Global beer brand, Heineken  has launched its first-ever African fashion collection at Lagos Fashion and Design Week. The event  was a collaboration with some of Africa’s emerging design talents, Lulu Mutuli and Azra Walji. The Heineken Africa Inspired Collection is a fusion of the two designers’ concepts and is the first of many design apprenticeships that the brand will roll out across the world, going next to Asia.

After spending a week in Amsterdam developing their designs at top Dutch Fashion House, LEW, Mutulo and Walji will go on to benefit from a year-long programme of coaching from the designers. The designs will then be produced at scale across Africa to be worn by Heineken ambassadors throughout Nigeria, East Africa and beyond.

Mark van Iterson, Director Global Heineken Design said, “Identifying and empowering talent remains a critical part of our global agenda. We are constantly seeking new co- creation opportunities, to connect with young emerging designers and give them a global stage to showcase their talent, so we are delighted that this initiative has put a spotlight on such talent. Nigeria is a growing hub for creativity and commerce and Lagos Fashion and Design Week is helping to influence and define the global fashion landscape. Heineken in Nigeria was one of the first global brands to invest in this vibrant event, seeing the opportunity to support new industry talent with real experience and a global stage. We look forward to extending the programme to other key markets next year.”

Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017 is a multi-day fashion extravaganza held in Lagos, Nigeria.