The Nigerian fashion industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with emerging designers gaining international recognition for their creativity and talent.
One of the most notable platforms that will propel this movement even further is Style Magnate, a groundbreaking fashion competition that serves as a launchpad for the next generation of fashion innovators.
It is the first-ever Showmax Nigeria Original fashion reality series and new episodes are released every Friday.
In an exclusive interview, Abisola Omolade, the show’s executive producer delves into the inspiration behind the project, its unique approach, and the challenges they faced in bringing this vision to life.
The Birth of Style Magnate
The creative mind behind Style Magnate revealed that the inspiration for the show is deeply rooted in personal experiences. “Growing up, my mother owned a fashion house, and my siblings and I were encouraged to explore our creativity in fashion,” Abisola shared.
As the most stylish member of their family, she understood that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a multifaceted process involving creativity, craftsmanship, and expression.
This passion for fashion and the desire to nurture emerging talent led to the conceptualization of Style Magnate as a platform to mould individual fashion icons, guiding designers from the conception of their designs to the creation of stunning masterpieces.
In a world where fashion shows are abundant, Style Magnate stands out for its authenticity and its dedication to promoting African fashion talent.
“This is homegrown,” Abisola emphasized. “It is an indigenous concept and speaks a universal language that evokes emotions and connects people.”
Unlike many other fashion competitions, Style Magnate fosters cultural exchange and understanding, positioning Nigerian designers on a global stage while preserving their unique cultural identity.
The Rigorous Selection Process
Selecting the top 20 contestants for the show was no easy task. The production team implemented a stringent process that involved an online jury and six key selection criteria.
“We received entries from all over the world, including China, India, Ukraine, and beyond,” they revealed. The aim was to find passionate individuals who live and breathe fashion—not just hobbyists.
Each applicant was evaluated based on their adherence to application guidelines, fashion inspiration, vision, ambition, and global perspective on fashion.
From the overwhelming number of entries, the top 20 contestants were chosen based on their potential to become the next Style Magnate.
Overcoming Challenges
Producing a show of this magnitude came with its fair share of challenges. Bringing together 20 designers from diverse backgrounds inevitably led to clashes of ideas and team-building struggles.
“Blending creativity and competition is never easy,” the producer admitted. However, as the show progressed, the contestants began to find common ground, which fostered collaboration and brought out the best in them.
The show’s goal is to empower these talented designers to leave a lasting legacy and make a name for themselves in the industry.
Taking Nigerian Fashion Global
With its international appeal, Style Magnate has the potential to elevate Nigerian fashion onto the global stage.
“Though filmed in Nigeria, we’ve tapped into different continents through fashion, making the show’s impact extend beyond borders,” she explained. The show not only highlights Nigerian fashion talent but also provides a platform for international designers to compete, fostering global recognition and collaboration.
Looking ahead, the team behind Style Magnate envisions the show becoming a premier global fashion competition that shines a spotlight on Nigeria in the global fashion industry.
Beyond global recognition, Style Magnate aims to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s fashion industry by empowering emerging designers. By providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, the show fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
“It will also serve as an avenue for existing and new fashion designers to collaborate and create breathtaking designs,” Abisola added. This collaboration will not only boost designers’ confidence but also stimulate job creation and economic growth in Nigeria.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Fashion Revolution
Creating Style Magnate was no small feat. The executive producer expressed immense gratitude to the dedicated team that brought the show to life.
“From the directors to the producers, art team, creative team, light team, camera team, sound team, and even the cleaners—each person played a vital role,” they said. Despite the numerous challenges, the collective dedication and commitment of the team ensured the success of the show.
Fashion as a Form of Expression
To the visionary behind Style Magnate, fashion and style go beyond aesthetics. “Fashion and style mean convenience, comfort, fluidity, accessibility, and breathability,” Abisola explained. For her, fashion is about self-expression, boldness, and authenticity. It’s about making a lasting impression, wherever and whenever.
As Style Magnate continues to grow, it promises to transform the lives of many talented Nigerian designers, cementing Nigeria’s place on the global fashion map. With its unique approach and dedication to nurturing talent, the show is set to become a key player in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
