Fashion and style is evolving and some “minded” persons are pitching to put the high grounds on the map.
For instance, what makes the Uyo Fashion Week special?
The Convener of Uyo Fashion Week, Lady Mae Edmonds, has given insights on the evolution of the fashion showcase since its debut in 2022, describing it as a cultural awakening that has grown far beyond the runway.
In a statement issued through the Media Consultant, Aniefiok Macaulay, on Monday in Uyo, Edmonds said the annual event, rooted in creativity, commercialization, and scale, has become a key driver of youth empowerment and enterprise in Akwa Ibom State.
“Since its visionary debut in 2022, Uyo Fashion Week has evolved beyond the runway into a cultural awakening and a catalyst for enterprise. Rooted in the principles of creativity, commercialization, and scale, it has consistently embodied the rhythm of a rising Akwa Ibom, where innovation meets opportunity and fashion becomes a language of progress,” she said.
The maiden edition, hosted by IK Osakioduwa and Nancy Isime, set the tone for a new creative movement in the state. With Nollywood star Ini Edo and other notable personalities in attendance, it signaled a new narrative where fashion could drive both cultural expression and economic growth.
Season Two, co-hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Nancy Isime, expanded that vision with flair and finesse. The runway became a playground for innovation, as stars like Chidi Mokeme, IK Ogbonna, and Emmanuel Umoh inspired emerging designers to see fashion not just as art, but as enterprise.
Supported and endorsed by the Akwa Ibom State Government from inception, Uyo Fashion Week continues to symbolize the state’s commitment to youth development, creativity, and sustainable innovation.
The platform has produced notable success stories, including Gims Exclusive, a designer who rose from the Uyo Fashion Week runway to become a continental fashion voice, featuring at major shows across Nigeria and beyond. Another standout, the Best Dressed Designer from the UFW Runway Game Show 2025—celebrated for his iconic red royal outfit—is now the Inferno Runway Champion, proving how visibility and opportunity can birth stardom.
Looking ahead, Edmonds said the 2026 edition will mark a milestone in the show’s journey.
“As we turn the page to a new chapter, Uyo Fashion Week 2026 celebrates Five for Five—five phenomenal seasons, five unforgettable stories, and five major shows to commemorate our five-year journey of creativity, collaboration, and commerce,” she announced.
“This year, our focus deepens to spotlight and support young, gifted, and daring designers, giving them a free platform to showcase their creativity and gain visibility on a grand stage,” she added.
Uyo Fashion Week has steadily cemented itself as more than a fashion event—it is now a movement celebrating the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity, positioning Akwa Ibom as a rising hub of African innovation and style.
