The final day of the weeklong 2025 Lagos Creative Enterprise Week was devoted to “Fashion Innovation, Youth Talent, and GRID Fashion Road Show”. The theme of the day served to highlight a presentation of the Grassroot Innovative Designers initiative, a masterclass on the business of fashion, and the showpiece fashion showcase.
The morning session saw GRID Program Director, Nancy Anyiam-Osigwe, alongside GRID Coordinator Chuwkuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe and Deputy Coordinator John Ebuke Ilobah, presenting the bold initiative aiming to transform grassroot fashion towards socioeconomic development across the nation. The unique features of the GRID initiative, including zonal roadshows, online and physical stores, and upskilling opportunities is designed to fundamentally revolutionize small-scale fashion and design enterprises.
“Across the nation and beyond, we have eclectic and forward-thinking designers bringing to life the vibrancy of our diverse cultures and heritage, from versatile everyday wears to lavish event outfits,” said Nancy Anyiam-Osigwe, GRID Program Director. “Grassroot Innovative Designers (GRID) serves as a unique platform that further supports thriving, small-scale fashion and design brands, unlocking opportunities to catalyze their wider reach and growth.”
The masterclass on The Business of Fashion involved Abisayo Kasumu, Manager at Ejiro Amos Tafiri brand. In the free-flowing exchange with participants, Ms Kasumu’s extensive experience shown through as she outlined how to achieve success from the initial brand concept to maintaining quality for continued brand patronage.
The online fashion showcase, in collaboration with Yaba College of Technology, featured 10 shortlisted designers:
- Adeitan Adedoyin Oluwapelumi – PÀKÒ Tailor
- Joy Temitope Akinyemi – JT Styles
- Babatunde Olaoluwa David – BOD Clothing
- Luke Bamidele – Luke Smart Outfit
- Onyedikachukwu Peace Nwajei – Deeka Signature
- Oladoyin Marindoti – Made by Marin
- Olayide Afeez Olawale – Feezzy Fashion Brand
- Temitope Oluwaseyi Oluwole – Topmax Collection
- Michael Raymond Onotu – Seams Hub Apparel
- Rosemary Osowvayo Owen – Plush Apparels
The showcase was judged by fashion houses Banke Kuku, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, and House of Enigma with the following criteria: creativity and originality; craftsmanship and construction; fabric choice and material use; presentation and styling; wearability and functionality; and overall impact.
The second runner-up, Onyedikachukwu Peace Nwajei with Deeka Signature, was commended for the storytelling behind the outfits, with the standout designs being the corporate-styled isiagu outfits. Onyedikachi Peace Nwajei shared: “I thank the GRID initiative for believing and encouraging my creativity and supporting the building of my brand Deeka Signature.”
The first runner-up, Oladoyin Marindoti with Made by Marin, was praised for her versatility in both streetwear and luxury fashion. Oladoyin Marindoti also shared: “The experience was both inspiring and rewarding, and this platform has truly motivated me to keep creating, innovating, and telling powerful stories through Made by Marin.”
The winner, Olayide Afeez Olawale with Feezzy Fashion Brand, stood out for his unique spin on suits, showcasing his creativity and innovative mindset. Olayide Afeez Olawale, on his win, said: “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to creatives like me to showcase my vision and craft. It indeed was an incredible experience showcasing Feezy Fashion Brand with GRID, and I look forward to advancing my creative endeavors with the encouragement of the initiative.”
Up next for the GRID initiative is the zonal road shows in all the six geopolitical zones spotlighting the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s grassroot fashion innovators, with the grand finale in Lagos State.
