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EMEKA Oguejiofor

Self Employed

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ STYLIST

I was born in Greece, where I spent most of my childhood immersed in its rich history and ancient art. To me, Greece and its timeless legacy are synonymous with beauty and inspiration. While other kids my age were watching cartoons like SpongeBob,I was captivated by fashion competitions like America’s Next Top Model and runway shows. By the age of 7, I knew fashion was my calling. During my teenage years, I moved to Nigeria, where I deepened my connection to fashion and discovered the vibrant beauty of African culture. However, limited resources and financial constraints pushed me to think creatively. I learned to make the most of what I had, designing and customizing clothes to express myself without breaking the bank. For me, fashion has always been more than just clothing,it’s a language, a way to stand out and communicate who I am. As a child who wasn’t the most social, I relied on my outfits to speak for me, to tell my story without words. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to turn my passion into a career. I spent a year interning and collaborating with prominent names in the Nigerian music industry, customizing outfits for artists and learning the ins and outs of the fashion world. To me, fashion is more than just creating clothes—it’s power, art, and a way to leave a lasting impression. It’s my voice, my passion, and my way of connecting with the world.

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PROJECT REBIRTH

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

THE REBIRTH PROJECT – DESIGN INSPIRATION By MAYSN I grew up in Greece. That’s where I was born and where I spent most of my life until I moved to Nigeria around 15. That mix Greek roots and Nigerian present is what this design is about. It’s not trend. It’s just my life. Medusa was one story that always stayed with me not only because of the snake hair. She was beautiful, and she was punished for it. Violated in Athena’s temple. And instead of protection and justice , they turned her into a monster. Not because she did something wrong but because she stood out. Because she was visible. Because she was different. That still happens now. People get pushed aside just for choosing to be themselves. For choosing to be seen. For choosing to be “too much.” I’ve felt that too, sometimes I stand out without trying, and people still push me aside like it’s a problem. It happens to the earth too, when it breaks down, we say maybe we’re too many. It happens to women, they get harassed, and people say maybe she dressed too much. That’s the energy I brought into this look. •I used golden Chantilly lace for the corset. It felt right to start with something soft and detailed. I sculpted it with eco epoxy resin so it hardens without sewing. The lace represents Nigerian culture beauty, delicacy, presence.. I left the back open and laced it with eyelets. •For the trim, I used broken green glass, It adds edge to the lace and gives it tension. •Over the corset, there’s a cropped black leather jacket. Real cowhide leather. I didn’t want anything synthetic. The shoulders are slightly sharp, but not crazy. Just structure. Leather here stands for strength. Something that holds its shape. Something that doesn’t fall apart. •The trousers are black leather too low waist, fitted at the top, wide and flowing at the bottom. Inside the pleats, I added green Nigerian lace. You don’t really see it until the model moves. It’s a small detail, but it matters. That felt like the side of me that’s soft but not always visible. •The glue I used to sculpt the lace is biodegradable. Once it sets, it’s strong, but the process stays clean. I preferred that to stitching everything. Altogether, this outfit is 60% real leather. The rest is lace, recycled glass, and eco resin. No PVC. No fast fashion. Just real materials with weight. This is Project Rebirth. Just my truth

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.