Supermodel Naomi Campbell surprised Nigerian fashion designer Ian Audifferen on the runway at Arise Fashion Week in December 2020 by donning one of his designs on the catwalk in Lagos.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell surprised Nigerian fashion designer Ian Audifferen on the runway at Arise Fashion Week in December 2020 by donning one of his designs on the catwalk in Lagos.
Sunday Alamba/AP
Audifferen, pictured, is the founder of fashion label Tzar Studios. Appearing at the "30 under 30" showcase, an event that celebrates young African designers, Audifferen said he was "startled" when Naomi Campbell stepped out on stage.
Audifferen, pictured, is the founder of fashion label Tzar Studios. Appearing at the "30 under 30" showcase, an event that celebrates young African designers, Audifferen said he was "startled" when Naomi Campbell stepped out on stage.
CNN
Audifferen started out interning for fashion events such as Arise Fashion Week when he was a student. He began designing shirts, like the one pictured, which he would wear himself to events. "(People) bought these items off my back," he said.
Audifferen started out interning for fashion events such as Arise Fashion Week when he was a student. He began designing shirts, like the one pictured, which he would wear himself to events. "(People) bought these items off my back," he said.
CNN
When he founded Tzar Studios in 2014, he was focused on menswear and androgynous clothing. In 2018, Audifferen began designing womenswear, too.
When he founded Tzar Studios in 2014, he was focused on menswear and androgynous clothing. In 2018, Audifferen began designing womenswear, too.
CNN
Bold and flamboyant, Audifferen's initial designs featured clashing prints and loud, colorful patterns, such as this look from Audifferen's Spring/Summer 2020 collection "Holiday."
Bold and flamboyant, Audifferen's initial designs featured clashing prints and loud, colorful patterns, such as this look from Audifferen's Spring/Summer 2020 collection "Holiday."
Tzar Studios
Now his style is more minimalist. Clean lines, loose fabrics and muted shades dominate his recent designs, such as this dress from the Spring/Summer 2021 "Hiding Place" collection.
Now his style is more minimalist. Clean lines, loose fabrics and muted shades dominate his recent designs, such as this dress from the Spring/Summer 2021 "Hiding Place" collection.
Christopher Okoigun
Audifferen says "comfort and functionality" are the priority in his design, and he wants people to feel confident about themselves while wearing the clothes.
Audifferen says "comfort and functionality" are the priority in his design, and he wants people to feel confident about themselves while wearing the clothes.
Christopher Okoigun
Using Instagram as a platform, Audifferen has found a loyal fanbase of fashion-savvy customers in Lagos. His growing popularity has seen him featured in magazines including Vogue and Genevieve, and worn by celebrities such as Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya.
Using Instagram as a platform, Audifferen has found a loyal fanbase of fashion-savvy customers in Lagos. His growing popularity has seen him featured in magazines including Vogue and Genevieve, and worn by celebrities such as Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya.
CNN
Audifferen has now renamed the piece Naomi Campbell wore on the Arise runway "the Naomi poncho," and called it one of his career highlights. "It was one of those moments that made fashion so worthwhile for me," he said.
Audifferen has now renamed the piece Naomi Campbell wore on the Arise runway "the Naomi poncho," and called it one of his career highlights. "It was one of those moments that made fashion so worthwhile for me," he said.
Sunday Alamba/AP