Asakeoge Couture

AsakeOge Couture was founded by Asake Agoro from Nigeria. The Label was launched February 2009 at the London Metropolitan Fashion and Dance Charity Show when she was invited to come up with a collection for the fundraiser. A 3rd generation seamstress, growing up around the creative energy in a couture household enabled her to design and make garments for herself from the age of 15. She has honed an innate skill by producing one-off pieces that soon drew international attention. Website

Kiko Romeo

The Kiko Romeo brand is the creation of Scottish-born Ann Mc Creath, who after completing fashion design studies in Rome, followed by years working as a designer in Barcelona, moved to Kenya to help create jobs in rural areas. “KikoRomeo”, which means “Adam’s apple” in Kiswahili, promotes economic growth by selling  ethically-sound fashion products products with inputs from community artisans and women’s groups. Website

Gloria Wavamunno

Gloria's designs are colorful and celebrate life. She is daughter to Kampala businessman Gordon Wavamunno, and she established her fashion line in 2009 by presenting her collection at African Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her creations are widely expected in Africa and the West. The Ugandan designer hopes to make a permanent impact in African fashion. Website

Csilla Deri

Funmilayo Csilla Deri was born in Nigeria and is currently based in London and Budapest. Deri was introduced to fashion from an early age, designing and sewing garments with her mother. After earning an international business degree and working as a manager at at a Swiss bank, Deri decided to drastically change her career and pursue fashion. She went on to study at the renowned Instituto Marangoni in London, where she combined her passions for fashion and business. In March 2011 she launched her eponymous fashion label Funlayo Deri. Website

Adiat Disu

Adiat Disu is the director of the Africa Fashion Week/NY an annual multi-day event that includes runway shows, vendor exhibition, and industry networking events with the sole purpose of raising awareness of the African Fashion/Entertainment professionals in New York and Tri -State area. Buyers and industry influencers will be previewed to African designers. Over 2,000 audience members will participate in this event. Website

Master of Ceremony:  Victoria Adegbola, FIT-ITM major

Vicky, a student at FIT's Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM), was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Nigerian parents. From elementary school through college, Victoria spent her time in an African dance troop, playing sports, and on her studies. She earned a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Dance from Ohio State University and a J.D. from Florida's A&M University, College of Law in Orlando. She is now combining her legal background with FIT's ITM training to enter the fashion licensing industry through an internship at a global licensing consulting agency, specializing in brand management, IP analysis, and the development of strategic branding for wholesale, retail, distribution, and joint venture partnerships. Website