27th July, 2015
Funsho Arogundade
On Saturday, 25 July, the beautiful Grand Ball Room of Oriental Hotel, Lagos witnessed an unusual convergence of the most fashionable personalities in Nigeria to experience the glitz and glamour of the grand finale of Season Two of Fayrouz L’Original Expression Show.
During the night, Team Meddlelane emerged winners of the 2015 edition competition and walked home with the grand prize of N4 million.
According to the L’Original jury consisting of ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, make up expert, Rhema Akabuogu of House of Tara and creative fashion designers, Mai Atafo and Kunbi Oyelese, the choice of Team Meddlelane as winners of the competition was in recognition of their display of originality, creativity and confidence as displayed in the “Enchanted” theme, which was evident in their creation.
“Success in the fashion world is based on how creative you can be and this is the yardstick with which we have been judging the competition from inception. Not just that, the confidence in which you defend your creativity also matters. We have found all of these in Team Meddlelane which is why they are winners of the competition,” Mai Atafo explained after the show.
Team Hai, who came second, also received the sum of N1.5 million, while both teams also went home with MacBook laptops as well as cameras for each photographer.
Along with the grand cash prize, Team Meddlelane will also enjoy fashion opportunities including an automatic entry to showcase their designs at the Lagos International Design Fashion Week just like winners of the maiden edition, Team Elan who are currently doing exploits in their chosen careers.
Nnenna Ifebigh-Hemeson, Senior Brand Manager, Fayrouz, while speaking shortly after the event, expressed her confidence in the judge’s decision and in the ability of the winning team to make positive impact in the fashion industry.
“Tonight has turned out amazing not just for the participants but also for the Fayrouz brand because for the second year in a row, we are celebrating originality, which is a key message of the Fayrouz brand. We are proud of the results tonight and we are sure Team Meddlelane will make great waves moving forward,” she said.
The event, true to its reputation as first of its kind fashion and lifestyle competition, treated guests to exciting fashion displays from the finalists, Teams Meddlelane and Hai. The teams, each comprising a make up artiste, model, designer and photographer, took turns to showcase their pieces, dazzling judges, guests and fashion lovers with the exquisite pieces which represented the theme for the night.
Fayrouz L’Original competition is a platform through which the brand seeks to advocate for originality and reward creativity.
The competition, which is open to young Nigerians between the ages of 18-24 who must be Youth Corps members, fresh graduates or undergraduates of Nigerian universities, has since its debut last year, grown to become one of the most credible contests.
To spice the night with exciting music were fast rising singer, Kiss Daniel, who thrilled guests with his hits ‘Laye’ and ‘Woju’. His performance was followed by a fantastic display of vocal dexterity and energetic dance steps from EME songbird, Niyola, singing some of her popular songs.
Afro-pop and Triple MG star, Iyanya wrapped up the night taking guests on a nostalgic trip with some of his old songs.