Editorial:When MTN Lagos fashion and design week missed the point

By Niyi Tabiti

MTN Lagos Fashion and Design week 2012 will hold in October and Gistmaster is excited just like many people because it is a good platform  for most designers and models,stylists and other people concerned to show their talent.
As we look forward to the event this year, i will never forget a drama that played out at the maiden press conference in 2011 .After the speech by Omoyemi Akerele the CEO of Style House files the main organizer of the event,Cherry Eromosele of MTN and the rep of British Council Nigeria, the ground was thrown open for questions,comments and answers.
My question/comment was “Giving out a star prize of Hyundai Jeep worth N4 million to the winner was inappropriate for the MTN British Council Young Designer of the Year”- You are not encouraging entreprenuership.How do you want a young designer to maintain such a car? If you give the money to the winner, it would be a plus investment in the person’s business except you already have someone in mind. Someone who is already ‘omo baba olowo’ who can maintain the car.

It was as Omoyemi was waiting to give it back to me- she said that her experience as a stylist/fashion editor have shows that most times when designers want to have a photo shoot, it was always difficult getting them on time. “They tell me they don’t have a car to take them” she said. Some of her friends clapped for her immediately she finished.

I was not spited.But I quickly called the attention of everyone to the fact that a press conference is not a jamboree.The reason why people ask question is to seek clarification on questions so that the public can be properly informed.

This year, i looked through the press statement that the organizers sent to the media. I just laughed. The organizers have decided to change gear. Yes, they are giving a 4 million Naira cash to the MTN British Council of the Young designer of the year 2012.

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We love Omoyemi and what she is doing for the fashion industry but last year she missed the point.

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