Street fashion in Nigeria has been around for quite some time especially among the Gen Z. It is creative, original and unapologetic in style and in the fore front pioneering this powerful movement is Street Souk, a platform that is constantly putting Africa’s street wear in a global scale. Africa is definitely taking over in this scene.
Founded by Ireti Zacchaeus being inspired by her mother’s love for fashion, the first ever street fashion convention was held in December 2018 with the help of her brother, Teezee who is a musician and it has only gotten bigger ever since. Street Souk is a convention built for people to share and showcase their brand and ideas, it is a street arena where people can shop physically and also network.
It is the perfect combination of fashion, music and entertainment- 3 things appealing to all Gen Z which is what made the convention popular, an infusion of vibrant youths with entertainment. Street wear is a popular phenomenon especially among Nigerian youths and the Street Souk is right in the middle of it.
The convention which started off with few brands now has over 100 brands displaying their clothes for sale at the convention each year which is a major feat. It fast became a home not just for well established brands with quality products and organized collections but also where young people can shop, network and express themselves without fear or judgments.
The convention which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole has gained international recognition through collaboration with the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, late Virgil Abloh and is also working with more African and Non African brands carrying the vision of the popular China and Japan’s street conventions.
It has also created a platform for women in street wear empowering and showcasing women in a male dominated scene especially African women. Street Souk is an experience that provides small businesses with an opportunity to grow and connect with businesses like theirs.
“There is no Street Souk without brands that showcase at the event or the people who attend and make purchases.”
Zacchaeus in an interview
The influence of Street Souk is quite big and is only getting bigger because even with the Covid, the convention still managed to pull crowd. While maintaining all the necessary Covid protocols, people pulled up at the convention looking dapper with their face masks and all.
It has become the home of the altè scene in Nigeria. Every year people who attend the convention express themselves majorly through their dressing and they always pull off a street inspired outfit. The atmosphere at the convention is always bubbly and energetic.
Last year’s Street Souk was no different from the other years with even a bigger turn out. There were brands like Ashluxe, Daily Paper, 5200.Fleece, Seta the label, Mowalola, Dripsider, Jbottomsbyjal, 90’s brand, Jedye’s Revelation among others. Celebrities that graced the event include Davido, Teezee, Rahmajago, Zamir, Santi, BOJ, Sarz, Lady Donli among others.
The convention also has acquired sponsors like Abeg, First Bank over the years who are working to create the ever beautiful experience that is called Street Souk.
Having so much hope and vision for the Africa’s street wear scene, we can’t help but look forward to the greater things Zacchaeus will pull off with the Street Souk convention.
euphoria 
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