In the words of a renowned Ghanaian diplomat, Kofi Atta Annan, “there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”
Inspired by the need to empower women in the creative industry, as well as nurturing the next generation of female creatives, the Founder and Creative Director of a Nigeria-based fashion brand ASHLUXE, Yinka (Ashogbon) Ash, made a donation of $10,000 (USD) to the Visual Arts Unit of the Creative Arts Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in celebration of the women’s month and International Women’s Day (March 8th).
The donation, which is the proceeds of sales of a special limited edition T-shirt designed by Ashluxe for the women’s month, is aimed primarily at the procurement of facilities and equipment necessary for the advancement of educational training in the Visual Arts Unit. In addition, the fashion brand aims for a portion of the donation to be used in sponsorship of the tuition of three (3) female students in the Visual Arts Unit of the Creative Arts Department.
Ashluxe is a fashion label conceived by Yinka Ash, which is designed to reimagine street style specifically with the enlightened millennial in mind. It has evolved over time to a highly desired streetwear brand, which uses only the best quality fabrics, leather, hard-wear and expert ateliers to produce its limited collections. The Ashluxe aesthetic is firmly rooted in its founder’s love of contemporary art and Africa’s thriving music scene.
The students and faculty of the Visual Arts Unit made a demonstration of some of their craft by creating beautiful batik tie-dye fabrics. These were presented to Yinka Ash.
The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Adeboye, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS, expressed the University’s profound gratitude for the donation. She also commended Prof. Peju Layiwola and other members of faculty who saw to the actualisation of such notable contribution to knowledge.
Below is a short video of the HR Manager of Ashluxe, Charlotte Onakoya, who spoke on the Label’s vision in relation to the donation made to the Visual Arts Unit of the University of Lagos.
