Lady Esther is guest of Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC in United States. The hand-painted dress depicting the historical situations across Africa will be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts at Washington DC.
As the first of its kind to be given such relevance at the globally-recognized Smithsonian Institute, Diamond Bank Plc, through her innovative product, Diamond Woman, celebrated the feat at the farewell reception in Lagos.
Designed by Ms Patience Torlowei, a Nigerian designer, the dress was entered for and emerged winner of the Earth Matters Fashion Competition in February. Named Lady Esther, it is named in memory of designer’s departed mother and illustrates the historical situations across Africa, such as, Apartheid in South Africa, environmental degradation as a result of oil spillage in Nigeria and diamond mining in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Congo.
Speaking in Lagos at the reception, Torlowei said: “I named the dress in memory of my mum. I was inspired to do the painting of some misfortunes that had occurred in Africa. I am happy to have won the competition but I must confess my emotional attachment to the dress since I started making it.”
According to the organizers, this is indeed a significant achievement for the Nigerian fashion industry as the Smithsonian Institute, founded in 1846, is a globally-recognized historical centre and is strategically located in the heart of the US – Washington DC.
Dignitaries at the event included renowned accountant, Mr. Akintola Williams, Ms Evelyn Oputu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Lilian Unachukwu, Mrs. Abba Folawiyo, Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru and Seni Williams.
Culled form: http://thenationonlineng.net/new/smithsonian-museum-hosts-lady-esther.