He was delighted when Mrs May not only wore his jacket but sought to meet him personally. “I was speechless and so honoured to be in the presences of such an important world leader.
Emmanuel Okoro made his debut on the Nigerian fashion scene at the British Council-supported Lagos Fashion Festival in 2017, and was one of the five finalists, winning $13,000, which he has reinvested in his business.
“The moment I was announced the winner of the Fashion Focus Fund. That was a life-changing moment for me,” he says.
Fashion Focus, delivered in partnership with the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, was aimed at selecting five young Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs aged 18-35 as finalists to be taken through an academy with mentorship opportunities. It culminated in an opportunity to showcase their designs at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, one of the biggest fashion shows in Africa.
Lagos Fashion Week is a fashion platform that drives the Nigerian and ultimately, the African fashion industry; by bringing together buyers, consumers and the media to view the current collections of designers in the fashion capital of Lagos, Nigeria.
Mrs May proudly wore an Emmanuel Okoro Emmy Kasbit Akwete print jacket during her visit. Nigerian fashion is growing on the world scene and has received widespread recognition over the years. Other personalities that have supported it include Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Hollywood actor Nyon’go, all of whom have been dressed by Nigerian designers.
According to Emmanuel Okoro, there are in fact, African men who are discerning when it comes to fashion and still want a touch of culture that defines their personality with the clothes they put on.
Since he started designing in 2013, Emmy has remained consistent with the core essence and goal of his brand, which is to create extremely stylish pieces while preserving culture. For him, the connection between fashion and culture is implicit.
From Akwete fabric to prints and jewellery reminiscent of ancient Calabar, the multi-faceted creative is giving menswear and womenswear a much-deserved makeover with an unexpected traditional twist.