The Fashion Meets Tech Happy Hour was a gathering of fashion and tech enthusiasts who are merging the two seemingly polar fields. It took place on October 12, 2016 at BL Restaurant, Victoria Island.
It was organised by SPICE TV and TechCabal, in conjunction with Nairabox, Printivo, Chivas and Complete Fashion, and a few fashion cool kids showed up.
Udochi Nwogu from SPICE TV got things started with a short speech, which was followed by a discussion from a panel.
Members of that panel include Damilola Jegede (CEO/ Co-founder of Nairabox), Bisola Adeniyi (Creative Director/ CEO of Lady Biba), Ikenna Okonkwo (CEO Heels.com.ng), and Adebayo Oke-Lawal (Creative Director/ CEO of Orange Culture). The panel was moderated by our very own Bankole Oluwafemi.
L-R; Damilola Jegede, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Ikenna Okonkwo, Bisola Adeniyi, and Bankole Oluwafemi.
Panel members kicked off the dialogue with the advantages technology has offered their businesses. They shared examples of the various technologies they used, and mentioned a few tech-enabled fashion business they admired.
Commentary on the state of the fashion and tech sector in Africa/ Nigeria, and it’s position with the rest of the world was given by each panel member. Every panel member disclosed the unique issues they face in their respective businesses and the different tools they apply to navigate the fashion and tech world.
This was followed by a presentation from the five start-ups who had successfully integrated tech into their business model pitched their business ideas to the crowd.
First up was Haute, an app that helps tailors & fashion designers organise their creative process and manage customer information.
Once n Out followed with their own pitch. They curate and offer pre-owned designer fashion items at competitive prices. The best part? 10% of all proceeds go to disabled children in Nigeria.
They were followed by MyMeshWear, a platform that allows you design your own bespoke design from their interactive web app, and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Then came Oversabi Tailors, an online tailoring company that specializes in bespoke tailoring services. It is also an online shop for African ready-to-wear pieces. They blew the minds of both Stephanie and Tola when they stated, very simply, “we are tailors, not designers”.
Thando’s, rounded up the pitching section. A platform empowering African artists who design women’s fashion footwear that is comfortable and convenient. Their first flagship product is a foldable flat made from quality African fabrics.
Guests were invited to sip, eat, and network, and that’s exactly what happened.
