EU invites designers to participate in its first ‘Afro-Euro Runway’ fashion competition

Press and information team of the Delegation to NIGERIA

The Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with EU Member States in Nigeria and the Fashion Academy Abuja is inviting young Nigerian designers from Abuja to participate in their fashion competition tagged ‘Afro-Euro Runway’.

This competition feeds into the theme of this year’s Europe Day Celebration – ‘European Year of Skills’. It aims to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, key values for both Africa and Europe.

The competition offers an excellent platform for designers to showcase their collections, promote their brand, and network with industry professionals, the European Union, and its Member States, as well as connect with fashion enthusiasts. Designers are expected to create collections inspired by the theme, which can be interpreted in various ways, including a particular era, culture, or style.

Runway
The Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with EU Member States in Nigeria and the Fashion Academy Abuja is inviting young Nigerian designers from Abuja to participate in their fashion competition tagged ‘Afro-Euro Runway’. This competition feeds into the theme of this year’s Europe Day Celebration – ‘European Year of Skills’. It aims to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, key values for both Africa and Europe.

The selection criteria for participation in the competition include the professionalism, uniqueness, and quality of collections, as well as the relevance of the collections to the theme. The show will feature models of different beauty standards, age, disabilities, gender and body types. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens living in the country, between the ages of 18 and 35 years, with registered businesses operational for 2 to 5 years, and verifiable social media platforms of work done.

Judges will consider design, aesthetics, creativity, originality, inclusivity, and ability to interpret the theme (Afro-Euro) as well as previous works. Eight shortlisted finalists will be invited to the Fashion Show/Awards Ceremony in Abuja. Finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their ready-to-wear creations at the venue.

The European Union will provide logistics support such as backstage facilities, space for shortlisted participants to exhibit and sell their collections, as well as professional photography and videography. The European Union will not be responsible for any other costs besides these. Interested applicants must provide a sketch, video or photos of a collection of at least three outfits prepared for the competition, a brief description of their brand and design philosophy, and a portfolio of recent collections.

Prospective participants must apply online through the call website: https://afroeurorunway.org/.

Successful applicants will be notified by June 1, 2023. Designers who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply to be part of this exciting event, scheduled for Abuja in the second half of June, 2023.