In anticipation of the 2024 edition of the Tin City Fashion Week (TCFW), organizers commenced event preparations with a screening audition for prospective runway models.
The auditions, which took place on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Eliel Center in Jos, were a rigorous process designed to identify passionate, confident, and charismatic male and female models capable of strutting the runway at northern Nigeria’s most glamorous fashion event which is scheduled for November.
Christabel Bentu, CEO of Tin City Fashion Week, highlighted the importance of the stringent selection process. “We have selected at least 35 models for this year. The essence of this rigorous screening is to get the best out of the best. Models need to effectively showcase the designers’ clothes on the runway. If they aren’t proficient, it detracts from the designers’ work. As we aim to project and sell our fabric to the world, we need models who can truly represent these designs.”
This year’s edition marks the fourth year of the Tin City Fashion Week, an achievement that Bentu is particularly proud of. “We are very excited about this milestone. It’s going to be a celebration of how far we’ve come. For those with VIP tickets, expect an experience that’s loaded with surprises. Early attendees will also have special treats, so don’t miss out.”
Discussing the impact of the fashion week on Plateau State, Bentu asserted, “Plateau has come a long way in fashion. We are among the most fashionable people in Nigeria. Even with limited wardrobes, Plateau residents know how to make an impression. Fashion on the Plateau has set a pace for the rest of the country. While Lagos is a big city in fashion, Jos offers a unique charm and attention to detail in designs.”
The event has attracted notable fashion personalities and celebrities over the years. “We’ve had prominent designers like Frank Oshodi and celebrities like Richard Mofe-Damijo, who is returning this year. Their involvement affirms the quality of what we are doing here. We’ve also managed to dispel misconceptions about Plateau State being unsafe. Those who visit discover a safe and welcoming city with beautiful weather.”
This year, TCFW will unveil the Tin City Fashion Week clothing line, featuring designs using the traditional “godo” fabric, which has gained popularity, even worn by international figures like Meghan Markle. “Our goal is to make the goudo fabric as renowned as Ghana’s kente or Nigeria’s asooke. Each piece carries cultural significance and showcases our heritage. We are dedicated to educating people about its importance and versatility.”
The 2024 Tin City Fashion Week, scheduled for November, promises to be a landmark event, celebrating fashion, culture, and the progress of Plateau State in the fashion industry.
The organizers have also called for interested designers who will want to showcase their designs at the Tin City Fashion Week using “goudo” fabric to a discerning audience! The submission guidelines include a portfolio (to include a brief description of the designer’s collection/social media links to their mood boards) with the deadline for submission set for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Interested designers can send their portfolio to: tincityfashionweek@gmail.com
