To celebrate African rich fashion heritage, the founder of the Fashion Museum Tejumola Mauriuce-Diya unveiled its debut show ‘Bridging The Gap’ in order to upscale Nigerian business owners in the fashion industry and strategically position them to be ready for partnerships with international brands.
  
Speaking on the concept at the debut event in Lagos recently, Tejumola said: “Essentially we are trying to capture people at the grass root level and not just business owners in the fashion industry but even students who have passion for fashion. We want to help them identify who they are. We want the youths to see that there is a right place for them to be able to express themselves through fashion or whatever they want to do in the future. It is time for the youths to embrace themselves as Nigerians and Africans. Very often there are negative associations that can be made with being Nigerians and for me it was very important to help the students understand that every single country in this world has negative associations but it all depends on what you choose to focus on. This is why it is important to change that narrative to help the students recognise that that need to focus on the bright side of everything in life. They need to embrace being Africans and Nigerian. They should be able to know that their dreams are valid at the end of the day and they have a place in the world. So regardless of where they find themselves, they are able to shine their lights and identify as a proud Nigerian that is making waves and contributions to the world at large.”
  
On how to help grass root business owners in the fashion industry scale, Tejumola said, “some of these people are new to the fashion scene and from the legal perspective, we are looking at steps they need to take to excel in the industry. How do you ensure people don’t steal your designs? Jollof rice and Afrobeats are gradually being recognised in the world.

Now it is time for Nigerian fashion to take its place in Africa. We are highly creative and there is a place for us.”