The Port Harcourt Fashion Experience Festival is a bold initiative to rejuvenate the fashion industry in Port Harcourt, the organizers have said.

Communications Director for the festival, Oby Fakae said this on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She announced that Nigeria’s Garden City, Port Harcourt is set to host a Two-Day festival after a decade of such kind of exhibition in the State.

According to her, the festival aims to reposition the city as a vibrant fashion hub in the Niger Delta, featuring a series of events designed to showcase local talent and foster economic growth within the community.

Organized by a passionate team led by Boma Ogidigben, Fakae said the festival will feature an exhibition, a runway show, the “WE” Summit focused on women entrepreneurs, and an energetic festival party themed with a dress code happening on October 26 and 27, 2024.

The Communications Director i formed the the exhibition will serve as a platform for local designers and businesses to showcase the best of what Port Harcourt has to offer, adding that with the holiday season approaching, the exhibition will offer discounted pricing, making it a prime shopping destination for families.

One of the festival’s key components, according to her is that the “WE” Summit will provide essential support to women entrepreneurs in Rivers State.

Fakae explained that the summit is designed to empower women in business, offering free exhibition booths and grants aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women-owned businesses.

“Women have struggled the most in our economy, and we want to help them navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

The summit will also include counseling and follow-up support, targeting 500 women led business within Rivers State to ensure that participants can make the most of the opportunities presented to them.

The festival’s runway show according to Oby promises to be a highlight, featuring a select group of designers chosen for their exceptional work.

Each designer will have the chance to present their creations in a private showcase, inviting their own guests to celebrate their craft.

This exclusivity aims to elevate the quality of the presentations and create a mentoring environment for emerging designers.

Capping off the festival will be a lively after-party, featuring top musicians, celebrities, and renowned DJs from across the region.

According to the festival’s Branding Manager, Anthony Edem, the party is an essential component of the fashion experience, celebrating the achievements of participants and adding excitement to the overall event.

The festival has garnered significant support from the Rivers State Government, which has endorsed the initiative and provided the prestigious Obi Wali International Conference Centre as the venue.

The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants, including 500 business women for the WE Summit, creating valuable networking opportunities for all involved.

As the fashion industry has long been sidelined in Port Harcourt, this festival aims to reignite interest and participation, positioning the city as a leading player in Nigeria’s vibrant fashion landscape. With the backing of local businesses and community leaders, the Port Harcourt Fashion Experience Festival promises to be a transformative event that will leave a lasting impact on the region’s economy and cultural identity.