A lot of debates and conversations have trailed Naomi Campbell’s suggestion that Vogue starts up an African edition of the fashion title. While lots of people have hailed the idea as long overdue, there have been others who are not totally sold on the idea. Lagos Fashion Week founder, Omoyemi Akerele is one of them.
She took to her Instagram minutes ago to share her thought on why the idea of a Vogue Africa is not the answer to the continent’s fashion industry’s problem.
Even though she didn’t mention the publication’s name, there was no doubt that it was what she was referring to as she listed a couple of reasons bringing the title to Africa is not feasible.
She wrote:
Enough already!!!!
The fact that there’s an ongoing debate around this, suggests something’s not right within the global fashion ecosystem.
Why do we need opinion polls on this?
Why do we need a sampling of what people think?
Why do we need to keep pandering?
Why do we need to keep justifying?
Why do we need to keep rationalising?
How many African fashion and beauty brands are thriving? I mean.. really thriving?
How many African fashion and beauty brands can you shop across Africa?
How many African fashion and beauty brands can you shop globally?
How do we intend to support this publication?
Where will the advertising come from?
And no I’m not referring to high street retail brands
Neither am I referring to global luxury brands (fashion and beauty) with stores on the continent
Nor banks and telcos again!!! Please!! Let’s rise up!
I’m guilty too…
There’s work to be done!
Creative talents abound for sure but we need more to survive?
Where’s the industry to support all the creativity?
Where are the retailers?
Where are the buyers?
Where are the garment manufacturers?
Where are the textile manufacturers?
Where’s the funding?
Where’s the infrastructure?
Where are the educational institutions?
I know it’ll serve it’s purpose when it comes – whatever that purpose is meant to be…
but for now, please let’s keep going
with a steady gaze on the immediate task at hand: Stop asking to be heard but let’s
Grow our complete fashion ecosystem..
Contribute to job creation.. Contribute to wealth creation..
Contribute to the growth of our economies…
Celebrate who we are – for us; by us.
Let’s just do!
