Encomium
Renowned Nigerian fashion designer, Mai Atafo, collaborated with ultra-premium Scottish whisky brand, The Macallan, to support and empower 40 young Nigerian fashion enthusiasts in Lagos on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
The initiative, dubbed “Fashion Conversations”, provided a platform for young designers to gain industry insights through in-depth conversations about the commercialisation of fashion and tips on how to navigate the fashion industry.
These in-depth sessions, sponsored by The Macallan, featured an eight-hour masterclass with Mai Atafo on fashion design, branding, marketing, and other essential skills. Participants also had the opportunity to view select collections of The Macallan whisky and network with other budding designers.
Speaking about the mentorship program, Mai Atafo expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and the pressing need for such fashion conversations. Founded in 2018, Atafo’s “Fashion Conversations” has made a significant step towards empowering young Nigerian fashion enthusiasts and providing them with a platform to identify their roles in the fashion industry.
“This is an opportunity for young creatives and entrepreneurs to gain insight and knowledge about the fashion industry. My goal is to create access for the next generation of masters in fashion to the right resources to make more informed decisions. The Macallan bringing these sessions to life enables us to reach more enterprising young people looking to harness their craft.”, he said.
The second instalment of the workshop for the year will be held on April 14 and 15 in Abuja, and is expected to set another positive impact on the country’s creative sector.
The Macallan’s Brand Manager, Nigeria, Edrington, Hammed Adebiyi, said: ““The Macallan has been the hallmark of quality and distinctive character for nearly 200 years. Our unique taste and style, methods and craftsmanship are some of the particular qualities that have made our whisky remarkable for years. This is also one of the reasons for our collaborations in the fashion industries across the world.”
It is important for us to invest in ensuring that for years to come, unique craftsmanship remains an important aspect of the industry. And there is no better way to do that than to invest in the future through forward-thinking initiatives such as this.”
The Macallan is a world-renowned ultra-premium whisky brand that is highly regarded for its exceptional single malt whiskies.
