By Uko Etim

UYO— Uyo Fashion Week is set to return for its 2026 edition with excitement, flashy fashion and vibrant performance as the organisers promised to boost the creative ecosystem of the industry.

The event, themed “The Fusion” is described as a homecoming celebration of creativity, culture, collaboration, and identity.

Speaking during a press briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, the Convener, Lady Mae Edmonds, said the event, which began in 2022, had grown into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant fashion and creative platforms, spotlighting talent from Akwa Ibom and beyond.

“Over the course of our previous four editions, more than 150 designers have showcased well over a thousand designs on our runway, reaching millions of viewers and fashion enthusiasts across the world through physical showcases, digital media and global engagement,” Edmonds said.

She noted that the platform had served as a launchpad for emerging designers, models, stylists, and photographers.

Citing an example, she said designer Joel of GIMS Exclusive, discovered during the Arise Runway Show last year, had since received invitations to New York Fashion Week and Brooklyn Fashion Week.

Edmonds said the 2026 edition will feature an expanded Arise31 Runway Showcase, giving designers from all 31 local government areas of the State an opportunity to take to the runway for the first time, adding that signature experiences, which include Ayaya, Asiaan, and Ediye, will also return.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, grassroots discovery and creative empowerment,” Edmonds said.

The convener stated that this year’s edition will host celebrities of Akwa Ibom origin, including Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe Etim, Eve Esin, Motel, Ebenezer Eno, Maurice Sam, Fiokee, and Lybra, adding that celebrity supporters like Denrele Edun and Nancy Isime are also expected.

Edmonds commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support and thanked partners such as Ibom Air for backing the initiative.

She called on more corporate organisations and development partners to invest in building a globally competitive creative and fashion ecosystem in the state.

“Your partnership has helped amplify our vision, celebrate our talents and tell our stories to the world. We humbly solicit even greater support as we continue to build a globally respected creative platform from Akwa Ibom State,” she said.

The convener added that Uyo Fashion Week remained committed to fostering creativity, commercialisation, and scale within the fashion and creative ecosystem.