Naomi Campbell to set up Gucci fellowship in Lagos

Campbell walked the runway of Day 1 of the show in Mai Atari’s arms, wearing a white powder suit.

The fashion icon also announced a partnership with the Gucci brand, that allows her to launch an ambitious fashion fellowship in universities in Lagos, Ghana and Cape Town in a bold move aimed at unleashing the hidden talents that abound in the continent.

The University of Lagos will be the beneficiary in Nigeria.

Making the disclosure at the second session of Arise Talks moderated by Laila Johnson-Salami where a panel comprising Campbell, Reni Folawiyo, Barbara James and Funsho Olusanya deliberated on the topic, Business of Fasion – Exploring all Facets of the Emerging Markets in Africa, the fashionista explained that after 33 years on the runway, she had decided that the time has come to use her network, experience and talent to work for Africa.

Campbell explained to the audience at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, that her current initiative was in line with late Nelson Mandela’s entreaties to her when she visited him in South Africa that she should use her talent and experience to create a new Africa narrative.

According to her, “After 33 years in the business, I have decided that it is time to come back to Africa and begin planting seeds to give opportunities to young talents. Africa has always been in my mind since 1993 and I want to be part of Africa. Africa has amazing talents but lacking in exposure. So it is wonderful to partner Arise Fashion to bring this about.”