Kenneth Ize has emerged winner of the 30 Under 30 competition of Arise Fashion Week after two days of fierce competition on the grandest runway in Africa.
Legendary model and African fashion advocate Naomi Campbell announced Ize as winner of the event that kicked off on Friday, December 10.
The young designer was rewarded with a $100,000 cash prize while runners-up Ré Lagos and South African Mmuso Maxwell receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
The three victors emerged from a pool of eight designers which included Lagos Space Programme, Ziva Lagos, TJWho, Onalaja and Ajabeng.
Ize is no stranger to victory at fashion events, however. As a 2019 LVMH Prize finalist and ARISE designer of the year, his name was perhaps the most familiar to international fans before the competition.
Ize creates vibrant, handwoven designs drawing on the artistry and expertise of weavers at his factory in Ilorin, in Western Nigeria.
His vision was executed perfectly on the ARISE FASHION WEEK runway, with his trademark colorful striped jackets and tailored suits worn over tights.
`
The finale brought to a close the 2020 ARISE FASHION WEEK which defied the odds of the pandemic and was held virtually for the first time.
The theme of this year’s event was ’30 Under 30: The New Stars’ where 30 designers were selected to participate in the competition.
Naomi Campbell and Alton Mason strutted the runway for designers like Mmuso Maxwell, Bloke, Tzar Studios, Lagos Space Programme and Colr.
Rita Osakwe