Masterclass 2016 Facilitators
Bethlehem Tilahum Alemu
Born and bred in Ethiopia, Bethlehem personifies the empowerment that fashion entrepreneurship can provide to young people.
Her footwear and leather company, soleRebels, which she founded in 2005 in her local community using local fibres is today one of Africa’s fast growing businesses with standalone stores across Africa, North America, Europe and Asia.
Bethlehem will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to share her entrepreneurial journey as well as give business tips on how to make financial success from Fashion.
Dylan Jones
An illustrious veteran of lifestyle journalism, Dylan Jones has seen it all in the world of fashion and style. He has been involved with lifestyle magazines for three decades and more than half that time in his current role as the Editor of the UK version of GQ, an award winning international monthly men’s magazine.
Dylan is one of the most popular connoisseurs of fashion and style, he has led GQ to over 30 awards while winning nearly a dozen personal awards in the process including being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 by the Queen of England.
On the 13th of November 2016, Dylan Jones will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to share his vast knowledge on the global trends shaping fashion and style.
Oke Maduewesi
Oke Maduewesi’s journey to the top of Nigeria’s beauty sector reflects the determination, hard work and innovation that is driving the growth of entrepreneurship in the Fashion industry.
Since establishing Zaron Cosmetics in 2011 to cater to the specific beauty needs of dark skinned women, Oke has grown the company into one Africa’s leading makeup brands with dozens of outlets and distributors across Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
On the 12th of November 2016, Oke Maduewesi will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to lead share her wealth of experience on how to create a thriving brand in Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry.
Caroline Rush
Caroline Rush has achieved remarkable success in promoting the British fashion industry, particularly through organising the globally renowned London Fashion Week and the prestigious British Fashion Awards.
In 2015, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the Queen of England for services to the British fashion industry.
Caroline Rush will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to offer insights on how to successfully position a fashion brand.
Sam Fine
Sam Fine is one of the most sought after Make-up Artists in the world. Highly regarded for his talent, entrepreneurship and passion for innovation, Sam’s clientele includes global personalities and top celebrities such as Halle Berry, Vanessa Williams, Iman Bowie and Naomi Cambell, among others.
Sam Fine’s works have also appeared on the covers and pages of global fashion magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Essence and Vibe, and he was the first African-American spokesperson of Cosmetic giants, Revlon and Covergirl.
On the 12th of November 2016, Sam Fine will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to speak on how talent, entrepreneurship and innovation can turn budding Makeup artists and fashion designers into booming business people.
Bijou Abiola
Bijou Abiola is a successful Fashion Buyer who is known for bringing the best of apparel to retail stores in the USA. She has worked directly with several top brands and designers such as Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Miss Selfridge and BCBG.
On the 13th of November, Bijou Abiola will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to discuss the myths and facts behind stocking internationally and how indigenous brands can break into the global scene.
Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese’s eponymous collection is highly regarded in the global fashion industry and widely coveted by women of diverse tastes and backgrounds.
Reese’s designs have been featured in top fashion publications and she counts amongst her clientele, global personalities such the First Lady of the USA, Michelle Obama, Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Grammy award-winning singer Taylor Swift.
Tracy Reese will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to share her wealth of experience on how to build a successful fashion brand in a rapidly changing global marketplace
Claire Sulmers
Claire Sulmers is well respected in the fashion industry for her editorial work with top magazines such as Newsweek, Essence and the Italian version of Vogue as well as for her blog, The Fashion Bomb.
Listed in Ebony Magazine’s 2011 Power 100 List and with over 2 million monthly visitors, Claire’s blog is very popular due to its engaging fashion content which ranges from celebrity style to trend reports.
On the 12th and 13th of November, Claire Sulmers will be at the GTBank Fashion Fashion Weekend to discuss the latest styles and trends shaping the global fashion industry.