U.S Consulate General honours 20 Nigerian fashion designers

The U.S. Consulate General honoured 20 emerging, mid-career Nigerian fashion designers who recently participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), a flagship U.S. government exchange program.

This was disclosed by the U.S Consulate General via a statement issued on Thursday and seen by Nairametrics.

According to the statement, the 20 participants, through the virtual IVLP project titled, “Promoting Economic Growth and Trade in the Fashion Industry” had the unique opportunity to connect with their U.S. counterparts. They also enriched their knowledge of entrepreneurship, business development, and innovation in the U.S. fashion industry.

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Why it matters

The goal of the IVLP is to provide firsthand knowledge about U.S. society, culture, and politics while cultivating lasting professional relationships. By introducing current and emerging leaders to their professional counterparts in U.S. communities, the IVLP creates opportunities for business, professional, and academic collaboration, and offers direct exposure to American systems and values.

What the Consul General is saying

U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo explained that the U.S. Mission created this IVLP program focused on the fashion industry to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the United States and Nigeria through sustained engagement with creative industries that are centered in Lagos.

She stated, “In the last few years, Nigeria and the United States have witnessed growing cultural ties. This fashion IVLP project is a fantastic example of our strategic economic outreach to Nigeria’s creative industries to further strengthen economic ties through culture and fashion.”

What you should know

• The 20 participants exhibited some of their top-quality designs and fashion accessories. Consul General Pierangelo toured each of their exhibits and learned about their experiences during the IVLP project.
• Pierangelo highlighted the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and trade in the fashion industry by empowering local fashion designers to not only thrive in Nigeria’s fashion industry, but also to prepare for the global fashion marketplace.
• The reception hosted by U.S. Chargé d’affaires Kathleen FitzGibbon and Pierangelo was attended by an eclectic mix of guests including Nigeria’s pioneer fashion designer, Shade Thomas-Fahm; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; and former Chairman of Access Bank, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode.