Gidi gidi bu ugwu eze (Unity is strength) for Kenzo —
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr & Photographed by Ruth Ossai
Celebrating life is very much ingrained in the fabric of West African iconography.
In a unique project for KENZO, artists Ruth Ossai and Akinola Davies Jr showcase the Summer 2017 collection in the midst of various celebrations within the Igbo communities of Nigeria. The festivities center around a beauty pageant in which the young women of Nsukka support one another to develop a stage for shining a light on their own approach to beauty and glamour.
The images were published in the first edition of KENZO Folio, a quarterly publication devoted to highlighting recent KENZO looks.
Photographer_ Ruth Ossai
Director_ Akinola Davies Jr
Producer_ Julie Vergez
Stylist_ Ibrahim Kamara
Make-Up Artist_ Afrolion
Hair Stylist_ Angela Ogdu & Oluchi Jacinta
Music_ Chino Amobi (NON Worldwide)
Editor_ Akinola Davies Jr
Colourist_ Jason Wallis @ ETC
Motion Graphics_ Elena Bushueva
DOP_ Victor Ojevkwe
Steadicam_ Dare Sokale
Nigeria Producer_ Wale Davies
Production Assistants_ Ikenna Johnpaul Ossai, Kennechi Ossai, Kingsley Ossai, Ezugwu Chiemezie, Odo Tobechi
Main Cast_ Chikwelu Ezegwu, Chiwetalu Ezegwu, EzuLovette Chimaza, Chioma Nnadi, EzeEbube Peace, Uroko Akunne, Eze Blessing Chinenye, Eberechukwu Ngozi
Masquerades_ Godson Onyema, Kenith Onyema, Ogene Young Brothers
Extras_ Ezugwu Rita Onyedikachi, Ikwueme Christian, Ojobo Chiamaka, Ogbonna Chidimma, Nnadi Chieso, Eze Perpetual, Ezugwu Chidiebere Ebube, Eze Chibuilse Dubai, Eze Joy Chidera, Nwachukwu Marvellous Ebube, Godson Onyema, Kenith Onyema, Ogene Young Brothers
Thank you to the community of Owerre-Eze Orba, G.S.S Girls Secondary School Owerre-Eze Orba, ST Peters Church, Owerre-Eze Orba, Principle Oguadinma Rita Ngozi, Grandma Ossai, Okolo Chibuzo Kevin, Mama Chidrea, Ginika's Salon Nsukka, Ude Ngozi Jivian and Agadanna Ifunanya Innocenthia
