It’s quite rare to see an up-and-coming Nigerian label making headlines at the world’s major fashion capital but this season seems a bit different as a Nigerian Kenneth Ize made his official debut last night during the Paris Fashion Week AW20 show.
The event marked the first time that the rising Austrian-Nigerian designer has hosted a catwalk show for his eponymous label in Paris, having been considered after becoming the LVMH prize finalist last September.
Kenneth pulled out the big guns for his debut show and that was none other than British supermodel, Naomi Campbell, as well as Dutch model, Imaan Hammam, who obviously made the show an unforgettable event. While Hammam opened the show, sporting the label’s impressive handwoven 2-piece made out of Asoke fabric, Naomi strutted her stuff to close the show.
Photo: WWD Staff 
Photo courtesy As usual, the British supermodel commanded attention, parading the label’s fall-winter collection in front of the astonished guests. She wore a vibrant, striped Asoke shirt dress that came complete with two collars, waist-cinch rope, and fringed detailing. She also finished the look with nude lips while her flowing, long hair swung from left to right.
“Congratulations @kennethize on your first show in Paris today 🤍,” the supermodel wrote while posting a video of her strutting runway. “I’m so proud of you 🙏🏾 Beautiful collection, thank you. For First Time the seasonal collections in Paris have 3 AFRICAN DESIGNERS.”
Of course, Nigerian model, Mayowa Nicholas couldn’t have missed out on the show as she walked the runway in an impressive Nigerian-inspired traditional ensemble.
Photo: WWD Staff Mayowa Nicholas was the runway for Kenneth Ize during Paris Fashion Week Fall 2020
As for the collection, Keneth Ize doesn’t look like an up-and-coming label as the brand speaks class, high fashion designing, and dressmaking. And while he tries to reawaken the extinct Asoke, his fall 2020 ready-to-wear collection is loaded with fabulously crafted pieces.
