Nigerian fashion designer BG Wellington, whose real name is Augustine Epere, has won the prestigious title of Supreme African Fashion Designer of the Year at the 4th edition of the Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy (SDTA) Awards.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent, innovative designs, and influence in the fashion industry.
BG Wellington’s journey to success is a fascinating one. A Computer Science graduate from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he has not only made a name for himself in the fashion world but has also become a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer. As the founder of the Shortlet Elders community, he has created a platform that connects agents, hosts, and investors in the short-term rental industry.
As a fashion designer, BG Wellington is known for his bespoke collections, particularly the BGW (BlackGold Wellington) line, which exemplifies stylish and affordable fashion.
His designs cater to all fashion lovers, regardless of income level, and he has introduced three distinct packages: The BGw Casual, The BGw Classic, and The BGw Complete Gent. Each package offers unique styles that resonate with diverse audiences.
BG Wellington’s mission is clear: to place Nigerian fashion brands on the global map and encourage international markets to embrace and wear suits crafted in Nigeria. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire others in the fashion world have earned him numerous accolades and recognition.
In 2022, BG Wellington had the incredible opportunity to style at the Black Panther premiere event, showcasing his African prints attire on renowned actor Enyinna Nwigwe and international models. This experience further fueled his passion for fashion and creativity.
From March to May 2023, BG Wellington embarked on a successful West/East Africa tour, working on various styling projects and commercials. This initiative aimed to connect with African prints and models, further solidifying his influence in the fashion realm.
Following the success of his Africa tour, BG Wellington set his sights on Europe, launching a new tour that kicked off on June 27, 2023. This exciting venture began in Torino, Italy, during the renowned Torino Fashion Week, followed by Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week in France, and culminating in London Fashion Week in the UK.
Through these events, BG Wellington aimed to showcase the BG Wellington brand and the exceptional craftsmanship of African fashion to the world. His vision is to connect African prints to the world and showcase the richness of African fashion on a global stage.
The SDTA Awards’ recognition of BG Wellington as the Supreme African Fashion Designer of the Year is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the fashion industry.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the SDTA Awards organizers and dedicated the award to God, his late mother, and every young and aspiring talent out there.
The chairperson of the SDTA Awards, Amb. Zino Lexili Ogazi, congratulated BG Wellington on his win, stating that his innovative designs and commitment to excellence have not only elevated the fashion industry but also inspired countless individuals across the continent and beyond.
The Supreme African Fashion Designer of the Year award is a prestigious category that recognizes an outstanding African fashion designer who has exemplified excellence over the past 12 months.
The selection criteria include form, functionality, and emotional resonance of the apparel, as well as innovation, aesthetic appeal, choice of materials and fabrics, execution techniques, sustainability considerations, and public voting.
The SDTA Awards is an annual event that aims to recognize and celebrate excellence and dynamism in the creative arts and entertainment industry. The organization’s motto is “Celebrating the Global Supremacy of Talent & Creativity,” and its theme for the fourth edition is “Shared Horizon, Global Village.”
BG Wellington’s win is a testament to his remarkable talent and influence in the fashion industry. As he continues to inspire and uplift younger talents, he remains committed to standing out through unique fabrics, creativity, and innovative designs. The BG Wellington brand is a suit label with a difference, seamlessly blending culture, ethnicity, originality, and artistry into their African prints and designs.
In the words of BG Wellington, “Fashion started as a lifestyle for me during my university days. I always have loved and been a fan of corporate outfits. I received positive feedback from my friends back then who encouraged me to consider pursuing it. I just knew when the time was right everything would play out, and when it was time, it just happened.”
As BG Wellington looks to the future, he anticipates exciting opportunities for top brand collaborations, sales, and contracts. He is eager to unveil some of the new casual collections and continue to make a lasting impact in the fashion industry.
With his win as the Supreme African Fashion Designer of the Year, BG Wellington has cemented his position as a fashion hero and an inspirational role model for the current generation. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire others will continue to shape the fashion industry and leave a lasting legacy.