Twenty Nigerian fashion designers who recently participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), a flagship U.S. government exchange programme, may never forget the experience as well as the party held to honour them.
The U.S. Consulate General had a reception a few days ago for the fashion designers and invited the likes of a pioneer fashion designer, Shade Thomas-Fahm; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; and a former Chairman of Access Bank, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode to inspire them.
Through the virtual IVLP project titled, “Promoting Economic Growth and Trade in the Fashion Industry,” the 20 participants had the unique opportunity to connect with their U.S. counterparts and enriched their knowledge of entrepreneurship, business development, and innovation in the U.S. fashion industry.
In her address, the U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, explained that the U.S. Mission created IVLP to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the United States and Nigeria through sustained engagement with creative industries that are centered in Lagos.
“In the last few years, Nigeria and the United States have witnessed growing cultural ties.
“This fashion IVLP project is a fantastic example of our strategic economic outreach to Nigeria’s creative industries to further strengthen economic ties through culture and fashion.”
The 20 participants exhibited their designs and fashion accessories. Pierangelo toured each of their exhibits and learned about their experiences during the IVLP project.
