Oluwakayode Etti Emerges As Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017 Winner

Vlisco aims to develop and support upcoming tailors and designers to start and strengthen their businesses and become established professionals through various initiatives. The Vlisco Fashion Fund (VFF) gives fashion designers a chance to win 2,000,000.

Vlisco, since its inception in 1846, is notable for their unique textiles and distinctive designs, colours and wax effects. It’s the only brand still creating authentic Dutch wax today. VFF is their way of creating a platform that connects Africa’s fashion talent and creativity with their knowledge and activities in the African and global fashion world.

This year, over five hundred designers submitted their applications for the VFF. These applicants went through interviews and rounds of exercises. 40 were selected in the first round for an interview, then three were selected out of these 40. The three finalists made business and cocktail outfits using Vlisco fabrics, which were then worn by models and presented to the jury.

Made up of notable professionals in different areas of the fashion industry, the jury included Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi, LDA; Joan Ibuzo, House of Marie; Afua Osei, She Leads Africa; Dotun Akande, Vlisco Ambassador and Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Mr Uche, Fashion Illustrator; and Mr Ethan, Fashion Illustrator.

Oluwakayode Etti emerged as the winner of VFF 2017, going home with the whopping sum of N2,000,000 and a master class.

Oluwakoyade Etti

Etti initially dreamt of becoming a singer. However, he developed an interest in fashion at an early age, sketching and painting dresses he would later develop after becoming a fashion designer. Etti started his own Afrocentric fashion label Skentele by Etti, which portrayed African designs mixed with western styles.

See photos from the event below:

The Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017 Winner Oluwakayode Etti and the two finalists

Yvonne Chioke, Vlisco Human Resource Manager and Cheche Smith

Vlisco Nigeria Human Resource Manager and VFF2017 Judges

Panelists

Head of Human Resources Vlisco Nigeria, Yvonne Chioke presenting a gift to one of the finalist Boma Inko-Tariah

Head of Human Resources Vlisco Nigeria; Yvonne Chioke and Finance Manager Vlisco; Yakuba Yohanna with Oluwakayode Etti; winner Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017

Head of Human Resources Vlisco Nigeria; Yvonne Chioke and Finance Manager Vlisco; Yakuba Yohanna presenting a cheque to Oluwakayode Etti; winner Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017

Head Human Resources Vlisco Nigeria; Yvonne Chioke, Uche Uba, Joan Ibuzo, Oluwakayode Etti and Dotun Akande at the Vlisco Fashion Fund 2017 winner presentation