an African-led Super NGO in partnership with academics, experts and philanthropists across the globe who are committed to closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The NGO will work with African governments to provide the funding, governance and talent required to successfully execute game changing government reform programs, especially in the delivery of digital public infrastructure.
The development comes at a time when Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, has warned wealthy countries that it would be short-sighted to “ignore” Africa. This landmark Africa-led initiative could not have been better timed.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC and Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.
“We African leaders cannot sit back and watch the 4th Industrial Revolution transform the rest of the world while leaving Africa falling further behind. We have to create our own ‘table’ by using technology to unlock the power of our youth, giving Africa a greater voice in the world. It’s today’s leaders who will determine whether or not we grab this opportunity,” Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede continued.
The availability of digital public infrastructure is a proven and cost-effective way for developing nations to break free of the status quo. It provides citizens with access to the same public goods and services available to citizens of advanced nations.
The India Stack has become a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary public and private sector leaders partner for development.
The Access Bank and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation inspired NGO will make such partnerships a reality and delivering measurable improvements to the lives of Africans across the continent.
Notes to Editor:
For media inquiries, please contact:
communication@aigafrica.org or +234 808 5716 788
mediarelations@accessbankplc.com or +234 803 320 4315
ABOUT THE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation accomplishes its mission by supporting the reform initiatives of public sector entities, providing financing, technical support, and capacity-building programmes and resources for the public sector workforce. The Foundation also provides funding and strategic support to drive the work of affiliate organisations such as Africa Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health), the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) and others.
For more information, please visit www.aigimoukhuedefoundation.org.
Business
AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
At the esteemed Choose France Summit 2024, held on Monday, May 13, 2024, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, was formally appointed as the President of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) by the President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.
The France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) stands as a pivotal coalition of Nigerian private sector business leaders, committed to enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and France. Its core objectives revolve around the facilitation of trade, investments, infrastructural development, job creation, and cultural integration between the two nations.
Since its establishment in June 2021 under the auspices of President Emmanuel Macron, the FNBC has diligently utilised its member network to champion investments across key business sectors, fostering cultural understanding and driving economic growth between Nigeria and France. Notably, it has catalysed Nigerian businesses’ ventures into investment opportunities within France.
Comprising 13 distinguished members, the Council boasts prominent figures including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (President), Abdul Samad Rabiu, Gilbert Chagoury, Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and John Coumantaros. Additionally, Kola Karim, Leo Stan Ekeh, Daisy Danjuma, Gbenga Agboola, and Jean Haas serve as integral members, with Jean Haas holding the position of Secretary.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment follows the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Council’s former President, in February 2024.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.
The Choose France Summit is an annual gathering that convenes business magnates, investors, and governmental dignitaries to explore investment prospects within France. The highlight of the Summit was the Presidential Dinner, characterised by high-level engagements and mutual commitments between participating parties.
Business
ACCESS BANK (SL) LTD STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS, NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd (‘Access Bank (SL) Ltd’) has announced the appointment of new executives to its Board of Directors (‘the Board’), further strengthening its leadership team and advancing the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.
These appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.
Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.
The appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance. Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.
Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank.”
Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.
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