 |
| Reni Folawiyo |
Reni Folawiyo is the founder and CEO of the luxury concept store Alara,
located in the heart of Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. The store
opened its distinctly designed doors in February 2015.
Alara, or the “wondrous performer” in Yoruba offers a luxury lifestyle experience unlike anywhere in the world, stocking both Western brands and pan-African design. Reni felt that the country needed something iconic that would change the city, change the way Nigerians saw themselves, and also change the way the world sees them. Reni worked with the internationally recognized Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye to design the Alara building. Reni says “Alara was conceived to show the world who we are today, to share how we live and to show Africans that we have a lot to be proud of, that we create and enjoy objects of exceptional quality and beauty, to celebrate those who have done it, and to support and encourage those who wish to exchange, educate, elevate and beautify.”Located in the heart of Victoria Island in Lagos, the store opened its distinctly designed doors in February 2015. Alara, or the “wondrous performer” in Yoruba offers a luxury lifestyle experience unlike anywhere in the world. Alara is a contemporary design store, dedicated to the fusion of African and international fashion, art, design, cuisine and culture. Alara was created to connect African consumers to world-class luxury lifestyle experiences, while introducing an international audience to ‘the new Africa’. Alara is the evolution of modern retail and lifestyle in Africa
The flagship Alara store is located in Victoria Island, the commercial and lifestyle hub of the city of Lagos, in Nigeria. Lagos is the largest city in Africa, with a population of 20 million people, while Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a population of 170 million. Alara is a creative hub and an essential new destination for Lagos.
The store
The store is a David Adjaye designed architectural promenade that houses fashion, furniture, textiles, sculpture and art from inspirational designers and artists. It culminates with a glazed rooftop space – that visually connects back to the city.
At the rear of the nine metre high building, is a restaurant opening onto a garden that offers shaded respite from the frenetic energy of Lagos
Alara, or the “wondrous performer” in Yoruba offers a luxury lifestyle experience unlike anywhere in the world, stocking both Western brands and pan-African design. Reni felt that the country needed something iconic that would change the city, change the way Nigerians saw themselves, and also change the way the world sees them. Reni worked with the internationally recognized Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye to design the Alara building. Reni says “Alara was conceived to show the world who we are today, to share how we live and to show Africans that we have a lot to be proud of, that we create and enjoy objects of exceptional quality and beauty, to celebrate those who have done it, and to support and encourage those who wish to exchange, educate, elevate and beautify.”Located in the heart of Victoria Island in Lagos, the store opened its distinctly designed doors in February 2015. Alara, or the “wondrous performer” in Yoruba offers a luxury lifestyle experience unlike anywhere in the world. Alara is a contemporary design store, dedicated to the fusion of African and international fashion, art, design, cuisine and culture. Alara was created to connect African consumers to world-class luxury lifestyle experiences, while introducing an international audience to ‘the new Africa’. Alara is the evolution of modern retail and lifestyle in Africa
The flagship Alara store is located in Victoria Island, the commercial and lifestyle hub of the city of Lagos, in Nigeria. Lagos is the largest city in Africa, with a population of 20 million people, while Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a population of 170 million. Alara is a creative hub and an essential new destination for Lagos.
The store
The store is a David Adjaye designed architectural promenade that houses fashion, furniture, textiles, sculpture and art from inspirational designers and artists. It culminates with a glazed rooftop space – that visually connects back to the city.
At the rear of the nine metre high building, is a restaurant opening onto a garden that offers shaded respite from the frenetic energy of Lagos
Comments
Post a Comment