By Chioma Chinweoke
Model To Watch Now is a daily series that will examine the professional achievements made by Africa’s rising models in the fashion industry. Whether on the international news-stand or in your favorite clothing store, you’ll notice that African models are taking center stage through editorial work. No longer sustained for runway shows, African models today are building empires just as flawlessly as they continue to raise community awareness while amassing a huge, loyal fan base.
To call it a trend to be an African model would be outright crazy! The African Model is here to stay! African Models have been seen at major Spring/Summer 2011 fashion week events including Paris, London and New York. The demand for an African Model can be seen across the fashion industry from magazine launches to online print AD campaigns. The first installment of Model of Watch Now focuses on Nigerian model Eku Edewor.
Eku Edewor (Nigeria)
From being a Jewel by Lisa muse to attending major red carpet events in Nigerian fashion label designs such as Bridget Awosika and Tiwa Savage, Eku Edewor is an unstoppable force in Nigeria’s style industry.
Currently the host of Studio 53 Extra in Nigeria, Eku not only has a closet enviable of true African fashion lovers but also makes time to support the Nigerian magazine community by appearing on numerous publications such as Wow, Mannequin, Genevieve and ThisDay Style.
Sashaying down the runway in designs by Jewel By Lisa at ARISE Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria, Eku proved that with hard work and persistence life rolls on, after appearing on Britain’s Next Top Model.
Born Georgina Eku Edewor-Thorley, she always had style thanks to her mother Julianna Edewor, a business woman and socialite. Eku Edewor has quickly recognized the importance of that old saying "charity starts at home." Ever since she’s been appointed the fashionista of Nigeria’s red carpet, Eku has been photographed in unique designs made by talented Nigerian style brands.
Eku also mixes and matches Nollywood’s bold, statement-making style with Hollywood glamour. She’s been known to be fond of Marc Jacobs, Derek Lem, Miu Miu, Prada, Chanel, Butler & Wilson, Stuart Weitzman, and Stella McCartney. In fact she attended the opening day of ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, an event she blogged about, in a zebra print Derek Lem dress and Miu Miu platform heels.
At ARISE Fashion Week, Eku walked for the runway presentation of Maki Oh, Jewel by Lisa, and Deola Sagoe. It’s no wonder she calls herself a style person.
Mark our words, Eku Edewor is definitely a model to watch within the fashion industry!
Photo credits: WOW! Magazine//Gistmaster//Eku Edewor Facebook Fan Page
