In this exclusive interview with ASHENEWS, the Chief Organizer of the Minna Fashion Show, Mrs Ezekiel Elizabeth Ebele shares insights on the inspiration behind the event, the evolution of the show, and the challenges faced in bringing such a significant show to life.
With a focus on sustainability, the role of technology, and the future of the fashion scene in Minna, this conversation provides a deep dive into the heart of a growing fashion movement.
Congratulations on the success of your 6th edition of the Minna Fashion Show! How does it feel to see such a great turnout and positive reception?
Response: Thank you! It feels great to see such a fantastic turnout and positive reception. I will not pretend, I am amazed at the massive support from the people of Minna and my fellow fashion designers who turned out en masse to showcase their work.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Minna Fashion Show? What has motivated you to keep going every year?
Response: The inspiration behind the Minna Fashion Show is to celebrate and promote local talent and creativity in the fashion and entertainment industry. Our motivation each year is the incredible support from the attendees, the passion of the designers, and the opportunity to showcase Minna’s fashion scene and Minna as a whole to the world audience. We want to dispel the misconception that Minna is a sleepy town.
How has your design philosophy evolved from your first show to this latest edition?
Response: Our design philosophy has evolved significantly since our first show. Initially, we focused on simple styles that were not daring to fit into people’s daily wears, church or wedding attires but over the years, we’ve embraced more contemporary and experimental designs to match outfits that can be showcased on any runway in the world including the Paris fashion show.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for this show and over the years?
Response: Acceptability was a significant challenge from the start, especially in the North where fashion shows or modelling are often associated with indecent dressing. Other challenges we have faced while preparing for this show include funding and lack of sponsors, coordinating with designers and models, and managing logistics.
What would you say is your biggest success so far in organizing such a show in Minna?
Response: Other than creating a platform that brings together talented designers, models, artists, creatives and fashion enthusiasts from across the State which I count as a blessing and one of our biggest successes, I can tell you that our biggest success so far is having to organize the show from outside the shores of Nigeria. The organizing team on the ground outdid themselves. They exceeded all expectations.
How do you select the models who walk in your shows, and what qualities do you look for?
Response: We select models through auditions, looking for individuals who not only have the physical attributes but also the confidence, poise, and ability to bring the designer’s vision to life. We value diversity and seek models who can represent a range of styles and looks.
Sustainability is a growing concern in the fashion industry. How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your work?
Response: Sustainability is a key focus for us. We will be looking at more sponsorships and collaborations. We will also look at incorporating sustainable practices like using more made-in-Nigeria material.
What role do you think technology and social media play in the success and promotion of your fashion shows?
Response: Technology and social media play pivotal roles in the success and promotion of our fashion shows. They enable us to reach a wider audience, engage with fashion enthusiasts in real time, and showcase our event. The majority of our tickets were sold as a result of our social media presence and the use of technology. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook Twitter, and live streaming amplify our reach and enhance the visibility and impact of our shows.
How do you stay ahead of trends and keep your designs fresh and innovative?
Response: We stay ahead of trends and keep our designs fresh and innovative by closely monitoring global fashion trends, and fashion shows in Nigeria. Listening to feedback from our audience plays a crucial role in ensuring our designs remain cutting-edge and relevant. Their feedback also helps us improve our designs annually.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
Response: My advice to aspiring fashion designers looking to make their mark in the industry is to stay true to your unique vision and creativity. Focus on improving your craft, building a strong portfolio, and cultivating relationships within the fashion community.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay abreast of industry trends, and always prioritize quality and innovation in your designs. Never underestimate the power of perseverance and determination—it takes time and effort to succeed, but passion and dedication will ultimately set you apart. Lastly, put God first.
What is your perception about the fashion style and life of the people of Minna and Niger state generally?
Response: I think I probably have the same perception about the fashion style of Minna like any other person who has been here. Being a predominantly Muslim state, the fashion style is mostly conservative and somewhat restrictive.
However, as a fashion pioneer, I was determined not to see that as a stumbling block. The very conservative and restrictive air that surrounds fashion in Minna became the wind upon which I rode because fashion is art and art has different modes of expression. It mustn’t be revealing to be fashionable.
What is next for the Minna Fashion Show?
Response: The Minna fashion show program is not stopping anytime soon. It is something that will go on for as long as I have the strength to keep pushing it. I envision that with time, the program would begin to attract sponsorship and promotion from the government and even the private sector.
As for now, we will keep doing the little we can to keep the fire burning and keep putting Minna on the map for the world to see that we can too.
