Qasimi Rising has announced a strategic partnership with Lagos Fashion Week, aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging fashion talent from the region. This collaboration is set to provide designers with a pathway to apply for the prestigious Qasimi Rising 2026 incubator programme, with the goal of enhancing their international visibility and supporting their growth.
Founded in 2022 by Hoor Al-Qasimi, who succeeded her late brother Khalid Al-Qasimi, Qasimi Rising honors the legacy of the label’s original founder. Khalid, who was the second son of Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah in the UAE, established the brand in 2015 before his passing in 2019. The incubator program aims to leverage Qasimi’s resources to continue his vision and support emerging talent.
During Lagos Fashion Week, which takes place in October, ten designers will be chosen by the event’s team to present their collections in the Qasimi Rising lounge. These designers will benefit from one-on-one workshops with Qasimi Rising mentors and key press, designed to address their current challenges and provide guidance for their development. Additionally, the selected designers will receive insights into the application process for the 2026 incubator programme.
The two designers selected for Qasimi Rising’s incubation programme in 2026 will receive three years of mentorship, with the possibility of extending this support for an additional seven years. While specific details regarding financial investment are not disclosed, the agreed investment will be distributed across six instalments over a three-year period. Other resources provided by Qasimi Rising include access to co-working spaces, studios, production facilities, product development, merchandising, marketing, and business support from industry leaders.
Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion Week, has been appointed as the regional ambassador and advisor for the programme. “Lagos Fashion Week is committed to fostering emerging talent in the region. This partnership with Qasimi Rising will significantly empower these designers and pave their way to success,” Akerele stated.
Lagos Fashion Week, an annual event since 2011, continues to gain prominence in West Africa’s leading fashion hub. Last year’s edition featured nearly 50 runway shows and presentations, attracting approximately 4,400 attendees and receiving sponsorship from brands like Heineken and Bioderma. However, the economic challenges faced by Nigerian designers, particularly smaller businesses, and the limited presence of international buyers remain ongoing concerns.
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