Call for Designers: AFFEST 2025
Theme: The Chongai Soigné: Cheering in Southern Colours
A celebration of elegance, modesty, and the cultural richness of Southern Kaduna through fashion and design.
About AFFEST 2025
Arewa Fashion and Food Festival (AFFEST) 2025 is a vibrant, cultural showcase rooted in the artistry, heritage, and elegance of Northern Nigeria and Africa. This year’s theme, “The Chongai Soigné: Cheering in Southern Colours,” invites designers to celebrate refinement, modesty, and cultural storytelling.
Why Participate in AFFEST 2025?
Global Exposure
Showcase your work to an engaged, diverse audience of buyers, media professionals, fashion enthusiasts, and industry influencers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Brand Elevation
Position your brand alongside respected designers at a culturally rich event. Use AFFEST as a launchpad for greater recognition and market reach.
Powerful Networking
Connect with stylists, models, creatives, and retail buyers. Build lasting relationships that fuel collaboration, mentorship, and future opportunities.
Direct Sales & Market Access
Sell your pieces directly to festival-goers, attract future clients, and open doors to partnerships or showroom opportunities.
Robust Media Coverage
Enjoy spotlight features in print, digital, and broadcast media. Benefit from pre-, during-, and post-event promotion across AFFEST platforms.
Celebrate African Creativity
Align your brand with a festival that honors elegance, modesty, and cultural pride — and be recognized as part of a new wave of fashion leadership in Africa.
Participation Opportunities
Runway Showcase
Present a cohesive fashion collection that embodies the AFFEST 2025 theme:
- 6–15 original looks inspired by Southern Kaduna's rich culture
- Designs that reflect modesty, elegance, and innovation
- Strong aesthetic storytelling and expert craftsmanship
- Submission of lookbook/sketches as part of application
Fashion Exhibition
Create a brand experience that blends retail with cultural expression:
- Showcase ready-to-wear pieces, couture, or accessories
- Design a visually appealing, branded booth aligned with the festival theme
- Engage attendees through storytelling, demonstrations, and direct sales
- Opportunity to meet buyers and expand your customer base
Designer Requirements
For Runway Showcase
- 6–15 original looks directly reflecting the AFFEST 2025 theme
- Submission of a lookbook or detailed sketches demonstrating modesty & cultural inspiration
- Designer profile (short bio + brand story)
- All pieces must be self-designed and original
For Fashion Exhibition
- Present a diverse, high-quality product range (garments, accessories, footwear, etc.)
- Submit a visual concept for your booth setup reflecting the theme
- Include professional branding materials: lookbooks, business cards, price lists
- Full commitment to manage your booth and interact with attendees throughout the event
Rules, Regulations & Support
Rules & Regulations
- Eligibility: Open to African designers or those inspired by African aesthetics
- Original Work Only: All submissions must be 100% original — plagiarism will result in disqualification
- Theme Alignment: Collections must reflect The Chongai Soigné: Cheering in Southern Colours
- Selection Process: Evaluated by a panel of industry professionals; decisions are final
- Participation Fee: Details (if applicable) will be shared with selected designers
Logistics & Support
- Runway Support: AFFEST will provide professional models, makeup artists, and basic production assistance
- Exhibition Booth: A standard booth will be provided — setup, decor, and sales are your responsibility
- Conduct: Designers must adhere to AFFEST’s professionalism and decorum guidelines throughout the festival
Are You Ready to Shine?
Submit your application and be part of an unforgettable fashion journey in Kaduna. Showcase elegance, culture, and celebration at AFFEST 2025.
Apply NowDeadline August 1st: • Online Application Required