Founded in 2022 by visionary designer Ifeanyi Nwune, VVS Lagos has quickly become a beacon for innovators across fashion, arts, music, and film. The 2024 edition of VVS Lagos, themed "The Luxury of Authenticity and Collaborations," took this vision to new heights, showcasing the vibrant synergy of diverse industries. The success of the event was bolstered by a dedicated team, with key contributors including Dr. Emeka Nwune, who led the production, and Taju Ibrahim from TJ WHO, who co-curated the set design. In this exclusive interview, Ifeanyi Nwune shares the inspiration behind VVS Lagos, the challenges faced, and the remarkable journey of bringing his vision to life, offering insights into the event's impact on the global fashion landscape. Join us as we explore the story of VVS Lagos 2024 through the eyes of its founder.
Deeds Magazine: What was the initial inspiration behind VVS Lagos, and how has the journey evolved since its inception in 2022?
Ifeanyi N: The initial inspiration for VVS Lagos was to create a fashion show where multiple brands with momentum could gather and showcase their work. This idea was inspired by the Antwerp Six, a group of Belgian designers who came together to put on their shows. I wanted to create something similar, but by designers for designers, and for the culture and by the culture, rather than having a corporate entity put it together.
As we came together, I realized we were all well-versed in different industries beyond fashion, such as arts, music, film, and more. We decided to broaden our scope and include these elements, making the event more than just about fashion. This led to the creation of educational panels, informative sessions, and the inclusion of sales and commerce aspects, as well as exhibitions before the show. The community we built was based on the synergy of all these industries, not just one.
Deeds Magazine: Can you elaborate on the theme of "The Luxury of Authenticity and Collaborations" for VVS Lagos 2024 and how it was brought to life during the event?
Ifeanyi N: The idea was to give people a space where they could express their own thoughts on luxury. We showcased luxury brands and pieces, but luxury could also be in the fabrication, storytelling, or just in the making. We wanted to express that luxury is being authentic.
We also realized that collaboration is dying in the industry; there aren't as many collaborations as we would expect. We emphasized that the new luxury is in collaborations because collaboration is the key to creating new energy in the ecosystem. It’s not just about doing things by yourself anymore. Like how Afrobeats and other genres blew up through cross-border collaborations, we believe that to make a cultural statement, collaboration is essential.
We encouraged more collaboration across the board, both locally and globally. This was brought to life by showcasing 24 splendid artists, 10 fashion brands, and collaborating with entities like the Lagos State government. We got everyone in the same room, which defined the theme and made the event successful.
Deeds Magazine: Collaboration seems to be a key element in VVS Lagos 2024. Can you share some insights into the collaborative processes with other designers, artists, and brands?
Ifeanyi N: The collaborative process was incredible but challenging. Everyone has their own taste and timeline, so we initially planned to work with about 20 designers but ended up with 10 due to various reasons. Despite the challenges, we kept pushing and encouraging people to collaborate.
We had designers gathering momentum in the space and legacy designers we worked with previously. For instance, a brand like TV, which started with us initially, was heavily involved in the set design for the show this year. The idea was to have brands contribute their strengths, like TV’s expertise in set design.
We faced logistical challenges, such as issues with immigration, but we managed to pull through with a solid team. In the end, the collaborative effort paid off, and the event was a success.
Deeds Magazine: With technology playing a significant role in fashion, how is VVS Lagos integrating technological advancements into its showcases?
Ifeanyi N: VVS started with a company called Eyeowo, a tech company involved in finance. We’ve built relationships with various startups like Paystack, PiggyVest, and Bamboo. Tech companies have shown interest in being part of the ecosystem, and we’ve reached out to many for sponsorship.
We’ve had companies like Patricia, a crypto company, and ??? a bank, sponsor our events. The tech-related panel discussions have also helped integrate technology into our showcases. We now have about 20 prominent tech companies in our ecosystem, which has been a significant part of our growth. This synergy between tech and fashion helps us reach new markets and audiences.
Deeds Magazine: What impact do you hope VVS Lagos will have on the global fashion industry, and what steps are you taking to achieve this?
Ifeanyi N: The main impact I hope for VVS Lagos is to make people proud of African culture and creativity. We want to create moments that showcase the best of what Africa, and specifically Nigeria and Lagos, has to offer. For instance, we are planning to take VVS Lagos to London, focusing on African brands that are making a global impact. This will include exhibitions, panel discussions, and parties, highlighting the best in art, fashion, and culture.
Our goal is to create more "black and proud" moments, where people can be proud of their heritage and creativity. We aim to do more events in Nigeria, connecting with the local ecosystem and ensuring that our activities directly benefit our community. This vision of togetherness and collaboration will help us achieve global recognition while staying true to our roots.
Deeds Magazine: Can you share some personal experiences and challenges you’ve faced in building VVS Lagos and how you overcame them?
Ifeanyi N: One of the biggest challenges has been securing sponsorships. We often create grand visions and reach out to many potential sponsors, but it can be frustrating when they don't deliver the promised support. Sometimes sponsors want extensive branding for very little financial contribution, and it becomes a struggle to secure the necessary funds. Working with a diverse group of designers and creatives was also a bit tricky as everyone has their own schedules and commitments, making it difficult to coordinate. We also face logistical issues, such as immigration problems for international designers.
Another challenge has been the cost of things. We often have to balance hiring young, talented individuals who don’t charge as much with the need for professional expertise. Having a big team and interns has been helpful, but finding skilled labor is still a challenge.
Deeds Magazine: What are your long-term goals for VVS Lagos, and how do you envision its future in the next two to five years?
Ifeanyi N: We hope to become an institution of thinkers and doers in the creative industry. We believe that our creativity and skills have the power to change the global perception of Nigeria and Lagos. We aim to have more collaborations, more government and private support, and to keep building on our vision of showcasing the best version of Africa. We want to make sure we have the right people supporting us and that we continue to create impactful moments.
Deeds Magazine: Can you share a memorable moment from the VVS Lagos 2024 event that stood out to you personally?
Ifeanyi N: There were many memorable moments, but one that stood out was the overwhelming support from notable figures like the Commissioner of Tourism, the Permanent Secretary of Tourism for Lagos, and even the Governor's son. Many artists and friends, such as Divine, Oxlade, King Perry, and Wavy the Creator, came through to support us.
Seeing cultural icons like Ugo Mozie from Los Angeles and Seun Kuti, who represents the essence of African dignity, was particularly meaningful. Their presence and support validated the importance of what we are doing. It was overwhelming to see so many people come together to make the event a success, despite the challenges we faced.
Deeds Magazine: What advice would you give to upcoming designers and entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the fashion industry?
Ifeanyi N: My advice is to study the people you admire and learn from their journeys. Reverse engineer their success and try to replicate it in your own way. Keep going every single day, and work towards your vision consistently. Every day you don't work, your business doesn't move, and life doesn't progress.
It's essential to stay focused and add value to yourself and your craft. Avoid distractions and focus on relevant tasks that contribute to your growth. Surround yourself with supportive people and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Remember that success comes from hard work and persistence.
