Naomi Olapeju Sigismund is a unique African amazon of beauty, glam and class. She is a fashionista of high taste, allure and panache. Naomi is the convener for Hope For Sure Foundation and the Project Director of African Canada Investment. She was in Nigeria to host the Glam African Fashion Festival which was held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel and Suits, Victoria Island Lagos. At an event that witnessed quite a lot of super fashion icons, entrepreneurs, captains of industries, traditional and cultural ambassadors amongst others, Naomi Olapeju was full of appreciation to the guests and participants at GAFF 2023. She spoke glowingly about the achievements of the creativity-inclined event, expressing that the whole idea behind the event is to celebrate the vibrant spirit, ingenuity, and beauty of African fashion. According to her, “It is an honor and a privilege for me to stand before you as we embark on this exciting journey together. Fashion has always been a powerful expression of identity, culture, and art. It transcends boundaries, connects people, and tells stories that are deeply rooted in our heritage. The Glam African Fashion Festival is a testament to the richness and diversity of African fashion, showcasing the incredible talents and creativity of designers from across the continent.”
Guests, who found time out of their tight schedules to attend what could easily be termed ‘mother of all African fashion shows’ witnessed a dazzling display of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion. From breathtaking traditional ensembles to cutting-edge contemporary designs, the runway was alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and patterns that encapsulate the essence of Africa. Practically, the organizers ensured that GAFF 2023 is more than just about fashion. They made sure that It is about empowerment. Olapeju said, “It is about celebrating the untapped potential within our communities and providing a platform for emerging designers to shine. It is about creating opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming lives. Through fashion, we can uplift and inspire, promoting economic growth and cultural exchange.”
She added that as a proud African woman, deeply committed to promoting the beauty and creativity of our continent, she is of a sincere believe that together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the global fashion landscape. The Glam African Fashion Festival is not just a one-time event; it is a movement, a catalyst for change and progress. Definitely, Hope For Sure under the able nurturing of Naomi Olapeju has devised avenues where stakeholders of the African fashion sector will join hands with the foundation to support the continent’s talented designers and to be part of this incredible journey. She outlined that all hands must be on the desk to celebrate the magic of African fashion, the innovation that comes from our diverse cultures and the unifying power of creativity.
Naomi Olapeju rounded up her speech for the event saying that as the models artistically and aesthetically graced the runway on that night, everyone should applaud their artistry and embrace the vision of a future where African fashion takes its rightful place on the world stage. “Let us be inspired, captivated, and moved by the talent that lies within our borders.” Olapeju thanked all guests and participants for being there, supporting African fashion and for believing in the dreams of Africa’s designers. She opined that it was an evening that sparked a revolution in the fashion industry, and shines a spotlight on the brilliance of African creativity.
GLAM AFRICAN CULTURE represents culture, represents peace and history. Fashion has plays a very pivotal role in everyone’s life, it has solved challenges, altered moods and so many things. The proceeds made from Glam African Festival goes out to victims of a mental health and I’ll implore us to always endeavor to show love to victims of mental health as they need it. Olapeju maintained that “Let’s be constructive with criticism and cast out all negativity in order not to instigate depression. Most importantly, Fashion is a powerful medium for addressing mental health issues. People can use clothing to express their uniqueness. On the same note we are celebrating our awardees for their exceptional service to humanity and unwavering dedication to uplifting our communities.
As the convener of Hope for Sure Foundation I can say that fashion can actually impact how we think.
Thank you and I wish you all a great day ahead!
Welcome to Glam African Fashion Festival 2023.”