By Yemisi Suleiman

Africa particularly Nigeria was the centre of attraction  in  New York  recently  when Nigerian designers stormed the fashion  City for  the New York , Couture and the Mercedes Benz fashion week held  September 11- 13, 2009. Mrs Joan Okorodudu, owner House of  Jola Creations,  and the originator of Nigeria’s Next Super model who has  the franchise for the couture fashion week, led a team of dynamic designers; Zizi Cardow, Lanre Dasilva Ajayi , Alero owner of  Hallero to the Couture and Mercedes Benz  fashion week,  which held at the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on New York’s legendary Park Avenue. The five Nigerian designers displayed, elegance and sophistication in their  collection, which projected the uniqueness of African style

In her USA debut Lanre Da Silva  who opened the show  did not disappoint the crowd with her  vintage and  very sophisticated dresses, as well as sensuous gowns ready to take center stage at star studded red carpet events.
Award winning  designer Zizi Cardow  wowed  the crowed with her collections of inspired shapes and almost architecturally constructed creations marked by attention to detail.
Hallero displayed a range of  collections  laced with African undertone, in a well constructed piece done with a calabash and  worn by a sixteen year old model from the Bahamas. For Joan okorodudu of  House of Jola=  her latest work was  an amazing combination  of fabrics from Nigeria and the West,  with her signature designs fully geared towards the youth. She lit up the runway with her male set of  very urban  jackets that simply say >this is my signature=.

These designers showcased their collections alongside  world class designers; Walid Atallah , Soucha, Ruben Campos, Andre Aquino amongst others.
In addition to the fabulous fashion shows, attendees at the  event,  enjoyed a  riveting performance by
Nyanaya Mbuk winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa, who  opened the Nigerian show  with our national anthem.